JPH01183668A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To continue copying operation and to increase efficiency by feeding a copying sheet having an area twice the copying sheet of a prescribed size when the sheets of the prescribed size are exhausted, then cutting the fed sheet on this side of an image fixing part. CONSTITUTION:When the copying sheets of a prescribed size are exhausted in a paper feeding part 20, such detection is made by means of size detecting means SE7-SE1 that a copying sheet having an area twice the copying sheet of the prescribed size is loaded in another paper feeding part 24 or not. If loaded, the copying sheet having the area twice is fed. In such a case, a cutter 47 operates to bisect the copying sheet when its center reaches the cutting place of the cutter 47. The first half of the cut sheet is further carried by a pair of timing rollers 26 and then an image is transferred and fixed thereon. The latter half of the cut copying sheet is accommodated in an intermediate tray 41.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to copying apparatuses such as electrophotographic copying machines and laser beam printers.

Conventional Techniques and Problems to be Solved Generally, in a copying apparatus, a copy sheet of a size corresponding to an original image is manually or automatically selected and fed to a transfer section. In this case, when there is no copy paper of a predetermined size in the paper feed section (empty), the copying apparatus itself stops. In such a case, if a copy paper with twice the area of the empty copy paper is loaded in another paper feed section, feed the copy paper with twice the area and cut it with a cutter as appropriate. It is efficient to divide it.

By the way, if the copy paper is cut after the image is fixed, the copy paper will shrink due to the heat generated during fixing, making it extremely difficult to cut the copy paper with accurate dimensions.

Therefore, the copying apparatus according to the present invention includes (a) a copying machine main body, and (b) a copy paper conveying device rather than a timing roller pair that feeds copy paper to an image transfer section in the copying machine main body. (C) copy paper size detection means installed in the paper feed section of the copying machine main body; (d) empty detection for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper in the paper feed section; (e) When the empty detection means detects that the copy paper of a predetermined size is empty, the copy paper having an area twice that of the empty copy paper is fed, and the cutting means and a control means for cutting the fed copy paper at the center in the conveyance direction by operating the copy paper.

Function In the configuration described above, copy paper of a selected predetermined size is normally fed and an image is formed. When the copy paper of this predetermined size becomes empty, the size detection means immediately detects whether copy paper with an area twice that size is loaded in another paper feed section, and if it is loaded, the size is doubled. Feed the area copy paper. In this case, the fed copy paper is cut at the center in the conveyance direction by a cutting means on the upstream side of the transfer section.

An image is formed on the cut out front half of the copy paper. The second half of the copy paper may be controlled to form an image, or it may be ejected to the outside of the copying machine without forming an image, or the copying machine may have an intermediate tray for refeeding the paper. If the intermediate tray is installed, the paper may be controlled to be re-fed after being stored in the intermediate tray.

Embodiment [Configuration of copying device] Fig. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an embodiment of the copying device according to the present invention.
0) and automatic document feeder (9o), and a sorter (
50) is installed.

A photoreceptor drum (2) is installed approximately in the center of the copying machine body (1) so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow (a), and around it are a charger (3) and an inter-image/machine end eraser (4). ),
Developing device (5a), (5b), transfer charge + (6)
.

A copy paper separation charger (7), a residual toner cleaning device (8), and a residual charge eraser lamp (9) are provided. As the photosensitive drum (2) rotates in the direction of arrow (a), the charger (3)
, an electrostatic latent image is formed on its surface by the exposure scanning of the image from the laser beam optical system (10), which will be explained below, and the developing device (5a) ) or (5b) to form a toner image.

The image reading device (30) is equipped with a scanner (31) having an exposure lamp (32), a lens array (33), and an image sensor (34), and this scanner (31) is operated by a motor (38) as shown in FIG. By moving at a constant speed in the direction of arrow (b), the image sensor (34) optically reads and photoelectrically converts the image of the original placed face down on the original table glass (39). The read data is sent to the image processing section (
36), processed into a print signal, and stored in the buffer memory (37).
(See Figure 4).

The laser beam optical system (10) blinks a semiconductor laser through an LD drive circuit based on the print signal from the buffer memory, and flashes a polygon mirror (10) through a lens system.
a mirror (12) that reflects the laser beam scanned by the laser beam (11);
(13) and (14) are irradiated onto the photosensitive drum (2) to form an electrostatic latent image.

The automatic document feeder (90) is well known in itself.
The document placed on the document tray (91) is fed by the paper feed roller (
92), the sheets are fed one by one, and set at a predetermined position on the document table glass (39) by rotation of the conveyor belt (93).

After reading the original image by the image reading device (30), the original is transferred to the reversing path (
94) and onto the discharge tray (95).

Note that this automatic document feeder (9o) is equipped with a conveyor belt (9o).
It is also possible to lift the part 3) and manually set the original on the original table glass (39).

