JP2632904B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a mode for feeding a specific recording sheet as a cover.

(Prior art)

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus operable in a mode in which a specific sheet is inserted for each number of documents or a unit number or a copy is performed on a specific sheet (hereinafter referred to as a cover mode). This mode is a mode in which, for example, a cover portion is copied for each document using a sheet of a different color or an extra sheet of a different color is inserted as a partition sheet.

If there is no more paper in the currently selected cassette during operation, a cassette having paper of the same size is checked, and if there is, the mode is automatically switched to that cassette and the copy operation is continued (hereinafter referred to as ACC mode). ) Is also known.

When both the cover mode and the ACC mode are selected, if there is no transfer paper in the cassette, the auto cassette change function is activated.If there is a cassette of the same size, that cassette is selected and the copy operation is performed. However, if the selected cassette is a specific cassette for the cover mode, the operation is contrary to the intention of the operator, and a problem occurs.

〔Purpose〕

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing a proper switching operation of a storage unit even when a cover mode is selected.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of an embodiment of a copying apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a copying apparatus main body; 200, a pedestal having a double-side processing function for turning over a recording medium (paper) during double-sided recording and a multiplex recording function for performing multiple recordings on the same recording medium; Is a recirculating document feeder (hereinafter referred to as RDF) for automatically feeding documents, and 400 is a sorter (hereinafter referred to as a sorter) for storing recorded paper in a plurality of pins.
Each of the devices 0 to 500 can be freely used in combination with the main body 100.

A. Main unit (100) In the main unit 100, 101 is a platen glass on which an original is placed, 103 is an illumination lamp (exposure lamp) for illuminating the original, 1
Reference numerals 05, 107 and 109 denote scanning reflection mirrors (scanning mirrors) for changing the optical path of the reflected light of the document, 111 denotes a lens having focusing and zooming functions, and 113 denotes a fourth reflection mirror (scanning mirror) for changing the optical path. . Reference numeral 115 denotes an optical system motor that drives the optical system, and 117, 119, and 121 denote sensors.

131 is a photosensitive drum, 133 is a main motor for driving the photosensitive drum 131, 135 is a high-pressure unit, 137 is a blank exposure unit, 139 is a developing unit, 140 is a developing roller, 141 is a transfer charger, 143 is a separation charger, and 145 is a cleaning device.

151 is an upper cassette, 153 is a lower cassette, 171 is a manual paper feed port, 155 and 157 are paper feed rollers, and 159 is a registration roller. Reference numeral 161 denotes a conveyance belt for conveying the recording paper on which the image has been recorded to the fixing side; 163, a fixing device for fixing the conveyed recording paper by thermocompression; and 167, a sensor used for double-sided recording.

The surface of the photosensitive drum 131 is made of a photoconductor and a seamless photosensitive member using a conductor. The drum 131 is rotatably supported by a shaft, and operates in response to pressing of a copy start key described later. The rotation is started by the motor 133 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Next, when the predetermined rotation control and potential control processing (preprocessing) of the drum 131 is completed, the original placed on the original platen glass 101 is illuminated by the illumination lamp 103 integrated with the first scanning mirror 105, The reflected light of the original is supplied to a first scanning mirror 105, a second scanning mirror 107, a third scanning mirror 109, a lens 111, and a fourth scanning mirror 11
The image is formed on the drum 131 via 3.

The drum 131 is corona-charged by the high-pressure unit 135. Thereafter, the image (original image) irradiated by the illumination lamp 103 is subjected to slit exposure, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the drum 131 by a known Carlson method.

Next, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 131 is developed by the developing roller 140 of the developing device 139, visualized as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred onto a transfer sheet by the transfer charger 141 as described later. .

That is, the upper cassette 151 or the lower cassette 153
The transfer paper in the printer or the transfer paper set in the manual paper feed port 171 is fed into the main unit by the feed rollers 155 or 157, and is sent to the photosensitive drum 131 at an accurate timing by the registration roller 159, and the latent image is transferred. The leading edge of the image coincides with the leading edge of the transfer paper. Thereafter, when the transfer paper passes between the transfer charger 141 and the drum 131, the drum 1
The toner image on 31 is transferred onto the transfer paper. After completion of the transfer, the transfer paper is separated from the drum 131 by the separation charger 143, guided to the fixing device 163 by the transport belt 161 and fixed by pressure and heat, and then discharged out of the main body 100 by the discharge roller 165. Is done.

After the transfer, the drum 131 continues to rotate, and the surface thereof is cleaned by a cleaning device 145 including a cleaning roller and an elastic blade.

B. Pedestal (200) The pedestal 200 is detachable from the main body 100, and has a deck 201 and a double-sided copy intermediate tray 203 capable of storing 2,000 sheets of transfer paper. Also, its 2,0
The lifter 205 of the deck 201 capable of storing 00 sheets
It rises according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always comes into contact with 7.

Also, reference numeral 211 denotes a discharge flapper for switching the path between the double-side recording side or multiple recording side and the discharge side path, 213 and 215 the conveyance paths of the conveyance belt, and 217 an intermediate tray weight for holding the transfer paper. 211, and transport paths 213,215
The transfer paper that has passed through is turned over, and an intermediate tray for duplex copying
Stored in 203. Reference numeral 219 denotes a multiplex flapper for switching the path between double-sided recording and multiplex recording. The flapper 219 is disposed between the conveyance paths 213 and 215, and guides the transfer paper to the multiplex recording conveyance path 211 by rotating upward. A multi-discharge sensor 223 detects the end of the transfer paper passing through the multi-flapper 219. Reference numeral 225 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the drum 131 through the path 227. Reference numeral 229 denotes a discharge roller for discharging the transfer paper outside the apparatus.

At the time of double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiple recording (multiplexed copying), first, the discharge flapper 211 of the main body 100 is raised upward, and the copied transfer paper is stored in the intermediate tray 203 via the conveyance paths 213 and 215 of the pedestal 200. I do. At this time, the multiple flapper 219 is lowered during double-sided recording, and the multiple flapper 219 is raised during multiple recording. The intermediate tray 203 can store, for example, up to 99 copy sheets. The transfer paper stored in the intermediate tray 203 is pressed by the intermediate tray weight 217.

At the time of the next backside recording or multiplex recording, the transfer paper stored in the intermediate tray 203 is transferred from the bottom of the main body 100 via the path 227 by the action of the sheet feeding roller 225 and the weight 217 one by one from below. It is guided to the roller 159.

C. RDF (Circulating Document Feeding Device) (300) In the RDF 300, reference numeral 301 denotes a stacking tray for setting a document bundle 302. First, when a single-sided document is used, a half-moon roller 304 and a separation roller 303 start from the bottom of the document bundle. The sheet is separated one by one, conveyed to the exposure position of the platen glass 101 by the conveying roller 305 and the entire belt 306 via the paths I to II, stopped, and the copying operation is started. After the copying is completed, the sheet is sent to the path V by the large conveying roller 307 via the path III, and is returned to the upper surface of the original bundle 302 again by the sheet discharging roller 308. Reference numeral 309 denotes a recycle lever for detecting one cycle of the document. The recycle lever is placed on the upper portion of the document bundle at the start of document feeding, the documents are sequentially fed, and the trailing edge of the final document drops by its own weight when it passes through the recycle lever 309. Thus, one cycle of the document is detected.

Next, when a two-sided original is used, the original is once guided from paths I and II to III as described above, and the leading end of the original is guided to path IV by switching the rotatable switching flapper 310. Through the entire belt 306 with the platen glass 101
Stop after transporting up. In other words, the document is reversed by the route of the paths III to IV to II by the large conveying roller 307.

By transporting the document bundle 302 one by one through the paths I to II to III to IV to VI until the recycle lever 309 detects the circulation, the number of documents can be counted.

D. Sorter (sorting device) (400) The sorter (400) has a tray of 25 bins and sorts recorded paper. The copied sheet is sequentially discharged from the discharge rollers 229 of the main body and enters the transport roller 401 of the sorter.
The paper is discharged from the discharge roller 405 to each bin 411 via the path 403. For example, in the sort mode, the bins are raised by a bin shift motor (not shown) so that sheets are discharged to each bin, and collation is performed.

FIG. 2 shows an example of an arrangement configuration of an operation panel provided on the main body 100 described above. The operation panel has a key group as described below.
600 and a display group 700.

F. Key Group (600) In FIG. 2, reference numeral 601 denotes an asterisk (*) key, which is used when an operator (user) is in a setting mode such as setting a binding margin amount or setting a size for erasing a document frame. .
Reference numeral 606 denotes an all reset key, which is pressed to return to the standard mode. Reference numeral 602 denotes a preheating key, which is pressed when the machine of the main body 100 is set to the preheating state and when the preheating state is released. This key 602 is also pressed when returning from the auto-shutter-off state to the standard mode.

605 is a copy start key (copy start key),
Press to start copying.

A clear / stop key 604 has a clear key function during standby and a stop key function during copy recording. This clear key is pressed to cancel the set number of copies. Also used to cancel * (asterisk) mode. The stop key is pressed to interrupt continuous copying. After the copying at the time of pressing is completed, the copying operation is stopped.

A numeric keypad 603 is pressed to set the number of copies. Also used to set * (asterisk) mode. A memory key 619 is used to register a mode frequently used by the user. Here, M1 to M4
You can register on the street.

Reference numerals 611 and 612 denote copy density keys, which are pressed when the copy density is manually adjusted. 613 is an AE key for automatically adjusting the copy density according to the density of the original, or
Press to cancel AE (automatic density adjustment) and switch the density adjustment to manual (manual). Reference numeral 607 denotes a cassette selection key, which is pressed to select the upper cassette 151, the middle cassette 153, and the lower paper deck 201. Also, RDF300
When the original is loaded on the
(Automatic paper cassette selection) can be selected. When APS is selected, a cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected.

Reference numeral 610 denotes a 1: 1 key, which is pressed when making a 1: 1 (original) copy. An automatic scaling key 616 is pressed when automatically reducing or enlarging the image of the document according to the designated size of the transfer paper. 617 and 618 are zoom keys, 64
Press to specify any magnification between ~ 142%. Reference numerals 608 and 609 are fixed-size scaling keys, which are pressed when designating reduction / enlargement of the fixed-size.

A double-sided key 626 is pressed to make a two-sided copy from a one-sided original, a two-sided copy from a two-sided original, or a one-sided copy from a two-sided original. A binding margin key 625 can create a binding margin of a designated length on the left side of the transfer paper. A photo key 624 is pressed when copying a photo document. 623
Is a multiplex key, which is pressed when an image is created (combined) on the same side of the transfer paper from two originals.

Reference numeral 620 denotes a document frame erase key, which is pressed when the user erases a frame of a standard size document, and the size of the document at that time is set by an asterisk key 601.

Reference numeral 621 denotes a sheet frame erasing key, which is pressed when erasing a document frame in accordance with the size of a cassette.

Reference numeral 622 denotes a continuous page copy key, and the left and right pages of the document are
Press to copy each sheet separately.

Reference numeral 614 denotes a paper discharge method (staple, sort, group) selection key. When a stapler capable of stapling the recorded paper is connected, the stapling mode and the sort mode can be selected or canceled. When a tray (sorter) is connected, a sort mode or a group mode can be selected or canceled.

A paper folding selection key 615 allows selection and cancellation of Z-folding, which folds A3 or B4 size recorded paper into a Z-shaped cross section, and half-folding, which folds A3 or B4 size recorded paper in half.

G. Display Group (700) In FIG. 2, reference numeral 701 denotes an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display for displaying information related to copying, for example, one character at 5 × 7 dots, and a message of 40 characters. The copy magnification set by the fixed-size scaling keys 608 and 609, the equal-size key 610, and the zoom keys 617 and 618 can be displayed. The display 701 is a semi-transmissive liquid crystal and uses two colors for the backlight. Normally, a green backlight is turned on, and an orange backlight is turned on in an abnormal state or in a copying impossible state.

Reference numeral 706 denotes an equal-magnification display, which lights when the equal-magnification is selected. Reference numeral 703 denotes a color developing device display, which lights when the sepia developing device is set. A copy number display 702 displays the copy number or a self-diagnosis code. Reference numeral 705 denotes a used cassette display, which indicates whether any of the upper cassette 151, the middle cassette 153, and the lower deck 201 has been selected.

Reference numeral 704 denotes an AE display, which lights when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected with the AE key 613. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheating indicator, which lights up in a preheating state. When in the auto-shutter-off state, the display 709 blinks. 707 is a ready / weight indicator, two colors green and orange
The LED is green when ready (when copying is possible) and orange when waiting (when copying is not possible).

Reference numeral 708 denotes a double-sided copy display which is turned on when one of double-sided copying from a double-sided original and double-sided copying from a single-sided original is selected.

When the RDF300 is used in the standard mode, the setting is one copy, density AE mode, auto paper selection, same size, and one-sided original to one-sided copy. In the standard mode when the RDF300 is not used, the number of copies is one, the density manual mode,
One-sided original to one-sided copy is set. RDF3
The difference between the use of 00 and the use of taste is determined by whether or not the original is set in the RDF 300.

A power lamp 710 is turned on when the power switch is turned on.

Next, the asterisk mode will be described with reference to Table 1.

First, each time the asterisk key 601 is pressed, menu messages in the asterisk mode are sequentially displayed on the message display 701. There are 10 types of asterisk mode, including copy mode storage, binding margin setting, document frame erasing size setting, automatic setting of scaling, document loading, auto clear setting, charger cleaning, date and time Setting,
You can set the cover mode and auto original count mode.

To remember the copy mode, first use the asterisk key
Before pressing 601, a copy mode to be stored such as the number of copies and density is set. Then asterisk key 60
By pressing 1 and then the memory key 619 and pressing the asterisk key 601 again, the preset copy mode is stored. This copy mode can be called by pressing the memory key 619.

To set the binding margin, first set the asterisk key 601
Press, enter the number indicated in the section on setting the binding margin width of the menu using the numeric keypad 604, and press the asterisk key 601 to enter the binding margin width setting mode. When the number of the desired margin width is input using the numeric keypad 604 according to the message and the asterisk key 601 is pressed, the margin width is set. When creating the binding margin, the width set here is used.

To set the original frame erasing size, first, the mode is set to the original frame erasing setting mode using the asterisk key 601 and the numeric keypad 604 in the same manner as the setting of the binding margin width. Then, the desired size is displayed on the message display 701 using the designated zoom keys 617 and 618.
Asterisk key 60 when desired size is displayed
Press 1 to register the size.

In order to automatically set the magnification, first, an asterisk key 601 and a numeric keypad 604 are used to enter an automatic magnification setting mode in the same manner as the setting of the binding margin width. Follow the instructions on the message to set the original size and the desired size
Input with 601 and numeric keypad 604. Expand from two values /
The scaling factor of the reduction is calculated and set.

When it is desired to mix different document sizes, the user first enters the mixed document setting mode using the asterisk key 601 and the numeric keypad 604 in the same manner as the setting of the margin width. Therefore, whether to mix the originals or to prohibit the mixed loading is input and set by the designated key.

Automatically returns to standard mode when no operation is performed after copying or key operation (auto clear)
To set the time until the machine finishes or to stop the auto clear function, first set the asterisk key
Using the numeric keypad 601 and the numeric keypad 604, the mode of the automatic clear setting is entered. The setting is made by designating a desired time with a numeric keypad or inputting a number for stopping the function, and pressing an asterisk key 601.

In order to perform cleaning of the charger, the asterisk key 601 and the numeric keypad 604 are used to enter the charger cleaning mode, similarly to the setting of the binding margin width. When the designated key is pressed, cleaning of the charger is started.

To set the date and time, enter the date and time setting mode using the asterisk key 601 and numeric keypad 604 in the same manner as the binding margin setting. Here, the date and time are input by the input method designated using the numeric keypad 604 and the asterisk key 601, and when the asterisk key 601 is finally pressed, the input date and time are set.

To set the cover mode, the user first enters the cover mode setting mode using the asterisk key 601 and the numeric keypad 604 in the same manner as the setting of the binding margin width. By the specified key,
The user selects a mode for copying on the cover and a mode for attaching a cover not to be copied on the cover, and presses an asterisk key 601 to set the mode. The set cover mode is cleared by pressing the reset key 606, an auto clear function, and turning off the power.

To set the document auto count mode, first set the asterisk key 601 and numeric keypad 604 in the same way as the binding margin setting.
To enter the document auto count mode setting mode.
The document auto-count mode is a mode for automatically counting the number of documents set in the RDF. Here, whether to count automatically or not is set by inputting a designated key.

H. Controller (800) FIG. 3 shows an example of a circuit configuration of the controller 800 of the embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 801 denotes a central processing unit (CPU) for performing arithmetic control for executing the present invention.
A microcomputer V50 manufactured by EC (NEC Corporation) is used. Reference numeral 803 denotes a read-only memory (ROM) in which a control procedure (control program) as shown in FIG. 5 according to the present invention is stored in advance, and the CPU 801 is connected via a bus according to the control procedure stored in the ROM. Controls each component device. Reference numeral 805 denotes a random access memory (RAM) which is a main storage device used for storing input data, a work storage area, and the like.

Reference numeral 807 denotes an interface (I / O) for outputting a CPU 801 control signal to a load such as the main motor 133, and 809 denotes an image sensor 121.
Reference numeral 811 denotes an interface for input / output control of the key group 600 and the display group 700 by inputting an input signal such as an input signal to the CPU 801. These interfaces 807, 809, 811 are, for example, NEC input / output circuit ports μPD82.
Use 55.

The display group 700 is each of the display units shown in FIG. 3, and uses LEDs and LCDs. A key group 600 is each key shown in FIG. 3, and the CPU 801 can determine which key has been pressed by a known key matrix.

Next, a specific example of the copying operation when the cover mode is selected will be described.

This shows a mode in which a plurality of copies are made from a plurality of originals using RDF, and the last sheet is fed from a specific cassette as a cover of each copy. In this embodiment, the cover sheet is stored in the upper cassette 151.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the main routine of this operation.

First, the process waits until the copy key 605 is pressed (step 4-1). When the copy key 605 is pressed, a document feed request is issued to the RDF 300, and the document is placed on the platen glass 101.
Wait for it to be fed up (Step 4-2). After the original is fed, it is determined whether the fed original is the last original (step 4-3). If the original is the last original, the cassette to be fed is switched to the upper cassette 151 which is a specific cassette for the cover mode. (Step 4-4). Then, the presence or absence of a sheet in the currently selected cassette 153 or deck 201 is determined (step 4-5) (this sheet presence / absence detection routine will be described in the next section). Thereafter, a copy operation for the set number of copies is performed (step 4-6). After the copy for the set number of copies is completed, it is determined whether there is an original to be fed next, that is, whether the original is the final original (step 4-7). If it is not the last document, the process returns to step 4-2 to repeat a series of operations.

The determination as to whether the document is the final document is made by the recycle lever 309.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a flowchart for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the currently selected cassette.

First, it is determined whether there is paper in the currently selected cassette or deck (step 5-1). If there is paper, the process returns to the main routine. If there is no paper, the ACC (auto cassette change) mode is used. Is determined, that is, whether it is valid (step 5-2). If it is valid, the following auto cassette change function is operated, and if it is invalid (step 5-6). The following paper-out processing is performed.

The auto cassette change function is a function for automatically switching to a cassette or deck having the same paper size when paper in the currently selected cassette or deck runs out.

(Step 5-2) Auto cassette change
If it is the mode, it is determined whether or not a cassette or deck of the same size exists (step 5-3). If it does not exist (step 5-6), the paper-less process after step 5-6. It is determined whether or not the cassette is a specific cassette for use (step 5-4). If the cassette is a specific cassette, the automatic cassette change function of the present invention is prohibited, and the paper-out process after (step 5-6) is performed. If it is not a cassette, the same size cassette or deck is selected (step 5-5), and the process returns to step 5-1 for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the cassette or deck.

Next, the process after the absence of paper (step 5-6) and the subsequent steps will be described.

When there is no paper, an out-of-paper display is displayed on the operation panel so that the operator can recognize that there is no paper (step 5-6), and waits for paper to be supplied to the currently selected cassette or deck (step 5-6). ), When the paper is supplied, the process returns to the main routine.

The flow chart relating to the auto cassette change function in the cover mode has been described above. In this embodiment, the cover mode is described as the last sheet for each number of originals. The same can be said for a mode in which copying is performed on paper.

(Effect)

As described above, according to the present invention, the inconvenience that the auto cassette change function operates in the cover mode to select the cover mode specific cassette can be solved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 shows a circuit configuration of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a main flowchart of the operation of this embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a subroutine for detecting no paper in this embodiment. 100 Copier body 200 Pedestal 300 RDF 400 Sorter 600 Key group 700 Display group 800 Controller

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takeshi Honjo 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hideki Adachi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon (72) Inventor Toshiya Kanazawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-61-130140 (JP, A) JP-A-60-67344 (JP) , A) JP-A-59-190139 (JP, A)

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of storage means for storing a recording sheet, including a specific storage means for storing a specific recording sheet, and an image forming an image on a recording sheet fed from one of the plurality of storage means. When the recording unit of the selected storage unit runs out during the image forming operation, the other storage unit including the specific storage unit is automatically selected, the recording sheet is fed therefrom, and the image forming operation is continued. And a first selecting means for manually selecting a first mode to be performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A second selecting means for manually selecting a second mode for feeding the sheet, and, if the second mode is selected even if the first mode is selected, the recording sheet of the selected storage means is subjected to image formation. Not inside What is also an image forming apparatus characterized by and a control means for prohibiting the automatic selection of the specific storage unit.