JP2923119B2 - Copier - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the control of a motor for driving a photoreceptor in a copying machine, and more particularly, to the control of the rotation start timing of the motor in accordance with the time required for document transport and paper transport. And a copying machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some conventional copying machines include an automatic document feeder for automatically feeding a plurality of documents to be copied to an optical scanning table. In general, this type of copying machine can continuously copy a plurality of documents by using an automatic document feeder, while placing the documents one by one on an optical scanning table without using the automatic document feeder. Can be copied.

In such a copying machine, as shown in FIG. 7, in a normal mode in which an original is placed on an optical scanning table and copying is performed, when a print button is turned on and a copy start is instructed, after a predetermined time t _7, the motor that drives the photoreceptor copying to time t ₈ only oN in response to the number of copies (rotation) is performed. The automatic document feeder, for example, in the case of RDH mode for copying by using a circulating document feeder, motor also time t ₇ after the ON of the print button is copied to ON for the time t ₉ is performed.

Some conventional copiers include a paper feeder that stores a plurality of sheets to be used for copying and supplies the sheets to a photoconductor. In particular, some large-sized copiers include a plurality of paper feeding devices at the bottom of the main body so that paper of various sizes can be fed.

In such a copying machine having, for example, two paper feeding trays as paper feeding devices, as shown in FIG. 8, a tray 1 for copying by feeding paper from one paper feeding tray is used.
In the mode, the print button is turned on for a certain period of time t ₁₀
Time t ₁₁ only ON in response to the above motor number of copies after
The copying is performed. Further, in the case of the tray 2 mode in which copying is performed by paper feeding from the other paper feeding tray, the motor is operated at time t ₁₂ after time t ₁₁ from turning on the print button.
ON only to perform copying.

[0006]

In the copying machine having the former automatic document feeder, when copying in the RDH mode, the start of exposure is delayed due to the time required to transfer the document to the optical scanning table. Become. However, in this copying machine, as shown in FIG. 7, since the rotation start timing of the motor is constant, the photoconductor is driven to rotate despite the delay of the start of exposure. In this case, there is a problem that the rotation time of the motor tends to be prolonged, and the life of components in contact with the photoconductor, for example, the cleaning blade of the cleaning device is shortened. Such a problem becomes more remarkable as the use frequency of the automatic document feeder increases. And
As a result, the intervals at which the above components are replaced become shorter, which leads to an increase in maintenance costs and the like.

On the other hand, in the latter copier equipped with a plurality of paper feeding devices, as shown in FIG. 8, although the transport path to the photosensitive member differs for each paper feeding device and the time required for paper feeding differs. In addition, since the rotation start time of the motor is constant, the rotation time of the photosensitive member becomes uneven, and the life of components such as the cleaning blade is varied, thereby lowering the maintainability. In particular, when copying is performed using a paper feeding device having a long conveyance path to the photoconductor, the time required for paper feeding becomes longer, and the photoconductor is additionally rotated despite the delay of the copying timing. Will be. In this case, the higher the frequency of use of the above-described paper feeding device, the shorter the life of the components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the rotation timing of a motor for driving a photoreceptor is changed in accordance with the time required to transport a document and a paper.
The purpose is to extend the life of components that come into contact with the photoconductor. Furthermore, the present invention is applicable to the conveyance of originals and paper.
Even if the required time is different, the rotation time of the photoconductor
The life of parts that come into contact with the photoreceptor
And maintainability is improved.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a copying machine comprising: a photoreceptor rotatably driven by a motor; and a document conveying device for conveying a document to an optical scanning table. In order to solve the above problems, the following means are taken.

That is, the copying machine starts the copying operation.
Start instructing means for instructing
The document is placed directly on the optical scanning table after copying
The document is transported by the document transport device
Determining means for determining whether copying is performed;
The rotation of the motor starts when the original is conveyed by the original conveying device and copying is performed based on the determination result of the setting means.
When the original is placed directly on the optical scanning table, copying is performed.
A predetermined time after the start of rotation of the motor
Only the time delayed from the instruction time by the start instruction means
Rotation start control means, the rotation time of the photoconductor when copying is performed by transporting the original by the original transport device, and the photosensitive time when copying is performed by directly placing the original on the optical scanning table. The rotation time of the body is substantially the same as the rotation time.

A copying machine according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises:
A photoreceptor rotated by a motor and an optical scanning table
To start the copy operation
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a copying machine provided with a start instructing means is characterized in that the following means are taken.

That is, in the copying machine, after the instruction by the start instruction means, whether the original is directly placed on the optical scanning table to perform the copying, or whether the original is transported by the original transport device and the copying is performed. When the original is directly placed on the optical scanning table and copying is performed based on the determination result of the determination unit, the rotation start timing of the motor is set to the start instruction unit by the time T1. In the case where the document is conveyed by the document conveying device and copying is performed after the instruction timing, the rotation start timing of the motor is delayed from the instruction timing by the start instruction means by a time T2 longer than the time T1. Rotation start control means, and the original is conveyed by the
The rotation time of the photoreceptor when taking a picture and the optical scanning table
When the original is placed directly on
The rotation time of the body is set to be approximately the same rotation time.
I do.

[0013]

In the copying machine according to the first aspect of the invention, when copying is performed using the document transport device, the rotation time of the photosensitive member is set to be substantially the same as the rotation time when the document is directly placed on the optical scanning table and copying is performed. Start finger to instruct the start of copying operation
The original is directly optically scanned by the indicating means and the start instruction means.
The original is transported to be placed on the table and copied.
Determines whether copying is carried by the device
Having a determination unit, based on a determination result of the determination unit,
The rotation start control means delays the rotation start timing of the motor by a predetermined time from the rotation start timing of the motor when the original is directly placed on the optical scanning table and copying is performed. After being conveyed to the table, the photoconductor can be rotated. This eliminates the problem that the photosensitive member rotates first despite the document being conveyed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the photoconductor from rotating excessively, and to prolong the life of the parts that come into contact with the photoconductor. Further, since the rotation time of the photoconductor is substantially the same, the variation in the life of the parts that come into contact with the photoconductor such as the cleaning blade can be suppressed, and the maintainability can be improved.

[0014] On the other hand, in the copying machine according to the claim 2, when copying using the document feeder, the first rotation start control means, based on the determination result of the determination means, the document transportable
Copying by transporting the original by the feeding device and optical scanning
Exposes when originals are placed directly on the table and copying is performed
In order to make the rotation time of the body almost the same rotation time, when the original is directly placed on the optical scanning table and copying is performed,
When the rotation start time of the motor is delayed by the time T1 from the instruction time by the start control means, and when the original is conveyed by the original conveyance device and copying is performed, the rotation start time of the motor is longer than the time T1. It is delayed from the instruction time by the start instruction means by the time T2. Therefore, the photosensitive member can be rotated after the document is transported to the optical scanning table by the document transport device. This eliminates the inconvenience that the photoconductor rotates first despite the document being conveyed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the photoconductor from rotating excessively, and to prolong the life of the parts that come into contact with the photoconductor. Furthermore, the rotation time of the photoconductor is almost the same.
Contact with photoreceptor such as cleaning blade
To reduce the variation in the life of
Can be.

[0015]

【Example】

Embodiment 1 FIGS. 1 to 4 show an embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 2, the copying machine according to the present embodiment includes a copying machine main body 1 which incorporates a copying process unit 22 and the like, which will be described later, which are main components of a copying mechanism. An original mounting table 2 and a circulating original transport device (hereinafter referred to as RDH) 3 are provided at an upper portion of the copying machine main body 1. The document table 2 as an optical scanning table forms an area for optically scanning a document, and is made of transparent glass. The RDH 3 as a document feeder is configured to return a document to the original position set after feeding the document to the document table 2 and to be rotatably provided so as to cover the document table 2 in use. ing.

An optical system 11 including mirrors 4 to 9 and a zoom lens 10 is arranged below the document table 2. The optical system 11 irradiates the original with light emitted from the copy lamp 12 to perform optical scanning, and also takes in reflected light from the original and guides the reflected light to the photosensitive drum 13 disposed below the optical system 11. ing.

The photosensitive drum 13 is driven to rotate by a main motor 47 to be described later. Around the photosensitive drum 13, a charger 14 and a developing device 1
5, transfer device 16, peeling device 17, cleaning device 18,
A static eliminator 19 and the like are provided. In the vicinity of the peeler 17, a transport device 20 and a fixing device 21 are provided. The cleaning device 18 is a cleaning blade 18 that contacts the photosensitive drum 13 and scrapes off residual toner.
a.

The above-described components including the photosensitive drum 13 constitute a copying process unit 22. The copying process unit 22 receives light from the optical system 11 and
3 is developed as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet supplied from sheet feed trays 23 to 25 described later. Further, the copy processing unit 22 transports the sheet peeled by the peeler 17 to the fixing device 21 by the transport device 20, and
At 1, the toner image on the paper is fixed by heating and pressing.

Below the developing device 15, a paper feed tray 23 is provided.
Are arranged, and the paper feed trays 24 and 25 are arranged adjacent to the paper feed tray 23. A manual paper feed unit 26 is provided on the side of the copier body 1 on the developing device side 15 side. The paper feed trays 23 to 25 are capable of storing a plurality of papers to be used for copying, and are configured to sequentially feed papers from the uppermost one by paper feed belts 27 to 29 provided on the paper output side. Has become. On the other hand, the manual feeder 26
Are designed to accept sheets of different sizes and feed them one by one.

A transport path 30 is provided upward from the space formed between the paper feed tray 23 and the paper feed trays 24 and 25 to the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 13. The transport path 30 is
The sheets fed from the sheet feed trays 23 to 25, the manual sheet feeder 26, and an intermediate tray 37 described later are transferred to the photosensitive drum 1.
It leads to 3. Transfer device 1 of this transport path 30
A registration roller 31 that supplies a sheet at a predetermined timing is provided at an end that opens near 6.

A transport switching unit 3 is provided on the paper output side of the fixing device 21.
2 are provided. The transport switching unit 32 is provided with a gate flapper 35 that switches the path of the sheet so as to guide the sheet to the finisher 33 when performing one-sided copying and to guide the sheet to the transport path 34 when performing double-sided copying.
The finisher 33 discharges the sheet to the discharge tray 36, and performs a binding process by stapling the sheet as needed. The paper discharge tray 36 is configured to be driven up and down so as to receive a plurality of sheets bound by the finisher 33.

The transport path 34 extends from the transport switching section 32 below the fixing device 21 and the transport device 20 to below the photosensitive drum 13, and guides paper to an intermediate tray 37. The intermediate tray 37 includes the fixing device 21.
, And is adapted to receive a sheet transported by the transport path 34. Intermediate tray 37
Is configured to feed a sheet whose back surface is inverted by a transport belt 38 provided on the sheet output side.

Next, a control system of the copying machine will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, this control system mainly comprises a control section 39 for controlling each section of the copying machine.

The control section 39 includes a CPU 4 as a main control device.
The CPU 40 is connected to interface circuits (I / O in the figure) 41 and 42 as input / output circuits. In addition, the CPU 40 has R as a storage device.
The OM 43 and the RAM 44 are connected. ROM4
Reference numeral 3 stores a program for controlling the copying machine in advance, and the RAM 44 is used as a buffer memory, flags necessary for copy control, and other calculation areas. The control unit 39 configured in this way is
The PU 40 executes the control program stored in the ROM 43 to control each part of the copying machine, and in particular, controls the rotation operation of the main motor 47 as described later.

The control unit 39 includes a signal input device 4 such as various switches of an operation unit (not shown) and each sensor of the copying machine.
Input signals, detection signals, and the like transmitted from the CPU 5 are input to the CPU 40 via the interface circuit 41. A control signal for controlling the operation of each section of the copying machine is output from the CPU 40 to the driver array 46 via the interface circuit 42. The driver array 46 drives each part of the copying machine such as the main motor 47 based on the control signal. The main motor 47 as a motor is
The photoconductor drum 13 and other components that rotate in synchronization with the rotation of the photoconductor drum 13 are driven to rotate.

Here, the control unit 39 controls the main motor 4
The control of the rotation operation of No. 7 will be described.

The control unit 39, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 4, the document placing normal mode for performing direct placement to replicate the document on the table 2, the main motor 47 from the print button is ON after a time t ₁ While the rotation of
RDH3 the RDH mode to perform copying by using the main motor 4 from the print button is ON after a time t ₂
7 is started to rotate. Time t ₂ is
Is set longer than the time t _1, it is determined in consideration of the transfer time of the document by RDH3. The rotation time t ₃ of the main motor 47 is determined according to the number of copies.
They are set to be the same for the same number of copies.

As described above, the control unit 39 delays the rotation start timing of the main motor 47 in the RDH mode from the rotation start timing of the main motor 47 in the normal mode by the time management by the timer. It has a function as first rotation start control means.

The operation of the copying machine configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not the print button is turned on (S1). If the print button is turned on, a start of a copying operation is instructed and it is determined whether or not the RDH mode is set. (S2). In S2, RD
If it is determined that the H-mode in the timer time t ₂ is set (S3), when it is judged in the timer time t ₁ is set to be the normal mode (S4).

Thereafter, the timer is operated (S5), and it is determined whether or not the time t ₂ · t ₁ has elapsed in each mode and the timer has expired (S6). If it is determined in S6 that the timer has expired, the main motor 47 is turned on, and the operation of the copying process section 22 is started (S7).

As described above, in the copying machine according to the present embodiment, by performing the above-described control, the rotation start timing of the main motor 47 is delayed in the RDH mode so as to be independent of the normal mode or the RDH mode. The rotation time of the photosensitive drum 13 can be made substantially constant. Therefore, RD
In the H mode, the rotation time of the photoconductor drum 13 is not prolonged, and the life of components such as the cleaning blade 18a that comes into contact with the photoconductor drum 13 can be extended.

Embodiment 2 Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6. In this embodiment, components having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment include:
The same reference numerals are added.

As shown in FIG. 2, the copier according to the present embodiment has a copier main body 1 similar to the copier according to the first embodiment.
The RDH 3, the copy process unit 22, and the paper feed tray 2
3 to 25, and the like. The control system of this copier is
As shown in FIG. 3, a control unit 49 including a CPU 40, interface circuits 41 and 42, a ROM 48, and a RAM 44 is provided.

In the control section 49, a control program different from that in the first embodiment is stored in the ROM 48, and the CPU 40 executes the control program to execute the control program by the paper feed trays 23 to 25 as the paper feed device. The control is performed such that the rotation start timing of the main motor 47 differs for each sheet feed.

That is, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 5, in the tray 1 mode in which copying is performed by feeding the sheet by the sheet feeding tray 24, the control unit 49 sets the main motor 47 at a time t ₄ after the print button is turned on. Is started, and at the time t after the print button is turned on in the tray 2 mode in which copying is performed by paper feeding by the paper feeding tray 25.
After _five times, the rotation of the main motor 47 is started. Time t ₅ is set longer than the time t _4, it is determined in consideration of the transfer time of the paper by the paper feed tray 24, 25. The rotation time t ₆ of the main motor 47 is determined according to the number of copies and is set to be the same for the same number of copies. As described above, the control section 49 makes the rotation start timing of the main motor 47 in the tray 1 mode different from the rotation start timing of the main motor 47 started in the tray 2 mode by time management by the timer. And has a function as a second rotation start control means.

In the above control example, the sheet feed tray 23
However, in the case of the paper feed tray 23 as well, the main motor 47 is turned on from the print button ON in accordance with the transport time of the paper to the photosensitive drum 13 as in the paper feed trays 24 and 25. The time until is determined.

The operation of the copying machine configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not the print button has been turned on (S11). If it is determined that the print button has been turned on, the start of a copying operation is instructed, and it is determined whether or not the tray 2 mode has been set. Is performed (S12). S12
In, when it is determined that the tray 2 mode time t ₅ the timer is set (S13), if it is determined that the tray 1 mode timer time t ₄ is set (S14).

Thereafter, the timer is activated (S15), and it is determined whether or not the timer has timed out after the lapse of time t ₅ · t ₄ in each mode (S16). S1
If it is determined in step 6 that the timer has expired, the main motor 47 is turned on, and the copy process unit 22 is turned on.
Operation is started (S17).

As described above, in the copying machine according to the present embodiment, by performing the above-described control, the rotation start timing of the main motor 47 is delayed in the RDH mode so that the copying operation is performed regardless of the normal mode or the RDH mode. The rotation time of the photosensitive drum 13 can be made substantially constant. Therefore, RD
In the H mode, the rotation time of the photoconductor drum 13 is not prolonged, and the life of components such as the cleaning blade 18a that comes into contact with the photoconductor drum 13 can be extended.

In this embodiment, the rotation start timing of the main motor 47 is controlled by a timer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the position of the sheet is detected and the main motor 47 is rotated. Is also good. For example, when the sheet is conveyed to the vicinity of the photoconductor and the sheet is detected by the sheet detection sensor, the main motor 47 is rotated. This can prevent the main motor 47 from rotating excessively regardless of the time required for sheet feeding.

In this embodiment, the paper feed trays 23 to 25 have been described as examples of paper feeders. However, the manual paper feed unit 26 and the intermediate tray 37 are regarded as paper feeders, and paper from each of them is fed. The above control can be performed according to the transport time.

[0046]

As described above, the copying machine according to the first aspect of the present invention has the start instructing means for instructing the start of the copying operation.
After the instruction by the start instruction means, the original
Whether the original is placed on the table and copying is performed,
Determines whether copying is performed after being conveyed by the feeding device
Based on the determination result of the determination unit, the rotation start timing of the motor when the original is transported by the original transport device and copying is performed ,
When copying is performed with the original placed directly on the optical scanning table
Start instruction means for a predetermined time from the start of motor rotation
Comprising a rotation start control means Ru delayed from the instruction timing of the rotation time of the photosensitive member in the case of performing copying by conveying the document by the document feeder, copying directly original is placed on the optical scanning platform Is performed, the rotation time of the photoconductor is set to be substantially the same as the rotation time.

[0047] Thus starting, when copying using the document feeder, the rotation start timing of the motor is under control of the
Because it is delayed by a predetermined time from the instruction time by the instruction means ,
During this time, the original can be transported to the optical scanning table. Therefore, the photosensitive member does not rotate even if the document is not placed on the optical scanning table during the conveyance, and the life of the parts in contact with the photosensitive member can be extended.
Further, since the rotation time of the photoconductor is substantially the same, the variation in the life of the parts that come into contact with the photoconductor such as the cleaning blade can be suppressed, and the maintainability can be improved.

As described above, in the copying machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, after the instruction by the start instruction means, whether the original is directly placed on the optical scanning table and copying is performed, Determining means for determining whether or not copying is performed by being transported by the apparatus; and, based on the determination result of the determining means, when the original is directly placed on the optical scanning table and copying is performed, rotation of the motor is started. When the time is delayed by the time T1 from the instruction time by the start instruction means, and the original is conveyed by the original conveyance device and copying is performed, the rotation start time of the motor is set to the start time by the time T2 longer than the time T1. and a first rotation start control means for delaying the instruction timing of the instruction means, the document feeder
Of the photoconductor when copying by transporting the original
Rotation time and original placed directly on the optical scanning table for copying
When the rotation time of the photoconductor is substantially the same
This is a configuration in which the rotation time is set.

Thus, when copying is performed using the document conveying device, the rotation start timing of the motor is longer than the delay time T1 when the document is directly placed on the optical scanning table and copying is performed by the above control. Since it is delayed by T2, the original can be transported to the optical scanning table during this time. Therefore, the photosensitive member does not rotate even if the document is not placed on the optical scanning table during the conveyance, and the life of the parts in contact with the photosensitive member can be extended. Further
Since the rotation time of the photoconductor is almost the same,
Suppress life variation of parts such as blades that contact photoconductor
In addition, maintainability can be improved.

Therefore, the above-mentioned claims 1 and 2
By adopting the copying machine according to (1), the interval at which the above-mentioned parts are replaced is shortened, and the effect of suppressing an increase in the cost required for maintenance is achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure according to a normal mode or an RDH mode of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a structural diagram showing the inside of a copying machine according to one embodiment of the present embodiment and another embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control system that performs the control of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a time chart showing control of a main motor by the control system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a time chart showing control of a main motor by a control system of a copying machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure according to a tray 1 mode or a tray 2 mode by the control system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a time chart showing control of a main motor in a normal mode and an RDH mode of a conventional copier.

FIG. 8 shows a tray 1 mode and a tray 2 of a conventional copier.
6 is a time chart illustrating a control procedure in a mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Document Placement Table (Optical Scanning Table) 3 Document Conveyor (Circulating Document Conveyor) 13 Photoconductor Drum (Photoconductor) 23-24 Paper Feed Tray (Paper Feeder) 39 Control Unit (First Rotation Start Control Means) ) 47 Main motor (motor) 48 Control unit (second rotation start control means)

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] A photosensitive member 1. A rotatably driven by a motor, and a document feeder for conveying the document to the optical scanning stage, opening of the copying operation
A copying machine provided with start instruction means for instructing the start, after the instruction by the start instruction means , the original is directly
Whether the original is placed on the
Determines whether copying is performed after being conveyed by the feeding device
A determination unit, based on a result of the determination by the determination unit, when a document is transported by the document transport device to perform copying ;
When the rotation start timing of the motor is instructed by the start instruction means for a predetermined time from the rotation start timing of the motor when a document is directly placed on the optical scanning table and copying is performed.
And a Ru rotation start control means delaying the period, and the rotation time of the photosensitive member in the case of performing copying by conveying the document by the document feeder, the copying directly original is placed on the optical scanning platform A copying machine wherein the rotation time of the photoconductor is substantially the same as the rotation time in the case where the rotation is performed. 2. A copying machine comprising: a photoreceptor rotatably driven by a motor; a document conveying device for conveying a document to an optical scanning table; and a start instructing device for instructing a start of a copying operation. After the instruction by, a determination unit that determines whether the document is directly placed on the optical scanning table to perform copying or the document is transported by the document transport device to perform the copying, and a determination result of the determination unit. When the original is placed directly on the optical scanning table and copying is performed, the rotation start timing of the motor is delayed from the instruction timing by the start instruction means by time T1, and the original is transported by the original transport device. When copying is performed, first rotation start control means for delaying the rotation start time of the motor from the instruction time by the start instruction means by a time T2 longer than the time T1. The rotation time of the photoconductor when the original is conveyed by the original conveyance device to perform copying, and the rotation time of the photoconductor when the original is directly arranged on the optical scanning table and the copying is performed. Wherein the rotation times are substantially the same.