JPH01183673A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent trouble such as paper jamming by housing the following non-image forming sheets in a non-sort tray or a sort bin which is not used for distribution after a middle tray reaches its housing limit. CONSTITUTION:When copying sheets of prescribed sized are exhausted, copy sheets twice as large as said sheets are fed, cut into half size this side of an image fixing part, and copying is continued. The following non-image forming sheets are housed in the middle tray 41. After it reaches the housing limit, the following non-image forming sheets are housed in the non-sort tray 51 or the sort bin 50 which is not used for distribution.

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.

BACKGROUND ART AND PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED Generally, in a copying apparatus, copy paper 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 copy paper with an area twice that of the empty copy paper is fully loaded in another paper feed section, feed a 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. Further, it is conceivable that an image is formed on the first half of the cut copy paper, and sometimes an image is formed on the second half of the cut copy paper, and sometimes an image is not formed on the cut copy paper.

If an image is not to be formed, if this non-image forming subsequent paper is passed through and stored in the paper output tray or sorter together with the image forming paper, the image forming paper and the non-image forming paper must be sorted later. It's complicated. In particular, when distributing to sorter bins, the order of dispensing becomes out of order.

Means for Solving the Problems Therefore, a copying apparatus according to the present invention includes: (a) a copying machine main body; (b) a sorter having a number of bins for distributing and storing copy sheets discharged from the copying machine main body; (C) a cutting means installed on the upstream side in the direction of the copy paper transport device of the pair of timing rollers that feed the copy paper to the image transfer section in the copying machine main body; and (d) installed in the paper feeding section of the copying machine main body. (e) empty detection means for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper in the paper feed section; (f) an intermediate tray for storing copy paper fed from the paper feed section; g) When the empty detection means detects that the copy paper of a predetermined size is empty, feed a copy paper having an area twice that of the empty copy paper, and operate the cutting means. A first cutter cuts the fed copy paper at the center in the conveying direction and forms an image on at least the front half of the copy paper.
(h) a second control means for storing the second half of the cut copy paper in the intermediate tray without forming an image; (i) a non-imaging subsequent paper stored in the intermediate tray; means for detecting whether or not the number of sheets read after non-image formation has reached the permissible number of sheets to be stored; and third control means for storing the liquid in a non-sorting tray or a sorting bin that is not used for distribution.

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 front half of the copy paper. The second half of the copy sheets may be controlled to form an image, or may not be formed. Particularly, when copying paper with a double area is fed when copying the last sheet in multi-copying, there is no need to form an image on the subsequent cut sheet. Then, the non-image forming subsequent paper is stored in the intermediate tray. When the intermediate tray is full of non-imaged subsequent sheets, subsequent non-imaged subsequent sheets are stored in a non-sort tray or a sort bin that is not used for distribution.

Pointed barrel [Construction of copying device] Fig. 1 shows a schematic structure of an embodiment of the copying device according to the present invention.
0) and automatic document feeder (90), and a sorter (
50) has been installed.

A photoreceptor drum (2) is installed approximately at 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), an inter-image/edge eraser (4), etc. ),
Developing device (5a), (sb), transfer charger (6)
.

A copy paper separation charger (7), a residual toner cleaning device (8), and a residual charge eraser lamp (9) have been installed. As the photosensitive drum (2) rotates in the direction of arrow (a), the charger (3)
, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the image by exposure scanning of the image from the laser beam optical system (10), which will be described below. ) 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 the image of the document placed face down on the document table glass (39) and photoelectrically converts the read data. is 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 conveyance device (90) is equipped with a conveyor belt (90).
It is also possible to lift the part 3) and manually set the original on the original table glass (39).

On the other hand, the copy paper can be fully accommodated in the top picture paper section (20) and the bottom picture paper section (24) of the cassette system, and one of the paper feed rollers (21) and (25) is selectively driven to rotate. The paper is fed one by one. The fed copy paper passes through intermediate roller pairs (23a), (23b), (23c), (
23d) to the timing roller pair (26), where it waits for a while, and then is sent to the transfer section in synchronization with the image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum (2), and 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 a fixing device (28) via a conveyor belt (27), where the toner image is heat-fixed, and then ejected from a pair of ejection rollers (29) to a 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) is installed 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 (
In step 9), residual charges are erased and the sheet is prepared for the next copying process.

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. 4 In composite copy mode, copy paper is placed in the intermediate tray (
41) 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).
Once installed, the copy paper stored on the intermediate tray (41) is re-fed to the transfer section through the intermediate roller pair (23e) etc. by the rotation of this re-feed roller (45). In addition, the paper refeeding device (40) includes an empty sensor (SEI) for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper and a full sensor <5EA for detecting that the copy paper is full.
) is installed.

Additionally, 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 that is about to be 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 ivy (47) is operated to cut the copy paper in half.

The cut front half of the copy paper can be conveyed as it is, and an image is formed.

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 perform 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 Figure 1, and guides the copy paper to the timing roller pair (26>). is switched to the dotted line position, and the copy paper is passed through the latter 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) are lowered every step and sandwiched between an endless belt (58>) and a retractable tape (not shown). The 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 conveyance rollers (53a) and (53b) to the pair of conveyance 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.

Figure 2 shows the operation panel (6) provided on the main body (1) of the copying machine.
0), the print key (61) to start the copy operation, the clear/stop key (63) to stop the copy operation or cancel the set number, and the number of copies (
numeric keypad (64) for setting the 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 LED (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) ) indicates that the top is full of copy paper,
A warning LED (74) is provided.

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, in which the first CPU (8
1) is a microcomputer for controlling the main body of the copying machine (1), and the second CPU (82) is an image reading device (
30) Microcombiner for controlling the third
CPU (83) is a microcomputer for controlling the sorter (50).

The first CPU (81) has internal switches such as keys (61) provided on the operation panel (60) and various sensors (SE
The switch matrix (84) consisting of I) to (SElo) etc. is disconnected, and the display section (65) and display LED (
67) etc. are this matrix (84), decoder (8
5) The connection is established via 5). Further, a main motor, a developing motor, a resist clutch, etc. are connected to the output terminal.

The image processing unit (36) and the motor (38) are fully connected to the second CPU (82), the output signal from the image sensor (34) can be fully input to the image processing unit (36), and the 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 g3 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 the main paper feed section (20) is fully loaded with A4 size copy paper, and the sketch paper section (24) is loaded with A3 size copy paper.

For example, when performing multi-copying of an A4 size document at the same size, first, A4 size copy paper is fed from the main paper feed 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 image is transported as it is, and the image is transferred and fixed. The subsequent paper that has been cut is held by a pair of intermediate rollers (23d) and waits just in front of the cutter (47).

After this, there are two cases: cases in which an image is formed on the waiting succeeding paper, and cases in which an image is not formed. In the former case, it is sufficient to process the paper as being fed from the intermediate roller pair (23d), and in the latter case, it is sufficient to process the paper as being fed from the intermediate roller pair (23d).This will be explained below with reference to the flowchart. In the control procedure, the former is the first embodiment and the latter is the second embodiment.
This will be explained as an example. Note that even in the former case where the copy process is performed on the standby succeeding paper, the copy process is not performed on the standby succeeding paper after the last sheet has been copied in the single copy mode or the multi-copy mode.

In the former case, normal copy processing is executed for the cut first half of the copy paper, and if multi-copying has not been completed, the subsequent paper is transferred from the intermediate roller pair (23d) without being fed from the paper feed unit. The paper is fed, and the normal copying process 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 convey the succeeding 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. It can be accommodated in one of (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.

However, there is a limit to the number of sheets that can be stored in the intermediate tray (41). Therefore, we installed a full sensor (S) on the intermediate tray (41).
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 is 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 non-image forming subsequent paper, a refeeding operation for the non-image forming subsequent paper from the intermediate tray (41) is started. This paper refeeding continues until the empty sensor (SEI) provided on the intermediate tray (41) 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) can accommodate the duplex/composite copy paper. After non-image formation, the read sheets are passed to a 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 (83) are well known for this type of image reading device and sorter.
The explanation will be omitted. Also, automatic document feeder (90)
The control procedure 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...I! Step (S2)
Now start the internal timer.

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 can be 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. Note that although composite copying is also possible in this embodiment, a description 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 is 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): Flag for starting the copy operation.
It is set to 1°.

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

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 "1".

Double-sided flag (F3): This flag is used to indicate that copy paper on which a single-sided image has been formed is stored on the intermediate tray (41), and is set to ``rl'' in step (5135).

When this double-sided flag (F3) is set to "1", the copy paper on which one side has been copied is re-fed from the intermediate tray (41) for copying on the back side.

Double-sided selection flag (F18) is a flag for indicating that double-sided copying has been selected, and can be 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).
, (5141), the paper refeed flag (F22) is set to "1." When the paper refeed flag (F22) is completely set to "1," the subsequent non-image forming paper is refeeded from the intermediate tray (41).

Sorter flag (F30): A flag for displaying a priority storage location for non-image forming subsequent paper, set to ``rl'' in step (533), and reset to ``rO'' in step (534). When it is set to "1", it displays that it will be stored preferentially to the sorter (50), and when it is reset to "0", it displays that it will be stored preferentially to the intermediate tray (41). .

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 E D (73) is on, step (51
3), turn off L E D (73), reset the double-sided selection flag (F18) to "0", and turn off L E D (73).
) is turned off, the LED (7) is turned off in step (514).
3> and set the double-sided selection flag (F18) to "1".

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, step (522) turns on the LED (67).
Determine whether or not it is turned on. At this time, the LED
If (67) is on, go to step (523”)
E D <68) and turn on L E D (6
7) and select the sketch paper section (24). Also, L
If the ED (67) is turned off, in step (524) the LED (67) is turned on and the LED (68) is turned off to select the main paper feed section (20).

FIG. 8 shows the priority storage selection subroutine 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, the LED (7
0) is turned on. At this time, L
If E D (70) is turned on, step (53)
3) Turn on the LED (71) and turn on the LED (70)
is turned off, and the sorter flag (F30) is set to "1". In addition, if the LED (70) is turned off, in step (534) the LED (70) is turned on and the LED (70) is turned on.
Turn off ED (71) and set sorter flag (F30)
Reset to 10.

FIG. 9 shows a copy start subroutine that can be 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, in step (542) set the copy start flag (FO) to "
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 "1.", and if it is reset to r□J, the process moves to step (560), and "
If set to IJ, the main motor, developing motor, charger, and transfer charger are turned on in step (S5L), and the copy start flag (FO) is set to rO.

and set the timer (TA).

Next, in step (S52), the double-sided flag (F3) is set to "0".
In step (553), it is determined whether the paper feed flag (F2) has been reset to 10''. Both Y in steps (552) and (553)
If it is determined to be ES, that is, if the single-sided copied copy paper is not re-fed from the intermediate tray (41) and the subsequent paper is not waiting at the intermediate roller pair (23d), step (554) is executed.
) to execute the paper source selection subroutine, and step (5)
60). Here, as detailed below, copy paper for copying is fed into the main paper feed section (20) and the sketch paper section (20).
4) A timer (TBI), ('fB2), ('fB2), which feeds paper from either the paper refeed unit [intermediate tray (41)] and simultaneously starts scanning of the image reading device (30).
Set rB3).

If it is determined as No in the step (553), 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 "O".
is reset, a timer (1'B4) is set, and the process moves to step (560).

If the determination in step (552) is No, that is,
For double-sided copying, place copy paper that has been copied on one side in the intermediate tray (
41), the clutch of the paper refeed roller (45) is turned on in step (556), and the timer (r
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 (TBI) to (rB4) is confirmed in step (562), step (563)
Then, a scan signal for causing the scanner (31) to scan is set to rl. 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). Furthermore, in step (564) the timing signal is
1. If it is confirmed that the
At step 65), the clutch of the timing roller pair (26) is turned on, and the timers (I'C) and (Tc) are set.

In steps (566) to (569), 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, when it is determined in step (566) that the paper flag (Fl) is set to "1", in step (567) it is confirmed that the timer ('KG) has finished judging, and in step <568) The roller clutch is turned off to stop the rotation of the intermediate roller pair (23d), etc. Then, in step (569), the cutter (
47) to cut the copy paper, and step (57)
0). As mentioned above, the timer (TG) counts the time until the center of the double-area copy sheet reaches the cutting position. In addition, paper flag (Fl)
is 10. If it has been reset, immediately proceed to step (5).
70).

In step (570), it is determined whether or not it is the judgment end timing of the timer (I'C). If No, the process moves to step (574), and if YES, step (57)
1) Turn off the charger and timing roller clutch, and reset the scan signal to rO. moreover,
The paper flag (Fl) is “1” in step (572)
After confirming that it is set to
In step 3), the paper feed flag (F2) is set to rl, and the paper plug (Fl) is reset to rO'', and the process moves to step (574).

In step (574), it is determined whether the return signal for ending reading of the original image is set to "1",
If it is reset to rOJ, the process moves to step (595), and if it is set to '1', it is determined in step (575) whether or not 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 "1". If the double-sided selection flag (Fl8) is set to rl, 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 ('rI) is set. This is the transcription.

The single-sided image-formed copy paper after fixing can be stored on the intermediate tray (41). Then, in step (582), the copy start flag (FO) is set to "1". 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 (S95) 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 fixed position signal output when the scanner (31) returns to the home position has been set to rl, and if it has been reset to r□, step Move to (S95) and select “1”
If set, the developing motor and transfer charger are turned off and a timer (TD) is set in step (S87).

Furthermore, in step (58B) the sorter flag (F30)
is reset to "0." If the sorter flag (F30) has been set to rIJ, that is, if the non-imaging subsequent paper is to be stored preferentially in the sorter (50), step (591) is performed. ).Also, if the sorter flag (F30) has been reset to 10'', that is,
When preferentially storing non-image-forming subsequent paper 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 (SE2) 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 preferential storage is performed on the sorter (50) or preferential storage is selected on the intermediate tray (41), the intermediate tray (41) is full and the items are not stored. If it is not possible, a process for storing the non-imaged subsequent paper into the sorter (50) is executed. 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 (591) is executed.
At step 92), 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
One of 2) [actually the top sort bin (52)]
Specify to store the file in , and move to step (595). Specifically, the passage is switched by turning on and off the driving solenoid of the switching claw (54) in the sorter (50).

After completing the multifunction, step (597
”) when it is confirmed that the timer (TD) has finished judging,
At step (598), the main motor is turned off and this subroutine ends.

FIG. 11 shows a subroutine for selecting a paper feed section executed in step (554).

Here, first, in step (5100), the intermediate tray empty sensor (SEI) is turned on and off to copy paper (non-imaging subsequent paper that has not been stored) in the intermediate tray (41).
Determine the presence or absence of. If it is determined that the empty sensor (SEI) is on and empty, step (51
01), the paper refeeding flag (F22) is reset to 10'', and paper refeeding from the intermediate tray (41) is prohibited.

Next, in step (5102), the paper refeed flag (F22) is set.
is reset to "0" or not, step (51
In step 03), it is determined whether the intermediate tray full sensor (SE2) 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 "1.", the paper refeeding section is selected in step (5112) as the paper refeeding from the intermediate tray (41) is executed, and the paper refeeding unit is selected in step (5115). If the intermediate tray full sensor (SE2) is turned on and the intermediate tray (41) is full of copy sheets, the process moves to step (511).
0), set the paper refeed flag (F22) to 1"1",
The paper refeed unit is selected in step (Sill') as the one to be used to refeed paper from the intermediate tray (41), and the process moves to step (5115).

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 the copy paper loaded in the machine has been set vertically, and whether the copy paper has an area twice that of the copy paper that has been fed so far. judge. If both are determined to be YES, the paper feed section (24) or (2) loaded with copy paper of double area.
Step (510
8) Set the paper flag (Fl) to ``1'',
The process moves to step (5115). Said step (51
06).

If a negative result is determined in either step (5107), copy paper empty is displayed in step (5109). This display may be displayed, for example, by printing the print key (6) 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 main paper feed section is selected, in step (5116) the clutch of the overprint paper roller (21) is turned on and a timer (TBI) is set. If the sketch paper section is selected, in step (5118) the clutch of the sketch paper roller (25) is turned on and a timer (rB2) is set.