On the other hand, copy paper is stored in a cassette-type top paper section (20) and a bottom picture paper section (24), and one of the paper feed rollers (21) and (25) is selectively driven to rotate. The paper is fed one by one. The fully fed copy paper is transferred to intermediate roller pairs (23a), (23b), (23c), (
23d) to the timing roller pair (26), where it waits for a while, and then sent to the transfer section in synchronization with the image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum (2), where it is transferred to the transfer charger (23d). The toner image is transferred by the corona discharge of step 6) and separated from the photoreceptor drum (2) by the alternating current corona discharge of the separation charger (7) and the stiffness of the white paper body. Thereafter, the copy paper is sent to the fixing device (28) via the conveyor belt t-(27), where the toner image is heated and fixed, and then discharged from the pair of discharge rollers (29) to the sorter (50).

Copy paper size detection sensors (SE3) to (SE6), (SE7) are installed in the upper and lower paper feed sections (20) and (24).
(SEIO) has been installed and is designed to detect the presence or absence of copy paper and the size of the loaded copy paper.

After the transfer, residual toner is removed from the surface of the photoreceptor drum (2) by a cleaning device (8), and an eraser lamp (
At step 9>, residual charges are erased and the sheet is prepared for the next copying step.

Further, a paper refeeding device (40) having an intermediate tray (41) is built into the copying machine main body 1) in order to perform double-sided copying or composite copying. The discharge roller pair (29)
A switching claw (42) is installed immediately in front of the machine, and this switching claw (42) is normally set at the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 to guide copy sheets to the sorter (50). When the duplex/composite copying mode is selected and a single-sided copy sheet is conveyed, the switching claw (42) is switched to the dotted line position and guides the copy sheet to the paper refeeding device (40). At this time, in the double-sided copy mode, the copy paper is stored on the intermediate tray (41) through the conveyance path (43) with the image forming surface facing upward. In composite copy mode, copy paper is placed in the intermediate tray (4
1) It is stored directly from the rear end with the image forming surface facing downward. The switching claw (44) is for switching this storage form.

Note that, in order to simplify the explanation, only double-sided copying will be explained below.

A refeed roller (45) is located at the tip of the intermediate tray (41).
is installed, and the copy paper stored on the intermediate tray (41) is re-fed to the transfer section through the intermediate roller pair (23e) and the like by the rotation of the re-feed roller (45). Also, inside the paper refeeding device (40), there is an empty sensor (SEL) for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper, and a full sensor (SE2) for detecting that the copy paper is full.
) is installed.

Furthermore, a copy paper cutter (47) is installed in the paper feed path of the copying machine main body (1). The ivy (47) is located upstream of the pair of timing rollers (26) in the copy paper conveyance direction, and is controlled so as to cut the copy paper being conveyed at the center in the conveyance direction. As will be described in detail below, in this embodiment, when a double-area copy paper is fed, the cutter (47) is operated to cut the copy paper in half.

The first half of the copy paper that has been cut is conveyed as is, and an image is formed thereon.

If the second half of the copy paper is also in the multi-copy mode, it is fed into the transfer section from the timing roller pair (26) during the next copying operation, and an image is formed thereon. When the final copy in the multi-copy mode is completed or in the single copy mode, the second half of the copy sheets may be passed as blank sheets and ejected to the sorter (50), but in this embodiment, they are not reprinted. Since the paper feeding device (40) is built-in, the second half of non-image-forming copy paper is stored on the intermediate tray (41).

In order to carry out the above paper passing, a switching claw (48) is installed immediately after the cutter (47). This switching claw (48
) is normally set at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1, and guides the copy paper to the timing roller pair (26). When storing the second half of the non-image-forming copy paper into the intermediate tray (41), the switching claw (48) is switched to the dotted line position, and the copy paper passes through the second half of the double-sided conveyance path (43) to the intermediate tray (41).
) guide upward. In this way, by storing the cut, non-image-forming subsequent paper in the intermediate tray (41), copy paper can be re-fed from there, which has the effect of increasing the number of paper feed units by one. becomes.

The sorter (50) has a non-sort tray (51) on the upper stage,
A plurality of sorting bins (52) (10 bins in this embodiment) are provided below at predetermined intervals. A pair of gate rollers (57) are provided on the entrance side of each sorting bin (52) so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and the gate rollers (57) descend in each step and are sandwiched between an endless belt (58) and a retractable tape (not shown). The loaded copy sheets are discharged one by one to the sorting bin (52).

That is, in the non-sort mode, the copy paper sent out from the pair of discharge rollers (29) of the copying machine main body (1) passes through the pair of conveyor rollers (53a) and (53b), and then is sent to the pair of conveyor rollers (53).
5a) and (55b) onto the non-sort tray (51). In the sorting mode, copy sheets are conveyed from a pair of conveying rollers (56) to a pair of gate rollers (57) and distributed to each sorting bin (52). In order to carry out the above paper passing, a switching claw (5
4) is installed 6 Figure 2 shows the operation panel (6) installed on the copying machine body (1).
0), a print key (61) for starting the copy operation, a clear/stop key (63) for stopping the copy operation or canceling the set number, and the number of copies (
Numeric keypad (64) for setting the number of copies (number of copies), 7-segment display (65) for displaying the number of copies, copying machine status, etc., paper selection key (66) and its display L E D
(67), (68), Priority storage selection key (6) for selecting whether to store the non-imaging subsequent paper cut as described above in the intermediate tray (41) or the sorter (50).
9) and its display LEDs (70), (71), double-sided copy selection key (72) and its display LED (73), composite copy selection key (72') and its display LED (73'), intermediate tray (41) ) is provided with an LED (74) that displays and warns that the top is full of copy paper.

