JP2638809B2 - Recording device - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for recording image information, such as a copier, a facsimile apparatus, and a printer, and more particularly to a recording apparatus using a storage medium such as an IC card. The present invention relates to a recording device capable of changing control contents.

[Prior Art] In recent years, a copier has been developed with advanced functions. For example, regarding the copy magnification of a document, some copy machines that can select several kinds of magnifications have appeared in addition to copy machines that perform only the same-size copy, and also have appeared that can continuously change the magnification. Regarding development, in addition to a copier that reproduces an image in a so-called black and white using one type of toner, a copier that can select multicolor recording or a color for recording using two or more types of toner. Has appeared. Looking at the handling of manuscripts, some copiers have a device that automatically replaces manuscripts, and some copiers copy two pages of a bound manuscript one by one without moving the manuscript itself. Has appeared.

"Problems to be Solved by the Invention" Copiers with more advanced functions are generally more convenient than other copiers and have the advantage of widening the range of use. However, incorporating many functions in one copier leads to an increase in the size and complexity of the copier. For customers who do not need these functions, use relatively expensive products or products that are prone to operational errors. Have to do it. Therefore, at present, a group of customers is grouped, and a copier having the most suitable function for each group is being developed. However, if a plurality of products are put on the market in this way, the number of products for special applications is reduced, which is disadvantageous in cost. Further, if the usage mode of the copying machine changes on the customer side, replacement of the machine is required, so that it becomes impossible to use the copying machine economically.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus capable of adding or changing a recording function according to a customer request.

"Means for Solving the Problems" In the present invention, as shown in principle in FIG. 1, a reading means 11 for reading a portable storage medium such as an IC card,
The additional function control information which is read by the reading means 11 and which is uniquely added to the function control contents of the recording device in accordance with the storage contents of the storage medium to be read by the reading means is stored next to the basic function control information. Additional function control information storage unit 12 that stores in a form divided according to the division described in
(In the figure, it is simply indicated as an additional function control information storage unit.)
Basic function control information composed of the basic function control contents of the recording device and the function control contents developed or modified is stored in the latter form in a form divided into a plurality of function control contents. The control information storage unit 13 and the basic function control information and the additional function control information stored in the basic control information storage unit 13 and the additional function control information storage unit 12 are read out, and the function control of the same category among them is performed. For information, the recording device is controlled by giving priority to the additional function control information stored in the additional function control information storage unit, and otherwise, the basic function control information stored in the basic control information storage unit is used. Recording device control unit 14 that controls the recording device
Are provided in a recording device.

Here, it is convenient if a plurality of storage media such as IC cards set in the reading means 11 are prepared for each application. In this case, in order to indicate which storage medium stores additional function control information for what purpose (hereinafter simply referred to as additional control information), a card such as a card is used in accordance with the type of the control information. The color of the surface may be changed, or characters or symbols for identification may be displayed on the surface of the card.

The reading means does not need to read only a storage medium such as an IC card, and may be a reader / writer having a reading function so that information such as the history of the recording device and the number of copies can be written on the storage medium. .

The additional control information stored in a storage medium such as an IC card may be control information of the recording function itself, or may be control information used by a specific person such as a service person for maintenance of the recording device. There may be.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a recording device that is most user-friendly for each customer by using additional control information stored in the recording device main body from a portable storage medium.

"Example" Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

Table of Contents First, a table of contents for this embodiment is displayed.

(1) Copier system configuration (2) Software configuration (2-1) Advantages of software combination (2-2) Example of differentiation (3) Example of device configuration (4) Circuit configuration of device (5) ) Specific circuit configuration of copying machine (5-1) Peripheral of photosensitive drum (5-2) Switching mechanism of developing device (5-3) Optical system (5-4) Fixing device (5-5) Console Control (5-6) Billing counter (5-7) Power supply (5-8) Transport system (5-9) DADF (5-10) Sorter (5-11) Intermediate tray (5-12) Editor pad (5- 13) Large capacity tray (6) Copier control by IC card (6-1) Type of control information (6-2) Control flow (6-3) Specific example of control (6-4) Program size ( 6-5) Transfer of Program (1) System Configuration of Copier FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention. Flowchart showing a system configuration of a definitive copier.

As shown in this figure, a copying machine which can use an IC card in the present embodiment can improve its function by attaching a desired additional device to a base machine 21 as the most basic configuration. Has become. Here, the base machine is a device that includes a single-stage supply tray and a manual feed tray, and is capable of manually setting a document on a platen glass and making a copy. The following additional devices can be attached to this base machine.

(1) IC card device 22; The IC card device 22 supplies necessary data to the base machine 21 using an IC card, and conversely, from the base machine 21.
This device is used when writing data to an IC card. When data (coordinate data) is input using an editor pad described later, the editor pad is connected to the IC card device 22 to perform input work. It should be noted that the IC card device 22 of the present embodiment selectively controls the IC card and the editor pad, and cannot input data by using both at the same time.

The IC card used in the IC card device 22 of this embodiment has an ISO type interface, and has a memory capacity of 3
2 kilobytes. By using an IC card,
Complex data can be stored in the card, and it is possible to sufficiently cope with automation and multifunction of the copying machine. For example, by preparing IC cards for each type of business or customer, even a copier with complicated functions can realize an operation method suitable for those owners, and anyone can easily and definitely The copier can be operated.

In the apparatus of this embodiment, only the IC card device 22 is used as a reader for cards, but a reader for a magnetic card may be prepared if necessary, or a reader for other cards may be used. It may be prepared.

(2) ADF23 and DADF24; The ADF23 is generally called an automatic document feeder, which feeds documents one by one onto the platen glass of the base machine 21 and discharges them after the exposure.
The exposure of the document is performed only on one of the determined surfaces. On the other hand, the DADF 24 is an automatic document feeder for duplex, that is, double-sided copy.

In the DADF 24, the original is conveyed in a state where one side of the original faces the platen glass, and the first exposure is performed.
Then, when returning the original after the exposure to the tray of the DADF 24, the front and back are reversed. As a result, when the original is sent out again, the surface opposite to the previous exposure surface is exposed. The base machine 21 can copy the front and back of the copy sheet separately using an additional device described later.

By using the ADF23 and the DADF24 in the copying machine of the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically perform a copying operation using various combinations such as a double-sided original and a double-sided copy.

Note that the ADF 23 has basically the same structure as an automatic document feeder conventionally used in a copying machine, but in the case of the apparatus of the present embodiment, the insertion direction of the original is from the left when viewed from the left, and the base machine 21 It has a shape that does not protrude.

(3) Normal platen 25 and platen 26 with editor pad; The platen 26 with editor pad has a structure in which a coordinate input device called an editor pad is arranged on the platen for editing a document. The ordinary platen 25 does not have such a mechanism.

(4) Console panel: There are two types of console panels: a backlit type 27 and a type 28 with a message display. Here, the backlit type console panel 27 is configured such that a display plate on which a message fixed in a predetermined position in advance is selectively illuminated from behind with a lamp or the like so that the portion can be read.

The console panel 28 with a message display employed in the present embodiment is constituted by a liquid crystal display element,
There is an advantage that various messages can be displayed at any time without increasing the display area. Which console panel is adopted is determined for each copier in consideration of the complexity of the system configuration of the copier, operability, and the like.

(5) Addition of supply tray; This has the following typical forms. That is, in this embodiment, not only the addition of a large-capacity tray as proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-77140 is realized, but also a combination of supply trays more suited to customer needs. Such a combination of supply trays is also disclosed in detail in, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 61-081016 entitled "Multi-Sheet Feeder Copier" filed by the present applicant.

(A) Second and third supply trays 31-2 and 31-3; By adding these two supply trays, copy sheets of up to three types of sizes can be sent to the base machine 21.

(B) The second and third supply trays 31-2 and 31-3 and the intermediate tray 33. Here, the intermediate tray 33 is a tray for temporarily storing copied paper when performing multiple copies on one surface of a sheet or performing alternate copying on two surfaces.

(C) The second and third supply trays 31-2 and 31-3, the intermediate tray 33, and the fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4 and 31-5.

(D) Second and third supply trays 31-2, 31-3, intermediate tray 33, and large capacity tray.

Here, the large capacity tray is a supply tray capable of storing thousands of copy sheets.

(5) A storage device for the discharged copy paper.

Copy papers are usually stored in a discharge tray 37. In this system, a 10-bin sorter 38 and a 20-bin sorter 39 are prepared. Therefore, by setting one of these sorters, copies can be sorted for up to 10 or 20 distribution destinations.

As described above, in this copying machine system, the base machine 21
Since various additional devices can be selectively attached to the printer, a copying machine most suitable for the user can be provided. In addition, the function of the copying machine can be improved in accordance with the change in the business form of the customer.

For example, customers who do not need to make copies by enlarging or reducing originals or customers who have a small copy
It is often appropriate to purchase a single unit. On the other hand, a customer who makes a large number of copies or a customer who requires a complicated copy operation often needs the intermediate tray 33 and the large capacity tray. As a means for realizing such various requests, this copying machine system has a structure in which each additional device can be easily attached and detached,
In addition, for some of the additional devices, an independent CPU (central processing unit) is prepared to perform distributed control by a plurality of CPUs. This not only has the advantage that the product desired by the customer is easily obtained, but also the possibility of installing a new additional device, by teaching the customer the possibility of a new copying operation, The purchase of this copier system is of great interest in promoting the evolution of office paperwork.

(2) Software Configuration (2-1) Advantages of Software Combination The system configuration of the copying machine described above can also be described as a software combination of the copying machine of this embodiment. That is, the copier can be equipped with various additional devices, and the software can adopt a system configuration corresponding to each of the additional devices.

One of the reasons for adopting such a configuration is that (i) if operation control programs for all of these additional devices are prepared in the base machine 21, the memory capacity required for this is enormous. It depends. Also,
(Ii) If a new additional device is developed in the future or the current additional device is improved, the ROM (read only memory) in the base machine 21 must not be replaced or expanded.
This is because these additional devices can be used.

For this reason, the base machine 21 has a basic storage area for controlling a basic part of the copying machine, and an additional storage area for storing a program imported from an IC card. Various programs such as a control program for the ADF 23, a control program for the DADF 24, and a control program for the console panel 28 are stored in the additional storage area. When an IC card is set in the IC card device 22 with a predetermined additional device attached to the base machine 21, a program required for a copying operation is read and loaded into the additional storage device. The loaded program controls the copy operation in cooperation with the program written in the basic storage area or with a priority over the program.

(2-2) Example of differentiation As described above, in the copying machine of this embodiment, the program stored in the IC card can control the function of the copying machine.
Therefore, by changing the program stored in the IC card for each card, it is possible to differentiate the use of the copying machine. This will be described with some easy-to-understand examples.

As a first example, a multi-purpose building is provided with a copier shared by a plurality of companies, or a copier shared by different departments even within one company or factory. The case will be described. The latter joint use is necessary for budget control, and in the past, use control of each department was performed using a device such as a copy riser.

This copier includes an IC card device 22, a DADF 24, a sorter 38, a console panel 28, and a base machine 21 shown in FIG.
It is assumed that the copying machine has a relatively advanced system configuration including the second to fifth supply trays 31-2 to 31-5 and the intermediate tray 33. Some co-users may require the DADF 24 and / or sorter 38, while others may not require any additional equipment.

If a plurality of persons or departments having different usage modes try to determine the cost burden of the copying machine solely from their own copy volumes, those who only make low-volume copies will be required to make copies with various additional devices. This would oppose the introduction of the copier, making it difficult to coordinate with people or departments that want to use the copier to a high degree.

In such a case, prepare IC cards according to the usage of each person or each department, and the more people or departments who want advanced functions will bear more basic costs and utilize more functions. You should be able to do so. For example, the owner of the most advanced IC card operates the copying machine with the IC card set in the IC card device 22 to cause the DADF 24, the sorter 38, the second to fifth supply trays 31-2 to 31 to operate. -5 and the intermediate tray 33 can be used freely, and office efficiency can be improved. On the other hand, those who do not need copy paper sorting have ICs that lack a program for sorting.
The cost can be reduced by setting a card and using the uppermost bin of the sorter 38 as a discharge tray.

As a second example, a case where a copy agency runs a self-copy service shop with an IC card will be described.

In the store, a plurality of copiers are arranged, each of which is equipped with an IC card device. The customer requests an IC card according to the service mode, sets it in a desired copying machine, and makes a copy by self-service.
Customers who are unfamiliar with the copier request an IC card equipped with a program for displaying operation explanations as a program, and by setting this, it is possible to display various types of operation information on the console panel 28, so that copying work can be performed without fail. be able to. DA
Whether the DF24 can be used, whether multi-color printing can be performed, and the like can be determined by the IC card to be lent, and the type of use can be limited, so that customers who are charged can be managed. Furthermore, since the actual copy operation such as the number of copies and the size of the used copy paper can be written on the IC card, billing becomes easy, and detailed services such as discounting copy fees to regular customers are also possible. .

As a third example, a service using an IC card storing a program for a specific user will be described. For example, at a patent office, when examining a patent gazette reduced by photoengraving, it is necessary to make the same copy as the original size.
There are jobs that make copies at a relatively large enlargement rate of 0%. Also, when preparing a drawing to be submitted to a government office, work to reduce or enlarge the original drawing in small steps is performed to meet the request. In addition, in the department that copies the resident's card, such as the city hall or the ward office, copy the image information of the places that are not covered by the request and the image information of the places that should be kept secret to protect the privacy of individuals. And make an abstract.

As described above, some users (users) request to use the copying machine in a special use mode. If the functions of the copying machine are set so as to satisfy all such requirements, the console panel becomes complicated and the ROM inside the copying machine becomes large. Therefore, by preparing an IC card for each specific user and setting the IC card, a copying machine having a function most suitable for the user can be realized.

For example, in the case of a patent office, by purchasing a dedicated IC card, in addition to the fixed reduction ratio of ordinary numerical values,
You can easily select a reduction ratio of 200%. In addition, the reduction ratio can be set in a range requiring fine adjustment, for example, in increments of 1%. In addition, the resident's card issuance department can indicate the type of resident's card, columns and items to be deleted on a display such as a liquid crystal display by operating keys such as a numeric keypad, and then a start button. By pressing, only the original desired range is copied, or only the necessary part is edited and recorded.

(3) Example of the Configuration of the Apparatus FIG. 3 is an external view showing an example of the system configuration of the copying machine of the embodiment described above.

In the copying machine of this embodiment, the DADF
The IC card device 22 is disposed behind the upper surface of the IC card device 24. A console panel 28 with a message display is arranged in front of the upper surface of the base machine 21. Although not shown in the figure, a manual feed tray 41 is mounted on the right side of the apparatus, and a 10-bin sorter 38 is mounted on the left side. The manual feed tray 41 is for manual feed, but is capable of setting a plurality of sheets at the same time and sequentially feeding the sheets.

As described above, the first supply tray 31-1 is attached to the base machine 21 as its basic configuration. In the copying machine of this embodiment, the second and third
Supply trays 31-2 and 31-3 are arranged, and the fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4 and 31 are provided with the intermediate tray 33 interposed therebetween.
-5 is arranged. These supply trays 31-1 to 31-
The fourth and intermediate trays 33 can both be pulled out to the front, so that operability is improved and the space required for the copier is saved. The ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) and a copier with a clean design that does not protrude the paper feed tray have been realized.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the copying machine. In the base machine 21, a photosensitive drum 51 is arranged.
The photosensitive drum 51 is uniformly charged by a charge corotron (charger) 52. Photoconductor drum
In the drawing, 51 rotates at a constant speed in the direction of an arrow 53, and the charged drum surface is exposed at an exposure location 54. Here, a light image of a document (not shown) placed on a platen glass 55 arranged on the upper surface of the base machine 21 is incident on the exposure location 54. For this purpose, an exposure lamp 56, a plurality of mirrors 57 and an optical lens 58 for transmitting reflected light of the document surface illuminated by the exposure lamp 56 are arranged, and a predetermined one of them is scanned for reading the document. It is supposed to be.

Now, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the document is formed on the photosensitive drum 51 by the image information exposed in a slit shape at the exposure location 54. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 59 to form a toner image. The toner image is on the photosensitive drum 51
Transfer corotron (transfer unit)
Pass near 50.

On the other hand, the copy paper 60 stored in the first supply tray 31-1 arranged in the base machine 21 or the copy paper 60 manually fed along the manual feed tray 41 is used.
Is sent out by the feed rolls 61-1 or 63,
It is guided by the transport roll 69 and passes between the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer corotron 50. At this time, the toner image is transferred onto the copy sheet 58. The copy paper 60 after the transfer is a heat roll 66 and a pressure roll 67.
And heat-fixed. And the transport roll 68,
The paper passes through 68 and is discharged onto a discharge tray (not shown).

In this embodiment, the DADF 24 is attached to the base machine 21. Therefore, place both sides of the document on the platen glass 55
It can also be placed on top. In this case, DADF24
First, one side of the documents stacked in the document storage portion is set on the upper surface of the platen glass 55. Then, when the copying is completed, the original is set again in the original receiving section in a state where the original is turned upside down, and thereafter the original is again fed onto the platen glass 55.

Further, in the copying machine of this embodiment, five trays 31-2 to 31-5 and 33 are mounted below the base machine 21, but instead a cabinet may be simply arranged to store consumables. . Further, it is also possible to mount this copier as a desktop copier on a desk with the configuration of the base machine 21 as it is. Of course, the first supply tray 31
It is also possible to mount only the second supply tray 31-2 under -1, and to similarly mount the copying machine having this configuration on a desk.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a console panel of the copying machine. The details of the display control technology described below by the present applicant are disclosed in detail in, for example, a "display device" of Japanese Utility Model Application No. 61-130320 and a "character display device" of Japanese Utility Model Application No. 61-066170. . For example, Japanese Utility Model Application No. 61-130320 discloses that a copying machine is provided with a graphic display area using a dot pattern, and it is suggested that various displays can be performed using the graphic display area. For example, in a copier capable of partially copying a document or moving / deleting an image, an image of a target area is read by an image sensor with the document placed on a platen, and its outline is displayed in a graphic display area. It is suggested that an error in area setting and an operation error can be prevented.

Although the console panel can take a plurality of forms, as described above, the copying machine of the present embodiment uses the console panel 28 with a message display.

On the console panel 28, a menu display board 71 is disposed at the top thereof, and the respective panel portions 74 to 79 are provided.
Is displayed in characters. Among them, one switch 81 and two display lamps 82 are arranged on the sorter panel 74 so that a sorting mode when a sorter is connected can be selected. Sorting modes include a stack mode for sequentially stacking copy sheets and a collating mode for sorting copy sheets into each bin of the sorter.

The next function selection panel 75 has (i) a switch 83 for editing, correcting, and confirming an image, (ii) a switch 84 for storing the image in the job memory, and (iii) other various copying modes. Switch for 85 and (iv)
A switch 86 for making double-sided copying and a display lamp 82 for displaying the presence or absence of selection of these switches are arranged. Here, (i) editing is a function for inputting data for editing using an editor or the like, and correction / confirmation is a function for displaying input data on a liquid crystal display unit to be described later, for confirming, Function to replace (Ii) The memory used here is a non-volatile memory composed of a random access memory backed up by a battery. Of course, other storage media such as an IC card, a magnetic card, and a floppy disk can be used as the nonvolatile memory. In this copier, in order to reduce the burden on the operator of operating the console panel 28, setting of image density and magnification can be preset, and the preset values are stored in a non-volatile memory. It is supposed to.
(Iii) When the switch 85 is pressed, the console panel 28
The character information is displayed on the display panel 79, and a desired function can be selected from the "other" functions.

The “other” functions here include, for example, (a) a page continuous shooting function, (b) a frame erasing function, and (c) a binding margin function. The (a) continuous page copying function is a function of dividing an original spread over two pages, such as a bound original, into two pages one by one in a spread state and sequentially copying the originals. The (b) frame erase function is a function that does not copy the image information in the peripheral part of the original, but creates a "frame" around the image information.
It is a function to make it set. (C) The binding function is a function for setting a "binding margin" at the right end or the left end of a copy. The binding margin can be set to the desired length, and its value can be entered from the numeric keypad 80 or displayed on the display panel.
You can select from the numbers displayed at this point on 79.

(Iv) Finally, double-sided copying is a function of making copies on both sides of copy paper. In the case of making a double-sided copy, the copy paper 60 on which the copy has been made on the first side is first stored in the intermediate tray 33 shown in FIG. Next, this intermediate tray 33
The copy paper 60 is sent out again, and a copy is made on the side where no copy was made. In this copying machine, copying is performed twice on one side in the case of monochromatic color copying described below. In this case, the intermediate tray 33
There is a contrivance that the front and back of the copy paper accommodated in the printer is opposite to the case of double-sided copy.

A display lamp indicating the type (color) of the color developer is provided at the top of a monochromatic color emphasis panel 76 provided below a portion where "monochrome color emphasis" is displayed on the menu display plate 71 in FIG. There are four 87s. In this copying machine, the color developer can be set in one color or a plurality of colors out of four colors such as red and blue, so that the lamp corresponding to the currently set color is turned on.

On the remaining portion of the single-color highlighting panel 76, four switches 88 to 91 and a display lamp 82 for displaying which of the switches 88 to 91 are set are arranged. (I) Marking color switch 88
Is a switch used for performing a marking color. When the area to be marked is designated by pressing the switch 88, for example, a light color is superimposed on the area and recording is performed, and an effect as if the marking was performed can be obtained.

(Ii) The continuous shooting color synthesizing switch 90 is used for recording one color in a predetermined area of a copy. For example, when a figure to be expressed in color is placed on the right side of the platen glass 55 (see FIG. 4), and a copy is placed on the left side of the document, the image information of the document is copied in black, and the color information of one color is placed thereon. The figure will be drawn. At this time, if the designated graphic is formed by a halftone dot, a color graphic adjusted to a predetermined density by reproducing the halftone dot is recorded in a predetermined area of the copy sheet. In addition, there is also a method of arranging a product name or a pattern on one side of the platen glass 55, arranging a paper on which the sale price of the product is written on the other side, and simply displaying the price at that time.

(Iii) When the partial color conversion switch 89 is selected, only the designated area is copied in one color, and the remaining part is copied in black. On the other hand, (i
v) When the single color switch 91 is selected, the original is copied in one color.

