JPH01104525A - Image forming device with paper refeeding means - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the trouble of jam, etc., at the time of a paper refeeding/multiple copying mode by prohibiting the feed of the second sheet of paper to an image forming part until the positioning of the first sheet of paper in the defined position on a paper refeeding tray is completed. CONSTITUTION:As the front end of a sheet of copying paper from an image forming part is detected by a sensor 60, a back restricting board 65 is retracted after a timer time corresponding to the length of the shorter side of a size B5 and then, stopped as the rear end is detected by the sensor 60, being displaced by the amount of the length of the sheet of copying paper exceeding the length of the shorter side of the size B5. Then, side restricting boards are mutually approached and, as they are brought into contact with the sheet of copying paper, they are stopped by the signal of a sensor to position the first sheet of copying paper on a paper refeeding tray 58 in accordance with the size thereof. During this time, the feed of the second sheet of paper into the image forming part is prohibited and, as the positioning of the first sheet is completed, the second sheet of paper and after are fed into the image forming part at a defined paper feeding interval and then, housed in the housing restricting position of the first sheet in order. Thereby, the detection of a paper size with high accuracy can be carried out while preventing the trouble of jam, etc.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having an automatic double-sided image forming function, an automatic composite image forming function, and a multi-image forming function.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, copying machines capable of (1) double-sided copying and composite copying have been provided.

Automatic duplex copy mode, automatic composite copy mode (hereinafter referred to as
In the paper refeed mode, the first image is formed on one side of the paper fed to the image forming section, and then the paper is temporarily stored in the paper refeed tray without being ejected outside the copying machine. In this mode, a second image is formed on one side (in the case of composite copying) or the opposite side (in the case of double-sided copying) of the paper by feeding the paper to the image forming section again.

In the above, the size of the paper storage section of the paper refeed tray is
It is variable to match the size of the paper being stored. That is, the size of paper fed from a paper feeding section such as a paper feeding cassette to the image forming section varies, such as B4, A4.85, etc., and it is necessary to deal with this.

Note that the paper size, which is data necessary to determine the size of the paper storage section, has conventionally been detected in the paper feed cassette section. For example, if an A4 cassette is selected as the paper feed cassette, the A4 code signal is
When the B4 cassette is selected, the B4 code signal is sent to the control CPU of each copying machine, and the control CPU
U calculates the paper size based on the code signal and the stored table, and changes the size of the paper storage section.

Furthermore, (2) a copying machine that can set a multi-copy mode is provided. .

Multi-copy mode is a mode in which copying operations for a specified number of sheets are repeated on the same document.
The specified number of copy sheets are fed to the image forming section at predetermined time intervals.

In addition, in the above-mentioned conventional copying machine, the paper refeed mode and multi-copy mode are set, and when storing the second and subsequent sheets in the paper refeed tray, it is necessary to set the paper refeed mode and the multi-copy mode. Paper size data is used. This is because since the paper is fed from the same paper cassette, it can be assumed that the paper size is also the same.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

As described above, in conventional copying machines, the paper size, which is data necessary to determine the size of the paper storage section, is detected in the paper feed cassette section.

Therefore, when paper is fed without a paper feed cassette, such as manual copying, for example, size cannot be detected, and in this case, double-sided copying and composite copying cannot be performed.

In order to solve this problem, the present inventor devised a mechanism for directly detecting the paper size from the fed paper. This makes it possible to detect the paper size even when feeding paper manually.
Double-sided/composite copying is now possible.

However, with the configuration devised above, there is room for problems to occur during multi-copying.

That is, in the above configuration, since the size of each fed paper is detected, setting the size of the paper storage section for the second and subsequent sheets requires the same effort as when storing the first sheet.

However, in the case of multi-copying, the sheets are fed from the same paper feed cassette, so it is guaranteed that all the sheets are of the same size. Therefore, it is not only wasteful to detect the size of the second and subsequent sheets of paper each time and change the size of the paper storage section based on the detected size data, but also to prevent the displacement of the regulating member. The time loss is also large.

In order to solve the above problem during multi-copying, the present inventor added to the above-described configuration a configuration for storing the second and subsequent sheets of multi-copy paper based on the first sheet storage regulation position. .