Note that these keys and LEDs are on the operation panel (60).
In addition, there are a copy magnification setting key, a copy density setting key, etc., but these are omitted.

FIG. 3 shows the control circuit of this copying apparatus, and the first cPU (8
1) is a micro combi coater for controlling the main body of the copying machine (1), and the second CPU (82) is an image reading device (
30) Micro combi coater, third
CPU (83) is a microcomputer for controlling the sorter (50).

The first CPU (81) includes internal switches such as keys (61) provided on the operation panel (60) and various sensors (SEI').
) to (SEIO), etc., the switch matrix (8
4) is connected, display section (65), display L E D
(67) etc. are this matrix (84), decoder (
85). Further, a main motor, a developing motor, a resist clutch, etc. are connected to the output terminal.

An image processing section (36) and a motor (38) are connected to the second CPU (82), an output signal from the image sensor (34) is input to the image processing section (36), and a laser beam optical system ( The image printing signal is output to the printer head section 10).

The solenoid of the switching claw (54), the conveyance motor, etc. are connected to the third CPU (83).

[Copying Operation] Now, the outline of the copying operation by the copying apparatus having the above configuration will be explained.

Here, the description will be made assuming that A4 size copy paper is loaded in the top picture paper section (20) and A3 size copy paper is fully loaded in the bottom picture paper section (24).

For example, when performing multi-copying of an A4 size document at the same size, first, A4 size copy paper is fed from the overprint paper section (20), and a normal copying operation is performed. When the A4 size copy paper becomes empty during this copying operation, A3 size copy paper is fed from the sketch paper section (24). When the center of this copy paper reaches the cutting position of the cutter (47), the cutter (47) operates to cut two copies (
Cut into 2 A4 size sheets). Specifically, a timer is started at the rising edge of a timing signal that rotationally drives the timing roller pair (26), and when the center of the A3 size copy paper reaches the cutting position, the intermediate roller pair (23d) etc. are stopped. Make the cut.

Therefore, the cut front half is the timing roller pair (2
At step 6), the sheet is conveyed as it is, and the image is transferred and fixed. The cut succeeding paper is held by the pair of intermediate rollers (23d) and waits just before the cutter (47).

After this, there are two cases: cases in which an image is formed on the subsequent sheet of paper that is waiting, and cases in which an image is not formed. In the former case, it is sufficient to treat the paper as being fed from the pair of intermediate rollers (23d), and in the latter case, it is sufficient to process the paper as being fed from the pair of intermediate rollers (23d). In the control procedures explained below with reference to flowcharts, the former is the first embodiment and the latter is the second embodiment.
This will be explained as an example, and even in the former case where copy processing is performed on the standby succeeding paper, copying is not performed on the standby succeeding paper after the last sheet has been copied in single copy mode or multi copy mode. No processing is performed.

In the former case, the first half of the cut copy paper is subjected to normal copy processing, and if the multi-fubi is not completed, the subsequent paper is fed from the intermediate roller pair (23d) without being fed from the paper feed unit. Paper is fed, and normal copy processing is then executed. Once the final copy is completed in single copy mode or multi-copy mode, no copy processing is performed on subsequent sheets. In this case, since the present embodiment has a built-in paper refeeding device (40), the clutch of each intermediate roller is turned on to transport the post-reading paper, and at the same time the switching claw (48) is moved as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. position, and the subsequent paper is stored on the intermediate tray (41). However, in this embodiment, since a sorter (50) is also attached, subsequent sheets of non-image-formed paper may be passed through and stored in the sorter (50>).

In this case, if the operation mode of the copying machine is non-sort mode, the non-imaging subsequent sheet is stored in one of the sort bins (52), and if it is sort mode, the non-sort tray (51) or the unused sort bin at that time is stored. (52). The priority storage selection key (72) is used to select in advance which of the intermediate tray (41) or the sorter (50) to store the non-image forming subsequent paper.

Furthermore, there is a limit to the number of sheets that can be stored in the intermediate tray (41). Therefore, a full sensor (S
When detecting that E2) has reached the storage limit, L E
D (74) is turned on to issue a warning and storage in the intermediate tray (41) is stopped. In this case, the non-image-forming subsequent paper can be passed to the sorter (50) and stored. Note that if a sorter is not attached, subsequent copy operations will be prohibited.

Furthermore, when the intermediate tray (41) becomes full with the non-image forming subsequent paper, a refeeding operation for the non-image forming subsequent paper is started from the intermediate tray (41>.This refeeding is provided in the intermediate tray (41). The process continues until the empty sensor (SEI) detects that the paper is empty.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, double-sided/composite copying is possible. Therefore, when performing a copy operation by combining the duplex/composite copy mode and the double-area copy paper feeding mode, the intermediate tray (41) will contain paper for duplex/composite copying. , the non-image-forming subsequent paper is passed to the sorter (50) and stored.

