JP2002002059A - Multi-stage optional equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage optional device connected as an option to a device such as a printer device, a copying machine, a facsimile, and the like. It is a configuration that can easily check the connection of the multi-stage paper feeder with a small number of control signals, and automatically assigns an individual identification number to each optional paper feeder (optional device), It makes the selection easier. A connection circuit having a multi-stage paper feeder,
Detecting circuits 11 to 14 corresponding to the respective optional sheet feeding units are provided, and the respective detecting circuits are flip-flops 16 to
19 and transistors 20 to 22 and the like. Then, a signal is sequentially supplied to the flip-flops 16 to 19 according to the clock signal (CLK), and the corresponding transistor is turned on, thereby connecting the CPU 15 to the CONN.
The configuration is such that an ECT signal is supplied to recognize an optional sheet feeding unit connected to the printer apparatus main body.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to equipment such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, etc., and more particularly to a multi-stage optional device which is optionally connected to such equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, OA equipment such as printers, copiers, and facsimile machines are widely used, and plain paper can be used in many equipments. Furthermore, OA as described above
2. Description of the Related Art In a device, a multi-stage paper feeder is used in order to enable use of various sizes of paper or a large amount of paper.

FIG. 14 is a view showing the configuration of the multi-stage paper feeder. For example, a paper feeder to which paper feed cassettes 2 to 5 can be mounted as an optional device is provided under the printer main body 1. Then, sheets of different sizes are fed into the paper feed cassette 2.
5 and print processing is performed using desired paper.

In the above-described multi-stage paper feeder, a method of recognizing and controlling each paper feed unit is performed as follows. (A) First, there is a method of fixing the number of optional paper feeding units and outputting a control signal to each of the optional paper feeding units. (B) A method using a serial I / F has also been proposed. FIG. 15 is for judging the presence or absence of the optional part.
A signal line (I / F) is connected serially. As shown in FIG. 1, the optional paper feed units 2 (or 3, 4, and 5) are connected one-to-one to the printer main body 1, and the control paper 1a in the printer main body 1 and the optional paper feeder are connected. Control board 2a (3) in unit 2 (or 3, 4, 5)
a, 4a, 5a) are serially connected via a signal line 6.

[0005]

However, the conventional multi-stage paper feeder (multi-stage optional device) has the following problems. First, (a) In the method of outputting a control signal to each of the optional paper feeding units, the number of signals increases with an increase in the number of connected devices, and it is difficult to connect a large number of optional paper feeding units.

(B) A serial I / F shown in FIG.
Requires the inspection jig 9 shown in FIG. Also, a harness for connecting to the inspection jig 9 and connectors 1c to 1e are required. Also, an inspection program for the CPU 1b provided on the control board 1a is required. Therefore, it also causes an increase in cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to make it possible to easily check the connection of a multi-stage paper feeder with a small number of control signals even if the number of optional paper feed units and the like is increased. In addition, an individual identification number is automatically assigned to each optional paper feeding unit (optional device) to facilitate selection of a multi-stage optional unit.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-stage option device in which a plurality of option units are connected in multiple stages, a clock signal output means for supplying the plurality of option units, A selection unit for sequentially selecting each of the option units according to a clock signal output from the output unit, and an output result of the selection unit,
A multi-stage optional device comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the plurality of optional units are connected.

In the multi-stage optional apparatus, for example, a plurality of optional units are vertically arranged in multiple stages, and the optional units are optional printing units such as a paper feed cassette. The clock signal output means to be supplied to each option unit is output from, for example, a CPU and supplied to a flip-flop circuit constituting the selection means.

A flip-flop circuit is provided, for example, for each option unit. The flip-flop circuits are sequentially selected by the supply of a clock signal (CLK), and the output of the flip-flop circuit is supplied to a determination unit. Further, this determination means is constituted by, for example, a CPU, and the CPU recognizes which option unit is selected.

With this configuration, it is possible to use a small number of signal lines and to know the connection relationship of the multi-stage optional device with a simple circuit. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, all of the plurality of option units are in a non-selected state by the clock signal output from the clock signal output unit.

With this configuration, it is possible to know that all the option units are not connected. Claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1,
The multi-stage optional device is a multi-stage paper feeding device, for example, a configuration in which a plurality of optional paper feeding units are arranged in multi-stages.

With this configuration, it is possible to provide the multi-stage optional device of this embodiment to a multi-stage paper feeding device such as a paper cassette as a multi-stage optional device. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the selection means varies an output signal when the option unit is connected and when the option unit is not connected.

With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not the option unit is connected. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, a three-state buffer is used as the selection means.

With this configuration, the multi-stage optional device of the present invention can be provided with a simpler circuit.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a view for explaining a multi-stage optional device of the present embodiment. In this embodiment, an example of a multi-stage sheet feeding device will be described as a multi-stage optional device. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the multi-stage paper feeder of this embodiment is applied to a printer.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 7 denotes a printer main body, in which an image forming unit, a fixing device and the like are disposed. The lower part of the printer device main body 7 has a paper feeding unit disposed in the main body. On the other hand, the printer device body 7
In order to store sheets of several sizes or to use a large amount of sheets, a multi-stage sheet feeding device 8 having a plurality of optional sheet feeding units is connected.

In this embodiment, the printer main body 7 is used.
, Four optional paper feed units 8a to 8d are connected. The optional sheet feeding section is configured to be able to increase or decrease as necessary. Further, when power is supplied to the printer device main body 7, the connection status of each of the optional paper feed units 8a to 8d is detected.

The user can connect and use the optional paper feeder without changing the settings of the printer device 7. For example, in the example shown in FIG.
a, 8b, and 8c are connected, and the optional sheet feeding unit 8d is in a connectable state.

FIG. 2 shows a connection detecting circuit of the multi-stage paper feeder 8 in the multi-stage paper feeder having the above configuration. The detection circuit 11 is a detection circuit built in the printer device main body 7,
Detecting circuits 12 to 14 are optional paper feeding units 12 to
14 is a built-in detection circuit. The optional paper feed units 12 to 14 are circuits having the same configuration, and the detection circuits 12 to 1
4 is also formed of the same circuit. Here, the CPU 15 controls the entire printer apparatus, and other input / output signals are also connected. However, here, only signals (signal lines) related to the present invention are shown for simplicity of explanation.

The detection circuit 11 is a flip-flop 1
6, the detection circuit 12 includes a flip-flop 17 and a transistor 20, the detection circuit 13 includes a flip-flop 18 and a transistor 21, and the detection circuit 14 includes a flip-flop 19 and a transistor 22. The detection circuit 11 has a pull-up resistor 23.
Is also connected.

The CPU 15 outputs a RESET signal and a CLK signal. The CPU 15 receives a CONNECT signal. The RESET signal is input to the set terminal (SET terminal) of the flip-flop 16 and is input to the clear terminals (CLR terminals) of the flip-flops 17 to 19. The CLK signal is input to clock terminals (CK terminals) of the flip-flops 16 to 19.

The output Q1 of the flip-flop 16 is input to the input D of the flip-flop 17, the output Q2 of the flip-flop 17 is input to the input D of the flip-flop 18, and the output Q3 of the flip-flop 18 is Input to input D.

The output Q2 of the flip-flop 17 is input to the base (B) of the transistor 20, the output Q3 of the flip-flop 18 is input to the base (B) of the transistor 21, and the base (B) of the transistor 22 is input. Receives the output Q4 of the flip-flop 19. Each transistor 20-22 has a corresponding flip-flop 17-1
On and off according to the output signal supplied from 9,
When a high signal is supplied from the corresponding flip-flop, the transistor is turned on and the CONNECT signal is dropped to a low level. The normal CONNECT signal is set to a high level by a power supply voltage (VDD) supplied through the pull-up resistor 23, and the connection of the option unit is determined based on the state of the CONNECT signal supplied in synchronization with the CLK signal. I do. Hereinafter, the processing operation of this example is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 15 sets a RESET signal, which is an initialization signal for the entire detection circuit, to "L" level. This RESET signal is supplied to the flip-flop 16 as described above.
SET terminal and CL of flip-flops 17 to 19
The output is supplied to the R terminal, the output Q1 of the flip-flop 16 is set to "H" level, and the outputs Q2, Q3, Q4 of the flip-flops 17 to 19 are set to "L" level (timing shown in FIG. 3).

Next, the CPU 15 returns the RESET signal to the "H" level, and sets the CLK signal to the "H" level (at the timing shown in FIG. 3). By this processing, each of the flip-flops 16 to 19 takes in the level of the input terminal D and reflects it on each output Q. As a result, the output Q1 becomes "L" level, the output Q2 becomes "H" level,
The output Q3 becomes "L" level, and the output Q4 becomes "L". Further, at this time, the output Q2 becomes “H” level, so that the transistor 20 is turned on and the CONNECT signal becomes “L”.
To level. For this reason, the CPU 15
Since the signal becomes "L", it is known that the first-stage optional sheet feeding section 8a is connected.

Next, the CPU 15 sets the CLK signal to "L".
The level is returned to the “H” level again (at the timing shown in FIG. 3). By this processing, the output signals of the flip-flops 16 to 19 change, for example, the output Q1 remains at the “L” level, the output Q2 also remains at the “L” level, and the output Q4 also has the “L” level. Remains. However, the output Q3 changes to "H" level. For this reason, the transistor 21 is turned on, the CONNECT signal is set to the “L” level, and the CPU 15 knows that the second-stage optional sheet feeding unit 8b is connected.

Similarly, when the CLK signal is returned to the "L" level and then to the "H" level (at the timing shown in FIG. 3), the output Q4 of the optional paper feeder 8c at the third stage is also output.
Becomes "H" level, turning on the transistor 22,
The CONNECT signal is set to the “L” level, and it is known that the third-stage optional sheet feeding unit 8c is connected.

Further, when the CLK signal is returned to the "L" level and then set to the "H" level (the timing shown in FIG. 3), all the outputs Q1 to Q4 are set to the "L" level, and all of the transistors 20 to 22 are output. Is turned off and CO
The NNECT signal becomes “H” level by the pull-up resistor 23. The CPU 15 knows that nothing is connected to the optional paper feeder of the fourth stage by the input of the CONNECT signal.

Thereafter, the CPU 15 changes the CLK signal to "L".
The level is returned to the level, and the connection detecting operation of the optional sheet feeding unit is ended. As described above, according to the present example, a small number of signal lines are used, the connection of the multi-stage paper feeder can be detected by a simple circuit, and the number of signal lines required for detecting the optional paper feed unit is increased. In addition, connection detection of the multi-stage paper feeder can be performed.

In the description of the above embodiment, an example in which a four-stage paper feeder is detected has been described. However, the method is the same even if the number of stages is further increased. Further, although the example of the sheet feeding device has been described as the optional sheet feeding unit, the present invention is also applicable to a multi-stage optional device connected to a sheet discharging unit such as a sorter. <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the drawing of the printer apparatus main body 7 and the multi-stage paper feeder 8 shown in FIG. 1 is used.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram for explaining the control circuit of this embodiment. Incidentally, in FIG.
9 is the same as the configuration of the flip-flops 16 to 22, the configuration of the transistors 58 to 60 is the same as the configuration of the transistors 20 to 22, and the configuration of the pull-up resistor 61 is Same as 23.

Therefore, in the description of FIG. 4, a configuration other than the above will be described. The CPU 35 performs the above-described CLK operation.
Signal and RESET signal, SOL signal and MOTO signal
It outputs various signals such as the R signal. Here, the SOL signal is a control output signal of the paper feeding solenoid, the MOTOR signal is a motor control output signal, the PE signal is a paper absence detection input signal, and SIZE0 to SIZE2 are 3 bits for detecting 8 types of paper. This is a size detection input signal.

Also, ID0 and ID1 are selection signals. In this example, the optional paper feeder is "4".
Selection of an optional sheet feeding unit is performed by signals of “00” to “11” according to ID0 and ID1. Further, the control circuit of the present example includes the latch circuits 40 to 42 and 49 to 51 to which the ID0 and ID1 are input, the AND gates 46 to 48,
2 to 54, and comparators 43 to 45 and 55 to 57. Next, the processing operation of the control circuit of this example will be described with reference to the time chart shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 35 executes the RESE
The T signal is set to “L” level, and flip-flops 36 to 3
9, the output Q1 to Q4 of the Q terminal is "H", respectively.
“L”, “L”, and “L” (timing shown in FIG. 5). Next, after returning the RESET signal to "H" high level, the output values of ID0 and ID1 are set to "0" and CLK
The signal output is set to the “L” level (the timing shown in FIG. 5). At this time, since the CLK signal is at the "L" level and the output Q1 is at the "H" level by the AND gate 46, the IDLAT1 signal is at the "H" level, and the latch 40 captures and stores the values of ID0 and ID1. At the same time, the value is output from the outputs Q0 and Q1.

The value stored in the latch 40 is used as the identification number of the optional sheet feeding section 8a. The output of the latch 40 is supplied to the comparator 43. The comparator 43 receives the identification number supplied from the latch 40 and the selection signal I supplied from the printer device main body 7.
D0 and ID1 are compared, and if they match, a selection signal ENB1 for the optional sheet feeding unit 8a is output.

At this time, the identification number, ID0, ID
Since the value of 1 is the same, ENB1 goes to the "H" level, turning on the transistor 58 to set the CONNECT signal to the "L" level. Therefore, the CPU 35 knows that the first-stage optional sheet feeding section 8a is connected.

Thereafter, similarly, the second-stage optional sheet feeding section 8
b, the identification number “1” is stored in the third-stage optional paper feeding unit 8.
The identification number “2” is stored in c. Note that the identification number “3” is not used because the optional paper feed unit 8d at the fourth stage is not connected. Next, a control method will be described by taking the optional paper feed unit 8b of the second stage as an example. SOL signal and M
When outputting the OTOR signal to the optional sheet feeder 3, first, "1" is output as a selection number to ID0 and ID1, and the level required for the SOL signal and the MOTOR signal is output to set the CLK signal to the "H" level. Latch 41 has identification number “1”
Is stored, the comparator 44 sets ENB2 to the “H” level. AND gate 53 is OUTLAT
The two signals are set to the “H” level, and the levels of the SOL signal and the MOTOR signal are stored in the latch 50. When the CLK signal is returned to the “L” level, OUTLAT2 goes to the “L” level, and the output of the latch 50 does not change even if the SOL signal and the MOTOR signal change.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the ID number is automatically set without any setting in the optional device. Further, the ID can be set while detecting the connection of the optional sheet feeding unit. In this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the sheet feeding device, but can be applied to other optional devices. Although the maximum number of connected optional paper feeders is four, the maximum number of connected sheets can be increased by increasing the selection signals (ID0, ID1). In that case, the maximum number of connections can be doubled by increasing the selection signal by one. <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this example, the input for serial communication is connected by a three-state buffer, and the control terminal is controlled by the presence or absence of the connection of the optional device, so that a loopback circuit is formed when the optional device is not connected. This is a method for connecting an optional device configured such that a loopback circuit is cut off when the optional device is connected.

FIG. 6 is a system diagram for explaining the connection configuration of the multi-stage paper feeder of this embodiment. In the figure, the printer device main body 7 and the optional paper feed unit 8 are connected by a three-state buffer 70, and a control terminal (C) of the three-state buffer 70 is connected to the ground of the optional paper feed unit 8. The output of the SDI terminal of the CPU 71 is input to the SDO terminal of the CPU 8 ′ of the optional sheet feeding unit 8. On the other hand, the output SDI of the CPU 8 ′ is input to the SDO terminal of the CPU 71 of the printer device main body 7. The three-state buffer 70 is an SD of the CPU 71.
It is connected between the I terminal and the SDO terminal, and is connected to the control terminal (C) via the pull-up resistor 72 with the voltage (5
V). The three-state buffer 70
Of the control terminal (C) is supplied to the CPU 71 as a connection detection signal.

The processing operation will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, when the power is turned on, the CPU 71 performs necessary initialization (S1). Then, after the completion of the initial setting, the state of the connection detection signal is confirmed (S2). here,
If the optional sheet feeding unit 8 is connected, the connection detection signal indicates the L level. That is, since the control terminal (C) of the three-state buffer 70 is set to “L” in the optional paper feeding unit 8, the output of the three-state buffer 70 is in a high impedance state,
And serial communication is normally performed (S3).

On the other hand, if the optional sheet feeding section 8 is not connected, the connection detection signal indicates the H level (Y in S3). In this case, the loopback operation is confirmed (S4). If the connection is normal, the normal operation is performed (S5 to S7). If the connection is abnormal, an error message is displayed or a buzzer is notified. Error processing such as (S
5, S8, S9).

With this configuration, a loop-back test of the option connection portion is automatically performed when the power is turned on, so that there is no need to perform a test using a jig or the like during production. Further, it is possible to easily confirm a connection failure over time, a failure in optional connection by a user, and the like.

Although the present embodiment has been described by using a serial signal, a parallel signal may be used. <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, a recognition signal for one line is provided in order to distinguish the sheet feeding device, and a voltage value applied thereto is measured on the sheet feeding side so that the line can be distinguished. When outputting to the subsequent stage, the difference is added in order by performing an operation of, for example, halving the input and outputting.

FIG. 8 is a system diagram of the multi-stage paper feeder of this embodiment. In the drawing, each paper feeder is provided with an input terminal 80 and an output terminal 81, and the input terminal 80 is connected to the output terminal 81 of the upper paper feeder. To 84 are connected. Here, one of the input terminals is a voltage input terminal 85. The input voltage is reduced to 、 in the paper feeding device and then output to the output terminal 81, and the voltage input to the next paper feeding device is input. It is a configuration to supply to the terminal.

On the other hand, by measuring the voltage of the voltage input terminal inside each sheet feeding device, it is possible to determine the order of the sheet feeding device of an optional sheet feeding unit. That is, assuming that the voltage input of the first paper feeder is 5 V,
V, then 1.25V ...

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the paper feeder itself can distinguish a plurality of paper feeds in one line only in the order of connection by the same circuit, thereby reducing the number of signal lines and reducing cost. Can be. In the above example, the voltage change to the output is halved. However, since the voltage becomes extremely small in the later stage and the voltage value cannot be measured, it is not always possible to connect so many paper feeders. Therefore, if a change in voltage is subtracted (or added) from a constant value (for example, 1 V) instead of １ ／, the voltage loss is reduced, and a large number of optional paper feeding units are connected. it can. <Fifth Embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Conventionally, there is generally no lock mechanism for cassette sheet feeding, and a system having a lock mechanism is generally provided with a drive unit such as a solenoid for each sheet feeding unit. . However, in the case of a paper feed cassette without a lock mechanism, there has been a problem in that the cassette is erroneously pulled out at the time of paper feeding and a paper jam occurs. On the other hand, in the case of a paper feeder provided with a lock mechanism, since a lock device is provided for each paper feed unit, the number of components is increased, which is disadvantageous in cost.

This embodiment has a configuration for eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages.
1 shows a multi-stage paper feeder of this example. In the case of the present example, it is a multi-stage paper feeder having four paper feed units 91 to 94, and the printer device main body 7 is installed right above the first paper feed unit 91. In addition, a second paper supply unit 93 is disposed directly below the first paper supply unit 92. Similarly, a third paper supply unit 93 is provided directly below the second paper supply unit 92. Similarly, a fourth paper supply unit 94 is provided directly below the third paper supply unit 93.

Further, the lock driving section 96 installed in the printer main body 7 starts operating before the paper feed timing of each paper feed section. Then, the lock arm 98 is moved downward at the same time as the drive motor 97, so that the paper cassettes (91 to 94) cannot be pulled out.

On the other hand, when the printing process is completed, the drive motor 9
At the same time, the lock arm 98 is moved upward to release the lock. FIG. 10 shows a control block of an embodiment in which the solenoid 100 is used for the lock drive unit 96. The printer control unit 99 drives the solenoid 100 at the same timing as the drive motor 97 to push the lock arm 98 downward when energized.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing details of the lock arm 98. The lock arm 98 is pushed upward by a spring 98a and is normally in an unlocked state. On the other hand, when the solenoid 100 is driven, it is pushed down to be in a locked state. FIG. 12 is a time chart showing the processing operation of this example.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the optional sheet feeding section can be reliably locked. In the above example, the solenoid 100 is used for the lock drive unit 96. However, the operation of the paper transport system, the photosensitive drum drive system, or the fixing roll drive system may be used, and the tension of the drive system belt is used. Examples are shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b). FIG.
Is a state where the drive pulley 101 is stationary, the belt 102 pushes up the lock arm 98 by the urging force of the spring 98a, and the lock is released. On the other hand, FIG. 3A shows that the driving pulley 101 rotates,
Since the tension of the belt 102 increases, the lock arm 98 is pushed downward and locked.

With this configuration, a driving member (such as a solenoid) is not required, and the mechanism is simplified.

[0056]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to install a device driver without knowing a connection destination of a device in advance, thereby improving user convenience. It is possible to greatly improve.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a multi-stage optional device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating a connection detection circuit of the multi-stage sheet feeding device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a time chart for explaining a processing operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a connection detection circuit of the multi-stage sheet feeding device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a time chart illustrating a processing operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating a connection detection circuit of the multi-stage sheet feeder according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a time chart illustrating a processing operation according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram illustrating a connection detection circuit of a multi-stage paper feeder according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a connection detection circuit of the multi-stage paper feeder according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of an embodiment using a solenoid 100 for a lock drive unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing details of a lock arm.

FIG. 12 is a time chart illustrating a processing operation of the multi-stage paper feeder according to the fifth embodiment.

13A is a diagram illustrating a state where the lock arm is pushed downward to be locked, and FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating a state where the lock arm is pushed upward and the lock is released.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a multi-stage sheet feeding device.

FIG. 15 is a circuit connection diagram of a conventional multi-stage paper feeder.

FIG. 16 is a circuit connection diagram of a conventional multi-stage paper feeder.

[Explanation of symbols]

 7 Printer unit 8 Multi-stage paper feeder 8a-8d Optional paper feeder 11 Detection circuit 12-14 Detection circuit 15 CPU 16-19 Flip-flop 20-22 Transistor 23 Pull-up resistor 35 CPU 36-39 Flip-flop 58-60 Transistor 61 Pull-up resistor 40-42, 49-51 Latch circuit 46-48, 52-54 AND gate 43-45, 55-57 Comparator 80 Input terminal 81 Output terminal 82-84 Paper feeder 91-94 Paper feeder 97 Drive Motor 98 Lock arm 99 Printer control unit 100 Solenoid 101 Driving pulley 102 Belt

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Toshio Nagasaka 2-229 Sakuragaoka, Higashiyamato-shi, Tokyo Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Tokyo Office (72) Inventor Toshiaki Yajima 2-229 Sakuragaoka, Higashiyamato-shi, Tokyo Casio Computer Within the Tokyo Office (72) Inventor Jun Hashimoto 2-229 Sakuragaoka, Higashiyamato-shi, Tokyo Casio Computer Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yukinobu Imoto 2-229 Sakuragaoka, Higashiyamato-shi, Tokyo Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Takashi Mohri Inventor Takashi Mohri 2-229 Sakuragaoka, Higashiyamato-shi, Tokyo Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Tokyo Office F-term (reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 AS02 CE01 CF06 2H027 DA27 DC19 DE07 ED17 EE06 HB16 ZA07 2H071 BA03 BA17 BA20 DA22 DA32 DA34

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A multi-stage option device in which a plurality of option units are connected in a multi-stage manner, wherein each of the option units is controlled by a clock signal output means for supplying the plurality of option units, and a clock signal output from the clock signal output means. A multi-stage option device, comprising: a selection unit for sequentially selecting the plurality of option units; and a determination unit for determining whether or not the plurality of option units are connected based on an output result of the selection unit. 2. The multi-stage option device according to claim 1, wherein all of the plurality of option units are set to a non-selection state by a clock signal output from the clock signal output unit. 3. The multi-stage optional device according to claim 1, wherein the multi-stage optional device is a multi-stage paper feeding device, and a plurality of optional paper feeding units are arranged in multi-stages. 4. The multi-stage option device according to claim 1, wherein said selection means changes an output signal when the option unit is connected and when the option unit is not connected. 5. The multi-stage optional device according to claim 4, wherein a three-state buffer is used as said selecting means.