JP4422998B2 - Energy saving system for image forming equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an energy saving system for an image forming apparatus that supplies a sheet-like recording medium (paper) to be image-formed to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printing machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, or a plotter.

  In image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers, facsimiles, printers including ink jet printers, plotters, etc., the number of sheets loaded in the sheet feeding device (the number of sheets that can be loaded) that are normally provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus is generally There is an upper limit at the 100-sheet level. Among such image forming apparatuses, in the case of an image forming apparatus such as a printing machine, particularly a stencil printing machine or an offset printing machine, unlike a copying machine, in order to use a plate of an original image, It is suitable for use in printing a large amount based on a plate produced from a single original, and when a large number of originals are used, several thousand sheets are often printed.

  In such work that requires a large amount of image formation such as printing, it is sufficient to set the paper in the paper feeder many times. However, in order to eliminate the work time loss, the setting work is troublesome. There was annoyance that the user had to monitor when the paper was run out. In order to eliminate such trouble, in recent years, a large quantity paper feeding apparatus (mass paper feeding unit) and a large quantity paper ejection apparatus (mass paper ejection unit) capable of stacking sheets of paper on the image forming apparatus main body at the level of several thousand sheets. Can be attached as an option or as a dedicated unit.

  In the case of an optional attachment, an offline connection is generally adopted in which the mass feeding unit and the mass ejection unit are connected to the general-purpose image forming apparatus main body so as not to communicate. In the case of providing as a dedicated unit, an online connection in which the large-volume feeding unit and the large-volume discharging unit are communicably connected to the dedicated image forming apparatus main body is adopted. 2. Description of the Related Art A mass feeding device with an intermediate conveyance unit that can supply a large amount of paper to be imaged in an offline connection state that is mechanically connected to an image forming device such as a printing press is known (for example, a patent) Reference 1).

  US Pat. No. 5,441,247 discloses a mass feeding device with an intermediate conveyance unit, which includes a stacking unit having a mass feeding table on which at least several thousand sheets can be stacked and moved up and down, and the stacking unit A sheet feeding mechanism unit that picks up and feeds each sheet of paper one by one, and the sheet fed from the sheet feeding mechanism unit is fed to the main body sheet feeding table of the sheet feeding unit on the image forming apparatus main body side or the sheet feeding unit And an intermediate conveyance unit that conveys to the vicinity of the sheet feeding port that the main body sheet feeding unit faces. The present invention relates to an apparatus for taking out and stacking cut pieces of paper (also called cut sheets, hereinafter referred to as “paper”) from a storage machine and supplying the apparatus in conjunction with a graphic high-speed printing machine. It is. According to the present invention, along with recent increases in the speed of printing presses and copiers, it is possible to supply low-cost devices that are capable of handling various types of machines, that are compatible with various machines, that are portable, and that have a large amount of paper storage. That's it.

  By the way, among the various image forming apparatuses to which the mass feeding device with an intermediate conveyance unit is connected, a stencil printing machine (hereinafter referred to as “stencil printing apparatus”) uses various types of paper. . In general, as paper sizes used in the stencil printing apparatus, as described later, ten types of paper sizes are commonly used except for “postcard size”.

  In such a stencil printing apparatus, a pre-made thermosensitive stencil master is wound around an outer peripheral surface of a plate cylinder, also called a printing drum, and a sheet fed by pressing means such as an impression cylinder or a press roller is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder. By pressing, ink is oozed out from the opening portion of the plate cylinder and the perforation portion of the heat-sensitive stencil master, and this ink is transferred to a sheet to obtain a printed image (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-2079 (Patent Document 2), when the stencil printing apparatus is used, the power supply is controlled according to the user of the apparatus or the usage status, thereby supplying power to unnecessary parts. The supply can be cut off, and the power consumption can be greatly reduced.

  2. Description of the Related Art As a mass ejection device (mass ejection unit), a configuration is known in which an ejection tray as a mass ejection platform is provided so that it can be raised and lowered, and the number of stacked sheets is increased while lowering the ejection tray (for example, a patent) Reference 3).

  In the case of the integrated online method, for example, it is not possible to meet the needs of users who want to replace only the image forming apparatus main body, and in the case of replacement, it is necessary to replace the entire set, resulting in an increase in cost. In the case of the body shape, it is necessary to develop the main body of the image forming apparatus, the large-volume paper feeding unit, and the large-volume paper discharge unit at the same time. There is an advantage that the model of the main body of the image forming apparatus is not limited when a large-volume paper feed unit or a large-volume paper discharge unit is installed as an option. However, because it is an off-line operation, a paper size mismatch or paper jam occurs. In some cases, the image forming operation cannot be stopped quickly. Therefore, an attempt has been made to perform an on-line operation so that they can communicate with each other by a combination of the image forming apparatus main body, the large-volume sheet feeding unit, and the large-volume sheet discharging unit.

US Pat. No. 5,441,247 (SHEET FEEDING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR THE SAME: FIGS. 1 to 6) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-2079 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-48596 (FIGS. 1 to 14)

  However, in the technology disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,441,247, even in an offline connection state (offline mode), it is possible to feed and print from a large-volume feeding device with an intermediate transport unit. There is no disclosure about the energy saving system of the mass feeding / discharging device by offline control or online control of the image forming apparatus and the mass feeding / discharging device. In particular, in the mass feeding device with an intermediate conveyance unit according to the technology, even when there is no sheet on the intermediate conveyance unit, an excitation current is supplied to the stepping motor for driving the conveyance roller to hold the position. As a result, there was a problem that wasteful power was consumed.

  In addition, although the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-2079 is referred to for power saving related to online in which peripheral devices such as a large-capacity paper feeder are integrated, the image forming apparatus main body and mass supply No full-scale proposal has been made for an energy saving system by offline control or online control with a paper discharge device.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and includes a large-volume sheet feeding device with an intermediate conveyance unit capable of conveying and discharging a large number of sheets and corresponding to many sheet sizes. A first object is to save energy (hereinafter referred to as “energy saving”) of a large-volume paper feeding device and a large-volume paper ejection device.

  In addition to the first object, the present invention provides an automatic return from the energy saving state (energy saving mode) without interfering with the image forming operation of the main body of the image forming apparatus and the printing operation of the stencil printing apparatus. The purpose of 2. In addition to the first and second objects, a third object of the present invention is to perform control so as to be able to automatically return from the energy saving state regardless of the offline mode or the online mode.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the above-described object, the invention according to each claim employs the following characteristic means and configuration. According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus main body, a stacking unit capable of stacking a large amount of sheets, a sheet feeding mechanism unit that takes out and feeds sheets of the stacking unit one by one, and a sheet feeding mechanism unit. A large-volume sheet feeding device with an intermediate conveyance section that includes an intermediate conveyance section for conveying the fed paper to the image forming apparatus main body, and the mass feeding apparatus with the intermediate conveyance section for the image forming apparatus main body In offline mode in which the printer is connected offline, transition to the paper feed energy saving mode that operates to save power consumption when the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit is not used and return from the paper feed energy saving mode An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus that can perform power supply when the power of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit is detected to detect paper information of the paper that is arranged and conveyed in the intermediate conveyance unit A plurality of paper detection means capable of detecting operation upon receipt of power, and paper feed energy saving that controls the transition to the paper feed energy saving mode and the return operation from the paper feed energy saving mode upon receiving the power supply when the power is turned on Control means; and switching means for turning on / off the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit except for the plurality of paper detection means and the paper feeding energy saving control means, The paper energy saving control means supplies power to the respective units of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit based on a preset condition for shifting to the paper feeding energy saving mode when there is paper in the intermediate conveyance unit. The switching means is controlled so as to be turned off, and the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit is turned on based on a preset return condition from the paper feeding energy saving mode. And controlling said switching means to so that.

  Here, the “image forming apparatus body” forms an image on a sheet as an example of a sheet-like recording medium. “Paper information” includes the detection and detection of at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the paper transported through the intermediate transport section, as well as the paper length size along the paper transport direction, and this paper length size. In addition to the above, it means a wide concept including a paper size determined by a paper width size along a paper width direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus main body, a stacking unit capable of stacking a large amount of sheets, a sheet feeding mechanism unit for taking out and feeding sheets of the stacking unit one by one, and feeding from the sheet feeding mechanism unit. A large-volume sheet feeding device with an intermediate conveyance section that includes an intermediate conveyance section that conveys the fed paper to the image forming apparatus main body, and the mass feeding apparatus with the intermediate conveyance section with respect to the image forming apparatus main body In offline mode in which the printer is connected offline, transition to the paper feed energy saving mode that is operated to save power consumption when the mass feeding device with intermediate transport unit is not used and return from the paper feed energy saving mode An image forming apparatus energy-saving system that is capable of power supply to a plurality of sheet detecting means for detecting sheet information of sheets disposed and conveyed in the intermediate conveying unit and the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveying unit. The paper supply energy saving control means for controlling the transition operation to the paper supply energy saving mode and the return operation from the paper supply energy saving mode upon receiving the power supply, and the paper information detected by the paper detection means as the power source Storage holding means capable of storing and holding even when not turned on, switching means for turning on / off the power supply to each section of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance section except for the plurality of sheet detection means, and the plurality of the plurality of sheets Switching selection means for selecting only the paper detection means for detecting the paper information from among the paper detection means and turning on / off the power supply, and the paper feed energy saving control means includes the intermediate transport When there is paper in the section, the power supply is turned on only to the paper detection means detecting the paper information based on a preset condition for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode. The switching selection means is controlled as described above, and the switching means is controlled so as to turn off the power supply to each part of the large-volume sheet feeding device with the intermediate conveyance section, and the preset sheet feeding energy saving mode is set. The switching selection means is controlled to turn on the power supply to the plurality of paper detection means based on the return condition of the power supply, and the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit is performed. The switching means is controlled to turn on.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving system for the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the intermediate transport unit includes a plurality of paper transport units configured to transport the paper fed from the paper feed mechanism unit. And at least one driving unit that drives each of the sheet conveying units, and the intermediate conveying unit includes a main body sheet feeding base of the sheet feeding unit on the image forming apparatus main body side or a main body sheet feeding unit of the sheet feeding unit. Is connected to the image forming apparatus main body so as to convey the paper to the vicinity of the paper feed port where the paper faces, and the timing when the paper size is detected by the plurality of paper detection means is set on the plurality of paper detection means. It is set at the time of initialization when the conveyance of one sheet is completed, and the initialization state is such that the one sheet is positioned on the sheet conveying means disposed on the most downstream side of the intermediate conveying unit, and , The leading edge of the paper Characterized in that it is set in the paper feed enable a position by.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the energy-saving system of the image forming apparatus according to the first, second, or third aspect, the non-operation elapsed time after the power is turned on or the pause time of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit is counted. A timing means and an activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation, and the transition condition to the paper feeding energy saving mode is the non-operation elapsed time or the pause time measured by the timing means. It is set when a predetermined time is reached, and the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is set when the output signal from the paper detection means is changed by the activation signal.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving system for the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the image forming apparatus main body side is disposed on the sheet conveying means disposed on the most downstream side by the main body feeding means. A speed detection unit that detects a conveyance speed of the conveyed paper, and an activation unit that generates an activation signal for starting an image forming operation. It is set when the output signal from the speed detection means changes due to the drive stop of the main body paper feed means at the end of the image forming operation, and the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is determined by the start signal. It is set when the output signal from the detection means changes.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus main body, a stacking unit capable of stacking a large amount of sheets, a sheet feeding mechanism unit that takes out and feeds sheets of the stacking unit one by one, and a sheet feeding mechanism unit. A large-volume sheet feeding device with an intermediate conveyance section that includes an intermediate conveyance section that conveys the fed paper to the image forming apparatus main body, and the mass feeding apparatus with the intermediate conveyance section with respect to the image forming apparatus main body In offline mode in which the printer is connected offline, transition to the paper feed energy saving mode that operates to save power consumption when the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit is not used and return from the paper feed energy saving mode The intermediate transport unit includes a plurality of paper transport units for transporting paper fed from the paper feed mechanism unit, and the intermediate transport unit includes the above-described intermediate transport unit. image Connected to the image forming apparatus main body so as to convey the paper to the vicinity of the paper feed opening of the main body paper feed stand of the paper feed unit on the image forming apparatus main body or the main body paper feed means of the paper feed unit, The time when the paper size is detected by the paper detection means is set at the time of initialization when the conveyance of one sheet onto the plurality of paper detection means is completed. The one sheet is positioned on the sheet conveying means arranged on the most downstream side of the sheet, and the leading edge of the sheet is set at a position where the sheet can be fed by the main body sheet feeding means. A plurality of sheet detecting means for detecting sheet information of the sheet that is arranged and conveyed, and an operation of shifting to the sheet feeding energy saving mode upon receiving power supply when the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveying unit is turned on, and Recovery from the paper feed energy-saving mode A paper feed energy saving control means for controlling the operation, a storage holding means capable of storing and holding the paper information detected by the paper detection means even when the power is not turned on, and the intermediate transport section including the plurality of paper detection means Switching means for turning on / off the power supply to each section of the attached large-volume sheet feeding device, and the sheet feeding energy saving control means is configured to feed the preset sheet feeding when there is a sheet in the intermediate transport section. Based on the condition for shifting to the energy saving mode, after storing and storing the sheet information by using the storage and holding unit, the power to the respective units of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit including the plurality of sheet detecting units The switching means is controlled so as to turn off the supply, and based on a preset return condition from the paper feeding energy saving mode, the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit including the plurality of paper detecting means The switching means is controlled to turn on the power supply to each part.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the time measuring means for measuring the non-operation elapsed time from the power-on or the pause time of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit, A speed detecting unit disposed in the paper transport unit disposed on the most downstream side and configured to detect a transport speed of the paper transported to the image forming apparatus main body by the main body paper feeding unit; and an image forming operation is started. An activation means for generating an activation signal, and the condition for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode is set when the non-operation elapsed time or the pause time measured by the timing means reaches a predetermined time. The return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is set when the output signal from the speed detecting means is changed by the activation signal.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the image forming apparatus main body side is disposed on the sheet conveying means disposed on the most downstream side by the main body sheet feeding means. A speed detection unit that detects a conveyance speed of the conveyed paper, and an activation unit that generates an activation signal for starting an image forming operation. The condition for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode is set in the image forming apparatus main body. It is set when the output signal from the speed detection means changes due to the stop of driving of the main body paper feed means at the end of the image forming operation, and the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is determined by the start signal. It is set when the output signal from the detection means changes.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus main body, a stacking unit capable of stacking a large amount of sheets, a sheet feeding mechanism unit for taking out and feeding sheets of the stacking unit one by one, and feeding from the sheet feeding mechanism unit. A large-volume sheet feeding device with an intermediate conveyance section that includes an intermediate conveyance section for conveying the fed paper to the image forming apparatus main body, and the mass feeding apparatus with the intermediate conveyance section for the image forming apparatus main body In offline mode in which the printer is connected offline, transition to the paper feed energy saving mode that operates to save power consumption when the mass feeding device with intermediate transport unit is not used and return from the paper feed energy saving mode An image forming apparatus energy saving system capable of detecting a plurality of paper detecting means for detecting the paper information of the paper disposed and transported in the intermediate transport unit, and receiving the power supply when the power is turned on. The sheet feeding energy saving control means for controlling the transition operation to the sheet feeding energy saving mode and the return operation from the sheet feeding energy saving mode, and each part of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit, including the plurality of sheet detecting means Switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to the power supply, and the paper feed energy saving control means shifts to the preset paper feed energy saving mode when there is no paper in the intermediate transport unit Based on the conditions, the switching unit is controlled to turn off the power supply to the units of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit including the plurality of sheet detection units, and the preset sheet feeding energy saving is performed. Based on the return condition from the mode, the switching means is controlled so as to turn on the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveying part including the plurality of paper detecting means. And butterflies.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the time measuring means for measuring the non-operation elapsed time after the power is turned on or the pause time of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit, And an initialization setting means for starting a predetermined initialization operation provided in the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit, and the condition for shifting to the paper feeding energy saving mode is timed by the timekeeping means. The non-operation elapsed time or the pause time is set when a predetermined time is reached, and the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is set when the output signal is generated from the initialization setting means. And

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the intermediate transport section includes a plurality of paper transport means for transporting the paper fed from the paper feed mechanism section, and At least one driving unit that drives each sheet conveying unit, and the intermediate conveying unit faces a main sheet feeding table of the sheet feeding unit on the main body side of the image forming apparatus or a main body feeding unit of the sheet feeding unit. The sheet is connected to the image forming apparatus main body so as to convey the sheet to the vicinity of the sheet feeding port, and the timing when the sheet size is detected by the plurality of sheet detecting units is one sheet on the plurality of sheet detecting units. The initialization state is set at the time of initialization when the conveyance of the first sheet is completed, and the initialization state is such that the one sheet is positioned on the sheet conveyance unit disposed on the most downstream side of the intermediate conveyance unit, and The leading edge of the paper is Is set to a position where paper can be fed, and is arranged in the paper conveying means arranged on the most downstream side, and the conveyance speed of the paper conveyed to the image forming apparatus main body side by the main body paper feeding means is set. A speed detecting means for detecting, and an initialization setting means for starting a predetermined initialization operation provided in the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance section, and the condition for shifting to the paper feeding energy saving mode is as follows: It is set when the output signal from the speed detecting means changes, and the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is set when the output signal is generated from the initialization setting means.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, the drive means is a stepping motor, and the paper feed energy saving control means is the paper feed. When switching to the energy saving mode, the switching means is controlled so as to turn off the power supply including the excitation current supplied to the stepping motor.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, the paper feed energy saving control means is preset when there is no paper in the intermediate conveyance section. Further, the switching means is controlled so as to turn off the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveying section including the plurality of paper detecting means based on the transition condition to the paper feeding energy saving mode. Then, based on a preset return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode, the power supply to the respective parts of the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit including the plurality of paper detection units is turned on. The switching means is controlled.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the energy saving system for the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the time measuring means measures the non-operation elapsed time after the power is turned on or the pause time of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit; An initialization setting means for activating a predetermined initialization operation provided in the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit, and the condition for shifting to the paper feeding energy saving mode is timed by the timekeeping means. It is set when the non-operation elapsed time or the pause time reaches a predetermined time, and the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is set when the output signal is generated from the initialization setting means. And

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the intermediate transport unit includes a plurality of paper transport units that transport the paper fed from the paper feed mechanism unit, At least one driving unit that drives each sheet conveying unit, and the intermediate conveying unit faces a main sheet feeding table of the sheet feeding unit on the main body side of the image forming apparatus or a main body feeding unit of the sheet feeding unit. The sheet is connected to the image forming apparatus main body so as to convey the sheet to the vicinity of the sheet feeding port, and the timing when the sheet size is detected by the plurality of sheet detecting units is one sheet on the plurality of sheet detecting units. The initialization state is set at the time of initialization when the conveyance of the first sheet is completed, and the initialization state is such that the one sheet is positioned on the sheet conveyance unit disposed on the most downstream side of the intermediate conveyance unit, and The leading edge of the paper is Is set at a position where the sheet can be fed, and is disposed in the sheet conveying unit disposed on the most downstream side and is conveyed to the image forming apparatus main body side by the main body sheet feeding unit. And a speed setting means for detecting the above and an initialization setting means for activating a predetermined initialization operation provided in the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance section, and the condition for shifting to the paper feeding energy saving mode is as follows: The output condition from the speed detection means is set when the output signal changes, and the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is set when the output signal is generated from the initialization setting means. .

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects, the driving means is a stepping motor, and the paper feed energy saving control means is the paper feed. The switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply including the excitation current supplied to the stepping motor when shifting to the energy saving mode.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus main body, a stacking section capable of stacking a large amount of sheets, and a paper feed mechanism section for taking out sheets of the stacking section one by one and feeding them to the image forming apparatus main body. And saving power consumption when the image forming apparatus main body is not used in an online mode in which the image forming apparatus main body is operated in a state of being connected online to the image forming apparatus main body. It is possible to shift to the main body energy saving mode to be operated as much as possible and to return from the main body energy saving mode, and to shift to the paper feeding energy saving mode to be operated in order to save power consumption when the mass feeding device is not used. An energy saving system for an image forming apparatus capable of returning from an energy saving mode, wherein the image forming apparatus main body is disposed in the image forming apparatus main body and communicates with the mass feeding device. Main body communication means that can communicate by receiving the power supply when the power is turned on, and the main body energy saving mode transition operation and return operation connected to the main body communication means, and the paper feeding energy saving mode transition operation and the paper feeding energy saving The main body energy saving control means for controlling the return operation from the mode and the main body communication means are communicably connected to each other. Feeding communication means disposed in the mass feeding device to be transmitted, and switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to each part of the mass feeding device except for the feeding communications device The main body energy saving control means, when the main body energy saving mode is shifted to the main body energy saving mode, through the main body communication means and the paper feed communication means, When the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the main body and the main body energy saving mode is restored, the main body communication means and the paper feed communication means are connected to the respective parts of the mass feeding device. The switching means is controlled to turn on the power supply.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect, a clocking means for timing a pause time of a signal on the image forming apparatus main body side transmitted to the mass feeding apparatus, and image formation Activation means for generating an activation signal for starting the operation, and the main body energy saving control means is in a case where the main body energy saving mode has not shifted to the main body energy saving mode, and the image is within a predetermined time counted by the time counting means. When the signal on the forming apparatus main body side is not transmitted to the paper feed communication means, the power supply to the respective parts of the mass feed device is turned off via the main body communication means and the paper feed communication means. The switching means is controlled to turn on the power supply to the parts of the mass feeding device via the main body communication means and the paper feeding communication means based on the activation signal. And controlling said switching means.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus main body, a stacking section capable of stacking a large amount of sheets, and a paper feeding mechanism section for taking out the sheets of the stacking section one by one and feeding them to the image forming apparatus main body. And saving power consumption when the image forming apparatus main body is not used in an online mode in which the image forming apparatus main body is operated in a state of being connected online to the image forming apparatus main body. It is possible to shift to the main body energy saving mode to be operated as much as possible and to return from the main body energy saving mode, and to shift to the paper feeding energy saving mode to be operated in order to save power consumption when the mass feeding device is not used. An energy saving system for an image forming apparatus capable of returning from an energy saving mode, wherein the image forming apparatus main body is disposed in the image forming apparatus main body and communicates with the mass feeding device. Main body communication means for enabling communication by receiving the power supply when the power is turned on, and main body energy saving control connected to the main body communication means for controlling the shift operation to the paper feed energy saving mode and the return operation from the paper feed energy saving mode A timing means for measuring a pause time of a signal on the image forming apparatus main body side transmitted to the mass feeding device, an activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation, and a communication means for the main body. Feeding communication means disposed in the mass feeding apparatus that is communicably connected and receives a power supply when the mass feeding apparatus is turned on and transmits a command signal from the main body energy saving control means, and Switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power supply to the respective parts of the mass feeding device except for the paper feed communication means, and the main body energy saving control means is configured to be connected to the main body energy saving mode. If the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side is not transmitted to the paper feed communication means within a predetermined time counted by the time measuring means, the main body communication means and the paper feed The switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the respective parts of the mass feeding device via the communication means, and based on the activation signal, the main body communication means and the paper feeding communication means are used. The switching means is controlled so as to turn on the power supply to the respective units of the mass feeding device.

  The invention according to claim 20 includes an image forming apparatus main body, and a mass discharge device including a large number of paper discharge trays capable of stacking a large number of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus main body, A transition to a main body energy saving mode that operates to save power consumption when the image forming apparatus main body is not used, in an on-line mode in which the image forming apparatus main body is operated in an online connection state with respect to the image forming apparatus main body; Image formation capable of returning from the energy-saving mode of the main body and capable of shifting to the energy-saving mode for discharging the paper and operating the energy-saving mode when the large-volume paper discharge device is not used. An energy saving system for an apparatus, wherein the power supply is performed when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on to communicate with the large-volume sheet discharge apparatus disposed in the image forming apparatus main body. Main body communication means for enabling communication, and the main body energy saving mode transition operation and the main body energy saving mode transition operation, the main body energy saving mode transition operation, and the paper discharge energy saving mode transition operation and the paper discharge energy saving mode. The main body energy saving control means for controlling the return operation from the main body and the main body communication means are communicably connected to each other and receive a power supply when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on to transmit a command signal from the main body energy saving control means. And a switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to the large volume discharge device except for the discharge communication means, When the main body energy saving control means shifts to the main body energy saving mode, the power supply to the mass paper discharge device via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means The switching means is controlled to turn off, and when the main body energy saving mode is restored, the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device is turned on via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means. The switching means is controlled.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving system for the image forming apparatus according to the twentieth aspect, the image forming apparatus main body has a pause time of a signal on the image forming apparatus main body side transmitted to the large-volume sheet discharge device. Timing means for timing and activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation are provided, and the main body energy saving control means is not in the main body energy saving mode, and When the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side has not been transmitted to the paper discharge communication means within a predetermined time counted by the means, the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means are used to send to the mass paper discharge apparatus. The switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply, and the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device is performed via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means based on the activation signal. And controlling said switching means to turn on.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a main body, and a large number of paper discharge apparatuses including a large number of paper discharge trays capable of stacking a large number of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus main body A transition to a main body energy saving mode that operates to save power consumption when the image forming apparatus main body is not used, in an on-line mode in which the image forming apparatus main body is operated in an online connection state with respect to the image forming apparatus main body; Image formation capable of returning from the energy-saving mode of the main body and capable of shifting to the energy-saving mode for discharging the paper and operating the energy-saving mode when the large-volume paper discharge device is not used. An energy saving system for an apparatus, which is disposed in the main body of the image forming apparatus and supplies power when the power of the main body of the image forming apparatus is communicated with the mass discharge apparatus. Main body communication means for enabling communication, main body energy saving control means connected to the main body communication means for controlling the operation to shift to the paper discharge energy saving mode and the return operation from the paper discharge energy saving mode, and the large volume discharge. A time measuring means for measuring a pause time of the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side transmitted to the apparatus, an activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation, and a communication means connected to the main body communication means, Except for the paper discharge communication means disposed in the large-volume paper discharge device that receives the power supply when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on and transmits a command signal from the main body energy saving control means, and the paper discharge communication means described above. Switching means for turning on and off the power supply from the power source to the mass discharge device, and the main body energy saving control means is a case where the main body energy saving mode has not been shifted, When the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side is not transmitted to the paper discharge communication means within a predetermined time counted by the timekeeping means, the mass paper discharge device via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means The switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the power supply, and the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device is turned on via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means based on the activation signal. The switching means is controlled as described above.

  According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to any one of the seventeenth to nineteenth aspects, a large quantity capable of stacking a large number of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus main body. A transition to the energy saving mode of the main body and in the online mode in which the mass ejection device is operated with the image forming apparatus main body connected online. Image forming apparatus capable of returning from the energy saving mode of the main body and capable of shifting to the energy saving mode for discharging the paper and operating the energy saving mode when the large-volume paper discharging device is not used and returning from the energy saving mode of the paper discharging An energy saving system for supplying power when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on for communication with the mass feeding apparatus disposed in the image forming apparatus main body The main body communication means for receiving and communicating, and the main body energy saving mode transfer operation and return operation connected to the main body communication means, and the transfer operation to the paper discharge energy saving mode and the return operation from the paper discharge energy saving mode are controlled. The main body energy saving control means, and the main body communication means communicatively connected to the main body energy saving control means for receiving a power supply when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on and transmitting a command signal from the main body energy saving control means. And a switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to the large-volume paper discharge device except for the paper discharge communication means, and the main body energy saving control means comprises: When switching to the main body energy saving mode, the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device is turned off via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means. Controlling the switching means to turn on the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means when the means is controlled and returned from the main body energy saving mode. It is characterized by.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus according to the twenty-third aspect, a pause time of a signal on the image forming apparatus main body side disposed in the image forming apparatus main body and transmitted to the large-volume sheet discharge device. Time measuring means, and an activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation. When the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side is not transmitted to the paper discharge communication means within a predetermined time that has been timed, the power to the mass paper discharge apparatus via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means The switching means is controlled to turn off the supply, and the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device is turned off via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means based on the start signal. And controlling said switching means so as to.

  According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus according to any one of the seventeenth to nineteenth aspects, a large quantity capable of stacking a large number of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus main body. A transition to the energy saving mode of the main body and in the online mode in which the mass ejection device is operated with the image forming apparatus main body connected online. Image forming apparatus capable of returning from the energy saving mode of the main body and capable of shifting to the energy saving mode for discharging the paper and operating the energy saving mode when the large-volume paper discharging device is not used and returning from the energy saving mode of the paper discharging An energy saving system for supplying power when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on so as to communicate with the mass discharge apparatus disposed in the image forming apparatus main body Main body communication means for receiving and enabling communication, main body energy saving control means connected to the main body communication means for controlling the operation to shift to the paper discharge energy saving mode and the return operation from the paper discharge energy saving mode; A time measuring means for measuring a pause time of the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side transmitted to the apparatus, an activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation, and a communication means connected to the main body communication means, Except for the paper discharge communication means disposed in the large-volume paper discharge device that receives the power supply when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on and transmits a command signal from the main body energy saving control means, and the paper discharge communication means described above. Switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to the mass discharge device, and the main body energy saving control means is a case where the main body energy saving mode is not shifted to the main body energy saving mode. When the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side is not transmitted to the paper discharge communication means within a predetermined time counted by the time measuring means, the mass paper discharge device via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means The switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the power supply, and the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device is turned on via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means based on the activation signal. The switching means is controlled as described above.

  According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus main body, and a large number of sheet discharging apparatuses including a large number of sheet discharge trays capable of moving up and down a large number of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus main body. A discharge energy-saving mode that operates to save power consumption when the large-volume sheet discharge device is not used, in an offline mode in which the large-volume sheet discharge device is operated offline with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. Is an energy saving system of an image forming apparatus capable of shifting to and returning from the paper discharge energy saving mode, and includes an activation unit that generates an activation signal for starting an image forming operation, and an image loaded on the mass discharge tray Loading surface detecting means for detecting the uppermost surface of the formed paper and receiving the power when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on, and supplying the power when the power is turned on Receiving the energy saving control means for controlling the transition operation to the paper discharge energy saving mode and the return operation from the paper discharge energy saving mode, and the mass paper discharge apparatus except for the stacking surface detecting means and the paper discharge energy saving control means. Switching means for turning on / off the power supply to each part of the paper, and the paper discharge energy saving control means, when the signal from the loading surface detection means does not change during a predetermined time, The switching means is controlled so as to turn off the power supply to each part of the apparatus, and when the signal from the loading surface detecting means is changed by the start signal, the power supply to each part of the mass discharge apparatus is turned on. The switching means is controlled as described above.

  According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus main body, and a large number of paper feeding apparatuses capable of stacking a large amount of sheets and taking out the stacked sheets one by one and feeding them to the image forming apparatus main body. And a mass ejection device having a mass ejection tray on which a large amount of image-formed sheets ejected from the image forming apparatus main body can be stacked, and the mass ejection device with respect to the mass feeding device It is possible to shift to and return from the paper feed energy saving mode that operates to save power consumption when the mass feeding device is not used in the online mode in which the device is operated online. There is an energy saving system for an image forming apparatus capable of shifting to and returning from a paper discharge energy saving mode that is operated to save power consumption when the mass discharge device is not used. A paper feed communication means arranged in the mass paper feed device for communicating with the mass paper discharge device, capable of communicating by receiving power supply when the mass paper feed device is turned on; and the paper feed communication means Paper feeding energy saving mode, and a paper feeding energy saving mode return operation, a paper feeding energy saving mode return operation, and a paper feeding energy saving mode transition operation and a paper feeding energy saving mode return operation from the paper discharging energy saving mode, It is connected to the paper feed communication means so as to be communicable, and is provided in the mass paper discharge device which receives the power supply when the power supply of the mass paper feed device is turned on and transmits a command signal from the paper feed energy saving control means. Paper discharge communication means, and switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to the mass paper discharge apparatus except for the paper discharge communication means, and the paper feed energy saving control means includes the paper feed energy saving means. mode When the shift is made, the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the paper feed communication means and the paper discharge communication means, and is returned from the paper feed energy saving mode. In this case, the switching means is controlled to turn on the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the paper feed communication means and the paper discharge communication means.

  According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the energy saving system for the image forming apparatus according to the twenty-seventh aspect, a pause time of the signal on the large-volume sheet feeding device side disposed in the large-volume sheet feeding device and transmitted to the large-volume sheet ejection device. Time measuring means, and an initialization setting means for starting a predetermined initialization operation for the mass feeding device, and the paper feeding energy saving control means shifts to the paper feeding energy saving mode. The paper feeding communication means and the paper ejection communication means when the signal on the mass feeding device side is not transmitted to the paper ejection communication means within a predetermined time counted by the time counting means. The switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device, and the paper feed communication means and the paper discharge communication means are controlled based on an output signal from the initialization setting means. Through the above large quantity And controlling said switching means so as to turn on the power supply to the paper device.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new image forming apparatus energy saving system by solving the problems of the conventional apparatus as described above. The effects of each major claim are as follows. According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the offline mode in which the image forming apparatus main body is operated in a state in which the mass feeding device with an intermediate conveyance unit is connected offline, the sheet feeding energy saving control means is connected to the intermediate conveyance unit. When there is paper, the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit is turned off based on a preset condition for shifting to the paper feeding energy saving mode (see claim 4 or claim 3, 5). The switching means is controlled so that each unit of the mass feeding device with an intermediate transport unit is supplied based on a preset return condition from the paper feeding energy saving mode (see, for example, claim 4 or claim 3, 5). Since the switching means is controlled so as to turn on the power supply, except for a plurality of paper detection means and paper feed energy saving control means each receiving the power supply when the power is turned on, the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit is saved. It attained the value of.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the offline mode in which the image forming apparatus main body is operated in a state in which the mass feeding device with an intermediate conveyance unit is connected offline, the sheet feeding energy saving control means is provided in the intermediate conveyance unit. When paper is present, the power supply is turned on only for the paper detection means that detects the paper information based on a preset condition for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode (for example, see claim 4 or claim 3, 5). In addition to controlling the switching selection means, the switching means is controlled so as to turn off the power supply to each part of the large-volume sheet feeding device with an intermediate conveyance section, and the return condition from the preset sheet feeding energy saving mode (for example, And switching control means for turning on the power supply to the plurality of paper detection means, and to each part of the large-volume sheet feeding device with an intermediate conveyance section. Since the switching means is controlled so as to turn on the power supply, except for the paper feed energy saving control means and the paper detection means for detecting the paper information, which are each supplied with the power when the power is turned on, a large amount of paper feed with an intermediate transport unit Energy saving of equipment can be achieved.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the sheet can be reliably taken in on the image forming apparatus main body side.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the offline mode in which the image forming apparatus main body is operated in a state in which the mass feeding device with an intermediate conveyance unit is connected offline, the sheet feeding energy saving control means is connected to the intermediate conveyance unit. When there is a sheet, based on a preset condition for shifting to the sheet feeding energy saving mode (for example, refer to claim 7 or 8), after storing and storing the sheet information by storing and holding means, a plurality of sheet detecting means The switching means is controlled so as to turn off the power supply to each part of the large-volume sheet feeding device with an intermediate conveyance section, and based on a return condition from a preset sheet feeding energy saving mode (see, for example, claim 7 or 8) Since the switching means is controlled so as to turn on the power supply to each part of the large-volume sheet feeding device with an intermediate conveyance section including a plurality of paper detection means, the paper feed energy saving control means that receives the power supply when the power is turned on Except, further than claim 1 and 2, thereby energy saving of the intermediate conveyance unit with the bulk feeding apparatus.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the offline mode in which the image forming apparatus main body is operated in a state in which the mass feeding device with an intermediate conveyance unit is connected offline, the paper feed energy saving control means is connected to the intermediate conveyance unit. When there is no paper, the power to each part of the mass feeding device with an intermediate transport unit including a plurality of paper detection means is set based on a preset condition for shifting to the paper feeding energy saving mode (see, for example, claim 10 or 11). The switching means is controlled so as to turn off the supply, and based on a preset condition for returning from the paper feed energy saving mode (see, for example, claim 10 or 11), a large amount of paper with an intermediate conveyance section including a plurality of paper detection means Since the switching means is controlled so as to turn on the power supply to each part of the paper apparatus, except for the paper feed energy saving control means that receives the power supply when the power is turned on, the switching means is further controlled. , Thereby energy saving of the intermediate conveyance unit with the bulk feeding apparatus.

  According to the invention of claim 12, the paper feed energy saving control means controls the switching means so as to turn off the power supply including the excitation current supplied to the stepping motor when shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode. Further energy saving can be achieved as compared with the invention according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

  According to the invention described in claims 13 to 15, the above-mentioned energy savings can be achieved including when the intermediate conveyance section has a sheet and when there is no sheet.

  According to the invention of claim 16, the paper feed energy saving control means controls the switching means so as to turn off the power supply including the excitation current supplied to the stepping motor when shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode. Further energy saving can be achieved as compared with the invention according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, when the main body energy saving control means shifts to the main body energy saving mode in the online mode in which the mass feeding device is operated online with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, When the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device via the main body communication means and the paper feed communication means, and the main body communication means and the paper feed communication means are Since the switching means is controlled to turn on the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device via the power supply, the power supply of the mass feeding device receives the power supply and transmits the command signal from the main body energy saving control means. Except for paper communication means, it is possible to save energy in large-volume paper feeders.

  According to the invention described in claim 18, when the main body energy saving control means has not shifted to the main body energy saving mode, the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side is fed within a predetermined time measured by the time measuring means. When not being transmitted to the means, the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device via the main body communication means and the paper feed communication means, and based on the start signal, the main body communication means and Since the switching unit is controlled so as to turn on the power supply to each part of the large-volume sheet feeding device via the sheet feeding communication unit, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 17, for example, the image forming apparatus main body side performs some operation. Even if it is, only the large-volume sheet feeding device can shift to the sheet feeding energy saving mode separately, so that the power consumption may be further reduced.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, when the main body energy saving control means is not shifted to the main body energy saving mode in the online mode in which the large-volume sheet feeding device is operated online with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. When the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side is not transmitted to the paper feed communication means within a predetermined time counted by the time measuring means, each part of the large volume paper feed device via the main body communication means and the paper feed communication means The switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the power supply, and the switching means is turned on to turn on the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device via the main body communication means and the paper feed communication means based on the activation signal. For example, even if the main body of the image forming apparatus performs some operation, for example, only the large-volume sheet feeding device can enter the sheet feeding energy saving mode. Ku need to.

  According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, when the main body energy saving control means shifts to the main body energy saving mode in the online mode in which the large volume discharge device is operated in an online connection state with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, When the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the communication means and the paper discharge communication means, and when returning from the main body energy saving mode, a large amount is sent via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means. Since the switching means is controlled so as to turn on the power supply to the paper discharge device, except for the paper discharge communication means that receives the power supply when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on and transmits a command signal from the main body energy saving control means. , Energy saving of the large volume delivery device.

  According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the main body energy saving control means does not shift to the main body energy saving mode, and the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side is discharged within a predetermined time counted by the time measuring means. When not transmitted to the means, the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means, and based on the start signal, the main body communication means and the paper discharge Since the switching unit is controlled so as to turn on the power supply to the large-volume sheet discharge device via the communication unit, in addition to the invention according to claim 20, for example, even if the image forming apparatus main body side performs some operation, this In addition, since only the large-volume paper discharge device can shift to the paper discharge energy saving mode, the power consumption may be further reduced.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the main body energy saving control means does not shift to the main body energy saving mode, and the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side is discharged within a predetermined time counted by the time measuring means. When not being transmitted to the means, the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means, and based on the start signal, the main body communication means and the paper discharge Since the switching means is controlled so as to turn on the power supply to the large-volume sheet discharge device via the communication means, in addition to the invention of claim 20, for example, even if the image forming apparatus main body side performs some operation, this In addition, since only the large-volume paper discharge device can shift to the paper discharge energy saving mode, power consumption can be further reduced.

  According to the invention of claim 23, the effect of the invention of any one of claims 17 to 19 and the effect of the invention of claim 20 can be obtained.

  According to the invention of claim 24, the effect of the invention of any one of claims 17 to 19, the effect of the invention of claim 20, and the effect of the invention of claim 22 can be obtained. .

  According to the invention of claim 25, the effect of the invention of any one of claims 17 to 19 and the effect of the invention of claim 22 can be obtained.

  According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the offline mode in which the large-volume sheet discharge device is operated offline with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, the sheet discharge energy saving control means receives a signal from the stacking surface detection means. When there is no change in time, the switching means is controlled so as to turn off the power supply to each part of the large volume discharge device, and when the signal from the loading surface detection means is changed by the start signal, Since the switching means is controlled so as to turn on the power supply to each unit, the power of the image forming apparatus main body is detected when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on in order to detect the uppermost surface of the image-formed paper loaded on the large-volume output tray. Except for the loading surface detection means and the paper discharge energy saving control means that receive the supply, it is possible to save energy in the mass discharge apparatus.

  According to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, when the paper feed energy saving control means shifts to the paper feed energy saving mode in the online mode in which the mass paper discharge device is operated online with respect to the mass paper feeder. The switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the paper feed communication means and the paper discharge communication means, and when the paper supply energy saving mode is restored, the paper feed communication means and the paper discharge communication are controlled. Since the switching means is controlled so as to turn on the power supply to the mass discharge device via the means, the power supply of the mass feed device is received and the command signal from the paper feed energy saving control means is transmitted. Except for the paper discharge communication means, it is possible to save energy in the mass paper discharge device.

  According to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the paper feed energy saving control means does not shift to the paper feed energy saving mode, and the signal on the mass feeding device side is discharged within a predetermined time counted by the time measuring means. When not transmitted to the paper communication means, the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the paper feed communication means and the paper discharge communication means, and the output signal from the initialization setting means Based on this, the switching means is controlled so as to turn on the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the paper feed communication means and the paper discharge communication means. Even if the paper device side performs some operation, only the large-volume paper discharge device can shift to the paper discharge energy saving mode separately.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention including examples will be described with reference to the drawings. The constituent elements (members and constituent parts) having the same function and shape in each embodiment, each modification, and the like will be omitted by giving the same reference numerals after being described once. In the figure, components that are configured as a pair and do not need to be specifically distinguished and described are described by appropriately describing one of them in order to simplify the description. In order to simplify the drawings and the description, even if the components are to be represented in the drawings, the components that do not need to be specifically described in the drawings may be omitted as appropriate. When quoting and explaining constituent elements such as published patent gazettes, parentheses are given to the reference numerals to distinguish them from those of the embodiments and the like.

  Before explaining the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus energy saving system of the present invention, a plurality of undisclosed inventions included in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. To do. FIGS. 1 to 38 mainly show that the image forming apparatus main body and the mass feeding device with an intermediate conveyance unit cannot communicate with each other as described later, that is, are connected offline (connected only mechanically). The configuration and operation in the case of not considering the paper feed energy saving mode in the off-line mode operated in FIG.

  First, the overall configuration of a stencil printing apparatus as an example of an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. In both figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a mass feeding unit as a mass feeding apparatus with an intermediate conveyance unit, and reference numeral 100 denotes a stencil printing apparatus main body as an example of an image forming apparatus main body. The stencil printing apparatus shown in both figures is composed of a large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 and a stencil printing apparatus main body 100.

  The large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 and the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 are placed in a so-called “offline” state in which they are not communicably connected and do not exchange signals with each other. That is, the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 is offline connected to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. Further, the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 can be mechanically connected to or detachable from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100, and the state shown in FIG.

  When the large-volume feeding unit 1 is moved along the paper conveyance direction X, as shown in FIG. A connection position that is inserted below the main body paper feed roller 111 and presses against the lower part of the outer peripheral surface of the main body paper feed roller 111 so that the paper P fed from the large-volume paper feed unit 1 can be reliably delivered; As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure contact state between the third transport roller 32-3 of the intermediate transport unit 4 and the main body feed roller 111 is released by moving itself along the direction X ′ opposite to the paper transport direction X. It is possible to move between unconnected positions. As described above, when the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 occupies the connection position, the third conveying roller 32-3 has a positional relationship such that the main body sheet feeding roller 111 receives a pressing force corresponding to an appropriate sheet feeding pressure. It is set.

  In other words, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 is moved along the paper conveyance direction X, so that the intermediate-conveying unit 4 constituting the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1. Is kept at a predetermined height (in this embodiment, the upper limit of the main body paper feed table 110 detected by a lower limit detection sensor (not shown) disposed on the paper feed side plate). The intermediate transport unit is placed on the main body sheet feed stand 110) that is held at the lower limit position that is also the lowered position, that is, the main body sheet feed stand 110 does not move up and occupies the lower limit position. 4, the connection position where the paper P fed from the main body 4 is received by the main body paper feed roller 111 and can be fed, and the paper P is moved along the direction X ′ opposite to the paper transport direction X as shown in FIG. Disconnected from the connection position by It is movable in between the location.

  The connection position is not limited to “the main body sheet feeding base 110 remains in the lower limit position without being raised,” but the main body sheet feeding position is slightly raised from the lower limit position to occupy a position where paper can be fed. In other words, the sheet P fed from the intermediate conveyance unit 4 while the intermediate conveyance unit 4 is placed on the main body sheet feeding stand 110 while being held at a predetermined height is fed to the main body sheet feeding roller. Any position can be used as long as it is received by the printer 111 and can be fed.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 6 denotes a main body housing that houses a stacking unit 2 and a paper feeding mechanism unit 3, which will be described later, of the mass feeding unit 1, and numeral 7 denotes a mass feeding unit 1. The reference numeral 107 denotes a main body casing that forms a framework of the main body side of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100.

  The stencil printing apparatus main body 100 has substantially the same configuration as the stencil printing apparatus described in FIG. 1 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-67061 proposed by the applicant of the present application. That is, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is provided by an image reading unit 101 that is disposed on the upper portion of the main body casing 107 and reads a document image, and image information read by the image reading unit 101 or an external connection device such as a personal computer (not shown). A plate making and feeding unit 103 for making and feeding a thermal stencil master (not shown) wound in a roll based on the input image information, and a printing paper (not shown) (hereinafter simply referred to as “stack”) loaded on the main body paper feed stand 110. A main body paper feeding unit 104 as a paper feeding unit on the main body side of the image forming apparatus that separates and feeds the paper P fed from the large paper feeding / conveying unit 1 side toward the printing unit 102 described later. And a printing drum 115 having a plate cylinder wound around the outer peripheral surface of a heat-sensitive stencil master (not shown) made by the plate-making plate supply unit 103 or the like on the outer peripheral portion. A printing unit 102 as an image forming unit that forms a printed image on the sheet P, a plate discharging unit 105 that peels off the used thermal stencil master from the outer peripheral surface of the printing drum 115 and discharges it to a plate discharging box (not shown); And a paper discharge unit 106 that discharges the formed printed paper P to the mass paper discharge tray 129. The stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is placed on a dedicated table 108 having casters 109 via a main body casing 107.

  The main body feeding unit 104 is arranged on the right side of the main body casing 107 and can be moved up and down by loading paper P, and the uppermost sheet (not shown) on the main body feeding stage 110, A main body feed roller 111 that feeds the paper P fed from the large-volume paper feed unit 1 and a main body separation roller 112 that separates the fed paper P one by one and feeds the paper P toward the registration roller pair 114. And a main body separation pad 113 as a friction member for separating the sheets P one by one by the cooperative action with the main body separation roller 112, and a printing section as an image forming section for the sheets separated and fed one by one And a registration roller pair 114 and the like which are sent out at a predetermined timing.

  The main body paper feed stand 110 can be folded so as to be able to occupy the position shown in FIG. Inside the main body feed stand 110, a paper presence sensor 127 as a paper presence / absence detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of paper on the main body feed stand 110, and the length of the paper on the main body feed stand 110 are detected. A paper length sensor 128 is provided as a paper length detecting means. The paper length sensor 128 is capable of moving in the paper width direction Y on the main body paper feed table 110. Both the vertical size and the horizontal size of the paper are linked to the movement during the paper alignment operation of a pair of left and right side fences (not shown). Paper size detection means for detecting the paper size of the paper. Both the paper presence sensor 127 and the paper length sensor 128 are reflection type photosensors (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “reflection type sensors”) each having a light emitting element and a light receiving element.

  The main body sheet feeding stand 110 employs a lifting mechanism having the same configuration as the automatic intermittent lifting mechanism shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 of Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-18342, for example. The sheet P can be stacked and moved up and down. The main body paper feed stand 110 occupies a paper feed position where the uppermost surface of the stacked paper always contacts the main body paper feed roller 111 with a predetermined paper feed pressure (pressing force capable of transporting paper) by the lifting mechanism. It is controlled to move up and down. The raising / lowering mechanism of the main body sheet feeding table 110 is not limited to the above-described one, and for example, a mechanism using a wire or the like as shown in FIG. 1 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-124633 is also used.

  The main body paper supply roller 111 constitutes a paper supply unit of the main body paper supply unit 104. The main body separation roller 112 and the main body separation pad 113 constitute a separation paper feeding unit on the main body casing 107 side. The sheet feeding means is not limited to the above-described one, but includes a combination of a sheet feeding roller and a separation pad or a pair of separation rollers. Compared with the so-called reverse roller separation method, the friction separation method such as the separation paper feeding means described above, that is, the friction pad separation method, separates and feeds paper one by one with two separation roller pairs. There is an advantage that the cost is low.

  As shown in detail in FIGS. 9 and 78, the main body paper feed roller 111 is formed on the paper feed side plate (not shown) on the main body housing 107 side of the paper feed port 125 of the main body paper feed section 104. It is provided at the free end of the paper feed arm 168 supported so as to be swingable around the center 112a so as to be swingable and rotatable via a shaft 111a. The main body paper supply roller 111 and the main body separation roller 112 are, for example, the main body paper supply mechanism shown in FIG. 9 similar to the paper supply driving means (30) shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-326732. 130 is driven to rotate. That is, as schematically shown in the figure, a one-way clutch (not shown) is interposed between the main body paper supply roller 111 and its shaft 111a and between the main body separation roller 112 and its shaft 112a. . A timing pulley 119 is attached to the shaft 111 a of the main body feed roller 111, and a timing pulley 120 is attached to the shaft 112 a of the main body separation roller 112. A timing belt 121 is stretched between the timing pulley 119 and the timing pulley 120, and the main body separation roller 112 and the main body paper feeding roller 111 are connected to each other via the timing belt 121 and each one-way clutch (not shown). It is in a driving force transmission relationship. The clutch locking direction (connection direction of the rotational driving force) of each one-way clutch (not shown) is indicated by an arrow in the figure in which the main body separation roller 112 and the main body paper supply roller 111 are rotated to separate and feed the paper P. Is set in the clockwise direction. As a result, the main body separation roller 112 and the main body paper feed roller 111 can rotate only in the clockwise direction. The main body separation roller 112 is rotationally driven by a paper feed motor 122 as a main body paper feed driving means.

  The shaft 112a of the main body separation roller 112 and the output shaft (not shown) of the paper feed motor 122 are each a timing pulley (not shown) and a timing belt (not shown) spanned between these timing pulleys. Through the driving force transmission relationship. The paper feed motor 122 is a stepping motor. Therefore, in the case of paper feeding, the main body separation roller 112 and the main body paper feeding roller 111 are both rotated in the clockwise direction by, for example, rotating the paper feeding motor 122 in the normal direction, and loaded on the main body paper feeding table 110. The uppermost sheet (not shown) or the sheet P fed from the mass feeding / conveying unit 1 is fed toward the registration roller pair 114 shown in FIG.

  A paper feed filler 169, also called a light shielding plate, is attached to a part of the paper feed arm 168 near the shaft 112a through a shaft 169a so as to be swingable. On the outer peripheral surface of the main body feed roller 111, a cam follower 169 b rotatably provided at one end portion of the feed filler 169 abuts. A light emitting element for detecting a paper feed position in a mode in which the other end portion 169c of the paper feed filler 169 is selectively sandwiched between a non-illustrated immovable member disposed on the main body casing 107 near the paper feed filler 169. An appropriate height detection sensor 126 (see FIG. 2), which is a transmission type photosensor provided with a light receiving element (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “transmission type sensor”), is fixed.

  When the main body feed stand 110 is raised and the uppermost surface of the paper P pushes up the main body feed roller 111, the paper feed filler 169 swings and the other end 169c turns on (or off) the appropriate height sensor 126. Thus, the lifting motor (not shown) of the lifting mechanism is controlled to be stopped by a main body control device (not shown) disposed on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. As a result, the uppermost sheet P of the main body sheet feeding stand 110 occupies the sheet feeding position and stops.

  On the other hand, when the sheet P is fed and the number of stacked sheets decreases, the sheet feeding filler 169 swings and the appropriate height sensor 126 is turned off (or turned on). It is controlled to rotate. As a result, the main body sheet feeding stand 110 is raised again and is always kept at an appropriate position.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 123 denotes a separation pad holder that houses and moves a compression spring as a biasing member that biases the main body separation pad 113 in a direction to press the outer surface of the main body separation roller 112, and reference numeral 124 denotes a main body separation pad. A front plate for abutting and aligning the leading ends of sheets (not shown) loaded on the sheet feeding table 110 is shown.

  The printing unit 102 is disposed substantially at the center of the main body casing 107, and includes a printing drum 115 around which a heat-sensitive stencil master having an ink supply unit disposed therein and wound on the outer peripheral surface is wound, and the main body paper feeding unit 104. And a press roller 116 or the like as pressing means for pressing the paper P fed from the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 against the outer peripheral surface of the printing drum 115 and transferring the ink to the outer surface. As the pressing means, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-141856, the outer peripheral surface is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the printing drum 115 and rotates in synchronization with the printing drum 115. An impression cylinder provided with a paper clamper (holding means) for holding the leading edge of the paper on the outer peripheral portion is also used.

  For example, as described in JP 2000-141856 A, the printing drum 115 has a printing speed of “printing speed” (for example, 16 sheets / min: 16 rpm or 30 sheets / min: 30 rpm). Printing is performed at a plurality of normal printing speeds (in this embodiment, five stages of printing speeds, for example, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 sheets / min: 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 rpm). It is configured to be rotatable as much as possible. Here, for example, 120 sheets / min: 120 rpm is the maximum printing speed of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. The printing drum 115 is provided with a main motor composed of a DC motor as a driving means for rotationally driving the printing drum 115, for example, as shown in FIG. It is rotated by a known printing drum drive mechanism (both not shown).

  On the other hand, on the upper part of the image reading unit 101, an operation is performed to give an instruction to each device / part of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 to perform a desired operation, and the state of each device / part is confirmed / An operation panel (not shown) for recognition is provided. In the operation panel, for example, the operation panel (90) shown in FIG. 17 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-141856 is substantially similar to the operation panel (90) shown in FIG. A plate making start key that generates a start signal for starting each operation, a numeric keypad for setting / inputting the number of prints, and a print start signal as a start signal for starting the printing operation for the number of prints set / input with this numeric keypad. A printing start key to be generated, a trial printing key for generating a trial printing start signal for performing a trial printing by feeding one sheet, and one of five printing speeds (1st to 5th speeds). Printing speed setting key comprising a speed down key and a speed up key as printing speed setting means for selectively setting the printing speed and rotating the printing drum 115 , A speed indicator consisting of a group of LED lamps for displaying the printing speed set by the speed down key or the speed up key, and setting / detection information in each operation process from image reading to printing of the original image as needed And a liquid crystal display unit and the like of the liquid crystal display device.

  The plate discharging unit 105 has, for example, the same configuration as shown in FIG. 1 of JP-A-8-67061, that is, the above-described plate discharging box (not shown) and the heat sensitive used from the outer peripheral surface of the printing drum 115. A pair of discharge plate peeling rollers that peels the stencil master, and a pair of discharge plate conveyance belts that conveys and discharges the used thermal stencil master that is stretched between the discharge plate separation roller pair and the discharge plate roller pair to the discharge plate box. have.

  The paper discharge unit 106 is disposed on the left side of the main body casing 107, and is peeled off from the above-described mass discharge table 129 and a peeling claw 117 for peeling the printed paper from the outer peripheral surface of the printing drum 115. A suction conveyance unit 118 for discharging the discharged paper while sucking it to the large-volume paper discharge table 129. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 129a denotes a pair of side fences that are arranged on both the left and right sides of the large volume discharge tray 129 along the sheet discharge direction and align the width direction of the discharged sheets (both side end surfaces of the discharged sheets). Indicates end fences that abut and align the leading edges of the discharged paper.

  In FIG. 1, power supplied to the entire stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is connected to the main body casing 107 in the vicinity of the plate discharging unit 105 via, for example, a power cable 137a and a plug 137b for connection to a commercial external power source. A power switch 136 for turning on / off is provided.

  As described above, the mass feeding unit 1 includes the intermediate conveyance unit 4 and the mass feeding unit 5 as a mass feeding device. The mass feeding unit 5 includes a stacking unit 2 that can stack a large amount of sheets P, a sheet feeding mechanism unit 3 that takes out and feeds the sheets P of the stacking unit 2 one by one, and the main body housing 6 described above. Have. The intermediate transport unit 4 has a function and configuration for transporting one sheet fed from the paper feed mechanism unit 3 to the vicinity of the paper feed port 125 where the main body paper feed roller 111 of the main body paper feed unit 104 faces. Yes. The mass feeding unit 5 is mounted and fixed on a base 8 having casters 9 provided at the lower part of the main body housing 6. In FIG. 1, a power cable 78a including a plug 78b for connecting to a commercial external power outlet, for example, is provided below the stacking unit 2.

  Hereinafter, the stacking unit 2, the paper feed mechanism unit 3, and the intermediate transport unit 4 will be described in detail. In order to simplify the explanation of the arrangement of the constituent elements, the front side of the paper surface when viewed in the paper transport direction X is shown. “Left” or “operating side” may be referred to as “right” or “non-operating side”. For the same purpose, the downstream side in the paper transport direction X may be referred to as “front” and the upstream side thereof may be referred to as “rear”. Auxiliary side plate pairs 29 are erected on the left and right sides of the main body housing 6 shown in FIG.

  The stacking unit 2 is a pair of left and right as sheet width alignment members for aligning the width (both left and right ends) of the sheet P on the large amount sheet supply table 10 and a large amount sheet supply table 10 on which a large amount of sheets P can be stacked and moved up and down. Side fences 15 and 16 (see FIG. 4), a paper feed table raising / lowering mechanism 25 as a paper feed table raising / lowering means for raising and lowering the mass paper feed table 10, and an upper limit position of the mass paper feed table 10 or a paper feed roller 11 An appropriate height sensor 26 serving as a paper feed position detecting means or an upper limit detecting means for detecting that the paper feed position has been occupied, and a lower limit sensor 27 serving as a lower limit detecting means for detecting the lower limit position of the large-volume paper feed tray 10 are provided. is doing. The appropriate height sensor 26 and the lower limit sensor 27 are both transmissive sensors. The appropriate height sensor 26 and the lower limit sensor 27 are respectively arranged at predetermined positions in the main body housing 6.

  The large-capacity paper feed tray 10 has, for example, a structure in which at least 3000 A3-size plain papers can be stacked and moved up and down, and four notches 10a for allowing the side fences 15 and 16 to move in the paper width direction Y. And have. A paper presence / absence sensor 66 as a paper presence / absence detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of the paper P on the mass feeding base 10 is disposed inside the mass feeding base 10. The paper presence sensor 66 is a reflective sensor. In this embodiment, “paper size” refers to a paper size defined by at least a length along the paper transport direction X unless otherwise specified.

  Note that a paper size detection sensor group (not shown) as a paper size detection unit may be disposed on the large-volume paper feed tray 10. As the paper size detection sensor group, for example, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-30714 or the paper width detection sensor shown in FIGS. 5 and 17 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-258999, for example. It may be composed of a tray paper width detection sensor group (86) and a tray paper length detection sensor (87). Further, the paper size detection method is not limited to the method described above, and may be another method, for example, a paper size detection method using a reflection type sensor disposed in the intermediate conveyance unit 4. In addition, each sensor may be added so that a postcard, an envelope, or a legal size can be detected.

  As shown in FIG. 4, each of the side fences 15 and 16 has a quadrangular prism shape having a hollow rectangular cross section, and two each are provided on the front and rear in the paper transport direction X and on the left and right in the paper width direction Y. Each of the side fences 15 and 16 is rotated by operating the side fence operating handle 17, and the side fences 15 and 16 are connected to each other through the side fence centering mechanisms (not shown) arranged in two sets above and below the main body housing 6. , 16 are moved in the paper width direction Y, so that the side fences 15, 16 can be centered.

  The paper feed lifting mechanism 25 is, for example, a tray lifting mechanism (25) of the paper discharge storage device (1) shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and paragraph numbers “0024” to “0026” of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-226122. ), And has the same basic configuration as that of the moving body (57), and moves up and down while keeping the mass feed tray 10 in a substantially horizontal state. Since the paper feed table raising / lowering mechanism 25 has a well-known configuration as described above, the detailed description thereof will be omitted, and in this embodiment, the elevation drive means for raising and lowering the mass paper feed table 10 schematically shown in FIG. As an example, the elevator motor 28 capable of forward and reverse rotation will be described. In the large-volume sheet feeding table 10, the uppermost of the stacked sheets P is always in contact with the sheet feeding roller 11 with a predetermined sheet feeding pressure (pressing force capable of conveying the sheet) via the sheet feeding table lifting mechanism 25. It controls by the control apparatus mentioned later so that a position may be occupied.

  The sheet feeding mechanism unit 3 is disposed around the auxiliary side plate pair 29 above the stacking unit 2. As shown in FIG. 5 in a simplified manner ignoring the thickness of the member, the paper feed mechanism unit 3 includes the paper feed unit, separation paper feed unit, paper feed drive unit, and driving force transmission of the main body paper feed unit 104 described above. Since it has the same function and configuration as the main body paper feed mechanism 130 provided with the means, etc., in order to avoid duplication, a sign obtained by subtracting the numerical value “100” from the sign of each component of the main body paper feed mechanism 130. The detailed description will be replaced. The separation roller 12 and the paper feed roller 11 are rotationally driven by a paper feed motor 22 comprising a stepping motor as a paper feed drive means. The sheet feeding motor 22 and the driving force transmission means are arranged on the outer wall surface of the auxiliary side plate 29 on the back side of the sheet in FIG.

  As shown in detail in FIG. 78, the same paper feeding arm 68 as the main body paper feeding mechanism 130 that rotatably supports the paper feeding roller 11 and the separation roller 12 is provided with the same paper feeding filler as that of the main body paper feeding unit 104. 69 is swingably attached to the paper feed arm 68 with a shaft 69a as a fulcrum. On the outer peripheral surface of the paper feed roller 11, a cam follower 69 b that is rotatably provided at one end of the paper feed filler 69 abuts. A non-illustrated immovable member disposed on the main body housing 6 near the paper feed filler 69 near the shaft 69a is provided with an appropriate height composed of a transmission type sensor in such a manner that the other end 69c of the paper feed filler 69 is selectively sandwiched. The sensor 26 is fixed.

  When the mass feed tray 10 is raised and the uppermost surface of the paper P pushes up the paper feed roller 11, the paper feed filler 69 swings and the other end 69c turns on (or off) the appropriate height sensor 26. Thus, the lifting / lowering motor 28 is controlled to be stopped by a control device, which will be described later, disposed on the large-volume feeding / conveying unit side. As a result, the uppermost sheet P occupies the sheet feeding position of the large-volume sheet feeding table 10 and stops.

  On the other hand, when the sheet P is fed and the number of stacked sheets decreases, the sheet feeding filler 69 swings and the appropriate height sensor 26 is turned off (or turned on), whereby the lifting motor 28 is rotated by the control device. It is controlled to drive. As a result, the large-volume sheet feeding table 10 is always kept in an appropriate position by moving up again. As described above, the mass feed tray 10 is always set to an appropriate height by the control device and the appropriate height sensor 26. The lower limit position of the mass feeding table 10 is regulated by the lower limit sensor 27. 1, 2, and 5, reference numeral 14 indicates a face plate that abuts and aligns the leading ends of the sheets P stacked on the large-volume sheet feeding table 10. The face plate 14 is attached and fixed to the auxiliary side plate pair 29 by fastening means such as screws.

  The mass feeding device is not limited to the mass feeding unit 5 described above. For example, the mass feeding device is a large capacity feeding unit disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-259008 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-259009 proposed by the applicant of the present application. A paper feeding device (100) may be used. In other words, it may be a mass feeding unit having a configuration in which an LCT (Large Capacity Feeding Table) is mounted and can be moved up and down, and feeding is possible by providing a feeding unit and a separation feeding unit.

  Next, the intermediate conveyance part 4 including the characteristic structure of this invention is demonstrated. In FIGS. 1, 5, 9, and 10, reference numeral 18 denotes an intermediate for conveying the paper P fed from the paper feed mechanism unit 3 toward the paper feed port 125 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. The conveyance path is shown. The intermediate transport unit 4 is detachably attached to the auxiliary side plate pair 29 of the main body housing 6.

  As shown in FIG. 5 and the like, the intermediate transport unit 4 includes a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) first paper transport units 30-1 that transport the paper P fed from the paper feed mechanism unit 3. Provided corresponding to the second sheet conveying means 30-2, the third sheet conveying means 30-3, the first sheet conveying means 30-1, the second sheet conveying means 30-2, and the third sheet conveying means 30-3. A plurality of (three in the present embodiment) paper transport motors, ie, a first motor 33-1, a second motor 33-2, and a third motor 33-3, as drive means for independently driving each of them, The rotational driving force of the first motor 33-1, the second motor 33-2, and the third motor 33-3 is applied to the first paper transport unit 30-1, the second paper transport unit 30-2, and the third paper transport unit 30-. 1, second driving force transmission means 34-2, third driving force transmission And means 34-3 and a pair of guide means for guiding the sheet P conveyed by the first to third sheet conveying means 30-1 to 30-3 to the vicinity of the sheet feeding port 125 on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. An upper guide member and a lower guide member, which will be described later, first to third sheet transporting units 30-1 to 30-3, the above-described casing 7 that houses the pair of guide units, and the upstream from the upstream of the intermediate transport path 18 And at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the sheet P as the sheet information of the sheet P to be conveyed and disposed at a predetermined interval (in this embodiment, the leading edge and the trailing edge of the sheet P). Eight first sensors 50-1 to 8-8 as sheet detecting means for detecting both ends).

  The first paper transport unit 30-1 includes a first transport roller 32-1 and a first pressure roller 31-1 in pressure contact therewith. The second paper transport unit 30-2 includes a second transport roller 32-2 and a second pressure roller 31-2 that is in pressure contact therewith. The third paper transport unit 30-1 includes a third transport roller 32-3. The first paper transport unit 30-1, the second paper transport unit 30-2, and the third paper transport unit 30-3 are arranged in this order at a predetermined interval from the upstream side to the downstream side of the intermediate transport path 18. ing.

  As for the 1st pressurization roller 31-1, the outer peripheral part including the outer peripheral surface at least is made of resin. The first conveying roller 32-1 is formed of a high friction elastic body such as an appropriate rubber having a high friction coefficient with respect to the paper P used in the mass feeding / conveying unit 1 at least at the outer peripheral portion including the outer peripheral surface thereof. Yes. The other second pressure roller 31-2, second transport roller 32-2 and third transport roller 32-3 are the same as described above.

  Hereinafter, the first paper transport unit 30-1 and the second paper transport unit 30-2 are different from each other only in the arrangement position and have the same components and are made common. Other than the description, the detailed description of one is replaced with the description of the other. When describing the above configuration and the like, the numerals after the hyphen of the reference sign indicate the order of arrangement in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the intermediate conveyance path 18, and "first" to "third" May be omitted. Similarly to the above, the first motor 33-1, the second motor 33-2, and the third motor 33-3 are different from each other only in the arrangement position, and are the same and common to each other. Except for the above description, the detailed description of one is replaced with the description of the other.

  Similarly, the first sensor 50-1 to the eighth sensor 50-8 differ only in their arrangement positions and are the same in common and are designed to be shared. The detailed description of the sensor 50-1 is replaced with the other description. When describing the above-described configuration and the like, the numerals after the hyphen of the code indicate the order of arrangement in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the intermediate conveyance path 18, and “first” to “eighth”. May be omitted.

  First, the housing 7 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. It is formed into a shape. The housing 7 is integrally formed of, for example, a sheet metal that has been subjected to an appropriate surface treatment. In FIG. 8, the reference numeral 7a is referred to as the rear side wall of the casing 7, the reference numeral 7b is referred to as the front wall of the casing 7, and the reference numeral 7c is referred to as the bottom wall. The bottom wall 7c has a step shape when viewed from the front, as shown in FIGS. In FIG. 5, the code | symbol 57 represents the belt cover shown only in the figure. The belt cover 57 protects the external exposure of the timing belt of the second driving force transmission means 34-2.

  The surroundings of the pair of guide means will be described with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 9, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the pair of guide means includes an upper guide plate 35 and an auxiliary upper guide plate 36 as upper guide members constituting the upper guide member, and a lower guide plate 37 as a lower guide member opposed thereto. It consists of. Each of the upper guide plate 35, the auxiliary upper guide plate 36, and the lower guide plate 37 is integrally formed of, for example, a sheet metal that has been subjected to appropriate surface treatment. A space surrounded by the upper guide plate 35, the auxiliary upper guide plate 36, and the lower guide plate 37 serves as the intermediate conveyance path 18.

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 9, shaft support portions 35 d that are cut and bent upward are integrally formed at both ends of the front end portion of the upper guide plate 35. These shaft support portions 35d, along with bearing portions 37d integrally formed at both ends of the front end portion of the lower guide plate 37 shown in FIG. Stopped. As a result, the upper guide plate 35 has a base end pivotable by a predetermined angle about the support shaft 45, that is, a free end portion that can swing with respect to the lower guide plate 37, and can be opened and closed. Yes.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, a bent portion 35 e that is cut and bent upward is integrally formed at both ends of the rear end portion of the upper guide plate 35. A fixed shaft 47 protruding outward is fixed to each of the cut portions 35e. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fixed shafts 47 are upper guide plate fixing through shafts 48 (hereinafter simply referred to as “through holes”) that are provided at the left and right ends of the rear side wall 7a of the housing 7 so as to be rotatable by a predetermined angle. It is selectively engaged, fixed and locked by swinging an opening / closing cam 49 (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6) fixed to a shaft 48). In FIG. 7, reference numeral 51 denotes an inclined member formed of, for example, a sheet metal that is fixed to the front end portion of the lower guide plate 37.

  6, 9, and 10, reference numeral 35 c denotes a reinforcing rib that is convex downward. In addition to the reinforcing ribs 35c shown in the drawing, an appropriate number of reinforcing ribs 35c are also formed in the central portion of the upper guide plate 35. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first sensor 50-1 is disposed on the upper guide plate 35 via the sensor mounting member 38, and the second sensor 50-2 to the seventh sensor 50-7 are sensor mounting members. These are attached and fixed by fastening means such as screws (not shown). In addition, illustration of each sensor attachment member 38 and 39 is abbreviate | omitted in FIG.

  The first sensor 50-1 to the eighth sensor 50-8 are formed of a reflection type sensor. The upper guide plate 35 has seven openings 35a for transmitting the projection light and the reflected light from the sensors 50-1 to 50-7 corresponding to the first sensor 50-1 to the seventh sensor 50-7, respectively. The place is formed. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the upper guide plate 35 has an opening 35b for projecting a part of each outer peripheral portion of the first pressure roller 31-1 and the second pressure roller 31-2. Are formed at two locations on the front and rear and on the left and right.

  An eighth sensor 50-8 is attached to and fixed to the auxiliary upper guide plate 36 by a fastening means such as a screw (not shown) via a sensor attachment member 38. The auxiliary upper guide plate 36 is also formed with an opening (not shown) similar to the opening 35a for transmitting the projection light and the reflected light from the eighth sensor 50-8. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 9, the front and rear end portions of the auxiliary upper guide plate 36 are bent so as to be inclined upward. As shown in FIG. 9, at the center of the downstream end of the paper transport path 18 of the auxiliary upper guide plate 36, when the mass feed transport unit 1 occupies the connection position shown in FIG. An opening 36b for projecting a part of the part is formed. As shown in FIG. 5, a part of the outer peripheral portion of the third transport roller 32-3 described later is exposed near the lower portion of the opening 36b.

  The upper guide plate 35 is attached substantially integrally to the upper cover 23 disposed above the upper guide plate 35 by a support member 40 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the upper cover 23 and the upper guide plate 35 may be collectively referred to as an “upper guide unit 46”. Although only one support member 40 is shown in FIG. 10, it is also disposed in the vicinity of the first pressure roller 31-1 and connects the upper guide plate 35 and the upper cover 23. The upper cover 23 is integrally formed of, for example, a sheet metal that has been subjected to an appropriate surface treatment. As described above, the free guide end side of the upper guide unit 46 near the mass feeding unit 5 is swingable with respect to the lower guide plate 37 about the support shaft 45, that is, the upper guide including the upper guide plate 35. The unit 46 is configured to be openable and closable between a closed position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 5 and an open position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG.

  A knob 24 for opening and closing the upper guide unit 46 with respect to the lower guide plate 37 is attached to the upper surface of the upper cover 23 near the mass feeding unit 5 (sheet feeding mechanism unit 3). Thus, when a paper jam occurs in the intermediate transport unit 4, the upper guide unit 46, that is, the upper cover 23 together with the upper guide plate 35 can be opened by holding the knob 24, so that the jammed paper can be easily removed. it can. Also, when cleaning the pressure rollers 31-1 and 31-2 and the transport rollers 32-1 to 32-3, the upper cover 23 can be opened together with the upper guide plate 35. Also good. Also, paper dust and dirt adhering to the sensor surface of each of the sensors 50-1 to 50-7 made of a reflective photosensor can be easily removed.

  Further, by arranging the support shaft 45 as a swing fulcrum on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side, when removing jammed paper, a large space is available for handling, so that the work can be performed safely with a margin. it can. For example, when the support shaft 45 is disposed on the side of the large-volume feeding unit 5 opposite to the above, if the user tries to insert his hand from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side, the main body casing 107 becomes an obstacle as shown in FIG. It becomes difficult to put your hands.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the first pressure roller 31-1 is formed integrally with the shaft 31 a 1, and a pair of symmetrically disposed relative to the left and right ends of the shaft 31 a 1. The same applies to the second pressure roller 31-2. The first pressure roller 31-1 and the second pressure roller 31-2 are the support structure shown in FIGS. 6 and 10 (the first pressure roller 31-1 side is omitted but the same). The first and second pressure rollers 31-1 and 3-2 are both partially disposed on the upper guide plate so as to be rotatable between the upper cover 23 and the upper guide plate 35. It is arranged so as to protrude downward from the opening 35 b of the 35 and to face the paper conveyance path 18.

  The support structure includes a pair of left and right spring guides 42 that rotatably support the shafts 31a2 at both ends of the pair of second pressure rollers 31-2 and an upper guide plate 35 that are fixed to each other by welding. A pair of left and right upper and lower guide members 43 that are movably guided in the direction, a spring fixing member 41 that is fixed to the support member 40 with screws so as to cover the pair of spring guides 42 from above, and each spring guide 42 are integrally formed. It is mainly composed of a pair of left and right compression springs 44 interposed between an upward convex portion and a downward convex portion formed integrally with each spring fixing member 41.

  The spring guide 42 is appropriately selected from materials having low sliding contact resistance and good wear resistance in order to rotatably support the shaft 31a2. The compression spring 44 functions as an urging member that urges the outer peripheral surface of the second pressure roller 31-2 in a direction in which the outer peripheral surface of the second conveying roller 32-2 protrudes from the lower guide plate 37. Have. The side of the pair of first pressure rollers 31-1 is the same as above.

  Not limited to this embodiment, each pressure roller is arranged on the lower guide member side and each conveyance roller is arranged on the upper guide member side, and each pressure roller is urged in a direction in pressure contact with each conveyance roller. An urging member (for example, the compression spring) may be disposed on the lower guide member side.

  Next, the lower guide plate 37 and the upper part of the housing 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 7, 9, and 10. The lower guide plate 37 is attached and fixed to an upper portion of the box-shaped housing 7 opened upward by a fastening means such as a screw (not shown) via an appropriate reinforcing member. In the lower guide plate 37, eight openings 37a are formed at lower portions corresponding to the seven openings 35a formed in the upper guide plate 35 and the one opening 36a formed in the auxiliary upper guide plate 36, respectively. . These eight openings 37a are for transmitting each projection light corresponding to the first sensor 50-1 to the eighth sensor 50-8 attached to the upper guide plate 35, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, the lower guide plate 37 projects a part of each outer peripheral portion of the first conveyance roller 32-1 and the second conveyance roller 32-2 on the rear end side. Two openings 37b are formed on the front and rear and left and right sides. In addition, an opening 37b for projecting a part of the outer peripheral portion of the third transport roller 32-3 is formed in the central portion of the front end portion of the lower guide plate 37.

  As shown in FIG. 7, an inclined member 51 whose front end side is inclined downward is fixed to the front end portion of the lower guide plate 37. The inclined member 51 smoothly moves to the roller of the main body paper feed roller 111 and the lower end portion of the paper feed filler (not shown) when the mass paper feed transport unit 1 moves in the paper transport direction X so as to occupy the connection position shown in FIG. By abutting, the sheet feeding filler (not shown) is swung in a direction to engage with the appropriate height sensor 126 through the swinging of the sheet feeding arm (not shown).

  Positioning members 52 are fastened and fixed to the left and right ends of the lower guide plate 37 near the front end by screws. Each positioning member 52 is located on the left and right of the paper feed port 125 and fixed to the main body casing 107 when the large-volume paper feed unit 1 moves in the paper transport direction X so as to occupy the connection position shown in FIG. Positioning in the sheet width direction Y is performed with respect to the pair of sheet feeding side plates 107A. Abutting members 53 having a predetermined thickness are fastened and fixed to the left and right ends near the rear end of the lower guide plate 37 with screws. When the upper guide unit 46 (the upper cover 23 and the guide plate 35) occupies the closed position, the contact member 53 has a gap (for example, 1.2 mm paper) between the lower surface of the upper guide plate 35 and the upper surface of the lower guide plate 37. This is for forming a stable intermediate conveyance path 18 while keeping the height constant).

  As shown in FIG. 7, a part of the rear side wall 7 a of the housing 7 is shown on the rear side (right side in the drawing) of the lower guide plate 37. On the upper part of the left and right rear side walls 7a, a part of the through shaft 48 described above is rotatably supported via a bearing member. Opening and closing cams 49 having the same phase are fixed to the left and right ends of the through shaft 48, respectively. An opening / closing handle 55 as a fixing means is fixed to the left end of the through shaft 48.

  The opening / closing cam 49 is communicated with and formed with a groove portion (not shown) that slides along the fixed shaft 47 shown in FIG. 6 and a fitting portion (not shown) for locking and fixing. The opening / closing cam 49 and the opening / closing handle 55 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 represent a position state in which the upper guide unit 46 including the upper guide plate 35 is fixed at the closed position. That is, when the opening / closing handle 55 is swung clockwise in FIG. 7 with respect to the upper guide unit 46 in the closed position, the two opening / closing cams 49 are swung through the through shaft 48, thereby The open / close cams 49 are in phase with the fixed shafts 47 shown in FIG. 6, and the fitting portions engage with each other, so that the upper guide unit 46 can be reliably fixed in the vicinity of the closed position. On the auxiliary side plate 29 (not shown) on the right side (the back side of the paper surface, the non-operation side) of FIG. An open / close sensor 67 (shown in FIGS. 12 and 13) is fixed as a fixed state detecting means for detecting that the upper guide unit 46 including 35 is fixed / locked to the lower guide plate 37. The open / close sensor 67 is a transmissive sensor.

  In FIG. 7, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10, reference numeral 37c denotes a reinforcing rib that is convex upward. In addition to the reinforcing ribs 37c shown in the drawing, an appropriate number of reinforcing ribs 37c are also formed in the central portion of the lower guide plate 37. 5 and 7, reference numeral 54 indicates an upper sheet feeding plate fixed to the main body housing 6 side. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 56 indicates a stopper fixed to the rear side wall 7 a in the vicinity of each opening / closing cam 49. The stopper 56 abuts on the opening / closing cam 49 to restrict the open side position.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the upper guide plate 35 and the auxiliary upper guide plate 36 as the upper guide member constituting the upper guide member, and the lower guide plate 37 as the lower guide member opposed thereto. Since both of them extend in the vicinity of the paper feed opening 125, even if the paper P is thin and has a large variation in strength, such as a sheet of paper, the quality of the paper P is not stable. The paper P can be reliably transported and delivered from the paper mechanism unit 3 to the main body paper feed roller 111 on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side via the intermediate transport unit 4. There is an advantage that the leading edge of the paper P is not caught on the portion (referred to as a serrated portion formed on the outer peripheral portion of the roller), and the leading edge of the paper P is not broken, scratched, jammed, or the like.

  If the advantage as in the above-described embodiment is not desired, at least one of the upper guide member and the lower guide member extends in the vicinity of the main body paper feed table 110 or the paper feed port 125. It may be. Here, “extending” in the vicinity of the main body sheet feeding table 110 or the sheet feeding port 125 is understood by referring to FIG. This also includes the case where it is separated and independent from the plate 37.

  Next, the periphery of the housing 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8 to 10. The first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3 are stepping motors that are each driven by pulse input. Each of the motors 33-1 to 33-3 is provided with first to third driving force transmitting means 34-1 to 34-3 on a predetermined bottom wall 7c of the housing 7 via a motor bracket (not shown). It is attached and fixed by fastening means such as a screw so as to be finely movable so that the tension of each of the constituting timing belts can be adjusted.

  As long as the advantage as in the above embodiment is not required, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and for example, at least one driving unit (for example, a stepping motor) that rotationally drives each of the transport rollers 32-1 to 32-3. ). In this case, for example, an electromagnetic clutch or the like is provided on at least two of the transport rollers 32-1 to 32-3, and the driving force of the driving means (for example, a stepping motor) is connected / disconnected (ON / OFF) at an appropriate timing. Off) control.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a pair of first conveying rollers 32-1 is disposed at the left and right ends of the shaft 32a1. These first transport rollers 32-1 are rotatably supported by a first bracket 58 that is attached and fixed to the bottom wall 7c with screws through a shaft 32a1 and a bearing (not shown). A one-way clutch 61 as a unidirectional rotational driving force transmitting means is interposed between each first transport roller 32-1 and the shaft 32a1, and each first transport roller 32-1 is shown in FIG. The sheet P can be rotated only in the counterclockwise direction, that is, only in the direction in which the sheet P fed from the sheet feeding mechanism 3 is transported in the sheet transport direction X. The second transport roller 32-2 is also the same as described above, and is rotatably supported by a second bracket 59 that is attached and fixed to the bottom wall 7c with a screw via a shaft 32a2 and a bearing (not shown). The second conveyance roller 32-2 side is the same as above.

  As shown in FIG. 10, both the first and second transport rollers 32-1 and 32-2 both protrude upward from the opening 37 b of the lower guide plate 37 and face the paper transport path 18. Are arranged as follows. The 3rd conveyance roller 32-3 is arrange | positioned among the 1st-3rd conveyance rollers 32-1 to 32-3 at the most downstream side of the intermediate conveyance path 18, and consists of a single roller. The third transport roller 32-3 is rotatably supported by a third bracket 60 that is attached and fixed to the bottom wall 7c with a screw through a shaft 32a3 and a bearing (not shown). A one-way clutch 61 similar to the above is interposed between the third transport roller 32-3 and the shaft 32a3, and the third transport roller 32-3 is only counterclockwise in FIG. The paper P fed from the paper mechanism unit 3 can be rotated only in the direction in which the paper P is transported in the paper transport direction X.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the third transport roller 32-3 is also arranged so that a part of the outer peripheral portion protrudes upward from the opening 37b of the lower guide plate 37 and faces the paper transport path 18. The third transport roller 32-3 is a position facing the main body feed roller 111 on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side, and when the large-volume feed transport unit 1 occupies the connection position shown in FIG. The roller 111 is disposed at a predetermined position shown in the drawings of the casing 7 of the intermediate transport unit 4 so as to be able to sink under the outer peripheral surface of the roller 111 and be brought into pressure contact therewith.

  As shown in FIG. 9, on the inner side of the front wall 7b of the housing 7, a leaf spring 62 as a braking force applying means for applying an appropriate braking force to the third transport roller 32-3 is a fastening means such as a screw. Installed and fixed. The braking force by the leaf spring 62 is the second on the side where the rotational driving force of the third motor 33-3 is transmitted via the third driving force transmitting means 34-3 and the one-way clutch 61, as indicated by the solid line in FIG. It is given to the cored bar part 32b as the shaft part of the three transport rollers 32-3.

  Not limited to this, the braking force by the leaf spring 62 is the rotational driving force of the third motor 33-3 via the third driving force transmitting means 34-3 and the one-way clutch 61, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. May be applied to the third conveying roller 32-3 itself, which is also the side to which is transmitted. At this time, it is natural that the braking force is applied within a range in which an excessive load is not applied to the third motor 33-3 which is the durability and the driving means for the third conveying roller 32-3. By applying the appropriate braking force described above, it is possible to suppress the influence of the inertia during the conveyance of the third conveyance roller 32-3 and to secure a stable sheet stop position, and to improve the sheet conveyance accuracy.

  The one-way clutch 61 as a unidirectional rotational driving force transmission means is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and is disposed on the shaft portion of the third conveyance roller 32-3 disposed on the most downstream side of the intermediate conveyance path 18. May be. Further, the braking force by the leaf spring 62 as the braking force applying means is moderately including the second conveyance roller 32-2 and the first conveyance roller 32-1 arranged on the downstream side of the intermediate conveyance path 18. You may make it provide. In this case, it is preferable that the braking force by the leaf spring 62 is set to be larger as it approaches the main body paper supply roller 111 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100.

  The first driving force transmission means 34-1 is fixed to one end of the timing pulley 63-1 fixed to the output shaft (rotary shaft) of the first motor 33-1 and the shaft 32a1 of the first conveying roller 32-1. The timing pulley 64-1 and the timing belt 65-1 stretched between the timing pulley 63-1 and the timing pulley 64-1 are mainly configured.

  The second driving force transmission means 34-2 is fixed to one end portion of the timing pulley 63-2 fixed to the output shaft (rotary shaft) of the second motor 33-2 and the shaft 32a2 of the second transport roller 32-2. The timing pulley 64-2, and the timing belt 65-2 stretched between the timing pulley 63-2 and the timing pulley 64-2.

  Similarly, the third driving force transmission means 34-3 includes a timing pulley 63-3 fixed to the output shaft (rotary shaft) of the third motor 33-3 and a shaft 32a3 of the third transport roller 32-3. It is mainly composed of a timing pulley 64-3 fixed to one end portion, and a timing belt 65-3 stretched between the timing pulley 63-3 and the timing pulley 64-3.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 9, at the lower part of the housing 7, when the mass feeding unit 1 occupies the connection position shown in FIG. 1, it is arranged inside the main body feeding table 110. A sheet length sensor shutter mechanism 70-1 as a sheet length detection shutter mechanism for selectively shielding the sheet length sensor 128 opposite to the sheet length sensor 128 and a sheet presence / absence sensor 127 are selected. A sheet presence / absence sensor shutter mechanism 70-2 is provided as a sheet presence / absence detection shutter mechanism for shielding. Since the sheet length sensor shutter mechanism 70-1 and the sheet presence / absence sensor shutter mechanism 70-2 are configured in substantially the same manner, the detailed configuration of the sheet presence / absence sensor shutter mechanism 70-2 side will be described. The description of the length sensor shutter mechanism 70-1 side is omitted.

  As shown in detail in the front view of FIG. 9A and the side view of FIG. 9B, the sheet presence / absence sensor shutter mechanism 70-2 includes a shutter 71-2 as a shielding member and a pull type as a shielding driving means. This includes a solenoid 72-2, a tension spring 73-2 as an urging means, a shutter mechanism protection member 74-2, a fulcrum shaft 75-2, and a holder 76-2.

  The shutter mechanism protection member 74-2 is a non-moving member, and is made of, for example, a sheet metal, and is formed by being bent into a substantially U-shape when viewed from the front. The shutter mechanism protection member 74-2 and the bottom wall 7c of the casing 7 are attached and fixed to the lower surface of the bottom wall 7c by fastening means such as screws. On the bottom wall of the shutter mechanism protection member 74-2, an opening 74a2 through which projection light and reflected light from the paper presence / absence sensor 127 is transmitted is formed. On the right side surface in FIG. 9A of the shutter mechanism protection member 74-2, a holder 76-2 for attaching and fixing the solenoid 72-2 with screws and fixing the fulcrum shaft 75-2 with screws is attached and fixed. ing. As a result, the holder 76-2 becomes a stationary member in the same manner as the shutter mechanism protection member 74-2. A spring locking portion 76a2 that hooks and locks one end of the tension spring 73-2 is formed at the center right end of the holder 76-2 in FIG. 9B.

  The shutter 71-2 is made of, for example, a sheet metal, and a free end of the shutter 71-2 shields and reflects the light projected from the paper presence sensor 127 through the opening 74a2 as indicated by a solid line in FIG. 9B. As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 9B, the oscillating position around the fulcrum shaft 75-2 is freely swingable between the pseudo position without paper that transmits the projection light of the paper presence sensor 127. A spring locking portion 71a2 that hooks and locks the other end of the tension spring 73-2 is formed at the upper right end of the shutter 71-2 in FIG. 9B. In the upper left end of the shutter 71-2 in FIG. 9B, a fitting hole for loosely fitting the pin 72a2 press-fitted into the distal end portion of the plunger of the solenoid 72-2 is formed. The pin 72a2 of the solenoid 72-2 is connected to the shutter 71-2 through a pin insertion long hole (not shown) opened in the holder 76-2 and the fitting hole of the shutter 71-2.

  The lower portion of the shutter 71-2 is bent in an L shape, and an appropriate surface treatment for reflecting the projection light from the sheet presence sensor 127 is performed on the lower surface thereof to the same extent as the surface of the sheet. The tension spring 73-2 is stretched between the spring locking portion 76a2 of the holder 76-2 and the spring locking portion 71a2 of the shutter 71-2, and the free end (the lower surface in the drawing) of the shutter 71-2. Is always biased in the direction of swinging clockwise in FIG. Further, the urging force of the tension spring 73-2 assists the return of the plunger of the solenoid 72-2 and the pin 72a2 via the shutter 71-2.

  Here, the operation of the sheet presence sensor shutter mechanism 70-2 will be described in advance. When power is supplied to the solenoid 72-2 and the solenoid 72-2 is turned on, the plunger and the pin 72a2 are abbreviated as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B by the attractive force against the urging force of the tension spring 73-2. As a result, the free end of the shutter 71-2 swings counterclockwise in FIG. 9B around the fulcrum shaft 75-2, and is shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Occupied position without paper shown. On the other hand, when the power to the solenoid 72-2 is cut off and the solenoid 72-2 is turned off, the plunger and the pin 72a2 swing substantially upward in FIGS. 9A and 9B by the urging force of the tension spring 73-2. As a result, the free end of the shutter 71-2 swings clockwise around the fulcrum shaft 75-2 in FIG. 9B and occupies the dummy position with paper indicated by the solid line in FIG. 9B. It becomes.

  When the mass feeding / conveying unit 1 occupies the connection position shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 9, the solenoid 72-2 remains turned off by a command from a control device to be described later, whereby the free end of the shutter 71-2 is It is in a pseudo presence position with a sheet that shields and reflects the light projected by the sheet presence sensor 127. Then, when there is no sheet in the stacking unit 2 and the intermediate conveyance unit 4, the solenoid 72-2 is turned on by a command from the control device, so that the shutter 71-2 resists the urging force of the tension spring 73-2. 9 is swung counterclockwise in FIG. 9B and occupies a paperless dummy control position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 9B. The control device (not shown) on the side recognizes that there is no paper. On the other hand, if there is a sheet in the intermediate transport unit 4, the solenoid 72-2 is turned off by a command from the control unit, and the free end of the shutter 71-2 is in the dummy presence position with the sheet as described above, and the stencil printing apparatus When the control device on the main body 100 side recognizes that there is a sheet, the sheet can be passed from the intermediate conveyance unit 4 to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side.

  The shutter mechanism 70-2 for the sheet presence / absence sensor is compared with the shutter mechanism 70-1 for the sheet length sensor when the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 occupies the connection position shown in FIG. 2 is mainly different in that it has a function of contacting and positioning with the inclined member 51 by contacting the front plate 124 of the main body sheet feeding unit 104. Therefore, the sheet length sensor shutter mechanism 70-1 has substantially the same components as the sheet presence / absence sensor shutter mechanism 70-2, although the shape of the shutter mechanism 70-1 is partially different. The description will be omitted by adding the numeral 1 after.

  In FIG. 8, reference numeral 77 denotes a rotation axis for printing center alignment (width adjustment of the paper P). One end of the rotating shaft 77 is cut off by a male screw (not shown). This is achieved by screwing a male screw at one end of the rotating shaft 77 into a screwing member (not shown) having a female screw cut on the upper part of the pair of left and right auxiliary side plates 29 of the main body housing 6. The width direction of the paper P is adjusted using the movement of the paper P in the paper width direction Y. An operating handle 77A for manual operation is attached and fixed to the other end of the rotating shaft 77 as shown in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 11 to FIG. 13, an electrical control configuration for controlling the operation of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 described later will be described. In order to simplify the drawing, the sensors 26, 27, 66, 67, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 are shown in a triangular shape, and the motors 22, 28, 33-1 to 33-3, the solenoids 72-1, 72-2 and the like are also schematically and simply shown. In FIGS. 11 to 13, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 are illustrated as if they are arranged on the lower guide plate 37 side, but this is only a description of the control configuration and operation. The first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 are still arranged on the upper guide plate 35 side as described above.

  First, based on FIG. 11, the arrangement state of the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 will be supplementarily described. Specifically, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 are arranged on the upper guide plate 35 with a dimensional interval shown in FIG. 11 from upstream to downstream along the paper conveyance direction X in the intermediate conveyance path 18. Arranged and fixed. This is based on the fact that the length of the paper P along the paper transport direction X is set corresponding to each of 10 types of paper sizes as shown in FIG. 11 and 15, for example, the A3Y (horizontal) size means that the length along the paper conveyance direction X is 420 mm, and the A4T (vertical) size means that the length along the paper conveyance direction X is A DLY (double letter) size of 210 mm represents that the length along the paper transport direction X is the longest 432 mm in the present embodiment.

  Corresponding to the DLY size, the sheet conveyance length of the intermediate conveyance path 18 is set to 480 mm. In FIG. 11, the second pressure roller 31-2 and the second conveyance roller 32-2 are formed from the center of the nip formed by the first pressure roller 31-1 and the first conveyance roller 32-1. A distance of 170 mm from the center of the nip portion to the center of the nip portion formed by the second pressure roller 31-2 and the second transport roller 32-2, and the third transport of the main body feed roller 111 on the main body feed portion 104 side. A distance of 170 mm to the center of the nip formed by the roller 32-3 is also illustrated.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the main positions of the printing unit 102, the main body paper feeding unit 104, and the intermediate transport unit 4 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 in a state where the large-volume paper feeding / conveying unit 1 occupies the connection position. An example of the relationship will be supplemented. The distance from the center of the nip portion to the center of the nip portion of the registration roller pair 114 in the pressed state between the printing drum 115 and the press roller 116 is about 120 mm, and the main body feed roller 111 and the third transport roller from the center of the nip portion of the registration roller pair 114 The distance from the center of the nip between the printing drum 115 and the press roller 116 between the main body feed roller 111 and the third transport roller 32-3 is about 120 mm. The distance to the nip center is about 240 mm. Therefore, when B5T (182 mm) of the shortest size is used to feed from the intermediate conveyance unit 4 to the main body sheet feeding unit 104, B5T from the point that the tip of B5T reaches the nip portion between the printing drum 115 and the press roller 116. The part where the rear end is located is between the registration roller pair 114 and the main body separation roller 112.

  The upper and lower rollers of the registration roller pair 114 are configured so as to be able to contact and separate with respect to the lower roller by a contact / separation mechanism having a biasing means such as a timing cam or a tension spring (not shown). Yes. With this configuration, in the state where the leading edge of the sheet is completely sandwiched between the printing drum 115 and the press roller 116 with a certain length, the upper roller of the registration roller pair 114 is moved downward by the contact / separation mechanism. A load caused by pressure contact at the nip portion of the registration roller pair 114 away from the rollers is not applied to the rotation of the paper and the printing drum 115. For the same purpose, a driving force transmission means connected to the main body separation roller 112 and the main body paper feed roller 111 by a one-way clutch interposed between the shaft portions of the main body separation roller 112 and the main body paper feed roller 111 and a feed The load by the paper motor 122 (stepping motor) or the like is not applied to the conveyed paper and the rotation of the printing drum 115 as much as possible.

  In the present embodiment, the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3, which are common stepping motors, are used. Therefore, the intermediate transport path 18 having a predetermined distance as described above, When transporting paper between the paper transport paths on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side, the paper transport distance (or paper transport amount) can be controlled by the number of pulses supplied to each stepping motor. Paper conveyance can be performed. The same applies to a registration motor (not shown) including a paper feeding motor 22, a paper feeding motor 122 on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side, and a stepping motor that rotationally drives the registration roller pair 114 of the main body paper feeding unit 104.

  With reference to FIG. 12, the control component used by this embodiment including the supplementary description of the control component mentioned above is demonstrated. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 78 indicated by a two-dot chain line indicates a power supply board, reference numeral 78a indicates a power cable for connection with, for example, a commercial external power source, and reference numeral 79 indicated by a two-dot chain line indicates a control device described later. Reference numeral 80 denotes a power switch for connecting / disconnecting power supplied to the entire large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 via the power cable 78a and the like, and reference numeral 81 denotes a large-volume feeding / conveying unit. Reference numeral 82 designates a reset switch as an initial set setting means for initializing the operation of 1, that is, giving an instruction to start to an initialization (or initial set) state, and reference numeral 82 controls the lifting motor 28 by pressing and operating for a predetermined time. The sheet feed table lowering switch for setting the final lowering position of the large-volume sheet feeding table 10 is denoted by 83 and the sheet P is conveyed from the intermediate conveying unit 4 to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. A paper feed availability indicator as a paper feed availability notification means for notifying and displaying that a paper feed / printable state is available. Reference numeral 84 denotes a sheet P transported from the intermediate transport unit 4 to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. A paper feed disabling indicator serving as a paper feed disabling / notifying means for informing and displaying that the paper cannot be fed and cannot be printed is shown.

  The power switch 80 is provided on the left side wall on the operation side, and the reset switch 81, the paper feed table lowering switch 82, the paper feed enable indicator 83 and the paper feed disable indicator 84 are the main body that should also be called the operation panel of the mass feed unit 1. Arranged at the top of the housing 6. When replenishing and adding paper to the mass feeding table 10 of the stacking unit 2, the paper feeding table lowering switch 82 lowers the mass feeding table 10 by an amount corresponding to the addition and supplies the paper. When a jam or the like occurs in the paper feed mechanism unit 3 or the like, the operation is performed when the large-volume paper feed base 10 is slightly lowered to perform the processing or the like.

  The paper feed enable indicator 83 is, for example, a green LED (light emitting diode), and the paper feed disable indicator 84 is, for example, a red LED. The paper feed ready indicator 83 is controlled to be lit and displayed by a control device (to be described later) based on an ON signal or the like from the open / close sensor 67 when the upper guide unit 46 occupies the closed position and is fixed / locked. The The paper feed disable indicator 84 is based on an OFF signal from the open / close sensor 67 when the upper guide unit 46 occupies the open position or is not fixed or locked, and the first to eighth sensors 50-. Based on a signal indicating a stagnation / jam (paper jam) state of the paper P within a predetermined time from 1 to 50-8, control is performed so that the light is displayed by a control device described later.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the main control configuration of the mass feed / conveyance unit 1. In the figure, a control device 85 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 86, a RAM (read / write storage device) 87, a timer 88 as timing means, a ROM (read only storage device) 89 as storage means, and the like. CPU 86 and ROM 89 are connected by address bus 90 and data bus 91, and CPU 86, RAM 87 and timer 88 are each connected by a signal bus (not shown). The control device 85 is provided in the arrangement portion of the control board 79 shown in FIG.

  The CPU 86 includes an appropriate height sensor 26 and a lower limit sensor 27 provided on the mass feeding unit 5 side, a sheet presence / absence sensor 66 disposed on the mass feeding table 10, a plurality of sheet size sensors (not shown), a power switch 80, The first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-1 provided on the side of the intermediate conveyance unit 4 through the reset switch 81, the paper feed table lowering switch 82, the sensor input circuits and switch input circuits (not shown), and the input port 92. 50-8, the open / close sensor 67 and each sensor input circuit and input port 92 (not shown) are electrically connected to each other, and receive various signals from these sensors and switches. Note that an encoder sensor 151 indicated by a two-dot chain line as a control component of the intermediate transport unit 4 is not provided in the present embodiment, and is used in a modification described later.

  The CPU 86 includes a paper feed motor 22, a lift motor 28, a paper feed enable indicator 83, a paper feed disable indicator 84, a motor drive circuit (not shown), a light emitting diode drive circuit (not shown), and an output provided on the mass feed unit 5 side. The first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3, the paper length sensor solenoid 72-1, and the paper presence / absence sensor solenoid 72-2 provided on the intermediate conveyance unit 4 side via the port 93 are illustrated. The motor drive circuit, solenoid drive circuit, and output port 93 are electrically connected to each other, and are based on various signals from the sensors and switches and programs related to operations called from the ROM 89. , Send various command signals for controlling the operation of the motors, the indicators, the solenoids, etc. Serial activation of the control target device, and controls the system of the whole operation, such as stopping and timing.

  In the ROM 89, a program and a control / calculation function (hereinafter simply referred to as “function”) of the CPU 86 shown in a flowchart to be described later showing an operation of the entire mass feeding / conveying unit 1 or a sheet conveying operation flow are shown. Various related data are stored, and these operation programs and related data are appropriately called by the CPU 86. The RAM 87 has a function of temporarily storing the calculation results of the CPU 86, a function of storing various signals such as various on / off signals and data signals input from the respective switches and the respective sensors as needed. ing. The timer 88 starts the conveyance of the paper P on the sensors 50-1 to 50-8 in response to the start of paper feeding by the main body paper feeding roller 111 by the activation of the paper feeding motor 122 on the stencil printing machine main body 100 side. It has a function as time measuring means for measuring the time between the sensors 50-1 to 50-8 when the trailing edge of the paper P moves.

  The CPU 86 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “control device 85” for convenience of description) performs a reset, which is an initialization time when the conveyance of one sheet P onto each of the sensors 50-1 to 50-8 is completed. Based on the signals from the respective sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the paper size is determined, and a control means for performing control for changing the paper conveyance control system of each of the conveyance rollers 32-1 to 32-3. 1 function.

  In the reset state, the paper P is positioned on the third transport roller 32-3 disposed on the most downstream side of the intermediate transport path 18, and the front end of the paper P is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. A position where paper can be fed by the paper feed roller 111, that is, a paper stop position P0 shown in FIG. Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 11, the stop position P0 advances in the paper transport direction X by about 38.5 mm from the center of the nip formed when the main body paper feed roller 111 and the third transport roller 32-3 are in pressure contact with each other. It is set to the position. Hereinafter, the state in which the leading edge of the paper P temporarily stops at the stop position P0 may be expressed as “occupy the reset position” or “at the reset position”.

  In other words, the first function of the control device 85 (CPU 86) is that each of the sensors 50-1 to 50-1 is initialized at the time when the conveyance of one sheet P onto each of the sensors 50-1 to 50-8 is completed. Based on the signal from 50-8, when the paper size is determined and each motor 33-1 to 33-3 is controlled so as to switch the paper conveyance control method of each of the conveyance rollers 32-1 to 32-3. In other words.

  When the control device 85 (CPU 86) exhibits the first function, the control device 85 (CPU 86) takes into account a signal related to the measurement time obtained by measuring the time between any of the preset sensors 50-1 to 50-8 from the timer 88. In addition to the first function, it has a second function as a control unit that performs control to change the sheet conveyance speed.

  In the present embodiment, the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3, which are common stepping motors, are used, and therefore the sheet conveyance speeds of the first to third conveyance rollers 32-1 to 32-3 ( The change of the circumferential speed or the rotation speed is to change the frequency (pps: pulse per second) of pulses supplied to the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3 by the control device 85 (CPU 86), that is, the pulse interval. Can be easily and accurately performed by changing the speed (acceleration if the pulse interval is narrowed, constant speed at a constant interval, and deceleration if the pulse interval is widened).

  Next, before explaining the details of the specific control operation of the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 in the off-line state, the basic control contents of the sheet conveying operation in the intermediate conveying unit 4 will be explained based on FIG. deep. In the figure, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the first sheet P1 and the next sheet P2 are used by using first to third sensors 50-1 to 50-3 arranged at a predetermined interval in the sheet conveyance direction X. A paper conveyance control system relating to the positions of the leading ends and the trailing ends of the heads will be briefly described. Hereinafter, the front sheet P1 refers to a sheet that is placed on the intermediate conveyance path 18 of the intermediate conveyance unit 4 and is taken into the main body sheet feeding unit 104. Refers to a sheet that is continuously fed and conveyed following the previous sheet P1 to the intermediate conveyance path 18. For general purposes, the previous sheet P1 can be rewritten as Pn, and the next sheet P2 can be rewritten as Pn + 1. However, n is a natural number.

  First, as shown in FIG. 14A, since the rear end of the previous sheet P1 does not pass through the second sensor 50-2, the leading end of the next sheet P2 is located at the most upstream in the sheet transport direction X. It stops at the position before being detected by the sensor 50-1. However, in this case, even after the leading edge of the next sheet P2 is detected by the first sensor 50-1, the next sheet P2 incorporates the inertia of the conveying roller corresponding thereto (the one-way clutch 61 as described above is incorporated. Therefore, it can be regarded as the inertia of the conveyance roller) and stop at a slow speed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the rear end of the front sheet P1 passes through the second sensor 50-2 (shielding / reflection → transmission of the reflection type sensor), the conveyance of the next sheet P2 is started. The next paper P2 is conveyed and advanced until the leading edge of the next paper P2 is detected by the second sensor 50-2. Whether the next sheet P2 is transported downstream in the sheet transport direction X or is stopped or not depends on the positional relationship between the rear end of the previous sheet P1 and the third sensor 50-3 and the sheet length along the sheet transport direction X. It differs depending on the size (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “paper size”).

  As shown in FIG. 14C, when the rear end of the front paper P1 passes through the third sensor 50-3, the next paper P2 is shown in FIG. 2 without reducing its speed (paper transport speed). As shown by the dashed line, the tip of the second sensor 50-2 can pass to reach the third sensor 50-3. However, when the rear end of the front sheet P1 does not pass through the third sensor 50-3, the next sheet P2 stops at the position of the second sensor 50-2 as shown by the solid line in FIG.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the positions of the leading ends and the trailing ends of the front paper P1 and the next paper P2 are always detected by the sensors 50-1 to 50-8, and the rear edge of the front paper P1 is detected. The sheet conveyance control method is switched so that the next sheet P2 can be sequentially conveyed without contacting the leading edge thereof. In other words, a preset sheet conveyance control pattern is selected from the ROM 89, and each conveyance roller 32-1 is selected. Specific control for changing the sheet conveying speed of ˜32 to 3 is performed. According to the present embodiment, the ten types of paper sizes shown in FIGS. 11 and 15 can be detected by the minimum of eight sensors 50-1 to 50-8, so that the paper size detection configuration is simplified and the cost is reduced. We can plan down.

  Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the eight sensors 50-1 to 50-8 arranged in the intermediate conveyance path 18 as in the present embodiment, for example, but includes the first to Nth sensors 50-1 to 50-1. 50-N, where N is generally replaced with a natural number and arranged in large numbers (for example, more than 8), and even when the intermediate conveyance path 18 is extended longer than described above, the front sheet P1 (Pn ) For example, the start / stop of each of the transport rollers 32-1 to 32-3 and the sheet transport speed can be changed so that the rear end and the front end of the next sheet P2 (Pn + 1) can be sequentially conveyed. Even when three or more sheets P are placed on the first to Nth sensors 50-1 to 50-N, it is of course possible to control by increasing the number of conveying rollers according to the size of the sheet to be conveyed. It is.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment example, and a plurality of intermediate conveyance sections are arranged at intervals from the upstream to the downstream of the intermediate conveyance path, and convey the paper fed from the paper feed mechanism section. A plurality of paper conveying means for detecting the paper size by detecting at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the paper that is arranged at intervals from the upstream to the downstream of the intermediate conveying path. It may have first to Nth sensors 50-1 to 50-N as sheet detecting means.

  With reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 15 to FIG. 18, a specific sheet transport operation of the large-volume sheet transport unit 1, particularly in the intermediate transport unit 4, by the control device 85 will be described. As specifically shown in FIG. 11, the detection of the paper length size in the present embodiment is performed by using one sensor P 50-1 to 50-for each sheet P through an operation at the time of reset shown in FIG. 8, after the completion of the conveyance up, that is, in FIG. 11, the one sheet P, that is, the leading end of the front sheet P1, is nipped by the nip portion between the main body feed roller 111 and the third conveyance roller 32-3. At the stop position P <b> 0 stopped at this time, the controller 85 determines based on the signals from the sensors 50-1 to 50-8.

  By the way, at the time of resetting, the longest DLY size and A3Y size paper P in the paper transport direction X is above these sensors from the eighth sensor 50-8 to the first sensor 50-1 (strictly below the sensor). , The eighth sensor 50-8 to the first sensor 50-1 are turned on, so that it is determined that the maximum paper length is reached. In addition, in the shortest B5T size paper P, in FIG. 11, the eighth sensor 50-8 to the fifth sensor 50-5 are positioned on these sensors from the eighth sensor 50-8 to the fifth sensor 50-5. Although it should be determined that the shortest paper length is obtained when the fifth sensor 50-5 is turned on, it is determined that the shortest paper length is obtained when the sixth sensor 50-6 is turned on / off for the following reason. ing.

  That is, in the chart of FIG. 15, the conveyance stop state at the time of resetting the shortest paper P: B5T size in the embodiment is particularly 16 rpm or 30 rpm (plate making with the adhesive force of ink on the outer peripheral surface of the printing drum 115 shown in FIG. When trying to achieve the printing speed on the lower side of the rotation speed of the printing drum 115 (which is also the paper conveyance speed corresponding to the peripheral speed) at the time of printing or trial printing for bringing the heat-sensitive stencil master in close contact, Since the sheet P is short, it is not sandwiched / conveyed by any two of the first to third sheet conveying units 30-1 to 30-3 (the pressure roller 31 and the conveying roller 32). A state exists, and thereby the leaf spring 6 shown in FIG. 9 is caused by the inertia of the third transport roller 32-3 located at the most downstream of the first to third transport rollers 32-1 to 32-3. The fifth sensor 50-5 may overrun despite the braking force caused by the above, so that the sixth sensor 50-6 is reliably detected in the on / off state with the allowance. It is.

  In the chart of FIG. 15, “other speed” is a printing speed during normal printing, and can include, for example, 60 to 120 rpm. “Initial sheet trailing edge position: between sensors (... 0 −−− 5)” corresponds to the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 that detect the trailing edge of one sheet P at the time of resetting. Indicates the sensor number. In this example, the sensor number “0” represents the arrangement position of the separation roller 12. Further, the “second sheet take-in sensor” means that the next sheet can be started to be taken in from the sheet feeding mechanism unit 3 without contacting the leading edge of the next sheet following the rear end of the previous sheet in the reset state. The sensor number indicating that the sensor detecting the rear end position of the front paper is turned off when the front paper is taken in and conveyed to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. The sensor numbers of the second sheet take-in sensors correspond to the numbers of transport types 1 to 6 described later, as shown in parentheses in the table. In this sense, the second sheet take-in sensor in the case of the B5T size paper P includes the fifth sensor 50-5 in addition to the sixth sensor 50-6 shown in the table from the above description.

  Based on the above description, the paper transport control pattern related to the paper transport control method when transporting the paper P separated and fed from the large-volume paper feeding unit 5 is classified into the following six transport types. can do. That is, when the leading edge of the front sheet P1 in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 is held by the rotation start of the paper feed roller 111 on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side, the control of at which point the conveyance of the next sheet P2 is started. That is why. In this embodiment, since the intermediate transport path 18 is relatively short, only one sheet P is sequentially transported. However, if the intermediate transport path of the intermediate transport unit is long, the intermediate transport path depends on the respective paper length size. Needless to say, the conveyance control can be performed only for the number of sheets P to be loaded.

The following conveyance type 5 and conveyance type 6 are subjected to the same sheet conveyance control process from the above-described contents.
Conveyance type 1: ON state from eighth sensor 50-8 to first sensor 50-1 Conveyance type 2: ON state from eighth sensor 50-8 to second sensor 50-2 Conveyance type 3: eighth sensor 50-8 To ON state from third sensor 50-3 Conveyance type 4: ON state from eighth sensor 50-8 to fourth sensor 50-4 Conveyance type 5: ON state from eighth sensor 50-8 to fifth sensor 50-5 Conveyance type 6: 8th sensor 50-8 to 6th sensor 50-6 are in ON state The flowchart shown in FIG. 16 shows the conveyance type 1 to conveyance type 6 that is called from ROM 89 after the reset operation is completed by the controller 85 (CPU 86). The transfer control branch process contents are shown. First, in step S1 in the figure, it is determined whether or not the trailing edge of one sheet P is positioned at the first sensor 50-1 at the time of reset. If the trailing edge of the paper P is positioned at the first sensor 50-1 (first sensor 50-1 ON), the process proceeds to step S4, and the paper conveyance control subroutine program for the conveyance type 1 is executed. If the trailing edge of the paper P is not positioned at the first sensor 50-1 (first sensor 50-1 OFF), the process proceeds to step S2, and the trailing edge of the paper P is positioned at the second sensor 50-2. It is determined whether or not. If the trailing edge of the paper P is positioned at the second sensor 50-2, the process proceeds to step S5, and a paper conveyance control subroutine program related to the conveyance type 2 is executed. If the trailing edge of the paper P is not positioned at the second sensor 50-2, it is determined whether or not the trailing edge of the paper P is positioned at the third sensor 50-3. Hereinafter, since it becomes the same content, the description including the conveyance types 3-5 in the middle is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, referring to FIG. 15 to FIG. 18, paper transport control of other speed and short size (A4Y, B5Y, letter Y size shown in FIG. 15) in the transport type 3 executed under the control of the control device 85. An example is given. As intermediate conveyance conditions, each motor speed is set in advance as standard, and the sheet conveyance speed by the paper feed roller 11, the separation roller 12, and the first to third conveyance rollers 32-1 to 32-3 is constant. The paper feed motor 22 and the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3 are controlled. The paper conveyance speed at this time is set substantially corresponding to the maximum printing speed of 120 rpm (corresponding to 1130 mm / sec in terms of paper conveyance speed) by the printing drum 115 (in the embodiment, slightly higher than the equivalent of 1130 mm / sec). The speed is set to 1370 mm / sec). Control (not shown) on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side so that the sheet conveyance speed by the main body feed roller 111 and main body separation roller 112 on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is also the same as above (in the example, 1272 mm / sec). The paper feed motor 122 is controlled by the apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the initial sheet rear end position of the short size conveyance type 3 is between the third sensor 50-3 and the second sensor 50-2, and the second sheet take-in sensor is the third sensor. Sensor 50-3 (when turned off). The state of the sheet shown in FIG. 17 is one front sheet after completion of the reset operation in which one of the uppermost sheets P on the large-volume sheet feeding table 10 is separated and taken out and fed to the intermediate conveyance path 18. P1 is shown. The reset stop state of the front sheet P1 indicates the conveyance type 3 in which the eighth sensor 50-8 to the third sensor 50-3 are turned on, and the conveyance control in the conveyance type 3 is performed.

  Next, the process advances from the state where the previous sheet P1 occupied the reset position shown in FIG. 17 to the state shown in FIG. In other words, the main body paper feed roller 111 is driven by the start / start of the paper feed motor 122 on the stencil printing machine main body 100 side so that the main body paper feed roller 111 corresponds to a constant rotational speed (as described above, the maximum printing speed 120 rpm (circumferential speed) of the printing drum 115. The front paper P1 held between the main body paper supply roller 111 and the third conveyance roller 32-3 is rotated in the clockwise direction at the peripheral speed of the paper supply roller 111 (that is, the paper conveyance speed). The paper is taken into and fed to the paper feed unit 104. At this time, since the third transport roller 32-3 receives an appropriate paper feed pressure from the main body feed roller 111, the front paper P1 and the high friction surface (rubber surface) of the outer peripheral surface of the third transport roller 32-3 Due to this friction, it starts to rotate counterclockwise and follow as shown by the broken line in FIG. 18A in accordance with the movement of the front paper P1. The load on the third motor 33-3 at this time is small enough to be ignored by the action of the one-way clutch 61 built in the shaft portion of the third transport roller 32-3.

  Hereinafter, with respect to the rotation of the main body paper supply roller 111, the transport rollers 33-1 to 33-3, the separation roller 12, the paper supply roller 11, etc., the solid line indicates rotation by itself, and the broken line indicates rotation. A distinction will be made as representing the driven rotation.

  In this way, when the front sheet P1 advances to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side, the rear end thereof comes out of the third sensor 50-3, and the third sensor 50-3 to the first sensor 50-1 are both turned off, the sheet feeding motor 22 Is started (rotation drive is started), and the paper feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12 start to rotate clockwise, whereby the next paper P2 is separated into one sheet and started to be conveyed toward the intermediate conveyance path 18. The At this time, the leading edge of the next sheet P2 is detected by the first sensor 50-1. At the same time, when the first motor 33-1 is activated, the first transport roller 32-1 starts to rotate counterclockwise, so that the next sheet P2 is in contact with the first transport roller 32-1 and the first transport roller 32-1. The paper is rotated and conveyed while being sandwiched by one pressure roller 31-1 and conveyed downstream in the paper conveyance direction X.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 18B, the next paper P2 is conveyed while checking the rear end position of the front paper P1 by the two sensors of the fourth sensor 50-4 and the fifth sensor 50-5. . In this case, the third sensor 50-3 is on and the leading edge of the next paper P2 has reached the sensor 50-3, and the fifth sensor 50-5 is on rather than off, and is behind the front paper P1. Since the edge is on the same sensor 50-5, both the fourth sensor 50-4 and the fifth sensor 50-5 corresponding to the sheet conveyance between the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1 and the leading edge of the next sheet P2 are both turned off. The next sheet P2 is controlled so as to stop at the position shown in FIG.

  As described above, the sheet P that is started to be transported from the large-volume sheet feeding table 10 is subjected to (1) the last few sensors 50 (varies depending on the sheet length) for the rear end check of the front sheet P1. Check the space. (2) The next sheet P2 can advance to the next sensor 50 when the rear end of the previous sheet P1 is not on the predetermined number of sensors 50 (that is, the previous sheet P1 is advanced). If the front paper P1 is not advanced, the process stops until the front paper P1 advances. (3) Return to (1) above when the leading edge of the next sheet P2 reaches the next sensor 50. The paper conveyance control is repeated such that this is repeated up to a fixed conveyance position (a position where the trailing edge of the paper P passes the eighth sensor 50-8).

  Next, the conveyance type executed under the control of the control device 85 with reference to the chart of FIG. 15, the paper conveyance transition state of FIGS. 19 to 20, the flowcharts of FIGS. 21 to 24, and the timing chart of FIG. 25. An example of paper conveyance control of a paper conveyance speed of 3, 30 rpm, which is 3 and a printing speed, and a short size (A4Y, B5Y, letter Y size shown in FIG. 15) will be described in detail.

  FIG. 25 shows the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-50 in the case where the leading edge of the next sheet P2 does not catch up with the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1 in the sheet conveyance control operation shown in FIGS. 8 shows an example of a timing chart relating to ON / OFF of -8, each of the paper feed motor 22 and the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3 being turned on (started) and turned off (stopped). The flowcharts of FIGS. 21 to 24 start from step S10. In step S10, each motor speed is preset in advance as described above. In this example, the stop state of one front sheet P1 after the end of the reset operation is the same as that shown in FIG. 17 (the conveyance type in which the eighth sensor 50-8 to the third sensor 50-3 are on). 3).

  Next, from the state where the front paper P1 occupied the reset position shown in FIG. 17, the front paper P1 is moved to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side by the operation on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side described above, as shown in FIG. When the process proceeds to step S11, it is determined whether or not the rear end of the front sheet P1 has come off from the third sensor 50-3 and the third sensor 50-3 to the first sensor 50-1 are both turned off (step S11). . That is, here, the second sheet take-in sensor shown in FIG. 15 is checked. Since the third sensor 50-3, which is the second sheet take-in sensor, is turned off, the paper feed motor 22 is started (rotation driving is started), whereby the paper feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12 are rotated clockwise. As a result, the next sheet P2 is separated into one sheet and is transported toward the intermediate transport path 18. At this time, the leading edge of the next sheet P2 is detected by the first sensor 50-1. At the same time, when the first motor 33-1 is activated, the first transport roller 32-1 starts to rotate counterclockwise, so that the next sheet P2 is in contact with the first transport roller 32-1 and the first transport roller 32-1. The paper is rotated and conveyed while being sandwiched by one pressure roller 31-1 and conveyed downstream in the paper conveyance direction X. The paper feed motor 22 is automatically stopped after being driven to transport the leading end of the next paper P2 to the first transport roller 32-1 via the paper feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12 (step S12). In step S11, when the third sensor 50-3 remains off, the determination processing operation is repeated. In step S12, the time measurement by the timer 88 of the control device 85 is started, and the passing time when the rear end of the front sheet P1 moves / passes the third sensor 50-3 to the fifth sensor 50-5 is measured. (See FIG. 15).

  Next, in step S13, it is determined whether or not the second sensor 50-2 is turned on based on the arrival position of the leading edge of the next sheet P2. When the leading edge of the next sheet P2 does not reach the second sensor 50-2 and the sensor 50-2 is turned off, the same determination processing operation is repeated (hereinafter, description of such a flow is obvious from the flowchart). Omitted). If the second sensor 50-2 is on, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, it is determined whether or not the front sheet P1 is conveyed and the fourth sensor 50-4 is turned off. When the 4th sensor 50-4 is OFF, it progresses to Step S15 and the 2nd motor 33-2 starts. On the other hand, in step S14, when the fourth sensor 50-4 remains on, that is, the rear end of the front sheet P1 is positioned on the fourth sensor 50-4, the sensor 50-4 is on. If no, the rotational drive of the first motor 33-1 is temporarily stopped so that the leading edge of the next paper P2 does not advance to the third sensor 50-3 (step S35). At this time, the third sensor 50-3 is off and the trailing edge of the front sheet P1 passes through the third sensor 50-3, but the fourth sensor 50-4 remains on and the trailing edge of the front sheet P1. Is on the fourth sensor 50-4, the leading edge of the next sheet P2 cannot be conveyed to the third sensor 50-3. That is, until both the third sensor 50-3 and the fourth sensor 50-4 between the sheet conveyance (between the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1 and the leading edge of the next sheet P2) are turned off and become empty. The conveyance control is performed so that the sheet P2 stops on the intermediate conveyance path 18 between the second sensor 50-2 and the third sensor 50-3.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the front sheet P1 has advanced and the fourth sensor 50-4 has been turned off (step S36). When the fourth sensor 50-4 is off, the process proceeds to step S37, and both the first and second motors 33-1 and 33-2 are activated. Steps S13 to S15 and Steps S35 to S37 described above serve as a basic pattern of the transport position check at the rear end of the previous paper P1 and the front end of the next paper P2. The following operations are essentially a repetition of such a basic pattern.

  Next, in FIG. 19B and step S16, it is determined whether or not the next sheet P2 is conveyed and the third sensor 50-3 is turned on. Here, when the next sheet P2 is transported and the third sensor 50-3 is turned on by the arrival of the leading edge, the process proceeds to step S17 shown in FIG. 22, and the previous sheet P1 is transported and the fifth sensor 50-5 is turned off. It is determined whether or not it has been done. In step S17, when the front sheet P1 is transported and the trailing edge passes through the fifth sensor 50-5 and the fifth sensor 50-5 is turned off, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, when the front paper P1 advances and the trailing edge passes through the fifth sensor 50-5, based on the signal related to the measurement time by the timer 88 of the control device 85, the CPU 86 determines that it is preset. If it exceeds the time, the front paper P1 is regarded as low speed, that is, the paper transport speed of the front paper P1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “previous paper transport speed”) is low speed (for example, 15, 30 rpm less than 60 rpm), In order to prevent the leading edge of the next sheet P2 from catching up and colliding with the rear end of the preceding sheet P1, both the first and second motors 33-1 and 33-2 are temporarily stopped so that the next sheet P2 does not advance. The sheet conveyance speed by the sheet feeding roller 11, the separation roller 12, and the first to third conveyance rollers 32-1 to 32-3 is low (for example, corresponding to 15, 30 rpm less than 60 rpm), respectively. The rotation speeds of the paper feed motor 22 and the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3, which are stepping motors, are controlled (steps S18 to S20).

  Next, the first and second motors 33-1 and 33-2 are activated so as to rotate the first and second transport rollers 32-1 and 32-2 at the low paper transport speed switched in step S20. (Step S21). On the other hand, in step S17, the previous sheet P1 is not conveyed and the trailing edge is positioned on the fifth sensor 50-5, so that the next sheet P2 does not advance when the sensor 50-5 is on. Thus, both the first and second motors 33-1 and 33-2 are temporarily stopped (step S38).

  Next, the process proceeds to step S39, and the process from step S17 to step S19 is performed in the same manner as the series of control processing operations from step S17 to step S19. Next, the process proceeds to step S42, and the sheet conveyance speed by the paper feed roller 11, the separation roller 12, and the first to third conveyance rollers 32-1 to 32-3 is low (for example, corresponding to 15, 30 rpm less than 60 rpm). Thus, the rotational speeds of the paper feed motor 22 and the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3, each of which is a stepping motor, are controlled to be switched.

  Next, the first and second motors 33-1 and 33-2 are activated so as to rotate the first and second transport rollers 32-1 and 32-2 at the low paper transport speed switched in step S42. Thus, the next sheet P2 is conveyed (step S43).

  The series of control processing operations from step S18 to step S21 described above represents a case where the leading edge of the next sheet P2 does not catch up with the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1, and the “speed measurement section” shown in FIG. Or, it changes depending on the transport pattern). A series of control processing operations from step S38 to step S43 represents a case where the leading edge of the next sheet P2 has caught up with the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1, and the “speed measurement section” shown in FIG. It shows that it varies depending on the transport pattern.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S22 shown in FIG. 23, and it is determined whether or not the next sheet P2 is conveyed and the fourth sensor 50-4 is turned on. Here, when the next sheet P2 is transported and the fourth sensor 50-4 is turned on by the arrival of the leading edge, the process proceeds to step S23, where the preceding sheet P1 is transported and the trailing edge passes through the sixth sensor 50-6. It is determined whether or not the sensor 50-6 is turned off. When the front sheet P1 is transported and the trailing edge passes through the sixth sensor 50-6, the process proceeds to step S24, where the next sheet P2 is transported and the leading edge reaches the fifth sensor 50-5 and the sensor 50-. It is determined whether 5 is turned on.

  On the other hand, in step S23, when the front sheet P1 is not conveyed and the trailing edge is on the sixth sensor 50-6, that is, when the sensor 50-6 remains on, the next sheet P2 advances. First, the first and second motors 33-1 and 33-2 are once stopped so as not to occur (step S44). Next, the process proceeds to step S45, and when the front sheet P1 is transported and the trailing edge is yes after passing through the sixth sensor 50-6, the first and second transport rollers 32-1 and 32-2 are rotated. Then, the second motors 33-1 and 33-2 are activated (step S46).

  Next, the process proceeds to step S25 in FIG. 24, where it is determined whether or not the front sheet P1 has been conveyed and the trailing edge has passed through the seventh sensor 50-7 and the sensor 50-7 has been turned off. When the front sheet P1 is conveyed and the trailing edge has passed through the seventh sensor 50-7, the process proceeds to step S26, and the first motor 33-1 is temporarily stopped. This is to stop the first motor 33-1 because the leading edge of the next sheet P2 has already reached the second transport roller 32-2 and has passed over the roller 32-2.

  On the other hand, in step S25, when the front sheet P1 is not conveyed and the trailing edge is on the seventh sensor 50-7, that is, when the sensor 50-7 remains on, the next sheet P2 advances. First, both the first and second motors 33-1 and 33-2 are temporarily stopped (step S47). Next, the process proceeds to step S48, and when the front sheet P1 is transported and the trailing end is yes when the seventh sensor 50-7 is passed, the second motor 33-2 is activated so as to rotate only the second transport roller 32-2. (Step S49).

  Next, the process proceeds to step S27, and it is determined whether or not the next sheet P2 is conveyed and the sixth sensor 50-6 is turned on. When the sixth sensor 50-6 is turned on when the next sheet P2 is conveyed and reaches the leading edge, the process proceeds to step S28, where the previous sheet P1 is conveyed and the trailing edge passes through the eighth sensor 50-8. It is determined whether or not the sensor 50-8 is turned off. When the front sheet P1 is transported and the trailing edge thereof has passed through the eighth sensor 50-8, the process proceeds to step S29, and the third motor 33-3 is activated to rotate the third transport roller 32-3 (step S29). ).

  On the other hand, when the eighth sensor 50-8 remains on in step S28, that is, when the front sheet P1 is not conveyed and the trailing edge is on the eighth sensor 50-8, the next sheet P2 is The second motor 33-2 is temporarily stopped so as not to advance (step S50). Next, the process proceeds to step S51, and when the front sheet P1 is transported and the trailing edge passes through the eighth sensor 50-8 and the sensor 50-8 is off, the second and third transport rollers 32-2, 32 are detected. The second and third motors 33-2 and 33-3 are activated to rotate -3 (step S52).

  Next, the process proceeds to step S30, and it is determined whether or not the next sheet P2 is conveyed and the eighth sensor 50-8 is turned on. Here, when the next sheet P2 is transported and the eighth sensor 50-8 is turned on by the arrival of the leading edge, the process proceeds to step S31 and both the second and third motors 33-2 and 33-3 are stopped. .

  Thus, when the front paper P1 is transported to the printing unit 102 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and completely disappears from the intermediate transport unit 4, the next paper P2 replaced with the front paper P1 is now supplied to the main body, as shown in FIG. The paper roller 111 is rotationally driven and stopped at the reset position until it is conveyed to the printing unit 102 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100.

  The series of control processing operations from step S11 to step S31 described above represents a case where the leading edge of the next sheet P2 does not catch up with the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1. In addition, in the control processing operations of Step S35 to Step S37, Step S38 to Step S43, Step S44 to Step S46, Step S47 to Step S49, and Step S50 to Step S52, the leading edge of the next paper P2 catches up with the trailing edge of the previous paper P1. Represents the case.

  Next, referring to the chart of FIG. 15, the paper transport transition state of FIGS. 26 and 27, and the timing chart of FIG. 28, the paper transport control example executed under the control of the control device 85 is simplified. For this reason, for example, a paper transport speed example corresponding to the maximum printing speed that does not require control of switching of the paper transport speed in transport type 1 and a longitudinal size (DLY, A3Y shown in FIG. 15) will be briefly described. To do.

  FIG. 28 shows that the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 are turned on / off when the leading edge of the next sheet P2 does not catch up with the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1 in the sheet conveyance control operation described below. 4 shows an example of a timing chart relating to turning on (starting) and turning off (stopping) each of the off, paper feed motor 22, and first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3.

  Also in the conveyance type example of conveyance type 1, each motor speed is set in advance as in the case of conveyance type 3, and the stencil printing apparatus regardless of the printing speed on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. The sheet feeding roller 11 and the separation roller 12 pick the uppermost sheet on the large-volume sheet feeding table 10 at a sheet conveying speed corresponding to the maximum printing speed on the main body 100 side (120 sheets / min: 120 rpm in this embodiment). Each of the motors 33-1 is configured such that the sheet feeding motor 22 conveys the sheet P fed from the sheet feeding mechanism unit 3 by the sheet feeding motors 32-1 to 32-3. -33-3 are respectively controlled by commands from the control device 85.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the initial sheet trailing edge position of the conveyance type 1 of the longitudinal size is between the separation roller 12 and the first sensor 50-1, and the first sensor 50-1 is off for the second sheet take-in sensor. It is time to become. The state of the sheet shown in FIG. 26 is that one sheet of the uppermost sheet P on the large-volume sheet feeding base 10 is separated, taken out, fed to the intermediate conveyance path 18 and conveyed to the intermediate conveyance path 18, and one previous sheet after completion of the reset operation P1 is shown. The reset stop state of the front sheet P1 indicates the conveyance type 1 in which the eighth sensor 50-8 to the first sensor 50-1 are turned on, and conveyance control in the conveyance type 1 is performed.

  First, the process advances from the state in which the previous sheet P1 occupied the reset position shown in FIG. 26 to the state shown in FIG. That is, when the paper feed motor 122 on the stencil printing machine main body 100 side is activated, the main body paper feed roller 111 is fed at a constant rotational speed (as described above, corresponding to the maximum printing speed 120 rpm (circumferential speed) of the printing drum 115). The front paper P1 held between the main body paper supply roller 111 and the third transport roller 32-3 is fed into the main body. It is taken in and transported to the section 104.

  When the front sheet P1 advances toward the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 in this way, the first sensor 50-1 is turned off because the rear end of the front sheet P1 passes through the first sensor 50-1. Since the first sensor 50-1 as the second sheet take-in sensor is turned off, when the paper feed motor 22 is started, the paper feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12 start to rotate clockwise. The next sheet P2 is separated into one sheet and started to be transported toward the intermediate transport path 18. Due to the rotation / conveyance of the paper feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12, the next paper P2 begins to be conveyed to the downstream side of the intermediate conveyance path 18, and the leading end thereof is detected by the first sensor 50-1.

  At this time, when the first motor 33-1 is started at the timing shown in FIG. 28, the leading edge of the next paper P2 is rotated while being sandwiched between the first conveying roller 32-1 and the first pressure roller 31-1. -It is conveyed until the second sensor 50-2 is turned on. The paper feed motor 22 is automatically stopped after being driven to transport the leading end of the next paper P2 to the first transport roller 32-1 via the paper feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12.

  On the other hand, the front paper P1 is further transported downstream in the paper transport direction X. As shown in FIG. 27B, the second sensor 50-2 is off and the rear end of the front paper P1 is the second sensor 50. -2 is passed, but when the third sensor 50-3 remains on and the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1 is on the sensor 50-3, that is, the trailing edge of the next sheet P2 at the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1. When the leading edge is trying to catch up, the leading edge of the next sheet P2 cannot be conveyed to the third sensor 50-3. If the leading edge of the next sheet P2 is transported to the third sensor 50-3, the trailing edge of the front sheet P1 may come into contact with the leading edge of the next sheet P2, and the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1. And the leading edge of the next paper P2 (boundary) is not known and the papers P1 and P2 cannot be distinguished from each other. I do. That is, as shown in the figure, the next sheet P2 is conveyed while checking whether there is one off sensor between the leading edge of the next sheet P2 and the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1. Here, since the leading edge of the next sheet P2 is at a position where the second sensor 50-2 is turned on and the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1 is at a position where the third sensor 50-3 is turned on, Since there are no off sensors, the next paper P2 stops at the position shown in FIG. 27B when the first motor 33-1 is turned off.

  Thereafter, when the front sheet P1 is further conveyed downstream in the sheet conveyance direction X and the rear end thereof is detached from the third sensor 50-3 and the third sensor 50-3 is turned off, a sensor for turning off the sheet conveyance is detected. Since the first motor 33-1 is started again at this time, the leading edge of the next sheet P2 is conveyed until the third sensor 50-3 is turned on.

  At this time, it is determined whether or not the front sheet P1 is transported and the fourth sensor 50-4 is turned off. The rear end of the front sheet P1 is on the fourth sensor 50-4 and the sensor 50-4 is turned on. When it remains on, that is, when the leading edge of the next sheet P2 is trying to catch up with the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1, the leading edge of the next sheet P2 is conveyed to the fourth sensor 50-4 for the same reason as described above. Since this is not possible, control is performed to transport the next sheet P2 by leaving one sensor between the sheet transports. That is, the next sheet P2 is conveyed while checking whether there is one off sensor between the leading edge of the next sheet P2 and the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1. Here, the leading edge of the next sheet P2 is at a position where the third sensor 50-3 is turned on, and the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1 is located at a position where the fourth sensor 50-4 is turned on. Since there are no off sensors, the first paper 33-1 is turned off and the next paper P2 stops at a position where the third sensor 50-3 is on.

  On the other hand, when the trailing edge of the front sheet P1 passes through the fourth sensor 50-4 and the sensor 50-4 is turned off, the second motor 33-2 is activated at a predetermined timing and the sheet conveyance is turned off. Since one sensor is vacant, the first motor 33-1 is started again at this time, so that the next sheet P2 whose leading end is stopped on the third sensor 50-3 is connected to the first transport roller 32-1. At the same time as being rotated and conveyed while being sandwiched by the first pressure roller 31-1, the leading edge of the next sheet P2 is rotated and conveyed while being sandwiched between the second conveyance roller 32-2 and the second pressure roller 31-2. It is conveyed until the fourth sensor 50-4 is turned on.

  By sequentially repeating such an operation, the front paper P1 is further transported to the downstream side in the paper transport direction X, the rear end of the front paper P1 passes through the eighth sensor 50-8, and the sensor 50-8 When the same control is performed until the second sensor 33 is turned off, the second motor 33-2 is activated again at a predetermined timing when the leading edge of the next sheet P2 that has been stopped with the sixth sensor 50-6 turned on is activated. It is determined whether or not the seventh sensor 50-7 is turned on when the next sheet P2 is transported and reaches the leading end thereof. If the seventh sensor 50-7 is turned on, the third motor 33-3 is activated, and the eighth sensor The conveyance is controlled until 50-8 is turned on.

  Thus, when the front paper P1 is transported to the printing unit 102 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and completely disappears from the intermediate transport unit 4, the next paper P2 replaced with the front paper P1 is now supplied to the main body, as shown in FIG. The paper roller 111 is rotationally driven and stopped at the reset position until it is conveyed to the printing unit 102 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100.

  Next, referring to the chart of FIG. 15, the paper transport transition state of FIGS. 29 and 30, and the timing chart of FIG. 31, as a paper transport control example executed under the control of the control device 85, the description is simplified. For this reason, for example, a paper transport speed example corresponding to the maximum printing speed that does not require control of switching of the paper transport speed in transport type 5 and a short size (B5T shown in FIG. 15) will be briefly described.

  FIG. 31 shows that the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 are turned on / off when the leading edge of the next sheet P2 does not catch up with the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1 in the sheet conveyance control operation described below. An example of a timing chart relating to each of turning on (starting) and turning off (stopping) each of the off, sheet feeding motor 22, and first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3 is shown.

  In the conveyance type control example of the conveyance type 5, as in the case of the conveyance types 3 and 1, the motor speeds are set in advance as standard, and the stencil plate is independent of the printing speed on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. The paper feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12 are used to feed the uppermost paper on the mass paper feed tray 10 at a paper conveyance speed corresponding to the maximum printing speed on the printing apparatus main body 100 side (120 sheets / min: 120 rpm in this embodiment). The paper feed motor 22 picks up and separates and conveys the sheets one by one, and the motors 33 so that the transport rollers 32-1 to 32-3 transport the paper P fed from the paper feed mechanism section 3. -1 to 33-3 are controlled by commands from the control device 85, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the initial sheet rear end position of the short size conveyance type 5 is between the fourth sensor 50-4 and the fifth sensor 50-5, and the second sheet take-in sensor is the fifth sensor 50-. This is when 5 turns off. The state of the sheet shown in FIG. 29 is one front sheet after completion of the reset operation in which one of the uppermost sheets P on the large-volume sheet feeding base 10 is separated and taken out and fed to the intermediate conveyance path 18. P1 is shown. This reset stop state of the front sheet P1 indicates the conveyance type 5 in which the eighth sensor 50-8 to the fifth sensor 50-5 are turned on, and conveyance control in the conveyance type 5 is performed.

  First, the process advances from the state in which the previous sheet P1 occupied the reset position shown in FIG. 29 to the state shown in FIG. That is, when the paper feed motor 122 on the stencil printing machine main body 100 side is activated, the main body paper feed roller 111 is fed at a constant rotational speed (as described above, corresponding to the maximum printing speed 120 rpm (circumferential speed) of the printing drum 115). The front paper P1 held between the main body paper supply roller 111 and the third transport roller 32-3 is fed into the main body. It is taken in and transported to the section 104.

  Thus, when the front sheet P1 advances toward the stencil printing apparatus main body 100, the rear end of the front sheet P1 passes through the fifth sensor 50-5, and the fifth sensor 50-5 is turned off. Since the fifth sensor 50-5 as the second sheet take-in sensor has been turned off, the paper feed motor 22 is started (rotation driving is started), whereby the paper feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12 are rotated clockwise. As a result, the next sheet P2 is separated into one sheet, and transport toward the intermediate transport path 18 is started. Next, the first and second motors 33-1 and 33-2 are sequentially activated, so that the leading edge of the next sheet P <b> 2 is secondly moved by the first conveying roller 32-1 and the first pressure roller 31-1. While being sequentially sandwiched between the transport roller 32-2 and the second pressure roller 31-2, the roller is rotated and transported until the fifth sensor 50-5 is turned on. The paper feed motor 22 is automatically stopped after being driven to transport the leading end of the next paper P2 to the first transport roller 32-1 via the paper feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12.

  As shown in FIG. 30B, the sixth sensor 50-6 is off and the trailing edge of the front sheet P1 passes through the sixth sensor 50-6, but the seventh sensor 50-7 is on. Since the rear end of the previous sheet P1 is on the seventh sensor 50-7, the leading end of the next sheet P2 cannot be conveyed to the sixth sensor 50-6. That is, as shown in the figure, the next sheet P2 is conveyed while checking whether there are two off sensors between the leading edge of the next sheet P2 and the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1. Here, the leading edge of the next sheet P2 is in a position where the fifth sensor 50-5 is turned on, and the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1 is in a position where the seventh sensor 50-7 is turned on. Since the second sensor 33-2 is turned off until both the sixth sensor 50-6 and the seventh sensor 50-7 are turned off, the second paper P2 is turned off. Stops at the position shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, when the front sheet P1 is further conveyed downstream in the sheet conveyance direction X, and the rear end of the sheet P1 is removed from the seventh sensor 50-7 and the seventh sensor 50-7 is turned off, the leading end of the next sheet P2 is illustrated. Since the sixth sensor 50-6 and the seventh sensor 50-7 remain off by stopping at the position shown in 30 (b), the second motor 33-2 is started again at this time. Thus, the next sheet P2 is rotated and conveyed while being sandwiched between the second conveying roller 32-2 and the second pressure roller 31-2, and the leading edge is conveyed until the sixth sensor 50-6 is turned on.

  At this time, it is determined whether or not the front sheet P1 is conveyed and the eighth sensor 50-8 is turned off. Here, when the rear end of the front paper P1 is on the eighth sensor 50-8 and the sensor 50-8 remains on, the front end of the next paper P2 is moved to the seventh sensor 50 for the same reason as described above. Since the sheet cannot be transported to -7, two sensors are separated between the sheet transports, and control is performed to transport the next sheet P2. That is, the next sheet P2 is conveyed while checking whether there are two off sensors between the leading edge of the next sheet P2 and the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1. Here, the leading edge of the next sheet P2 is in a position where the sixth sensor 50-6 is turned on, and the trailing edge of the preceding sheet P1 is in a position where the eighth sensor 50-8 is turned on. Since the second sensor 33-2 is turned off until both the eighth sensor 50-8 and the seventh sensor 50-7 are turned off, the next paper P2 is turned off. The tip of is stopped at a position where the sixth sensor 50-6 is turned on.

  On the other hand, when the trailing edge of the front sheet P1 passes through the eighth sensor 50-8 and the sensor 50-8 is turned off, both the eighth sensor 50-8 and the seventh sensor 50-7 are turned off. When the second motor 33-2 is started again at a predetermined timing, it is determined whether or not the seventh sensor 50-7 is turned on when the next sheet P2 is conveyed and the leading edge of the second paper 33-2 is reached. If it is, the 3rd motor 33-3 is started, The conveyance of the next paper P2 which the front-end | tip stopped on the 6th sensor 50-6 is turned on until the 8th sensor 50-8 is turned on. The

  Thus, when the front paper P1 is transported to the printing unit 102 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and is completely removed from the intermediate transport unit 4, the next paper P2 replaced with the front paper P1 is now supplied to the main body as shown in FIG. The paper roller 111 is rotationally driven and stopped at the reset position until it is conveyed to the printing unit 102 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100.

  For example, when the printing speed (rotational speed of the printing drum 115) on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is extremely low (less than 60 rpm as described above), the first and second are controlled by the specific sheet conveyance control as described above. By changing the rotational speeds of the motors 33-1 and 33-2 to about half (1600 pps) of the normal rotational speed (about 3800 pps), the paper transport speed in the intermediate transport unit 4 is slowed down, and next to the rear end of the front paper. A conventional problem caused by catching up the leading edge of the paper can be solved, and thereby the paper can be conveyed with high accuracy and stability.

  According to the present embodiment, at the time of initialization when the conveyance of one sheet P onto each of the sensors 50-1 to 50-8 is completed by the function of the control device 85 (CPU 86) during offline connection, Based on the signals from the sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the paper length size is determined, and the transport type (paper transport pattern) which is the paper transport control system of the transport rollers 32-1 to 32-3. Since each of the motors 33-1 to 33-3 is controlled so as to switch, the rear end of the front sheet P1 is where in the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 (a plurality of sheet detecting means). Since it is possible to convey the next sheet P2 only by determining whether it is present, the sheet can be conveyed regardless of the regular size or the irregular size of the sheet length size. You can also carry That.

  In the reset state (initialized state), one sheet of paper is positioned on the eighth sensor 50-8 disposed on the most downstream side of the intermediate conveyance path 18, and the leading edge of the paper is the main body feed roller 111. Since it is set at a position where paper can be fed by the (main body paper feeding means), the paper can be reliably taken in on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 (image forming apparatus main body) side.

(Modification)
FIGS. 13 and 32 to 37 show modifications of the above embodiment shown in FIGS. The modified examples shown in FIGS. 13 and 32 to 37 are transported and taken into the stencil printing machine main body 100 side by the rotational drive of the main body paper feed roller 111, as compared with the above-described embodiment examples shown in FIGS. The control device 85 (CPU 86) is based on the signal from the encoder sensor 151 and the signals from the timer 88. In addition to the first function described above, the main difference is that it has a function of controlling the paper transport speed of each of the transport rollers 32-1, 32-3, 32-3 in a stepless and real-time manner. Others are the same.

  In other words, the control device 85 (CPU 86), in addition to the first function described above, in a stepless and real time manner based on the signal from the encoder sensor 151 and each signal from the timer 88. , 32-3, 32-3 have a function of controlling the motors 33-1, 33-3, 33-3 so as to change the sheet conveyance speed.

  A first gear 152 is integrally formed on one end surface of the third transport roller 32-3, and both end portions of the shaft 32a3 are rotatably supported by the third bracket 60 via bearings. The third bracket 60 rotatably supports both ends of a shaft 153a to which a second gear 153 that meshes with the first gear 152 is fixed. One end of the shaft 153a of the second gear 153 extends leftward in the drawing, and a coupling 154 is fixed to the end thereof. In the figure of the coupling 154, the shaft of the pulse encoder 150 is fitted to the other end and fastened with a screw (not shown).

  The pulse encoder 150 includes an encoder disk having a slit (not shown) made of an incremental type photo-rotary encoder, and a transmission sensor (fixed to a frame in the vicinity of the encoder disk, and sandwiching the encoder disk at a predetermined interval ( The encoder sensor 151 is mainly composed of a photo interrupter.

  When the third conveyance roller 32-3 in pressure contact with the rotation of the main body paper supply roller 111 rotates, for example, counterclockwise in FIG. It is transmitted to the shaft 153a through the second gear 153 that meshes with the gear 152, and further transmitted from the coupling 154 to the encoder disk. As a result, the encoder disk rotates as the third conveying roller 32-3 rotates. By detecting a predetermined number of pulses generated in cooperation with an encoder sensor 151 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “encoder 150”), the main body paper feed unit 104 (main body paper feed roller 111, main body separation roller 112). , The registration roller pair 114), and the sheet conveying speed of the sheet P by the press rotation of the printing drum 115 and the press roller 116, that is, the stencil Can be read indirectly by co-rotation of the third conveying rollers 32-3 positioned printing speed of the printing apparatus main body 100 side (rotational speed of the printing drum 115) at the most downstream side of the intermediate conveyor 4.

  In the present embodiment, the arrangement and attachment of the pulse encoder 150 as described above are taken into consideration in consideration of the fact that a one-way clutch is interposed in the shaft portion of the third conveying roller 32-3 and the convenience of assembly and maintenance. However, from the viewpoint of reducing the number of parts or removing the backlash such as gears to more accurately detect the printing speed on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side, it is directly applied to one end of the third transport roller 32-3. Needless to say, it may be attached.

  Next, a paper conveyance control example executed under the control of the control device 85 will be briefly described with reference to the paper conveyance transition state of FIG. 33, the flowcharts of FIGS. 34 to 36, and the timing chart of FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 34 is an example of a program related to the input interrupt of the encoder 150. The flow starts from step S55 and increments the encoder pulse count generated by the encoder 150.

  The flowchart in FIG. 35 is an example of a program related to the interruption of the timer 88 in the control device 85, and the flow starts from step S60. In step S60, it is determined whether the measurement time of the timer 88 has passed the predetermined time set in advance. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the encoder pulse count is read, then the encoder pulse count is cleared, and the paper on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is transferred from the encoder pulse count for the predetermined time via the third transport roller 32-3. The conveyance speed is calculated, and conversion processing for converting the rotation speed of the stepping motor for the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3 and the paper feed motor 22 (both are stepping motors) is performed (steps S61 to S61). S63).

  Next, a process of setting the conversion result as the motor arrival speed of each of the motors 22, 33-1 to 33-3 is performed. Finally, acceleration and deceleration are checked to instruct speed change for each motor 22, 33-1 to 33-3. (Step S64, Step S65). On the other hand, in step S60, when the measured time of the timer 88 has not passed the predetermined time, the process returns.

  The flowchart in FIG. 36 is an example of a program relating to motor interruption of each of the motors 22, 33-1 to 33-3, and the flow starts from step S70. In step S70, it is determined whether or not there is a speed change instruction in step S65 of FIG. When the speed change instruction is YES, the process proceeds to step S71, and it is determined whether or not the speed of each motor 22, 33-1 to 33-3 has reached the arrival speed. When the speeds of the motors 22 and 33-1 to 33-3 reach the reaching speed, the rotational speed change instruction for the motors 22 and 33-1 to 33-3 is cleared.

  On the other hand, in step S70, when the speed change instruction is not given, the process returns. In step S71, if the speed change instruction is present and the rotational speed of each of the motors 22, 33-1 to 33-3 is not the arrival speed related to the change instruction, the process proceeds to step S73. It is determined whether or not acceleration occurs. At the time of acceleration, the speed data is updated by acceleration (step S74). When it is not acceleration, the speed data is updated by deceleration (step S75).

  The intermediate conveyance conditions related to the sheet conveyance control of this modification are the same as the examples shown in FIGS. FIG. 33A shows that one front sheet P1 after the end of the reset operation has a constant rotation speed similar to that described above for the main body paper supply roller 111 by the activation of the paper supply motor 122 on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. Is started at the peripheral speed of the main body paper supply roller 111 (which is also the paper conveyance speed), so that the front paper P1 sandwiched between the main body paper supply roller 111 and the third conveyance roller 32-3 becomes the main body. The paper is taken into and fed to the paper feed unit 104. At this time, since the third transport roller 32-3 receives an appropriate paper feed pressure from the main body feed roller 111, the front paper P1 and the high friction surface (rubber surface) of the outer peripheral surface of the third transport roller 32-3 Due to this friction, it starts to rotate counterclockwise as shown by the broken line in the drawing in accordance with the movement of the front sheet P1. The load on the third motor 33-3 at this time is small enough to be ignored by the action of the one-way clutch 61 built in the shaft portion of the third transport roller 32-3.

  When the front paper P1 thus advances toward the stencil printing apparatus main body 100, as described above, the encoder 150 (encoder sensor 151) causes the paper P to be conveyed by the press rotation of the printing drum 115 and the press roller 116, ie, the stencil. The printing speed on the printing apparatus main body 100 side (the rotation speed of the printing drum 115) can be indirectly read by the rotation of the third conveyance roller 32-3 located on the most downstream side of the intermediate conveyance unit 4.

  As described in the flowcharts, and as expressed in the timing chart of FIG. 37, the sheet conveyance speeds of the conveyance rollers 32-1, 32-3, and 32-3 are steplessly and in real time. The rotational speed control for each of the motors 22, 33-1 to 33-3 is changed by the control device 85 (CPU 86) based on a signal related to the encoder pulse count for a certain time from the encoder sensor 151 and the timer 88. It will be executed automatically.

  Incidentally, when the printing speed (rotation speed of the printing drum 115) on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side detected by the encoder 150 is extremely slow (less than 60 rpm as described above), the first and second motors 33-1 , 33-2 is changed to about half of the normal rotation speed (1600 pps), so that the sheet conveyance speed in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 is decreased and the leading edge of the next sheet catches up with the trailing edge of the preceding sheet. Conventional problems can be solved, and thereby, highly accurate and stable paper conveyance can be performed with a relatively simple configuration.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 38, the operation of the entire apparatus when the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 occupies the connection position shown in FIG. 1 and is in the offline mode will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 38 (b), the power switch 80 is turned on (on) on the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 side, and the power switch 136 is turned on on the stencil printing machine main body 100 side as shown in FIG. 38 (a). The power supply from each power source is made independent, although there is no question about the on / off status.

  Next, the order of the operations on the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 side and the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side does not matter. On the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 side, when the reset switch 81 is pressed, the feeding shown in FIG. Driven by the lifting / lowering motor 28 of the table raising / lowering mechanism 25, the mass feeding table 10 is raised until it occupies an upper limit position (the uppermost sheet P on the mass feeding table 10 is fed) detected by the appropriate height sensor 26. To do. Next, the above-described reset operation is performed (see, for example, FIGS. 17, 26, and 29). That is, for example, in FIGS. 17, 26, and 29, when the paper feed motor 22 of the paper feed mechanism unit 3 is turned on, the paper feed roller 11 is rotated clockwise. The uppermost paper P is fed out in the paper transport direction X, and further separated into one sheet by the cooperative action of the separation roller 12 and the separation pad 13 rotated in the clockwise direction, and is taken out from the mass feeding unit 5. Next, when the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3 are turned on, the first to third transport rollers 32-1 to 32-3 are rotated counterclockwise, and follow. The first and second pressure rollers 31-1 and 31-2 are rotated clockwise so that the fed sheet P for initial setting is at a reset position on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction X. It is conveyed toward.

  At this time, since the size of the first sheet for initial setting is not known, the sheet is transported by the sheet transport control method of transport type 1 (A3, DL: maximum sheet size) shown in FIG. Since there is no intermediate conveyance unit 4, the next sheet advances without stopping, and all conveyance types move in the same manner. That is, since there is no previous sheet in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 in any conveyance type, the next sheet does not catch up with the previous sheet and stops, and the next sheet is conveyed to the reset position by the same operation.

  Then, when it is detected by the paper presence signal from the eighth sensor 50-8 that the leading edge of one sheet P for initial setting has occupied the reset position, the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-33. -3 is turned off and the reset operation ends when the leading edge of one sheet P for initial setting stops at a position substantially in front of the front plate 124 of the main body sheet feeding unit 104 and occupies the reset position. .

  At this time, when the leading edge of the sheet P passes through the eighth sensor 50-8, the sheet presence / absence sensor solenoid 72-2 is turned off (returned), and the sheet is present. Accordingly, when there is no sheet P in the intermediate conveyance path 18, the sheet presence / absence sensor solenoid 72-2 is turned on. Next, the sheet presence sensor solenoid 72-2 shown in FIG. 9 or the like remains off and the sheet length sensor solenoid 72-1 remains off (however, as a condition, the intermediate transport path 18 is not limited). If the paper P is present and the paper length is long: the shutter 71-1 is shielded when the paper length is A4 or longer, and the shutter 71-1 is opened when the paper length is less than the paper length A4). As a result, the sheet presence / absence sensor 127 and the sheet length sensor 128 of the main body sheet feeding table 110 on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side remain shielded by the shutters 71-2 and 71-1. Accordingly, it is assumed that sheets are stacked on the sheet presence / absence sensor 127 and the sheet length sensor 128 of the main body sheet feeding table 110, and the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side (printing) is first performed when the sheet presence / absence sensor 127 is on. , Plate making, etc.).

  Further, although the flow is omitted in FIG. 38, when the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 is moved downstream in the sheet conveying direction X in order to occupy the connection position shown in FIG. The main body feed roller 111 is lifted and swung together with a feed arm (not shown) so as to occupy the feed position smoothly by the inclined member 51, whereby a feed filler (not shown) turns on the appropriate height sensor 126 shown in FIG. However, it is hesitant that the main body paper feeding means can feed paper. Since the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is connected offline, the paper length detection and the paper width on the main body paper feed stand 110 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 are set manually.

  On the other hand, on the stencil printing machine main body 100 side, a well-known operation, that is, a plate discharge operation, document image reading, is triggered by a start signal generated by pressing a plate making start key arranged on an operation panel (not shown). At the same time when the operation and the plate making / plate feeding operation are completed, only one printing, which is also called test printing, is performed. At this time, one sheet of paper P is transported from the intermediate transport unit 4 of the large-volume paper feed unit 1 by the detailed paper transport control as described above, and the leading end of the paper P is fed to the main body of the main body paper feed unit 104. The paper roller 111 and the main body separation roller 112 are sent to the registration roller pair 114 at a paper conveyance speed corresponding to the maximum printing speed of 120 rpm, and temporarily hit the nip portion of the registration roller pair 114 in order to improve registration accuracy. The sheet P is stopped, and a predetermined amount of bending is formed above the leading end of the sheet P.

  On the other hand, the printing drum 115 starts to rotate gently at an extremely low rotational speed (printing speed) indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1, for example, 16 to 30 rpm, which is less than 60 rpm. The registration roller pair 114 is driven to rotate by starting a registration motor (not shown) including a stepping motor at a predetermined timing at the image position at the front end of the pre-made thermal stencil master wound around the outer peripheral surface of the printing drum 115. At the same time, the sheet P is sent between the press roller 116 and the printing drum 115 which are displaced upward as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. When the sheet P is pressed against the pre-made heat-sensitive stencil master, the pre-made heat-sensitive stencil master is brought into close contact with the outer peripheral surface by the adhesive force of the ink supplied from the inside of the printing drum 115, and the ink is applied to the paper P. Plate printing is performed by transferring.

  The sheet P that has undergone plate printing is discharged and stacked in an orderly manner on the large-volume sheet discharge table 129 of the sheet discharge unit 106 by a known sheet discharge operation. Thereafter, when a print start key (not shown) provided on the operation panel is pressed, the paper feeding, printing, and paper ejection steps are repeated for the set number of prints in the same process as the plate printing. The stencil printing process is completed. The printing printing is different from the normal regular printing operation only in that the printing speed is extremely low as described above and it is not counted as a regular printed matter.

  When the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 does not occupy the connection position shown in FIG. A plate discharging operation, a document image reading operation, a plate making / plate feeding operation, and a paper feeding / printing / paper discharging operation are performed.

According to the above embodiment, the following advantages are obtained in addition to the effects described below.
(1) Regardless of the paper size and the printing speed on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side, paper can be conveyed from the intermediate conveyance unit 4 of the large-volume paper feeding conveyance unit 1 and connected to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 so as to be communicable. (Offline connection) For example, even when there is no electrical connection, paper can be supplied. Here, the reason why the sheet conveyance control is made different between the case where the sheet length size is comparatively long and the case where the paper length size is comparatively short as described above or as described collectively below is as follows. That is, in the case of the short size, there is a time during which the paper is conveyed by one conveyance roller as compared with the case of the long size, and since the press is less when the paper is stopped, the paper advances and is conveyed slightly. Theoretically, by increasing the number of sheets transporting means and paper detecting means as compared to the present embodiment and by increasing the maximum speed during transport, it is possible to make a long sheet of paper short. It is also possible to use the same paper conveyance control as that of the size paper. In the present exemplary embodiment, in consideration of the cost balance, that is, the sheet conveying means and the sheet detection set according to the sheet length size of the sheet to be conveyed from the large-volume sheet feeding unit 1 to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. The control as in the present embodiment is adopted by reducing the number of means arranged to the minimum necessary and by adopting a simple configuration and suppressing an increase in cost.

When the paper length size is long The conveyance control of the next paper starts when the second sheet take-in sensor of the rear edge of the previous paper is turned off. When the leading edge of the next sheet reaches the Nth sensor (the higher the number, the more sensor is defined on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side), the N + 1th sensor is turned off due to the progress of the trailing edge of the preceding sheet. If the N + 1 sensor is off, it is determined that the N + 1th sensor may be reached as it is. If the (N + 1) th sensor is on, the control is based on stopping and waiting for the next sheet until the (N + 1) sensor is turned off. It is possible to secure and carry the paper. As a result, the next sheet to be supplied within a certain period of time is installed at a position substantially opposite to the main body paper feed roller 111 of the main body paper feed stand 110 attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printing machine. If the sheet reaches the third conveying roller 32-3, the sheet can be conveyed under the same conditions as those of the sheet fed from the main body sheet feeding table 110.

When the paper length size is short The conveyance control of the next paper starts when the second sheet take-in sensor of the rear edge of the previous paper is turned off. When the leading edge of the next sheet reaches the Nth sensor, it is checked whether the N + 2 sensor is off by the progress of the trailing edge of the preceding sheet. If the N + 2 sensor is off, it reaches the N + 1 sensor as it is. Judge that it is good. If the N + 2 sensor is on, the next sheet is stopped and waited until the N + 2 sensor is turned off, so that the distance between sheets is always secured regardless of the printing speed of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. Thus, the paper can be conveyed. As a result, the next sheet to be supplied within a certain period of time is installed at a position substantially opposite to the main body paper feed roller 111 of the main body paper feed stand 110 attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printing machine. If the sheet reaches the third conveying roller 32-3, the sheet can be conveyed under the same conditions as those of the sheet fed from the main body sheet feeding table 110.

  When the paper length size is short, the paper can quickly reach the lower part of the main body feed roller 111 by disappearing from the intermediate transport unit 4, so that more time can be taken compared to the paper having a long paper length. Thus, the number of off sensors for determining the sheet interval is set to two. On the contrary, when the paper length size is long, there is no time allowance, and therefore the number of sensors that are turned off for determining the paper interval is set to one.

  (2) Since it is not necessary to read the printing speed of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 by the above control, it can be applied to machines already on the market, and printing including a stencil printing apparatus capable of mass printing without purchasing a new machine. It can be easily converted and transformed into a device.

  (3) Since the third transport roller 32-3 is disposed under the main body feed roller 111, the main body feed roller 111 can be rotated by driving the third transport roller 32-3. It is possible to prevent the leading end of the sheet from being fitted into the protruding portion 111 and being damaged. In addition, unlike the fixed rubber pad (friction separating member), which is also called a separation pad, the roller can solve the problem of non-feeding paper. An accurate feed amount for determining the paper leading edge stop position can be secured.

  (4) Since the conveyance roller interval + α is the minimum conveyance sheet length size, a plurality of conveyance rollers can be installed to cope with shorter size sheets.

  (5) The sensor 50 (paper detection means) is required to determine ten types of paper length sizes that can be transported by the intermediate transport unit 4 corresponding to the paper size used in the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. In addition, since the minimum eight are arranged, it is possible to simplify the configuration for detecting the paper length size and suppress an increase in cost. If this advantage is not so much desired, the number of sensors (paper detection means) is arranged to detect the distance between the papers by detecting which sensor the rear end position of the paper is stopped. Needless to say, it is possible to always open and control, and it goes without saying that the greater the number, the more secure the distance between sheets.

  (6) In order to secure the sheet feeding amount, the control becomes simpler by using stepping motors capable of accurately feeding the sheet moving distance for the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3. Further, since the number of pulses supplied to the stepping motor and the time for passing between the sensors can be compared to determine how much the paper has slipped, more accurate paper feeding can be performed.

  (7) By incorporating the one-way clutch 61 in each shaft part of the first to third transport rollers 32-1 to 32-3, the first to third transports against the pulling force by the main body feed roller 111. The resistance of the rollers 32-1 to 32-3 can be reduced.

  (8) On the other hand, due to the inertia of the first to third transport rollers 32-1 to 32-3, the stopping accuracy of the paper may be shifted. In order to improve this, when each motor is stopped, the idle running of the first to third transport rollers 32-1 to 32-3 can be stopped by a constant brake mechanism, and stable sheet stopping accuracy can be secured. When the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side supplies paper, the above-described one-way clutch 61 is interposed in the shaft portion of the third conveying roller 32-3 so as not to apply a load to the paper as much as possible. For this reason, the first to third transport rollers 32-1 to 32-3 are repeatedly rotated or stopped halfway depending on the sheet length size used on the image forming apparatus main body side such as a copying machine or a printing machine. Even in the slow-up or slow-down region of the stepping motor, the stop state may be entered, and the stop position tends to vary due to the difference in inertia force. In addition, the accuracy of the stop position of the paper varies depending on the distance traveled by the paper and the inertia accompanying the difference in the friction coefficient due to the difference in the surface condition of the paper and the weighing (weight). As a result, the distance between the sheets of a long sheet is small, and under the fast sheet conveyance speed condition corresponding to the maximum printing speed as in this embodiment, the leading edge of the next sheet is N when the trailing edge of the preceding sheet has passed the N sensor. In the intermediate conveyance unit 4 that conveys the sheet by determining that the sensor can be reached, if the trailing edge of the previous sheet does not pass the N + 1 sensor, the leading edge of the next sheet is stopped by the N sensor. However, even if it is stopped by slow-up control or forcedly stopped, the above-described one-way clutch 61 is used, so that the predetermined position due to the inertia of the main body feed roller 111 (or its axis may be included). Can not stop. For this reason, in the worst case, the leading edge of the next sheet catches up and comes into contact with the trailing edge of the previous sheet, and the sheet is scratched, or the sheet is deformed by the contact and may cause a jam during conveyance. In the embodiment, a braking force by a leaf spring is applied to the third transport roller 32-3 to suppress the influence of inertia and obtain a stable stop position, thereby improving the paper transport quality.

(First embodiment)
With reference to FIGS. 39 to 47, a first embodiment according to the paper feed energy saving mode will be described (see claims 2 to 5). Here, the paper feed energy saving mode means a mode in which operation is performed to save power consumption when the large-volume paper feed conveyance unit 1 is not used. The sheet feeding energy saving mode includes an offline mode in which the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 is connected to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 in an incommunicable connection state (off-line connection), and a large quantity for the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. There are two types related to the online mode in which the paper feeding / conveying unit 1 is operated in a communicably connected state (online connection), and the method for shifting to the paper feeding energy saving mode and the method for returning from the paper feeding energy saving mode are different. . FIGS. 39 to 47 show the configuration and operation when the sheet feeding energy saving mode is considered in the offline mode and the sheet remains in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 in the standby state.

  As shown in FIGS. 39 to 41, the first embodiment replaces the control device 85 with the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit as compared with the above-described embodiment according to the offline mode shown in FIGS. 1 to 38. A control device 85A as a paper feed energy saving control means for always receiving the power supply when the power of 1 is turned on and controlling the operation to shift to the paper feed energy saving mode and the return operation from the paper feed energy saving mode; A backup RAM 94 serving as a storage holding means capable of storing and holding paper size data as paper information detected by the eight sensors 50-1 to 50-8 even when the power is not turned on (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “power off”). A relay 95 serving as a switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to each part of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1, and the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-1. Pulse generation as a switching selection means for detecting the paper size from 0-8 and selecting only the sensor 50 that is the minimum necessary to hold the paper size data to turn on / off the power supply from the power source The main difference is that the circuit 96 is provided, and the rest is the same.

  As shown in FIG. 40, the control device 85A has a backup RAM 94 that is backed up by a power source such as a battery, a CPU 86A instead of the CPU 86, and a RAM 87, as shown in FIG. The difference is mainly in that the RAM 87A is provided, the timer 88A is provided in place of the timer 88, and the ROM 89A is provided in place of the ROM 89. The rest is the same.

  The block diagram related to the control configuration in consideration of the paper feed energy saving mode shown in FIG. 40 is expressed more simply than that shown in FIG. The control device 85A is configured to include a microcomputer similarly to the control device 85, and is provided in the arrangement portion of the control board 79 shown in FIG.

  Similarly to the CPU 86A shown in FIG. 13, the appropriate height sensor 26, the lower limit sensor 27, and the paper presence / absence sensor 66 provided on the mass feeding table 10 are provided on the mass feeding unit 5 side via the input port 92. And a plurality of paper size sensors (not shown), a power switch 80, a reset switch 81, a paper feed table lowering switch 82, and each sensor input circuit, switch input circuit, and input port 92 (not shown), and on the intermediate transport unit 4 side. The first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 and the open / close sensor 67 provided are electrically connected to each other through sensor input circuits and input ports 92 (not shown). Receives various signals from the switch.

  The CPU 86A controls the same control target means (feed motor 22, lift motor 28, feed enable indicator 83, feed disable indicator 84 through the output port 93 as shown in FIG. In addition to being connected to the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3, the sheet length sensor solenoid 72-1, and the sheet presence / absence sensor solenoid 72-2), as shown in FIG. The pulse generation circuit 96 is electrically connected to the relay 95 and the pulse generation circuit 96 based on various signals from the sensors and the switches and a program related to the operation called from the ROM 89A by the CPU 86A. The energy-saving system is controlled by transmitting various command signals (output on / off signals) that control the operation of the system. The CPU 86A naturally has the first and second functions similar to those of the control device 85.

  The ROM 89A stores the same program as the ROM 89 and various related data for performing the functions of the CPU 86, and also includes a flowchart to be described later relating to the shift to the paper feed energy saving mode and the return from the paper feed energy saving mode. The program shown and various related data for exhibiting the functions of the CPU 86A are stored, and these operation programs and related data are appropriately called by the CPU 86A.

  The RAM 87A has a function of temporarily storing the calculation results of the CPU 86A, a function of storing various signals such as various on / off signals and data signals input from the respective switches and the respective sensors as needed. ing. The timer 88A has a function as a time measuring means for measuring the non-operation elapsed time after the power switch 80 is turned on (hereinafter referred to as “power switch 80 ON”) or the pause time of the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 as a matter of course. However, it also has a function as time measuring means similar to the timer 88 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 39, the configuration around the power supply circuit of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 is shown somewhat simplified. In FIG. 39, reference numeral 78b denotes a plug provided at the distal end portion of the power cable 78a for connection with, for example, a commercial external power outlet. The power switch 80 is a well-known switch having a holding contact that holds a power-on (hereinafter referred to as “power-on”) state when pressed once, and holds a power-off (power-off) state when pressed further. The power switch 136 on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is also a known switch having a holding contact similar to the above.

  The power supply circuit of the present embodiment includes a first power supply circuit 140 serving as a first power supply unit that is supplied with power via a relay 95 when the power switch 80 is pressed and turned on, and a relay 95. The second power supply circuit 141 as a second power supply means to which power is directly supplied without going through the power supply circuit is composed of two systems. The first power supply circuit 140 and the second power supply circuit 141 are provided on the power supply board 78 shown in FIG. 12 including the embodiments described later.

  The first power supply circuit 140 includes a filter circuit, a stabilized power supply unit including a rectifier circuit and a smoothing circuit (not shown), and a DC power supply voltage supplied by the stabilized power supply unit to + 5V, ± 12V, and + 24V. And a first converter 147 for converting and transforming each. ± 12V is applied to the signal amplifying unit 142 for amplifying the operational amplifier signal (including the + 5V signal applied to the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8). Is supplied. + 24V is applied to the sheet feeding motor 22, which is an actuator, the lift motor 28, the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3, the sheet length sensor solenoid 72-1 and the sheet presence / absence sensor solenoid 72-2, respectively. As a result, electric power is supplied to each actuator (control target means). Hereinafter, these control target means are collectively referred to as an “actuator group 143” for the sake of simplicity.

  + 5V is applied to the paper feed ready indicator 83 and the paper feed impossible indicator 84, respectively, and thereby power is supplied to the paper feed ready indicator 83 and the paper feed impossible indicator 84. Hereinafter, the paper feed enable indicator 83 and the paper feed disable indicator 84 are collectively referred to as “display units 83 and 84” for the sake of simplicity. + 5V is applied to the appropriate height sensor 26, lower limit sensor 27, paper presence / absence sensor 66, a plurality of paper size sensors (not shown) disposed on the large-capacity paper feeding base 10, and the open / close sensor 67, respectively. Electric power is supplied to each sensor. Hereinafter, these sensors will be collectively referred to as “other sensors 145” for the sake of simplicity. The other sensors 145 do not include the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8.

  In FIG. 39, the first power supply circuit 140, the signal amplification unit 142, the actuator group 143, the display unit groups 83 and 84, and other sensors 145 surrounded by a broken line are turned on when the sheet feeding energy saving mode is entered. An energy saving portion 144 is shown that is not supplied, that is, its power supply is turned off.

  The second power supply circuit 141 includes a stabilized power supply unit (not shown) including a filter circuit, a rectifier circuit, and the like, and a second power supply circuit that converts and transforms a DC power supply voltage supplied by the stabilized power supply unit to + 5V. Converter 148. + 5V is applied to only the sensor 50 required for reading the paper size data from the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 and holding the data, and to the controller 85A and the pulse generation circuit 96. Is also applied. The pulse generation circuit 96 may be configured by being incorporated in the control device 85A.

  The relay 95 can be easily turned on / off by a command signal (output on / on signal) from the CPU 86A of the control device 85A, has a fast on / off operation speed, has no chattering or mechanical noise, and its From the viewpoint of high reliability and long life, a photo MOS relay or SSR (solid state relay) which is a kind of contactless relay provided with a MOSFET (field effect transistor) is preferably used. If such an advantage does not have to be desired, a mechanical relay that is a contact relay composed of an electromagnet and a mechanical contact may be used.

  FIG. 41 shows the periphery of the electronic circuit of one sensor 50 representing the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8. The sensor 50 mainly includes an LED (light emitting diode) 50a as a light emitting element, a phototransistor 50b as a light receiving element, and a control circuit. The output terminal of the pulse generation circuit 96 is electrically connected to the EXGND terminals of the sensors 50-1 to 50-8. When a pulse generated by the pulse generation circuit 96 based on a command signal (output on signal) from the CPU 86A is supplied to the EXGND of the sensor circuit, the EXGND is turned on by the pulse supply serving as a kind of switch. As a result, the voltage is switched to LOW (0 V), so that no current flows through the sensor 50 to save energy. Conversely, when no pulse is generated in the pulse generation circuit 96 by the command signal (output off signal) from the CPU 86A and no pulse is supplied to EXGND, EXGND is turned off and the voltage is switched to HIGH (+ 5V). The sensor 50 is activated.

  With such a configuration, when shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode, the paper size data is read from the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, and only + 5V is applied only to the sensor 50 which is the minimum necessary to hold the data. The other sensors 50 are not applied / supplied with a voltage / power of + 5V.

  Note that the switching selection means is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 41, but is, for example, a select switch (see FIG. (Not shown). By providing such a select switch, only the sensor 50 which is the minimum necessary for holding the paper size data from the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 by a command signal (ON / OFF signal) from the CPU 86A. May be selected to turn on the power supply, or all the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 may be turned on.

  The CPU 86A (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “control device 85A” for convenience of explanation) is a case where a sheet is in a standby state in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 and is set in advance when the sheet is shifted to the sheet feeding energy saving mode. Based on the conditions for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode, the backup RAM 94 stores the paper size data and detects the paper size from the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8. The pulse generation circuit 96 is controlled to turn on the power supply from the power source only to the sensor 50 necessary for holding the paper size data at the minimum, and the signal amplifying unit 142, the actuator group 143, When the relay 95 is controlled so as to turn off the power supply to the display units 83 and 84 and other sensors 145, etc. The pulse generation circuit 96 is controlled to turn on the power supply to the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 based on a set return condition from a paper feed energy saving mode to be described later, and the first The relay 95 is controlled to turn on the power supply to the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the display groups 83 and 84, and other sensors 145 via the power supply circuit 140.

  The transition condition to the paper feed energy saving mode when the sheet is in the standby state in the intermediate transport unit 4 is an output from the encoder sensor 151 when the main body feed roller 111 is stopped when the printing operation in the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is finished. It is preset when the pulse signal changes, that is, when the pulse is no longer counted.

  The return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode when the sheet is in the standby state in the intermediate transport unit 4 is that the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is operated based on a print start signal as a start signal from the print start key. When the paper in the intermediate transport unit 4 is transported to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side, the paper size of the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 is detected and the paper size data is retained. It is set in advance when the minimum required output signal from the sensor 50 changes, that is, when it changes from on to off.

  Based on the above configuration, the operation when the sheet remains in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 in the standby state in the offline mode in which the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume feeding conveyance unit 1 are connected offline will be described. . First, the above-described embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 38 in the case where the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 are started up without using the function related to the sheet feeding energy saving mode. A brief supplementary explanation of the operation will be given.

  39 to 41, after the power switch 80 of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 is turned on, the power switch 80 is arranged between the power switch 80 and the relay 95 in FIG. When the reset switch 81 is turned on, a voltage / power of +5 V is applied / supplied to the control device 85A and the pulse generation circuit 96 via the second power supply circuit 141. Next, since the control device 85A recognizes that the function related to the mode is not used because there is no transition condition to the paper feed energy saving mode, the relay 95 is turned on by sending a signal to turn on the relay 95 to the relay 95. The As a result, the voltage / power of + 5V is supplied to the display units 83 and 84 and other sensors 145 via the first power supply circuit 140, the voltage / power of ± 12V is supplied to the signal amplifier 142, and the voltage / power of + 24V is supplied to the signal amplifier 142. The electric power is the actuator group 143 (the paper feed motor 22, the lift motor 28, the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3, the paper length sensor solenoid 72-1, the paper presence sensor solenoid 72-2, and so on. (Omitted) are applied and supplied respectively.

  At the same time, the control device 85A sends a signal that does not generate a pulse from the pulse generation circuit 96 to each of the pulse generation circuits 96 to supply power to all of the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8. Thus, the EXGND of each sensor circuit is kept off, so that a voltage / power of +5 V is applied to and supplied to all of the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, and all the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 are activated.

  On the other hand, in the stacking unit 2, the sheet feeding mechanism unit 3, and the intermediate conveyance unit 4, which are each unit of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1, a voltage / power of +5 V is supplied to the display unit groups 83 and 84 via the first power supply circuit 140. In addition, since ± 12V voltage / power is applied to the signal amplifier 142 and + 24V voltage / power is applied to the actuator group 143 to the other sensors 145, etc., the initialization (reset) operation described above is automatically performed. Will be performed. Since the unique sheet feeding operation of the intermediate transport unit 4 performed after the resetting is the same as described above except for the supplementary description, the description thereof is omitted. That is, in the reset stop state of one sheet P after the reset operation is completed, power is supplied to the sheet feeding motor 22 and the third motor 33-3 so that an excitation current for holding the position flows.

  Next, the operation of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 when the function related to the sheet feeding energy saving mode by the controller 85A is used will be described with reference to FIGS. When the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 are used in the off-line mode, the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 side, when printing is completed on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side, If there is a sheet, the next sheet P occupies the reset position of the intermediate transport unit 4 through the above-described operation (as shown in FIG. 11, regardless of the sheet size). Is moved to the stop position P0 and is temporarily stopped at the reset position, so that the sheet P remains in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 in a standby state. Therefore, the paper size data (paper information) is stored and retained because the offline control related to the specific paper transport control method (transport type) described above must be executed in order to shift to the paper feed energy saving mode in the offline mode. It is necessary to keep. To return from the paper-feed energy saving mode, the leading edge of the paper P is at the same stop position P0 regardless of the paper size, so that power is supplied only to the sensor 50 that detects the trailing edge of the paper P. It will be good.

  Thus, the shift to the paper feed energy saving mode when the sheet is in the standby state in the intermediate transport unit 4 starts from step S80 shown in FIG. In step S80, the rotation of the third conveyance roller 32-3 accompanying the rotation stop of the main body paper feed roller 111 at the end of the printing operation in the stencil printing apparatus main body 100, that is, from the encoder sensor 151 accompanying the drive stop of the paper feed motor 122 is detected. When the output pulse signal of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 changes, that is, when the pulses from the encoder sensor 151 are not counted for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) counted by the timer 88A, the printing operation is completed. It is considered as a condition for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode.

  In order to shift to the paper feed energy saving mode, in order to prepare for the start of the next printing operation on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side, the paper information (paper size data) of the paper P remaining in the standby state in the intermediate transport unit 4 is stored. It is necessary to detect and store and store the data so that it will not be erased even if the power switch 80 is turned off.

  Accordingly, in step S81, it is determined whether or not the sheet P is present in the intermediate transport unit 4, and the eighth sensor 50-8 and the first to seventh sensors 50-1 to 50-7 for detecting the leading end position of the sheet P are determined. When the suspended paper P is detected at the reset position based on the output signal from any one of the sensors 50, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 detect the paper as described above. Size detection / determination is performed (steps S82 and S83).

  Hereinafter, a specific example of the paper size A version will be described with reference to steps S84 to S92 in FIG. For example, as shown in step S84, if all of the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 are turned on, the paper size of the paper P at the reset position is determined as A3Y (horizontal) by the control device 85A. Further, the pulse generation circuit 96 is controlled as described above in accordance with a command from the control device 85A, so that it is the minimum sensor required for holding the paper size data as shown in FIG. A voltage / power of + 5V is applied / supplied only to the first sensor 50-1 detecting the trailing edge of the paper P necessary for the return, and the other second to eighth sensors 50-2 to 50-8. Is not applied / supplied with + 5V voltage / power (step S85, step S86).

  As shown in step S87, if all of the third to eighth sensors 50-3 to 50-8 are on, the control device 85A determines that the paper size of the paper P at the reset position is A4Y (horizontal), Further, the pulse generation circuit 96 is controlled as described above in response to a command from the control device 85A, so that the minimum sensor required for holding the paper size data as shown in FIG. The voltage / power of + 5V is applied / supplied only to the third sensor 50-3 detecting the trailing edge of the paper P necessary for the other, and the other first, second, fourth to eighth sensors 50- The voltage / power of + 5V is not applied / supplied to 1, 50-2, 50-4 to 50-8 (steps S88 and S89).

  As shown in step S90, if all of the fourth to eighth sensors 50-3 to 50-8 are on, the control device 85A determines that the paper size of the paper P at the reset position is A4T (vertical), Further, when the pulse generation circuit 96 is controlled as described above according to a command from the control device 85A, as shown in FIG. 47, the sensor is the minimum sensor required for holding the paper size data, and returns to the paper feed energy saving mode. The voltage / power of + 5V is applied / supplied only to the fourth sensor 50-4 detecting the trailing edge of the paper P necessary for the other, and the other first to third, fifth to eighth sensors 50- A voltage / power of + 5V is not applied / supplied to 1-50-3 and 50-5 to 50-8 (steps S91 and S92). In step S86, step S89, and step S92, the case where + 5V voltage / power is applied / supplied is described as “on”, and the case where it is not applied / supplied is described as “off”.

  Next, the paper size data determined in step S85, step S88, and step S91 is written into the backup RAM 94 and stored / saved (step S93). Next, when the relay 95 is turned off by a command from the control device 85A, the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the display groups 83 and 84, the other sensors 145, etc. 145 are connected via the first power supply circuit 140. The power supply is turned off, the mode is shifted to the paper feed energy saving mode, and energy saving of the energy saving portion 144 is achieved.

  The return from the paper feed energy saving mode when the sheet is in the standby state in the intermediate transport unit 4 starts from step S96 shown in FIG. First, in step S96, it is determined whether or not the paper feed energy saving mode is set. If it is the paper feed energy saving mode, the process advances to step S97 to determine whether or not the printing operation in the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 has been started. That is, when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 starts a printing operation based on a print start signal as a start signal generated by pressing and turning on the print start key, the paper in the intermediate transport unit 4 is transferred to the stencil printing apparatus. When the output signal from the sensor 50 that is transported to the main body 100 and is supplied with power and detects the trailing edge of the paper P changes from on to off, the control unit 85A controls the paper in the intermediate transport unit 4 It is determined that the rear end has come out of the sensor 50, and the relay 95 is turned on by a command from the control device 85A (steps S98 and S99). At the same time, the pulse generation circuit 96 is controlled as described above by a command from the control device 85A, so that the voltage and power of +5 V are also applied to the other seven sensors 50 other than the sensor 50 to which power is supplied. Applied and supplied.

  Next, the paper size data is called up from the backup RAM 94 to restore the paper size data, and the signal amplification unit 142, the actuator group 143, the display units 83 and 84, and other units are connected via the first power supply circuit 140. When the power supply to the sensor 145 or the like is turned on, the return from the paper feeding energy saving mode is performed, and the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 operates as described above corresponding to the printing operation on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. (Step S100, Step S101).

(Second Embodiment)
48 and 49 show a second embodiment according to the paper feed energy saving mode (see claims 6 to 8). The second embodiment has a first power supply circuit 140B in place of the first power supply circuit 140, as compared with the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 39 to 47, and the second power supply circuit 141. The main difference is that the second power supply circuit 141B is replaced with the second power supply circuit 141B, the pulse generation circuit 96 is removed, and the control device 85B is replaced with the control device 85A.

  The power supply circuit of the present embodiment includes a first power supply circuit 140B serving as a first power supply means that is supplied with power via a relay 95 when the power switch 80 is pressed and turned on, and a relay 95. The second power supply circuit 141B as a second power supply means to which power is directly supplied without going through the power supply circuit is composed of two systems.

  Compared with the first power supply circuit 140, the first power supply circuit 140B has a first converter 147B in place of the first converter 147, and the first converter 147B has a voltage / power of + 5V from the first to the first power supply circuit 140B. The main difference is that it is connected to the first converter 147B so as to be applied and supplied to the eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, and the rest is the same.

  In FIG. 48, the first power supply circuit 140B, the signal amplifying unit 142, the actuator group 143, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the display groups 83 and 84, and other sensors surrounded by a broken line, etc. A portion 145 indicates an energy saving portion 144B in which the power is not supplied when the sheet feeding energy saving mode is entered, that is, the power supply is turned off.

  Compared with the second power supply circuit 141, the second power supply circuit 141B has a second converter 148B instead of the second converter 148, and a voltage / power of +5 V is controlled via the second converter 148B. The difference is that only 85B is applied and supplied.

  The control device 85B functions as a paper feed energy saving control means for always receiving the power supply when the power supply of the large volume paper feed conveyance unit 1 is turned on and controlling the operation to shift to the paper feed energy saving mode and the return operation from the paper feed energy saving mode. Have The control device 85B is mainly different from the control device 85A in that it has a CPU 86B instead of the CPU 86A, has a RAM 87B instead of the RAM 87A, and has a ROM 89B instead of the ROM 89A. is there. The control device 85B is configured to include a microcomputer similarly to the control device 85A, and is provided in the arrangement portion of the control board 79 shown in FIG.

  The CPU 86B is connected to each sensor and each switch via the input port 92 as in the first embodiment. The CPU 86B is electrically connected to the relay 95 in addition to being connected to each control target means via the output port 93 in the same manner as shown in FIG. Based on the signal and a program related to the operation called from the ROM 89B by the CPU 86B, various command signals (output on / off signals) for controlling the operation of the relay 95 are transmitted to control the energy saving system. As a matter of course, the CPU 86B has the first and second functions similar to those of the control device 85.

  The ROM 89B stores the same program as the ROM 89 and various related data for performing the functions of the CPU 86, as well as programs to be described later concerning the transition to the paper feed energy saving mode and the return from the paper feed energy saving mode, Various related data for exhibiting the function of the CPU 86B is stored, and these operation programs and related data are appropriately called by the CPU 86B. The RAM 87B has a function of temporarily storing calculation results of the CPU 86B, a function of storing various signals such as various on / off signals and data signals input from the respective switches and the respective sensors as needed. ing.

  The CPU 86B (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “control device 85B” for convenience of explanation) is a case where a sheet is in a standby state in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 and is set in advance when a transition is made to the paper feed energy saving mode. Based on the conditions for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode, the backup RAM 94 is used to store the paper size data, and then the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, and the first to eighth sensors are connected via the first power supply circuit 140B. 50-1 to 50-8, the display devices 83 and 84, and other sensors 145 are controlled so as to turn off the power supply, and when returning from the paper feed energy saving mode, a preset setting will be described later. Based on the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode, the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the first to eighth sensors 50- are connected via the first power supply circuit 140B. ～50-8 has the function of controlling the relay 95 to turn on the power supply to the display unit 83, 84 and other sensors such as 145.

  The transition condition to the paper feed energy saving mode when the sheet is in the standby state in the intermediate transport unit 4 is the same as in the first embodiment, when the output pulse signal from the encoder sensor 151 changes, that is, the pulse is not counted. Is set in advance.

  The return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode when the sheet is in the standby state in the intermediate transport unit 4 is that the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is operated based on a print start signal as a start signal from the print start key. It is set in advance when the output pulse signal from the encoder sensor 151 changes as the paper in the intermediate transport unit 4 is transported to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side, that is, when the pulses start to be counted again.

  Based on the above-described configuration, the operation when the sheet remains in the standby state in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 in the offline mode will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment. First, the operation when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 are started up without using the function relating to the sheet feeding energy saving mode will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 48, after the power switch 80 of the mass feed unit 1 is turned on, it is subsequently placed between the power switch 80 and the relay 95 in FIG. When the reset switch 81 is turned on, a voltage / power of +5 V is applied / supplied to the control device 85B via the second power supply circuit 141B. Next, the control device 85B recognizes that there is no transition condition to the paper feed energy saving mode and does not use the function related to the mode, so that the relay 95 is turned on by sending a signal to turn on the relay 95 to the relay 95. The As a result, a voltage / power of ± 12V is supplied to the signal amplifier 142 via the first power supply circuit 140B, a voltage / power of + 5V is supplied to the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the display unit 83, 84 and other sensors 145, the voltage / power of + 24V is applied to the actuator group 143 (feed motor 22, lift motor 28, first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3, paper length sensor solenoid 72- 1. It is applied and supplied to the paper presence / absence sensor solenoid 72-2). Then, the above-described initialization (reset) operation is automatically performed in each of the stacking unit 2, the sheet feeding mechanism unit 3, and the intermediate conveyance unit 4 which are each unit of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 42 to 47, the operation of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 when the function related to the sheet feeding energy saving mode by the control device 85B is used will be described. From step S80 to step S83 shown in FIG. 42, the same operation as in the first embodiment is executed. The subsequent operation differs from the first embodiment in that the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 are turned on and off without performing the series of operations in steps S84 to S92 in FIG. The paper size data determined by the control device 85B based on the data is written and stored in the backup RAM 94. Next, when the relay 95 is turned off by a command from the control device 85B, the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, The power supply to the display units 83 and 84 and the other sensors 145 is turned off, the mode is shifted to the paper feed energy saving mode, and energy saving of the energy saving portion 144B is achieved.

  The return from the paper feed energy saving mode when the sheet is in the standby state in the intermediate transport unit 4 starts from step S96 shown in FIG. 44 as in the first embodiment, and in step S97, the second embodiment is reached. A return condition from the specific paper-saving mode is added. That is, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 starts a printing operation based on a print start signal generated by pressing and turning on the print start key, so that the paper in the intermediate transport unit 4 is transferred to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. When the output pulse signal from the encoder sensor 151 changes with the start of rotation of the third transport roller 32-3 accompanying the start of rotation of the main body paper feed roller 111, that is, when the paper feed motor 122 starts to be driven, that is, the timer When a pulse from the encoder sensor 151 starts to be counted for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) counted by 88A, it is considered that the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 has started a printing operation, and from the paper feed energy saving mode. It is a return condition. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the determination processing operation in step S98 is not performed, and the relay 95 is turned on by a command from the control device 85B.

  Next, the paper size data is called from the backup RAM 94 and temporarily stored in the RAM 87B, whereby the paper size data is restored, and the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, When the power supply to the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the display units 83 and 84, and other sensors 145 is turned on, the return from the paper feed energy saving mode is performed, and a large amount of paper is supplied. The paper transport unit 1 operates as described above corresponding to the printing operation on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side.

  According to the second embodiment, the pulse generation circuit 96 according to the first embodiment is not necessary, and at the time of shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode, it is at least necessary for holding the paper size data and is returned to the paper feed energy saving mode. Since it is not necessary to apply and supply the + 5V voltage / power to the specific sensor 50 that detects the trailing edge of the paper P that is necessary for this, further energy saving can be achieved compared to the first embodiment. .

(Third embodiment)
50 and 51 show a third embodiment according to the paper feed energy saving mode (see claims 1 and 3 to 5). Compared with the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 39 to 47, the third embodiment has a second power supply circuit 141C instead of the second power supply circuit 141, and eliminates the pulse generation circuit 96. The difference is mainly that the control device 85C is replaced with the control device 85A, and the other points are the same. The third embodiment is effective in the case where it is not necessary to save energy as much as the first and second embodiments.

  The power supply circuit of the present embodiment includes a first power supply circuit 140 serving as a first power supply unit that is supplied with power via a relay 95 when the power switch 80 is pressed and turned on, and a relay 95. The second power supply circuit 141C as a second power supply means to which power is directly supplied without going through the power supply circuit is composed of two systems.

  Compared with the second power supply circuit 141, the second power supply circuit 141C has a second converter 148C in place of the second converter 148, and the voltage / power of + 5V is the first through the second converter 148C. To the eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 and the controller 85C. In other words, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 are configured to be able to perform detection operation by always receiving the power supply when the power switch 80 is turned on via the second power circuit 141C. .

  The control device 85C functions as a paper feed energy saving control unit that always receives the power supply when the mass paper feed conveyance unit 1 is turned on and controls the shift operation to the paper feed energy saving mode and the return operation from the paper feed energy saving mode. Have The control device 85C is mainly different from the control device 85A in that it has a CPU 86C instead of the CPU 86A, has a RAM 87C instead of the RAM 87A, and has a ROM 89C instead of the ROM 89A. is there. The control device 85C is configured to include a microcomputer similarly to the control device 85A, and is provided in the arrangement portion of the control board 79 shown in FIG.

  The CPU 86C is connected to each sensor and each switch via the input port 92 as in the first embodiment. The CPU 86C is electrically connected to the relay 95 in addition to being connected to the control target means via the output port 93 as shown in FIG. Based on the signal and a program related to the operation called from the ROM 89C by the CPU 86C, various command signals (output on / off signal) for controlling the operation of the relay 95 are transmitted to control the energy saving system. As a matter of course, the CPU 86C has the first and second functions similar to those of the control device 85.

  The ROM 89C stores the same program as the ROM 89 and various related data for performing the functions of the CPU 86, as well as programs to be described later relating to the shift to the paper feed energy saving mode and the return from the paper feed energy saving mode, Various related data for exhibiting the function of the CPU 86C is stored, and these operation programs and related data are appropriately called by the CPU 86C. The RAM 87C has a function for temporarily storing the calculation result of the CPU 86C, a function for storing various signals such as ON / OFF signals and data signals inputted and set from the respective switches and the respective sensors as needed. ing.

  The CPU 86C (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “control device 85C” for convenience of explanation) is a case where a sheet is in a standby state in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 and is set in advance when the sheet is shifted to the sheet feeding energy saving mode. Based on the condition for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode, the power supply to the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the display groups 83 and 84, and other sensors 145 is turned off via the first power supply circuit 140. When the relay 95 is controlled to return from the paper feed energy saving mode, the signal amplifying unit 142 and the actuator group are connected via the first power supply circuit 140 based on a preset return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode described later. 143, the display devices 83 and 84, and other sensors 145 have a function of controlling the relay 95 so as to turn on the power supply. The conditions for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode and the conditions for returning from the paper feed energy saving mode when the sheet is in the standby state in the intermediate transport unit 4 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Based on the above-described configuration, the operation when the sheet remains in the standby state in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 in the offline mode will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment. First, the operation when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 are started up without using the function relating to the sheet feeding energy saving mode will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 50, after the power switch 80 of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 is turned on, the power switch 80 is arranged between the power switch 80 and the relay 95 in FIG. When the reset switch 81 is turned on, a voltage / power of +5 V is applied / supplied to the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 and the controller 85C via the second power supply circuit 141C. Next, since the control device 85C recognizes that the function related to the mode is not used because there is no transition condition to the paper feeding energy saving mode, the relay 95 is turned on by sending a signal to turn on the relay 95 to the relay 95. The As a result, the voltage / power of + 5V is supplied to the display units 83 and 84 and other sensors 145 via the first power supply circuit 140, the voltage / power of ± 12V is supplied to the signal amplifier 142, and the voltage / power of + 24V is supplied to the signal amplifier 142. Electric power is applied to and supplied to the actuator group 143, respectively. Then, the above-described initialization (reset) operation is automatically performed in each of the stacking unit 2, the sheet feeding mechanism unit 3, and the intermediate conveyance unit 4 which are each unit of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 42 to 47, the operation of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 when the function related to the sheet feeding energy saving mode by the controller 85C is used will be described. From step S80 to step S83 shown in FIG. 42, the same operation as in the first embodiment is executed. The subsequent operation differs from the first embodiment in that the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 are turned on and off without performing the series of operations in steps S84 to S92 in FIG. The paper size data determined by the control device 85C based on the data is written and stored in the backup RAM 94. Next, when the relay 95 is turned off by a command from the control device 85C, the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the display groups 83 and 84, and the other sensors 145 are connected via the first power supply circuit 140. The power supply is turned off, the mode is shifted to the paper feed energy saving mode, and energy saving of the energy saving portion 144 is achieved as in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, even when the relay 95 is turned off, a voltage / power of + 5V is always applied / supplied to the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 and the control device 85C.

  The return from the paper feed energy saving mode when the sheet is in the standby state in the intermediate transport unit 4 starts from step S96 shown in FIG. 44 as in the first embodiment, and after the determination processing operation in step S97, the first operation is performed. The determination processing operation and the like substantially the same as step S98 of the embodiment are performed, and the relay 95 is turned on by a command from the control device 85C.

  Next, paper size data is called from the backup RAM 94, and power supply to the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the display groups 83 and 84, and other sensors 145 is turned on via the first power supply circuit 140. Thus, the return from the paper feed energy saving mode is performed, and the large-volume paper feed unit 1 operates as described above corresponding to the printing operation on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. In the third embodiment, since the power is always supplied to the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 after the power switch 80 is turned on, the backup RAM 94 is not necessarily required. Absent.

(Fourth embodiment)
Even in the offline mode, only the designated number of printed sheets is stacked on the large-volume sheet feeding tray 10, or less than the specified number of printed sheets P is loaded on the large-volume sheet feeding tray 10, or the intermediate transport unit 4 or the like. Under the condition that the paper P corresponding to the loss is not replenished due to the occurrence of a jam or the like, all the paper P stacked on the large-volume paper feed tray 10 disappears after the printing is finished, so that the paper P is loaded in the intermediate transport unit 4. There will be no state.

  To illustrate this, for example, it is assumed that setting is performed by using a numeric keypad on an operation panel (not shown) so that ten sheets are printed on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. At this time, if there are only five sheets of paper P in the large-volume sheet feeding table 10 on the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 side, when the five sheets are printed, the large-volume sheet feeding table 10 is automatically lowered. In the intermediate conveyance unit 4, the sheet P is not left. In this state, the printing operation on the stencil printing main body 100 side is stopped by assuming that the printing is finished or the printing is interrupted, and the paper feeding energy saving mode may be entered. Alternatively, the state may be shifted to the paper feed energy saving mode when the above state continues for a certain time or more. In this case, since the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 of the intermediate transport unit 4 do not need to detect the paper size (paper information), the sensor energy is also saved. The return from the paper feed energy saving mode can be easily made by pressing a reset switch 81 provided in the large-volume paper feed unit 1.

  Therefore, a description will be given of a fourth embodiment relating to the configuration and operation in the case where the paper feed energy saving mode is considered in the offline mode and no sheet remains in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 in the standby state. 48, 49, 52 and 53 show a fourth embodiment relating to a paper feed energy saving mode when there is no sheet in the intermediate transport section 4 (see claims 9 to 12).

  Compared with the configuration of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, the fourth embodiment has a control device 85D instead of the control device 85B as shown in parentheses in both figures. Only the point is different. The control device 85D functions as a paper feed energy saving control unit that always receives the power supply when the mass paper feed conveyance unit 1 is turned on, and controls the operation to shift to the paper feed energy saving mode and the return operation from the paper feed energy saving mode. Have The control device 85D is mainly different from the control device 85B in that it has a CPU 86D instead of the CPU 86B, a RAM 87D instead of the RAM 87B, and a ROM 89D instead of the ROM 89B. is there.

  The control device 85D is configured to include a microcomputer similarly to the control device 85B, and is provided in the arrangement portion of the control board 79 shown in FIG. The input / output configuration of the control device 85D is the same as that of the control device 85B. The ROM 89D stores the same program as the ROM 89 and various related data for performing the functions of the CPU 86. In addition, the ROM 89D shifts to a paper feed energy saving mode when there is no paper in the intermediate transport unit 4 and feeds energy. A program to be described later relating to the return from the mode and various related data for exhibiting the function of the CPU 86D are stored, and these operation program and related data are appropriately called by the CPU 86D. The RAM 87D has a function of temporarily storing the calculation results of the CPU 86D, a function of storing various signals such as various on / off signals and data signals input from the respective switches and the respective sensors as needed. ing.

  The CPU 86D (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “control device 85D” for convenience of explanation) has a paper feed energy saving function set in advance, which will be described later, when there is no paper in the intermediate transport unit 4 and shifts to the paper feed energy saving mode. Based on the condition for shifting to the mode, the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the display groups 83 and 84, and the other are connected via the first power supply circuit 140B. When the relay 95 is controlled so as to turn off the power supply to the sensor 145 and the like, and when returning from the paper feed energy saving mode, the first power supply circuit is set based on a preset return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode described later. Power is supplied to the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the display groups 83 and 84, and other sensors 145 via 140B. It has a function of controlling the relay 95 to down.

  The transition condition to the paper feed energy saving mode when there is no sheet in the intermediate transport unit 4 is the same as in the second embodiment when the output pulse signal from the encoder sensor 151 changes, that is, when the pulse is not counted. Is set. The return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode when there is no sheet in the intermediate transport unit 4 is when the reset switch 81, which is disposed between the power switch 80 and the relay 95 in FIG. Is preset when a reset signal is generated as an output signal.

  Based on the above configuration, the operation when there is no sheet in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 in the off-line mode will be described with a focus on differences from the second embodiment. Since the operation when starting up the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 without using the function related to the sheet feeding energy saving mode is the same as that of the second embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. .

  Next, the operation of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 when the function related to the sheet feeding energy saving mode by the control device 85D is used will be described with reference to FIGS. The operation in this case starts from step S110 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S110, a determination processing operation based on the condition for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode similar to that in the first and second embodiments is executed (step S80 in FIG. 42). The subsequent operation differs from the second embodiment in that, in step S111, when it is determined whether or not the sheet P is present in the intermediate conveyance unit 4, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8. When the control device 85D determines that there is no paper based on the output signal, the relay 95 is immediately turned off by a command from the control device 85D.

  At this time, unlike the first to third embodiments, the third motor 33-3 is moved to the position by the command from the control device 85D, unlike the case where the sheet is in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 in the offline mode. The relay 95 is controlled to turn off the power supply from the power source including the exciting current supplied for holding. Thereby, the power to the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the display groups 83 and 84, the other sensors 145 and the like 145 via the first power supply circuit 140B. The supply is turned off, the mode is shifted to the paper feed energy saving mode, and energy saving of the energy saving portion 144B is achieved (steps S112 to S114).

  The return operation from the paper feed energy saving mode when there is no sheet in the intermediate transport unit 4 starts from step S115 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S115, a determination processing operation for determining whether or not the paper feed energy saving mode is the same as in the first and second embodiments is executed (step S96 shown in FIG. 44). Next, the process proceeds to step S116, and it is determined whether or not a return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode specific to the fourth embodiment is satisfied. That is, it is determined whether or not the reset switch 81 has been pressed and turned on. When the reset switch 81 is turned on, a reset signal is generated. When this output signal is input to the CPU 86D of the control device 85D, a command from the control device 85D is issued. With this, the relay 95 is immediately turned on. Thereby, the power to the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the display groups 83 and 84, the other sensors 145 and the like 145 via the first power supply circuit 140B. When the supply is turned on, the return from the paper feed energy saving mode is performed, and the large-volume paper feed unit 1 operates as described above in response to the printing operation on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side.

  According to the fourth embodiment, the pulse generation circuit 96 of the first embodiment is not necessary, and when shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode, it is at least necessary for holding the paper size data and is returned to the paper feed energy saving mode. It is not necessary to apply or supply + 5V voltage / power to the specific sensor 50 that detects the trailing edge of the paper P necessary for the printing, and includes an excitation current for holding the third motor 33-3. Since the power supply from the power source is turned off, further energy saving can be achieved as compared with the first to third embodiments.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the transition condition to the paper feed energy saving mode when the sheet is in the standby state or not in the intermediate transport unit 4 is not limited to the transition condition described above, but is counted by the timer 88A. Alternatively, it may be set in advance when the non-operation elapsed time after the power switch 80 is turned on or the pause time of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 reaches a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes). In this case, the control devices 85A, 85B, 85C, and 85D are configured to turn off the relay 95 based on the timer 88A when a predetermined time has elapsed after the timer 88A starts measuring time. Here, the pause time of the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 means a time measured from the time when the operation is stopped due to the operation of each actuator of the stacking unit 2, the feeding mechanism unit 3 and the intermediate conveying unit 4 being stopped. .

  When the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 shifts to and returns from the energy-saving mode in the offline mode, the actual operation of the apparatus is both when the intermediate conveying unit 4 has the paper P and when it does not exist. Therefore, it is rare that the fourth embodiment is configured and operated alone. Therefore, in consideration of the operation of the actual apparatus, all the configurations of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 39, 40, 41 to 44, etc. and FIGS. 48, 49, 52, 53, etc. 48, 49, FIG. 48, FIG. 48, FIG. 49, or FIG. 48 combined with all the configurations of the fourth embodiment shown, or all the configurations of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 48, FIG. 49, FIG. 48, and the configuration of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 50, FIG. 51, etc., and the configuration combined with all the configurations of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 52 and an embodiment having a configuration obtained by combining all the configurations of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 53 and the like are closer to an actual device (claims 13 to 16).

(Fifth embodiment)
When the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 perform printing in the offline mode, there is a feature that after the printing is finished, the next sheet P is conveyed to the intermediate conveying unit 4 and is on standby. In the online mode in which the printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 are operated in a state where they are online connected so as to communicate with each other, the next sheet P does not stand by in the intermediate conveying unit 4 at the end of printing. A method different from the method of shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode while storing the paper information or holding the paper information as described in the first to third embodiments is adopted.

  In offline control when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 are connected offline, paper information (paper size data) cannot be recognized by the main body control apparatus on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. Although it is assumed that the paper size set on the operation panel of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the paper size actually fed from the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 are different, this embodiment also solves such a problem. it can.

  That is, when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 are controlled on-line, it is necessary to connect the two through a serial communication unit or a serial interface as serial communication means as described later. Since the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is equipped with a control system that shifts to the main body energy saving mode after a certain period of time, a signal indicating the shift to the main body energy saving mode is sent to the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 side through the serial communication section of both. As a result, the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 also shifts to the sheet feeding energy saving mode following the shift to the main body energy saving mode on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. At this time, the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 supplies power to only the serial communication unit and the serial interface on the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 side, which is the minimum control configuration necessary for returning from the paper-feeding energy saving mode. Just do it. When the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 returns from the main body energy saving mode when returning from the paper feeding energy saving mode, a signal for returning through the serial communication unit on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is sent to the serial communication on the large-volume paper feed unit 1 side. It may be sent to the department and automatically returned.

  Therefore, a description will be given of a fifth embodiment related to the configuration and operation in the case where the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 also shifts to the sheet feeding energy saving mode in the online mode in accordance with the body energy saving mode of the stencil printing apparatus body 100. 54 to 59 show a fifth embodiment (see claim 17).

  As shown in FIGS. 54 and 55, the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 and the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 are mechanically connected as described above, and the intermediate conveying section 4 occupies the connection position, so that the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 The papers can be fed from the side, and are connected to each other so as to be capable of serial communication with each other via an interface cable 135 as a communication cable. The stencil printing apparatus shown in both figures is composed of a large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 and a stencil printing apparatus main body 100. The stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side such as FIG. 69 to be described later including FIG. 54 is simply illustrated by omitting the main body paper feed stand 110 and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 55, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 receives power from the power source when the power switch 136 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is serially communicated with the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1. A serial interface 133 (hereinafter, abbreviated as “serial I / F 133”) as a main body communication means that can always receive power and communicate, and controls the operation of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 connected to the serial I / F 133. In addition, it has functions as a main unit energy saving control means for controlling the main body energy saving mode transition operation and return operation, as well as the paper feeding energy saving mode transition operation and return operation from the paper feeding energy saving mode, and also as a paper feeding energy saving control means. A main body control device 131 is disposed. The main body control device 131 is also configured to be operable by always receiving power supply from the power source when the power switch 136 is on (when the power source is on).

  Here, the “main body energy saving mode” refers to a mode that operates to save power consumption when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is not used. A serial I / F 134 shown in FIG. 55 is used for serial communication with an optional large-volume sheet discharge device as described in an embodiment described later.

  The main body control device 131 includes a microcomputer having a CPU 132, a RAM (not shown), a ROM as a storage means (not shown), a backup ROM as a storage holding means (not shown), a timer as a time measuring means (not shown), and the like. The main body control device 131 is provided on a control board (not shown) disposed in the main body casing 107. Although not shown in FIG. 55, the main body control device 131 is simply shown. However, the appropriate height sensor 126, the paper presence / absence sensor 127, the paper length sensor 128, the paper feed motor 122, In addition, control configurations relating to input / output of the above-described sensors, motors, solenoids, registration motors, main motors, and the like, which are not shown, are connected via input ports, output ports, and the like.

  The mass feed unit 1 is connected online to the serial I / F 133 in order to communicate with the stencil printing apparatus main body 100, and from the power source when the power switch 80 of the mass feed unit 1 is turned on (when the power is turned on). The serial I / F 99 as a paper feed communication means that constantly receives the power supply of the main body and transmits a command as a command signal from the main body control device 131, and controls the operation of the large-volume paper feed unit 1 connected to the serial I / F 99. A control device 85E serving as a sheet feeding control means, and a relay 95 serving as a switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to each part of the mass feeding / conveying unit 1 except for the serial I / F 99. Yes.

  The serial I / F 133 includes a connector and an electronic circuit (not shown) for serial communication (signal transmission / reception in series) with the serial I / F 99. Similarly, the serial I / F 99 includes a connector and an electronic circuit (not shown) for serial communication with the serial I / F 133. Also in each embodiment to be described later, each serial interface is configured in the same manner as described above, and hence the description thereof will be omitted.

  The power supply circuit on the side of the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 in the present embodiment is a first power supply unit that is supplied with power via a relay 95 when the power switch 80 is pressed and turned on. Power supply circuit 140 </ b> E and a second power supply circuit 141 </ b> E as second power supply means to which power is directly supplied without going through the relay 95.

  The first power supply circuit 140E includes a first converter 147D instead of the first converter 147 as compared with the first power supply circuit 140B of the second and fourth embodiments shown in FIG. The main difference is that it is connected to the first converter 147D so that a voltage / power of + 5V is also applied / supplied to the control device 85E via the converter 147D.

  In FIG. 56, the first power supply circuit 140E, the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the display groups 83 and 84, other sensors, etc., surrounded by a broken line. 145 and the control device 85E indicate an energy saving portion 144E in which power is not supplied when the sheet feeding energy saving mode is entered, that is, the power supply is turned off.

  The second power supply circuit 141E has a second converter 148D in place of the second converter 148B, as compared with the second power supply circuit 141B of the second and fourth embodiments shown in FIG. The difference is that + 5V voltage / power is supplied only to the serial I / F 99 via the two converter 148D instead of the control device 85B (85D).

  The timer of the main body control device 131 has a function of measuring the non-operation elapsed time after the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is turned on (after the power switch 136 is turned on) or the pause time of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100.

  The CPU 132 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “main body control device 131” for the sake of convenience of description), when making a transition to the main body energy saving mode based on a preset condition for shifting to the main body energy saving mode, via the serial I / F 133. Relay to turn off the power supply from the power supply to each part of the mass feed unit 1 except for the serial I / F99 by transmitting a command signal to the serial I / F 99 to shift to the paper feed energy saving mode. 95, and when the main body control device 131 returns from the main body energy saving mode based on a preset condition for returning from the main body energy saving mode, the serial I / F 99 is switched from the paper feeding energy saving mode to the serial I / F 99. Relay to turn on the power supply to each part of the mass feed unit 1 by transmitting a command signal related to the return of 5 has a function as the paper-saving control means for controlling.

  When the mass feed unit 1 is connected online, the main body control device 131 sends the paper information (paper size data, etc.) from the control device 85E that is transmitted via the serial I / F 99 and the serial I / F 133. It has a function of using a command signal (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “command”). Further, the main body control device 131, based on a paper jam command from the control device 85E transmitted from the serial I / F 99 and the serial I / F 133, when the large-volume paper feed unit 1 is connected online, Controls the liquid crystal display unit and LED display (both not shown) of the liquid crystal display device as a notification means provided on the operation panel so as to warn of paper jam, and stops the printing operation. And a function of controlling the main motor and the like.

  The control device 85E is mainly different from the control device 85 in that it has a CPU 86E instead of the CPU 86, a RAM 87E instead of the RAM 87, and a ROM 89E instead of the ROM 89. is there. The control device 85E is configured to include a microcomputer similarly to the control device 85, and is provided in the arrangement portion of the control board 79 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 57, the control device 85E has a control configuration related to input / output of each sensor, each switch, each motor, each solenoid, etc., as shown in FIG. It is connected. 57 is different from that shown in FIG. 13 in that the encoder sensor 151 is removed and the solenoids 72-1 and 72-2 are not indispensable as shown by the two-dot chain lines. Are mainly different, and the others are the same.

  The ROM 89E stores a program relating to an online mode to be described later and various related data for exhibiting the functions of the CPU 86, and these operation programs and related data are appropriately called by the CPU 86E. The RAM 87E has a function of temporarily storing the calculation result of the CPU 86E, a function of storing various signals such as various on / off signals and data signals input from the respective switches and the respective sensors as needed. ing.

  The CPU 86E (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “control device 85E” for convenience of explanation) replaces the first and second functions related to the offline mode of the control device 85 described above, that is, online control functions, that is, online. It has a function of detecting paper information (paper size data and the like) for control and a function of detecting paper feed jams, and the main body control device receives these detection information and commands via the serial I / F99 and serial I / F133. The function of transmitting to 131 is provided.

  Based on the above configuration, first, the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 occupies the connection position shown in FIG. 54 while borrowing FIG. 38 as appropriate. An example will be described focusing on differences from the offline mode.

  First, as shown in FIG. 38 (b), the power switch 80 on the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 side is turned on / on, and as shown in FIG. 38 (a), the power switch 136 on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is turned on. The power supply from each power source is made independent, although the order of turning on / on is not questioned. At this time, on the large-volume paper feed unit 1 side, the power from the power source is supplied to the first power circuit 140E because the relay 95 is turned on.

  The control program of the main body control device 131 includes a communication program for recognizing the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 as an optional unit connected through the serial I / Fs 133 and 134 and a large-volume discharging unit described later. It is possible to recognize the optional units connected by this program at times or at regular intervals.

  When the main body control device 131 recognizes that the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 is connected via the serial I / F 133 and the serial I / F 99 so that serial communication can be performed, it performs online control on the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1. At the same time, each control target means of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is controlled to execute the online mode. When the main body control device 131 recognizes that the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 is not connected so as to be capable of serial communication, it performs offline control for executing the offline mode.

  On the other hand, when the control device 85E recognizes that the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is connected so as to be capable of serial communication via the serial I / F 99 and the serial I / F 133, the control unit 85E can perform the online operation. Each control target means is controlled. When the controller 85E recognizes that the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is not connected so as to be capable of serial communication, it performs offline control for executing an offline operation. As for the presence / absence command of the sheet, based on the detection information of the sheet presence / absence sensor 66, the presence / absence of the sheet is transmitted to the main body control device 131 at regular intervals.

  The order of the operation of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side and the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 side does not matter. Then, whether or not the reset switch 81 is turned on is determined by the main body control device 131 and the control device 85E, respectively. In the online mode, the reset processing operation as described in the offline mode is not automatically executed only by turning on the reset switch 81, and in addition to this, a print start command ( For example, the start signal, the print start signal generated when the print start key is turned on, and the test print start signal generated when the test print key is turned on) are triggered. By inputting to the control device 85E via the I / F 133 and the serial I / F 99, an operation similar to the reset operation described above is automatically executed.

  When it is detected by a paper presence signal from the eighth sensor 50-8 that the leading edge of one sheet P has occupied the reset position, the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3 are turned off. . When the leading edge of one sheet P stops at a position approximately in front of the front plate 124 of the main body sheet feeding unit 104 and occupies the reset position, the reset operation ends and a command with a sheet is issued to the main body control device 131. Sent to.

  At this time, based on the signal relating to the detection of the paper size (paper length size) from the paper size detection sensor or the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 of the large-volume paper feed tray 10, the control device 85E While determining and recognizing the paper size of the paper P, data relating to the paper size is transmitted to the main body control device 131 and used for control. That is, the main body control device 131 invalidates these without using the detection information from the paper length sensor 128 and the paper width sensor of the main body paper feed stand 110. The main body control device 131 is collated and compared with the plate-making image size of the heat-sensitive stencil master wound around the printing drum 115. When the paper size of the paper P is smaller than the plate-making image size of the heat-sensitive stencil master, since the ink protrudes from the contour area of the paper size and the outer peripheral surface of the press roller 116 is stained, the main controller 131 In response to this command, the drive of the paper feed motor 122 is stopped and the drive of the main motor is also stopped to stop the printing operation.

  At this time, when the leading edge of the paper P passes through the eighth sensor 50-8, the paper presence / absence sensor solenoid 72-2 is turned off (returned), and the paper is present. Therefore, when there is no paper P in the intermediate conveyance path 18, the paper presence / absence sensor solenoid 72-2 is turned on. Since the sheet presence / absence sensor solenoid 72-2 remains off and the sheet length sensor solenoid 72-1 remains off, the sheet presence / absence sensor 127 of the main body sheet feeding table 110 on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side remains. In addition, the sheet length sensor 128 remains shielded by the shutters 71-2 and 71-1. As a result, it is assumed that the sheets are stacked on the sheet presence / absence sensor 127 and the sheet length sensor 128 of the main body sheet feeding stand 110. In the case of online, a shutter or the like that depresses each of the sensors 127 and 128 is not necessarily required, and may be operated by information / commands transmitted from the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1.

  On the other hand, on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side, the above-mentioned start signal is a trigger, and at the end of the above-mentioned plate discharging operation, document image reading operation, plate-making / plate-feeding operation, printing or plate printing, which is also called test printing, is usually one sheet. Only done. At this time, the sheet P is transported from the intermediate transport section 4 of the large-volume feed transport unit 1 in the same manner as described above, and plate printing is performed by the above-described operation on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side.

  Thereafter, when the eighth sensor 50-8 detects that there is no paper P, the control device 85E again drives the paper feed motor 22 to separate the uppermost paper P on the large-volume paper feed tray 10 by one. After feeding, the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3 are driven in the same manner as described above to control the conveyance of the paper P to the reset position. The feeding / conveying operation of the paper P is repeatedly performed during the printing operation on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side.

  When the paper feeding motor 22 is driven to start separation / feeding-conveying of the paper P and then transported to the most advanced portion (stop position P0) of the intermediate transport path 18, the time is counted by the timer 88A. If the paper P is not detected by the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 within a predetermined time, the control device 85E sends a paper jam command to the main body control device 131 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. Send. As a result, a paper feed jam warning or message is displayed / notified on the liquid crystal display unit of the liquid crystal display device of the operation panel, and the printing operation is stopped by stopping the driving of the main motor. Thereafter, when the numeric keypad or the print start key is pressed, continuous sheet feeding, printing, and sheet discharge operations are performed via the intermediate conveyance unit 4 corresponding to the set number of printed sheets. .

  Next, referring to FIG. 58 and FIG. 59, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 are in the online mode, and the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 in accordance with the main body energy saving mode of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. In addition, a description will be given of an operation for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode and an operation for returning from the paper feed energy saving mode. The operation in this case starts from step S120 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the fifth embodiment and the sixth embodiment to be described later, not only the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 provided with the intermediate conveying unit 4 but also the stacking unit and the sheet feeding mechanism unit without the intermediate conveying unit. The present invention can also be applied to a large-volume sheet feeding apparatus provided, for example, a sheet feeding apparatus (100) as a large-capacity sheet feeding unit disclosed in JP-A-8-259008 and JP-A-8-259209. In order to clarify this, FIG. 58 and FIG. 59, FIG. 61 and FIG. 61 to be described later, and FIG. 81 to FIG. Is described as “mass feeding device”.

  In step S120, the main body control device 131 determines whether or not a transition to the main body energy saving mode is made based on a preset transition condition to the main body energy saving mode. Here, as a condition for shifting to the energy saving mode of the main body, a predetermined time elapses without any operation by the user after the timer starts counting after the power switch 136 is turned on by the user, and the timer is up. Sometimes, or when the quiescent time of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 has passed a predetermined time, the main body energy saving mode is shifted. The pause time of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 means a time measured from the time when the operation is stopped due to the operation stop of each motor, an actuator such as a solenoid of each part of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100.

  When the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is shifted to the main body energy saving mode, the main body control apparatus 131 transmits a command related to the shift to the paper feeding energy saving mode to the serial I / F 99 via the serial I / F 133 and transmits it. As a result, the relay 95 is turned off. As a result, the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the display groups 83 and 84, the other sensors 145, and the control device via the first power supply circuit 140E. The power supply to 85E is turned off, the mode is shifted to the paper feed energy saving mode, and energy saving of the energy saving portion 144E is achieved (steps S120 to S123).

  The return operation from the paper feed energy saving mode starts from step S124 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S <b> 124, the main body control device 131 determines whether or not the main body energy saving mode has been restored based on a preset condition for returning from the main body energy saving mode. Here, the return condition from the main body energy-saving mode is set in advance when any key arranged on the operation panel on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is pressed by the user.

  When the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 has returned from the main body energy saving mode, the main body control apparatus 131 transmits and transmits a command related to the return from the paper feeding energy saving mode to the serial I / F 99 via the serial I / F 133. As a result, the relay 95 is turned on. Accordingly, the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the display groups 83 and 84, the other sensors 145 and the like and the control device via the first power supply circuit 140E. The power supply to 85E is turned on to return from the paper feed energy saving mode (steps S124 to S127).

  If it is not necessary to save energy as much as in the fifth embodiment, the function as the paper feed energy saving control means of the main body control device 131 is provided on the serial I / F 99 side using the online mode. You may share it. That is, when the main body control device 131 shifts to the main body energy saving mode, the serial I / F 99 is based on the signal related to the main body energy saving mode transmitted to the serial I / F 99 via the serial I / F 133. When the relay 95 is controlled to turn off the power supply from the power source to each part of the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 and the main body control device 131 returns from the main body energy saving mode, the serial I / F 133 is used for the serial I / F The serial I / F 99 has a function of controlling the relay 95 so as to turn on the power supply to each part of the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 based on the signal related to the return from the main body energy saving mode transmitted to F99. For example, a microcomputer may be used.

  According to the fifth embodiment, it is only necessary to supply power to the serial I / F 99 that is necessary for the transition to the paper feed energy saving mode and the return from the paper feed energy saving mode. Further energy saving can be achieved as compared with the embodiment.

(Sixth embodiment)
In the sixth embodiment, when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 are in the online mode, the large-volume feeding / conveying unit is mainly separate from the shift to the main body energy saving mode on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. The present invention relates to the configuration and operation when 1 shifts to the paper feed energy saving mode. 54 to 57, FIG. 60, and FIG. 61 show a sixth embodiment (see claim 18).

  As shown in FIGS. 54 to 57, the sixth embodiment has a main body control device 131A shown in parentheses in FIG. 55 instead of the main body control device 131, as compared with the fifth embodiment. The main difference is that the others are the same.

  The main body control device 131A includes the same microcomputer as the main body control device 131, and has the same functions as the main body control device 131 and also has the following functions. Specifically, the CPU 132A (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “main body control device 131A” for convenience of explanation) has the same function as the CPU 132 and is not in the main body energy saving mode. A signal on the stencil printing machine main body 100 side is sent to the serial I / F 99 of the large-volume sheet feeding and conveying unit 1 through the serial I / F 133 and the serial I / F 99 within a predetermined time measured by the timer (not shown) provided in the apparatus 131A. When the command is not transmitted to the printer, a command relating to the shift to the paper feed energy saving mode is transmitted to the serial I / F 99 via the serial I / F 133, thereby supplying power from the power source to each part of the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 The relay 95 is controlled to turn off, and the above printing is started to the serial I / F 99 via the serial I / F 133. Is sent to the serial I / F 99 via the serial I / F 133, a command relating to the return from the paper feed energy saving mode is sent to turn on the power supply to each part of the large-volume paper feed unit 1. Thus, the relay 95 is controlled.

  Next, referring to FIG. 60 and FIG. 61, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 are in the online mode, separately from the shift to the main body energy saving mode on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. A description will be given of an operation when the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 shifts to the sheet feeding energy saving mode and an operation for returning from the sheet feeding energy saving mode. The operation in this case starts from step S130 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 130, main body control device 131 </ b> A determines whether or not a transition to main body energy saving mode is made based on a preset condition for transition to main body energy saving mode. If the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 has not shifted to the main body energy saving mode, the process proceeds to step S131, and the serial I / F 133 is within a predetermined time counted by the timer (not shown) provided in the main body control apparatus 131A. Further, it is determined whether or not any signal on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is transmitted to the serial I / F 99 of the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 via the serial I / F 99. When no signal on the stencil printing machine main body 100 side is transmitted to the serial I / F 99, the main body control device 131A instructs the serial I / F 99 via the serial I / F 133 to enter the paper feed energy saving mode. Is transmitted and transmitted, relay 95 is turned off. As a result, the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the display groups 83 and 84, the other sensors 145, and the control device via the first power supply circuit 140E. The power supply to 85E is turned off, the mode is shifted to the paper feed energy saving mode, and energy saving of the energy saving portion 144E is achieved (steps S131 to S134).

  On the other hand, when a signal on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is transmitted to the serial I / F 99 within a predetermined time in step S131, the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 maintains the current state (step S135).

  The return operation from the paper feed energy saving mode starts from step S136 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S136, based on the command transmitted from the serial I / F 99 to the serial I / F 133 by the main body control device 131A, it is determined whether or not the large-volume paper feed unit 1 side is in the paper feed energy saving mode. When the mass feeding / conveying unit 1 side is in the sheet feeding energy saving mode, the process proceeds to step S137, and whether or not the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 has started printing, that is, a printing start signal is generated by pressing the printing start key. It is determined whether or not.

  When the print start signal is generated, the main body control device 131A transmits and transmits a command related to returning from the paper feed energy saving mode to the serial I / F 99 via the serial I / F 133, whereby the relay 95 is turned on. The As a result, the signal amplifier 142, the actuator group 143, the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the display groups 83 and 84, the other sensors 145, and the control device via the first power supply circuit 140E. The power supply to 85E is turned on to return from the paper feed energy saving mode (steps S137 to S140).

  On the other hand, when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 does not start printing in step S137, the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 holds the current state (step S141).

  According to the sixth embodiment, regardless of the shift to the main body energy-saving mode, it is possible to shift to the paper-feed energy-saving mode separately. Therefore, less power is consumed than in the fifth embodiment. Further energy saving can be achieved.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, a power source is also provided on the mass feed unit 1 side, but this is not a limitation, and a power source (main body power source) is provided only on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. The mass feeding / conveying unit 1 side may be powered by a power cable connected to the main body power supply and turned on / off by a power switch 80.

(Seventh embodiment)
62 to 66 show a seventh embodiment (see claim 20). Compared with the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 54 to 59, the seventh embodiment removes the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the main body paper feeding unit of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. 104 is used, and the mass discharge tray 129 is removed from the paper discharge unit 106 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. Instead, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the mass discharge unit 200 as a mass discharge apparatus are used. Are connected by a power cable 221 serving as a power supply means for supplying power to the large-volume paper discharge unit 200, and the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume paper are discharged. The main difference is that the units 200 are communicably connected to each other, that is, connected online.

  In the seventh embodiment, in the online mode in which the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large volume discharge unit 200 are operated in an online connection, the large volume discharge unit is mainly associated with the main body energy saving mode of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. Reference numeral 200 also relates to the configuration and operation when shifting to the paper discharge energy saving mode. Here, the “paper discharge energy saving mode” refers to a mode that is operated to save power consumption when the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 is not used.

  As shown in FIGS. 62 and 63, the large volume discharge unit 200 is mechanically connected to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 via a conveyance path 229, and is transferred from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side to the large volume discharge unit 200. The paper is configured to be discharged and stacked. Specifically, the large volume discharge unit 200 is connected to a discharge path (not shown) of the discharge unit 106 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 via a caster 205 provided at the lower part of the discharge unit casing 204. It is configured to be movable between a paper discharge connection position connected via the paper discharge position and a non-paper discharge connection position spaced from the paper discharge connection position. In FIG. 62, a reference numeral 204 denotes a paper discharge unit housing that forms the framework of the main body side of the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 as the main body of the large-volume paper discharge device.

  The mass discharge unit 200 and the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 are connected online via an interface cable 220 as a communication cable so as to be capable of serial communication with each other. The mass discharge unit 200 does not have its own power source, and the power supply on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is connected to the mass discharge unit 200 via the power cable 221 connected to the power supply on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. It is configured to be supplied.

  When the power switch 136 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is turned on (when the power is turned on), the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 can always receive power from the power supply for serial communication with the mass discharge unit 200 and communicate. The serial I / F 134 as the main body communication means and the operation of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 connected to the serial I / F 134 are controlled, and the main body energy saving mode transition operation and return operation and the discharge energy saving mode are also performed. A main body control device 131B having a function as a main body energy saving control means for controlling a transition operation and a return operation from the paper discharge energy saving mode and a function as a paper discharge energy saving control means is provided. The main body control device 131B is also configured to be operable by always receiving power from the power source when the power switch 136 is on (when the power is on).

  The main body control device 131B includes a microcomputer in the same manner as the main body control device 131 shown in FIG. The main body control device 131 </ b> B is provided on a control board (not shown) disposed in the main body housing 107. A control configuration similar to that described in the fifth and sixth embodiments is connected to the main body control device 131B via an input port and an output port.

  The large volume discharge unit 200 includes an image-formed sheet P discharged from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100, that is, a large volume discharge table 201 on which a large number of printed sheets P can be stacked and moved up and down, and the discharged sheet P. , A lower limit detection sensor 207 that regulates the lower limit position of the mass discharge tray 201, an upper limit detection sensor 208 that regulates the upper limit position of the mass ejection tray 201, and the mass ejection tray 201. A loading surface detection sensor (paper surface detection sensor) 209 as a loading surface detection means for detecting the uppermost surface of the paper P stacked on the sheet P, an initial switch 213 for starting the initialization operation of the large volume discharge unit 200, and a press A discharge tray lowering switch 214 for lowering the large-volume discharge tray 201 until it is detected by the lower limit detection sensor 207, and the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. To connect to the serial I / F 134, and when the power switch 136 is turned on (when the power is turned on), the power supply from the power supply is always received to transmit a command as a command signal from the main body control device 131B. A serial I / F 222 as a paper communication unit, and a power source to be described later, including a relay 239 and the like as a switching unit for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to each part of the large volume discharge unit 200 except the serial I / F 222 A circuit and a paper discharge control device 223 connected to the serial I / F 222 and controlling the operation of the large-volume paper discharge unit 200.

  The large-volume discharge table 201 includes a pair of side fences 202 that are arranged on both the left and right sides of the large-volume discharge table 201 along the sheet discharge direction and align the width direction (both end faces of the discharge) of the discharged paper P. An end fence 203 for abutting and aligning the leading ends of the discharged paper P and a paper presence / absence detection sensor (not shown) are provided. Further, the large-volume sheet discharge table 201 is a paper size detection sensor (not shown) that automatically detects the stack size (paper size) by the adjustment movement corresponding to the size of the paper P between the side fence pair 202 and the end fence 203. ). The mass discharge tray 201 is lifted and lowered by a discharge tray lifting mechanism having a motor 212 as a driving unit, similar to the paper feed tray lifting mechanism 25 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the maximum stacking capacity of the mass discharge tray 201 is, for example, 3000 sheets.

  As the lower limit detection sensor 207, the upper limit detection sensor 208, and the loading surface detection sensor 209, a reflective sensor is used in this embodiment. However, a filler type mechanical sensor is used as the upper limit detection sensor 208 and the lower limit detection sensor 207. It may be used.

  A linear encoder 210 that detects the position of the mass discharge tray 201 is provided above the mass discharge unit 200, and the tip of the wire 211 is engaged with the mass discharge tray 201. The linear encoder 210 has a resolution capable of reliably detecting the thickness of one sheet of discharged paper P.

  When the paper P is discharged / stacked on the large-volume discharge table 201 and the stacking surface detection sensor 209 is turned on, the large-volume discharge table 201 is lowered for a certain time by a command from the discharge control device 223 to form a discharge space. . This operation is repeated so that the sheet fall distance H from the discharge port to the stacking surface is kept substantially constant.

  In the present embodiment, the power supply circuit on the side of the large volume discharge unit 200 is a first power source that is supplied with power via the relay 239 when the power switch 136 on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is pressed and turned on. It consists of two systems: a first power supply circuit 240 as supply means and a second power supply circuit 241 as second power supply means to which power is supplied directly without going through the relay 239. The first power supply circuit 240 and the second power supply circuit 241 are provided on a power supply board (not shown) of the mass discharge unit 200.

  The first power supply circuit 240 includes a filter circuit, a stabilized power supply unit including a rectifier circuit and a smoothing circuit (not shown), and a DC power supply voltage supplied from the stabilized power supply unit to + 5V, ± 12V, and + 24V. And a first converter 247 for converting and transforming each. ± 12V is applied to the signal amplifier 242 for amplifying the operational amplifier signal (including the signals of the lower limit detection sensor 207, the upper limit detection sensor 208, the loading surface detection sensor 209, etc.) via the first converter 247, thereby Electric power is supplied to the signal amplifier 242. + 24V is applied to the motor 212 which is an actuator via the first converter 247, whereby electric power is supplied to the motor 212. +5 V is applied to the stacking surface detection sensor 209 and the paper discharge control device 223 via the first converter 247, whereby electric power is supplied to the sensor 209 and the paper discharge control device 223. Further, +5 V is applied to the lower limit detection sensor 207, the upper limit detection sensor 208, the sheet presence / absence detection sensor, the sheet size detection sensor, and the like via the first converter 247, thereby supplying electric power to each of the sensors. The Hereinafter, these sensors will be collectively referred to as “other sensors 243” for the sake of simplicity.

  In FIG. 64, the first power supply circuit 240, the signal amplification unit 242, the motor 212, the stacking surface detection sensor 209, the other sensors 243, and the discharge control device 223 surrounded by a broken line are set to the discharge energy saving mode. An energy saving portion 244 is shown in which the power supply is not supplied after the transition, that is, the power supply is turned off.

  The second power supply circuit 241 includes a stabilized power supply unit (not shown) including a filter circuit, a rectifier circuit, and the like, and a second power supply circuit that converts and transforms a DC power supply voltage supplied by the stabilized power supply unit to + 5V. Converter 248. + 5V is applied only to the serial I / F 222 via the second converter 248. That is, the serial I / F 222 is configured to always receive power from the power supply when the power switch 136 is turned on (when the power is turned on) and transmit a command from the main body control device 131B.

  The relay 239 is a MOSFET for the same reason as the relay 95 in the first embodiment, that is, because it can be easily turned on / off by a command signal (output on / on signal) from the CPU 132B of the main body control device 131B. Photo MOS relays and SSRs (solid state relays), which are a kind of contactless relays equipped with (field effect transistors), are preferably used. The timer of the main body control device 131B has a function of measuring the non-operation elapsed time after the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is turned on (after the power switch 136 is turned on) or the pause time of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100.

  The CPU 132B (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “main body control device 131B” for the sake of convenience of description) is switched via the serial I / F 134 when shifted to the main body energy saving mode based on a preset transition condition to the main body energy saving mode. By transmitting a command relating to the transition to the paper discharge energy saving mode to the serial I / F 222, the relay 239 is turned off so as to turn off the power supply from the power supply to each part of the large volume discharge unit 200 except for the serial I / F 222. And when the main body control device 131B returns from the main body energy saving mode based on a preset return condition from the main body energy saving mode, it returns to the serial I / F 222 via the serial I / F 134 from the discharge energy saving mode. By transmitting the command related to the power supply, the power supply to each part of the large volume discharge unit 200 is turned on. Functions as a paper discharge energy-saving control means for controlling the relay 239 to.

  In addition to the above functions, the main body control device 131B is a case where the large volume discharge unit 200 is connected online, and when the power is turned on, the printed paper P (hereinafter, “discharge”) is printed on the large volume discharge tray 201. If the operation panel (not shown) is displayed on the basis of a command with paper discharge transmitted from the paper discharge control device 223 via the serial I / F 222 and the serial I / F 134, The liquid crystal display unit has a function of giving a warning that “a large amount of paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray”.

  In addition, the main body control device 131B is configured to connect the serial I / F 222 and the serial I when the large-volume discharge unit 200 is connected online and when a discharge jam is detected and recognized on the large-volume discharge unit 200 side. The liquid crystal display unit and the LED display arranged on the operation panel are controlled so as to issue a paper discharge jam warning based on a paper discharge jam command from the paper discharge control device 223 transmitted via / F134. In addition, it has a function of controlling the main motor and the like so as to stop the printing operation.

  In addition, the main body control device 131B is configured to detect the serial I / F 222 and the serial number when the large-volume sheet discharge unit 200 is connected online and when the large-volume sheet discharge unit 200 detects and recognizes the full sheet discharge state. Based on the discharge full command from the discharge control device 223 transmitted via the I / F 134, the liquid crystal display unit and the LED display are controlled so as to issue a discharge full warning, and the printing operation is stopped. Thus, it has a function of controlling the main motor and the like. The paper discharge control device 223 includes a CPU 224 and a microcomputer including a RAM, a ROM, a timer, and the like (not shown).

  The paper discharge control device 223 includes a lower limit detection sensor 207, an upper limit detection sensor 208, a stacking surface detection sensor 209, a paper presence / absence detection sensor (not shown), the paper size detection sensor (not shown), an initial switch 213, a paper discharge platform lowering switch 214, Input / output control components such as the linear encoder 210 and the motor 212 are connected via an input port and an output port (both not shown). The discharge control device 223 and its input / output control configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 72 in a tenth embodiment to be described later. In other words, the paper discharge control device 223 includes a configuration and a component obtained by deleting the symbol A from the paper discharge control device 223A in FIG. 72, and its input / output control configuration is the same as the output control component (control target in FIG. In this case, the relay 239 is removed from the means).

  The ROM stores a program related to an online mode, which will be described later, and various related data for performing the functions of the CPU 224, and these operation programs and related data are appropriately called by the CPU 224. The RAM has a function of temporarily storing the calculation results of the CPU 224, a function of storing various signals such as various on / off signals and data signals inputted from various sensors and the like as needed. .

  The CPU 224 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “paper discharge control device 223” for convenience of explanation) has a control function related to the online mode, that is, discharges on the large-volume paper discharge table 201 when the power is turned on for online control. At that time, when the paper discharge presence command is detected, the detected information / command is transmitted to the main body control device 131B via the serial I / F 222 and the serial I / F 134.

  When the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 are in the online mode and are not shifted to the main body energy saving mode and the paper discharge energy saving mode, the functions of the main body control device 131B and the paper discharge control device 223 are described above. Specific operations using are performed. The operation in this case corresponds to NO in step S150 in the flowchart of FIG.

  That is, when the power switch 136 on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is turned on, the power on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is supplied to the large volume discharge unit 200 via the power cable 221. At this time, the command from the main body control device 131B is transmitted / transmitted to the serial I / F 222 via the serial I / F 134, whereby the relay 239 is turned on. As a result, the power supply to the signal amplifying unit 242, the motor 212, the stacking surface detection sensor 209, the other sensors 243, and the paper discharge control device 223 is turned on via the first power supply circuit 240 and the large-volume paper discharge unit 200. Enters the online mode.

  First, in the control when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is connected, when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 connected by the program is detected when the power source 136 is turned on, the printed paper P remains on the mass discharge tray 201. If so, the paper discharge control device 223 transmits a command indicating that there is printing paper (discharge paper stacking command) to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. When the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 receives the paper discharge tray stacking command, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 displays a warning message “There is paper on the large volume paper discharge tray” on a liquid crystal display section of an operation panel (not shown).

  When the large volume discharge unit 200 has an electric side fence and an electric end fence, when printing paper size data is received from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100, printing is performed when the paper P is not placed on the large volume discharge tray 201. The electric side fence and the electric end fence are controlled by the paper discharge control device 223 in accordance with the paper size data. When the large-volume discharge unit 200 includes a manual side fence, a manual end fence, and a paper size sensor that detects these positions, when printing paper size data is received from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100, When the paper P is not loaded, the position of the side fence and end fence manually adjusted according to the printing paper size is detected by the paper size sensor.

  If the print paper size data transmitted from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is not the same as the print paper size data, a mass discharge tray size mismatch command is transmitted to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. When the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 receives a mass discharge tray size incompatibility command, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 displays a warning indicating “non-conformity of mass discharge tray size” on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation panel.

  If the large-volume discharge unit 200 does not have a paper size sensor for detecting the positions of the manual side fence and the manual end fence, when the paper P is not placed on the large-volume discharge stand 201, it is manually adjusted according to the print paper size. To adjust the position of the side fence and end fence to the paper size. At this time, if it is adjusted to a position that does not match the size of the printing paper, it will not be stacked well when stacked, resulting in a paper discharge jam. When a paper discharge jam occurs, a paper discharge jam command is transmitted to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. When the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 receives the paper discharge jam command, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 displays a warning “paper discharge jam of the large-volume paper discharge unit” on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation panel.

  When the command during printing from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is received, the large volume discharge unit 200 enters a stacking standby state of discharged sheets, and the discharged sheets from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 are stacked on the large volume discharge stand 201. When the stacking surface detection sensor 209 is turned on for a certain time, the large-volume sheet discharge table 201 is lowered for a certain time. As a result, a space for stacking the paper P to be discharged from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 on the large volume discharge tray 201 is created.

  When a printing standby command is received from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100, the large-volume discharge tray 201 is prevented from being lowered even when the stacking surface detection sensor 209 is turned on for a predetermined time. This is to prevent the mass discharge tray 201 from moving when the paper P on the mass discharge tray 201 is taken out during printing.

  When the initial switch 213 shown in FIG. 62 is pressed, if the sheet P remains on the large-volume sheet discharge table 201, a sheet discharge table stacking command is transmitted to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. When the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 receives the discharge tray stacking command, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 displays a warning message “There is paper on the large volume discharge tray” on the liquid crystal display section of the hour operation panel. When there is no paper P on the large-volume discharge tray 201, the large-volume discharge tray 201 is raised, detected by the upper limit detection sensor 208, and stopped, and a stacking standby state is entered. While the paper discharge table lowering switch 214 is pressed, the mass output table 201 is lowered to a position detected by the lower limit detection sensor 207.

  When the large volume discharge unit 200 is in a stacking standby state, the discharge from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is stacked on the large volume discharge stand 201, and when the stacking surface detection sensor 209 is turned on for a certain time, 201 is lowered for a certain time. This further creates a space for stacking the paper P on the large-volume paper discharge table 201. If the stacking surface detection sensor 209 does not turn off after the mass discharge tray 201 has been lowered for a certain period of time, it is determined that a space for stacking on the mass discharge tray 201 could not be created, and a paper discharge jam occurs. As a result, a paper discharge jam command is transmitted to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100.

  Next, discharge jam detection control of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 will be briefly described. The control device 131B checks whether or not the printing operation is being performed. If the operation is being performed, the control device 131B checks whether or not the connection flag of the large volume discharge unit 200 is set. If it is set, it is checked whether or not a paper discharge jam command has been received from the large-volume paper discharge unit 200. If it is received, the printing operation is stopped and a “high-volume” is displayed on the liquid crystal display section of the operation panel. A warning message “Paper jam of paper discharge unit” is displayed.

  When the large-volume discharge unit 200 is in the stacking standby state, the discharge from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is stacked on the large-volume discharge stand 201, and when the stacking surface detection sensor 209 is turned on for a predetermined time, the large-volume discharge stand 201 Is lowered for a certain time. This further creates a space for stacking the paper P on the large-volume paper discharge table 201.

  If the lower limit detection sensor 207 is turned on when the large-volume discharge tray 201 is lowered for a certain time, it is determined that a space for stacking on the large-volume discharge tray 201 could not be created, and the discharge is performed as a full discharge. A full command is transmitted to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100.

  The discharge full detection control of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 will be briefly described. The control device 131B checks whether or not the printing operation is being performed. If the operation is being performed, the control device 131B checks whether or not the connection flag of the large volume discharge unit 200 is set. If it is set, it is checked whether or not a command for full discharge is received from the large volume discharge unit 200, and if it is received, the printing operation is stopped and the “high volume” is displayed on the liquid crystal display section of the operation panel. A warning message “paper output unit full” is displayed.

  Next, referring to FIG. 65 and FIG. 66, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large volume discharge unit 200 are in the online mode, and the large volume discharge unit 200 is also discharged along with the main body energy saving mode of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100. An operation for shifting to the paper energy saving mode and returning from the paper discharge energy saving mode will be described. The operation in this case starts from step S150 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S150, the main body control device 131B determines whether or not a transition to the main body energy saving mode is made based on the same conditions for shifting to the main body energy saving mode as in the fifth embodiment.

  When the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 has shifted to the main body energy saving mode, the main body control apparatus 131B transmits and transmits a command related to the transition to the discharge energy saving mode to the serial I / F 222 via the serial I / F 134. As a result, the relay 239 is turned off. As a result, the power supply to the signal amplifying unit 242, the motor 212, the loading surface detection sensor 209, other sensors 243, and the paper discharge control device 223 is turned off via the first power supply circuit 240, and the paper discharge energy saving mode is set. The energy saving portion 244 is energy-saving (step S150 to step S153).

  The return operation from the paper discharge energy saving mode starts from step S154 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S154, the main body control device 131B determines whether or not the main body energy saving mode has been restored based on the return condition from the main body energy saving mode similar to that of the fifth embodiment. When the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 has returned from the main body energy saving mode, the main body control apparatus 131B transmits and transmits a command related to returning from the paper discharge energy saving mode to the serial I / F 222 via the serial I / F 134. As a result, the relay 239 is turned on. As a result, the power supply to the signal amplifier 242, the motor 212, the loading surface detection sensor 209, other sensors 243, and the paper discharge control device 223 is turned on via the first power supply circuit 240, and the paper discharge energy saving mode is set. (Step S154 to step S157).

  If it is not necessary to save energy as much as in the seventh embodiment, the function as the paper discharge energy saving control means of the main body control device 131B is provided on the serial I / F 222 side using the online mode. You may share it. That is, when the main body control device 131B shifts to the main body energy saving mode, based on the signal related to the main body energy saving mode transmitted to the serial I / F 222 via the serial I / F 134, the serial I / F 222 When the relay 239 is controlled so as to turn off the power supply from the power supply to each part of the large volume discharge unit 200 and the main body control device 131B returns from the main body energy-saving mode, the serial I / F 222 is connected via the serial I / F 134. For example, the serial I / F 222 has a function of controlling the relay 239 so as to turn on the power supply to each part of the large volume discharge unit 200 based on the signal related to the return from the main body energy saving mode transmitted to You may comprise with a microcomputer etc.

  According to the seventh embodiment, it is only necessary to supply power to the serial I / F 222 which is necessary for the transition to the paper discharge energy saving mode and the return from the paper discharge energy saving mode, so that energy saving can be achieved. . Note that the large volume discharge unit 200 is not limited to this, and may of course have the same configuration as the discharge storage device (1) shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 of JP-A-2002-226122. I do not care.

(Eighth embodiment)
In the eighth embodiment, when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large volume discharge unit 200 are in the online mode, the large volume discharge unit 200 is mainly separate from the shift to the main body energy saving mode on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. The present invention relates to a configuration and operation when shifting to a paper discharge energy saving mode. 62 to 64, 67 and 68 show an eighth embodiment (see claim 21).

  As shown in FIGS. 62 to 64, the eighth embodiment has a main body control device 131C shown in parentheses in FIG. 63 instead of the main body control device 131B, as compared with the seventh embodiment. The main difference is that the others are the same.

  The main body control device 131C includes the same microcomputer as the main body control device 131B, and has the same functions as the main body control device 131B and also has the following functions. Specifically, the CPU 132C (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “main body control device 131C” for convenience of explanation) has the same function as the CPU 132B, and has not shifted to the main body energy saving mode. A signal on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is sent to the serial I / F 222 of the large volume discharge unit 200 via the serial I / F 134 and the serial I / F 222 within a predetermined time measured by the timer (not shown) provided in the apparatus 131C. When not transmitted, the power supply from the power supply to each unit of the large volume discharge unit 200 is turned off by transmitting a command related to the transition to the discharge energy saving mode to the serial I / F 222 via the serial I / F 134. The relay 239 is controlled so that the serial I / F 222 is connected to the serial I / F 134 via the serial I / F 134. When a printing start signal is transmitted, a command related to returning from the paper discharge energy saving mode is transmitted to the serial I / F 222 via the serial I / F 134, thereby turning on the power supply to each part of the large volume discharge unit 200. Thus, the relay 239 has a function of controlling.

  Next, referring to FIG. 67 and FIG. 68, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the mass discharge unit 200 are in the online mode, and the large quantity is separated from the shift to the main body energy saving mode on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side. The operation when the paper discharge unit 200 shifts to the paper discharge energy saving mode and the operation to return from the paper discharge energy saving mode will be described. The operation in this case starts from step S160 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S160, the main body control device 131C determines whether or not a transition to the main body energy saving mode is made based on a preset transition condition to the main body energy saving mode. If the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 has not shifted to the main body energy saving mode, the process proceeds to step S161, and the serial I / F 134 is within a predetermined time counted by the timer (not shown) provided in the main body control apparatus 131C. Then, it is determined whether or not any signal on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is transmitted to the serial I / F 222 of the large volume discharge unit 200 via the serial I / F 222. When no signal on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is transmitted to the serial I / F 222, the main body control device 131C causes the serial I / F 222 to transfer to the paper discharge energy saving mode via the serial I / F 134. Is transmitted and transmitted, so that the relay 239 is turned off. As a result, the power supply to the signal amplifying unit 242, the motor 212, the loading surface detection sensor 209, other sensors 243, and the paper discharge control device 223 is turned off via the first power supply circuit 240, and the paper discharge energy saving mode is set. The energy saving portion 244 is energy-saving (step S161 to step S164). On the other hand, when a signal on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is transmitted to the serial I / F 222 within a predetermined time in step S161, the large volume discharge unit 200 maintains the current state (step S165).

  The return operation from the paper discharge energy saving mode starts from step S166 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S136, based on the command transmitted from the serial I / F 222 to the serial I / F 134 by the main body control device 131C, it is determined whether or not the large volume discharge unit 200 side is in the discharge energy saving mode state. When the mass paper discharge unit 200 is in the paper discharge energy saving mode, the process proceeds to step S167 to check whether the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 has started printing, that is, whether the print start signal has been generated by pressing the print start key. It is determined whether or not.

  When the print start signal is generated, the main body control device 131C transmits and transmits a command related to returning from the paper discharge energy saving mode to the serial I / F 222 via the serial I / F 134, whereby the relay 239 is turned on. The As a result, the power supply to the signal amplifier 242, the motor 212, the loading surface detection sensor 209, other sensors 243, and the paper discharge control device 223 is turned on via the first power supply circuit 240, and the paper discharge energy saving mode is set. (Step S167 to step S170).

On the other hand, when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 does not start printing in step S167, the mass discharge unit 200 maintains the current state (step S171).
According to the eighth embodiment, regardless of the shift to the main body energy saving mode, it is possible to shift to the paper discharge energy saving mode separately. Therefore, less power is consumed than in the seventh embodiment. Further energy saving can be achieved.

(Ninth embodiment)
In the ninth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 69 and 70, the fifth or sixth embodiment (the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 are in online mode), the seventh or eighth embodiment, and The present invention relates to a stencil printing apparatus as an example of an image forming apparatus (image forming system) in which the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the mass discharge unit 200 are in an online mode (see claims 23 to 25). ). Since the ninth embodiment can be easily understood and implemented by those skilled in the art from the above-described embodiments, the description thereof will be omitted.

(Tenth embodiment)
A tenth embodiment is shown in FIGS. 71 to 75 (see claim 26). Compared with the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 62 to 66, the tenth embodiment communicates between the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the mass discharge unit 200 as shown in FIGS. Connection disabled, that is, offline connection of the large volume discharge unit 200 to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100, transition operation to the discharge energy saving mode and return operation from the discharge energy saving mode instead of the discharge control device 223 The main difference is that it has a paper discharge control device 223A as a paper discharge energy saving control means for controlling the above.

  In the tenth embodiment, in the offline mode in which the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 are connected offline, the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 shifts to the paper discharge energy saving mode and The present invention relates to the configuration and operation when returning from the paper discharge energy saving mode.

  As shown in FIG. 71, the large volume discharge unit 200 is mechanically connected to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 via a conveyance path 229, and discharges from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side to the large volume discharge unit 200. Although configured to be capable of discharging and stacking, there is no connection to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 via the interface cable 220. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on differences from the seventh embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 73, the power supply circuit on the large volume discharge unit 200 side in this embodiment is powered via a relay 239 when the power switch 136 on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is pressed and turned on. A first power supply circuit 240A as a first power supply means to be supplied and a second power supply circuit 241A as a second power supply means to which power is supplied directly without going through the relay 239. It consists of a system. The first power supply circuit 240A and the second power supply circuit 241A are provided on a power supply board (not shown) of the large-volume paper discharge unit 200.

  Compared with the first power supply circuit 240 shown in FIG. 64, the first power supply circuit 240A replaces the first converter 247 with a DC power supply voltage supplied by the stabilized power supply unit of + 5V, ± 12V. , The first converter 247A for converting and transforming to + 24V, + 5V is applied to the signal amplifying unit 242 via the first converter 247A, + 24V is applied to the motor 212, + 5V is applied to the other sensors 243, This differs only in that each power is supplied.

  In FIG. 73, the first power supply circuit 240A, the signal amplifying unit 242, the motor 212, and other sensors 243 surrounded by a broken line are not supplied with power when shifted to the paper discharge energy saving mode. The energy saving part 244A where is turned off is shown.

  Compared with the second power supply circuit 241 shown in FIG. 64, the second power supply circuit 241A converts the DC power supply voltage supplied from the stabilized power supply unit to + 5V instead of the second converter 248. A second converter 248A for transforming is provided, and + 5V is applied to the loading surface detection sensor 209 and the paper discharge control device 223A via the second converter 248A, whereby each electric power is supplied to the sensor 209 and the paper discharge control device 223A. The only difference is that it is supplied. As described above, the stacking surface detection sensor 209 is always capable of receiving a power supply when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is turned on (when the power switch 136 is turned on). Similarly, the paper discharge control device 223A is always capable of receiving a control when the power switch 136 is turned on.

  The paper discharge control device 223A includes a microcomputer including a CPU 224A, a RAM 225A, a ROM 226A, and a timer 227A. The CPU 224A includes a lower limit detection sensor 207, an upper limit detection sensor 208, a stacking surface detection sensor 209, the sheet presence / absence detection sensor, the sheet size detection sensor, an initial switch 213, a discharge tray lowering switch 214, and sensor input circuits and switches (not shown). The input circuit 230 is connected to the motor 212 and the relay 239 via a motor drive circuit (not shown), a relay drive circuit (not shown), and an output port 231.

  The ROM 226A stores a program related to an offline mode, which will be described later, and various related data for exhibiting the functions of the CPU 224A. These operation programs and related data are appropriately called by the CPU 224A. The RAM 225A has a function of temporarily storing calculation results of the CPU 224A, a function of storing various signals such as ON / OFF signals and data signals input and set from the above sensors as needed. The timer 227A has a function of measuring the time interval between the on signal and the off signal output from the loading surface detection sensor 209.

  The CPU 224A (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “sheet discharge control device 223A” for convenience of explanation) has no change in the signal from the loading surface detection sensor 209 during a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) counted by the timer 227A. At this time, the relay 239 is controlled so as to turn off the power supply to each part of the large volume discharge unit 200, and the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is operated to perform a printing operation based on the print start signal. As a paper discharge energy saving control means for controlling the relay 239 to turn on the power supply to each part of the large volume paper discharge unit 200 when the signal from the stacking surface detection sensor 209 changes due to the printed paper discharged from It has a function. The paper discharge control device 223A also has a function of controlling an operation in an offline mode described later.

  First, the control operation in the offline mode by the paper discharge control device 223A when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 are started up without using the function related to the paper discharge energy saving mode will be briefly described. . Since the large-volume discharge unit 200 does not communicate with the stencil printing apparatus main body 100, the image forming apparatus main body to be connected is other than the stencil printing apparatus main body 100, for example, a printer, an ink jet printer, a stencil printing apparatus, an offset printing machine, a copying machine. A machine or the like may be mechanically connectable.

  In the control of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 when the large volume discharge unit 200 is connected offline, a paper discharge jam or a full discharge command cannot be received, and the paper discharge unit 106 of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is jammed. Printing continues until

  When the initial switch 213 is pressed, the large-volume discharge unit 200 enters a discharge standby state, stacks the discharge from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 on the large-volume discharge stand 201, and the stacking surface detection sensor 209 is constant. When the time is turned on, the large volume discharge table 201 is lowered for a certain time. As a result, a space for stacking the printed paper P on the mass discharge tray 201 is created. As an initial operation of the large volume discharge unit 200 when offline, when there is no printed paper P on the large volume discharge tray 201, the large volume discharge tray 201 is raised and detected by the upper limit detection sensor 208 and stopped. Then, it becomes a loading standby state.

  When the discharge tray lowering switch 214 is pressed, the large-volume discharge tray 201 is not lowered even when the stacking surface detection sensor 209 is turned on for a certain period of time. This is to prevent the mass discharge tray 201 from moving (lowering) when the printed paper P on the mass discharge tray 201 is taken out when printing is not being performed. The same applies to the case where the end fence set sensor (not shown) is turned off, so that the mass discharge tray 201 is not lowered when the end fence is removed and the printed paper P on the mass discharge tray 201 is taken out. While the paper discharge table lowering switch 214 is pressed, the mass discharge table 201 is lowered to a position detected by the lower limit detection sensor 207.

  When the large-volume discharge unit 200 is in the stacking standby state, the discharge from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is stacked on the large-volume discharge stand 201, and when the stacking surface detection sensor 209 is turned on for a predetermined time, the large-volume discharge stand 201 Is lowered for a certain time. As a result, a space for stacking the printed paper P on the mass discharge tray 201 is created. If the stacking surface detection sensor 209 does not turn off after the mass discharge tray 201 has been lowered for a certain period of time, it is determined that a space for stacking on the mass discharge tray 201 could not be created, and a paper discharge jam occurs. Stop the operation.

  When the large-volume discharge unit 200 is in the stacking standby state, the discharge from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is stacked on the large-volume discharge stand 201, and when the stacking surface detection sensor 209 is turned on for a predetermined time, the large-volume discharge stand 201 Is lowered for a certain time. As a result, a space for stacking the printed paper P on the mass discharge tray 201 is created. If the lower limit detection sensor 207 is turned on when the large volume discharge tray 201 is lowered for a certain time, it is determined that a space for stacking on the large volume discharge tray 201 could not be created and operates as a full discharge. To stop.

  Next, referring to FIG. 74 and FIG. 75, when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large volume discharge unit 200 are in the offline mode, An operation for returning from the paper energy saving mode will be described. The operation in this case starts from step S180 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S180, the paper discharge control device 223A determines whether the printed paper is being conveyed / discharged from the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 to the large-volume paper discharge unit 200. Here, when the printed paper is not conveyed / discharged, the process proceeds to step S181, and it is determined whether or not the signal from the stacking surface detection sensor 209 has changed during the predetermined time counted by the timer 227A. The Here, when there is no change in the signal from the stacking surface detection sensor 209 during a predetermined time counted by the timer 227A, for example, the printing operation (paper feeding / printing or paper ejection operation) on the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 side is paused. The relay 239 is turned off, assuming that it is in a state or performing an operation unrelated to the paper discharge operation. As a result, the power supply to the signal amplifier 242, the motor 212, and other sensors 243 is turned off via the first power supply circuit 240 </ b> A, and the mode is shifted to the paper discharge energy saving mode, thereby saving energy in the energy saving portion 244 </ b> A. (Step S181, Step S182).

  The return operation from the paper discharge energy saving mode starts from step S184 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S184, the paper discharge control device 223A determines whether the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 is in the paper discharge energy saving mode. When it is in the paper discharge energy saving mode state, the process proceeds to step S185, and the paper discharge control device 223A determines whether or not the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 has started the printing operation. Here, when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 starts a printing operation based on a print start signal generated by pressing the printing start key, the printed and conveyed stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is printed. When the paper P passes through the stacking surface detection sensor 209 and the signal changes from OFF to ON, the relay 239 is turned ON. As a result, the power supply to the signal amplifier 242, the motor 212, and other sensors 243 is turned on via the first power supply circuit 240 </ b> A to return from the paper discharge energy saving mode (step S <b> 185 to step S <b> 188). ).

  On the other hand, when the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 has not started a printing operation in step S185, the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 maintains the current state, that is, the paper discharge energy saving mode state.

  According to the tenth embodiment, in the offline mode, power is supplied only to the stacking surface detection sensor 209 and the paper discharge control device 223A that are the minimum necessary for shifting to the paper discharge energy saving mode and returning from the paper discharge energy saving mode. You can save energy because you only have to do it.

(Eleventh embodiment)
76 to 87 show an eleventh embodiment (see claim 27). In the eleventh embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 76 and 77, an image forming apparatus (image forming system) configured to include a stencil printing apparatus main body 100, a large amount paper feeding / conveying unit 1, and a large amount paper discharging unit 200. ) As an example.

  In the eleventh embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 76 to 80, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the mass feed unit 1 are connected offline as in at least one of the first to fourth embodiments. The offline mode and the paper feed energy saving mode can be executed, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large volume paper discharge unit 200 are connected offline, and the offline mode and the paper discharge energy saving mode can be executed. In addition, both are connected by a power cable 251 as a power supply means for supplying power to the large-volume paper feed unit 1 to the large-volume paper discharge unit 200, and a new large-volume paper feed unit 1 and a large-volume paper discharge unit 200 are newly connected. Are connected online, thereby enabling execution of the online mode and the paper discharge energy saving mode.

  As described above, the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 as the image forming apparatus main body is not limited to the model of the image forming apparatus main body (for example, a printer, a plotter including a copying machine, a printing machine, a facsimile machine, an ink jet printer, etc.) It is also possible to construct an image forming system that can be controlled online by the image forming apparatus as a whole, and to respond to diversification of user needs. Since the connection method is not limited to the model of the image forming apparatus main body, an image forming system can be constructed at a low price.

  In the eleventh embodiment, in the online mode in which the large-volume paper feed unit 1 and the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 are operated in an online connection, a large amount is mainly associated with the paper feed energy saving mode of the large-volume paper feed unit 1. The paper discharge unit 200 also relates to the configuration and operation when shifting to the paper discharge energy saving mode.

  The mass discharge unit 200 and the mass feed unit 1 are connected to each other via an interface cable 250 as a communication cable so that serial communication is possible. The large-volume paper discharge unit 200 does not have an original power source as in the seventh embodiment, and is connected to the large-volume paper feed unit 1 side via a power cable 251 connected to the power source on the large-size paper feed unit 1 side. Is supplied to the large volume discharge unit 200.

  Compared with the mass feeding / conveying unit 1 of the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 54 to 56, the mass feeding / conveying unit 1 performs serial communication with the mass ejection unit 200 instead of the serial I / F 99. Therefore, when the power switch 80 of the large-volume paper feed unit 1 is turned on (when the power is turned on), it has a serial I / F99F as a paper feed communication means that can always receive power from the power supply and communicate with it. Instead of the control device 85E, it is connected to the serial I / F 99F to control the operation of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1, and the operation for shifting and returning to the sheet feeding energy saving mode and the operation for shifting to the sheet discharging energy saving mode and the sheet discharging energy saving. A control device 85F having a function as a paper feed energy saving control means for controlling the return operation from the mode and a function as a paper discharge energy saving control means. Are different mainly Other is similar to that of the fifth embodiment. The control device 85F is also configured to be operable by always receiving power from the power source when the power switch 80 is on (when the power is on).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 operates in the offline mode in which the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 are connected offline. 39A, at least one of the control device 85B (85D) shown in FIG. 49 and the control device 85C shown in FIG. 50, and the shift to the paper feed energy saving mode in the offline mode. In addition, at least one of the power supply circuits shown in FIGS. 39, 48 and 49 capable of returning from the same mode is also provided.

  As shown in FIG. 80, the control device 85F includes a microcomputer having a CPU 86F, a RAM 87F, a ROM 89F, a timer 88A, and the like, and is provided in the arrangement portion of the control board 79 shown in FIG. . The input / output configuration of the control device 85F is mainly different from the input / output configuration shown in FIG. 13 in that the CPU 86F is electrically connected to the serial I / F 99F.

  Compared with the large volume discharge unit 200 of the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 62 to 64, the large volume discharge unit 200 is replaced with a serial I / F 222 as shown in FIGS. 76 to 79. A command as a command signal from the control device 85F is connected to the serial I / F 99F in order to communicate with the sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 and always receives power supply from the power source when the power switch 80 is on (when the power is on). A serial I / F 222F serving as a paper ejection communication means for transmitting the power, a relay 249 serving as a switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to each part of the mass paper ejection unit 200 except the serial I / F 222F, etc. And a paper discharge control device 223F that is connected to the serial I / F 222F and controls the operation of the large-volume paper discharge unit 200. It differs mainly you are.

  As shown in FIG. 71, the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 operates in a state in which the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 and the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 are connected offline. The discharge control device 223A shown in FIG. In addition, the power supply circuit shown in FIG. 73 that can execute the shift to the paper discharge energy saving mode and the return from the mode in the offline mode is also provided.

  The power supply circuit on the side of the large volume discharge unit 200 in the present embodiment is a first circuit that is supplied with power via the relay 249 when the power switch 80 on the side of the large volume paper feed unit 1 is pressed and turned on. It consists of two systems: a first power supply circuit 240 as a power supply means and a second power supply circuit 241F as a second power supply means to which power is supplied directly without going through the relay 249. The first power supply circuit 240 and the second power supply circuit 241F are provided on a power supply board (not shown) of the large volume discharge unit 200. The first power supply circuit 240 and the energy saving portion 244 are the same as those of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG.

  Compared with the second power supply circuit 241 of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 64, the second power supply circuit 241F replaces the second converter 248 with a DC power supply supplied by the stabilized power supply unit. A second converter 248F that converts and transforms the voltage to + 5V is included, and + 5V is applied only to the serial I / F 222F via the second converter 248F. That is, the serial I / F 222F is configured to always receive power from the power supply when the power switch 80 is turned on (when the power is turned on) and transmit a command from the control device 85F.

  The relay 249 can be easily turned on and off for the same reason as the relays 95 and 239 in the first and seventh embodiments, that is, by a command signal (output on / on signal) from the CPU 86F of the control device 85F. Therefore, a photo MOS relay or SSR (solid state relay) which is a kind of contactless relay provided with a MOSFET (field effect transistor) is preferably used.

  When the CPU 86F (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “control device 85F” for convenience of explanation) shifts to the paper feed energy saving mode based on the preset condition for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode, the serial I / F 99F is Relay 249 so as to turn off the power supply from the power supply to each part of the large volume discharge unit 200 except for the serial I / F 222F by transmitting a command related to the transition to the discharge energy saving mode to the serial I / F 222F via When the control device 85F returns from the paper feed energy saving mode based on a preset condition for returning from the paper feed energy saving mode, the serial I / F 222F enters the serial I / F 222F from the paper discharge energy saving mode. So that the power supply to each part of the large volume discharge unit 200 is turned on It has a function as the paper-saving control means and the discharge energy-saving control means for controlling the rate 249.

  The control device 85F or the paper discharge control device 223F has a specific function in the online mode in addition to the above functions. First, the control device 85F makes a determination based on a signal from the paper size detection sensor on the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 side transmitted from the paper discharge control device 223F via the serial I / F 222F and the serial I / F 99F. Paper size data determined by the controller 85F based on signals from the paper size detection sensor group or the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 on the large-volume paper feed unit 1 side. If the number does not match, a warning about the size mismatch is given to the paper feed disable indicator 84 on the large-volume paper feed unit 1 side, and the paper feed motor 22 and the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-1 are stopped so as to stop the paper feed. It has a function of controlling 33-3. Note that an operation panel having a liquid crystal display unit (not shown) may be provided on the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 side, and the liquid crystal display unit may display / notify the warning or the message. As a result, a paper feed size error can be prevented and a printing error can be prevented.

  Secondly, the control device 85F or the paper discharge control device 223F outputs an output signal related to the sheet conveyance speed from the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 and a time count signal (or encoder sensor) from the timer 88A. 151), the printing speed of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is calculated on the basis of the output pulse signal relating to the conveyance speed of the paper from 151 and the time measurement signal from the timer 88A), and the printed paper is determined based on the calculated printing speed. When the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 is not discharged for a predetermined time or longer, a paper feed jam warning or a message is displayed / notified on the paper feed disable indicator 84 provided on the large-volume paper feed unit 1 side or the liquid crystal display unit. And has a function of controlling the paper feed motor 22 and the first to third motors 33-1 to 33-3 so as to stop the paper feed. As a result, a paper jam can be detected as in the conventional integrated online control, and paper loss due to paper jam can be minimized by stopping paper feeding.

  Third, the control device 85F or the paper discharge control device 223F controls the motor 212 so that the large-volume paper discharge table 201 is positioned at the initial appropriate position at the start of printing based on the signal from the linear encoder 210. From the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, the output signal related to the paper conveyance speed and the time measurement signal from the timer 88A (or from the output pulse signal related to the paper conveyance speed from the encoder sensor 151 and the timer 88A. The printing speed of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 is calculated on the basis of the time counting signal of the stencil printing apparatus 100, and the discharge position of the mass discharge tray 201 is adjusted based on the calculated printing speed. As a result, a stable paper discharge state can be obtained, and the paper alignment accuracy in the mass paper discharge unit can be improved.

  The CPU 224F of the paper discharge control device 223F includes a lower limit detection sensor 207, an upper limit detection sensor 208, a stacking surface detection sensor 209, a paper presence / absence detection sensor (not shown), the paper size detection sensor (not shown), an initial switch 213, and a paper discharge table lowering switch. Input / output control components such as 214, linear encoder 210, and motor 212 are connected via an input port and an output port (both not shown). The discharge control device 223F and its input / output control configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 72 in a tenth embodiment to be described later. That is, the paper discharge control device 223F includes control components having a code ending “F” in place of the code ending “A” of each control component of the paper discharge control device 223A in FIG. 72: CPU 224F, RAM 225F, ROM 226F, The provision of the timer 227F and the input / output control configuration thereof include a configuration in which the relay 249 is removed from the output control component (control target means) in FIG.

  The ROM 226F stores a program related to the above-described online mode and various related data for exhibiting the functions of the CPU 224F, and these operation programs and related data are appropriately called by the CPU 224F. The RAM 225F has a function of temporarily storing the calculation results of the CPU 224F, a function of storing various signals such as various on / off signals and data signals inputted from various sensors and the like as needed.

  The CPU 224F (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “sheet discharge control device 223F” for convenience of explanation) includes control functions related to the online mode in addition to the functions described above, that is, from the lower limit detection sensor 207 and the stacking surface detection sensor 209. On the basis of the signal, when the maximum load amount of the printed paper P on the large-volume sheet discharge table 201 is detected, the sheet feeding motor 22 and the first to first sheets are stopped so as to stop the sheet feeding of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1. It has a function to control the third motors 33-1 to 33-3. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent overloading on the large volume discharge unit side.

  Based on a signal from the linear encoder 210, the paper discharge control device 223F calculates the remaining number of printed sheets that can be stacked on the large-volume paper discharge table 201, and the calculated remaining number is calculated on the side of the large-volume paper feed unit 1 side. It has the function to display on the said liquid crystal display part. As a result, the user can accurately grasp the work situation.

  In the case where the large-volume paper feed unit 1 and the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 are in the online mode state and have not shifted to the paper feed energy saving mode and the paper discharge energy saving mode, the control device 85F and the paper discharge control device 223F described above. Specific operations using each function are performed. The operation in this case corresponds to NO in step S240 in the flowchart of FIG. That is, when the power switch 80 on the side of the large amount paper feeding / conveying unit 1 is turned on, the power source on the side of the large amount of paper feeding / conveying unit 1 is supplied to the large amount paper discharging unit 200 via the power cable 251. At this time, the command from the control device 58F is transmitted / transmitted to the serial I / F 222F via the serial I / F 99F, whereby the relay 239 is turned on. As a result, the power supply to the signal amplifier 242, the motor 212, the loading surface detection sensor 209, the other sensors 243, and the paper discharge control device 223 F is turned on via the first power supply circuit 240 and the online mode can be executed. Become.

  The paper size detection control operation will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S190, the control device 85F of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 determines whether or not the sheet P is loaded on the large-volume sheet feeding table 10 based on the detection information from the sheet presence / absence sensor 66. The size of the paper P is determined on the basis of detection information from a paper size sensor group (not shown) disposed on the large-volume paper feed tray 10 (step S191).

  Next, the paper discharge control device 223F of the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 is detected by a paper size detection sensor group (not shown) through manual movement operation or automatic movement of the side fence pair 202 and the end fence 203. The paper size data of the printed paper P stacked on the mass discharge tray 201 is transmitted to the control device 85F of the mass feeding / conveying unit 1 via the serial I / F 222F and the serial I / F 99F.

  Based on the information sent from the large-volume paper discharge unit 200, the control device 85F determines the paper size of the paper P placed on the large-volume paper feed tray 10 and the printed paper P loaded on the large-volume paper discharge tray 201. It is checked whether or not the paper sizes match (step S192), and if they match, printing is started (step S193). That is, paper feeding is started from the mass paper feeding / conveying unit 1 toward the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 by the above-described paper conveying operation. If the two paper sizes do not match, printing (paper feed) is stopped (step S194), and an error display (size) is displayed on the paper feed disable indicator 84 provided in the large-volume paper feed unit 1 and the liquid crystal display unit. Warning of mismatch is performed (step S195).

  The control when the paper P fed from the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 is jammed in the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 will be described. As described above, eight (not limited to this number) first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8 (paper P conveyance speed) are provided in the intermediate conveyance unit 4 of the mass feed conveyance unit 1. Detection means necessary for calculating the image), and the printing speed of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 (the rotation / conveyance speed of the main body feed roller 111) from the time when the trailing edge of the paper P passes through these sensors. Can be determined. Not limited to this, it is also possible to calculate the printing speed in the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 based on the output pulse signal related to the paper conveyance speed from the encoder sensor 151 and the time measurement signal from the timer 88A. The control device 85F of the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 calculates the printing speed of the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 based on the detection information from each of the first to eighth sensors 50-1 to 50-8, and the calculation result is discarded in large quantities. Transmit to the paper unit 200.

  The paper discharge control device 223F of the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 calculates a time (interval) during which the paper P is discharged based on the transmitted information by a program. If the paper P is not discharged after the determined time (fixed time), the paper discharge control device 223F determines that the paper is jammed and transmits it to the large-volume paper feed unit 1. In the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1, a paper jam (paper feeding jam) is displayed on the non-feeding indicator 84 and the liquid crystal display unit to warn and printing (paper feeding) is stopped. The calculation of the printing speed may be performed by the paper discharge control device 223F on the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 side because it is an offline connection. For the same reason, the paper discharge time may be calculated by the control device 85F on the mass feed / conveyance unit 1 side. Printing is canceled on the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 side by turning off the paper presence sensor 66.

  The paper jam detection control will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S200, the control device 85F of the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 determines whether or not the sheet P is loaded on the large-volume sheet feeding table 10, and starts printing when it is loaded. Next, the control device 85F calculates the printing speed, and the paper discharge control device 223F calculates the paper discharge time (steps S201 to S203).

  Next, in step S204, the paper discharge control device 223F determines whether or not the paper discharge time has passed. If it has passed, the paper discharge control device 223F determines that a paper jam has occurred, and the paper feed disable indicator on the large-volume paper feed unit 1 side. 84 and the liquid crystal display unit display a paper jam and stop printing (steps S204 to S207). On the other hand, if the paper discharge time has not elapsed in step S204, printing is continued (step S208).

  As shown in FIG. 83 (a), the degree of rebound after the sheet P hits the butting plate 206 differs depending on the discharge speed (printing speed). When the printing speed is high, the amount of bounce increases (σ1), and when the printing speed is low, the amount of bounce decreases (σ2).

  The degree of rebound is related to the discharge alignment of the sheets P stacked on the large-volume discharge table 201. When the printing speed is high, it is necessary to increase the height H from the sheet discharge outlet to the stacked sheet surface. When S is slow, it is necessary to reduce H. The ROM 226F of the paper discharge control device 223F of the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 stores a relational data table between the printing speed and H obtained in advance by experiments, and the paper discharge control device 223F corresponds to the calculated printing speed. Then, the motor 212 of the large-volume discharge table 201 is controlled to obtain the optimum discharge height H.

  The proper height adjustment operation of the large-volume discharge table 201 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S210, the sheet discharge control device 223F of the large-volume sheet discharge unit 200 positions the large-volume sheet discharge table 201 at an appropriate position at the start of printing based on information from the linear encoder 210. Thereafter, printing is started (step S211). In step S212, the control device 85F determines whether or not the printing speed has been changed. If there is no change, the paper discharge control device 223F keeps the high-volume discharge tray 201 while maintaining the appropriate height H. Lower (step S213).

  In step S212, when the printing speed is changed, the paper discharge control device 223F selects the data of the height H suitable for the set printing speed from the ROM 226F, and the mass discharge tray 201 is lowered based on the selected data. (Step S214). Thereafter, the end of printing is checked (step S215).

  Next, the operation of detecting the maximum load (full) in the large volume discharge unit 200 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In step S220, when printing is started, the paper discharge control device 223F of the large volume paper discharge unit 200 determines whether the lower limit detection sensor 207 and the stacking surface detection sensor 209 are turned on (step S221). When both sensors 207 and 209 are turned on, the paper discharge control device 223F determines that 3000 sheets of paper P are stacked on the large-volume paper discharge table 201, and transmits a full signal to the large-volume paper feed unit 1. When receiving the full signal, the control device 85F of the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 stops printing (steps S222 and S223). The paper discharge control device 223F, the lower limit detection sensor 207, and the stacking surface detection sensor 209 constitute detection means for detecting the maximum stacking amount.

  As shown in FIG. 76, when the distance h1 from the position detected by the loading surface detection sensor 209 to the reference point of the wire 211 is subtracted from the total extension (h1 + h2) of the wire 211 of the linear encoder 210, The height h2 of the printed paper P stacked on the sheet can be obtained, and the number of sheets stacked at an arbitrary time can be calculated from h2.

  Since the maximum stacking capacity of the mass discharge tray 201 is 3000 sheets, it is possible to transmit to the mass feed unit 1 how many sheets can be discharged later. The control operation for transmitting the remaining number that can be stacked on the large-volume discharge table 201 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 230, the paper discharge control device 223 </ b> F calculates the number of sheets P currently stacked on the large-volume paper discharge table 201 based on the detection information from the linear encoder 210. After the calculation, the difference from the maximum stacking capacity of 3000 sheets is obtained, and the number of sheets that can be conveyed (printable) is transmitted to the large-volume sheet feeding and conveying unit 1 (steps S231 and S232). The control device 85F displays the transmitted number of sheets on the liquid crystal display unit or the like (step S233), and allows the user to recognize how many sheets can be fed. The paper discharge control device 223F and the linear encoder 210 constitute a remaining number calculating means.

  Next, referring to FIG. 86 and FIG. 87 together, the mass feed unit 1 and the mass delivery unit 200 are in the online mode, and the mass delivery unit is associated with the paper feed energy saving mode of the mass feed unit 1. An operation for returning to the paper discharge energy saving mode 200 and returning from the mode 200 will be described. The operation in this case starts from step S240 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S240, whether or not the control device 85F has shifted to the paper feed energy saving mode based on the same transition condition to the paper feed energy saving mode as described in any one of the first to fourth embodiments. Is judged.

  When the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 has shifted to the sheet feeding energy saving mode, the control device 85F transmits a command relating to the transition to the sheet discharging energy saving mode to the serial I / F 222F via the serial I / F 99F. Relay 249 is turned off by the transmission. As a result, the power supply to the signal amplifier 242, the motor 212, the loading surface detection sensor 209, other sensors 243, and the paper discharge control device 223 F is turned off via the first power supply circuit 240, and the paper discharge energy saving mode is set. The energy saving portion 244 is energy-saving (step S240 to step S243).

  The return operation from the paper discharge energy saving mode starts from step S244 in the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S244, whether or not the controller 85F has returned from the paper feed energy saving mode based on the return conditions from the paper feed energy saving mode similar to those described in any one of the first to fourth embodiments. To be judged.

  When the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 has returned from the paper feed energy saving mode, the control device 85F transmits a command related to returning from the paper ejection energy saving mode to the serial I / F 222F via the serial I / F 99F. Relay 249 is turned on by the transmission. As a result, the power supply to the signal amplifier 242, the motor 212, the stacking surface detection sensor 209, other sensors 243, and the paper discharge control device 223 F is turned on via the first power supply circuit 240, and the paper discharge energy saving mode is set. (Step S244 to step S247).

  If it is not necessary to save energy as in the eleventh embodiment, the function as the paper discharge energy saving control means of the control device 85F is shared to the serial I / F 222F side using the online mode. You may let them. That is, when the control device 85F shifts to the paper feed energy saving mode, the serial I / F 222F is based on the signal relating to the shift to the paper feed energy saving mode transmitted to the serial I / F 222F via the serial I / F 99F. When the relay 249 is controlled so as to turn off the power supply from the power source to each part of the large volume discharge unit 200 and the control unit 85F returns from the paper feed energy saving mode, the serial I / F is connected via the serial I / F 99F. The serial I / F 222F has a function of controlling the relay 249 so as to turn on the power supply to each part of the large volume discharge unit 200 based on the signal related to the return from the paper feed energy saving mode transmitted to the F222F. For example, a microcomputer may be used.

  According to the eleventh embodiment, it is only necessary to supply power to the serial I / F 222F that is necessary for the transition to the paper discharge energy saving mode and the return from the paper discharge energy saving mode, so that energy saving can be achieved. .

(Twelfth embodiment)
In the twelfth embodiment, when the large-volume paper feed unit 1 and the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 are in the on-line mode, the large-volume paper discharge is mainly performed separately from the shift to the paper feed energy saving mode on the large-volume paper feed unit 1 side. The present invention relates to the configuration and operation when the unit 200 shifts to the paper discharge energy saving mode.

  76 to 85, 88 and 89 show a twelfth embodiment (see claim 28). Compared with the eleventh embodiment, the twelfth embodiment is mainly different from the eleventh embodiment in that it has a control device 85G shown in parentheses as shown in FIGS. 77 and 80 instead of the control device 85F. The rest is the same.

  The control device 85G includes the same microcomputer as the control device 85F, and has the same function as the control device 85F and also has the following functions. Specifically, the CPU 86G (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “control device 85G” for convenience of explanation) has the same function as the CPU 86F, and is not in the transition to the paper feed energy saving mode. A signal on the large-volume paper feed unit 1 side is transmitted to the serial I / F 222F of the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 via the serial I / F 99F and the serial I / F 222F within a predetermined time counted by the timer 88A provided in the 85G. If not, the power supply from the power supply to each unit of the large volume discharge unit 200 is turned off by transmitting a command relating to the shift to the discharge energy saving mode to the serial I / F 222F via the serial I / F 99F. When the reset signal is generated by pressing the reset switch 81, the serial I By sending commands according to a return from the paper output power saving mode to the serial I / F222F via F99F, it has the function of controlling the relay 249 to turn on the power supply to each section of the bulk discharge unit 200.

  Next, referring to FIG. 88 and FIG. 89, the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 and the large-volume discharging unit 200 are in the online mode, and the transition to the feeding / energy-saving mode on the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 side is performed. Separately, a description will be given of an operation when the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 shifts to the paper discharge energy saving mode and an operation to return from the mode. The operation in this case starts from step S250 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S250, the control device 85G determines whether or not the mode is shifted to the paper feed energy saving mode based on a preset condition for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode. If the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 has not shifted to the sheet feeding energy saving mode, the process proceeds to step S251, and the serial I / F 99F and the serial I / F 99F are counted within a predetermined time counted by the timer 88A provided in the control device 85G. It is determined whether or not any signal on the mass feed / conveyance unit 1 side is transmitted to the serial I / F 222F of the mass output unit 200 via the serial I / F 222F. When no signal on the mass feed unit 1 side is transmitted to the serial I / F 222F, the control device 85G causes the command related to the transition to the paper discharge energy saving mode to the serial I / F 222F via the serial I / F 99F. Is transmitted and transmitted, relay 249 is turned off. As a result, the power supply to the signal amplifier 242, the motor 212, the loading surface detection sensor 209, other sensors 243, and the paper discharge control device 223 F is turned off via the first power supply circuit 240, and the paper discharge energy saving mode is set. The energy saving portion 244 is energy-saving (step S251 to step S254). On the other hand, when the signal on the large-volume paper feed unit 1 side is transmitted to the serial I / F 222F within a predetermined time in step S251, the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 maintains the current state (step S255).

  The return operation from the paper discharge energy saving mode starts from step S256 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S256, based on the command transmitted from the serial I / F 222F to the serial I / F 99F, the control device 85G determines whether or not the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 is in the paper discharge energy saving mode. When the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 is in the paper discharge energy saving mode state, the process proceeds to step S257, where a reset signal is generated by pressing the reset switch 81 to check whether the reset operation is started.

  When the reset signal is generated, the control device 85G transmits and transmits a command for returning from the paper discharge energy saving mode to the serial I / F 222F via the serial I / F 99F, thereby turning on the relay 249. As a result, the power supply to the signal amplifier 242, the motor 212, the stacking surface detection sensor 209, other sensors 243, and the paper discharge control device 223 F is turned on via the first power supply circuit 240, and the paper discharge energy saving mode is set. (Step S257 to step S260). On the other hand, when the large-volume sheet feeding / conveying unit 1 does not start the reset operation in step S257, the large-volume sheet discharging unit 200 holds the current state (step S261).

  According to the twelfth embodiment, it is possible to shift to the paper discharge energy saving mode separately regardless of the shift to the paper feed energy saving mode, so that less power is consumed than in the eleventh embodiment. Therefore, further energy saving can be achieved. In the eleventh and twelfth embodiments, the large-volume paper discharge unit 200 is not limited to this, and is, for example, the paper discharge storage device (1) shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 of JP-A-2002-226122. Of course, the same configuration may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment and the like, the above-described tenth paper length size (minimum sheet passing size “B5T”) shown in FIGS. The first to third transport rollers 32-1 to 32-3 can be used as the minimum necessary sheet transport means in consideration of the fact that the unique sheet transport control can be performed and the cost is reduced by avoiding complicated control. Although three transport rollers are used, the present invention is not limited to this and may be as follows. For example, if a total of four transport rollers are used as the paper transport means in addition to the above-described embodiment, the minimum sheet passing size can be expanded to the “postcard size” (in this case, between the transport rollers). Is approximately 130 to 140 mm). Note that when only two transport rollers are used, the A4 length (A4T: the size as viewed from the user, which is the short side of the A4 size) cannot be passed, so this embodiment is somewhat impractical. In the example, it was set as three as a suitable example.

  In the image forming apparatus to which the large-volume feeding / conveying unit 1 and the large-volume discharging unit 200 are connected, the ink supply member disposed inside the printing drum 115 having the plate cylinder on the outer periphery as described above has the plate cylinder. Is not limited to the stencil printing apparatus main body 100 that performs printing by supplying ink from the inside of the plate cylinder to the plate-formed thermal stencil master on the plate cylinder by contacting the inner peripheral surface of the plate cylinder. Needless to say, the image forming apparatus main body, such as a printer including a facsimile or an ink jet printer, or a plotter, can be configured and used by connecting a mass feeding device or a mass ejecting device in the same manner as described above.

  The mass feeding apparatus with an intermediate conveyance unit to which the present invention is applied can be applied to an apparatus using a limited sheet size such as US Pat. No. 5,441,247 (Patent Document 1). As described above, the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments including examples and the like. However, the configuration and operation of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like, and are configured by appropriately combining them. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various embodiments and examples may be configured within the scope of the present invention depending on the necessity and application thereof.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing a part of the entire apparatus in which the mass feeding / conveying unit and the stencil printing apparatus main body are offline connected according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic front view which shows the state which the mass feed conveyance unit occupied the non-connection position. It is a perspective view which shows the front view external appearance of a mass feed conveyance unit. It is a perspective view which shows the back view external appearance of the mass feed conveyance unit of FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a main configuration around an intermediate conveyance unit and an open / close state of an upper guide unit including an upper guide plate in a state in which a stencil printing apparatus main body and a large amount of paper feed conveyance unit are connected. It is a top view which shows the main structures around an upper guide board in the state which removed the upper cover. It is a top view which shows the main structures around a lower guide plate in the state which removed the upper cover, the upper guide plate, and each conveyance roller. It is a top view which shows the main structures around a housing | casing in the state which removed the upper cover, the upper guide plate, and the lower guide plate. It is sectional drawing which shows the main structures around the intermediate conveyance part in the state which connected the stencil printing apparatus main body and the mass feed conveyance unit. It is sectional drawing which shows the press-contact state of the 2nd pressure roller and 2nd conveyance roller in an intermediate conveyance part. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a sheet detection unit (first to eighth sensors), an arrangement / dimension state of a sheet conveyance unit, and various sheet length sizes in an intermediate conveyance unit. It is a perspective view which shows simply the arrangement | positioning state of the main control components by the side of mass feed conveyance unit. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical control structures of the mass feed conveyance unit in offline mode. It is a top view explaining in principle the paper conveyance control in the said embodiment. It is the table | surface which put together the data etc. which are used for the paper conveyance control pattern in the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which concerns on the conveyance control branch process called after completion | finish of the reset operation in the said embodiment. It is a front view showing the short size paper state on the intermediate conveyance path after completion of the reset operation in the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a front view illustrating a sheet conveyance transition state between the previous sheet and the next sheet and the control subsequent to FIG. 17. FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a sheet conveyance transition state and control of a previous sheet and a next sheet in another example of the embodiment. FIG. 20 is a front view continued from FIG. 19. It is a flowchart of the paper conveyance control which concerns on the conveyance type 3 of the said embodiment example. FIG. 22 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 21. It is a flowchart following FIG. FIG. 24 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 23. It is a basic timing chart of paper conveyance control concerning conveyance type 3 of the above-mentioned embodiment. It is a front view showing the long longitudinal size paper state on the intermediate conveyance path after completion of the reset operation in the embodiment. FIG. 27 is a front view illustrating a sheet conveyance transition state between the previous sheet and the next sheet and control thereof subsequent to FIG. 26. 6 is a basic timing chart of sheet conveyance control according to conveyance type 1 of the embodiment. It is a front view showing the shortest short size paper state on the intermediate conveyance path after completion of the reset operation in the embodiment. FIG. 30 is a front view illustrating a sheet conveyance transition state between the previous sheet and the next sheet and the control subsequent to FIG. 29. 10 is a basic timing chart of sheet conveyance control according to conveyance type 5 of the embodiment. It is a top view around a pulse encoder arrangement showing a modification of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a sheet conveyance transition state between a previous sheet and a next sheet and control thereof in the modified example. It is a flowchart of the encoder interruption process which concerns on the said modification. It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process which concerns on the said modification. It is a flowchart of the motor interruption process which concerns on the said modification. It is a schematic timing chart of the principal part of the paper conveyance control which concerns on the said modification. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement orders when a stencil printing apparatus main body and a mass feed conveyance unit are in an offline mode. 1 is a simplified power supply circuit diagram according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the mass feed conveyance unit in 1st Embodiment. It is a circuit diagram of the sensor in a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the transfer operation | movement to the paper-feed energy saving mode in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 43 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 42. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a return operation from a paper feed energy saving mode according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a simplified plan view for explaining that power is supplied only to a sensor that detects a paper size (A3Y) in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a simplified plan view for explaining that power is supplied only to a sensor that detects a paper size (A4Y) in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a simplified plan view for explaining that power is supplied only to a sensor that detects a paper size (A4T) in the first embodiment. It is a simple power supply circuit diagram in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure (4th Embodiment is a bracket | parenthesis part) of the mass feed conveyance unit in 2nd and 4th embodiment. It is a simple power supply circuit diagram in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the mass feed conveyance unit in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the transfer operation | movement to the paper-feed energy saving mode in 4th Embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a return operation from a paper feed energy saving mode according to the fourth embodiment. It is a schematic front view showing the whole apparatus structure which connected the mass-feeding conveyance unit and stencil printing apparatus main body which show the 5th and 6th embodiment of this invention online. It is a simple block diagram which shows the control structure of the whole apparatus in 5th and 6th embodiment. It is a simplified power supply circuit diagram in 5th and 6th embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the mass feed conveyance unit in 5th and 6th embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the transfer operation | movement to the paper-feed energy saving mode in 5th Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a return operation from a paper feed energy saving mode according to the fifth embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the transfer operation | movement to the paper-feed energy saving mode in 6th Embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a return operation from a paper feed energy saving mode according to the sixth embodiment. It is a schematic front view showing the whole apparatus structure which connected the mass discharge unit and stencil printing apparatus main body which show the 7th and 8th embodiment of this invention online. It is a simplified block diagram which shows the control structure (8th Embodiment is a parenthesis part) of the whole apparatus in 7th and 8th embodiment. It is a simple power supply circuit diagram in 7th and 8th embodiment. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of shifting to a paper discharge energy saving mode according to the seventh embodiment. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a return operation from a paper discharge energy saving mode according to the seventh embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the transfer operation | movement to the paper discharge energy saving mode in 8th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the return operation | movement from the paper discharge energy saving mode in 8th Embodiment. It is a schematic front view showing the whole apparatus structure which online-connected each of the mass feed conveyance unit, the stencil printing apparatus main body, and the mass ejection unit showing the ninth embodiment of the present invention. It is a simple block diagram which shows the control structure of the whole apparatus in 9th Embodiment. It is a schematic front view showing the whole apparatus structure which connected the mass discharge unit which shows the 10th Embodiment of this invention, and the stencil printing apparatus main body offline. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the mass discharge unit in 10th Embodiment. It is a simplified power supply circuit diagram in a 10th embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the transfer operation | movement to the paper discharge energy saving mode in 10th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the return operation | movement from the paper discharge energy saving mode in 10th Embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing eleventh and twelfth embodiments of the present invention, in which a mass feed conveyance unit and a mass ejection unit are connected online, and a mass feed conveyance unit, a stencil printing apparatus main body, and a stencil printing apparatus main body; FIG. 2 is a front view showing a part of the entire apparatus in which a large number of paper discharge units are connected offline. It is a simple block diagram which shows the control structure of the whole apparatus in 11th and 12th embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view around a paper feed roller and an appropriate height sensor of a mass paper feed conveyance unit and a stencil printing apparatus main body. It is a simple power supply circuit diagram in 11th and 12th embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure (the 12th embodiment is a parenthesis part) of the mass feed conveyance unit in 11th and 12th embodiment. 18 is a flowchart of a paper size detection control operation in the eleventh and twelfth embodiments. 18 is a flowchart of a paper jam detection control operation in the eleventh and twelfth embodiments. (A) is a figure explaining the difference in the rebound degree by the magnitude | size of the paper discharge speed in 11th and 12th embodiment, (b) is the appropriate height of the mass output tray in 11th and 12th embodiment. It is a flowchart of adjustment operation. 18 is a flowchart of a detection operation of a maximum stacking amount (full) of a large volume discharge unit in the eleventh and twelfth embodiments. 18 is a flowchart of an operation for detecting the remaining number of stacked sheets in the large volume discharge unit according to the eleventh and twelfth embodiments. It is a flowchart which shows the transfer operation | movement to the paper discharge energy saving mode in 11th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the return operation | movement from the paper discharge energy saving mode in 11th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the transfer operation | movement to the paper discharge energy saving mode in 12th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the return operation | movement from the paper discharge energy saving mode in 12th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mass feeding unit 2 as an example of mass feeding apparatus with an intermediate conveyance part 2 Stacking part 3 Paper feeding mechanism part 4 Intermediate conveyance part 5 Mass feeding unit 7 as mass feeding apparatus Case 10 Mass feeding stand 11 Paper feed roller 18 as a paper feed means Intermediate transport path 22 Paper feed motors 30-1, 30-2, 30-3 as paper feed drive means First to third paper transport means 32-1, 32-2, 32 -3 1st-3rd conveyance rollers 33-1, 33-2, 33-3 1st-3rd motor 50-1-50-8 as a drive means 1st-8th sensor 80 as a paper detection means Power supply switch 81 of the paper feeding / conveying unit Reset switch 85A, 85B, 85C, 85D, 85F, 85G as initial setting means Control devices 86A, 86B, 86C, 86D, 86F as paper feeding energy saving control means and control means 6G feeding CPU as energy-saving control means and the control means
85E Controller 86E as control means CPU as control means
88A Timer 94 as timekeeping means Backup RAM as memory holding means
95, 195 Relay 96 as switching means Pulse generation circuit 99, 99F as switching selection means Serial interface 100 as paper feeding communication means Stencil printing apparatus main body 104 as an example of image forming apparatus main body Main body paper feeding section 110 Main body paper feeding Base 111 Main body paper feed roller 114 as main body paper feed means Registration roller pair 115 Printing drum 122 Paper feed motor 125 as main body side paper feed driving means Paper feed port 130 Main body paper feed mechanisms 131, 131A, 131B, 131C Main body energy saving Main body control device 133 as control means Serial interface 134 as main body communication means Serial interface 136 as main body communication means Power switch 140, 140B, 240 of stencil printing apparatus main body First power supply circuit 141, 141B, 241 Second power supply Circuit 14 144B, 244 Energy saving portion 151 Encoder sensor 200 as speed detection means Mass delivery unit 201 as an example of mass delivery apparatus Mass delivery platform 209 Stacking surface detection sensor 222 as stacking surface detection means Serial interface 223 Paper discharge control device 223A as paper discharge control means Paper discharge control device 223F as paper discharge energy saving control means Paper discharge control device 224 as paper discharge control means CPU as paper discharge control means
224A CPU as paper discharge energy saving control means
224F CPU as discharge control means
239, 249 Relay P as switching means for a large volume discharge device Paper X as an example of sheet-like recording medium Paper transport direction Y Paper width direction

Claims (28)

The image forming apparatus main body, a stacking unit capable of stacking a large amount of sheets, a sheet feeding mechanism unit that picks up and feeds sheets of the stacking unit one by one, and the sheet fed from the sheet feeding mechanism unit A mass feeding apparatus with an intermediate conveyance section having an intermediate conveyance section for conveying to the forming apparatus main body, and operates in a state where the mass feeding apparatus with an intermediate conveyance section is connected to the image forming apparatus main body offline. Energy saving of the image forming apparatus that can be shifted to and restored from the paper feeding energy saving mode that is operated to save power consumption when the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit is not used in the offline mode. A system,
A plurality of sheet detection means capable of detecting operation upon receiving power supply when the power of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit is turned on to detect the sheet information of the sheet disposed and conveyed in the intermediate conveyance unit;
Paper feed energy saving control means for controlling the transition operation to the paper feed energy saving mode and the return operation from the paper feed energy saving mode upon receiving the power supply when the power is turned on;
Switching means for turning on / off the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit except for the plurality of paper detection means and the paper feeding energy saving control means,
The paper feed energy saving control means, when there is a sheet in the intermediate transport unit, based on a preset condition for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode, power to each unit of the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit The switching means is controlled so as to turn off the supply, and the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit is turned on based on a preset return condition from the paper feeding energy saving mode. In this way, the energy saving system of the image forming apparatus is characterized by controlling the switching means. The image forming apparatus main body, a stacking unit capable of stacking a large amount of sheets, a sheet feeding mechanism unit that picks up and feeds sheets of the stacking unit one by one, and the sheet fed from the sheet feeding mechanism unit A mass feeding apparatus with an intermediate conveyance section having an intermediate conveyance section for conveying to the forming apparatus main body, and operates in a state where the mass feeding apparatus with an intermediate conveyance section is connected to the image forming apparatus main body offline. Energy saving of the image forming apparatus that can be shifted to and restored from the paper feeding energy saving mode that is operated to save power consumption when the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit is not used in the offline mode. A system,
A plurality of sheet detecting means for detecting sheet information of the sheet disposed and conveyed in the intermediate conveyance unit;
A paper feed energy saving control means for receiving a power supply when the power supply of the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit is turned on and controlling a transition operation to the paper feed energy saving mode and a return operation from the paper feed energy saving mode;
Storage holding means capable of storing and holding the paper information detected by the paper detection means even when the power is not turned on;
Switching means for turning on / off the power supply to each of the units of the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit excluding the plurality of paper detection units;
Switching selection means for selecting only the paper detection means detecting the paper information from the plurality of paper detection means and turning on / off the power supply;
The paper feed energy saving control means is provided only for the paper detection means that detects the paper information based on a preset condition for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode when there is paper in the intermediate transport unit. The switching selection means is controlled so as to turn on the power supply, and the switching means is controlled so as to turn off the power supply to the respective parts of the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport part. Based on the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode, the switching selection unit is controlled to turn on the power supply to the plurality of paper detection units, and to the respective units of the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the switching means is controlled to turn on the power supply. In the energy-saving system of the image forming apparatus of Claim 1 or 2,
The intermediate transport section includes a plurality of paper transport means for transporting paper fed from the paper feed mechanism section, and at least one drive means for driving each paper transport means,
The intermediate transport unit is disposed on the image forming apparatus main body so as to transport the paper to the vicinity of a paper feed port of a main body paper feed stand of the paper feed unit on the image forming apparatus main body side or a main body paper feeding unit of the paper feed unit. Connected,
The timing when the paper size is detected by the plurality of paper detection means is set at the time of initialization when the conveyance of one sheet onto the plurality of paper detection means is completed,
In the initialization state, the one sheet is positioned on the sheet conveying unit disposed on the most downstream side of the intermediate conveying unit, and the leading end of the sheet can be fed by the main body sheet feeding unit. An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus, characterized by being set to a position. In the energy-saving system of the image forming apparatus of Claim 1, 2, or 3,
A timing means for timing the non-operational elapsed time after the power is turned on or the pause time of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit;
An activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation;
The transition condition to the paper feed energy saving mode is set when the non-operation elapsed time or the pause time measured by the time measuring means reaches a predetermined time,
An energy saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is set when an output signal from the paper detection means is changed by the activation signal. The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
A speed detecting means for detecting a transport speed of the paper which is disposed in the paper transport means disposed on the most downstream side and is transported to the image forming apparatus main body by the main body paper feed means;
An activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation;
The condition for shifting to the paper feeding energy saving mode is set when the output signal from the speed detecting means changes due to the drive stop of the main body paper feeding means at the end of the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus main body.
An energy saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is set when an output signal from the paper detection means is changed by the activation signal. The image forming apparatus main body, a stacking unit capable of stacking a large amount of sheets, a sheet feeding mechanism unit that picks up and feeds sheets of the stacking unit one by one, and the sheet fed from the sheet feeding mechanism unit A mass feeding apparatus with an intermediate conveyance section having an intermediate conveyance section for conveying to the forming apparatus main body, and operates in a state where the mass feeding apparatus with an intermediate conveyance section is connected to the image forming apparatus main body offline. Energy saving of the image forming apparatus that can be shifted to and restored from the paper feeding energy saving mode that is operated to save power consumption when the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit is not used in the offline mode. A system,
The intermediate transport section includes a plurality of paper transport means for transporting the paper fed from the paper feed mechanism section,
The intermediate transport unit is disposed on the image forming apparatus main body so as to transport the paper to the vicinity of a paper feed port of a main body paper feed stand of the paper feed unit on the image forming apparatus main body side or a main body paper feeding unit of the paper feed unit. Connected,
The timing when the paper size is detected by the plurality of paper detection means is set at the time of initialization when the conveyance of one sheet onto the plurality of paper detection means is completed,
In the initialization state, the one sheet is positioned on the sheet conveying unit disposed on the most downstream side of the intermediate conveying unit, and the leading end of the sheet can be fed by the main body sheet feeding unit. Set to position,
A plurality of sheet detecting means for detecting sheet information of the sheet disposed and conveyed in the intermediate conveyance unit;
A paper feed energy saving control means for receiving a power supply when the power supply of the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit is turned on and controlling a transition operation to the paper feed energy saving mode and a return operation from the paper feed energy saving mode;
Storage holding means capable of storing and holding the paper information detected by the paper detection means even when the power is not turned on;
Switching means for turning on and off the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit including the plurality of paper detection means,
The paper feed energy saving control means uses the storage and holding means to store the paper information based on a preset condition for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode when there is paper in the intermediate transport unit. The switching means is controlled so as to turn off the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveying part including the plurality of paper detecting means, and the return from the preset paper feeding energy saving mode is performed. An image forming apparatus characterized in that, based on conditions, the switching unit is controlled to turn on the power supply to the units of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit including the plurality of sheet detection units. Energy saving system. The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 6.
A time measuring means for measuring the non-operation elapsed time from the power-on or the pause time of the mass feeding device with the intermediate transport unit;
A speed detecting means for detecting a transport speed of the paper which is disposed in the paper transport means disposed on the most downstream side and is transported to the image forming apparatus main body by the main body paper feed means;
An activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation;
The transition condition to the paper feed energy saving mode is set when the non-operation elapsed time or the pause time measured by the time measuring means reaches a predetermined time,
The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is set when an output signal from the speed detecting means is changed by the activation signal. The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 6.
A speed detecting means for detecting a transport speed of the paper which is disposed in the paper transport means disposed on the most downstream side and is transported to the image forming apparatus main body by the main body paper feed means;
An activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation;
The condition for shifting to the paper feeding energy saving mode is set when the output signal from the speed detecting means changes due to the drive stop of the main body paper feeding means at the end of the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus main body.
The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is set when an output signal from the speed detecting means is changed by the activation signal. The image forming apparatus main body, a stacking unit capable of stacking a large amount of sheets, a sheet feeding mechanism unit that picks up and feeds sheets of the stacking unit one by one, and the sheet fed from the sheet feeding mechanism unit A mass feeding apparatus with an intermediate conveyance section having an intermediate conveyance section for conveying to the forming apparatus main body, and operates in a state where the mass feeding apparatus with an intermediate conveyance section is connected to the image forming apparatus main body offline. Energy saving of the image forming apparatus that can be shifted to and restored from the paper feeding energy saving mode that is operated to save power consumption when the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit is not used in the offline mode. A system,
A plurality of paper detection means for detecting paper information of paper to be arranged and conveyed in the intermediate conveyance unit;
Paper feed energy saving control means for controlling the transition operation to the paper feed energy saving mode and the return operation from the paper feed energy saving mode upon receiving the power supply when the power is turned on;
Switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to each section of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance section including the plurality of sheet detection means,
The sheet feeding energy saving control means includes the plurality of sheet detecting means and the mass feeding with the intermediate conveying section based on a preset condition for shifting to the sheet feeding energy saving mode when there is no sheet in the intermediate conveying section. The switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to each part of the paper device, and the intermediate transport including the plurality of paper detection means is performed based on a preset return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode. An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the switching unit is controlled so as to turn on the power supply to each unit of the large-volume sheet feeding device with a unit. The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 9,
A timing means for timing the non-operational elapsed time after the power is turned on or the pause time of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit;
An initialization setting means for starting a predetermined initialization operation disposed in the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit;
The transition condition to the paper feed energy saving mode is set when the non-operation elapsed time or the pause time measured by the time measuring means reaches a predetermined time,
The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is set when an output signal is generated from the initialization setting means. The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 9,
The intermediate transport section includes a plurality of paper transport means for transporting paper fed from the paper feed mechanism section, and at least one drive means for driving each paper transport means,
The intermediate transport unit is disposed on the image forming apparatus main body so as to transport the paper to the vicinity of a paper feed port of a main body paper feed stand of the paper feed unit on the image forming apparatus main body side or a main body paper feeding unit of the paper feed unit. Connected,
The timing when the paper size is detected by the plurality of paper detection means is set at the time of initialization when the conveyance of one sheet onto the plurality of paper detection means is completed,
In the initialization state, the one sheet is positioned on the sheet conveying unit disposed on the most downstream side of the intermediate conveying unit, and the leading end of the sheet can be fed by the main body sheet feeding unit. Set to position,
A speed detecting means for detecting a transport speed of the paper which is disposed in the paper transport means disposed on the most downstream side and is transported to the image forming apparatus main body by the main body paper feed means;
An initialization setting means for starting a predetermined initialization operation disposed in the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit;
The transition condition to the paper feed energy saving mode is set when the output signal from the speed detecting means changes,
The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is set when an output signal is generated from the initialization setting means. In the energy-saving system of the image forming apparatus as described in any one of Claims 9 thru | or 11,
The driving means is a stepping motor,
The sheet feeding energy saving control means controls the switching means to turn off the power supply including the excitation current supplied to the stepping motor when the sheet feeding energy saving mode is entered. Equipment energy-saving system. In the energy-saving system of the image forming apparatus as described in any one of Claims 6 thru | or 8,
The paper feed energy saving control means includes the plurality of paper detection means including the plurality of paper detection means based on a preset condition for shifting to the paper feed energy saving mode when there is no paper in the intermediate transport section. The switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the respective parts of the paper feeding device, and the intermediate means including the plurality of paper detecting means are set based on a preset return condition from the paper feeding energy saving mode. An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the switching unit is controlled so as to turn on the power supply to each unit of the large-volume sheet feeding device with a conveyance unit. The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 13.
A timing means for timing the non-operational elapsed time after the power is turned on or the pause time of the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit;
An initialization setting means for starting a predetermined initialization operation disposed in the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit;
The transition condition to the paper feed energy saving mode is set when the non-operation elapsed time or the pause time measured by the time measuring means reaches a predetermined time,
The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is set when an output signal is generated from the initialization setting means. The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 13.
The intermediate transport section includes a plurality of paper transport means for transporting paper fed from the paper feed mechanism section, and at least one drive means for driving each paper transport means,
The intermediate transport unit is disposed on the image forming apparatus main body so as to transport the paper to the vicinity of a paper feed port of a main body paper feed stand of the paper feed unit on the image forming apparatus main body side or a main body paper feeding unit of the paper feed unit. Connected,
The timing when the paper size is detected by the plurality of paper detection means is set at the time of initialization when the conveyance of one sheet onto the plurality of paper detection means is completed,
In the initialization state, the one sheet is positioned on the sheet conveying unit disposed on the most downstream side of the intermediate conveying unit, and the leading end of the sheet can be fed by the main body sheet feeding unit. Set to position,
A speed detecting means for detecting a transport speed of the paper which is disposed in the paper transport means disposed on the most downstream side and is transported to the image forming apparatus main body by the main body paper feed means;
An initialization setting means for starting a predetermined initialization operation disposed in the mass feeding device with the intermediate conveyance unit;
The transition condition to the paper feed energy saving mode is set when the output signal from the speed detecting means changes,
The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the return condition from the paper feed energy saving mode is set when an output signal is generated from the initialization setting means. In the energy-saving system of the image forming apparatus as described in any one of Claim 13 thru | or 15,
The driving means is a stepping motor,
The sheet feeding energy saving control means controls the switching means to turn off the power supply including the excitation current supplied to the stepping motor when the sheet feeding energy saving mode is entered. Equipment energy-saving system. An image forming apparatus main body, and a stacking unit capable of stacking a large amount of sheets, and a mass feeding apparatus including a sheet feeding mechanism unit that takes out the sheets of the stacking unit one by one and feeds them to the image forming apparatus main body. In the online mode for operating the image forming apparatus main body in a state where the mass feeding device is connected online, the main body energy saving mode is operated to save power consumption when the image forming apparatus main body is not used. It is possible to shift and return from the main body energy saving mode, and to shift to the paper feeding energy saving mode that operates to save power consumption when the mass feeding device is not used and to return from the paper feeding energy saving mode. An energy saving system for an image forming apparatus,
A main body communication unit arranged in the main body of the image forming apparatus to communicate with the large-volume sheet feeding device and capable of communicating by receiving the power supply when the main body of the image forming apparatus is turned on;
Main body energy saving control means connected to the main body communication means for controlling the shifting operation and returning operation of the main body energy saving mode and the shifting operation to the paper feeding energy saving mode and the returning operation from the paper feeding energy saving mode;
A sheet feeding device connected to the main body communication means so as to be communicable and receives a power supply when the mass feeding apparatus is turned on to transmit a command signal from the main body energy saving control means. Communication means;
Switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to the units of the mass feeding device excluding the paper feeding communication unit;
The main body energy saving control means switches the power supply to the parts of the mass feeding device via the main body communication means and the paper feed communication means when the main power saving mode is shifted to the main body energy saving mode. The switching means to turn on the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device via the main body communication means and the paper feed communication means when the means is controlled to return from the main body energy saving mode. An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus, characterized by being controlled. The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 17,
Clocking means for timing a pause time of a signal on the image forming apparatus main body side transmitted to the mass feeding device;
An activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation;
The main body energy saving control means is not in the main body energy saving mode, and the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side is transmitted to the paper feeding communication means within a predetermined time counted by the time measuring means. When there is not, the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device via the main body communication means and the paper feeding communication means, and the main body is based on the start signal. An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the switching unit is controlled to turn on the power supply to the respective units of the large-volume sheet feeding device via the communication unit and the sheet feeding communication unit. An image forming apparatus main body, and a stacking unit capable of stacking a large amount of sheets, and a mass feeding apparatus including a sheet feeding mechanism unit that takes out the sheets of the stacking unit one by one and feeds them to the image forming apparatus main body. In the online mode for operating the image forming apparatus main body in a state where the mass feeding device is connected online, the main body energy saving mode is operated to save power consumption when the image forming apparatus main body is not used. It is possible to shift and return from the main body energy saving mode, and to shift to the paper feeding energy saving mode that operates to save power consumption when the mass feeding device is not used and to return from the paper feeding energy saving mode. An energy saving system for an image forming apparatus,
A main body communication unit arranged in the main body of the image forming apparatus to communicate with the large-volume sheet feeding device and capable of communicating by receiving the power supply when the main body of the image forming apparatus is turned on;
A main body energy saving control means connected to the main body communication means for controlling a transition operation to the paper feeding energy saving mode and a return operation from the paper feeding energy saving mode;
Clocking means for timing a pause time of a signal on the image forming apparatus main body side transmitted to the mass feeding device;
An activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation;
A sheet feeding device connected to the main body communication means so as to be communicable and receives a power supply when the mass feeding apparatus is turned on to transmit a command signal from the main body energy saving control means. Communication means;
Switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to the units of the mass feeding device excluding the paper feeding communication unit;
The main body energy saving control means is not in the main body energy saving mode, and the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side is transmitted to the paper feeding communication means within a predetermined time counted by the time measuring means. When there is not, the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to each part of the mass feeding device via the main body communication means and the paper feeding communication means, and the main body is based on the start signal. An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the switching unit is controlled to turn on the power supply to the respective units of the large-volume sheet feeding device via the communication unit and the sheet feeding communication unit. An image forming apparatus main body, and a mass output device including a mass output tray on which a large number of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus main body can be stacked. In the online mode in which the large-volume sheet discharge device is operated in an online connection, the main body energy saving mode is operated to save power consumption when the image forming apparatus main body is not used, and the main body energy saving mode is restored. An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus that is capable of switching to and returning from a paper-discharging energy-saving mode that can be operated to save power consumption when the large-volume paper-discharging device is not used,
A main body communication means arranged in the image forming apparatus main body to communicate with the large-volume paper discharge device, and capable of communicating by receiving power supply when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on;
Main body energy saving control means connected to the main body communication means for controlling the transition operation of the main body energy saving mode and the return operation from the main body energy saving mode, and the transition operation to the discharged paper energy saving mode and the return operation from the discharged paper energy saving mode. When,
Paper discharge connected to the main body communication means and disposed in the large-volume paper discharge apparatus that receives the power supply when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on and transmits a command signal from the main body energy saving control means. Communication means;
Switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to the mass paper discharge device except for the paper discharge communication means;
The main body energy saving control means controls the switching means so as to turn off the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means when the main body energy saving mode is entered. And when switching from the main body energy saving mode, the switching means is controlled to turn on the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means. Energy-saving system for image forming equipment. The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 20,
The image forming apparatus main body includes time measuring means for measuring a pause time of a signal on the image forming apparatus main body side transmitted to the large-volume paper discharge apparatus, and start means for generating a start signal for starting an image forming operation. Arranged,
The main body energy saving control means is not in the main body energy saving mode, and the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side is transmitted to the paper discharge communication means within a predetermined time counted by the time measuring means. When there is not, the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means, and based on the activation signal, the main body communication means and An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the switching unit is controlled to turn on the power supply to the large-volume sheet discharge device via the sheet discharge communication unit. An image forming apparatus main body, and a mass output device including a mass output tray on which a large number of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus main body can be stacked. In the online mode in which the large-volume sheet discharge device is operated in an online connection, the main body energy saving mode is operated to save power consumption when the image forming apparatus main body is not used, and the main body energy saving mode is restored. An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus that is capable of switching to and returning from a paper-discharging energy-saving mode that can be operated to save power consumption when the large-volume paper-discharging device is not used,
A main body communication means arranged in the image forming apparatus main body to communicate with the large-volume paper discharge device, and capable of communicating by receiving power supply when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on;
A main body energy saving control means connected to the main body communication means for controlling a transition operation to the paper discharge energy saving mode and a return operation from the paper discharge energy saving mode;
A time measuring means for measuring a pause time of the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side transmitted to the mass output device;
An activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation;
Paper discharge connected to the main body communication means and disposed in the large-volume paper discharge apparatus that receives the power supply when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on and transmits a command signal from the main body energy saving control means. Communication means;
Switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to the mass paper discharge device except for the paper discharge communication means;
The main body energy saving control means is not in the main body energy saving mode, and the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side is transmitted to the paper discharge communication means within a predetermined time counted by the time measuring means. When there is not, the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means, and based on the activation signal, the main body communication means and An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the switching unit is controlled to turn on the power supply to the large-volume sheet discharge device via the sheet discharge communication unit. In the energy-saving system of the image forming apparatus as described in any one of Claims 17 thru | or 19,
A large-volume sheet discharge device including a large-volume sheet discharge table capable of stacking a large number of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus main body. In the online mode that operates in the online connection state, it is possible to shift to the main unit energy saving mode and return from the main unit energy saving mode, and to operate to save power consumption when the mass output device is not used. An energy saving system for an image forming apparatus capable of shifting to a paper energy saving mode and returning from the paper discharge energy saving mode,
A main body communication unit arranged in the main body of the image forming apparatus to communicate with the large-volume sheet feeding device and capable of communicating by receiving the power supply when the main body of the image forming apparatus is turned on;
A main body energy saving control means connected to the main body communication means for controlling a shifting operation and a returning operation of the main body energy saving mode and a shifting operation to the discharged paper energy saving mode and a returning operation from the discharged paper energy saving mode;
Paper discharge connected to the main body communication means and disposed in the large-volume paper discharge apparatus that receives the power supply when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on and transmits a command signal from the main body energy saving control means. Communication means;
Switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to the mass paper discharge device except for the paper discharge communication means;
The main body energy saving control means controls the switching means so as to turn off the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means when the main body energy saving mode is entered. And when switching from the main body energy saving mode, the switching means is controlled to turn on the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means. Energy-saving system for image forming equipment. The image forming apparatus energy saving system according to claim 23,
Clocking means for measuring a pause time of a signal on the image forming apparatus main body side disposed in the image forming apparatus main body and transmitted to the mass discharge device;
An activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation;
The main body energy saving control means is not in the main body energy saving mode, and the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side is transmitted to the paper discharge communication means within a predetermined time counted by the time measuring means. When there is not, the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means, and based on the activation signal, the main body communication means and An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the switching unit is controlled to turn on the power supply to the large-volume sheet discharge device via the sheet discharge communication unit. In the energy-saving system of the image forming apparatus as described in any one of Claims 17 thru | or 19,
A large-volume sheet discharge device including a large-volume sheet discharge table capable of stacking a large number of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus main body. In the online mode that operates in the online connection state, it is possible to shift to the main unit energy saving mode and return from the main unit energy saving mode, and to operate to save power consumption when the mass output device is not used. An energy saving system for an image forming apparatus capable of shifting to a paper energy saving mode and returning from the paper discharge energy saving mode,
A main body communication means arranged in the image forming apparatus main body to communicate with the large-volume paper discharge device, and capable of communicating by receiving power supply when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on;
A main body energy saving control means connected to the main body communication means for controlling a transition operation to the paper discharge energy saving mode and a return operation from the paper discharge energy saving mode;
A time measuring means for measuring a pause time of the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side transmitted to the mass output device;
An activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation;
Paper discharge connected to the main body communication means and disposed in the large-volume paper discharge apparatus that receives the power supply when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on and transmits a command signal from the main body energy saving control means. Communication means;
Switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to the mass paper discharge device except for the paper discharge communication means;
The main body energy saving control means is not in the main body energy saving mode, and the signal on the image forming apparatus main body side is transmitted to the paper discharge communication means within a predetermined time counted by the time measuring means. When there is not, the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the main body communication means and the paper discharge communication means, and based on the activation signal, the main body communication means and An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus, wherein the switching unit is controlled to turn on the power supply to the large-volume sheet discharge device via the sheet discharge communication unit. An image forming apparatus main body, and a mass discharge apparatus including a large number of paper discharge trays capable of moving up and down a large amount of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus main body. In the offline mode in which the large-volume paper discharge device is operated in an offline connection, the shift to the paper discharge energy saving mode that is operated to save power consumption when the large-volume paper discharge device is not used, and the paper discharge energy saving An energy saving system for an image forming apparatus capable of returning from a mode,
An activation means for generating an activation signal for starting an image forming operation;
A loading surface detecting means for detecting the uppermost surface of the image-formed paper stacked on the mass output tray, and capable of detecting the power supply when the image forming apparatus main body is turned on;
A paper discharge energy saving control means for receiving a power supply when the power is turned on and controlling a transition operation to the paper discharge energy saving mode and a return operation from the paper discharge energy saving mode;
Switching means for turning on / off the power supply to each part of the mass discharge device except for the loading surface detection means and the paper discharge energy saving control means,
The paper discharge energy saving control means controls the switching means to turn off the power supply to each part of the mass paper discharge device when the signal from the stacking surface detection means does not change during a predetermined time, When the signal from the loading surface detecting means is changed by the activation signal, the switching means is controlled to turn on the power supply to each part of the large-volume sheet discharge device. system. From the main body of the image forming apparatus, a large amount of paper feeding apparatus capable of stacking a large amount of sheets, and taking out the stacked sheets one by one and feeding them to the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the main body of the image forming apparatus A large-volume sheet discharge device having a large-volume sheet discharge table capable of stacking a large amount of discharged image-formed sheets, and the large-volume sheet discharge device is online connected to the large-volume sheet supply device In the online mode to be operated, it is possible to shift to and return from the paper feeding energy saving mode that is operated to save power consumption when the mass feeding device is not used. An energy saving system for an image forming apparatus capable of shifting to and returning from a paper discharge energy saving mode that operates to save power consumption when not in use,
A paper feed communication means that is disposed in the mass paper feeder and communicates with the mass paper ejector by receiving the power supply when the mass paper feeder is turned on;
Paper feed connected to the paper feed communication means for controlling the transition operation of the paper feed energy saving mode and the return operation of the paper feed energy saving mode, and the transition operation to the paper discharge energy saving mode and the return operation from the paper discharge energy saving mode. Energy-saving control means;
It is connected to the paper feed communication means so as to be communicable, and is provided in the mass paper discharge device which receives the power supply when the power supply of the mass paper feed device is turned on and transmits a command signal from the paper feed energy saving control means. Paper discharge communication means;
Switching means for turning on / off the power supply from the power source to the mass paper discharge device except for the paper discharge communication means;
The paper feed energy saving control means switches the power supply to the mass discharge device via the paper feed communication means and the paper discharge communication means when the mode is shifted to the paper feed energy saving mode. Controlling the switching means to turn on the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the paper feed communication means and the paper discharge communication means when the means is controlled to return from the paper feed energy saving mode. An energy-saving system for an image forming apparatus. The energy saving system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 27,
Clocking means for measuring a pause time of a signal on the mass feeding device side arranged in the mass feeding device and transmitted to the mass feeding device;
An initialization setting means for starting a predetermined initialization operation for the mass feeding device,
The paper feed energy saving control means transmits the signal on the mass feeding apparatus side to the paper discharge communication means within a predetermined time counted by the time measuring means when the paper feeding energy saving mode has not been entered. If not, the switching means is controlled to turn off the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the paper feed communication means and the paper discharge communication means, and an output signal from the initialization setting means And controlling the switching means so as to turn on the power supply to the large-volume paper discharge device via the paper feed communication means and the paper discharge communication means. .

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