[Control Procedure, First Embodiment] Here, the control procedure of the first CPU (81) as a first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 to 12. In addition, the 2nd and 3rd CP
The control procedures of U(82) and U(83) are well known for this type of image reading device and sorter, so the explanation thereof will be omitted. Further, the control procedure for the automatic document feeder (90) will also be omitted.

FIG. 5 shows the main routine of the first CPU (81).

When the first CPU (81) is reset and the program starts, step (Sl) clears the random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM), initializes various registers, and initializes each device to the initial mode. Make settings. Subsequently, in step (Sl), an internal timer is started.

The internal timer determines the time required for one routine of this main routine and also serves as a reference for the timers used in each subroutine, and its value is set in advance in step (Sl).

In step (S3), a key manual subroutine is executed. Here, inputs from various keys on the operation panel (60) are determined. Note that details are omitted.

In step (S4>), a double-sided copy selection subroutine is executed. Here, it is determined whether double-sided copying has been selected in response to the ON operation of the selection key (72), and the copy mode is set. In the embodiment, synthetic copying is also possible, but the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In step (S5), a copy paper selection subroutine is executed. Here, the paper feed section (20), (24) to which the copy paper is to be fed is selected in response to the ON operation of the selection key (66).

In step (S6), a priority storage selection subroutine is executed. Here, depending on the ON operation of the selection key (69), the intermediate tray (41) or the sorter (50) is selected as the storage location for the non-image forming subsequent paper.

In step (S7), a subroutine for starting copying is performed, that is, conditions for starting the copying operation are set by turning on the print key (61).

In step (S8), a copy operation subroutine is executed. Here, the actual copy processing operation can be executed.

After sequentially calling each of the above subroutines, step (
After waiting for the internal timer to end in step S9), the process returns to step S2.
) Return to

Here, various flags used in the following subroutines will be explained.

Copy start flag (FO): A flag for starting a copy operation, and is set to "1" in steps (542) and (582).

Paper flag (Fl): A flag for cutting the fed double area copy paper, and is set to "1" in step (5108).

Paper feed flag (F2): This is a flag to display that the succeeding sheet of the cut double-area copy sheet is waiting in front of the timing roller pair (26).
573), it is set to "rl".

Double-sided flag (F3): This is a flag for indicating that copy paper on which one-sided images have been formed is stored on the intermediate tray (41), and can be set to "1" in step (5135).

When the double-sided flag (F3) is set to 11'', the copy paper that has been copied on one side is re-fed from the intermediate tray (41) for copying on the back side.

Double-sided selection flag (FlB): A flag for indicating that double-sided copying has been selected, and is set to rl in step (514).

Paper refeed flag (F22): A flag to display that the non-imaging subsequent paper has been stored on the intermediate tray (41) to the permissible limit, and is used in steps (590) and (5110).
, is set to "1" in (5141). When this paper refeeding flag (F22) is set to rl, the non-image forming subsequent paper is refed from the intermediate tray (41).

Sorter flag (F30): A flag for displaying the priority storage location for non-imaging subsequent paper.It can be set to rl in step (533) and reset to "0.'1" in step (534). When it is set, a message indicating that it will be stored preferentially in the sorter (50) is displayed, and r□.

When it is reset to , it is displayed that the intermediate tray (41) is to be stored preferentially.

FIG. 6 shows a double-sided copy selection subroutine executed in step (S4) of the main routine.

First, in step (510), confirm that copying is not in progress, and then in step (511), press the double-sided copy selection key (
72) is on-edge. If the key (72) is on-edge, in step (512) the LED (72)
3) is turned on. At this time, L
If ED (73) is turned on, turn off LED (73) in step (513) and set the double-sided selection flag (Fl).
B) is "reset to O4, and if the LED (73) is off, turn on the LED (73) in step (514), and set the duplex selection flag (F18) to rl".

FIG. 7 shows a copy paper selection subroutine executed in step (S5) of the main routine.

First, in step (520), confirm that copying is not in progress, and then in step (521), press the paper selection key (66).
) is on-edge. If the key (66) is on-edge, the step (sfz) will turn on the LED (67).
Determine whether or not it is turned on. At this time, L E
If D (67) is turned on, step (S23)
Turn on the LED (68) and turn off the LED (67) to select the sketch paper section (24). Also, LED<6
7) is turned off, in step (524) the LED (
67) and turn off LED (68) to select the overprint paper section (20).

FIG. 8 shows a priority storage selection subroutine that can be executed in step (S6) of the main routine.

First, in step (530), confirm that the copy operation is not in progress, and then in step (531), press the priority storage selection key (
69) is on-edge. If the key (69) is on-edge, step (532) turns on the LED (7).
0) is turned on. At this time, L
If the ED (70) is turned on, in step (533) the LED (71) is turned on and the LED (70) is turned off, and the sorter flag (F30) is set to rl. If the LED (70) is turned off, in step (534) the LED (70) is turned on, the LED (71) is turned off, and the sorter flag (F
30) to "rO".