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

FIG. 12 shows the double-sided storage subroutine executed in step (585).

Here, first, if it is determined in step (5130) that the paper refeed flag (F22) is fully set to 11,
In step (5131), the flag (F22) is reset to "0". Also, if it is determined in step (5132) that the double-sided flag (F3) is fully set to 11,
In step (5133), the flag (F3) is reset to "0".

Next, in step (5134), the double-sided selection flag (F18
) is set to ``1.''.

If "1." is set, that is, if double-sided copying is selected, the double-sided selection flag (
While resetting the double-sided flag (F18) to r□,
3) is set to "1". At the same time, the timer (TI) is set and the switching claw (42) is turned on so that the copy paper on which an image has been formed on one side can be guided onto the intermediate tray (41). 42) and counts the time it takes to pass through step (5136).
), when it is confirmed that the timer (TI> has been judged), 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 “
Determine whether or not it is set to 1°. If it has been reset to "0", 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 the cut subsequent paper is waiting, the sorter flag (F30) is set to "0" in step (5139).
Determine whether it has been reset to .

If the sorter flag (F30) is set to "1" and priority storage in the sorter (50) is selected, turn on the roller clutch with the steering knob (5134) and set the paper feed flag (
F2) to "0" and set the timer (T1) to 7.
to That is, the subsequent sheet is started to pass while the switching claw (48) is set at the solid line position. 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) has been reset to 10'' and preferential storage in the intermediate tray (41) has been selected, in step (5140) 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 it is determined that the sensor is 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).

In addition, if the full sensor (SE2) is off and can be stored in the intermediate tray (41), the steering knob (5
142), it is determined whether the double-sided flag (F3) has been reset to "0". This double-sided flag (F3) is “
1. If it is set in
). If the double-sided flag (F3) has been reset to "0", turn on the switching claw (48) in step (5143) and set it to the dotted line position in order to store the subsequent paper in the intermediate tray (41) without forming an image. Set it to

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 (rH) 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, and 1.
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, except for the following points:
Only the copy operation and double-sided storage subroutines will be explained.

FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c show a copy operation subroutine that can be 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 "0", a subroutine for paper feed section selection 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 rl, a subroutine for double-sided storage is executed at step (585), and then it is determined at 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 a double-area copy paper is fed, the following paper is not imaged each time, and the intermediate tray (4 ) or sorter (50).

By the way, if the multi-copy has not finished yet, the copy start flag (FO) is set to "1" 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 "1", the flag (F22) is set to I'' in step (5201).
0”. Also, if it is determined in step (5202) that the double-sided flag (F3) is set to ``1'', the flag (F3) is set to ``0'' in step (5203).
”.

Next, in step (5204), the double-sided selection flag (Fl8
) is set to "1".

``If it is set to 1, that is, if double-sided copying has been selected, the double-sided selection flag (
While resetting the double-sided flag (Fl8) to rO,
3) is set to "1". And step (520
In step 6), it is determined whether or not the home position signal has been set to 11. If it has been 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 (rH) is confirmed in step (5208), [the timer (I) is set in step (5237) described below]
, in step (5209), the roller clutch is turned off and the switching pawl (42) is turned off. 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 (rD) 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), the double-sided selection flag (Fl8
) is set to 14.

If it is set to "1", double-sided copying has been selected, so in step (5221) the switching claw (42) is turned on so that the single-sided image-formed copy paper can be guided onto the intermediate tray (41). Set the timer (TI). Step (
When it is confirmed in step (5222) that the judgment of the timer (II) has ended, 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) is set to l″1″, that is, if the subsequent cut paper is waiting,
At step (5225), the sorter flag (F30) is set to I''
Determine whether or not it has been reset to O4. The sorter flag (F30) is set to "1" and the sorter (50)
If priority storage is selected, step (5231
), turn on the roller clutch and move the non-imaging paper to the sorter (
50). If the sorter flag (F30) has been reset to 0° and priority storage in the intermediate tray (41) has been selected, in step (5226) the intermediate tray full sensor (SE2) is turned on and off to set the intermediate tray (41).
) is full. When the full sensor (SE2) is turned on and determined to be full, step (5227)
Turn on L E D (74) to issue a warning, set the paper refeed flag (F22') to "1", and proceed to step (
5231). As a result, the non-image forming subsequent paper is discharged and stored in the sorter (50), and thereafter the paper is switched to being re-fed from the intermediate tray (41).

Also, 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 10''. If the double-sided selection flag (F18) is set to "1", the roller clutch is turned on in step ('5231). If it has been reset to "0", the double-sided flag (F3) is set to "0." in step (5229).
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 can be completely 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 stored copy sheets, the paper refeed flag (F22) is set to "1" 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 "0" and the timer (TH
”) and end 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] Note that the copying apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be variously modified within the scope of the gist.

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 intermediate tray may not have a paper refeeding function, but may only have a paper storage function. It would be convenient if it had a paper refeeding function as in the above embodiment. In this case, the non-imaging subsequent paper stored in the intermediate tray (41) is not re-fed after the intermediate tray (41) is full, as in the previous embodiment, but after a certain number of sheets have been stored in the intermediate tray (41). It is also possible to re-feed the paper when even one sheet is stored, or alternately with double-area copy paper.

Furthermore, as a storage path for the non-image-forming succeeding paper to the intermediate tray (41), in addition to guiding it to the intermediate tray (41>) before the transfer section with the switching claw (48), it can also be guided through the transfer section by the switching claw (41). (42) may lead to the intermediate tray (41).

On the other hand, the intermediate tray does not necessarily have to be the type built into the copier main body; instead, it is possible to store the non-imaged succeeding paper by branching it to the intermediate tray of an external refeeding device just before the sorter. It may be configured.

Effects of the Invention 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 double the area is fed and cut in half before the image fixing unit, even if the copy paper used for copying becomes empty, the copying operation continues as usual. It is extremely efficient and can be cut to exact dimensions since the copy paper can be cut before it shrinks in the image fixing section. Moreover, since the non-image-forming subsequent paper is stored in the intermediate tray, the non-image-forming subsequent paper is not stored in the paper discharge tray or the sorting bin together with the image-forming paper, making it easy to use. Furthermore, when the intermediate tray reaches its storage limit with non-imaging subsequent paper, the subsequent non-imaging paper is stored in the non-sort tray or the sorting bin that is not used for distribution, ensuring troubles such as paper jams are avoided. can be prevented.

[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, (45)...Refeeding roller, (47)...Cutter, (48)... )... Switching claw, (50)... Sorter, (51)... Non-sorting tray, (52)... Sorting bin, (74)... Intermediate tray full display LED, (81), (82 ). (83)...Microcomputer, (SE2)...
・Intermediate tray full detection sensor, (SE3) ~ (SEIO
)...Copy paper size, paper detection means. Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Job diagram Figure 10c Figure 12 Figure 13b

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A copying machine main body; a sorter having a number of bins for distributing and storing copy sheets discharged from the copying machine main body; and a timing for feeding the copy paper to an image transfer section in the copying machine main body. a cutting device installed upstream of the roller pair in the direction of the copy paper conveyance device; a copy paper size detection device installed in a paper feed section of the copying machine main body; and a copy paper size detection device for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper in the paper feed section. empty detection means; an intermediate tray for storing copy paper fed from a paper feed section; and when the empty detection means detects that copy paper of a predetermined size is empty, the empty copy paper is a first control means that feeds copy paper having twice the area and operates the cutting means to cut the fed copy paper at the center in the conveying direction to form an image on at least the front half of the copy paper; , a second control means for storing the second half of the cut copy paper in the intermediate tray without forming an image; and determining whether the number of subsequent non-image forming sheets stored in the intermediate tray has reached the storage permissible number. means for detecting, and when the detecting means detects that the number of non-imaging subsequent sheets has reached the storage permissible number;
a third control means for storing subsequent non-imaging paper into a non-sorting tray or a sorting bin that is not used for distribution;
A copying device comprising: