JPH0193753A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the efficiency of copying by controlling the operation so that copying actions is continued even if the shortage of developer or toner quantity is detected while a recognizing means recognizes being in copying job. CONSTITUTION:When a CPU 11 judges that a JOB flag being a means detecting that the job is currently executed is ON even if the shortage of toner or developer quantity is detected with the aid of developer shortage signals, density reduction signals, etc., which are contained in a state detection sensor group 119, the CPU 11 turns on a printing OK flag and controls the operation to continue copying actions. By such a constitution, copying actions is continued without interruption until a final sheet is copied even if developer or toner runs out during a period from the start of printing to the discharge of a copied final sheet.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to copying operation control when a lack of developer or toner is detected in a copying apparatus.

In the case of the Jome Gigi copying machine, even if the developer or toner end is detected during copying, there is still some developer or toner remaining, and there is no problem in copying several sheets.

However, conventionally, if the developer or toner runs out during copying, the next printing is prohibited after the repeat copying is completed.

Therefore, when copying is interrupted due to running out of paper during copying, even if you add paper or change the paper feed port, you will not be able to make the remaining copies unless you add developer or toner.
In addition, in double-sided copying, if a lack of developer or toner is detected while copying the first original on the front side, the copying will be interrupted at the end of the repeat copy of that original, and the second original will be copied. There was a problem in that the back side could not be copied and the copying efficiency was poor.

This invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to improve copying efficiency by allowing the copying operation to continue even if developer or toner end is detected during a series of copies. shall be.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a detection means for detecting the amount of developer or toner, a recognition means for recognizing that a copy job is in progress, and a recognition means for recognizing that a copy job is in progress. and control means for controlling the copying operation to continue even if the detecting means detects a shortage of the amount of developer or toner while recognizing the amount of developer or toner.

Hereinafter, a detailed explanation will be given based on one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main body mechanical section showing an example of a copying apparatus using a wet developing method according to the present invention.

On this copying machine main body 1, an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as r
ADFJ) 2 is mounted, a sorter 3 is mounted on the side paper ejection side, and the paper feed side is equipped with two paper feed cassettes 4A, 4B and a paper feed tray 4C for large-volume paper feeding. A paper feed unit 4 for selectively feeding paper is attached to each of the paper feed units 4.

The ADF 2 has a document setting section 7. ADF paper feed roller8. A
DF conveyor belt9. It is equipped with a document ejection tray 10, etc., and the document set in the document setting section 7 is fed and conveyed by the ADF paper feed roller 8 to the ADF conveyance belt 9, and is placed on the contact glass 11 at the top of the copying machine main body 1. set,
After the copying operation is completed, the document is discharged onto the document discharge tray 10.

This ADF 2 is provided so that the entire ADF 2 can be opened and closed on the contact glass 11 with one side as an axis. Therefore, A
The DF2 also serves as a document holding plate when manually setting a document on the contact glass 11.

A document set on contact glass 11 is illuminated by lamp 12 . The light reflected from the original.

First mirror 13. Second mirror 14. An image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 via the third mirror 15, the lens unit 1, and the fourth mirror 17.

The photosensitive drum 20 is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow by a main motor 21 via a power transmission mechanism (not shown).

The lamp 12 and the first mirror 13 are mounted on a first carriage (not shown).

It is driven in the direction of arrow A at a constant speed. The second mirror 14 and the third mirror 15 are mounted on a second carriage (not shown) and are driven in the direction of arrow A at half the speed of the first carriage.

The surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is uniformly charged by the main charger 22. The charged surface.

The light passes through the subdivision erase unit 23 and is exposed to light by the image formation, producing an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 20. This electrostatic latent image is developed with a developer in the developing device 24 to become a visible image, and is sent to the transfer charger section 25.

The transfer paper is fed out from the paper feed section 4 by a paper feed roller 26 and reaches the registration roller 29 by conveyance rollers 27 and 2B. At this point, the paper is again conveyed along the paper guide to the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 facing the transfer charger 25 at a suitable timing, and the visible image is transferred thereto.

The recorded transfer paper is separated from the photoreceptor drum 20 by a separation unit 30, guided by a paper guide 31, and entered into a fixing device 32. There, the image is fixed by receiving heat from a heater (not shown), and then guided by a paper guide 33 and sent out from the copying apparatus main body 1 from a paper discharge roller 34.

In the sorter 3, the sheets are sorted according to a predetermined type, and are transported downward by a switching device 70, and are temporarily put on standby on an intermediate tray 74 for re-copying.

Thereafter, the transfer paper is conveyed through the second conveyance path by rollers 79 and 80 and conveyed again to the position of the transfer charger 25. In the case of double-sided copying, the transfer paper is conveyed directly from the intermediate tray 74 to the position of the transfer charger 25. Then, the back side becomes the front side, so the next transfer can be performed as is.

On the other hand, in undercolor or other composite modes that print on a single color, it is necessary to perform the next print on the same side, so the switch 81 is switched and the transfer paper is moved to the second evacuation position 83 midway. By inverting the image and transporting it to the transfer charger 25, it is possible to print on the same surface.

On the other hand, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 20 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 35, and the main charger 20 is again cleaned.
2 is activated.

A black developer tank 61 is located at the center right of the copying apparatus main body 1.
are installed, and red, green, and blue developer tanks 62.13'5.84 and a cleaning agent tank 65 are installed separately below the copying apparatus main body 1, and as shown by the dotted chain lines, they are independent from each other. It is piped between the developing device 24 and the cleaning unit 35 to circulate the developing solution and the cleaning solution.

A float SW (not shown) for detecting the amount of developer is installed in each of the developer tanks 62 to 64, and a detection signal is output when the amount of developer becomes less than a predetermined amount. That is, it is a means for detecting the amount of developer.

Further, in the developer solution in each of the tanks 62 to 64, a concentration detection device is installed, which has a light emitting part and a light receiving part facing each other, and detects the concentration of the solution by replacing it with the amount of transmitted light. When the density (toner density) falls below a predetermined value, an insufficient density signal is output.

Next, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an outline of the operation panel of this copying apparatus.

Referring to the figure, this operation panel includes a start key (print key) 85. to start the copy operation. Interrupt key 87 for setting and canceling interrupt copy Preheating mode clear key 87 used to return each mode to standard mode or switching between preheating state and normal state
．． Confirm number of sheets set during copying 1Dimension degree double time/programming number confirmation key 88. Clear stop key 89 used to change the number of sheets set, interrupt repeat, cancel program protection, etc. Set of number of copies.

Numeric keypad 9 used when changing dimensions and setting programs
0. Paper selection key 91 used when selecting copy paper.
Exposure adjustment key (key) 92 to specify the shade of the image. (Light) 93 and exposure scale display 94° Magnification key 95 used to select copy magnification in percentage. Copy magnification display 96 indicating that the copy magnification has been selected as 100.74°64%. Page continuous copying key 97 for specifying page continuous copying to be used when automatically copying a spread document one side at a time. Page continuous copying display showing page quick copying status 9 days 2 duplex or composite key for making double-sided or composite copy 9 days 2 duplex or composite display showing the status of composite copying 100. Sorter key 101 used to set/cancel sorter mode and set/cancel stack mode. Sorter stack display 102 showing stack status when using sorter
etc. are equipped.

The display panel 103 that displays various information also includes a number display 104 that displays the number of copies. Paper selection display 105 for displaying paper size selection. Display Paper End Display Paper End 106 DEG Jam, No Liquid, No Toner, Serviceman Called Next, the general configuration of the control circuit of this copying apparatus will be explained with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

In this copying apparatus, data from the key switch group (including all keys) 118 is input to the CPU 111 via the buffer 121 (operation shown in FIG. 2). In addition, the detection data of the state detection sensors 119 inside the machine and the photosensitive drum 2 generated by the pulse generator 120 are also used.
Pulses synchronized with 0 and the like are also input to the CPU 111.

The CPU 111 connects the RAMI 12. ROM113. It is connected to input/output boat buffers 114 and 115.

The input/output boat buffers 114 and 115 are connected via respective drivers 116 to a display element group (including all display elements) 117 of the operation panel, a mechanical drive system, and loads such as an exposure, charging, and development system. There is.

The developer shortage signal, concentration drop signal, etc. are stored in state detection sensors 119 within the machine.

In addition, the RAM 112 for storing the mode state and data of the copying apparatus is powered by a battery (not shown).
It is configured to be backed up even during FF.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the main routine showing the entire sequence operation by the control section of this copying apparatus.

First, an initialization process is performed by turning on the power, and then a print preprocess is performed. When this process is completed, a copy preprocess is performed, and once that is completed, a copy process is performed next.

When the copy process is completed, a copy end process is finally performed and the process returns to the print preprocess.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the power-on initialization processing routine in FIG. 4.

In this routine, after the power is turned on and various system settings are made, a predetermined bit (rJOB flag)
'O' (7lag 0FF).
)1', ilL clears all the contents of the RAM 112, but if it is °1'' (flag ON), the contents of the RAM 112 are retained as they are.

6 to 9 are segment flow diagrams showing the contents of each process in the main routine of FIG. 4. These processes will be briefly explained below with reference to each process.

FIG. 6 is a routine for performing the print preprocessing shown in FIG. 4.

First, input/output processing is performed, firstly, mode setting processing is performed, and then the presence or absence of an abnormality is checked. If there is an abnormality, it is processed and the process returns to the beginning, and if there is no abnormality, print preparation processing is performed. Check the printing conditions, and if printing is possible, perform a print start check. Turn on the print start and move on to the next copy preprocessing routine.

FIG. 7 shows a copy preprocessing routine.

First, print ON initialization processing is performed. Next, check the input/output device for errors. If there is no abnormality, perform pre-copy operation processing. Next, a paper ejection completion check is performed and the process moves to the next copy processing routine.

FIG. 8 shows a copy processing routine.

First, perform initial settings, then perform input/output processing, check for abnormalities, if there are no abnormalities, perform repeat processing, then perform repeat timing check and repeat end check, and when repeat is completed, start the next copy. Move to the termination processing routine.

FIG. 9 shows the copy end routine.

First, an auto print check is performed and input/output processing is performed. After performing the end operation processing, an abnormality check is performed. If there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to the abnormality processing routine, but if there is no abnormality, the copy completion check 1. A copy completion check 2 is performed, and then a discharge completion check is performed, and if the print start is ON, the process moves to the copy preprocessing routine, and if the print start is not ON, the process moves to the print preprocessing routine.

Next, FIG. 10 shows a print ON initialization processing routine which is a part of the copy preprocessing routine shown in FIG.

First, turn on the main motor and turn on the primary copying flag.
N, then turn on the JOB flag, and then clear the copy counter and pulse counter.

Then, the ready display is turned off and the pump motor is turned on. Then clear the pump timer,
Check whether the mode is ADF mode, and if it is ADF mode, turn on ADF paper feed and check whether paper feed pulse start is on.

If the mode is not ADF mode, it is checked whether the direct paper feed pulse start is ON. If the paper feed pulse start is not ON, the paper feed pulse start is turned ON and the paper feed pulse is started.

As mentioned above, the JOB flag is turned ON here. In other words, the copy job is started when copying starts.

FIGS. 11 to 14 are part of the copy end processing routine shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an auto print check routine.

*First, check whether the mode is ADF mode or not, and if it is ADF mode, determine whether a document is set or not.
If no original is set, it is determined whether the inversion ADF mode is selected. Also, if the original is set, auto print is turned on.

As a result of determining whether or not the document is in the inversion ADF mode, if the document is in the inversion ADF mode, it is determined whether or not it is a front document.

If it is a front document, turn on auto print. Also, if it is not a front document, it is checked whether it is continuous shooting 1, and if it is continuous shooting 1, it is checked whether it is the first side, and if it is the first side, auto print is turned on. If it is not continuous shooting 1 or if it is not the 1st page, return.

This occurs when a part of the copying operation has finished and there is a continuing job (for example, when the first side of page continuous copying has finished and there is a job for the second side, or when the copying of a certain original has finished and there is a continuing job) is set, etc.), the next job will continue to start.

Next, FIG. 12 shows a routine for termination operation processing.

First, eject the original from the ADF. Then, sequence control processing 2 is performed, intermediate tray control processing is performed, sensor check is performed, and program data is set.

FIG. 13 shows the copy completion check 1 routine.

First, determine whether the copying flag is OFF and turn it OFF.
If so, return, and if not OFF, it is determined whether all conveyance path sensors are OFF. If it is OFF, it returns, and if it is OFF, it next determines whether or not it is page continuous copying, and if it is page continuous copying, it determines whether it is the first page, and if it is not the first page, it turns off the flag for the second page. and turn on the flag for the first page.
Make it.

If it is the first page, the flag for the first page is turned off and the flag for the second page is turned on.

When the first page is turned on as described above and when page continuous copying is not performed,
Next, determine whether or not it is in compositing mode, and if it is in compositing mode, 1
It is determined whether or not it is the first time, and if it is not the first time, the second flag is turned OFF and the first flag is turned ON. Then, in addition to the previous case of non-combining, it is next determined whether or not it is double-sided copying, and if it is not double-sided copying, it is determined whether or not it is an inversion ADF.

If it is a double-sided copy, it is determined whether it is the front side or not, and if it is the front side, it is determined that the double-sided tray storage flag is ON. If it is not the front side, the back side flag is turned OFF, the front side flag is turned ON, and the JOB flag is turned OFF. And the previous inversion AD
If it is not F or if it is a front page document with inverted ADF, JOB
Turn off the flag.

On the other hand, if it is the front side and the judgment result of the double-sided tray storage flag ON is No, return, and if it is YES, next time it is judged whether it is double-sided or not, and if it is both sides, the front flag is turned OFF.
to turn on the back flag. Also, if it is not both sides, it is 1
Turn off the flag for the first time, and turn on the flag for the second time.

Then, the copying flag is turned OFF, the program set is turned OFF, and the process returns.

In other words, this routine detects that all the paper in the copying device has been ejected to the outside of the copying device, and performs two-sided page continuous copying.

1 copy of 2 sides (1 side, 72 sides, 1 front/back side, etc.)
For modes that result in two copy jobs, page 1 → page 2
As a result, the last sheet is ejected from the machine, and when the change is made from the 2nd side to the 1st side (copying of the 2nd side is completed), the JOB flag is turned OFF.

In addition to the above, the JOB flag can also be turned off by pressing the mode clear key in the mode setting processing routine shown in FIG. 6 (detailed routine is omitted). Further, when the JOB flag is ON, the job in progress display 10 days on the operation panel shown in FIG. 2 is lit to indicate that the job is in progress. - FIG. 14 shows the copy completion check 2 routine.

First, determine whether or not copying is in progress. If copying is in progress, return. If copying is not in progress, determine whether or not there is a developer shortage. If there is a developer shortage, check whether the JOB flag is ON or not. to decide. If the JOB flag is ON, it is determined whether auto print is ON, and even if there is no shortage of developer, it is determined whether auto print is ON. If it is ON, auto print is turned OFF and print start is turned ON.

If auto print is not ON, determine whether the print key is ON or not, and if it is ON, turn on print start.
If it is not ON, then the motor stop timer is set to O.
Determine whether it is N or not. Furthermore, even if the JOB flag is not ON first, it is determined whether the motor stop timer set is ON.

Then, if the motor stop timer set is ON, it is determined whether the motor stop timer has timed up.

When it is determined whether the motor stop timer set is ON or not, if it is not ON, the motor stop timer set is turned ON, and after starting the timer, it is determined whether or not time has expired. Then, if the time is not up, the process returns, and if the time is up, the drive system is turned off.

In this routine, after turning off the copying flag,
Printing conditions are checked, and even if there is a shortage of one of the developer fluids, if the JOB flag is ON, copying continues.

Note that if you do not use auto print in the copy completion check 2 routine and leave the print key unturned, the drive system will be stopped after a predetermined period of time and the process will return to the print preprocessing routine (Figure 6). It has become.

FIG. 15 shows a processing routine for checking print conditions shown in FIG.

First, check whether the fixing temperature is OK, and if it is OK, turn off the print ready display (turn the start key 85 in Figure 2 from green to red light), and if OK, the initial cleaning is complete. If it is completed, then it is checked whether the variable magnification set is completed. If the variable magnification setting is completed, it is checked whether the color setting is completed or not, and if it is completed, it is checked whether there is paper. Then, if there is paper, check whether there is a shortage of developer, and even if there is a shortage, if the JOB flag is ON, turn on the print ready display (start key 8 in Figure 2).
5 from red light to green light).

Further, if there is a No in any of the checks other than the developer, the print-ready display is turned off.

Here, even if a shortage of developer or toner is detected by the detection means that detects the amount of developer (developer) or toner as described above, the CPU III in FIG. 2 recognizes that a job is in progress. The JOB flag, which is a means of recognizing
If it is determined that the print permission flag is turned on, the copying operation is controlled to be continued.

With the above configuration, the final paper of the copy job (two-sided two-page quick copy, etc.) can be printed twice from the start of printing to the final paper of the copy job.

Even if there is a developer shortage before the second and final paper is ejected (for a set of copies), copying is possible until the copying of the final paper is completed. Increases production efficiency.

As explained above, according to the present invention, even if a shortage of developer or toner is detected during a series of copies,
Since the copy operation can be continued until a series of copies are completed without being terminated, copy efficiency is improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the main body of an example of a wet development type copying apparatus embodying the present invention, Fig. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the operation panel thereof, and Fig. 3 is a copying apparatus embodying the present invention. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the entire sequence operation by the control unit; Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the power-on initialization routine in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a printed version of the same. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the copy preprocessing routine; FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the copy processing routine; FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the copy end processing routine. 10 is a flowchart showing the print ON initialization routine in FIG. 7, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the auto print check routine in FIG. 9, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the end operation processing routine, and FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the copy end check 2 routine, and FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the print condition check routine in FIG. 6. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Copying apparatus main body 11... Contact glass 12... Lamp 20... Photosensitive drum 22
...Main charger 24...Developing device 25.
...Transfer charger 32...Fuser 35...
Cleaning unit 85...Start key (print key) 86...Interrupt key 87...Mode clear key 88...Number confirmation key 89...Clear stop key 90...Numeric keypad 91...Paper Selection key 97...Page continuous copying key 9
9...Double-sided/composite key 101...Sorter key 1
076...Abnormality display (jam, no liquid, no toner, serviceman, door open, etc.) 108...2nd screen mode display 109...Job in progress display 111...CPU 11
2-RAM 113-aoM114.115
... I10 buffer 116 ... Driver 117 ... Operation panel display element group 118 ... Operation panel key switch group 119 ...
Status detection sensors inside the machine Figure 4 Figure 5 Print pre-processing routine Figure 6 Copy pre-processing Figure 7 Runan Figure 8 Figure 9 Print pre-processing Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 14 Figure copy completion check 2 ON during copying Current 9 liquid shortage N RE “JOB flag O
N Auto print, to OY Auto print FF Buri 7. Ya oN Y N Buri/To start N Motor stop Y Timer 7 nod N Ya-, stop RET Timer center ON Timer start time Up N Drive system OF FRE T Fig. 15

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A detection means for detecting the amount of developer or toner; a recognition means for recognizing that a copy job is in progress; 1. A copying apparatus comprising: control means for continuing a copying operation even if a shortage of toner or toner is detected.