FIG. 9 shows a copy start subroutine executed in step (S7) of the main routine.

First, in step (540>), confirm that copying is not in progress, and then in step (541), press the print key (61).
) is on-edge. If it is on-edge, set the copy start flag (FO) to 1 in step (542).
1" and terminate this subroutine.

FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c show a copy operation subroutine executed in step (S8) of the main routine.

First, in step (550), the copy start flag (FO) is set.
is set to ``11'', and if it is reset to ``0°'', the process moves to step (560) and ``
1. If so, in step (551) the main motor, developing motor, charging charger, and transfer charger are turned on, the copy start flag (FO) is reset to "0", and the timer (TA) is set.

Next, in step (552), the double-sided flag (F3) is set to 10.
In step (553), it is determined whether the paper feed flag (F2) has been reset to "rO". Both Y in steps (552) and (553)
If it is determined to be ES, that is, if the single-sided folded copy paper is not re-fed from the intermediate tray (41) and the following paper is not waiting at the intermediate roller pair (23d), step (554) is performed.
) to execute the paper source selection subroutine, and step (5)
60). Here, as detailed below, copy paper for copying is divided into overprint paper section (20) and underprint paper section (20).
4) or the paper refeeding unit [intermediate tray (41)], and a timer (rBl), ('fB2), ('fB2), ('fB2), (
Set TB3).

If the determination in step (553) is NO, that is,
When the cut succeeding paper is waiting at the intermediate roller pair (23d), the roller clutch is turned on in step (555) to feed the succeeding paper, and the paper feed flag (F2> is set to r□).
, sets the timer (TB4), and moves to step <560).

If it is determined No in the step (552), that is,
For double-sided copying, place copy paper that has been copied on one side in the intermediate tray (
41), turn on the clutch of the paper refeed roller (45) in step (556) and set the timer (T
B3) is set and the process moves to step (560).

Next, when the judgment end timing of the timer (TA) is confirmed in step (560), step (561)
) to disengage the clutches of each paper feed roller (21), (24) and paper refeed roller (45). Furthermore, the step (
When the judgment end timing of the timers (IBI) to (rB4) is confirmed in step (562), step (563)
Then, the scan signal for causing the scanner (31) to scan is set to 11''. Thereby, the original image read by the image sensor (34) is exposed and scanned onto the photosensitive drum (2) by the laser beam optical system (10). In step (564), the timing signal r
When it is confirmed that l is set, step (5
At step 65), the clutch of the timing roller pair (26) is turned on, and the timers (TC) and (IG) are set.

In steps (566) to (S69), when a double-area copy sheet is fed, a process is performed in which the copy sheet is cut at the center in the conveyance direction. That is, if it is determined in step (566) that the paper flag (Fl) is set to 11'', then in step (567) it is confirmed that the timer (TG) has finished judging, and in step (568) the roller clutch is is turned off, and the rotation of the intermediate roller pair (23d), etc. is stopped. Then, in step (569), the cutter (4
7) to cut the copy paper, and step (570)
). As mentioned above, the timer (TG) counts the time until the center of the double-area copy sheet reaches the cutting position. Note that if the paper flag (Fl) has been reset to "0", step (57) is executed immediately.
0).

In step (570), it is determined whether or not it is the judgment end timing of the timer (work C). If No, the process moves to step (574), and if YES, step (571)
) to turn off the charger and timing roller clutch, and reset the scan signal to rO. Furthermore, after confirming that the paper flag (Fl) is set to rl in step (572), step (573)
) to set the paper feed flag (F2) to "1" and
The paper flag (Fl) is reset to 10'' and the process moves to step (574).

In step (574), it is determined whether the return signal for terminating the reading of the original image is set to "rl".
'0. If it is set to '1', the process moves to step (595), and if it is set to '1', it is determined in step (575) whether or not the multi-copy is completed.

If the multi-copy is not completed yet, proceed to step (58).
0), it is determined whether the double-sided selection flag (Fl8) is set to rl. If the double-sided selection flag (Fl8) is set to "1", that is, if double-sided copying can be executed, the switching claw (42) is set in step (581).
) is turned on and set to the dotted line position in FIG. 1, and the timer (TI) is set. This is the transcription.

The single-sided image-formed copy paper after fixing can be stored on the intermediate tray (41). Subsequently, in step (582), the copy start flag (FO) is set to "rl". This makes it possible to perform the copy process on the subsequent sheet of double area cut as described above. Further, when duplex copying is performed, when it is confirmed in step (595) that the timer (TI) has finished judging, the switching claw (42) is turned off in step (596) to return to the solid line position.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (575) that the multi-copy is completed, a subroutine for double-sided storage is executed in step (585). This subroutine executes processing for storing the subsequent paper waiting on the intermediate roller pair (23d) onto the intermediate tray (41) after the multi-copy is completed, and will be described in detail below.

Next, in step (586), it is determined whether the home position signal output when the scanner (31) returns to the home position is set to 11'', and if it is reset to 10'', step ( 595) and select “1.
If set, the developing motor and transfer charger are turned off and a timer (TD) is set in step (587).

