DE3051244C2 - Multi-format feed for photocopiers - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-format copy feed for a photocopier has a cassette (10) loading for normal copying and a manual loading for different formats. The machine has sensors (14, 16) to monitor the size of the manually inserted copies and a selector switch to change from manual to cassette loading.The machine has further sensors to monitor non-aligned copies in the manual feed, and either stop the machine or automatically correct the feed. The cassette is provided with markings, monitored by sensors, to identify the copy format. The machine provided a versatile, automatic operation

Description

The invention relates to an image forming apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1.

DE 23 56 666 A1, which is based on the preamble shows an image forming apparatus with an insert for the manual introduction of image reception material rial, which after insertion by means of a switch de is tectized, the immediate response to a ses switch towards a feed device for feeding of the picture manually inserted at the insertion point material is put into operation.

US 4 113 374 shows another copying machine, the a Slot for inserting image-receiving material summarizes, where there is also a detector device is a loading of a recording material rialblattes noticed. There, too, is directly related to that Response of the detector towards a feeder Feed one manually inserted at the insertion point Image receiving material put into operation, and that placed image-receiving material on one in Förderrich direction stopped intermediate position to the To be able to synchronize the copying process of the copier nen.

With devices of this type it can happen that an unsi chere operator already from the image receiving device tries to remove captured image receiving material after the feeding process or the imaging process was initiated by the imaging device. A sol ch behavior of the operator can be from the he generation of corresponding incorrect copies apart, to failure  controls of the copier cause a malfunction of the entire imaging device.

The invention has for its object a Bilderzeu supply device in the preamble of claim 1 given type in such a way that a safe loading drive sequence even when using a feed device achieved for manual feeding of image receiving material becomes.

This object is indicated by the in claim 1 measures in a particularly advantageous manner solved.  

The invention is illustrated below with reference to Example with reference to the drawing explained in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of a template support table part in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an operating time diagram of the device according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a sheet feeding section in the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the portion shown in FIG. 4.

Fig. 6-1 and 6-2 are circuit diagrams of control circuits in the apparatus of FIG. 1.

Fig. 7 is a timing diagram of the circuit of Fig. 6-2.

Fig. 8 is a timing diagram of the circuit according to Fig. 6-1.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram for an example of a display control circuit in the device of FIG. 1.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a release-portion.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of a drum in an exposure section.

Fig. 12 is a circuit diagram of another device for sheet feeding.

Fig. 13 shows the bending of a sheet.

According to FIG. 1, which illustrates a cross section through an embodiment of the imaging or Kopierge Raets, found this a reciprocally herbewegba ren supporting table 1 for placing an original, a rotary drum 2 with a seamless photoconductive material on its periphery, a Lamp 3 for exposing the drum 2 to the image of the original on the platen 1 , a corona charger 5 for pre-charging the surface of the photosensitive material to positive polarity, a corona charger 6 for discharging the surface of the photosensitive material to negative polarity with simultaneous imagewise exposure, a developing device 8 for Ent wrap of a charge image, a charger 90 for Übertra supply of the developed image to transfer or image receiving paper 9, a cartridge 10, a in number sheets of paper 9 contains and detachably attached to the Device housing is attached, a receptacle 12 for hand-fed images pfang paper, a roller 13 for feeding the paper from the cassette, a pair of rollers 14 for feeding the paper from the receptacle 12 , microswitches 15 and 16 as detectors for the detection of the manually input paper, a pair of alignment or registration rollers 17 for aligning the front edge of the image-receiving paper on the front edge of the image on the drum, a roller 18 for detaching the paper from the drum, a belt 19 for transporting the paper, fixing rollers 20 , rollers 21 for the ejection the paper on a tray 22 , a cleaning squeegee 23 for removing any residual toner from the drum, a magnetic roller 4 for collecting the toner removed by means of the squeegee 23 , a container 7 for receiving the toner collected by means of the magnetic roller 4 , a negative corona charger 24 for removing any charge remaining on the drum, a shutter 25 for direct application of the light the exposure lamp 3 onto the exposed surface of the drum for a predetermined period of time, mirrors 26 and 28 which direct the light from the lamp 3 directly onto the drum surface, and a cell lens lens or "Cellfock" lens 27 , with which the light of the lamp 3 reflected from the original is imaged on the drum surface.

The mode of operation is as follows: when a main switch is closed, a drive motor for the drum 2 is switched on, the lamp 3 is switched on and the shutter 25 is opened while the corona charger 6 is being fed and the drum 2 is running. This pre-cleans the drum surface to remove any residual toner, charge, or memory. When the fixing rollers 20 are heated to the fixing temperature by means of an inner heating element, a copy signal is generated. Thereafter, if a copy switch is not closed or a sheet of image-receiving paper is not inserted by hand, the drum will continue to rotate and will stop rotating when a predetermined number of pulses are counted from a rotary encoder installed in the drum drive system and which generates n pulses for a full revolution of the drum. This drum revolution is called the first pre-rotation.

When the copy switch is closed or a sheet is inserted by hand during the rotation or the stopping of the drum, the shutter 25 is closed and the drum 2 performs substantially a full rotation (hereinafter referred to as the second pre-rotation); thereafter the pre downward movement or the advance of the support table 1 and the slit exposure of the original on the support table 1 starts. The drum is exposed in a slit shape with the reflection image of the original via the cell lens objective. The photosensitive material of the drum has an insulating cover layer, a photoconductive layer and an electrically conductive layer in succession from the surface; when the surface charged by the charger 5 reaches the exposure surface, the positive charge is removed by the negative charger 6 and the optical image. When the surface reaches a total exposure area, the light from the mirror 26 on the drum surface creates a high contrast charge image. In the development area, toner is applied to the latent or charge image so that it is developed into a visible image. In the image transfer area, the visible image is transferred to the transfer or image receiving paper or copy paper by the positive potential of the image transfer charger. The paper was fed by the timing of the paper feed roller 13 and passes through the registration rollers 17 through the image transfer area at the peripheral speed of the drum. After the image transmission, the paper is released from the drum by means of the roller 18 and is conveyed by means of the belt 19 to the fixing rollers 20 , by means of which the image is fixed on the image receiving paper, which is then ejected onto the deposit 22 by means of the rollers 21 . After completion of the image transfer, the drum surface is cleaned by means of the doctor blade 23 , discharged by means of the charger 24 and freed of residual charges by the light from the lamp 3 via the mirror 28 .

If one and the same original is copied continuously, the support table 1 repeats its back and forth movement in a number selected by means of a ten-key set or a ten-key pad on the operating part of the device.

Fig. 2 shows a region in the vicinity of the support table. The support table carries a magnet 29 , while reed switches 30 , 31 , 32 and 35 are arranged on the path of movement of the support table and can be switched by the passing of the magnet. When the magnet switches the reed switch 35 , the support table is stopped in its initial position in the middle of the housing; when the magnet switches the reed switch 30 , the support table is switched to a rightward movement or a lead for the exposure. The switch 31 is provided for the paper feed by means of the paper feed rollers 13 and 14 , while the switch 32 is provided for the paper feed by means of the registration rollers 17 . When, in the case of continuous copying, the first slot scan is finished and the platen is moved back so that the switch 30 is switched, the platen starts to advance again with a second scan. The selected number of copies is achieved in this way. The lamp 3 and the simultaneous or secondary charger 6 are switched on in synchronization with the rotation of the main motor, namely the drum, while the primary charger 5 and the charger 24 are switched on except during a post-rotation cycle. The lamp 3 is controlled so that it emits high intensity light during the scanning movement of the support table.

If, in the case of copying with manual sheet feed, a sheet is inserted from the receptacle 12 , this is determined by the detector 15 . The feed rollers 14 are then operated to feed the sheet into the device. However, after the detector 15 detects the sheet, the rollers 14 are not yet driven for a predetermined period of time (approximately 2 seconds). This latitude serves to prevent the blade from being inserted at an angle, to correct the blade for straight movement or to replace the blade with another. When the period of time has elapsed, the rollers 14 are driven and the drum 2 is also rotated to bring about a process sequence as in the case that the copy switch has been closed. As soon as the detector 15 detects the sheet, the drum 2 starts the second pre-rotation, whereby the copy start-up time can be accelerated. Further, when the insertion of the sheet is detected by the detector 15 , the feeding of sheets from the cassette is stopped. In the manner described above, copying can be initiated simply by inserting a sheet without closing the copy switch of the operating part; the sheet is fed into the machine while maintaining an accurate sheet position, so that the toner image can be transferred to the sheet at a predetermined position and the sheet can be prevented from jamming or jamming.

When the microswitch 16 detects that the trailing edge of the sheet has passed the detector, the rollers 14 are stopped, making them ready for the insertion of a next sheet.

Several such detectors 15 can be attached at right angles to the sheet feed direction. These then serve to determine a skewing of a sheet, the rollers 14 not being put into operation until both or all detectors have not detected the sheet. Further, the representation 13 of the assembly, according to in Fig. Are taken so that a second actuation of the rollers 14 only takes place when the output signals of both the Detek tors 15 are present as well as the detector 16. In this way, jamming or a malfunction can be prevented.

The operation sequence of the scanning and the operation control will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3, which is an operation timing chart of the copying machine of FIG. 1.

Before the copy switch or copy start key switch 40 is closed, as shown in Fig. 1, the support table 1 is in the middle of the device housing. When the copy switch 40 is closed, the pre-discharge charger 24 , the lamp 3 , the primary charger 5 , the secondary charger 6 and the image transfer charger 90 are turned on and the shutter 25 is operated, so that the photosensitive material Pre-corona discharge, the primary corona discharge, the secondary corona charge, the image transfer corona charge, the pre-discharge exposure, the erase or blank exposure and the total exposure are made so that the material is prepared for the initiation of copying. The lamp 3 is switched to low light intensity.

When the said predetermined number of pulses has been counted, namely the drum has performed a predetermined rotation, the support table 1 begins to move to the left from the position shown in FIG. 1, then when the drum is in union has made a full turn, the scarf ter 30 is closed and thereby the support table is stopped and then begins to move to the right for exposure. The lamp 3 is now switched to high light intensity and the shutter is deactivated, thereby ending the empty exposure and bringing about the exposure. The blank exposure is an exposure through which, when there is no imagewise exposure, light is supplied to the imagewise exposed surface so as to prevent the occurrence of potential unevenness in the photosensitive material. By switching the lamp between strong light and weak light, the various exposures can be brought about in a suitable manner by means of a single lamp.

After the image-wise exposure took place over essentially a full and a half turn, the support table 1 is stopped and then moved to the left. This movement is initiated by counting the predetermined number of pulses, the number stored in the memory being entered in a register for copy counting and subtracting "1" from this number. As a result, in the case of single sheet copying, the content of the register becomes "0", thereby preventing restarting for a subsequent copying cycle. During this rightward movement and this forward travel is connected to the reed switch 31 of FIG. 2, the paper feed rollers 13 or 14 to drive, and the reed switch 32 switched to thereby zen the Registrierwal to operate 17, whereby a sheet is fed. If the reed switches 31 and 32 are switched during the edition table movement at a different time from the exposure time, the rollers 13 , 14 and 17 are not put into operation.

When the table 1 operates the switch 35 in its initial position, it is stopped. Thereafter, the lamp 3 is switched to its weak light output and the shutter is actuated to thereby initiate the empty exposure while the light 3 is weakly emitted. Thereafter, the drum circulation is continued so that the photosensitive material is cleaned electrically and mechanically; after essentially one full revolution of the drum, as shown in FIG. 3, the operating consumers are switched off, the drum being stopped. After this stop, the main switch remains on.

In the case of continuous copying, the platen 1 is not stopped even when the switch 35 is closed, but continues to move to the left; when the support table 1 actuates the switch 30 , its rightward movement or its forward movement is initiated again, the lamp 3 being switched to strong light emission and the shutter being switched off, as a result of which the imagewise exposure is initiated again.

In the exemplary embodiment, a cycle of exposure scanning takes place with the direction of movement of the support table being changed twice; therefore, as shown in Fig. 1, the platen can be placed in the middle while the copying is stopped. Furthermore, copies can be generated in a full format corresponding to the housing size, which leads to a compact construction of the device. In addition, the two direction changes are controlled by means of the support table position switch and the pulse counting time control, which eliminates the need to provide a complicated spring mechanism for the change of direction. Furthermore, the reed switch 35 has several functions which will be described later; in this way, any problems caused by the reed switch or space problems that would otherwise result from the compact structure of the device can be avoided.

The time at which the rightward movement or the advance for the exposure is to be ended and the direction of movement is to be changed is accordingly determined by the format of the sheets in the cassette 10 and the format of the manually input sheets from the manual input receptacle 122 .

Some of the foregoing and following execution Examples of the imaging device are also in a copier applicable, the one with a Ge  speed V movable first mirror and one second game movable at a speed V / 2 gel and in which the exposure scanning by the back and forth movement of these mirrors takes place as well also with a copier with roll paper on the length of the format of the template on the support table cut and the cut off in this way Paper is fed automatically, or at a Copier in which the charge pattern on the drum is transferred to a sheet and this sheet ent is wrapped. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments also applicable to a copier, where data is recorded on a sheet net or printed by data from a Template document are different.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the cassette part and manual input part, while Fig. 5 is a plan view of the same. With 15-1 a photo interrupter or a light barrier is designated, which forms a detector 15 for detecting a hand-entered sheet, while 15-2 denotes an actuating part, which can be pivoted by the insertion of the sheet; 50 and 51 are micro switches that can be switched by a cam attached to the cassette when the cassette is inserted into the device housing. When the two switches 50 and 51 are turned off, a signal is generated which indicates the absence of the cassette; when switch 50 is switched on and switch 51 is switched off, a signal is generated which indicates the presence of a cassette for sheets in the half format, namely the A4 or B5 format; when switch 50 turns off and switch 51 is on, a signal is generated indicating the presence of a cassette for sheets in format B4; when both switches 50 and 51 are turned on, a signal is generated which indicates the presence of a cassette for sheets in full format, namely A3 or B4 format. The three different signals for this format are used to determine the exposure stroke or the exposure travel distance of the support table 1 .

In the case of the manually entered sheets, the format B4 counts to the full format, so that two formats are detected by means of the sheet detector 15 , namely the half format and the full format.

Therefore, if many copies are to be made Sheets fed continuously from the cassette the copying cycle with one of the respective Format appropriate running route, namely in minimal Repeated time, which makes for copying necessary time can be reduced. This results in an excellent result in connection with the measure mentioned above, to reduce the Copy time interval for the next sheet Sequence before the end of the expiring sequence to make. If the sheets are fed by hand however, it is rare for the leaves to be continuous be fed; therefore two rows of running Route controls, simplifying the process Control circuit and to reduce errors functions related to format determination leads.

The operating part of the sheet detector 15 is attached to the left edge as shown in FIG. 5. This position corresponds to a tape which is attached outside the imaging surface of the drum for releasing the image receiving paper from the drum after the image transmission. This enables the distinction to be made as to whether or not a hand-fed sheet has been inserted into a predetermined releasable position.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing areas in the vicinity of the image transfer station and the detachment station. 800 is a fixed release tape, while 801 is a pinch roller. A sheet fed from the registration rollers 17 moves so that its left edge comes under the belt 800 , while the sheet contacts the moving drum due to the electrostatic attraction between it and the drum, thereby transferring the toner image to the transfer charger 90 is transferred to the sheet. The sheet with the toner image transferred thereon passes between the roller 18 and the belt 800 while being held down by the roller 801 , and is detached from the drum. If the detector 15 or 16 for detecting a hand-fed sheet is placed at a position corresponding to this band 800 with respect to the direction of movement of the sheet on its path, the insertion of the hand-fed sheet as well as the appropriate one can be done with a single detector Position adjustment of the blade can be accomplished.

Fig. 11 is a partial plan view of the drum, wherein 810 denotes a window for sharp cutting or fading, which prevents the adhesion of toner in the area of the release tape.

During the advance of the delivery table, the light of the original illumination lamp 3 is directed via the window 810 for the sharp cross-fading exposure to that part of the drum which is in contact with the release tape 800 . In this way, the charge on this area is erased, so that the toner does not stick and the separation width area is secured. This area is irradiated with light through a gap in the shutter area and a fixed window, through which the shutter 25 is exposed even when it is closed. Accordingly, the sheet detectors 15 and 16 are attached so that they correspond to the band 800 and the optical path for the sharp cutting or cross-fading ent.

The sheet detector 16 is mounted on the same left edge position as the sheet detector 15 with respect to the photosensitive material. This detector 16 has the following three functions: the first function is to determine the format of a sheet entered by hand; if the detector 16 does not detect a sheet at a predetermined time, the format of the sheet is evaluated as a half format; when the detector 16 detects a sheet at the predetermined time, the format of the sheet is evaluated as a full format. A second function is to make the length of the web from the leading edge of a hand-inserted sheet to the registration rollers equal to the length of the web from the cassette. Further, if the web is relatively long to the registration rollers, the deflection of the sheet caused by the sheet abutting against the registration rollers is not always constant, so that the image transfer registration or alignment sometimes becomes irregular. This can be prevented. That is, when the detector 16 detects a sheet fed by the manual feed rollers 14 , after a predetermined time, these rollers 14 are put out of operation into a waiting state, in which they are prepared for feeding the sheet to the registration rollers. Using a signal from the reed switch 31 , the rollers 14 are put back into operation and begin to feed the sheet to the registration rollers. A third function is to stop the rollers 14 when the detector 16 detects the trailing edge of the sheet, and to prepare for the next sheet.

The operation of the sheet detector 15 , which detects a sheet for the commissioning of the rollers 14 , and of the sheet detector 16 , which detects the sheet for decommissioning the rollers 14 , namely the supplying and waiting preparatively serves to adversely affect to avoid the function of the registration rollers; in particular, it is ensured that the elevation of the loop caused by the abutment of the sheet against the stopped registration rollers or deflection of the sheet is kept rich in a suitable loading area. Accordingly, there is no possibility that the sheet is torn or kinked or jammed. In addition, this is accomplished by means of a single roller, which leads to a simplification and cost reduction in the compact design of the device.

This also applies to the paper feed from the cassette. That is, the paper feed roller 13 is operated by closing the copy switch for a short time to pull a sheet out of the cassette, after which the roller 13 is put on hold. With the reed switch 31 , the sheet thus extracted is started to be transported further until it reaches the registration rollers.

Fig. 13 shows the form of a sheet near the registration rollers 17. The cassette roller 13 has a semicircular cross section and performs a half turn for the prepared feed and a further half turn for the main feed.

Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram of an operation control circuit of the copying machine of Fig. 1. Q1 to Q6 are flip-flops which operate a main motor (which operates the drum 2 , various rollers and the belt 19 ), a clutch for driving the manual input. Control rollers 14 , a clutch for driving the registration rollers 17 , a clutch for driving the cassette roller 13 , a clutch for the return of the support table 1 or a clutch for the advance of the support table 1 . The flip-flops Q1 to Q6 are switched on by an increase in pulse signal at an input S and switched off or reset by an increase in pulse signal at an input R. Q7 is a monostable multivibrator for the standby control of the main engine; the flip-flop generates an output signal with the time limit T ₃ as shown in Fig. 7 after the main switch is closed . Q8 is a flip-flop for distinguishing the manual input mode, the functions of its inputs S and R being the same as those of the flip-flop Q1 with the exception correspond to the fact that no edge triggering occurs on them. Q9 is a timer for driving the manual input rollers 14 ; the timer generates as shown in Fig. 8 for a limit time T _1, an output signal and is operable under the condition that an input signal for the time duration T ₁ has the on-state. That is, the timer Q9 can complete its timer function as long as there is an input signal; it ends its timer function when the input signal is no longer present. Q10 to Q13 are counters which serve to count clock pulses generated by the drum revolution from the time of input of the input signal and to generate an output pulse when the count reaches a predetermined number of counts. The counters Q10 and Q11 serve to determine the switching off of the manual input rollers and the cassette roller, while the counters Q12 and Q13 serve to determine the number of pre-rotations and the number of post-rotations. By means of the aforementioned rotary encoder or rotary encoder N clock pulses DCK (in a predetermined number) are generated for a full rotation of the drum at the same intervals. Q14 is a counter similar to the counters Q10 to Q13, but with which, in the case of the cassette mode, a predetermined number is selected in accordance with the format of the cassette, while in the case of the manual input mode, a predetermined number is selected in accordance with the format of a hand-input sheet is selected in a different operating mode from the cassette operating mode. The counter Q14 is used to control the running distance of the support table. G1 to G12 are AND gates, G13 to G23 are OR gates and INV1 to INV6 are inverters.

Signals M ₁ , MRCl, RGCl, CRCl, FWCl and BWCl are signals which, at level "1", the main motor, the manual input rollers, the registration rollers, the cassette roller, the advance of the support table or the return of the support table put into operation while putting these elements out of operation at level "0"; CLK are clock pulses; BP is a signal for reversing the support table; END is a copy cycle interrupt signal generated by signals STB, CTU, PEP and CEP for the stop button actuation, the number of settings increment, the lack of paper or the lack of the cassette. "MANUAL INPUT" is a signal representing the manual input mode; JAM is a signal that represents a paper inhibition and is generated upon detection of jamming; CTU is the copy counter increment signal, indicating that a preselected number of copies have been completed; SW is a main switch-on switching signal, which is emitted upon the determination of the state of the main switch 39 . PS1 and PS2 are signals which are emitted when a hand-inserted sheet is detected by means of the detector 15 or the detector 16 ; PF and RG are a paper feed signal and a registration signal that are generated when the platen table operates the reed switches 31 and 32 , respectively; CPB and STB are signals which are generated when the copy button or the copy start key switch and the stop key are actuated; SP and HP are signals which are generated when the support table actuates the reed switches 30 and 35 , respectively, and which indicate the support table pre-run starting position and the stopping position. PEP is the signal that is emitted when the emptying of the cassette 10 is determined in an optical manner by means of a lamp 60-1 and a light receiver 60-2 ; CEP is the signal which represents the removal of the cassette 10 and is emitted by the microswitches 50 and 51 which are switched on by means of the cassette. TEP is a signal indicating the absence of toner in the developing device or the developer container 34 and which is emitted when it is determined by means of a toner level detector 61 in the developing device that the level of the toner has dropped below a predetermined level; OVF is a signal which indicates the overflow condition of the toner collected in the collection container 7 and which is emitted when the overflow is detected by means of a level detector 62 . WAIT is a signal which indicates the waiting state and which is emitted by means of a thermistor Th which detects the temperature of the fixing rollers.

The operation will now be described. During the duration of the wait signal generated upon the closing of the main switch 39 , the monostable multivibrator Q7 according to FIG. 6-2 is operated and a main motor signal M _{1 is} emitted for the period T ₃ via the OR gate G26 to bring about the first pre-rotation of the drum. If the copy button is then pressed when the waiting time has expired (WAIT signal WAIT "0") and the standby state is brought about, the flip-flop Q1 is set and the main motor is accordingly switched on to initiate the process sequence.

Cassette mode

Here, no sheet is inserted from the manual input-on measure 12 , so that therefore the detector 15 is switched off and consequently the flip-flop Q8 is switched off; consequently, no manual input signal is emitted, so that the AND gate G1 is blocked and the flip-flop Q2 is not set or switched on; therefore, the manual input rollers 14 are not put into operation.

Assuming that paper and toner are present and there is no overflow, the start signal is entered into the AND gate G2 by pressing the copy button or the copy start key switch via the switching elements G3, G25 and G16. Since the waiting signal WAIT and the inverted manual input signal (which have the level "1") are input to the other inputs of the AND gate G2, the flip-flop Q4 is switched on or set, so that the coupling of the cassette roller 13 is indented. While the counter Q11 performs a predetermined pulse count through the OR gate G17, the roller 13 makes half a revolution and then stops, thereby pulling out substantially one half of a sheet from the cassette and stopping the sheet. In this way, the difference between the period from the start of copying to the image transfer and the period of time required for the movement of the sheet can be corrected, this difference occurring when the drum is small.

In response to the output signal of this flip-flop Q4, the counter Q12 begins to count the clock pulses CLK via the OR gate G22. A predetermined number of counted pulses corresponds essentially to one full revolution of the drum; thereby the flip-flop Q5 is set via the OR gate G24 and emits the signal FWCl, with which the support table is moved to the left. When the support table operates the reed switch 30 , the flip-flop Q5 is reset via the OR gate G19, so that the return clutch is disengaged, while the flip-flop Q6 is set so that it outputs the clutch signal BWCl, which causes the support table to the right is moved to. The image exposure lamp 3 is switched on and controlled in synchronism with the main motor M ₁ , its light quantity being controlled in synchronism with the control by this signal BWCl so that it emits strong light when the signal BWCl is switched on or the level "1 " Has. The reset timing of the flip-flop Q6 to end the first slot exposure is determined by the cassette switches 50 and 51 .

That is, when the switches 50 and 51 have the switching state "1" and "0", the cassette leaves are included in the A4 format, so that the exposure distance is therefore completed at this width and format becomes. That is, the preset number of the counter Q14, which counts the clock pulses and determines the reversing position, is set to n1, which is suitable for the A4 format. In the case of the B4 format, the switches 50 and 51 have the switching states "0" and "1", so that a number n2 is preset which is greater than n1. In the case of the A3 format, the switches 50 and 51 have the switching states "1" and "1", so that the number n3 is preset which is greater than n2. If the switches 50 and 51 both have the switching state "0", the cassette error signal CEP is emitted via the AND gate G5.

The counter Q14 executes the pulse count after the registration switch 32 is closed ; when its count reaches the number n1 to n3 mentioned above, the counter emits the signal BP, thereby resetting the flip-flop Q6 and ending the forward movement or the advance. On the other hand, the flip-flop Q5 is set by the signal BP via the OR gate G24 in order to move the support table to the left; when the support table operates the reed switch 35 , the flip-flop Q5 is reset to end the rewind.

If the switch 31 is now closed during the advance of the support table, the signal PF is applied to the AND gates G1 and G2 and the counter Q11 via the OR gate of the G15, G16 and G17. Since the AND gate G1 is blocked in accordance with the preceding explanations, the flip-flop Q2 is not set; by switching the AND gate G2, however, the paper feed flip-flop Q4 is set again, so that the roller 13 continues to rotate and pulls out the previously pulled sheet. The front edge of the sheet then abuts against the registration rollers 17 , causing a deflection in the sheet. In this way, the sheet can be stopped by means of the registration rollers while observing an appropriate loop or deflection size of the sheet, which eliminates the need to take into account the interval between the paper feed roller and the registration rollers in a complicated manner, as well as the need it is not necessary to provide any special device in the web, which contributes to the compact construction of the machine. Furthermore, the deflection can be selected in a suitable manner and constantly, whereby both disturbances or inhibitions of sheets are reduced and a constant and accurate registration between the drum image and the sheet is achieved by means of the registration rollers 17 . This measure is also taken in manual input (described later).

Then, by closing the registration switch 32, the flip-flop Q3 is set, so that the rollers 17 are driven. The rollers 17 continue to rotate until the start or exit switch 30 is closed the next time.

In the case of a preselected number of multiple copies, the AND gate G10 is not switched through even when a process cycle has been completed; therefore, the flip-flop Q3 is not reset even when the stop switch 35 is closed, so that the return is continued until the reset of the flip-flop Q5 by the closing of the output switch 30 , whereupon the return is ended. At the same time, the flip-flop Q6 is set again, thereby initiating the second pre-exposure. The AND gate G10 is turned on by a signal END, which is formed by the signal STB from the stop button 41 , the paper shortage signal PEP, the cassette shortage signal CEP and a signal CTU, which indicates that the preselected number of Copies have been completed. Accordingly, the AND gate G10 controls the output of a signal HP so that the scan is repeated until the preselected number of copy cycles is completed, until an interrupt command is issued from the stop key, or until there is a shortage of paper. With the signal HP, the flip-flop Q4 is set via the switching elements G4, G25, G16 and G2 in order to thereby feed the second and the following sheets. If only one copy is desired, the count-up signal CTU is output, so that the flip-flop Q4 is not set even when this signal HP is detected. Likewise, even if the platen begins to move when the copy button is pressed and the switch 35 is operated, the flip-flop Q4 is not set.

Manual input mode

The manual input or manual feed mode is described in detail below. The operator places a sheet on the receptacle 12 and pushes it towards the rollers 14 . First, the detector 15 determines whether the sheet is appropriately inserted or not. When the signal PS1 is generated, the timer Q9 is switched to initiate the time limit T ₁ . Before this time T ₁ , the direction of the sheet can be corrected and the sheet can be pushed against the stopped rollers 14 , so that it is essentially at right angles to the rollers 14 . That is, for a certain time after the sheet is inserted, the position of the sheet can be corrected to prevent it from jamming, which would otherwise be caused by the oblique movement of the sheet after being fed.

When the time T _{1 has} elapsed, the flip-flop Q2 is set via the switching elements G15 and G1. Fer ner is set via the switching element or AND gate G27, the flip-flop Q1. The "manual input" input signal at the AND gate G1 is "1" because the flip-flop Q8 is set by means of the switch or detector 15 . Further, since the AND gate G2 is locked by the inverter INV2, the cassette roller 13 is prevented from being driven even when the signal PF is generated. The drum is circulated by means of the flip-flop Q1, while the manual input rollers 14 are circulated by means of the flip-flop Q2 to insert the sheet into the device. The sheet arrives at the detector 16 arranged behind the rollers 14 . The detector then generates the signal PS2, whereby the counter Q10 begins to count. When the timer duration T _{2 has} elapsed and the counting has expired, the flip-flop Q2 is reset via the OR gate G23, so that the rollers 14 are stopped, which in this way puts the waiting state for the next paper transport step will. This corresponds to prepare the paper feeding from the cassette in the cassette-Be triebsart, wherein this preliminary paper feeding is performed in the manner described above, when inde pendent of the flow or return of the support table 1 of the detector 15 a manually inserted sheet ermit telt.

Upon actuation of the rollers 14 , the pre-rotation counter Q12 is also put into operation via the OR gate G22, after which the flip-flop Q5 is set after a predetermined rotation in order to close the support table to the left, as in the case of the cassette operating mode move; if the support table abuts the start or exit switch 30 , the advance movement for the exposure is initiated.

In this way, a copy cycle can be initiated without closing the copy switch 40 in the manual input mode, which facilitates operation.

If the switch 31 is closed during the advance movement for the exposure, the flip-flop Q2 is again set via the switching elements G15 and G1 to drive the rollers 14 , which in this way transport the sheet further so that it abuts against the registration rollers. When the next switch 32 is closed, the flip-flop Q3 is set to drive the registration rollers 17 , as in the cassette mode, thereby conveying the sheet to the image transfer station.

When the sheet leaves the detector 16 , the flip-flop Q2 is reset via the inverter INV1 and the OR gate G23, thereby stopping the manual input rollers 14 from rotating. This is in preparation for feeding the next sheet.

In manual entry mode, copying can even started or restarted, if there is a paper out signal, a toner out signal or an overflow signal is generated. At hand mode of operation will be at most a few copy sheets generated continuously so that even then none adverse effect on the image or the device results when signals TEP and OVF with level "1" be generated. Consequently, with this procedure, value becomes to simplify operation. It is however, it is also possible to carry out the control in such a way that with a signal TEP or OVF with the level "1" that Initiation of copying (for the first sheet) approved However, the subsequent restart is missed is prevented, or that the copying from the beginning lig is impossible.  

Even if the sheet is currently removed from the detector 15 during the time period T ₁ determined by means of the timer Q9, the timer function can continue, which largely prevents an oblique movement of the sheet.

The detectors 15 and 16 are arranged to relate to the separation of the sheets; they can therefore also serve to bring the sheets into the correct position, it also being possible to copy onto narrow sheets such as postcards or the like at a suitable location.

The reversal of the support table in the case of manual input is described in detail below. According to FIG. 6, the signal PS2 are of the sheet detector 16 and a signal x for a predetermined count from the counter is Q14 applies the inputs of the AND gate G6. That is, the counter Q14 judges the sheet size as a large size (full size) such as A3 or B4 if there is a predetermined number of pulses after the start of the count from the registration signal RG to the sheet at the rear detector 16 , and as a small format (half format) like A4 if the sheet is not available; this results in a division of the scanning stroke or the scanning travel distance. That is, when the signal x is "1" and the signal "1" is applied to the AND gate G6 by the level "0" of the signal PS2, the number n1 is preset in the counter Q14 via the inverter INV4. If the detector 16 detects another sheet at the level "1" of the signal x, the signal "0" is applied to the AND gate G6, so that the number n3 is preset. Accordingly, in the case of manual input, the counter continues to count according to the value for the signal x to n ₃ or n _{1 in} accordance with the full format or the half format and in this way emits an inverse signal BP. Furthermore, if a manual input is made during the rewind, the output signal of the inverter INV2 becomes "0", so that the output of the output signal of the AND gate G10 is terminated and, consequently, the switch 35 does not stop the support table, but rather continues the cycle becomes.

It is important here that, since the sheet has already been transported to the registration rollers 17 , the timing signal x with which the sheet detector 16 is interrogated corresponds to a number of pulses which is smaller than the number n ₁ for the A4 format and that a time control is also caused before the end of the running route corresponding to the A4 format.

In this way, the format data on the hand-entered sheets in sequence in the Interval between the process flow controls be assessed without this data being based on any Be entered in advance; this contributes to the Sequence control and simplifies the circuit arrangement nung.

In cassette mode or continuous Lichen multiple copy operation, it is desirable that Speed to the extreme and the Running routes according to the different copy choose formats; therefore, according to the explanations made three different presets; the opposite is in the manual input mode desired number of copies at most a few sheets, so that two different types of running routes are sufficient. In this way the type of control simplified as much as possible when entering manually  Reduce interference to a large extent.

A copy interrupt command in the cartridge mode will now be described. A restart by means of the copy key is prevented by the signals PEP, TEP, CEP and OVF. Before the completion of a multiple copying operation, the OR gate G18 outputs an END signal based on the STB signal, the PEP signal or the CEP signal, as a result of which the AND gate G4 is blocked and a subsequent preparatory operation of the paper feed roller 13 is prevented. Accordingly, the multiple copying process is interrupted. In the event of an interruption using the stop button, copying is restarted by switching on the copy button. With the signals TEP and OVF, the multiple copying process is not interrupted, but brought to a conclusion.

It is also possible to set the query time or measuring time of the detector 16 in the manual input mode in x ₁ . . . split x _n to execute the query, thereby performing the various route controls; it is also possible to select a preset number in the counter Q14 which is different from the number in the cassette operating mode.

If a sheet from the cassette or one by hand entered sheet is stuck, the fault or Inhibition signal JAM to the R inputs of flip-flops Q1 through Q6 and Q8 to all clutches and the Turn off the main engine without completing the Process flow to wait.

The flip-flop Q8 for the selection of the manual input mode is reset by the reversing signal BP or the inhibition signal JAM. Furthermore, during the time during which the support table runs back after completion of the exposure, the manual input or the sheet can be extracted from the cassette by means of the copy button 40 , in order to enable the copying to be started again quickly. The fact that the timer Q9 is triggered by the AND combination of the inverted toner deficiency signal from the AND gate G21 and the detection signal PS1, the manual input copying can be blocked if the signals OVF and TEP have the level "1".

As described above, when the manual input copying is started, the set output of the flip-flop Q8 inhibits the setting of the flip-flop Q4 driving the cassette roller 13 , so that even when the copy button 40 is pressed, the cassette mode is set cannot be initiated. However, when the manual input mode exposure is completed, the flip-flop Q8 is reset by the signal BP, whereby the lock of the flip-flop Q4 is released. Accordingly, the sheet can be picked up from the cassette by means of the copy button 40 before the support table comes into its rest position. As a result, the mode change can be brought about a little earlier.

Further, if a sheet is inserted by hand during the repeated copying in the cassette mode, the setting of the flip-flop Q4 is inhibited and the flip-flop Q2 is set, so that the cassette mode copying is interrupted and the manual input copying is performed with priority . When the copy key 40 is pressed again after the completion of the manual input copying, the remaining number of copies is completed.

During the time of repeated copying in the Cassette mode, it is also possible to hand gave lock until the signal BP for the last copy is produced; this can be done by creating another Signal to the AND gate G2 are accomplished.

Claims (1)

Electrophotographic imaging device with
a slot for manual insertion of individual sheets of image receiving material,
a detector device arranged on the insertion compartment for detecting a manually inserted sheet,
a sheet conveying device arranged in the sheet insertion direction behind the detector, with which the inserted sheet is drawn into the device and conveyed to an electrophotographic imaging station,
a control device which controls the paper feed by the sheet conveying device and the triggering of an image forming process,
characterized in that
the control device has a timer that starts counting a predetermined time period when the detector device detects a manually inserted sheet,
the control device continuously checks the presence of a sheet in a drawer during the entire time period specified by the timer by means of the detector device and automatically only the sheet conveying device and the image-forming process starts when there is a sheet for the entire specified time period after the time period has elapsed, while it during a while the predetermined period of time occurring signal of the detector device, which indicates the removal of the sheet from the slot, the timer function ends without triggering the sheet conveyor and the image forming process.