A copy density panel 77 provided below the portion where "copy density" is displayed on the menu display plate 71 has a display lamp 82 indicating which of the five levels of copy density has been selected.
And shift keys 94 and 95 for selecting one of these copy densities. When the upper shift key 94 is pressed, the density setting is performed in a direction in which the copy density is reduced, and when the lower shift key 95 is pressed, the density setting is performed in a direction in which the copy density is reduced. The copy density can be changed by changing the developing bias of the developing device 59 shown in FIG. 4, changing the amount of light of the exposure lamp 56 (FIG. 4), or applying a charge to the photosensitive drum 51 by the charge corotron 52. It can be adjusted by changing the amount.
In this embodiment, for example, the developing bias can be adjusted in 16 steps.

An automatic density adjustment switch 97 is provided below the copy density panel 77.
Is arranged. When the automatic density adjustment switch 97 is pressed, the automatic density display lamp 98 is turned on to enter the automatic density adjustment mode. In this automatic density adjustment mode, a part of the light that is reflected from the original and reaches the photosensitive drum 51 while the original is being scanned is extracted by a half mirror or the like, and the light in the developing device 59 is adjusted according to the amount of light. Of the developing electrode is set.

A portion for setting and displaying a magnification is disposed on the left side of the magnification / paper selection panel 78 provided below the portion where “arbitrary magnification” or the like is displayed on the menu display plate 71, Is provided with a section for selecting a sheet.

The magnification display section 99
Is provided. This copier can set the magnification (linear magnification) from 50% to 200% in 1% increments.
The set magnification is displayed on the magnification display section 99. There are two types of magnification display, a method of setting an arbitrary magnification by operating the shift keys 101 and 102 and a method of selecting a predetermined fixed magnification.

To set the desired magnification, use the shift keys 101 and 102
Perform the above operations. When the upper shift key 101 is pressed, the magnification increases by 1%, and when the lower shift key 102 is pressed, the magnification decreases by 1%. When the shift keys 101 and 102 are kept pressed, the magnification changes continuously by 1% during that time.

Selection of a fixed magnification is performed by pressing a fixed magnification key 103. The fixed magnification is displayed on the magnification display plate 104,
In this example, they are 141.4%, 86.5%, 81.6% and 70.7%. In addition, 100% as the same magnification can be selected. Which magnification has been selected can be known from which of the display lamps 82 arranged on the left side thereof has been turned on.

Eight types of display plates 105 for displaying the paper size or the type of paper, and shift keys 106 and 107 for selecting one of them are arranged in a portion for selecting the copy paper. On the left side of the eight types of display boards 105, there are arranged display lamps 82 indicating which paper size or paper is selected. In this embodiment, the display panel 10
5, the following display is performed.

(A) Manual tray display: Select when using the manual tray 41 (FIG. 4).
In this type of conventional manual feed tray, manual feed is performed one by one. Therefore, when the manual feed is performed, the copy paper may be preferentially sent out from the manual feed tray, and the operator does not need to select the manual feed tray itself. On the other hand, the manual feed tray 41 of this embodiment can set a plurality of copy sheets at the same time. Therefore, if the feeding from the manual feed tray 41 is performed by setting the copy sheets, the feed may be started when a plurality of copy sheets are set. To prevent such a situation,
The selection of the manual feed tray 41 is performed.

(B) A3 paper display; Select when using the tray for feeding A3 size copy paper in the longitudinal direction.

(C) B4 paper display: Select when using the tray for feeding B4 size copy paper in the longitudinal direction.

(D) A4 paper display: Select when using the tray for feeding A4 size copy paper in the longitudinal direction.

(E) B5 paper display: Select when using the tray for feeding B5 size copy paper in the longitudinal direction.

(F) A4 landscape paper display: Select when using the tray for feeding A4 size copy paper in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

(G) B5 landscape paper display: Select when using the tray for feeding B5 size copy paper in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

(H) Non-standard paper display; Select when using copy paper of a size other than the above.

An automatic paper / magnification selection switch 109 is provided below the magnification / paper selection panel 78. This switch 109
When the button is pressed, the automatic paper / magnification selection switch 109 is selected, and a preset combination of magnification and paper size is selected. The operator can know whether a desired combination has been selected from the lighting state of the display lamp 82 on the magnification / sheet selection panel 78. If the combination is not the desired combination, the automatic paper / magnification selection switch 109 is further depressed to change the combination.

A display panel 79 is arranged on the right side of the magnification / paper selection panel 78. The display panel 79 shows the design of this copier.
111 and a liquid crystal display unit 112 are arranged. The symbol 111 displays the selection state of the supply tray, the place where the paper jam has occurred, and the like by lighting a lamp. A sentence including Chinese characters can be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 112 of this embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 5 indicates that a copy operation can be started and that the set number of copies is one. Further, the liquid crystal display unit 112 of this embodiment uses liquid crystal for color display, and designated areas are displayed in designated colors.

Below the display panel 79, the following keys or buttons are arranged.

(A) All clear button 114; a button for returning the copying machine to a basic state, that is, a priority mode which is initially set such as selection of the copy paper 60.

(B) Numeric keypad 80: Used for setting the number of copies and for inputting numerical values for specifying the contents of diagnosis when performing diagnosis of the copying machine.

(C) Interrupt button 115; used when continuous copying is being performed and another emergency copy needs to be made. It is also used to release an interrupt for returning to the original copy operation when the interrupt processing is completed.

(D) Stop clear button 116: This button functions as a clear button when copying is stopped halfway, when the number of copies is set, or when the bin of the sorter is set.

(E) Start button 117; a key for starting a copying operation.

(F) Selection key 118; a key for moving a cursor to a displayed message, that is, a cursor key.

(G) setting key 119; a key (return key) for setting at a location designated by the cursor.

As described above, the console panel according to the present embodiment has a layout in which an area for basic operations such as paper selection and copy density setting and an area for applied operations such as function selection and monochromatic color enhancement are completely separated. . In addition, by displaying a sentence mixed with Kanji and Kana on the liquid crystal display unit 112 to assist the application operation, the occurrence of errors in the panel operation is reduced as much as possible.

(4) Circuit Configuration of Apparatus FIG. 6 shows an outline of a circuit configuration of the copying machine (FIG. 2).

As shown in the figure, a distributed CPU architecture using serial communication centered on the main CPU 121 is adopted. This is to enable optimal placement of the controller and provide optimal cost performance. Further, from the viewpoint of product development of copying machines, it is expected that software development can be shortened and made more efficient by module design, wire harnesses and the like can be simplified, costs can be reduced, and trouble handling can be simplified.

In addition, since the processing efficiency is improved by decentralizing the processing by a plurality of CPUs, for example, a program that requires complicated and high-speed processing by using an inexpensive 8-bit CPU instead of using an expensive 16-bit CPU Can be performed.

Further, the decentralization of the processing facilitates the model development. That is, even when a new input / output device or the like is developed, it may not be necessary to modify the program on the main unit (main CPU side), and even when a change is necessary, the program can be minimized.

In addition, regarding the printed circuit board on the main body side, there is no need to store unnecessary I / O ports and programs by dispersing the CPU. Therefore, the cost of the printed circuit board can be reduced, and the degree of freedom of the arrangement space is improved.

This copying machine controls the base machine 21 by a main CPU (central processing unit) 121 and an inter-image lamp CPU 122 in the base machine 21. Here, the CPU 122 for the inter-image lamp is a CPU that specializes in controlling the inter-image lamp.

Inter-image lamp is a photosensitive drum after exposure
It is used for irradiating light to 51 to erase a part of the electrostatic latent image before development. Conventionally, for example, when copying an original of B5 size at the same size,
By irradiating light to an area other than the B5 size, a toner image was prevented from being formed wastefully outside the area. The copying machine of the present embodiment has a function of editing an image and the like as described later. Therefore, it may be necessary to limit the formation of the electrostatic latent image to, for example, a predetermined rectangular area or polygonal area, and it is necessary to partially delete the electrostatic latent image to perform such processing. I do. For this purpose, an inter-image lamp is used. As described above, in the copying machine according to the present embodiment, the inter-image lamp is used while being controlled at a higher level than in the related art. For this purpose, an independent CPU is used in addition to the main CPU 121.

One of the manufacturers that have introduced such a distributed processing system as a method of controlling a copying machine is Xerox Corporation.
JP-A-59-78371, "Machine control device and control method"
Et al. Disclose in detail the technical contents and related references.

However, the communication system adopted in the present invention is not the "Ethernet system" for high-speed processing adopted in the above publication, but the same effect can be obtained by the current loop system of 4800 baud. I have.

The applicant has disclosed the CPU 122 for an inter-image lamp in detail in "Image Copying Apparatus" of Japanese Utility Model Application No. Sho 61-152591, and "Image Erase Apparatus of Copier" of Japanese Patent Application No. 62-023392. I have.

In the copying machine of this embodiment, the following CPUs are prepared in addition to the above CPUs, and are connected to the communication lines 123 and 124.
The main CPU 121 also plays a role of controlling these CPUs and the CPU 122 for the inter-image lamp.

(A) Document feed CPU 125; The document feed CPU 125 is a CPU that controls the DADF 24 shown in FIG.

When the ADF 23 (FIG. 2) is used instead of the DADF 24, the CPU provided in the ADF 23 is connected to the communication lines 123 and 124.

(B) The sorter CPU 126 is a CPU arranged in the 10-bin sorter 38. A dedicated CPU is also arranged in the 20-bin sorter 39. The main CPU 21 knows which sorters 38 and 39 are connected, and controls the sorting according to this.

(C) Display CPU 127 The display CPU 127 is used for displaying various information in Chinese characters on the liquid crystal display unit 112 attached to the console panel 28 and displaying an area for editing.
CPU. Backlit type 27 sonsole panel 2
In the case of FIG. 7 (FIG. 2), there is no need to perform complicated display control, so that a dedicated CPU is not used. The liquid crystal display unit 112
Is not used, designation of a figure for editing or the like is performed using the numeric keypad.

(D) Tray control CPU 128; Tray control CPU 128 is the fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4, 31- of the trays added to the base machine 21.
5 and for controlling the large capacity tray and the intermediate tray 33
CPU. This CPU is arranged on the rear side of the tray cabinet containing each tray, and performs these controls in accordance with the connected trays. Among these trays, the intermediate tray 33 has its own motor for transporting copy paper, and the copy paper stored in this tray requires complicated control such that the storage position varies depending on its size.

The control mode of each tray by the tray control CPU 128 is as follows.

(I) Control of both or one of the fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4 and 31-5 and the intermediate tray 33.

(Ii) Control of the large capacity tray and the intermediate tray 33.

(Iii) Single control of the intermediate tray 33.

(Iv) Control of only one or both of the fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4 and 31-5.

(V) Single control of a large capacity tray.

(E) Card CPU 129; The card CPU 129 reads an IC card 131 storing additional control information in order to add or correct a function of a copying machine, performs reading of the IC card 131, and specifies coordinates of a document. When the IC card 131 is used, the read / write operation is performed. Although the card CPU 129 is not used in the present embodiment, it can control the editor pad 132. The editor pad 132 is used for inputting coordinates, and will be described later in detail.

FIG. 7 more specifically shows a circuit configuration centered on a main CPU which plays a central role in the copying machine of this embodiment.

Controlling the copying machine with a control device such as a CPU or a so-called microcomputer is described in the IEEE paper "A Programmable Digital Control System for Copy" by Xerox's SIKANDAR SHEIKH.
ing Machines_IEEE Trans, Com, Vol IECI-21, No.1, Feb.
This is well known in articles and gazettes originating from 1974 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 50-62644, "Electrophotographic Copying Method and Apparatus". Needless to say, other CPU modules have a configuration including a one-chip CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like, like the main CPU.

(A) The main CPU 121 is connected to the following units through serial communication lines 123 and 124 as partially described in FIG.

(I) DADF24.

(Ii) Sorter 38.

(Iii) The liquid crystal display unit 112.

(Iv) IC card / editor pad interface (IE interface) 130; an interface circuit arranged in the IC card device 22. When the IC card 131 and the editor pad 132 are connected to the main body of the copying machine, To send and receive data.

(V) Inter-image lamp controller 157.

(Vi) A tray control unit 133 that controls the fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4 and 31-5, the intermediate tray 33, and the like.

(B) The main CPU 121 has a built-in A / D converter, and is connected to the following units via an analog data line 134. Examples of such a CPU include an 8-bit one-chip CPU such as μPD7810CW and μPD7811CW of NEC Corporation and MB89713X of Fujitsu Limited.

(I) Light amount sensor 135: a sensor used when detecting and controlling the light amount of the exposure lamp 56 (FIG. 4).

(Ii) Temperature sensor group 136; a sensor such as a soft touch sensor for fixing temperature control described later.

(Iii) Paper size sensor group 137: This is a size for detecting the size of paper stored in the supply tray 31 or the like. According to the system configuration of the copying machine of this embodiment, copy paper 60 can be sent out from a maximum of five types of trays. Therefore, if four sensors are arranged in one supply tray for detecting the paper size, and digital data is used for this processing, it becomes necessary to transmit 4-bit digital data from one tray to the main CPU 121. Not only will a total of up to 20 input ports be required, but also the number of connectors and the number of cables that make up the harness will increase. This is not preferable from the viewpoint of cost, reduction in size, and reliability.

Therefore, in the copying machine of the present embodiment, four trays are provided for each tray.
A state specified by the states of the two sensors is transmitted as analog data. The main CPU 121 converts the sent analog data into digital data, and determines the size of the copy paper 60 stored in each tray up to 16 types.

(C) Further, the main CPU 121 is reset by the reset circuit 138 at the time of runaway or initialization, and the bus line 121A
Are connected to the following units via

(I) Keyboard / display LSI (large scale integrated circuit) 121B; a circuit for mediating data with the console panel 28.

(Ii) Timer / counter LSI 121C; a circuit for controlling the driving of the main motor 164 and the carriage motor 171.

(Iii) ROM 121D: a read-only memory having a capacity of 56 Kbytes and storing basic control information of the copying machine and the like.

(Iv) RAM 121E; a random access memory for temporarily storing data having a capacity of 6 Kbytes. The above-mentioned nonvolatile memory (NVM) 121F is connected to the RAM 121E so that necessary data can be stored even when the power of the copying machine is turned off.

Here, the necessary data stored in the nonvolatile memory (NVM) 121F includes, for example, (a) a setup value for adjusting the registration of the copy sheet 60,
(B) the amount of extinction at the tip of the image by an inter-image lamp, which will be described in detail later; (c) fine adjustment values of the vertical and horizontal magnifications when the copy magnification is set to 1: 1;
(D) the adjustment value of each parameter performed on the production line of the copying machine, such as the amount of binding when a copy is performed with a blank for binding, and (e) the actual use of the feed counter of each supply tray 31 and the like. Examples of the data include data for grasping the use state of the copying machine such as a value.

(V) First I / O controller 121G; an input / output controller that inputs various data via a filter circuit 121H and drives various components via a driver circuit 121I.
Here, for example, various switches and sensors are connected to the filter circuit 121H. The driver circuit 121I includes a solenoid such as a debesolenoid described later and a supply tray.
The clutch 233 and the like described later in 31-1 to 31-5 are also connected.

(Vi) Second I / O controller 121J; an input / output controller that inputs various data through a filter circuit 121K and drives various components through a driver circuit 121L.
Here, for example, various switches and sensors are connected to the filter circuit 121K. The driver circuit 121L is a well-known driver circuit.
A D / A (analog-digital) converter and a PWM (pulse width converter) are provided. According to the processing of the program, the setting of the development bias of the developing device 59 and the setting of the current value of the charge corotron 52 and the like described later. It is supposed to do.

(5) Specific Circuit Configuration of Copying Machine Next, the circuit configuration of the copying machine of this embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS.

(5-1) Periphery of Photoconductor Drum FIG. 8 shows the periphery of the photoconductor drum 51.

Around the photoconductor drum 51, a charge corotron 52,
Inter image lamp 141, 4 types of sub developing device 59S
1 to 59S4, main developing device 59M, transfer corotron
50, Detack Corotron 147, Preclean Corotron 1
48, cleaning device 149 and erase lamp 1 for static elimination
55 are arranged in this order. Here, the first sub-developing device 59S1 is a developing device that performs development with red toner,
The second sub-developing device 59S2 is a developing device that performs development with blue toner. The third sub developing device 59S3 is a developing device for developing with green toner, and the fourth sub developing device 59S4
Is a developing device for developing with a brown toner.

The inter-image lamp 141 is composed of 128 light emitting diodes arranged in a line and one plastic lens arranged in front of these light emitting diodes in parallel with the light emitting diodes. The plastic lens (not shown) has an aspherical convex portion at a position corresponding to each light emitting diode, so that even when adjacent portions of the light emitting diodes emit light, the plastic lens (not shown) is formed on the photosensitive drum 51. Therefore, care is taken that the light does not have an uneven intensity in those boundary areas. Further, the focus of the plastic lens is appropriately blurred on the photosensitive drum 51. For this reason, even when, for example, a graphic processing (extraction or deletion of a figure) of a triangular shape is performed by the inter-image lamp 141, a step generated for each light emitting diode in one unit at the boundary of the processing is considerably reduced. Will be done.

The inter-image lamp controller 157 controls on / off of the light-emitting diodes of the inter-image lamp 141 divided into 128 segments. The cleaning device 149 includes a doctor blade 150, and scrapes off the toner whose charge has been removed by the pre-clean corotron 148 from the photosensitive drum 51.

By the way, in the copying machine of this embodiment, the doctor blade 15
The drive of the main motor 164 is started when 0.2 seconds have elapsed after 0 contacts the photosensitive drum 51. When the main motor 164 stops, the doctor blade 150
Does not separate from the photosensitive drum 51 but after 5 seconds. This is a device for preventing a situation in which the toner is scattered by the suction operation of the vacuum and contaminates the inside of the copying machine.

Each of the sub developing devices 59S1 to 59S4 includes the following components.

(A) Color sensor: a sensor for determining which color developing device is used for each of the sub developing devices 59S1 to 59S4. Even when the sub developing device 59S is configured by a combination other than the above-described red, blue, green, and brown, the color type can be detected for each of the sub developing devices 59S1 to 59S4 by this sensor. The detection output is input to the developer detection circuit 230 and transmitted to the main board 230.

(B) Toner sensor: a sensor for determining whether toner supply is necessary.

(C) Dispense motor: a motor for stirring and replenishing the toner in the toner box.

The main developing device 59M is for performing development using black color, and includes a toner sensor and a dispense motor. The increment switch 159 is a switch that is pressed when the operator wants to increase the amount of toner. When the increase switch 159 is pressed in a state where one of the sub developing devices 59S1 to 59S4 is selected, the toner of the corresponding sub developing device is increased. When the main developing device 59M is pressed in a selected state, the amount of black toner is increased.

The development (developing device) selection / solenoid 161 is a solenoid for selectively switching a total of five developing devices of the main developing device 59M and the sub developing devices 59S1 to 59S4. This switching operation will be described again in the next section.

A high-voltage power supply (HVPS) 162 is used to create a parallel electric field inside the main and sub developing devices 59M and 59S1 to 59S4 to improve the reproducibility of the solid portion (solid black portion) of the original. . The full toner sensor 163 is a sensor for detecting whether the toner is sufficiently collected in the toner collecting container. The main motor 164 is used to drive the transport system from the time when the transport timing of the photosensitive drum 51, the heat roll 66, or the copy paper 60 is matched (registration) to the time of discharge.

(5-2) Switching Mechanism of Developing Device FIG. 9 is a waveform diagram showing switching timing of the main developing device and the sub developing device of the present embodiment. The figure is 1
This shows an example in which red color development is performed in the first sub developing device 59S1 the second time, and monochrome development is performed in the main developing device for the second time. Copier start button 117
When (Figure 5) is pushed the copy operation is started, the main motor 164 from the time t ₁ as shown in figure a is driven. The main motor 164 is driven by two developing devices 59S.
Copy operation is performed continuously until the time t ₃ to end in both of 1,59M.

FIG. 6B shows the drive timing of the development selection / solenoid 161. The development selection / solenoid 161 is excited until the red copying operation by the first sub developing device 59S1 is completed. In this device, the lever is brought into contact with the peripheral surface of a clutch (not shown) by the excitation of the development selection / solenoid 161. The clutch receives the transmission of the driving force from the main motor 164, and starts rotating five sets of cams (not shown) each having one protrusion with a shift of 72 degrees. When one of these protrusions is provided on the first sub developing device 59S1, the first sub developing device 59S1 is pressed in the direction of the photosensitive drum 51. At this time, the protrusions of the remaining cams are located farthest from the main developing device 59M and the other sub developing devices 59S2 to 59S4. In this state, the main developing device 59M and the other sub developing devices 59S2 to 59S
Reference numeral 4 denotes a position distant from the photosensitive drum 51.

Protrusions are arranged at five places on the peripheral surface of the clutch, and when the lever hits the corresponding protrusion, the corresponding protruding portion of one cam is most strongly pressed against the first sub developing device 59S1. I do. Then, at this position, development is performed with the corresponding red color toner. However, since the main developing device 59M in the initial state in this device is adapted to be positioned close to the photosensitive drum 51, developing a color such as red, rather than being started immediately at time t _1, The operation is waited for one second. At this time, the cam sets the first sub developing device 59S1 (or other sub developing devices 59S2 to 59S4) on the photosensitive drum 51 instead of the main developing device 59M.

When the copying operation by the first sub developing device 59S1 is completed, the above-mentioned five cams move for one _second from the time t2, and the main developing device 59M is moved when the protrusion of the monochrome cam is positioned by the lever. Is set on the photosensitive drum 51. Thereafter, the development by Morokuro is performed.

The above is the case where marking is performed with one color of red, but when marking is performed with a plurality of colors, the corresponding one of the sub developing devices 59S1 to 59S4 is sequentially selected in a predetermined order. After these operations are completed, monochrome development is performed.

FIG. 10 shows a case where development is performed first in monochrome and then development is performed in red color for reference. FIG. 7A shows the operation of the main motor 164.
FIG. 6B shows the operation of the development selection / solenoid 161. In the case of FIG. 10, first, the main developing device
Since development is carried out at 59M, there is no need to take one second of standby time at this point. However, when the monochrome development is completed as the second development, it is necessary to set the main developing device 59M to the photosensitive drum 51 again after one second.

(5-3) Optical System Next, the relationship between the optical systems will be described with reference to FIG.

A carriage (not shown) on which a lens, a mirror, and the like are arranged is reciprocated by a carriage motor 171. The carriage motor 171 is constituted by a step motor. Position control when the carriage returns to the home position is performed by the registration sensor 172.

The registration sensor 172 is also used for timing the optical system and the conveyance of the copy sheet 60. That is, an actuator for blocking transmission of light is arranged in the carriage, and when the carriage moves, the registration sensor 172 detects a temporary interruption of the light beam due to the light blocking by the actuator. Using this detection signal, the position or timing for performing registration is determined, and the position of the home position when the carriage returns is determined.

The density control sensor 173 is a sensor for controlling the copy density of the document. As described above, the copying machine of the present embodiment controls the copy density by simultaneously performing the adjustment of the amount of charge applied to the photosensitive drum 51, the amount of exposure of the image, and the adjustment of the bias of the developing electrode. The lens / mirror sensor 174 is a sensor for controlling the movement of the optical lens 58 and the mirror 57 (FIG. 4), and is constituted by one detection element. The lens / mirror / motor 175 is also changed from a conventional copying machine in which the lens 64 and the mirror 57 are separately driven to a type which can be commonly driven. The exposure lamp 56 has been described above. The optical system fan 177 is a fan for removing heat of the platen glass 55 by air cooling the optical system. The document sensor 178 is a sensor provided for detecting the size of a document.

(5-4) Fixing Device Next, the relationship of the fixing device will be described. Fixing device is
Shown in Figure 12.

In the base machine 21 of this embodiment, two types of fuser lamps, a main fuser lamp 181 and a sub fuser lamp 182, are arranged in the heat roll 66. The sub fuser lamp 182 is shorter than the main fuser lamp 181 and is disposed at a position slightly biased to one end of the main fuser lamp 181. In the copying machine of the present embodiment, a so-called corner registration (corner registration) method is adopted in which the copy paper 60 is positioned in accordance with one side of the platen glass 55, so that the size of the copy paper 60 to be used is The required amount of heat energy in the axial direction of the heat roll 66 differs depending on the heat roll 66. In order to correct the deviation of the temperature distribution in the axial direction, the sub-fuser lamp 182 is controlled to be energized according to the size of the copy sheet 60. Sub fuser lamp 182
, It is possible to sufficiently prevent the temperature unevenness of the fixing device.

The fixing device includes a fuser outlet sensor 184 and an STS
(Soft touch sensor) 185 are both connected. Here, the fuser outlet sensor 184 is connected to the heat roll 66.
This is to detect whether or not the copy sheet passing between the pressure roll 67 and the pressure roll 67 is discharged onto the discharge tray without being entangled between the rolls 66 and 67 by mistake. S.
T · S165 is a temperature sensor for the fuser lamps 181 and 182.

(5-5) Control of Console Next, the control relationship of the console will be described with reference to FIG.

The console control unit 191 includes a message ROM 192 for displaying a message in Chinese characters. Also,
An IC card device (I) for reading and writing the IC card 131 (FIG. 6) and connecting the editor pad 132 (FIG. 6) via the interface board 193 in the console control unit 191.
A C card reader / writer 22 can be connected. The IC card device 22 is controlled by the card CPU 129 (FIG. 6) as described above. The console control unit 191 is connected to the main board 201. The main CPU 201 is mounted on the main board 201.

(5-6) Billing Counter Next, a billing counter used for collecting a copy fee will be described with reference to FIG.

Since the base machine 21 of this embodiment can make copies of five colors, two types of billing counters are provided. Among these, the main billing counter 211 counts the number of copies made regardless of black and white or color. The counter value of the main billing counter 211 is
When the accessory 212 such as a coin kit or a key counter is attached to the copying machine, the accessory 212 is also used as data for count control. Sub billing counter 213
Is used to count the total number of colors used in each copy when color copies are made.

(5-7) Power supply Next, the power supply will be described with reference to FIG.

The base machine 21 is connected to a commercial power supply of 100 V (volt). 115V60Hz and 220V50 for overseas
Hz power supply is also available. Outlet
The electric power supplied from the main switch 221 is supplied to the main switch 22 via a circuit breaker 222 of 15 amps and a noise filter 223.
Reach 4 The output side of the main switch 224 is supplied as power to the AC driver 226, the fixing control element 227, and the DC power supply 228 via the interlock switch 225. Furthermore,
The DADF 24 and the intermediate tray 33 are also supplied as power for them.

The AC driver 226 supplies power to each of the following components at a predetermined timing.

(B) Erasing lamp 155 for static elimination (Fig. 8) (b) Exposure lamp 56 and fan 177 for optical system (Fig. 11)
(C) Main fuser lamp 181 and sub fuser lamp 182 (FIG. 2) The DC power supply 228 supplies power to the following components at a predetermined timing.

(A) Interlock switch 225 (Fig. 12) (b) AC driver 226 (Fig. 12) (c) High voltage power supply 162 (Fig. 8) (d) Sorter 38 (Fig. 12) (e) Fuser Exit sensor 184 (FIG. 12) (f) Fixing control element 227 (FIG. 12) (g) Accessory 212 (FIG. 12); here, the accessory means that copying can be performed using a coin, for example. There are a coin kit, a key counter, a key coder, and the like for performing copy management of each department.

(H) Main billing counter 211 and sub-billing counter 213 (Fig. 12) (i) X-port fan 192 (Fig. 12); this fan is used for copying paper 60 conveyed along a conveyance path called X-port. This is a suction fan for suction.

(N) Inter-image lamp controller 157 (Fig. 8) (L) Carriage motor 171 (Fig. 11) (ヲ) Registration sensor 172, density control sensor 173, lens mirror sensor 174, and lens mirror motor 175 ( No.
(Figure 11) (W) Document sensor 178 (Figure 11) (F) Increment switch 159, sub developing devices 59S1-5
9S4 and 59M toner empty sensor of main developing device,
(5) Transport system Next, a transport system for copy sheets will be described with reference to FIG.

The first to fifth supply trays 31-1 to 31-5 include a no-paper sensor 231, a size sensor 232, and a clutch 233.
Are provided. Where no paper sensor 23
Reference numeral 1 denotes a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of copy sheets in the supply trays 31-1 to 31-5. In this copier, copy paper of the same size can be set in a plurality of supply trays. In this case, when copy paper of one supply tray runs out, copy paper of the same size is automatically supplied from another supply tray. Can be fed to The size sensor 232 is a sensor for determining the size of the copy paper stored in the tray. Also, clutch 23
Reference numeral 3 denotes a component for controlling on / off of driving of each of the feed rolls 61-1, 61-2,....

Feed motor provided exclusively for feeding copy paper
Done by 235. As the feed motor 235, a step motor is used. It is detected by the feed sensor 236 whether the copy sheet is normally fed. The gate solenoid 237 is a registration solenoid for aligning the leading edge of the once fed copy sheet. The gate solenoid 237 performs control such that the gate is opened at the time of energization and passes the copy sheet, unlike a normal solenoid of this type.

That is, in a standby state in which no copy paper arrives, power is not supplied to the gate solenoid 237, and the gate remains open. Just before the copy paper arrives, the gate solenoid 237 is energized, and the gate closes to prevent passage. Then, when the conveyance of the copy sheet is restarted at a predetermined timing, the power supply is stopped and the gate is opened. By performing such control, the position of the gate at the time when the leading edge of the copy sheet is blocked from passing is reduced, and even when the copy sheet is pressed against the gate with a relatively strong force, the positioning of the gate is determined. Can be done accurately.

The manual feed switching solenoid 238 is connected to the first supply tray 31-.
1 is a solenoid for switching the drive of the conveyance roller of the copy paper fed from 1 and the conveyance roller of the copy paper fed manually from the manual feed tray 41. The manual feed tray sensor 239 is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper when a plurality of copy papers are fed from the manual feed tray 41. Tray interlock 241
This is an interlock switch attached to a mechanism that is opened and closed to remove a paper jam when a copy paper is jammed. The tray path sensor 242 is a sensor that detects the copy paper 60 sent from the second and third supply trays 31-2 and 31-3, and detects the base machine 21 and the supply trays 31-2 and 31-3. It is located near the joint.

(5-9) DADF The DADF 24 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

DADF 24 is mounted on platen glass 55 of base machine 21. The DADF 24 includes a document tray 252 on which a document 251 is placed. The document 251 is stacked on the document tray 252 such that the first surface to be copied faces downward.

Retard pad 2 on the document feed side of document tray 252
54 and a feed paddle 255 are arranged, and the originals 251 are fed one by one by these. Original sent 2
Numeral 51 denotes a drive roller 256 and a driven roller 257, which pass through an S-shaped transport section 258, and which are connected to the S-shaped transport section 258 and the vertical transport section
Is pressed against the branch guide 261 arranged at a position where the intersection with the branch guide 261. The branch guide 261 is released by this, and the document 251 is opened.
Is transported to the reverse transport section 262 side.

When the trailing end of the document 251 passes through the branch guide 261, the branch guide 261 closes to the S-shaped transport unit 258 side by the action of a spring (not shown). At this time, the passage of the document 251 is detected by a sensor (not shown) arranged near the branch guide 261. This detection signal output causes the document reversing drive roller 264 to rotate in the reverse direction. As a result, the transport direction of the original 251 is reversed, and the transport direction is changed to a direction substantially perpendicular to the platen glass 55.

Thereafter, the document 251 is conveyed while being positioned by the skewed slip paddle 265 with one side thereof abutted on a side positioning guide (not shown). Then, the sheet is conveyed by the endless conveyance belt 266 to a correct position on the platen glass 55. In this manner, the copying operation on the first side of the document 251 is performed.

When the exposure on the first surface is completed, the original 251 is conveyed by the endless conveyance belt 266 in the direction of the arrow 267.
In the case where only the first side is copied by the operation of the exit side guide 268, the vertical transport unit 269 is selected, and the document 251 is stored in the document receiving unit 271.

On the other hand, when a copy is made on the second surface opposite to the first surface, the horizontal transport unit 272 is selected. The document 251 sent out to the horizontal transport unit 272 is transported in the direction opposite to the arrow 267 by the transport rollers 273, and is transported in the S-shaped transport unit 258 by the drive roller 256 and the driven roller 257. At this time, the lower surface of the document 251 is the second surface opposite to the time when the document 251 is stored in the document tray 252. Accordingly, the original 251 is transferred to the platen glass 55 by the same transport procedure as described above.
In this state, the copying operation for the second surface is performed.

After the exposure of the second surface is completed, the document 251 is sent to the vertical transport unit 269 by the action of the exit side guide 268 and discharged to the document receiving unit 271.

(5-10) Sorter The 10-bin sorter 38 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 15 shows the appearance of the sorter. The ten-bin sorter 38 is configured so that ten bins 281 can be moved up and down as a unit. The sorter main body 282 includes a drive source (bin motor) for performing the elevation, a cam and a cam switch for controlling the movement position of each bin, and a device for detecting that the bin 281 has reached the lower limit position. (Not shown).

The copy paper 60 is advanced in the direction of arrow 284 by the transport rolls 68, 68 shown in FIG. Then, the paper is discharged to the bin facing the conveyance path at that time. Note that, depending on the sorter, the bin 281 may not be moved up and down, and instead, the sorter main body 282 may be moved up and down to switch the discharge path. The mode selection of the sorter 38 is performed by operating the sorter panel 74 shown in FIG.

(5-11) Intermediate Tray Next, the intermediate tray 33 will be described.

FIG. 16 shows a transport system centered on the intermediate tray 33.

The copy paper 60 thermally fixed by the heat roll 66 in the base machine 21 is controlled by the duplex gate solenoid 351 also arranged in the base machine 21 to output it to the discharge tray side or to send it to the intermediate tray 33 side. Will be The first duplex path sensor 352 is arranged on the base machine 21 side, and the second duplex path sensor 353 is arranged near the second supply tray 31-2, before reaching the vicinity of the intermediate tray 33. A paper jam is detected for the copy paper 60.

By the way, the intermediate tray 33 has no feed roll for feeding the leading end of the copy sheet 60 to the leading end of the tray.
There are three duplex solenoid gates 355 to 357 for transporting them to a desired position and "dropping" them on a tray according to the size of the copy paper 60 sent there.
Is arranged. These duplex solenoid gates 355 to 357 operate the solenoids selectively according to the size of the sheet to be fed, and open and close the corresponding gates. The skewed solenoid gate 358 is used for the “falling” copy paper 60.
This is a gate that controls one end of the copy paper 60 to touch the end of the intermediate tray 33 and aligns the end of each of the copy papers 60 sent. Each time this operation is completed for one sheet, the main billing counter 211 counts up.

The intermediate tray 33 is a tray control CP as described above.
The copy paper is conveyed under the control of a duplex motor 361 (FIG. 8). Duplex no-paper sensor 362
Is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the copy sheet 60 in the intermediate tray 33. Duplex feed clutch
Reference numeral 363 denotes a mechanism for performing on / off control of a drive source for sending out the copy sheet 60.

The inverter / gate solenoid 364 is a solenoid that switches between double-sided copying, marking on the same surface with a plurality of colors, and composite copying. That is, when the inverter / gate solenoid 364 is positioned in the direction shown in FIG.
Copy paper that has been transported so that it falls down 65
After being guided by the inverter / gate solenoid 364 and falling, the 60 is transported upward by the transport rolls 367 and 368. And the inverter gate solenoid 36
The transport direction is changed rightward in FIG. 4 just before 4, and the sheet is stored in the intermediate tray 33 upside down. When conveyance is resumed in this state, double-sided copying is performed.

On the other hand, copy paper 60 conveyed downward
Is changed rightward in the figure in front of the inverter / gate solenoid 364, the original is stored again with its front side up again. When the conveyance is restarted in the latter state, the copy is made again on the same surface. Generally, when marking is performed in N types of colors, one copy sheet 60 is stored in the intermediate tray 33 N times, after which development is performed in monochrome and discharged.

The duplex feed sensor 369 is
This is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a paper jam in the copy paper sent from 3.

(5-12) Editor Pad The editor pad 132 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 17 shows the system configuration of a copier equipped with an editor pad. That is, in the configuration of the copying machine shown in FIG.
Since the plate 24 is mounted on the platen glass 55, the platen 26 with the editor pad cannot be mounted on the platen glass 55.

In the copying machine shown in FIG. 17, a first supply tray 31-1 is provided.
A platen 26 with an editor pad is attached to the upper part of a base machine 21 provided with. In the figure, the square portion is the editor pad 132. A backlit console panel is arranged in this copying machine.
A cabinet 40 containing only the second and third supply trays 31-2 and 31-3 is provided below the base machine 21.
1 is located. A sorter is not attached to the base machine 21, and an ejection tray 37 for accommodating copy sheets to be ejected is attached. An IC card device 22A is arranged near the left end of the panel surface on which the console panel 27 is arranged, and an IC card 131 can be set thereon. For IC cards with a liquid crystal display panel built in on the top, IC card devices
In the state where it is incorporated in the 22A, it can be operated as a display board, and a display function can be added to a copying machine or a display function can be added to a copying machine without a display function.

Please refer to FIG. 2 for the general configuration of the copying machine. Editor pad 132
Is very convenient for inputting coordinates, and can be used alone in a copying machine having a configuration like this embodiment shown in FIG. In this case, the editor pad 132 is placed on a desk or the like, and is directly connected to the IC card device 22 (see FIG. 3) by using a code, or the coordinate data is written into the IC card 131, and this is transferred to the IC card device. It will be attached to 22 and used.

FIG. 18 shows the structure of the editor pad. The editor pad 132 includes a rectangular coordinate input pad 405 having a length of 307 mm and a width of 432 mm. An area with a width of 10 mm on the front side of the pad is an editor panel 406 described below. The editor pad 132 including the editor panel 406 includes a first rubber pad on which a resistance line for specifying a position on the X axis is arranged and a second rubber pad on which a resistance line for specifying a position on the Y axis is arranged as a spacer. , And a position where pressure is applied by an operator's finger, a pointed pen, or the like can be sensed as a value on the X and Y coordinates. Editor panel 40
In front of 6, a display panel 407 for displaying various information
Is arranged. In addition, a board for processing coordinate data and a board 408 for an interface circuit are arranged in a rear portion inside the editor pad 132.

FIG. 19 shows the main parts of the editor panel and the display panel described in FIG. The following buttons are arranged on the editor panel 406.

(A) Special function button 411; a button used when a special function is used.

(B) Dimension scaling button 412; a button used to specify a distance and a reduction ratio.

(C) Extract button 413; a button for extracting a designated area, which is used for monochrome (monochrome) recording.

(D) Delete button 414; a button for deleting a designated area, which is also used for monochrome (monochrome) recording.

(E) Continuous shooting color synthesizing button 415; a function button used to designate a function of continuous shooting color synthesizing.

(F) Marking color button 416; This is a function button used to specify the function of the marking color.

(G) Partial color conversion button 417; a button used to designate a function of partial color conversion.

(H) Color inversion button 418; a button used to make a region designated by color black or to convert a region designated by black to color. A continuous shooting color synthesizing button 415, a marking color button 416, a partial color conversion button 417, and a color inversion button 418 are function buttons for color recording.

(I) Designation method button 419; This button is used to select whether to designate a region using the coordinate values of two points at both ends of a diagonal line of a rectangle or the coordinate values of each point of a polygon.

(N) Area / color designation button 421; This button is used when setting an area.

(L) Area clear button 422; a button used to cancel the specification of an area.

(ヲ) Setting end button 423; a button used when designation of one or a plurality of areas is completed.

Display panel 40 corresponding to the first eight buttons 411 to 418
A display lamp 425 for indicating whether or not these buttons are selected is attached to the portion 7. Regarding the designation method button 419, a diagonal designation lamp 426 or a polygon designation lamp 427 is turned on according to the designation method.

(W) Normal marking button 431; a button for designating a normal marking form of uniformly marking an area.

(F) Frame marking button 432; a button used when, for example, setting a frame-shaped area surrounding a specific area to perform marking.

(G) Line marking button 433; a button used to set a thick underlined area for marking, for example.

(T) Color designation buttons 437 to 437: Since the color of the marking can be made independently for each area, this button is used to designate the color in relation to the area to be marked. Here, the color designation button 434 designates red, and the color designation button 435 designates blue. The color designation button 436 designates green, and the color designation button 437 designates brown. As described above, the copier of the present embodiment can set a developing device of another color. In this case, the top cover covered on the surface of the color designation buttons 437 to 437 is set to the color. It will be replaced with a special one. Each button 431 to 437 dedicated to marking described in (W) to (T) has an indicator lamp
438 are arranged, and which lamp is selected is displayed.

(5-13) Large-capacity tray Incidentally, a large-capacity tray 471 can be set in this copying machine instead of the fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4 and 31-5. Therefore, although the configuration is different from that of the present embodiment, this will also be described briefly.

FIG. 20 shows an outline of a circuit configuration of the large-capacity tray.

1000 to 2000 copy sheets can be set in the large capacity tray 471 at a time, and a large number of copies can be created without interruption. The large capacity tray 471 is provided with the following circuit components. Large capacity tray 471
These circuits receive the supply of AC power from the output side of the noise filter 223 shown in FIG. 8, and also receive the supply of DC power from the DC power supply 228 via the main board 201 shown in FIG. Parts are to be operated.

(A) Stop sensor 472: A sensor for detecting the lower limit position of the large capacity tray 471 provided with an elevator mechanism for moving the copy paper 60 up and down.

(B) Interlock switch 473; an interlock switch for detecting the open / close state of the front panel of the large capacity tray 471.

(C) No paper sensor 474; a sensor for detecting when the number of stored copy papers 60 becomes low.

(D) Size sensor 475: a sensor for determining the size of the copy paper 60.

(E) Large-capacity tray motor 476; a motor for driving the elevator mechanism of the large-capacity tray 471 to raise and lower the storage portion of the copy paper 60.

(F) Set sensor 477; a sensor for detecting the upper limit position of the large capacity tray 471 provided with the elevator mechanism described above.

(G) Large capacity tray clutch 478; a clutch for controlling the feeding of the copy paper 60.

(H) Feed sensor 479; a sensor for detecting a paper jam of the copy paper 60 sent from the large capacity tray 471.

(6) Control of Copying Machine by IC Card (6-1) Types of Control Information FIG. 21 shows the relationship between basic control information and additional control information in the copying machine of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, a program P necessary for basic control of a copying machine such as control of a copy paper transport system and exposure control, and programs A ₀ and B ₀ capable of performing various developments or modifications are stored in a ROM 121D. , C ₀ , D _0, ..., And these constitute basic control information as a whole.

On the other hand, the IC card 131 can take a plurality of forms depending on the type of the additional control information stored therein. For example, the first IC card 131-1 has a program A
Stores _{1, B 1, C 1,} D 1 and S _1. Also the second IC
Cards 131-2 stores a program A _2, D ₂ and S _2.

(I) Here, the program A relates to the reduction ratio. Of these, program A ₀ as basic control information is 1
This is related to the setting of the fixed magnification (100%; 1: 1) of the type. First program A ₁ as additional control information stored in the IC card 131-1 has control information that can be set to any ratio of 1% increments from addition to 200% of the fixed magnifications up to 50% added Have been. Also, the second IC card 13
The program A ₂ as the additional control information stored in the 1-2, 11 kinds of the magnification ratio (50%, 61%, 70%, 81
%, 86%, 93%, 115%, 122%, 141%, 163%, 200
%) Is added.

(Ii) The program B relates to a copy mode of a document. Among program B as the basic control information ₀ it is related to normal copying and ADF23 and DADF24 by one side of the copying. The program B ₁ as additional control information stored in the first IC card 131-1, the ability to copy the two-page spread in this order with respect to binding the document (the continuous shooting function), copying function of both surfaces by DADF24 (Recording function)
Control has been added. Second IC card 13
No program B is added to 1-2.

(Iii) Program C relates to the form of development. Among program C ₀ as the basic control information deals with the development control of one color by the main developing device 59M or the sub developer unit 59S. Program C ₁ as additional control information stored in the first IC card 131-1 as marking color process for marking with a color in a specific area of the document, create documents in two colors or multicolor It deals with control information for performing. Second IC card 131-2
Has no program B added.

(Iv) The program D relates to an input form of coordinate data used for a marking color process or the like. Among program D ₀ as the basic control information deals with the control of performing coordinate input using the numeric keypad 80. Program D ₁ of the as additional control information stored in the first IC card 131-1 not only the numeric keypad 80, the editor pad
It handles controls that allow coordinate data to be input from 132 and other IC cards. Also, the second IC card 131-2
D ₂ as additional control information stored in
The control handles input of coordinate data by the numeric keypad 80 and input of coordinate data by the editor pad 132. For marking color processing,
There is a detailed disclosure in the specification and drawings for which the present applicant filed a patent application on May 15, 1987 under the title of "marking color device".

(V) The program S relates to the start of a copy operation. With the basic control information in which the program S is not stored, the copying operation can be started only during the operating time of one day, for example, from 9 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 5 pm. That is, copies cannot be taken during lunch breaks or overtime hours, and unauthorized or private copying of confidential documents at these times can be prevented. First
Program S ₁ as additional control information stored in the IC card 131-1 is eliminating the temporal limitation of the copy operation. The program S ₂ as additional control information stored in the second IC card 131-2, 7:00
It handles information for prohibiting copy work after time and writing data on the date and time and the number of copies performed on the IC card 131-2 itself.

As described above, the first IC card 131-1 stores a program that can be used more widely than the second IC card 131-2. The surface of the first IC card 131-1 is colored gold, for example, so that it can be distinguished from the second IC card 131-2 colored silver, for example. In this copying system, a third IC card 131-3 (not shown) whose surface is colored green is prepared, and is used to realize other functions such as self-diagnosis of the copying machine. Has become.

In addition, on the surface of the storage medium such as the IC card 131, For example, a function that can be used by this means may be displayed at the same time as a symbol indicating a position such as a manager, a section manager, and a flat employee. For example, on the surface of a storage medium You can use any function at any time, Indicates that the original can be reduced and enlarged, ADF23 and DADF24 can be used, and other functions cannot be used.

(6-2) Flow of Control As described above, in this copying machine, the function of the copying machine is changed according to the type of the IC card 131 set in the IC card device 22. In this way, the most appropriate copy mode for each owner of the IC card 131 is realized.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the operation of writing additional control information by inserting an IC card. When the power of the copying machine according to the present embodiment is turned on, a message "Copy is possible" is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 112 of the console panel 28 after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the copying operation becomes possible (step ). That is, the start button in this state
By pressing 117 (step; Y), the operator can execute a normal copying operation based on the basic control information (step).

On the other hand, when the operator inserts the IC card 131 into the IC card device 22 in this state (step; Y), the card CPU 1
29 (FIG. 6) detects this and reads out the additional control information stored in the IC card 131. The read additional control information is transmitted to the main CPU 121 by the large-capacity transmission method.
It is sent to M121E and stored there (step).
When the first IC card 131-1 is inserted into the IC card device 22, the first additional control information is loaded (Step; Y). That is, as described with reference to FIG. 21, the programs A ₁ , B ₁ , C ₁ , D ₁ and S ₁ as the first information are written, and the copying machine enters a mode in which these programs can be executed (step). . Also, the second IC card 131-
If 2 is inserted into the IC card device 22, the second additional control information is loaded (step; Y). Ie
The programs A ₂ , D ₂ and S as the second information are stored in the RAM 121E.
₂ is written, and the copying machine enters a mode in which these programs can be executed (step). Third IC card
When 131-3 (not shown) is inserted into the IC card device 22, the third additional control information is loaded (step; Y). In other words, a self-diagnosis program of the copying machine as a third information and a program for a copying work which is required incidentally at the time of maintenance and inspection are written in the RAM 121E, and the copying machine enters a mode in which this program can be executed. (Step).

This copier is equipped with first to third IC cards 131-1 to 131-3.
If only the IC card is inserted, when the other IC card is inserted, the information which is considered as additional information is cleared from the RAM 121E (step), and an error is displayed on the LCD panel 112 of the console panel, Attention information indicating that the copier operates with the basic control information is displayed (step).

When the above operations are completed, the copier starts
7 is pressed (step), and if pressed, a copy operation is performed (step). At this time,
For example, if the first IC card 131-1 is set,
As described above, processing such as copying at an arbitrary magnification, utilizing a continuous shooting function, or marking a predetermined portion of a document in color can be performed. Also, if an IC card other than the one used for this copier is inserted into the IC card device 22 and copying is attempted at night, an error message appears on the liquid crystal display 112 and a message saying "copy prohibited time" is displayed. As in the case where the IC card is not inserted, the copying operation outside the predetermined time period is prohibited.

When a series of copying work is completed, the card CPU 129 becomes IC
It is checked whether the IC card 131 is still inserted into the card device 22 (step). Then, if the IC card 131 is inserted (Y), the loaded additional control information is stored and prepared for a subsequent copy operation. On the other hand, if the IC card 131 has been removed (N), the additional control information of the RAM 121E is cleared and the function is returned to the function originally provided in the copying machine (step).

(6-3) Specific Example of Control Now, an example in which the IC card 131 is set in the IC card device 22 and the copying operation is performed while changing the reduction ratio will be specifically described.

FIG. 23 illustrates a main part of a circuit configuration of a connection portion of the IC card in the IC card device. IC card device
22 has a card CPU 129 as shown in FIG. The card CPU 129 includes a RAM (random access memory) 511 having a storage capacity of 4K (kilo) bytes and a ROM (read only memory) 512 having a storage capacity of 4K bytes. Here, the ROM 512 is a memory storing a program for controlling the IC card device 22, and the RAM 511 is a working memory for temporarily storing various data.

The card CPU 129 has two serial / parallel converters 51.
3, connected to 514. The first serial / parallel converter 513 transmits / receives serial data to / from an IC card set in the IC card device 22, and transmits / receives parallel data to / from the card CPU 129. Second
The serial / parallel converter 514 transmits and receives serial data to and from the base machine 21, performs serial / parallel conversion or a parallel / serial converter, and outputs the CP for the card.
Sends / receives parallel data to / from U129. Two clock generation circuits 515 and 516 are provided in the IC card device 22, and the first clock generation circuit 515 supplies a clock signal of 4.9152 MHz to the IC card. The second clock generation circuit 516 outputs a clock signal of 7.3728 MHz for a card.
Supply to CPU129.

Card CPU129 supplies a voltage V ₀ and V _PP to the IC card via the output port 518, also performs supply of the reset signal RST. Further, an insert signal INS and a card presence signal CARD are supplied from an IC card via an input port 519.

Fig. 24 corresponds to Fig. 7, and the IC card 131
This shows the flow of data when set in the card device 22. When the IC card 131 is set in the IC card device 22, the base machine 21 detects this and starts reading data at a predetermined timing. At this time, 9600
Data is transferred from the IC card 131 to the IC card device 22 at a transfer rate of BPS (bits / second). The IC card device 22 converts this to a speed of 4800 BPS and performs large-capacity transfer to the main CPU 121 as serial data. Here, large-capacity transfer means temporarily interrupting data exchange with each additional device while the main CPU 121 is not performing copy control on the base machine 21 side, and transferring data with the IC card device 22. Dedicated to transfer. This large-capacity transfer is disclosed in detail in Japanese Patent Application No. 62-097440, filed on April 22, 1987 under the name of "serial communication control method".

The program of the IC card 131 sent to the main CPU 121 is stored in the RAM 121E. Then, a magnification control operation is started by a magnification control program stored in the ROM 121D, and a copy operation at a desired magnification is started using various magnification control parameters written in the RAM 121E.

For example, when the first IC card 131-1 is set, the data table for the reduction ratio of 151 steps from 50% to 200% in steps of 1% is read out, and the shift key 101 shown in FIG. , 102, the control for specifying the reduction ratio is performed such that the reduction ratio changes by 1%. Fifteen
In the data table for the one-stage reduction ratio, the following various parameters are written as values corresponding to the respective stages.

(A) Position data of the optical lens 58 (FIG. 4).

(B) Position data of a plurality of mirrors 57 (FIG. 4).

(D) Control data of an optical motor for moving a carriage (not shown).

(D) Turning on the inter image lamp 141 (Fig. 8)
Data related to off control.

(E) Data for setting the light amount of the exposure lamp 56 (FIG. 4).

(F) Data related to on / off control of a side erase lamp (not shown).

(G) Data related to the return timing of the carriage.

Therefore, for example, when the reduction ratio of 55% is selected, the optical lens 58 and the like move to the corresponding position, and the timing of the on / off control of the inter-image lamp 141 is determined in relation to the size of the document. The control is performed such that the light amount of the image is reduced by a predetermined amount from the same magnification order.

When the second IC card 131-2 is set in the IC card device 22, an 11-step data table is written in the RAM 121E instead of the 151-step data table, and the copying machine operates within the range. Is performed. Further, when no IC card is set, the copying machine can perform only the copying operation of the same size (1000%). In this case, the data at the same
The copy operation is performed by reading from the ROM 121D. In this case, the operator operates the shift keys 101, 1
Even if 02 or the fixed magnification key 103 (FIG. 5) is pressed, the display of the magnification display section 99 (FIG. 5) remains at 100 (%). Depending on the device, the liquid crystal display 11
A message “Use a card that can select a magnification” may be displayed in 2.

(6-4) Program Size As described above, the copying machine of this embodiment uses an IC card as a portable storage medium. Since the IC card has a relatively large storage capacity, in the present embodiment, additional control information is also stored as a program for performing various controls of the copying machine in order to actively utilize the storage capacity.

The following Table 1 shows the types of programs that can be stored in the IC card 131 and the maximum amount of memory required for storing each program for some programs. In each copying machine, a necessary program is selected and written in the IC card 131 in consideration of the currently used additional device and future development. Since the capacity of the IC card 131 of this embodiment is 32 Kbytes as described above, in the case where the number of programs to be stored is large, a plurality of IC cards are prepared as necessary, and the IC card device 22 These can be loaded sequentially, or multiple ICs
A card device will be prepared. Of course, a larger-capacity IC card may be used, or the IC card may be subdivided according to the purpose of use, and the necessary additional control information may be relatively reduced.

Here, the console panel using the CRT display is not shown in FIG. 2, but is a console in which a CRT and a simple console panel or operation panel are attached to a copying machine. As an example, when setting the copy density, a plurality of marks prepared for each density are displayed on the CRT, and the copy density is selected using a shift key or a cursor key.

SADH is a semi-automatic document feeder. This SA
When a document is manually inserted into one end of the DH, the document is conveyed to a predetermined position on a platen glass at a predetermined timing, and is discharged to a document discharge tray after exposure is completed.

Although not shown in Table 1, if a finisher program is stored in the main body of the copying machine in addition to the sorter, for example, the purchaser of the finisher can attach the program to the main body of the copying machine. Here, the finisher is a device having not only a function of sorting copy sheets, but also a function of automatically binding the copy sheets stacked in each bin with a stapler after the sorting is completed.

(6-5) Transfer of Program The transfer of the program as additional control information will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. In the transfer of the control program, if there is a mistake, the operation of the copying machine will be abnormal. Therefore, sufficient consideration is given to this in the copying machine of the present embodiment.

When the IC card 131 is set in the IC card device 22, the base machine 21 detects this and starts reading data at a predetermined timing. At this time, 9600BPS
Data is transferred from the IC card 131 to the IC card device 22 at a transfer rate of (bits / second). The IC card device 22 stores this in the RAM 511 (FIG. 23) in a predetermined unit,
Perform data error check by C method. And
If there is no error in the transferred data,
Converted to 00BPS speed and converted to serial data as main CPU
Large capacity transfer is performed to 121. Here, large-capacity transfer means temporarily interrupting data exchange with each additional device while the main CPU 121 is not performing copy control on the base machine 21 side, and transferring data with the IC card device 22. Dedicated to transfer.

The program of the IC card 131 sent to the main CPU 121 is stored in the RAM 121E. After the error check by the BCC method is performed, various controls for the “usable” additional device are performed according to a predetermined program stored in the ROM 121D.

The programs stored in the ROM 121D include a job management program, a task management program, an input / output data control program, and the like. Here, the job management program is a program for managing the job execution order of the programs stored in the RAM 121E. The task management program is a program that generates and deletes a task as a minimum unit of work that can be executed independently. Furthermore,
The input / output data control program is a program for moving data in the IC card 131 to the RAM 121E. The IC card 131 can store various data such as coordinate data read by the editor pad 132 in addition to programs of various additional devices. Of these, programs for various additional devices are stored in the RAM 121E or in a program storage area provided in the nonvolatile memory 121F (FIG. 7) depending on the device, and various data are written in the data storage area of the RAM 121E (nonvolatile memory 121F). Will be.

Although the flow of data from the IC card 131 to the main body of the copying machine has been described above, the same large-capacity transfer is also performed when writing data stored in the main body of the copying machine to the IC card 131.

[Modification] In the above-described embodiment, each IC card has a plurality of functions, and the most suitable card is assigned according to the status and the type of job of the owner. Each has a single function, and IC according to the required function
You may use a card properly. In this case,
On the surface of the IC card, for example, a function realized such as "for self-diagnosis", "for English message display", or "for customer program function" may be displayed in characters.

FIG. 26 shows the main part of the operation of the copying machine in this case. When the program in the IC card is loaded into the RAM 121E of the copying machine main body (step), if it is the loading of the self-diagnosis function (step; Y), the copying machine is set to the self-diagnosis mode. In this self-diagnosis mode, by inputting a number corresponding to the location of the diagnosis from the numeric keypad 80 shown in FIG. 5, the drive control of that part is performed, and it is checked by a serviceman whether or not it operates normally. (Step). In the copier manufacturing line, various parts are inspected and parameters are adjusted using the self-diagnosis mode.

FIG. 27 shows an operation of designating a diagnosis operation in the self-diagnosis mode. In FIG. 27, when the self-diagnosis (DIAG) mode is set (step), the LCD display section 112 displays "Self-diagnosis mode. Enter a chain code" (step). Here, the chain code is a two-digit code, and specifies a diagnosis target together with a two-digit function code described below.

When the operator inputs a chain code from the numeric keypad 80 and presses the start button 117 (step), the chain code is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 112, and
A message "Please enter a function code" is displayed (step). The operator operates the numeric keypad 80 and inputs the function code to be tested,
When the start button 117 is pressed (step), the input test (step), output test (step), and adjustment mode (step) are performed according to the contents.
Is specified, the contents of each test are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 112 (steps to), and the corresponding test is executed. When a numerical value that does not correspond to a function code is input, a message “No such code” is displayed on the liquid crystal display 112, and no self-diagnosis is performed.

By the way, in the copying machine of this embodiment, when a trouble such as a jam (paper jam) occurs during the copying operation, data such as the content of the trouble and the size and number of copy sheets related at that time are written in the nonvolatile memory. It has become. When the serviceman sets the copier to the self-diagnosis mode and sets the mode to read these data, the contents are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 112 and written to the IC card 131 as necessary. It is supposed to be. That is, the operator does not necessarily need to copy the contents displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 112 into a notebook or the like,
It is also possible to store these data in a serviceman's IC card, take it back to the office, read it into a computer for trouble analysis, perform analysis, and print out necessary data.

 Returning to FIG. 26, the description will be continued.

If additional control information is loaded from the IC card for displaying English messages (step; Y), the liquid crystal display
At 112, a sentence normally displayed as a kanji-kana mixed sentence is displayed as an English sentence using the alphabet (step). As a result, even when a foreigner uses the copier installed in Japan, operation instructions can be received and display contents can be confirmed. If the copier itself has a comparison table for Japanese and English messages and a comparison table for other languages such as Spanish, you can prepare IC cards for each of these countries, Not only can the message be displayed in the language of the country, but also the cost can be reduced by using a common copying machine.

If additional control information is loaded from the IC card for the customer program function (step; Y),
The copying machine is set to the customer program mode (step). In this customer program mode,
When the power of the copier is turned on, the type of the supply tray initially set, that is, the type of the copy paper to be used with priority, the selection of the copy density (b), the selection of the copy density, and the copy operation (c) are completed. To realize copy work according to customer (customer) requirements, such as the set time from the start to the power saving mode, whether or not the transition to the power saving mode is prohibited, and (d) the reduction ratio set preferentially. Various data of non-volatile memory
It will be written to 121F (FIG. 7). Depending on the user of the apparatus, the customer mode may be further subdivided and managed by an IC card corresponding to the customer mode. When the copier is set to the customer program mode, necessary messages, input values, set values, and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 112.

In this copy machine, when a new function is developed or such a function becomes necessary, an IC card with a programmed function must be purchased, thereby changing or improving the function of the copy machine. Can be. For example, if additional control information is loaded using an IC card to realize the function of X (step; Y),
The mode for realizing the function of X can be set. IC inserted in IC card device 22
If the function stored in the card is a function that cannot be adapted to the copying machine, an error is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 112 or the like (step), as in the above-described embodiment.

In the embodiments and the modified examples described above, an IC card is used as a portable storage medium. Therefore, as compared with a magnetic card that stores information using a magnetic stripe, the amount of recordable information is greatly increased, and it is possible to perform calculations on the card and complicate the personal identification number. Are better. Furthermore, compared to an optical card that stores data based on the reflectivity of the storage layer, it is possible to rewrite data, although the storage capacity is inferior, and it is possible to input and output data without being affected by dust or scratches on the card surface. It has features.

In the embodiment described above, a copying machine using an IC card has been described. However, a magnetic card provided with a magnetic stripe other than the IC card may be used. In particular, when only the function information is stored, a storage medium having a relatively small capacity such as a magnetic card can function sufficiently. Further, the recording apparatus is not limited to a copying machine, but may be another image processing apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus or a printer, or may be a complex system that uses these in common. In the latter case, by using a recording medium such as an IC card, it is possible to easily make a copy at a desired copy density or reduced magnification, for example, in place of a copying machine in a facsimile machine.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the copying operation has been mainly described, but there is an advantage that other operations such as maintenance and inspection can be quickly performed without being conscious of the model.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, as described above, additional function control information is exchangeably stored in the main body of the recording device as needed using a portable storage medium such as an IC card. The function control contents obtained by developing or modifying the basic function control contents are divided into a plurality of function control contents in accordance with the division of the storage control contents stored in the basic control information storage unit and stored. For the function control contents in the same category as the storage control contents stored in the basic control information storage unit, control of the recording apparatus is performed by giving priority to the corresponding additional function control information stored in the additional function control information storage unit. I decided to do
The function control information can be easily changed or added, and as a result, the added recording of the additional function control information enables the existing recording device to be used for a long time without obsolescence. Further, even if an existing program in the recording device has any trouble, the trouble portion can be easily corrected by storing the additional function control information corresponding to the trouble in the additional function control information storage unit. Can be. In addition, in the present invention, since the function control contents obtained by developing or modifying the basic function control contents are separately stored according to the contents, the basic function control contents and functions which do not need to be changed or developed are stored. As the control content, the storage control content stored in the basic control information storage unit can be used, and the amount of data stored in the additional function control information storage unit can be reduced. Therefore, even if the function control information has a relatively large capacity, such as a control program for a recording device, only the necessary information is stored in the recording device, so that the information can be positively stored in the recording device from the outside. Become.

Further, according to the present invention, by storing the storage medium storing the additional function control information on an individual basis, it is possible to limit the range of the copying operation for each of these persons, and for example, it is possible to limit the private work during the break time. Copy work can be restricted. Further, according to the present invention, by preparing a storage medium storing the additional function control information for each occupation, it is possible to preferentially select a copy magnification, a copy density, etc., corresponding to the occupation. We can provide meticulous services tailored to the type of business.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the principle of the present invention, and FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a view for explaining one embodiment and a modification of the recording apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing a system configuration of a copying machine, and FIG. 3 is a system configuration of this copying machine. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an outline of the copying machine, FIG. 5 is a plan view of a console panel of the copying machine, and FIG. 6 is an outline of a circuit configuration of the copying machine. FIG. 7 is a block diagram in which FIG. 6 is further developed around the main CPU, FIG. 8 is a block diagram specifically showing a circuit configuration around a photosensitive drum of a copying machine, FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the operation of the main motor and the Debey solenoid when the first development is performed by the sub-developing device and the second development is performed by the main developing device.
FIG. 10 shows the main motor and the developing device when the first development is performed by the main developing device and the second development is performed by the sub developing device.
Timing diagram showing the operation of the solenoid, FIG. 11 is a block diagram specifically showing the periphery of an exposure system and a console control unit of the copying machine, and FIG. 12 specifically shows a power supply and a fixing device of the copying machine. FIG. 13 is a block diagram specifically showing a circuit configuration of a copy paper transport system, and FIG. 14 is a DA diagram.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a sorter, FIG. 16 is a side view showing an outline of a transport system centering on an intermediate tray, and FIG.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a system configuration of a copier equipped with an editor pad, FIG. 18 is a plan view of the editor pad,
FIG. 19 is a plan view showing an editor panel and a display panel, FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a large-capacity tray, and FIG. 21 is a correspondence between a copier main body and control information stored in two IC cards. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a work of writing additional control information by inserting an IC card, FIG.
FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a main part of a circuit configuration of a connection portion of the IC card in the IC card device, FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of data read from the IC card to the base machine, and FIG. 25 is an IC card FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a program read from a base machine into a base machine, FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a main part of a mode setting operation using an IC card in a modification of the present invention, and FIG. 27 is a self-diagnosis mode in this modification. 9 is a flowchart showing the setting operation of FIG. 11 ... reading means, 12 ... additional control information storage unit, 13 ... basic control information storage unit, 14 ... recording device control unit, 22, 22A ... IC card device, 121 ... main CPU, 121D , 512 ROM, 129 CPU card, 130 interface for IC card editor pad, 131 IC card, 511 RAM.

Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-60-232978 (JP, A) JP-A-63-204271 (JP, A) JP-A-61-251869 (JP, A) JP-A-61-180254 (JP, A) JP-A-54-72057 (JP, A) JP-A-59-81653 (JP, A) JP-A-63-184448 (JP, A) JP-A-60-140065 (JP, U)

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A reading means for reading a portable storage medium, basic function control information comprising basic function control contents of a recording apparatus and function control contents developed or modified from the basic function control information. A basic control information storage unit for storing the latter in a form divided into a plurality of function control contents, and the recording in accordance with the storage contents of a storage medium read by the reading unit and read by the reading unit. An additional function control information storage unit that stores additional function control information uniquely added to the function control contents of the device in a form divided according to the classification; a basic control information storage unit and an additional function control information storage unit And the function control information stored in the additional function control information storage unit for the function control information of the same category. A recording device control unit that controls the recording device by giving priority to the control of the recording device, and controls the recording device by the basic function control information stored in the basic control information storage unit for the other units. apparatus. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein identification information indicating a type of the stored control information is displayed on a surface of the storage medium set in the reading means.
The recording device according to the item. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium is an IC card. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said reading means is a reader / writer capable of writing predetermined data to a storage medium set in said recording medium from a recording apparatus side. . 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control information in the additional function control information storage section is control information relating to a recording function. 6. The control information of the additional function control information storage unit is function control information for handling a function other than a recording function such as maintenance and inspection of a recording device.
The recording device according to the item. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording apparatus is an electrostatic copying machine. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording apparatus is an image information processing apparatus including a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus and a printer. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said reading means clears the storage contents of said additional function control information storage section when no storage medium is set in said storage medium.