Furthermore, the sorter flag (F30) is set in step (588).
is 10. Determine whether it has been reset to . If the sorter flag (F30) is set to 11'', that is, if the non-image forming subsequent paper is preferentially stored in the sorter (50), the process moves to step (591). In addition, if the sorter flag (F30) is reset to "0.", that is,
If the read paper after non-image formation is preferentially stored in the intermediate tray (41), the intermediate tray full sensor (S
E2) is turned on and off to determine whether the number of sheets stored on the intermediate tray (41) exceeds the permissible number. If the full sensor (SEA) is off, that is, if the storage limit has not been reached, the process moves to step (595), and the subsequent non-image forming paper can be stored in the intermediate tray (41). If the full sensor (SE2) is on and the storage limit has been reached, the paper refeed flag (F22) is set to "rl" in step (590), and the process moves to step (591).

In steps (591), (592), and (593), even if priority storage is performed on the sorter (50) or priority storage is selected on the intermediate tray (41), the intermediate tray (41) is full and the storage is not completed. If it is not possible, a process is executed to store the read sheets after non-image formation into the sorter (50).

That is, in step (591) it is determined whether a mode (sorting or grouping) using the sorter (50) is being executed, and if it is in use, step (59) is executed.
In step 2), it is designated to store the non-image forming subsequent paper in the non-sort tray (51), and the process moves to step (595).

If it is not in use, the sort bin (5
2> [Actually, the top sort bin (52)]
Specify to store the file in , and move to step (595). Specifically, a driving solenoid of a switching claw (54) in the sorter (50) can be turned on and off to switch the path.

After the multi-copy is completed, step (597
), when it is confirmed that the timer (TD) has finished judging, the main motor is turned off in step (598), and this subroutine ends.

FIG. 11 shows a subroutine for paper feed section selection that can be executed in step (554).

Here, first, in step (5100), the intermediate tray empty sensor (SEL> is on or off) determines whether or not there is copy paper (stored non-image forming subsequent paper) in the intermediate tray (41). When it is determined that the empty sensor (SEL) is on and empty, the step (Slo
t) reset the paper refeed flag (F22) to rOl,
Re-feeding from the intermediate tray (41) is prohibited.

Next, in step (5102), the paper refeed flag (F22) is set.
is reset to "0." in step (51).
In step 03), it is determined whether the intermediate tray full sensor <5EA) is turned off, and in step (5104), it is determined whether the copy paper in the selected paper feed section (20) or (24) is empty. . If the paper refeeding flag (F22) is set to rl, the paper refeeding unit is selected in step (5112) as the paper refeeding from the intermediate tray (41) is performed, and the process proceeds to step (5115). Transition. Further, if the intermediate tray full sensor (SE2) is turned on and the intermediate tray (41) is full of copy sheets, step (511)
Set the paper refeeding flag (F22) to "1" in step 0), select the paper refeeding section in step (Sill) to execute paper refeeding from the intermediate tray (41), and select the paper refeeding section in step (Sill).
115).

On the other hand, if there is copy paper remaining in the preselected paper feed section (20) or (24), the paper feed section (20) or (24)
Step (5115) to execute paper feeding from
Move to. Further, if there is no copy paper in the preselected paper feed section (20) or (24), step (5105)
) to reselect another paper source (24) or (20), and in step (5106) select the other paper source (24) or (20).
In step (5107), it is determined whether or not the fully loaded copy paper is set vertically. judge. If both are determined to be YES, the paper feed section (24) or (2) loaded with copy paper of double area.
Step (510
In step 8), the paper flag (Fl) is set to 11'' and the process moves to step (5115). Said step (510
6).

If the determination is No in either step (5107), copy paper empty is displayed in step (5109). This display can be displayed, for example, with the print key (60) on the operation panel (60).
1) or the display unit (65).

Next, steps (5115), (5117), (5
In step 119), it is determined which paper feeding section or paper refeeding section has been selected. If the overprint paper section is selected, the clutch of the overprint paper roller (21) is turned on in step (Si20), and a timer (TBI') is set. If the sketch paper section is selected, the clutch of the sketch paper roller (25) is turned on in step (5118), and the timer (TB2) is turned on.
Set.

If the paper refeeding section has been selected, step (5120
) to turn on the clutch of the paper refeed roller (45) and set the timer (IB3).

FIG. 12 shows a subroutine for double-sided storage that can be executed in step (585).

Here, first, if it is determined in step (5130) that the paper refeed flag (F22) is set to "1."
In step (5131), the flag (F22) is reset to "Ol". Also, in step (5132), if it is determined that the double-sided flag (F3) is set to "1.
In step (5133), the flag (F3) is reset to "O".

Next, in step (5134), the double-sided selection flag (Fl8
) is set to "1".

rl, that is, if double-sided copying has been selected, the double-sided selection flag (
While resetting the double-sided flag (Fl8) to r□,
3) to "1." At the same time, set the timer (T1) and turn on the switching claw (42) so that the single-sided image-formed copy paper can be guided onto the intermediate tray (41). ) counts the time the copy paper passes through the switching claw (42), and when it is confirmed in step (5136) that the timer (TI) has finished judging, the switching claw (42) is turned off in step (5137). , return to the solid line position.

Next, in step (5138), the paper feed flag (F2) is set to r.
It is determined whether or not it is set to lJ. If it is reset to r□, that is, if the cut subsequent paper is not waiting at the intermediate roller pair (23d), the process immediately moves to step (5145). rl", that is, if a completely cut succeeding sheet is waiting, the sorter flag (F30) is set to r□, in step (5139).
Determine whether it has been reset to .

If the sorter flag (F30) is set to rl and priority storage to the sorter (50) has been selected, step (
5134) to turn on the roller clutch and set the paper feed flag (F
2) is reset to "0" and the timer (TH) is set. 6. In other words, with the switching claw (48) set at the solid line position, the subsequent sheet is started to pass. Therefore, subsequent sheets are discharged to the sorter (50) without being imaged. The discharge location is determined in steps (592) and (593).

On the other hand, if the sorter flag (F30) is reset to "0" and preferential storage in the intermediate tray (41) is selected, the intermediate tray full sensor (SE
2), it is determined whether the intermediate tray (41) is full or not. When the full sensor (SE2) is turned on and determined to be full, the LED (74) is turned on in step (5141).
) to issue a warning, set the paper refeed flag (F22) to "1", and proceed to the aforementioned step (5144). As a result, the non-image-forming subsequent paper is discharged to the sorter (50), and thereafter, the paper is re-fed from the intermediate tray (41).

Further, if the full sensor (SE2) is off and can be stored in the intermediate tray (41), step (51)
42), it is determined whether the double-sided flag (F3) has been reset to "rO". This double-sided flag (F3) is “1”
．． If it is set to , it is double-sided copying, so step (5144) is executed and the subsequent non-image forming paper is sent to the sorter (50).
Store it in. If the duplex flag (F3) is reset to "rO", the intermediate tray (
41), in step (5143) the switching claw (48) is turned on and set to the dotted line position.

Then, step (5144) is processed to store the non-image forming subsequent paper onto the intermediate tray (41), and step (5145) is processed.
), when it is confirmed that the judgment of the timer (TH) has ended, in step (5146) the roller clutch is turned off and the switching pawl (48) is turned off to return to the solid line position.

[Control procedure, second embodiment] Next, the control procedure of the first CPU (81) as a second embodiment will be explained in Figs. 13a, 13b, 13C,
This will be explained with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, an image is not formed on a subsequent sheet of paper waiting to be cut.

The control procedure here is basically the same as the control procedure shown in FIGS. 5 to 12, and only the different points, ie, the subroutines for copying and double-sided storage, will be explained.

FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c show a copy operation subroutine executed in step (S8) of the main routine.

Steps (550) to (553) of starting the copy operation
) is the same as the control procedure in FIG. 10a, but here the paper feed flag (F2) is not used because an image is not formed on the subsequent paper that has been cut. Therefore, step (55
If it is determined in step 2) that the double-sided flag (F3) has been reset to r□, a subroutine for selecting a paper feed section is executed in step (554).

The paper feeding process in steps (560) to (565), the cutting process of double area copy paper in steps (566) to (569), and the process until the end of image scanning in steps (570) to (573) are The control procedure is the same as that shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b.

Next, when it is determined that the return signal is set to "1", a subroutine for double-sided storage is executed in step (585''), and then it is determined in step (575) whether or not multi-copying is completed. The reason why the double-sided storage subroutine in step (585) is processed before step (575) is that when double-area copy paper is fed, it is stored in the intermediate tray (without creating an image on the subsequent paper each time). 41) or sorter (50>).

By the way, if the multi-copy has not finished yet, the copy start flag (FO) is set to 11 in step (582).
and moves to step (5208). When the multi-copy is completed, if it is determined in step (5200) that the paper refeed flag (F22) is set to 11'', step (5201)-C'the corresponding lagh flag F22) is executed.
Here.

Reset to . Further, if it is determined in step (5202) that the double-sided flag (F3) has been set to "1yo", the flag (F3) is reset to r□ in step (5203).

Next, in step (5204), the double-sided selection flag (F18
) is set to rl.

11", that is, if double-sided copying has been selected, the double-sided selection flag (
While resetting the double-sided flag (F18) to "rO"
3) is set to rl. And step (520
In step 6), it is determined whether the fixed position signal has been set to rl, and if it is set to "1", the developing motor and transfer charger are turned off and the timer (TD) is set in step (5207).

Next, when the judgment end timing of the timer (TH) is confirmed in step (5208), the timer ('rH) is set in step (5237) explained below, and the roller clutch is activated in step (5209). and turn off the switching claw (42). As a result, the imaged copy paper is discharged to the sorter (50), while the non-imaged subsequent paper is stored in the intermediate tray (41) or the sorter (50).

Then, when the judgment end timing of the timer (TD) is confirmed in step (5210), step (521
Step 1) turns off the main motor and ends this subroutine.

FIG. 14 shows the double-sided storage subroutine executed in step (585).

First, in step (5220), double-sided selection flag (F18
) is set to rl.

If ``1.'' is set, double-sided copying has been selected, so in step (5221) the switching claw (42) is turned on and the single-sided image-formed copy paper is guided onto the intermediate tray (41). , set the timer (TI).Step (
When it is confirmed in step (5222) that the timer (TI) has finished judging, the switching claw (42) is turned off in step (5223) to return to the solid line position.

Next, in step (5224), the paper flag (Fl) is
is set to ``1.'' The paper flag (Fl) indicates that double-area copy paper has been fed as described above, and if it is reset to r□, Immediately terminate this subroutine.

If this paper flag (Fl) has been set to rl, that is, if the subsequent cut paper is waiting, then in step (5225) Teso Tough Rag (F30) is set to "
It is determined whether or not it has been reset to "o". The sorter flag (F30) is set to rl and the sorter (5o)
If priority storage is selected, step (5231
), turn on the roller clutch and move the non-imaging paper to the sorter (
50). The sorter flag (F30) is “OJ
If priority storage is selected in the intermediate tray (41), the intermediate tray full sensor (SE2) is turned on and off in step (5226).
) is full. When the full sensor (SEA) is turned on and it is determined that it is full, step (5227)
Turn on LED (74) to issue a warning, set the paper refeed flag (F22) to "1", and proceed to step (5).
231). With this, the non-image forming subsequent paper is ejected and stored in the sorter (50), and from now on, the intermediate tray (
The paper can be re-feeded from the 41st page.

Also, if the full sensor (SE2) is off and the intermediate tray <41
), it is determined in step (5228) whether the double-sided selection flag (F18) has been reset to "rO". If the double-sided selection flag (F18) is set to 11'', the roller clutch is turned on in step (5231). Also, if the double-sided flag (F3) is reset to "I"O" in step <5229), the double-sided flag (F3) is set to "OJ".
After confirming that it has been reset to
At step 230), the switching pawl (48) is turned on and set to the dotted line position, and at step (5231), the roller clutch is turned on. With this, the non-image forming subsequent paper is stored in the intermediate tray (41).

Furthermore, in step (5232) full sensor (SE2)
is turned on and it is determined that the intermediate tray (41) is full of copy sheets that have been accommodated, the paper refeed flag (F22) is set to 11'' in step (5233). Thereafter, in step (5234) it is determined whether or not the mode using the sorter (50) is being executed, and if it is in use, in step (5235) the non-imaging subsequent paper is transferred to the non-sort tray (
51), and if the sorter is not in use, specify to store it in the sort bin (52) in step (5236). Then, in step (5237), the paper flag (Fl) is reset to "rO", and the timer (?H
) and exit this subroutine.

On the other hand, if the full sensor (SE2) of the intermediate tray (41) is off, this subroutine is ended via step (5237).

[Other Embodiments] The copying apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the gist thereof.

For example, the exposure method is not limited to a laser beam method, but may also be a method of directly scanning the original image with visible light. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the copy paper is cut in a step before it shrinks (before fixing), and it is completely arbitrary how the read paper is processed after being cut.

As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, when a copy sheet of a predetermined size is detected to be empty, the second
Since copy paper with twice the area is fed and cut in half before the image fixing unit, copying continues even if the copy paper used for copying becomes empty, making it extremely Be efficient. Moreover, since the copy paper is cut before it shrinks in the image fixing section, it can be cut to exact dimensions. In addition, various processes such as storing the cut subsequent paper in the intermediate tray and refeeding it as shown in the embodiment described above are possible.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the copying apparatus according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the operation panel, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the entire control circuit, and FIG. are block diagrams of the control circuit of the image reading device, FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.
Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10a, Fig. 10b, Fig. 10
Fig. c, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 are flowcharts showing the control procedure as the first embodiment, Fig. 13a, Fig. 13b,
FIGS. 13C and 14 are flowcharts showing the control procedure of the second embodiment. (1)... Copying machine main body, (2)... Photosensitive drum,
(6) Transfer charger, (10)...Laser beam optical system, (20), (24)...Paper feed section, (26)...
... Timing roller pair, (28) ... Fixing device, (
30)...Image reading device, (40)...Refeeding device, 41)...Intermediate tray, (47)...Cutter, (48)...Switching claw, 50)...・・Sota, (
81), (82), (83)...Microcomputer, (SE3)-(SEIO)...Copy paper size, paper detection means.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A copying machine main body; a cutting means installed upstream in the direction of the copy paper conveying device from a pair of timing rollers that feed the copy paper to an image transfer section in the copying machine main body; and the copying machine. copy paper size detection means installed in a paper feed section of the main body; empty detection means for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper in the paper feed section; and the empty detection means detecting that copy paper of a predetermined size is empty. when the empty copy paper is loaded, a control means for feeding a copy paper having an area twice that of the empty copy paper and operating the cutting means to cut the fed copy paper at the center in the conveyance direction. A copying device characterized by: