JPH03116160A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate the need for sorting by associating an image forming operation with the order of carrying originals under specific relations, and ejecting image-formed papers in a requested order. CONSTITUTION:In a first process, an original is set in a reading position, the picture of the original is reproduced on the set number of papers, and the papers are ejected; the operation is performed for each original. For example, in a case where three copies are made for each of originals A-C, copied papers are successively ejected in the following order: A, A, A, B, B, B, C, C, and C. On the other hand, in a second process, when an original which has come to the reading position is read and its picture is reproduced on one paper, the following original comes to the reading position, therefore the picture of this original is reproduced on one paper; this is repeated for each original; and then the series of operations is repeated the set number of times. Therefore, for example, in a case where three copies are made for each of the originals A-C, the copied papers are successively ejected in the following order: A, B, C, A, B, C, A, B, and C. This eliminate the need for sorting.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a document conveying device, and particularly relates to an image forming device having a circulation type document conveying device capable of circulating a document. be.

<Prior Art> As an example of an image forming apparatus, a copying machine will be described as an example. Among the conventional copying machines, there are known copying machines equipped with a document conveying device. The document feeder installed in copying machines has a document circulation type device in which the place where the original before copying is loaded and the place where the original after copying is ejected are the same.
OCUMENT FEEDER) and RDH (RECYC
It is known as LE DOCUMENT HANDLER).

When copying is performed using a copying machine equipped with this type of document conveying device, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of manually setting documents in the reading position each time, and speedy copying operations can be achieved. Another advantage is that the operator can move away from the copying machine during copying.

<Problems to be Solved by the Invention> Since copy sheets are ejected to the ejection tray in order of copying, it is necessary to sort the copy sheets when a plurality of copies are to be made.

A sorter is a well-known device that automatically sorts copy paper, but in copiers that are not equipped with a sorter, copy paper must be sorted manually, which is a time-consuming process. .

In particular, when copying multiple copies of a large number of originals using a copying machine equipped with the document feeder as described above, it is necessary to sort the enormous amount of copy paper that is ejected without being sorted into the output tray. However, the work is difficult.

This invention was made in view of this background.
When an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine has a document conveying device, the image forming operation and the document conveying order are associated in a specific relationship, so that the sheets on which images are formed are ejected in a desired order, reducing the trouble of sorting. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that is unnecessary.

Means for Solving the Problems> The present invention provides a circulation type document conveying means for conveying a document from a stock position to a reading position and returning the document to the stock position after completion of reading, and a first mode or a second mode. A mode specifying means for selectively specifying, a mode specifying means for sequentially reading a document stopped at a reading position a predetermined number of times, forming a predetermined number of images of the document in conjunction with the reading, and performing this operation on a plurality of documents. The first step is to read the original that has arrived at the reading position, and in conjunction with the reading, perform the operation of forming a single image of the original on multiple originals, and repeat this series of operations a predetermined number of times. an image forming means capable of selectively executing one of the repeated second steps; and an image forming means capable of selectively executing one of the repeated second steps;
a first control means that causes the process to be executed and also drives the circulating document conveying means in synchronization with the image forming means that executes the first step; A second method that causes the forming means to execute the second step and drives the circulating document conveying means in synchronization with the image forming means that executes the second step.
An image forming apparatus is characterized in that it includes a control means.

Function> When performing the first step, a document is set at the reading position, a set number of reproduced images of the document are formed, and the documents are ejected. This operation is performed every time the document changes.

For example, if three copies of originals A, B, and C are to be copied, the copy sheets are sequentially ejected in the order of AAABBBCCC.

On the other hand, when executing the second process, once the original that has come to the reading position is read and one reproduced image is formed, the next original comes to the reading position, so one reproduced image of the next original is formed, and all of them are The process is repeated for a set number of times.

Therefore, for example, if three copies of each document A, B, and C are to be copied, the copy sheets are sequentially discharged in the order ABCABCABC.

The above-mentioned switching can be performed by selecting the mode using the mode specifying means.

<Embodiment> Hereinafter, a copying machine will be specifically described as an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this copying machine, a circulation type document conveyance device 2 is attached to the top surface of a copying machine main body 1.

On the top of the copying machine body 1 is a contact glass 3 for placing the original.
is equipped with an optical system 4, an image processing mechanism 5, a paper feed path 6, a paper conveyance belt 7, a fixing device 8,
A reversal path 9 and a paper refeed path 10 are provided.

The optical system 4 includes an illumination lamp 11 for illuminating the original on the contact glass 3, mirrors 12 and 13 for guiding the reflected light reflected by the original, an imaging lens 14 for converging the reflected light and forming an image, and A mirror 15 is included. When the original is illuminated by the illumination lamp 11, the reflected light is guided to the image processing mechanism 5, as shown by the dashed line in the figure.

When the first step described below is executed, the optical system 4
The illumination lamp 11 and mirrors 12 and 13 are moved in the direction of arrow A1, and the document stopped at a predetermined position on the contact glass 3 is illuminated and scanned.

In this specification, the case where the document conveying device 2 has an operation of stopping the document on the contact glass 3 is referred to as R.
This is called an ADF operation, and the case where an original stopped on the contact glass 3 is illuminated and scanned by moving the optical system 4 and is copied is called an RADF copy.

On the other hand, when a second step to be described later is executed, the illumination lamp 11 and mirrors 12 and 13 remain at the positions shown, and the document is moved at a constant speed over the contact glass 3 by the document conveyance device 2. .

That is, a document moving at a constant speed on the contact glass 3 is illuminated by the illumination lamp 11 stopped at the position shown in FIG. 1, and an image is formed based on the reflected light and a copy is made. The operation of the document conveying device 2 in such a case will be referred to as an RDH operation, and the copying in that case will be referred to as an RDH copy.

The image processing mechanism 5 is for reproducing an original image using an electrophotographic method. The specific operation is as follows. After the surface of the photoreceptor drum 17, whose surface has been cleaned by the cleaner 33, is uniformly charged by the charger 16, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 17 is exposed to light reflected from the document guided by the optical system 4, and the electrostatic potential of the document is form an image.

The electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image by the developing device 18, the toner image is transferred to the paper surface by the transfer charger 19, and the paper to which the toner image has been transferred is transferred from the surface of the photoreceptor drum 17 by the separation charger 20. Peel off.

The paper feed path 6 is a mechanism for feeding paper onto which a toner image is to be transferred to the photosensitive drum 17. The paper feed path 6 is a mechanism for supplying paper for transferring a toner image to the photosensitive drum 17. The sheets are fed out one by one, and the registration rollers 23 transfer the sheets to the photoreceptor drum 17 at a constant timing linked to the image processing operation of the image processing mechanism 5.
supply to

The paper conveyance belt 7 is for conveying the paper onto which the toner image peeled off from the photoreceptor drum 17 has been transferred to the fixing device 8 .

The fixing device 8 presses or heats the paper to
This is for fixing the toner image transferred onto the paper.

The paper sent out from the fixing device 8 is
Depending on the switching of the
The paper is discharged onto the discharge tray 32 by the following steps.

The reversing path 9 is for taking in paper from its leading edge and feeding the taken in paper to the paper refeeding path 10 with its trailing edge leading. The paper refeed path 1o temporarily stores the paper fed along the guide 27 in the intermediate tray 28, and
During backside copying, the sheets stored in the intermediate tray 28 are fed to the registration rollers 23 by a delivery roller 29 and a guide 30.

The circulation type document conveyance device 2 includes a document loading table 41 for loading documents in a so-called face-up state, and a document loading table 4.
A delivery roller 42 for sequentially sending out the originals (not shown) on the first page from below, a transport roller 43 for transporting the sent originals, and a transport roller 43 paired with the transport roller 43 to prevent double feeding of originals. A sorting roller 44 , a first guide path 45 for guiding the document conveyed by the transport roller 43 , a document detection switch 57 that is switched when the document passes through the first guide path 45 , and a document detection switch 57 whose right end is on the first guide path 45 . A document transport belt 46 that is close to the original and is used to set the document guided by the first guide path 45 in a predetermined position on the contact glass 3 and to slide the document on the contact glass 3. The second guide path 48 includes a second guide path 48 for guiding a document sent out from the left end of the document transport belt 46 or a document discharge roller 47 provided at the upper end of the second guide path 48 . The document ejection roller 47 has the function of returning the document opened from the other end of the document transport belt 46 via the second guide path 48 onto the document stacking table 41, and when rotating in reverse, it also returns the document to the second guide path 48. It also performs the function of feeding the document to the document conveyance belt 46 via the guide path 48.

This operation will be detailed later.

The circulating document conveying device 2 further includes a document reversing path 4.
9 and switching pawls 50 and 51 are included. The document reversing path 49 includes a take-in guide path 52 for taking in the paper sent out/received from the document transport belt 46, a reversing guide path 53 for switching back the document, and a discharge guide path 53 for guiding the document to the discharge roller 47. It includes a guide path 54, a transport roller 55, and a reversing roller 56.

Next, the order in which documents are conveyed in the circulating document conveyance device 2 will be explained.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the order of conveyance of the circulating document conveying device 2, in which the document is in a state A on the document stacking table 41, a state B in the state on the contact glass 3, a state C in the reversing guide path 53, and a state C in which the document is ejected. Four states are illustrated, including one end being held by the roller 47 and most of it protruding onto the document stacking table 41, and movements between these four states are shown as follows.
Indicated by the dashed arrow (■).

The order in which documents are conveyed by this device 2 is roughly classified into the following three types. That is, I: A→■→B→■→D-A ■: A→■→B→■→C→■→D-A ■: A→■→B→■→C→■→D→■→ B→■→D
→A.

The original transport order (2) is used, for example, when transporting a single-sided original as shown in FIG. 3(A).

In this case, when the document conveyance device 2 is caused to perform RADF operation and the copying machine main body 1 performs RADF copying, copy sheets 333...222...111 are placed in the output tray 32.
(this order is called group mode). On the other hand, when the document conveyance device 2 is caused to perform RDH operation and the copying machine main body 1 performs RDH copying, the number of copy sheets ejected to the ejection tray 32 is 321321321.
... order (this kind of order is called sort mode)
become.

Next, the document conveyance order H is used when a double-sided document placed on the document stacking table 41 as shown in FIG. 3(B) is turned upside down as shown in FIG. 3(C).

The original conveyance order (2) is used, for example, when a double-sided original as shown in FIG. 3(C) is copied on one side and then on the other side.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of this copying machine. A keyboard 60 provided in the copying machine includes a double-sided original key 61 for inputting that the original is a double-sided original, a double-sided copy key 62 for inputting that when double-sided copying is to be performed, the number of copies, etc. A numeric keypad 63 for inputting copy paper, a group/sort key 64 for switching whether copy paper is ejected in group mode or sort mode, print key 65 for inputting copy start, and other keys are provided. The input signals from each of these keys are supplied to a control circuit 70. The control circuit 70 includes a CPU, a ROM
, RAM, etc., and is provided with a document sheet number counter and a copy sheet number counter. Control is then performed based on a predetermined program. The control signal output from the control circuit 70 is transmitted to the copying machine main body 1 and the document transport device 2.
and control these devices.

The control performed by the control circuit 70 will be explained in detail below with reference to a flowchart.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure for manually inputting copy data from the keyboard 60.

This procedure is executed by the operator, and the control circuit 70 receives each input signal.

First, the operator places a document on the stacking table 41 (step S1), and inputs whether the document placed on the stacking table 41 is a double-sided document or a single-sided document (step S2).

Specifically, only in the case of a double-sided original, the double-sided original key 61 is pressed.
Press.

Next, the user inputs whether the copy to be performed is a double-sided copy or a single-sided copy (step S3). The double-sided copy key 62 is pressed only when performing double-sided copying.

Furthermore, the number of copies M is input using the numeric keypad 63 (step S4).

In addition, the user inputs whether the mode is group mode or sort mode, which is a feature of this embodiment (step S5).

This is to specify whether copy sheets to be ejected to the ejection tray 32 are ejected in group mode or sort mode, and is performed using the group/sort key 64.

The feature of this embodiment is that the operator can specify before copying whether he wants to obtain copy paper ejected in group mode or in sort mode, and the document conveying device 2 can be RAD according to specifications
The copying machine 1 automatically switches to the F operation or the RDH operation, performs RADF copying or RDH copying using the copying machine main body 1, and discharges the copy paper in a designated mode.

As described above, through steps 82 to s5, copy conditions are set and provided to the control circuit 7o.

Although the number N of originals is not input in the input operation described above, the number N of originals may be input manually by the operator.

In this embodiment, as will be described later, the document feeder 2 feeds the document once (circulating the document without copying), thereby automatically counting the number of document sheets. .

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of this embodiment. When it is determined that the print key 65 of the keyboard 60 is on (step 511), the control circuit 70 determines whether or not the document set in the document feeder 2 is a double-sided document (step S12) a.In the case of a single-sided document In step 813), the originals loaded on the stacking table 41 in a so-called face-up state are fed out from below, and the number of originals fed out is counted based on the output of the original detection switch 57. The original is fed in the order of →■→B→■→DA and returned to the loading table 41 (step 514).

As a result, the number of originals stacked on the stacking table 41 is counted.

Note that a partition rod (not shown) that can be moved in and out is provided to separate the top document stacked on the stacking table 41 from the document that has been fed and is returned from the ejection roller 47 onto the loading table 41. is provided.

Steps S13 and S14 are operations for automatically counting and forming the number of originals stacked on the stacking table 41, so if the number of originals is manually input, the operations of steps S13 and S14 can be omitted.

Next, the control circuit 70 determines whether to perform double-sided copying or single-sided copying. In each case, it is determined whether copy paper is to be ejected in group mode or sort mode (steps S16 and 517).
). As a result, when performing one-sided copying and ejecting copy paper in sort mode, the control operation described in ■ below is performed, and when performing one-sided copying and ejecting copy paper in group mode, the control operation described in ■ is performed below. The control operation of ■ is explained below when performing double-sided copying and ejecting copy paper in sort mode. The control operation of ■ is described below when performing double-sided copying and ejecting copy paper in group mode. Execute each of the control operations in ■.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the document stacked on the stacking table 41 is a double-sided document, the control circuit 70 feeds out the document stacked on the stacking table 41 from below in step 518). Step 519: Count the number of documents fed out based on the output of the detection switch 57.
), reverse the fed document and return it to the loading table 41 (
step 520). The document conveyance order in this case is A→■→B→■→C→■→DA in FIG. As a result, the originals stacked face-up on the stacking table 41 as shown in FIG. 3(B) become in the state shown in FIG. 3(C).

Note that even in the case of double-sided originals, if the number of originals is manually input, the process of counting the number of originals in step S19 can be omitted.

Next, the control circuit 70 determines whether double-sided copying or single-sided copying is to be performed (step 521), and in each case, determines whether copy paper is to be ejected in group mode or sort mode (step S22). ，
52B).

Then, when performing one-sided copying and ejecting copy paper in sort mode, the control operation described in ■ below is performed, and when performing one-sided copying and ejecting copy paper in group mode, the control operation described in ■ below is performed. The control operation is explained below when double-sided copying is performed and copy paper is ejected in sort mode.The control operation of ■ is explained below when double-sided copying is performed and copy paper is ejected in group mode. Perform each of the control operations (2).

In this way, in this embodiment, there are three cases: whether the original is a single-sided original or a double-sided original, whether one-sided copying or double-sided copying is to be performed, and whether copy paper is ejected in group mode or sort mode. Depending on the combination, the subsequent control contents are divided into eight types (■ to ■).

Each control operation will be explained below.

■When making a single-sided copy of a two-sided original and discharging the copy paper in sort mode: The copying machine performs the operations shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the operation of the document conveying device 2 is an RDH operation.

Specifically, each time the document detection switch 57 detects a document, the count value N of the document number counter is decremented by 1° (step S 102). Then, while the original is transported by the original transport belt 46, the illumination lamp 11 remains stopped and illuminates the original, and an image of the original is formed by the image processing mechanism 5 (step 8).
103).

Further, the copy paper is fed from the paper feed cassette 21 (step 5104), the formed original image is transferred to the copy paper, and the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 8 (step 5105), and then the copy paper is transferred to the output tray 32. The original is ejected (step 5106) and returned to the stacking table 41 (step 5107).

Further, the above-described operation is repeated until the count value N of the document number counter becomes 0 (step 5108), that is, until the documents on the stacking table 41 are fed out one after another from the bottom until they are cycled through.

As a result, one copy of the N originals is made and ejected to the ejection tray 32.

Next, the control circuit 70 decrements the count value M of the copy portion counter by "1" (step 5109), and determines whether the count value M is "0" (step 511).
0), the operation from step 5101 is repeated until it becomes "0".

As a result, N sheets of manuscript are produced, 1st copy, 2nd copy, 3rd copy, etc.
Since copies are made, M copies, each consisting of N sheets, are discharged onto the discharge tray 32.

That is, the copy sheets are sorted and discharged in the sort mode.

■When copying a two-sided original into one-sided copy and discharging the copy paper in group mode: In this case, the copying machine performs the operation shown in FIG. 8.

Further, the operation of the document conveying device 2 is an RADF operation.

Specifically, in step 5201), the originals loaded on the stacking table 41 are fed out from below, and the original detection switch 57 detects the original, thereby changing the count value N of the original number counter.
is decremented by "1" (step 5202). Then, the document is set at the illumination position of the contact glass 3 by the document conveyance belt 46 and stopped, and the document is illuminated by the optical system 4. In this case, the illumination lamp 11 and the mirror 12.13 are moved in the direction of arrow A1 to illuminate and scan the document set on the contact glass 3 from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The reflected light is then guided to the image processing mechanism 5 to form an original image (step 3203).

Further, the copy paper is fed from the paper feed cassette 21 (step 5204), the image formed by the image processing mechanism 5 is transferred to the copy paper, and the transferred toner image is fixed by the fixing device 8 (step 5205). , the copy paper is ejected to the ejection tray 32 (step 5206).

Further, the count value M of the copy copy number counter is decremented by "1" (step 5207).

Thereafter, it is determined whether the count value M of the copy copy number counter has become "0" (step 5208), and the operations from step 8203 are repeated until the count value M becomes "0", and the contact glass 3 An optical system 4 illuminates and scans the original set on the original, an image processing mechanism 5 forms the image, and transfers it to copy paper fed from a paper cassette 21, and the copy paper is ejected to an output tray 32. do.

As a result, M copies of the single document fed out in step 5201 are ejected onto the ejection tray 32.

After copying M copies of one original, the original transport belt 46
is driven to collect the original on the contact glass 3 (step 5209). Then, it is determined whether the count value N of the original sheet number counter is "0" or not (step 5210).
, N-0, the process returns to step 5201, the next original is fed out, set on the contact glass 3, and M copies of the original are made in the same manner.

As a result of the above, the output tray 32 has, in order from the bottom, the last page of the document in M copies, the previous page in M copies, the previous page in M copies, ... the first page in M copies, etc. The copy paper will be ejected. In other words, copy paper is ejected in group mode.

(2) When making double-sided copies of a two-sided original and discharging the copy paper in sort mode: In this case, the copying machine performs the operation shown in FIG. 9. Further, the operation of the document conveying device 2 is an RDH operation.

To explain with reference to FIG. 9, in step 5301), the originals loaded on the stacking table 41 are fed out from below, and when the original detection switch 57 detects the original, the count value N of the original number counter is decremented by "1". (Step S302). Then, the original is transported by the original transport belt 46, and only when the original is an even-numbered page, the optical system 4 illuminates the original, and the image processing mechanism 5 forms an original image (step 330B). Whether the original is an even-page original is determined based on the count value N of the original number counter. Also, copy paper is fed from the paper feed cassette 21 (step 5304).

Then, the formed image is transferred to copy paper, and the fixing device 8
It is fixed (step 5305).

The copy paper on which the image has been transferred and fixed is stored in the intermediate tray 28 of the refeeding path 10 via the reversing path 9 (step 5306).

Further, the originals fed out from the loading table 41 and conveyed by the document conveying belt 46 are collected on the loading table 41 (step 5307).
). The manuscript at this time is A→■→B→■ in Figure 2.
→Transport in the order of D-A.

Then, it is determined whether the count value N of the original sheet number counter is '0' (step 5308), and the count value N is '0'.
0''. As a result, the N originals on the loading table 41 are cycled through, and among the N originals, the even-numbered pages (if N is an even number, the N/2 pieces, if N is an odd number, ((N-1)/21
2) are copied one by one, and the copy sheets are stored in the intermediate tray 28.

Next, the control circuit 70 determines whether the number N of original sheets is an odd number or an even number (step 5309).

If the total number N of originals is an odd number, step 53 in which the lowest one of the originals on the stacking table 41 that has been circulated is fed out first.
10), the count value N of the document number counter is decremented by '1'' according to the detection output of the document detection switch 57 (Step 5311), and while the document is being conveyed, the optical system 4
to form an image in the image processing mechanism 5 (step S312), and feed copy paper from the paper feed cassette 21 (step 5313), and transfer and fix the image onto the copy paper (step 5314). , and discharges it to the discharge tray 32 (step 5315).

Through the operations in steps 8310 to 5315, the last page of the document (this page is an odd page) is copied on one side, and the copy paper is ejected.

Then, the original is collected onto the loading table 41 (step S31).
6).

Next, the document stacked on the stacking table 41 is fed out from below (step 5317), the count value N of the document number counter is decremented by "1" (step 5318), and the document is conveyed by the document transport belt 46 until the document is an odd number. Only when the document is a page, the optical system 4 illuminates the document, and the image processing mechanism 5 forms a document image (step S318). Also, paper is fed from the intermediate tray 28 (step S319).
).

Then, it is transferred and fixed onto the back side of the copy paper fed from the intermediate tray 28 (the side opposite to the side on which even-numbered pages are copied) (step 5320), and the fed copy paper is ejected to the output tray 32. (step 5321).

Then, the original is collected on the loading table 41 (step 532
2). Then, the count value N of the original sheet number counter becomes “0”.
” (step 532B).
The operations from step 5310 are repeated until ``.

Through these operations of steps 8310 to 5322,
The odd-numbered pages, excluding the last page, are copied onto the opposite side of the copy paper on which the even-numbered pages are copied, and
The copy sheets are sequentially discharged to the discharge tray 32. Therefore, one set of copy paper on which the original document has been copied on both sides is ejected to the ejection tray 32.

Next, the count value M of the copy portion counter is decremented by "1" (step 5324), and the count value M becomes "
0" (step 5325). If the count value M is not "0", step 53
Repeat the operation from 01. As a result, the required number M of copy sheets on which originals have been copied on both sides are discharged onto the discharge tray 32 in the sort mode.

Note that if the control circuit 70 determines in step 5309 that the total number of originals is an even number, it skips the operations in steps 8310 to 5316 and performs the operations from step 5317 onwards.

■ When copying two-sided originals on both sides and discharging the copy paper in group mode: In this case, the copying machine performs the operation shown in FIG. 10.

Further, the document conveyance device 2 performs an RADF operation.

To explain with reference to FIG. 10, first, in step 5401), the originals on the stacking table 41 are fed out from below, and when the original detection switch 57 detects the original, the count value N of the original number counter is decremented by "1". (Step 5402). Then, in step 5, the control circuit 70 determines whether the originals stacked on the stacking table 41 are an odd number or an even number.
40B), if the number of originals is an odd number, steps 8404 to 5412 described below are performed; if the number of originals is an even number, these operations are skipped and the process moves to step 8413.

In step 5404, the document feeder 2 is operated in RADF to stop the last page of the document (this page is an odd page) on the contact glass 3, the optical system 4 is moved to illuminate the document, and the image processing mechanism 5, a document image is formed. Also, the copy paper is fed from the paper cassette 21 (step 5405), the final page of the original image is transferred and fixed onto the copy paper (step 5406), and the copy paper is ejected to the output tray 32 (step 5407).
. Then, the count value M of the copy portion counter is set to “1#”.
Decrement step 3408) The count value M is “
Step 5409).
Steps 8404 to 5 until the count value M becomes "0"
Repeat the operation 408. As a result, the final page of the document is copied in the required M number of copies and is ejected to the ejection tray 32.

Next, in step 5410, the original on the contact glass 3 is collected onto the stacking table 41, and the original on the stacking table 41 is fed out from below (step 5411), and set on the contact glass 3. Also, the count value N of the original sheet number counter is decremented by "1#" (step 5412
). As a result, the second even-numbered page from the last page is set on the contact glass 3.

Next, the even-numbered pages of the original set on the contact glass 3 are illuminated and scanned to form an image thereof (step 341B), copy paper is fed from the paper feed cassette 21 (step 5414), and the formed image is transferred to the copy paper. The image is transferred to and fixed (step 5415). Then, the copy paper on which the image has been transferred and fixed is reversed in the reversing path 9, and
It is stored in the intermediate tray 28 (step 5416).

In addition, the count value M of the copy portion counter is decremented by "1" (step 5417), and the count value M is "
The operations from step 8413 are repeated until the value reaches "O" (step S41g).

As a result, if the total number of originals is an odd number, step 5401 →5402-5403-5404-...
→Proceed to 5413, and copy the second even numbered page from the last page.If the total number of sheets of the original is an even number, proceed to steps 5401-S402 →5403→5413, and copy the required M number of copies from the last even numbered page. and stored in the intermediate tray 28.

Next, the document on the contact glass 3 is collected onto the stacking table 41 (Step 5419), and at the same time, one document on the stacking table 41 is fed out from below and set on the contact glass 3 (Step 5420): the count value N of the document number counter is decremented by “1” (step S421)
.

Then, an image of the original set on the contact glass 3 is formed (Step 5422), copy paper is fed from the intermediate tray 28 (Step 8423), and the original is formed on the back side of the copy paper fed from the intermediate tray. The image is transferred and fixed (step 5424). In other words, the odd-numbered pages are copied on the back side of the copy paper on which the even-numbered pages have been copied.

Then, the copy paper on which both sides have been copied is discharged to the output tray 32 (step 5425), the count value M of the copy part number counter is decremented by '1#' (step 5426), and the operation from step 5422 is carried out by the copy part number counter. Repeat until the count value M of becomes “0” (
step 5427).

As a result, the M sheets of copy paper stored in the intermediate tray 28 on which even-numbered pages have been copied are ejected to the ejection tray 32 with the odd-numbered pages copied on the back side thereof.

Next, the document on the contact glass 3 is collected (step 5428), and the count value N of the document number counter is 0''.
step 5429), and the count value N
is not "0", one document is fed from the bottom of the loading table 41 (step 3430), and the count value N of the document number counter is decremented by "1#" (step 3431).
), repeat the operations from step 8413.

■: When copying a double-sided document on one side and discharging the copy paper in sort mode: In this case, the copying machine operates as shown in FIG. 11. Further, the operation of the document conveying device 2 is an RDH operation.

In this operation, first, the artificial diameter is executed (step 5
501).

Therefore, this artificial diameter will be explained with reference to FIG. 12.

In step A, the document stacked on the stacking table 41 is fed out from below (step 5551), and when the document detection switch 57 detects the document, the count value N of the document number counter is decremented by "1" (step 5552). Then, while the document is moved over the contact glass 3 by the document conveyance belt 46, it is illuminated by the stopped optical system 4, and an image of the document is formed by the image processing mechanism 5 (step 5553).

Further, copy paper is fed from the paper feed cassette 21 (step 5554), and the original image is transferred and fixed onto the copy paper (step 5555).

In this case, since the double-sided original is stacked on the stacking table 41 in the state shown in FIG. 3(C), it is transferred.

The original to be fixed is the even-numbered page side of the double-sided original (see Figure 3).
In case C), the first page is page 6).

After the illumination, the original is reversed in the original reversing path 49.
It is returned to the loading platform 41 (step 5556).

In this way, the original is reversed and returned to the stacking table 41, so that the returned original is stacked on the stacking table 41 in a state as shown in FIG. 3(B).

On the other hand, the copy paper on which the original image has been transferred and fixed is stored in the intermediate tray 28 (step 5557).

Next, it is determined whether the count value N of the original sheet number counter has become "0" or not (step 5558). Until this count value N becomes "0#", that is, until all the even-numbered pages of all the originals have been copied, step 5558) 8551-5557
perform the following actions.

The above is the A process.

Returning to FIG. 11, after completing step A, step 550 is to feed the copy paper on which one-sided copies have been made from the intermediate tray 28.
2) No exposure, development, or transfer (step 8503);
The fed copy paper on which one side has been copied is directly ejected to the ejection tray 32 (step 5504). That is, the copy sheet on which the last page on the even-numbered side (for example, the sixth page in FIG. 3(C)) has been copied on one side is discharged to the discharge tray 32.

Next, the document stacked on the stacking table 41 is fed out from below (step 5505). In this case, as described above, the originals on the stacking table 41 are stacked as shown in FIG. (page 5).

Then, the count value N of the original sheet number counter is decremented by "1" (step 5506). Further, the odd-numbered page side of the fed document is illuminated by the optical system 4, and an image thereof is formed by the image processing mechanism 5 (step 5507).

On the other hand, feed copy paper from the paper cassette 21 (step 5508), transfer the formed image to the copy paper,
It is fixed (step 5509).

Then, the original is reversed in the original reversing path 49 and returned to the stacking table 41 (step S510). Therefore, the originals are again stacked on the stacking table 41 in the state shown in FIG. 3(C).

The original whose odd-numbered pages have been copied is discharged to the discharge tray 32 (step 5511).

Then, it is determined whether the count value N of the original sheet number counter is "02" (step 5512), and the count value N is "02".
”, the operations from step 5502 are repeated.

As a result, the output tray 32 is loaded with the even-numbered page side, the odd-numbered page side, the even-numbered page side, and so on, as well as the copy paper on which the even-numbered page was copied in step A, and the copy paper in step 85.
Copy sheets on which odd-numbered pages have been copied in steps 02 to 5511 are alternately discharged.

If the count value N of the original sheet number counter becomes "0" in step 5512, the count value M of the copy part number counter is decremented by "1" (step 8513),
Next, it is determined whether this count value M has become "1" (step 5514). Then, the process from step 5501 is repeated until the count value M becomes 1''.

When the count value M of the number of copies counter reaches "1", the process advances to step 5515, performs process A, and then feeds the copy paper on which the even-numbered page has been copied on one side from the intermediate tray 28 (step 5516). ), the copy paper is directly ejected to the ejection tray 32 without being exposed, developed, or transferred (step S517) (step S51).
8).

Next, step 5519) feeds out the originals stacked on the stacking table 41 from below, and decrements the count value N of the original sheet number counter by "1" step 5520).
The fed original is illuminated to form an image thereof (step 5521). On the other hand, copy paper is fed from the paper feed cassette 21 (step 5522), and the formed image (the image on the odd-numbered page side) is transferred and fixed onto the copy paper (step 3523).

After that, the original is returned to the loading table 41 without being reversed (
Step 5524). This point is different from the operation until the count value M of the copy number counter reaches 1''.

As a result, the originals returned to the loading table 41 are as shown in FIG. 3(B).
It will be loaded in this condition. That is, the document is returned to the state in which it was initially loaded on the stacking table 41, in other words, the state before the document was reversed in step 519 in FIG. 6.

On the other hand, the copy paper on which the image has been copied is stored in the output tray 32.
(Step 5525).

Then, the operation from step 5516 is repeated until the count value N of the original sheet number counter reaches "0", and the operation ends when the count value N reaches "0" (step 5526).

As a result, M copies of the original, which have been single-sided copied, are ejected to the ejection tray 32 in sort mode.

■: When copying a double-sided document on one side and discharging the copy paper in group mode: In this case, the copying machine performs the operation shown in FIG. 13. Further, the operation of the document conveying device 2 is an RADF operation.

Referring to FIG. 13, the document stacked on the stacking table 41 is in the state shown in FIG. 3(C), for example, and is fed out from below (step 5601). Then, when the original detection switch 57 detects the original, the count value N of the original number counter is decremented by "l#" (step 5602).

Next, process B is performed. This step B has the contents shown in FIG.

To explain with reference to FIG. 14, in step B, the fed original is set and stopped at the illumination position of the contact glass 3 by the original transport belt 46, and in this state, the optical system 4 is moved to illuminate the original. Scanning is performed, and an original image is formed by the image processing mechanism 5 (step 5651).

On the other hand, copy paper is fed from the paper feed cassette 21 (step 5652), the original image is transferred and fixed onto the fed copy paper (step 5653), and the copy paper is ejected to the output tray 32 (step 5654).

Further, the count value M of the copy copy number counter is decremented by 1° (step S655).

Then, the operation from step 5651 described above is repeated until the count value M of the copy copy number counter becomes "0", and the operation ends when the count value M becomes "0" (step 5656).

Returning to FIG. 13, after completing step B in step 8603, the document is reversed and set again to the illumination position of the contact glass 3 (step S604).

In this case, the document transport path is B=■→C in Fig. 2.
Follow the route →■→D→■-B.

To explain more specifically, for example, if the bottom document is fed out from the state shown in FIG.
M copies of the page are made, and the original is turned over and set on the contact glass 3 so that the fifth page is illuminated.

Then, in order to copy M copies of this fifth page, process B is executed again (step S605).

After completing step B, transport the original on the contact glass 3,
It is reversed and returned to the loading platform 41 (step 5606). Therefore, the original returns to the state shown in FIG. 3(C).

Next, it is determined whether the count value N of the original sheet number counter is "1" (step 5607), and the operations from step 5601 are repeated until the count value N becomes "1".

When the count value N of the original sheet number counter reaches "1", the operation proceeds to step 5608, the originals stacked on the stacking table 41 are fed out from below, step B is performed (step 5609), and the originals are then unloaded. Turn it over and set it on the contact glass 3 again (step 5610), and execute process B (step 5611).

Then, when collecting the original, the original is returned to the stacking table 41 without being turned over (step 5612). As a result, in step $606, the original returned to the stacking table 41 was in the state shown in FIG.
The state will be as shown in figure (B). In other words, since the document originally loaded on the stacking table 41 in step S19 of FIG. 6 was reversed,
The operation is completed by returning the original to the state before the inversion.

As a result of the above operations, M copies of the single-sided copied original are ejected to the ejection tray 32 in group mode.

■ When copying both sides of a two-sided original and discharging the copy paper in sort mode: In this case, the operation of the copying machine is as shown in FIG. 15. Further, the operation of the document conveying device 2 is an RDH operation.

To explain with reference to FIG. 15, first, step A is performed (
Step 5701). This step A is the step described with reference to FIG. 12. Therefore, for example, if the original on the stacking table 41 is as shown in FIG. 3(C), even-numbered pages 6, 4, and 2 are copied, the copy paper is stored in the intermediate tray, and the original is as shown in FIG. 3(B). It is returned to the loading platform 41 in this state.

Next, the originals stacked on the stacking table 41 are fed out from below (step 5702), and the count value N of the original sheet number counter is decremented by "1" (step 5703).

Then, while the fed document is moved over the contact glass 3 by the conveyor belt 46, it is illuminated by the stopped optical system 4, and an image of the document is formed by the image processing mechanism 5 (step 57).
04).

On the other hand, the copy paper on which one-sided copying has been completed is fed from the intermediate tray 28 (step 5705), the image of the odd-numbered page formed by the image processing mechanism 5 is transferred to the opposite side of the paper on which one-sided copying has been completed, The image is fixed by the fixing device 8 (step S706).

Then, the original is reversed in the original reversing path 49 and returned to the stacking table 41 (step 5707).

Also, copy paper after double-sided copying is placed in the output tray 3.
Discharge to 2 (Ste, Tsubu 5708).

Then, it is determined whether the count value N of the original sheet number counter is "0" or not (step 5709), and the count value N is "0".
The operations from step 5702 are repeated until the value becomes 0''.

When the originals on the stacking table 41 complete one cycle and the count value N of the original sheet number counter becomes "0", the count value M of the copy part number counter is decremented by "1" (step 5710).
, step 570 until the count value M becomes "1".
The operation from 1 is repeated (step 5711).

Then, when the count value M of the copy copy number counter reaches 1'' (step 5711), next step A is performed (step 5712), and then the document on the loading table 41 is fed out from below (step 8713). Decrement the count value N of the original sheet number counter by "1" in step 571.
4) Form an image on the fed-out original (step S7)
15).

In addition, the paper on which one-sided copying has been completed is fed from the intermediate tray 28 (step 5716), and the odd-numbered pages of the original are transferred to the uncopied side of the copy paper and fixed (step 5716).
step 5717).

Thereafter, the document is returned to the stacking table 41 without being turned over (step 3718). In step 5707, for example, the document is fed out from the state shown in FIG. 3(B),
The illumination was scanned, reversed, and returned to the loading platform 41, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 3(C), but step 871
At step 8, the original is directly returned to the stacking table 41, so that the returned original is in the state shown in FIG. 3(B).

In other words, the document that was reversed in step S19 in FIG. 6 is returned to its original state before being reversed.

Also, the copy paper after double-sided copying is placed in the output tray 32.
(Step S719).

Then, the operation from step 8713 is repeated until the count value N of the document sheet number counter reaches 0'', and when the count value N of the document sheet number counter reaches '0'' (step 5720), the operation is completed.

As a result, the copy paper on which double-sided copies have been made is discharged to the discharge tray 32 in sort mode.

(2) When copying both sides of a two-sided original and discharging the copy paper in group mode: In this case, the copying machine 70 performs the operation shown in FIG. 16. Further, the operation of the document conveying device 2 is an RADF operation.

To explain with reference to FIG. 16, since the document stacked on the stacking table 41 is in the state shown in FIG.
The count value N of the original sheet number counter is decremented by "1" (step 5802). Then, the fed-out original is conveyed by the conveyor belt 46, set at a predetermined illumination position on the contact glass 3, the optical system 4 is moved, the illumination scans the original from the leading edge to the trailing edge, and the image processing mechanism 5 A document image is formed by (step 580B).

On the other hand, copy paper is fed from the paper feed cassette 21 (step 5804), the original image is transferred to the copy paper, and the fixing device 8 fixes it (step 5805). The sheet on which the original image has been copied is then reversed in the reversing path 9 and stored in the intermediate tray 28 (step 5806).

Then, set the count 1111M of the copy portion counter to “
Decrement by 1” (step 5807).

Next, it is determined whether or not this count value M has become "0" (step 380.8).
The operations from step 8803 are repeated until ``.

Next, the original on the contact glass 3 is transported by the original transport device 2, and the original is turned over and set again to the illumination position on the contact glass 3 (step 5809).

The document transport path during this reversal is B→■→ in Fig. 2.
The order is C→■→D−■→B.

In this way, the opposite side of the document is set on the contact glass 3, the optical system 4 performs illumination scanning, and the image processing mechanism 5 forms a document image (step 5810).

On the other hand, a copy sheet on which one-sided copying has been completed is fed from the intermediate tray 28 (step 5811), and the image formed in step 8810 is transferred and fixed on the opposite side of the copy sheet (step 5812). Then, the copy paper on which double-sided copying has been completed is ejected to the ejection tray 32 (step 9813), and the count value M of the copy portion counter is set to "
Decrement by 1" (step 5814).

Next, the count value M of this copy portion counter becomes “0”.
” (Step 5815), until the count value M of the copy portion counter becomes “0”.
Repeat operations from step 5810.

By the above-described operation, M copies of copy paper on which the sixth and fifth pages of FIG. 3C, for example, have been double-sided copied, are discharged to the discharge tray 32.

Thereafter, the document on the contact glass 3 is collected and returned to the loading table 41. In this case, the original is returned to the stacking table 41 without being turned over, so that the original is in the initial state shown in FIG. 3(B) (step 5816).

Then, it is determined whether the count value N of the original sheet number counter is "O" or not (step 5817), and the count value N is "O".
If not 0#, the operations from step 5801 are repeated.

Then, when the count value N becomes 0 (step 5
817), the operation ends.

As a result, copy sheets on which both sides have been copied are ejected to the ejection tray 32 in group mode.

In the above explanation, the copying machine main body 1 is capable of double-sided copying, but as shown in FIG. It may be something that can be done. In such a case, a single-sided original can be copied on one side and the copy paper is ejected in sort mode or group mode, or a double-sided original can be copied on one side and the copy paper is ejected in sort mode or group mode.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18, the document conveyance device 2 may have a simple configuration that only circulates the document. In such a case, a one-sided original can be copied one-sidedly, and the copied paper can be ejected in sort mode or group mode.

<Effects of the Invention> Since the present invention is configured as described above, in an image forming apparatus equipped with a circulating document feeder, copies can be made without a sorter for sorting copied sheets. Since the paper that is ejected is automatically ejected in sort mode or group mode, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use device that does not require sorting.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a document conveyance path in the circulation type document conveyance device 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the conveyance of a single-sided original and a double-sided original. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of the copying machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an input procedure in which an operator inputs setting data before copy processing using a keyboard. 6 to 16 are flowcharts showing the operation of this embodiment. FIG. 17 is an illustrative diagram showing a schematic configuration of another copying machine according to the present invention. FIG. 18 is an illustrative diagram showing still another schematic configuration of the copying machine according to the present invention. In the figure, 1... Copying machine main body, 2... Original transport device, 4... Optical system, 5... Image processing mechanism, 21...
- Shows a paper feed cassette, 28...intermediate tray, 32...ejection tray, 41...loading table. (2 other people) Fig. 2 Fig. (A) FB+ (C) Fig. Fig. 11 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Circulating document conveying means for conveying a document from a stock position to a reading position and returning the document to the stock position after completion of reading, and selectively specifying a first mode or a second mode. A first step in which a mode specifying means and a document stopped at a reading position are continuously read a predetermined number of times, a predetermined number of images of the document are formed in conjunction with the reading, and the operation is performed on a plurality of documents. Alternatively, a second step of reading a document that has come to a reading position, sequentially performing an operation of forming a single image of the document in conjunction with the reading on a plurality of documents, and repeating the series of operations a predetermined number of times. an image forming means capable of selectively executing one of the steps; and in response to the mode specifying means selecting the first mode, causing the image forming means to execute the first step, and executing the first step. a first control means for driving the circulating document transport means in synchronization with the image forming means; and a first control means for causing the image forming means to execute a second step in response to the mode specifying means selecting the second mode; An image forming apparatus comprising: a second control means for driving a circulating document conveying means in synchronization with the image forming means for performing two steps.