However, in this case, the paper feeding time interval from the cassette is
A situation arises where it cannot be kept constant as in the past.

That is, in the above case, the time required to prepare the first sheet of paper for storage in the paper refeeding tray is longer than the time required to prepare for storage of the second and subsequent sheets. Therefore, if the time interval is set to the time required to prepare the first sheet for storage, time will be lost for the second and subsequent sheets, and conversely,
If you set it during the time required to prepare the second sheet for storage,
Since the second sheet is sent to the re-feeding tray before the first sheet is stored, problems such as re-feeding jams occur.

The present invention is intended to solve these problems.

[Means and effects for solving the problem] The present invention provides a method for storing a sheet on which a first image has been formed on one side in an image forming section in a re-feeding tray, and then feeding the sheet to the image forming section again. An image forming device capable of setting a paper refeed mode in which a second image is formed on the surface of the paper using the paper, and a multi-copy mode in which a specified number of copy operations are performed on the same document, the image forming unit comprising: size detection means for directly detecting the size of paper fed to the paper from the paper; and paper regulation for positioning the paper stored in the paper re-feed tray at a predetermined position in the paper re-feed tray. and a paper regulating member to position the paper at the predetermined position according to the detected paper size when the paper refeed mode is set, and when the multi-copy mode is set. a drive control means for positioning the second and subsequent sheets of paper based on the position of the first sheet of paper that has been positioned at a predetermined position by the method; ,
An image forming apparatus with refeeding assistance, comprising: a prohibition control means for prohibiting feeding of a second sheet of paper to an image forming section until preparation for positioning the first sheet of paper at the predetermined position is completed.

With the above configuration, the paper size is directly detected for the paper fed to the image forming section. Therefore, double-sided/composite copying is possible even when manually feeding paper.

Furthermore, size detection is not performed for the second and subsequent sheets of paper under multi-copy mode, and the position when the first sheet is stored (
The size of the paper storage section is controlled based on the position of the paper regulating member that defines the size of the paper storage section. Therefore, the effort of size detection is saved, and the displacement of the paper regulating member is minimized, so that the time loss required for displacement can be reduced.

Furthermore, since the time interval between feeding the first sheet of paper and feeding the second sheet of paper is set longer than the interval between feeding the second and subsequent sheets, it is difficult to store the paper in the re-feed tray. Not only can troubles such as jams be prevented, but also the time lost in feeding the second and subsequent sheets can be reduced.

(Below, margin) 〔Example〕 (Mechanism explanation) The present invention will be explained in detail below.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a copying machine according to an embodiment.

The illustrated copying machine has an optical system 101 in the upper stage and an image forming unit 1 in the middle stage.
02, the paper refeeding unit 103 is arranged at the lower stage, and the paper feeding unit 104 is arranged at the lowest stage. Further, a manual paper feed section 156 is arranged on the left side of the figure.

(i) Optical system 101 The optical system 101 exposes and scans a document set on the document table glass 16, and converts a reflected light image from the surface of the document to the image forming unit 102.
The image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 20.

The optical system 101 includes an exposure lamp 10. Reflector 11.11b
, 1lcSlid, and lens 12, and the exposure lamp 10 and reflecting mirror 11a have V/N (V.

The photosensitive drum 10 circumferential speed, N: copying magnification), and the reflecting mirrors 11b and IIC move back and forth along the lower surface of the document platen glass 16 at a speed of V72N to expose and scan the document. On the right, the copying magnification is set by adjusting the position of the lens 12, and the imaging position is corrected by adjusting the angle of the reflecting mirror lid.

(ii) Image forming section 102 The image forming section 102 executes image formation by a so-called electrophotographic process. In other words, it develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 2 with toner. is transferred onto copy paper, fixed, and then ejected.

The image forming section 102 includes a photoreceptor drum 2 rotatably supported in a counterclockwise direction in the figure, an eraser lamp 7 disposed around the photoreceptor drum 2, an electrostatic charger 6, and a developing device M3.
, a transfer charger 5a, a separation charger 5b, a cleaning device 4, a conveyance belt 8 for conveying copy paper using the transfer method, and a fixing device 9 for fixing the toner image on the conveyed paper. Reference numeral 13 denotes a pair of timing rollers that feed the fed copy paper between the photoreceptor drum and the transfer charger at a predetermined timing in synchronization with the rotation of the photoreceptor drum, and 14 and 15 are rollers for fixing the image. This is a pair of rollers that discharge the coated copy paper from the image forming section 102.

Note that a solenoid (not shown) is operated to switch between ejecting the copy paper ejected from the image forming unit 102 onto the paper ejection tray 36 or into a paper refeeding tray 58, which will be described later. This is executed by the switching lever 41.

(iii) Paper refeeding unit 103 The paper refeeding unit 103 is used for composite copying and double-sided copying.

Copy paper with an image fixed on one side (front side) passes through a paper path 530 during composite copying, and passes through paper paths 530 and 531 during double-sided copying, and is then transferred to a re-feed tray 58. It is temporarily stored inside. That is, the paper sheets are stored in the tray 58 so that the image forming surface faces down during composite copying, and with the image forming surface facing up during double-sided copying. Thereafter, the sheet is pulled out from the tray 58 by the re-feeding roller 38, passes through the roller pair 39, 40, and the sheet feeding path 540, and reaches the timing roller pair 13, where the image is transferred and fixed again.

Note that the details of the paper refeeding unit will be described later.

(iv) Paper Feed Unit 104 The paper feed unit 104 includes a main paper feed tray 42 and a lower paper feed tray 43 that store paper of a container size. After the paper in each tray is pulled out by a paper feed roller 18.19, the paper is fed by an automatic paper feed mechanism 20.22 to a pair of timing rollers 13 of the image forming section 102,
According to a predetermined timing signal from 01, the photosensitive drum 20 is sent out between the photosensitive drum 2 and the transfer charger 5a in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 20, and subjected to the image forming process.

(v) Manual paper feed unit 156 The manual paper feed unit 156 is arranged on the left side of the figure, and the paper set in the paper feed unit is fed by a pair of paper feed rollers 156.
From between 4.155 and 155, it is conveyed to the timing roller pair 13 and subjected to image formation.

(Description of Paper Refeeding Unit) FIG. 2 is an internal structural diagram of the paper refeeding unit 103 installed in the copying machine, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the paper refeeding unit. In addition, FIG. 4 shows the paper refeed roller 3.
8 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the side regulating plate 62.
63 is an explanatory diagram of the drive mechanism of No. 63.

(1) Overview of the mechanism The paper refeeding unit 103 shown in FIG. It is considered to be an integrated unit as a whole.

The switching block I switches the conveying path of the copy paper between the duplex copying mode and the composite copying mode, and includes conveying rollers 50, 51 and a switching lever 59 that is rotatable about a shaft 85 as a fulcrum. In addition, switching block I
It is also possible to provide this on the copying machine main body side.

The conveyance block (2) forms a conveyance path 531 for copy paper in the double-sided copy mode. The transport block ■ is the transport roller 5
2.53.54; 55. Guide plate 201.20'2
, 203, 204.

The reversing block (2) has reversing transport rollers 56, 57 and a reversing guide 93, and has the ability to reverse the copy paper transported by the transport block (2) and send it to the re-feeding tray 58.

Is the alignment/tray block ■ the paper refeed tray 58, slide rail 77, and slide member? 3.79, and regulation plate 6
2.63 (see Figure 3), 65, and refeed tray 5
It has the function of aligning the copy paper fed into the paper 8.

The paper refeed block (3) has a holder 66, a paper refeed roller 38, a sorting roller 39, 40, and a guide plate 88, and refeed the copy sheets aligned on the paper refeed tray 58 one by one. It has the function of

(ii) Operation during double-sided copying and compositing During double-sided copying, the switching lever 59 is set to the position shown by the solid line in FIG.

The copy paper is guided by the upper surface of the lever 59 and sent into the conveyance block H, and the copy paper is guided by the upper surface of the lever 59,
04 while being guided by conveyor rollers 52.53, 54.5.
5 to the left in FIG. Thereafter, the sheet is reversed by the reversing conveyance rollers 56, 57 and the reversing guide 93, and fed onto the re-feeding tray 58 with the copied side facing up. The fed copy sheets are aligned on the tray 58, and are re-fed one by one to the image forming section 102 by clockwise rotation of the re-feed roller 38.

On the other hand, during composite copying, the switching lever 59 is set to the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG.

In this case, the copy paper is guided by the lower surface of the lever 59 and is fed directly onto the paper refeed tray 58 with the copied side facing down, without passing through the conveyance block (2). Thereafter, the sheets are aligned on the re-feeding tray 58, and the sheets are re-fed one by one to the image forming unit 102 by the clockwise rotation of the re-feeding roller 38, in the same manner as during double-sided copying.

(iii) Mechanism and operation of paper refeed roller (FIG. 4) The paper refeed roller 38 is swingable about the support shaft 86 of the holder 66, and is positioned in three stages. That is, when the copy paper is fed onto the paper re-feeding tray 58, it is located in the upper or middle stage, while on the other hand, when the copy paper is re-feeded (when the copy paper is sent out)
To do this, press the paper against the copy paper using the appropriate pressure due to its own weight.

The positioning of the paper refeed roller 38 is performed as follows.

A swing lever 14 is attached to one end of the support shaft 86 of the holder 66.
5 is rotatably supported on the support shaft 86, and a holder 6 is attached to the tip 145a of the lever 145 (lower left in the figure).
A holder extension part 66a extending from the tip of the holder 6 is placed. Therefore, when the lever 145 rotates clockwise in the figure, the holder 66 supported by the lever tip 145a via the extension 66a swings upward in the figure.

Here, the rotational force of the lever 145 is
a sector gear 154 formed at the rear end (upper right in the figure);
Spur gear 153 meshing with sector gear 154, spur gear 1
A stepping motor 150 has an output shaft connected to the worm 151 via a worm wheel 152 that rotates integrally with the worm wheel 153 and a worm 151 that meshes with the worm wheel 152.

Further, refeeding (feeding) of stored copy paper is performed as follows.

As shown in the figure, the paper refeed roller 38 is rotatably supported at the tip of the holder 66 via a roller shaft 87 that rotates integrally with the roller 38. , and is connected to the support shaft 86 via a timing belt 128. Further, the support shaft 86 is connected to an output shaft of a main motor (not shown) via a paper refeed clutch. Therefore, when the support shaft 86 is rotationally driven by turning on the paper refeed clutch, the driving force is applied to the pulleys 126, 127 and the timing belt 1.
28 to the refeed roller 38, and as a result,
The paper refeed roller 38 rotates in the clockwise direction, and the copy paper is sent out from the tray 58 by this rotation.

The re-fed copy paper is sorted by the sorting rollers 39 and 40 as described above, and guided by the guide plate 88 to the image forming section 102, where it is imaged.

(iv) Copy paper alignment (Figs. 3 and 5) Copy paper alignment in the paper refeed tray 58 is performed using the side regulation plates 62 and 63.
, and the movement of the rear regulation plate 65.

As shown in FIG. 3, the rear regulating plate 65 is a slide member 7 disposed on a guide rail 77 extending in the paper feeding direction.
9 is disposed integrally with the slide member 79,
The slide member 79 is driven by a stepping motor (not shown) and slid on the guide rail 77, thereby moving in the direction of arrow g or g''.

On the other hand, the side regulating plates 62 and 63 are mounted on a slide member 7 on a guide rail 72 extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper feeding direction.
1, and by driving the slide member 71 with a motor 151 (FIG. 5) and sliding it on the guide rail 72, the slide member 71 is moved in the arrow direction or h° force direction.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the motor 151 rotates in the direction of the arrow i, the rack 71a that meshes with the spur gear 151a connected to the output shaft of the motor 151 moves in the direction h. As a result, the slide member 71, which is integral with the rack 71a, also moves in the h direction, and the interval between the regulating plates 62 and 630 widens. Note that the position where the distance between the regulating plates 62 and 63 is widened to the maximum is defined as the home position.

Furthermore, the motor rotation direction i° corresponds to the movement in the h° force direction, which is the direction in which the regulating plate interval is narrowed.

In FIG. 3, arrow e indicates the direction in which copy paper is fed into the paper refeed tray 58 in the duplex copying mode.

Further, in the above, the timing of stopping the moving side regulating plate, etc. is determined as follows.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the side regulating plate 62
．． Contact detection sensors 381 and 382 for detecting contact with the paper in the tray are installed at the tips of the paper sheets 63 (lower right in the figure), respectively.

For example, the side regulating plate 6 may be
2.63 moves, and the paper in the tray is moved to the movable plate (regulating plate installed on the inner wall, movable in the j and j' directions in the figure, and j°
When pressing the plate) 152 that is biased in the direction, the movable plate 152 moves in the j direction due to the pressing force, and
Sensors 381 and 382 detect.

Based on the detection signal, the paper in the paper refeed tray is positioned at the center position as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8.

That is, when the paper 81 is stored in the tray, the regulation plate 62
．． 63 starts moving in the h' direction from the home position (dotted line in the figure).

After the movement starts, one of the regulating plates (the regulating plate 63 in the figure) comes into contact with the paper 81 (FIG. 6), but in this state, the regulating plate continues to move.

Thereafter, when both regulating plates come into contact with the paper 81 (FIG. 7), the movement of the regulating plates is stopped. That is, at this point, the paper 81 is positioned at the center position.

Note that, prior to storing the second and subsequent sheets of paper, as shown in FIG. It gives you some leeway.

(Operation panel explanation) FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel of the copying machine.

As shown in the figure, on the panel are a numeric keypad group 80 for setting the number of copies, etc., and a print key 79 for commanding the start of printing.
, an interrupt key 90 for commanding interrupt copying, a clear/stop key 91, a paper selection key 309 for selecting copy paper size, density up/down keys 93 and 94 for setting copy density, and a display section for displaying the number of copies, etc. in segments. 72, a duplex mode selection key 303 for selecting a duplex copy mode, etc. are arranged.

(Description of Control Circuit) FIG. 1θ is a configuration diagram of a circuit that controls the operation of the copying machine.

The control circuit includes the image forming section 102 and the paper feeding unit 103.1.
04 and a second CPU 202 that controls the optical system 101.

Signals from various keys on the operation panel and sensors installed in various parts of the main body to detect the operating state of the main body are input to the first CPU 201 via input expansion ICs 211 and 212.

Further, the first CPU 201 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit group 205 that drives the main motor, developing motor, various clutches, solenoids, etc. via the output expansion IC 213, and also outputs a segment display via the output expansion IC 214. Control signals to the unit 72 and various LED display elements are output.

Further, the first CPU 201 outputs a control signal for controlling the rear regulation plate drive motor 154, the side regulation plate drive motor 151, and the paper refeed roller displacement motor 150.

In addition, the first CPU 201 and the second CPU 202
15 and communicate with each other.

The second CPU 202 receives signals from a sensor group installed in the optical system 101 and detects the scanning state, etc., and outputs control signals to drive circuits for the scanning motor and the magnification setting motor.

(Operation Description) (A) General Description FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main routine of the first CPU 201.

First, after setting the initial state (31), an internal timer that defines the time for one routine is set (B3).

After that, after executing each process from 55 to 513, at 315, wait for the internal timer set at S3 to end,
Return to S3 above.

(i>35: Copy paper selection Select the copy paper size using the copy paper size select key (key 3).
This is a step of sequentially selecting in accordance with the input of step 09).

For example, A3, B4, A4, A4R (A4 stirring position), and B5 are selected as copy paper sizes.

Since this is well known, detailed explanation will be omitted.

(ii) 37: Duplex mode selection This is a step of switching between setting and canceling the duplex copy mode in response to the input of the duplex copy mode select key (key 303).

Since this is well known, detailed explanation will be omitted.

(iii) S9: Double-sided copy control Under the double-sided copy mode, this is a step for controlling the movement of the regulation plate that determines the size of the paper storage section of the paper re-feeding tray 58.

Details of the processing will be described later.

(iv) 311: Re-feed Roller Displacement This is a step for controlling the position of the re-feed roller 38 when re-feeding paper from the re-feed tray 58 in the double-sided copy mode.

Detailed explanation will be omitted.

(v) 313: Copy operation This is a routine that controls copy operations.

Since this is well known, detailed explanation will be omitted.

(B) Description of Subroutine FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of S9 (double-sided copy control).

First, 5TATE is determined.

Next, in response to the above 5TATE, the regulation plate standby routine (
STATE = 0), 1st storage routine (STATE
= 1), calls the storing routine (STATE=2), or the paper refeeding routine (STATE=3).

Also, if the main switch is turned off (S515; Y
ES) sets 5TATE to 0 (S517). This is to control end operations such as returning the regulation plate to the home position. As mentioned above, the home position here is the position where the distance between the two side regulating plates 62 and 63 is widened to the maximum (see Figures 6 and 7; dashed line position), and the rear regulating plate is the position where the distance between the two regulating plates is the largest. The plate 65 is located at a position where B5 vertical copy paper, which is the minimum screen size of this copying machine, can be stored;
That is, it refers to a position separated from the tip of the paper refeed tray (left end in the figure) by a distance of B5 short side size (182 mm).

FIG. 13 shows the regulation plate standby routine (FIG. 12; S50
3) is a flowchart showing step 3).

5601-S611 is control for positioning each regulation plate at the home position.

That is, while the sensor 85 (a sensor that detects whether the side regulating plate is at the home position; see FIG. 5) remains in the off state, the side regulating plate drive motor 151 is
direction (see FIG. 5) to drive the regulating plates 62, 63 in the direction in which the interval between the regulating plates increases (h direction; see FIG. 5) (S601 to 5605).

Further, while the sensor 84 (a sensor that detects whether or not the rear restriction plate is at the home position; see FIG. 2) remains in the OFF state, the rear restriction plate drive motor (not shown) is rotated to control the rear restriction plate. The plate 65 is driven in the g direction (see FIG. 3) (3607-5611).

8613 to 5625 allow/prohibit paper feeding, 5TATE
This is a step to control the change in the rate of change.

That is, under the double-sided copy mode (S613; YES), each regulation plate is at the home position (S615; YES).
), if feeding of the first sheet is not completed (B617
;No), feeding of the first sheet is permitted (S625).

On the other hand, if it is determined in 5617 that the first sheet has been fed, the 5TATE
is set to 1 (S621), and the next sheet feeding is prohibited (5623). Also, STF is set to 0 (5619).

Here, the STF controls the operation control in the first sheet storage routine.

Figure 14 shows the first sheet storage routine (Figure 12; 5507
) is a flowchart showing the process.

The following control is executed according to the STF.

Here, 5TF=O: The leading edge of the first copy paper is the sensor 60.
(See Figures 1 and 2).

5TF=1: While the first copy paper is passing through the sensor 60.

5TF=2: After the trailing edge of the first copy sheet passes the sensor 60 until the timer D2 ends.

5TF=3: Timer D2. 7 days later, until the feeding of the next first copy sheet is completed.

It is.

First, when the leading edge of the first copy paper is detected by the sensor 60 installed in the transport block (3) of the paper refeeding unit (3703; YES), the timer D1 is started (S705). Also, set STF to 1 (3707
). Here, timer D1 is B5 short side size (182m
m).

Next, when the timer D1 ends (ST l 9 ; YF, S) while the sensor 60 continues to detect the passage of copy paper (3711; No), the rear regulation plate drive motor is rotated. The movement of the rear regulating plate 65 in the g° force direction (see FIG. 3) is started (S721). This means that when the length of the copy paper to be stored in the paper refeed tray 58 is longer than the B5 short side size (182fflITI), the rear regulation plate starts moving from the home position. Here, the moving speed of the post-regulating plate 65 is set to be the same as the transport speed of the copy paper within the transport block (2).

If the sensor 60 detects that the trailing edge of the copy paper has passed (S711; YES), it starts the timer D2 (S715) and sets the STF to 2 (S711; YES).
717).

Further, when the passage of the trailing edge of the copy paper is detected and the drive motor of the rear regulating plate is turned on (S72
1) turns off the drive motor (3713). As a result, the rear regulating plate 65 is displaced from the home position in the g' direction by the amount by which the length of the copy sheet exceeds the B5 short side size (182+11111>).

Next, when the timer D2 started at 3715 ends (3725; YES), the side regulating plate 62.6
5727), and set the STF to 3. Here, the timer D2 is set to a value sufficient for the trailing edge of the copy paper that has passed the sensor 60 to be stored in the re-feed tray 58, so that the copy paper is stored in the re-feed tray 58.
8, the side regulating plate starts moving in the h' force direction.

The side regulating plates 62 and 63 are driven in the direction of narrowing the interval between the regulating plates, and both the sensors 381 and 382 are turned off (
S731; YES), the drive motor of the side regulating plate is stopped (3733). That is, the state in which both the sensors 381 and 382 are turned on is the state in which the copy paper 81 is positioned at the center position by the side regulating plates 62 and 63, as shown in FIG.

After completing the positioning of the copy paper in the side direction, proceed to 735.
It is determined whether or not the copy was made from copy paper fed from the manual paper feed slot.

If it is a manual copy, the paper refeed routine (12th
To call 5513), set 5TATE to 3 (
S737). That is, since the size of the copy paper fed from the manual paper feed slot is not necessarily the same for the first copy and subsequent copies, each time a copy paper is stored in the paper re-feed tray 58, Then, the paper refeed routine is called.

On the right, even if it is determined in step 5735 that it is not a manual copy, if it is not multi copy mode (3
736; No>, the paper refeed routine is immediately called (S737).

In addition, if the paper is fed from the normal paper feed slot under the multi-copy mode (S736; YES), the feeding of the second and subsequent copies is permitted (S739), and the 5T
Set ATE to 2 (S741) and call the storing routine.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the storing routine (FIG. 12: 5511).

This subroutine is a process for storing the second and subsequent copies when double-sided copying is performed in the multi-copy mode.

That is, when the passage of the leading edge of the second and subsequent copy sheets is detected by the sensor 60 (S801; YES), the timer D3 is started (S803), and the timer D3 is started (S803).
At the end of step 3 (5805; YES), the side regulating plate is moved 51 in the h direction (see FIG. 5). This provides a margin for the second and subsequent copy sheets to enter the re-feeding tray 58 (see FIG. 8).

Further, when the passage of the trailing edge of the second and subsequent copy sheets is detected by the sensor 60 (S809: YES), the timer D4 is started (S811).
Upon completion of (S813; YES), the side regulating plate is moved 5 mm in the h° direction (see FIG. 5). As a result, the stored copy paper and the already stored copy paper are aligned to the center position as shown in FIG.

Next, it is determined whether the number of copies stored in the paper refeed tray matches the number of copies set in the copying machine (5
817) L. If they do not match, return to the double-sided copy control routine and repeat the storing routine.

If it is determined in 5817 that the number of copies stored in the paper refeed tray matches the number of copies set in the copying machine, 5TATE is set to 3 (S819);
Call the paper refeed routine.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the paper refeed routine (FIG. 12; 5513).

That is, after waiting for the paper refeed roller 38 to complete its descent (S901
; YES), allows refeeding from the paper refeed tray (5903).

Furthermore, when the refeeding of all copy sheets stored in the refeed tray is completed (S905; YES), 5TATE is set to 0 (S907) in preparation for the next double-sided copy process.
)do.

Control of the device of this embodiment is executed in the manner described above.

Note that in the above embodiments, no mention is made of paper feeding from a universal cassette (a cassette that can accommodate copy paper of various sizes), but it may be processed in the same manner as in the case of manual copying.

In addition, in the explanation of the operation of the above embodiment, explanation of the control of the regulation plate under the composite copy mode is omitted, but this is because the control of the regulation plate etc. is the same as the control of the regulation plate under the double-sided copy mode. , has been omitted.

Hereinafter, blank space> [Effects] The present invention is capable of storing a sheet of paper on which a first image has been formed on one side in a re-feeding tray, feeding the sheet again to the image forming section, and then printing a first image on the one side or the opposite side of the sheet. A paper refeed mode that forms two images;
It is equipped with a size detection means that directly detects the size of the paper to be fed from the paper and a multi-copy mode, and the size of the paper storage section of the paper re-feed tray is determined based on the directly detected size. In addition, when the multi-copy mode is set under the paper refeed mode, the storage of the second and subsequent sheets is executed based on the storage regulation position of the first sheet, and the first and second sheets are This is an image forming apparatus in which the feeding interval for the first sheet of paper is longer than the feeding interval for the second and subsequent sheets.

As detailed in the embodiments, according to the present invention, paper size detection is performed directly on the paper being fed, so not only highly accurate size detection is possible, but also the size detection mechanism is connected to the cassette. It is not necessary to provide each one individually.

Furthermore, even in the case of manual paper feeding, where paper size could not be detected in the past, size detection is possible, so double-sided copying and composite copying can be performed.

Furthermore, since the second and subsequent sheets of paper are stored in the re-feeding tray during multi-copying based on the storage regulation position of the first sheet of paper, the effort of size detection is saved.
The time required to displace the paper regulating member can be reduced.

Furthermore, since the feeding interval between the first and second sheets is set longer than the feeding interval between the second and subsequent sheets, troubles such as jams in the storage of the second sheet are prevented, and paper feeding loss is reduced. can be reduced.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a copying machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the paper refeeding unit of the copying machine,
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the unit. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the paper refeed roller section. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the drive mechanism of the side regulating plate. Figures 6 to 8 are explanatory diagrams of the positional relationship between the side regulation plates and the paper. Figure 6 shows the state in which one regulation plate is in contact with the paper, and Figure 7 shows the state in which two regulation plates are in contact with the paper. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the regulating plate is retracted in preparation for the second and subsequent paper storage. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the operation panel of the copying machine according to the embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of the control circuit of the copying machine. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main routine of control by the first CPU 201. Figure 12 is 8 in Figure 11.
9 is a flowchart showing details of step 9. Figure 13 is the first
2 is a flowchart showing details of 8503 in FIG. 2. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of 8507 in FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of 5511 in FIG. Figure 16 is 85 in Figure 12.
13 is a flowchart showing details of step 13. 103: Paper refeed unit 58: Paper refeed tray 62.6
3: Side regulation plate 65 Rear regulation plate 381.382: Contact detection sensor

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) Re-feeding of paper on which a first image has been formed on one side in the image-forming section is stored in a re-feeding tray, and then the paper is fed again to the image-forming section and a second image is formed on the surface of the paper. The image forming device is capable of setting a mode and a multi-copy mode in which copying operations for a specified number of sheets are performed on the same document, and the size of the paper fed to the image forming unit can be set directly from the paper. a paper regulating member for positioning the paper stored in the paper re-feed tray at a predetermined position in the paper re-feed tray; The paper regulating member is driven and controlled so as to position the paper at the predetermined position according to the detected paper size, and when the multi-copy mode is set, the first sheet is positioned at the predetermined position using the method described above. a drive control means for positioning the second and subsequent sheets of paper based on the position of the second and subsequent sheets of paper;
An image forming apparatus with a sheet refeeding means, comprising: a prohibition control means for prohibiting feeding of a second sheet of paper to an image forming section until preparation for positioning the first sheet of paper at the predetermined position is completed. (2) In claim 1, the prohibition control means is equipped with a paper refeeding means that sets the positioning preparation completion time to the completion time of storing the first sheet of paper in the paper refeeding tray. Imaging device. (3) In claim 1, the paper regulating member includes a first regulating plate that regulates the paper in the feeding direction, and two second regulating plates that regulate the paper in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction. a regulating plate, the size detecting means has contact detecting means installed on the contact side with the paper of the two second regulating plates as a means for detecting the width of the paper, and the size detecting means has a contact detecting means installed on the contact side with the paper of the two second regulating plates, The means is an image forming apparatus with a paper refeeding means that stops driving the second regulating plate in the paper direction when both of the two contact detection means detect contact with the paper. (4) In claim 3, the size detection means is installed in a paper conveyance path as a means for detecting the length of the paper, detects passage of the paper, and detects the duration of paper detection. the drive control means controls the first regulating plate after a predetermined time has elapsed from the paper detection start time by the detection and timing means;
At the same speed as the paper transport speed, until the paper detection end time.
An image forming device with a paper refeeding means that is driven in the paper storage direction.