JPH03186867A - Color copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To evade the delay of copying work caused by the lack of toner by enabling a monocolor copied image having the equal color to a specified monocolor copied image to be formed with the aid of using prescribed primary color toner among respective primary color toner. CONSTITUTION:A toner lack detection means 10a for detecting the lack of the specified color toner is provided to a developing means 10 corresponding to specific color toner. Then, when the specified monocolor copied image is designated to be formed by a specified color copying designation means 231 in the case that the lack of the specified color toner is detected by the means 10a, the monocolor copied image having the equal color to the specified monocolor copied image can be formed by using the prescribed primary color toner among the respective primary color toner. Thus, the delay of the copying work caused by the lack of the toner at the forming time of the monocolor copied image is evaded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a color copying machine capable of forming a color copy image by superimposing toner images of a plurality of colors.

[Prior Art] A normal color copying machine using an electrophotographic process uses toner of the three primary colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) to synthesize any color, as well as toner for color tone adjustment and black and white. It has four developing units, each corresponding to the black (BK) toner used to form a copy image, and is capable of producing a color copy image corresponding to a color original, and a black and white copy image corresponding to a monochrome (black and white) original. Formation is possible.

In addition, conventionally, black and white or color originals have been converted into a predetermined single color (
There are color copying machines that allow you to specify the color for copying (monochrome). According to this, a black and white original can be copied in red (R), for example, and a color original can be copied in green (R), for example.
G) Color copying machines can be used for a variety of purposes, such as copying.

Monocolor has a color corresponding to each toner, i.e. 1
Colors that can be colored with colored toner (hereinafter referred to as "single toner color j") and colors that can be colored by combining two or three of the three primary colors (hereinafter referred to as "synthetic monocolor") be.

Note that any color can be created by combining the three primary colors, but among the colors of monochrome copied images that can be specified, colors that are specified more frequently than black (BK), such as red (R ), blue (B), green (G), etc., a developer for monochrome copy images using toner of each color may be provided.

In this way, conventional color copying machines that are capable of forming monochrome copies of images with specified colors, for example,
As shown in Publication No. 0-60054, a toner shortage detection sensor is provided for each developing device to detect a shortage of toner, and when there is a shortage of toner, a single toner color corresponding to the shortage of toner is installed. Alternatively, the formation of a monochrome copy image of a composite monochrome is prohibited.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] As described above, in conventional color copying machines, when the formation of a monochrome copy image of a specified color is prohibited, it is necessary to However, there is a problem in that insufficient toner must be replenished, and copying operations are delayed by the time required for replenishment.

Further, when a color copying machine is used to create business documents in a general office or the like, color requirements are often not so strict for monochrome copied images. For example, even if red is specified as the color of a monochrome copy image, in most cases it is acceptable as long as it is a reddish color, even if it is not strictly red.

However, with conventional color copying machines, when forming a monochrome copy image, if there is not enough toner to accurately reproduce the specified color, the monochrome copy image corresponding to the specification will be replaced as described above. There were problems in that it was prohibited to form, had poor flexibility, and was difficult to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a color copying machine that avoids as much as possible delays in copying operations due to toner shortages when forming monochrome copied images.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a color copying machine that provides greater flexibility in the colors of monochrome copied images and is more convenient for users.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 provides a plurality of developing means corresponding to each of primary color toners and at least one specific color toner essential for forming a color copy image, and a plurality of developing means corresponding to each of the primary color toners and at least one specific color toner, and the color copy image. a color copy designating means for designating the formation of a specific monochrome copy image using only the specific color toner;
and a control means for controlling the copying operation by each of the developing means based on the specification by the color copy designation means or the specific color copy designation means, the color copying machine includes a control means for controlling the copying operation by each of the development means based on the designation by the color copy designation device or the specific color copy designation device, A toner shortage detection means for detecting a shortage of color toner is provided,
When the toner shortage detection means detects a shortage of the specific color toner and the specific color copy designation means specifies the formation of the specific monochrome copy image, a predetermined primary color among the primary color toners is selected. It is characterized by the fact that it is possible to form a monochrome copy image of the same color as the specific monocolor copy image using toner.

The invention according to claim 2 provides a plurality of developing means corresponding to each of the primary color toners essential for forming a color copy image, a color copy designating means for designating the formation of the color copy image, and a plurality of developing means corresponding to each of the primary color toners essential for forming a color copy image, and a color copy designation means for specifying the formation of the color copy image; a composite color copy designation means for designating the formation of a composite monochrome copy image of composite colors obtained by appropriately combining the color copy designation means or the composite color copy designation means; In a color copying machine having a control means for controlling a copying operation by a developing means, each of the developing means is provided with a toner shortage detection means for detecting a shortage of each of the primary color toners, and the toner shortage detection means When a shortage of the primary color toner corresponding to the synthetic monochrome copy image is detected by the above, and the formation of the synthetic monochrome copy image is designated by the synthetic color copy designating means, the primary color toner for which the shortage was detected is specified by the synthetic color copy designating means. The present invention is characterized in that it is possible to form a monochrome copy image having a color similar to the composite monocolor copy image using primary color toner other than toner.

[For production]

Each developing means forms a toner image corresponding to each of the primary color toner and at least one specific color toner essential for forming a color copy image.

Formation of the color copy image is designated by the color copy designation means.

The specific color copy designating means specifies formation of a specific monochrome copy image using only the specific color toner.

The control means controls the copying operation by each of the developing means based on the designation by the color copy designation means or the specific color copy designation means.

The developing device corresponding to the specific color toner is provided with a toner shortage detection device for detecting a shortage of the specific color toner.

When the toner shortage detection means detects a shortage of the specific color toner and the specific color copy designation means specifies the formation of the specific monochrome copy image, a predetermined primary color among the primary color toners is selected. Using the toner, it is possible to form a monochrome copy image of the same color as the specific monocolor copy image.

The composite color copy designating means designates the formation of a composite monochrome copy image of composite colors obtained by appropriately combining the respective primary color toners.

The control '+'lI1 means controls the copying operation by each of the developing means based on the designation by the composite color 1 summer copying designation means.

When the toner shortage detection means detects a shortage of the primary color toner corresponding to the composite monocolor copy image and the composite color copy designation means specifies formation of the composite monocolor copy image, the shortage occurs. It is possible to form a monochrome copy image having a color close to the composite monocolor copy image using other primary color toners other than the detected primary color toner.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional front view showing the general structure of a color copying machine 1. As shown in FIG.

Approximately in the center of the main body of the color copying machine 1 is a photosensitive drum 2.
is arranged so as to be rotatable in the clockwise direction, and the photosensitive drum 2
Surroundings are a cleaner unit 3, a main eraser lamp 4, a charger 5, and an LED as a partial eraser.
An array 6, developing devices 7 to 10, and a transfer heald 11 as an intermediate transfer medium are provided. The photosensitive drum 2 is provided with a photosensitive layer on its surface, and the surface is uniformly charged by passing through a main eraser lamp 4 and a charging charger 5, and is charged by an optical system 40 (described later) to form a latent image. exposed to light.

Each developing device 7, 8, 9.10 has yellow (Y)
), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (BK)
Toner empty sensors 7a and 8a are used to detect the shortage of toner of each color.
, 9a, and 10a are provided.

Note that the developing units 7 to 10 are not limited to a type in which they are fixedly arranged around the photosensitive drum 2, but may be, for example, in a type in which the developing units 7 to 10 are integrated and movable in the vertical direction. Any material may be used as long as it can selectively supply 1-toners of different colors to the photoreceptor drum 2.

The transfer belt 11 is used to transfer (secondary transfer) the toner image developed on the photoreceptor drum 2 by the developing devices 7 to 10 onto a paper surface material (hereinafter referred to as "paper") P on which a copy image is to be formed. The photosensitive drum 2 is held by a plurality of rollers (not shown), and is supported so as to be rotatable in a counterclockwise direction while always being in contact with the photosensitive drum 2.

A transfer charger 12 for primary transferring a toner image from the photosensitive drum 2 and a rotational position sensor 56 for detecting the rotational angular position of the transfer belt 11 are fixedly arranged inside the transfer belt 11. There is. Rotational position sensor 5
A photo sensor 6 generates a rotational position signal SIO when it senses reflected light from a belt mark 57 provided at one location on the inner surface of the transfer bell 11.

Further, around the outside of the transfer heald 11, a transfer charger 16 for secondarily transferring the toner image onto the paper P,
A separation charger 17 for separating the belt from the transfer belt 11 and a belt cleaner 15 for cleaning the outer surface of the transfer belt 11 are provided. The belt cleaner 15 can be brought into pressure contact with the transfer belt 11 (during cleaning) or separated.

At the top of the color copying machine 1, an optical system 40 is arranged. The optical system 40 is located below the document platen glass 31 by an arrow M5.
A scanner 50 capable of reciprocating in the direction (forward direction) and arrow M6 direction (return direction), CCD for color editing
27 and lens 51 arranged nearby, a filter selection mechanism section 28 for enabling color separation exposure,
and a fixed mirror 29, and when the scanner 50 moves forward, it scans the document sheet and exposes the photosensitive drum 2.

The scanner 50 consists of a first slider 23 having an exposure lamp 24 and a mirror 421, and a second slider 52 having a mirror 42,43. The second slider 52 is driven by the scan motor 70 to move forward at a speed of v/n (n is the copying magnification) with respect to the speed V, and the second slider 52 is moved forward at a speed of V/2n. The scanner home switch 71 is composed of a photo sensor, and when the protrusion 73 of the first slider 23 faces the scanner 50
outputs a signal indicating that it has returned to its reference position (home position).

In the filter selection mechanism section 28, a mirror 28ND that performs total reflection and three filter mirrors 28YB, 28MG, and 2OCR are radially provided at an angle of 90 degrees to each other around an axis 28a, and the axis 28a rotates. By positioning the mirror as shown in FIG. . A ≧R reference position sensor 25 is provided at a location where the selected mirror is positioned, and FIG. 1 shows a state in which the mirror 28ND is selected and positioned.

Filter mirrors 28Y8.28MG and 28CR are integrated mirrors and filters by depositing blue (B), green (G), and red (R) color separation filters on the mirror surface, respectively. ,
It is used for M and C color toners.

On the other hand, a paper cassette 32 that stores paper P is installed at the lower left side of the color copying machine l, and a paper ejection tray 33 that stores the paper P on which a copy image has been formed is provided at the lower right side. There is.

The paper P is fed one by one from the paper cassette 32 by the paper feed roller 21, is conveyed by the tying roller 20 in synchronization with the transfer belt 11, and after the toner image is secondarily transferred from the transfer heald 11, the paper P is conveyed. The image is sent to a fixing unit 19 by a belt 18 . A paper size sensor 13 is provided near the paper feed roller 21 to detect the size of the paper P, and a timing sensor 14 is provided near the timing roller 20 to detect the leading edge position of the paper P passing therethrough. ing.

The fixing unit 19 includes a fixing roller 54, a fixing heater lamp 55 for heating, and the like, and fuses the I-toner image to fix it on the paper P. The paper P on which a copy image is formed by fixing the toner image is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 33 by a discharge roller 53 .

In addition, the main motor 2 is located in the center left side of the color copying machine 1.
2 are arranged, and the main motor 22 drives the above-mentioned photosensitive drum 2, transfer belt 11, paper feed roller 21,
Timing roller 20, conveyance heald 18, fixing roller 5
4, a paper ejection roller 53, and the like are rotationally driven.

In the color copying machine 1 configured as above, the above-mentioned Y
, M, C, and BK, and R (Y and M), G obtained by superimposing toner images of two of the three primary colors of Y, M, and C.
It is possible to form a composite monochrome copy image of (Y and C), B (M and c), and a color (full color) copy image obtained by superimposing toner images of three primary colors.

In forming single toner color and composite monochrome copy images, the mirror 28ND is used to expose and scan the original, and the latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 2 is developed in accordance with the specified color. Developing is performed using any one of the containers 7 to 10, and the L/toner image is transferred onto the transfer belt 11. Furthermore, in the case of a composite monochrome copy image, the same original document is exposed and scanned again by the mirror 28ND, and any one of the developing devices 7 to 10 different from the one used before for composition is used. The developed toner image is transferred to a transfer belt 11, and the two color toner images are superimposed on the transfer belt 11.

In addition, a color copy image is produced by scanning the same document multiple times according to a well-known color electrophotographic process, and selectively using the filter mirrors 28Y1, 28MG, 28CR and the developing devices 7 to 9 for each scan. , a color-separated latent image is formed and developed on the document, the toner images are sequentially transferred to the transfer belt 11 , and the toner images of each color are superimposed on the transfer belt 11 .

When overlapping toner images (hereinafter referred to as "multiple transfer"), it is necessary to transfer each toner image to the same position on the transfer belt 11. Rotational position signal 3 from sensor 56
The start timing of the movement of the scanner 5o, that is, the start timing of the formation of the latent image on the photosensitive drum 2 is controlled based on the generation timing of 10.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing how the photosensitive drum 2 is exposed.

In the color copying machine 1, in order to simplify the optical system 40, as described above, the filter mirror 28YB is integrated with a mirror and a filter for color separation.

28MG and 28CR constitute a filter selection mechanism section 28, in which a mechanism that determines the optical path of the scanning light is movable.

For this reason, filter mirror 28Y8 28MG.

Due to variations in accuracy or variations in stop position (stop angle) when switching between filter mirrors 28YB, 28MG, 28CR1 and mirror 28ND, the mounting of 28CR on the base requires four mirrors: 28VB, 28MG, 28C.
There may be a shift in the exposure point on the photosensitive drum 2 between R and 28ND.

In the figure, as an example, a filter mirror 28YB,
Each exposure point θy of 28MG.

θm is shown.

In the case where a shift occurs in the exposure point, if the start timing of each scan with respect to the above-mentioned rotational position signal S10 is the same, the transfer position of each toner image to the transfer belt 11 will shift, causing color shift in the copied image. The image quality will deteriorate.

Therefore, in the color copying machine 1, the rotational position signal SI
The scan start timing for each mirror 2BVB,
It is said that it can be adjusted for each 28MG, 28CR, and 28ND.

In addition, in the following explanation, ξG-28ND, Frata-Jinra 28YB, 28MG, and 28CR are used as ND filter, B filter, G filter, and R filter, respectively, based on color separation characteristics.
Sometimes called a filter.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the operation panel OP provided on the top surface of the color copying machine 1.

On the right side of the operation panel OP, there are a print key 200 for starting the copying operation, a numeric keypad 202 for setting copying conditions such as the number of copies, a 7-segment LED 201 for displaying the number of copies, and a clear/stop key 20.
3. Interrupt key 204, magnification up and magnification down keys 205, 206 for setting the copy magnification, three-digit 7-segment LED 207 for displaying the copy magnification, up and down keys for manually setting the density of the copy image step by step. Keys and display LEDs used in normal copying operations, such as down keys 210 and 208, an LED 211 for displaying the density level of a copied image, an auto density setting key 209, and an auto density display LED 222, are arranged.

In addition, on the left side of the operation panel ○P, there are L E D223Y,' which display the lack of toner for each color of Y and MCBK.
223M, 223C, 2238K, LED 224a that indicates whether the waste toner storage container is full, interrupt display L
ED224b, paper P jam indicator LED224c,
Each color (Y,
Color key 2 corresponding to M, C9R, CB, BK)
25 to 231, full color key 232 for specifying color copying, OH used when paper P is a transparent sheet for HP (Overhead Projector), etc.
P key 233, book key 23 used when copying the left and right pages of a spread of a book etc. on two sheets of paper P
4, and 1 for display corresponding to each of the keys 225-234. , ED235-244 are arranged.

In addition, in the following explanation, color key 225.226.2
27, 228, 229, 230, and 231 are sometimes referred to as the Y key, M key, C key, R key, C key, B key, and BK plain key, respectively.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control circuit 400 of the color copying machine 1.

The control circuit 400 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 401 that controls the overall operation of the color copy a1, a scan motor control 452 that controls the drive of the scanner 50, and a lens that controls the movement of the main lens 26 in accordance with the copying magnification. Motor control 453 and filter selection mechanism section 28
The main structure is a filter mirror motor control 454 that performs switching control.

A switch matrix 450 in which various operation keys of the operation panel OPJ2, toner empty sensors 7a to 10a, etc. are arranged vertically and horizontally is connected to the CPU 401. The 7-segment LED 201 and display LEDs related to operation mode and color designation are connected via the switch matrix 450 and decoder 451, and their lighting or extinguishing is controlled.

Further, the output signals and rotational position signal SIO of the vapor size sensor 13 and the timing sensor 14 described above are input to the input terminal of the CPU 401, and based on the signals from each of these sensors and the switch matrix 450, the output terminal On/off of the main motor 22 connected to the main motor 22, various franchises such as the developing franchise, each charger, the exposure lamp 24, etc. is controlled.

Furthermore, the CPU 401 includes a B filter, a G filter,
Three sets of deep switches 455, 456, and 457 are connected to adjust the above-mentioned deviation of the exposure point when the R filter is selectively switched. That is, the scan start timing for forming each Y, M, and C toner image can be changed in eight steps with respect to the timing at which the rotational position signal SIO is generated.

As a result, in the color copying machine 1, the exposure points corresponding to the B filter, G filter, and R filter can be corrected so as to match the exposure points of the reference ND filter, and high quality images without color shift can be achieved. q Next, the operation of the color copying machine 1 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 to 18.

FIG. 4 is a main flowchart schematically showing the operation of the CPU 401.

When the power is turned on and the program starts, first,
In step #1, registers and peripheral interfaces are initialized, and in step #2, an internal timer for defining the length of one routine of the CPU 401 is set.

In step #3, manual key processing is performed to accept and receive signals from the operation keys on the operation panel ○P, and in step #4,
Executes display processing for displaying on the operation panel OP.

Next, paper feeding/feeding processing (step #5) that controls the paper feeding and transport of paper P, image creation processing (step #6) related to the electrophotographic process, and scanning for scanning the original document. A series of copy sequence processes consisting of the process (step #7) is executed.

After executing these processes, an internal timer is waited in step #8, and the process returns to step #2. As a result, the length of one routine is kept constant, and each process from step #2 to step #8 is repeated while the power is turned on.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the key manual processing in step #3.

Steps #11 to #18 are key processes corresponding to the operation keys for specifying the color of the copy image, respectively. In each step, the monocolor mode of each single toner color of Y, M, C, RGB Settings are made for each composite monocolor mode, full color mode, and BK monocolor mode (corresponding to black and white copying).

In step #19, OHP key processing is performed, and in step #20, other key processing is performed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the Y key processing in step #11.

First, in step #26, it is checked whether or not the Y key 225 has been pressed (hereinafter referred to as "on check j"), and if no, the process returns directly.

4 If YES in step #26, in step #27,
An empty check is performed to determine the presence or absence of Y toner (whether there is a shortage or not), and if YES, the process returns directly. If no in step #27, that is,
If Y toner is present, in step #28, a Y copy mode is set in which monochrome copying is performed using only Y toner.

Although not shown, in the M key processing and C key processing in steps #12 and #13 in FIG. If the check conditions are satisfied, M copy mode or Y copy mode is set.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the R key processing in step #14 of FIG.

First, in step #30, an on-check of the R key is performed, and if YES, an empty check of the Y toner is performed in step #31.

If there is Y toner, an empty check of M toner is performed in step #33. If both Y toner and M toner are present, in step #35, an R copy mode is set in which the Y toner image and the M toner image are superimposed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no Y toner in the check in step #31, an empty check is performed on the M toner in step #32, and if there is M toner even though there is no Y toner, the M toner is empty in step #34. Set the M copy mode, which performs monochrome copying using only toner.

In other words, R (red) and M (magenta) are visually similar colors, so even if it is impossible to color R due to a lack of Y toner, pressing the R key will not be ignored.
M copy mode is set as an alternative to R copy mode. If both Y toner and M toner are empty, no copy mode is set even though the R key is pressed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the G key processing in step #15 of FIG.

First, in step #40, the G key is turned on and xy is pressed, and if YES, an empty check of the Y toner is performed in step #41.

If there is Y toner, an empty check of C toner is performed in step #42. If both Y toner and C toner are present, in step #43, a C copy mode is set in which the Y toner image and the C toner image are superimposed.

On the other hand, if the answer is YES in step #40 and step #41, the process returns without setting the copy mode.

In other words, G (green) and Y (yellow), and G and C
(Cyan) is generally not considered a similar color, so G
It is not possible to use a single color of Y or C as an alternative. Therefore, if either the Y toner or the C toner is in short supply, no copy mode is set for either color.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the B key processing in step #16 of FIG.

First, in step #50, the B key is checked, and if YES, an empty check of the C toner is performed in step #51.

If there is C toner, an empty check of M toner is performed in step #52. If both C toner and M toner are present, in step #54, a B copy mode is set in which the C toner image and the M toner image are superimposed.

If YES in step #52, that is, if there is C toner and there is no M toner, then in step #53, C toner is present and M toner is absent.
Set the C copy mode, which performs monochrome copying using only toner.

In other words, since B (red) and C are visually similar colors, even if it is impossible to color B due to a lack of M toner, you can use the B copy mode without ignoring the press of the B key. C copy mode is set as an alternative.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the full color key processing in step #17 of FIG.

First, in step #60, the full color key 232 is checked, and if YES, an empty check is performed for each of Y, M, and C toners in sequence in steps #61 to #63.

If all Y, M, and C toners are present, step #
At 64, a full color mode is set in which Y, M, and C toner images are superimposed.

If even one color of toner among Y, M, and C is insufficient,
Since it is impossible to form a color copy image, the process returns without setting the full color mode.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the BK key processing at step #18 in FIG.

First, in step #70, a BK main key on check is performed, and if YES, a BK main key empty check is performed in step #71.

If BKI-color is present, in step #76, a BK copy mode is set in which monochrome copying is performed using only BK-color.

On the other hand, if step #71 is yes, step #
In steps 72 to #74, an empty check is sequentially performed for each of the Y and MC toners.

If all YMC toners are present, step #75
, Y and M were formed sequentially using ξG-28ND.
, C toner images are superimposed.

In other words, in the color copying machine 1, in addition to the three primary color toners for forming color copy images, if there is a shortage of BK toner, which is mainly provided for forming black and white copy images, black and white copies will be made. As an alternative, toners of the three primary colors may be used to form a black and white copy image without prohibiting the above.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the HP key processing in step #19 of FIG.

First, in step #80, the HP key 233 is turned on. If YES in step #80, then in step #81 it is checked whether the HP mode has already been set.

If YES in step #81, ○ in step #82.
Cancel HP mode, and if no in step #81,
In step #83, the OHP mode is set.

Here, the OHP mode is an operation mode in which the system speed of the entire electrophotographic process is made slower than in the normal operation mode.This increases the time it takes the paper P to pass through the fixing unit 19, and The toner images are sufficiently melted and mixed, and the translucency of the color copy image is enhanced.

In addition, in the color copying machine 1 of this embodiment, when returning from the OHP mode to the normal operation mode, a timer is provided to measure a predetermined time, and a timer is provided to wait for the state of each part related to the electrophotographic process to stabilize. The apparatus is configured to start the operation associated with the electrophotographic process after the electrophotographic process, thereby avoiding disturbances in the copied image due to poor cleaning or poor toner agitation, or automatic stopping of the system due to detection of defects.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the display processing of step #4 in FIG.

In step #90, the operation panel OP is operated based on the signals from the toner empty processing units 1-7a to 10a.
Above, toner empty processing is executed to display the shortage of each toner, and in step #91, color specification display processing is executed to display the copy image in accordance with the specified color.

After executing these processes, other display processes are performed in step #92.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the toner empty processing in step #90.

First, in step #100, an empty check of the Y toner is performed. If YES in step #100, the LED 223Y is turned on in step #101, and if NO in step #100, the LED 223Y is turned on in step #102.
Turn off 223Y.

Similarly, in step #103, an empty check is performed for the M toner, and if YES, the LED 223M is turned on in step #104, and if NO in step #103, the LED 223M is turned off in step #105.

Next, in step #106, an empty check of the C toner is performed, and if YES, the LED 223C is turned on in step #107, and if NO in step #106, the LED 223C is turned off in step #108.

Finally, in step #109, an empty check of the BK toner is performed, and if YES, the LED 2238K is turned on in step #110, and if NO in step #109, the LED 223BK is turned off in step #111.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the color designation display process in step #91 of FIG.

In this routine, first, in steps 4120 to #125, a check is sequentially executed to determine whether a copy mode corresponding to each monochrome color of Y, M, C, R, G, and B is set.

If YES in each of step 4120 to step #125, step 4120 to step #13 is executed to display that each copy mode has been set.
1 lights up the LEDs 235 to 240, respectively.

If the answer is NO in all of steps #120 to #125, the process moves to step #132 and checks whether the full color mode is set. Step #
If 132 is YES, step #135 turns on LED2.
42 is lit.

If no in step #132, a check is made to see if BK copy mode is set in step #133, and if yes, LED 24 is set in step #136.
Turn on 1.

Also, if no in step #133, step #1
Check whether the 3-color overlay mode is set in step #134, and if yes, turn on the LED in step #137.
241 flashes.

LED24] blinks, the operator should
It is determined whether or not the color overlapping mode is acceptable, and if it is acceptable, the print key 200 is pressed to start printing. If not, replenish the black toner and then specify the BK mode again. In other words,
In the color copying machine 1, when there is a shortage of blank toner, the operator selects whether to combine three primary color toners to form a black copy image, or to form a blank copy image using blank toner after replenishment. can do.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the paper feeding/paper passing process in step #5 of FIG.

In this routine, first, in step #140, the state indicated by the count value of the state counter is checked, and the following processing is executed depending on the state.

In the initial state immediately after the power is turned on and in the standby state after the copying operation is completed, the state is "0".

In state "0", first, in step #141, the print key 200 is checked, and if no, the process returns to the main routine.

If YES in step #141, step #142
The main motor 22 is turned on to start rotating each part.

Next, in step #143, a main motor start-up timer is set to wait for the rotation of the main motor 225 to stabilize, and in step #145, the state is set to "1".

In state "1", the main motor start-up timer is counted and amplified in step #150. As a result, each time step #150 is executed, the count number of the main motor start-up timer is updated, and timekeeping progresses.

In the following step #151, it is checked whether the count number of the main motor start-up timer has reached a predetermined value, that is, it is confirmed that the timer has finished counting, and if no, the process returns, and if YES in step #15I, In step #I52, STET is updated to "2".

In stay 1-r2J, in step #16°, the paper feed roller 21 is turned on to feed the paper P into the conveyance path,
The state is set to "3" (step #161).

In state "3", the timing sensor 14 is checked in step #170.

If YES in step #170, step #171
Turn off the tying roller 20 and continue with step #17.
In step 2, set the state to "4" with paper loop timer 3 for register alignment.

In state "4", the paper loop timer is counted up in step #180, and the count-up is performed in step #180.
At step 181, the end of the paper loop timer is confirmed.

If step #181 is YES, step #182
Turn off the paper feed roller 21 and set the state to "5" (
Step #183).

In state "5", it is determined in step #190 whether or not it is the timing to register the paper P with respect to the toner image on the transfer belt 11.

If step #■90 is YES, turn on the timing roller 20 to advance the conveyance of the paper P (step #19
1).

In the following step #J92, it is checked whether the mode is OHP mode or not. If it is the OHP mode, it is necessary to reduce the speed at which the paper P passes through the fixing unit 19, so the process moves to step #195 and changes the state to " 9”.

If the answer in step #192 is NO, the paper feed interval timer for keeping the intervals between the sheets P constant in the transport path is set to "6" in step #193L state (step #194).

In state "6", the paper feed interval timer is counted up in step #200, and step #20 is started.
Step 1 confirms that the paper feed interval timer has ended. If the paper feed interval timer has ended, the state is set to “
7”.

In state "7", in step #210, it is checked whether multi-copying in which the number of copies is two or more is specified by the operation panel ○P.

In the case of multi-copy, the state is returned to "2" in step #211, and in the case of single copy where the number of copies is one, the 9 state is updated to "8" in step #212.

In state "8", wait until all the fed sheets P are ejected to the paper ejection tray 33, and proceed to step #22.
0, and when completion of paper ejection is confirmed based on a signal from a paper ejection sensor (not shown), the main motor 22 is turned off in step #221 and the state is returned to "0" (step #221).
222).

If the HP mode is determined in step #192 of state "5" described above, the processes of states "9" to "11" are executed.

In state "9", first, Ste, Tsubu #230
Then, it is checked at the timing of the process whether the toner image of one color or a plurality of colors has been secondarily transferred from the transfer belt 11 to the paper P.

If YES in step #230, step #131
As described above, in order to lengthen the passage time (heating time) of the paper P through the fixing unit 19, the fixing roller 54 is
The rotational speed of the main motor 22 that drives the main motor 22 is reduced.

Note that it is also possible to maintain the rotational speed of the main motor 22 at the normal speed of 0 degrees and reduce only the rotational speed of the fixing roller 54 using a flanch or the like.

Thereafter, in step #232, the state is set to "10".

In stay 1 "10", in step #240,
After confirming that the OHP paper P that has passed through the fixing unit 19 at a low speed is discharged, the rotational speed of the main motor 22 is returned to the normal speed in step #241.

Next, in step #242, a process stability timer is set to wait for the state of each part related to the electrophotographic process to become stable, and in step #243, the state is changed to "
11”.

In state rl IJ, in step #250,
A count amplification of the process stability timer is performed, and in step #251, completion of the process stability timer is confirmed.

Step #25] If YES, step #522
Returns the state to "7" and returns to the main routine.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the image forming process in step #6 of FIG.

First, in step #300, the state is checked, and the following processing is executed according to each state from state "20" to state "35".

In state "20", first, print key 20 is pressed.
On-check 0 (step #301).

If step #301 is YES, follow step #3
At step 02, the charger 5, main routine amplifier 4, etc. are turned on to prepare for the electrophotographic process.

Next, in step #303, the copy number counter is set to "0".
” and advance the state to “21”. The copy number counter is for counting the number of times of secondary transfer from the transfer belt 11 to the paper P.

In state "21", it is checked in step #311 whether a mode for multiple transfer is set.

If no in step #311, that is, if a copy image is to be formed using toner of one color, step #3
Proceed to step 12.

On the other hand, when performing multiple transfer, it is necessary to perform multiple scans in synchronization with the rotation of the transfer heald 11, so the state is advanced to "26" in step #315.

In step #312, the filter selection mechanism section 28 selects N.
Select the D filter to define the optical path for exposure.

Next, in step #313, the heald cleaner 15 is turned on to clean the transfer heald 11, and the state is advanced to "22" (step #314).

In state "22", the exposure lamp 24 is turned on (step #321L), and any one of the developing clutches of the developing devices 7 to 10 is turned on according to the set copy mode (step #322), and the light amount of the exposure lamp 24 is turned on. Step #3 Set the exposure lamp start-up timer to wait for the stabilization of the exposure lamp.
24).

STAY) In r23J, in step #331,
The exposure lamp rising timer is counted up, and in step #332, the completion of the exposure lamp rising timer is confirmed.

If YES in step #332, step #333
Then, a scanner start signal S20 for starting the forward movement of the scanner 50 is output, and the state is set to "24" in step #334.

In state "24", the end of scanning is confirmed in step #341, and if YES, the exposure lamp 24 is turned off and the developing clutch turned on in step #342L is turned off (step #343).

Next, in step #344, it is checked whether or not it is multi-copy, and if it is multi-copy, step #34 is executed.
5, the state is set to "25", and in the case of single copy, the state is returned to the initial value "20" in step #34G.

In step) r25J, it is checked in step #351 whether the backward movement (return) of the scanner 50 has been completed, and if the return has been completed, the state is set to "22" in step #352.

As mentioned above, stay) r21. Step #311
If it is determined that the mode is for multiple transfer, the processes in states "26" to "35" are executed.

In state r26J, the number of colors to be combined is checked in step #361.

If there are two colors in step #361, composite monochrome (R
, G, B), select ND fill (step #362), set the scan counter to "2" indicating the number of scans for one copy image (step #363), and set the state to "27" (step #364).

On the other hand, if there are 3 colors in step #261, step #3
65 to check whether the mode is full color mode.

In the case of pull color mode, first select the B filter to form a Y toner image (step #366), and if not in full color mode, that is, in the case of three-color superimposition mode, select the ND filter (step #366). #36B)
.

After executing step #366 or step #368, in step #367, the scan counter is set to "3" and the state is updated.

In step #371, in step #371, it is checked whether the rotational position signal SIO has been generated, that is, whether the belt mark 57 on the transfer belt 11 has been detected. If YES in step #371, an exposure lamp on timer for determining the lighting timing of the exposure lamp 24 is set in step #372, and the state is advanced to "28" (step #373).

That is, the transfer belt 11 is rotationally driven at a constant speed, and the cycle of generation of the rotational position signal S1.0 is constant. Therefore, in the color copying machine l, the rotational position signal SI
In order to ensure that the light intensity of the exposure lamp 24 is stable during scanning that is started based on the timing of generation of rotational position signal S 1. An exposure lamp on timer is provided to turn on the exposure lamp 24 at a scheduled time.

This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary lighting of the exposure lamp 24 and to prevent scanning when the amount of light is unstable.

In state "28", in step #381, the exposure lamp on timer is counted up, and in step #381, the exposure lamp on timer is counted up.
At step 382, the end of the exposure lamp on timer is confirmed.

If YES in step #382, the exposure lamp 24 is turned on (step #383), the developing clutch is turned on (step 4384), and the state is set to "29" (step 4385).

In state "29", in step #391, it is checked whether the rotational position signal SIO is generated.

If YES in step #391, the exposure lamp on timer is set in step #392 in order to determine the lighting timing of the exposure lamp 24 in the second and subsequent scans in the same way as described above, and in step #393, the scanner A start signal S20 is output. After that, the state is set to "30" (step #394).

In state "30", first, step #401
to confirm the completion of scanning.

If the scan is completed, the subsequent steps #402 to #415 are executed.

That is, turning off the exposure lamp 24 (step #402)
, turning off the developing clutch during driving (step #403),
Scan counter countdown (step #404
) is executed sequentially, the value of the scan counter becomes "0".
It is checked whether it is (step #405).

If YES in step #405, it means that the copying operation for one sheet of paper P has been completed, so step #405
At step 06, the copy number counter is counted up.

7 Next, in step #407, it is checked whether the value of the copy number counter has reached 10, and if no,
Move to Stet #415 and advance Stet to "34".

If the answer is yes in step #407, the copy number counter is reset (step #408), the heald cleaner 15 is turned on (step #409), and the cleaning time (one rotation time of the heald 11) is measured. Set the heald cleaning timer (step #410)
) in sequence, in step #411 the state is changed to “
Proceed to "33".

In other words, when multi-copy is specified, in the multiple-transfer mode, that is, the full color mode, composite color (R, G, B) copy mode, and three-color overlapping mode, the same position on the transfer belt 11 is , multiple sheets of paper P
A toner image corresponding to each of the images is formed. Therefore, even if some toner remains on the transfer belt 11 after the secondary transfer, the effect on the next sheet P is small.
Although it is not necessary to clean the transfer belt 11 for each sheet of paper P, if residual toner accumulates, the quality of the copied image may deteriorate. Therefore, in color copying machine 1,
The number of secondary transfers is counted by a copy number counter, and the electrophotographic process is interrupted every 10 sheets of paper P to clean the transfer belt 11.

On the other hand, if the answer in step #405 is NO, the process proceeds to step #412, where it is checked whether the mode is full color mode.

If it is not the full color mode, the state advances to "r31" in step #414. In the case of the full color mode, in step #413, the filter is switched to select a G filter or an R filter depending on the color of the toner image to be formed next, and then the process proceeds to step #414.

In state "31", in step #421, it is checked whether scanning is possible every time the rotational position signal SIO is generated, with reference to a scan table TS, which will be described later, related to paper size and copying magnification.

If YES in step #421, follow step #4
At step 22, in order to determine whether scanning is possible each time the rotational position signal SIO occurs in connection with the book mode, it is checked whether the next scan is a scan of 1798 pages.

1798 plane means the scanning direction (M
5) When the document sheet is divided into two sides using the center as a boundary, this is the side farthest from the home position of the scanner 50. Note that the nearer side is the book A side, and in the book mode, the hook A side and the 1798 side are each copied onto separate sheets P.

If no in step #422, step #423
The state is returned to "28" and the next lighting timing of the exposure lamp 24 is waited.

Also, if step #421 is NO and step #4
If the answer is YES in step #424, the state advances to "32".

In state "32", in step #431, it is checked whether the rotational position signal SIO is generated.

I will

If YES in step #431, step #432
After setting the exposure lamp on timer, the scan start signal S20 is activated, unlike the state "29" described above.
The state is returned to "28" in the following step #433 without outputting.

In other words, in this case, the rotational position signal Sho is invalidated with respect to the start of the scan.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the contents of scan table TS.

The scan table TS scans the paper P on the document table glass 31.
The reciprocating time of the scanner 50, which is determined by the mutual relationship between the size and feeding direction of the paper and the copying magnification set by the numeric keypad 202, etc., is determined in advance, and the number of occurrences of the rotational position signal SIO (" 1” or “
2) is stored as data.

In the notation of paper size in the same figure, for example, A3
Portrait refers to when A3 size paper P is fed with one longitudinal direction as the transport direction, and A4 landscape refers to when A4 size paper P is fed with its longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transport direction. means.

In the color copying machine 1, the peripheral length of the transfer heald 11 is 450 mm.
mm, and the system speed in normal operating mode is 110 mm/sec.

Therefore, the time for one rotation of the transfer heald 11 (the period of generation of the rotational position signal 310) is 4.09 seconds.

On the other hand, in the scanner 50, the time required for reciprocating movement consisting of each period of acceleration, constant speed, and deceleration is, for example, 3.0 seconds (
Forward movement is 2.2 seconds, backward movement is 0°8 seconds), and in this case, the movement time is shorter than the generation period of signal S10, so
Scanning can be started successively on every occurrence of signal 310 (every rotation of the transfer heald).

On the other hand, even when copying at the same size, in the case of A3 portrait paper P, the reciprocating time of the scanner 50 is 5
．． 4 seconds (4.2 seconds for forward movement, 21.2 seconds for backward movement), which is longer than the generation cycle of signal SIO, so scanning cannot be started continuously every time signal SIO occurs. Therefore, in this case, as described above, the signal SIO is invalidated every other time of its occurrence;
A scan is started every second occurrence of signal SIO.

Further, even when using paper P of the same size, the reciprocating time differs depending on the copying magnification.

In other words, the scan table TS generates a rotational position signal, which is a condition for starting scanning, in association with a copying condition consisting of the size and feeding direction of the paper P on the document table glass 31, and the copying magnification set by the numeric keypad 202, etc. The number of occurrences of 310 ("1" or "2") is determined in advance.

Returning to FIG. 17, in state "33", the belt cleaning timer is counted up in step #441, and the end of the belt cleaning timer is confirmed in step #442.

If YES in step #442, step #443
Turn off Heald Cleaner ■5 and follow step #40 above.
The cleaning of the transfer heald 11 started at step 9 is completed.

Thereafter, in step #444, the state is updated to "34".

In state "34J," in step #451, the presence or absence of a copy request prompting the next copying operation is checked. If there is no copy request, the process moves to step #453 and the state is returned to the initial value "20."

As a result, the color copying machine 1 enters a standby state.

If there is a copy request, the state is advanced to "35" in step #452.

In state "35", it is checked in step #461 whether the return of the scanner 50 has been completed.

If YES in step #461, the state is returned to "26" in step #462 in order to move on to the next copying operation.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the scan process of step #7 in FIG. 4.

First, in step #500, the state is checked, and the following processing is executed according to each state from state "40J" to state "43".

In state "40", first, step #501
Check the presence or absence of the scanner start signal S20,
If yes, proceed to step #502.

In step #502, the optical system 40 checks the filter selected in accordance with the toner color, and subsequent processing branches depending on the filter.

If an ND filter is selected, step #5
The program advances to 03, updates the state to "41", and returns.

If the B filter is selected, before the state update, in step #504, a B delay timer is set with a clock time set based on the timing correction by the dip switch 455 described above.

Furthermore, when the G filter is selected and when the R filter is selected, the process moves to step #505 and step #50G, respectively, and in each step, the clock time is set by dip switches 456 to 466. After setting the G delay timer and R delay timer, the state is updated.

In state "41", in step #511, the set delay timer is counted,
At step #512, the end of the delay timer is confirmed.

If step #512 is YES, step #513
Then, the scan motor 70 starts forward movement of the scanner 50, and the state is set to "42".

Note that in step #512, if the ND filter is selected, it is assumed that the timer has ended, and the answer is YES.

In state "42J," in step #521, it is determined whether or not the scanner 50, which is moving forward, has reached the rear end of the document tray and has finished scanning.

If the scanning is completed, the return of the scan 650 is started in step #522, and the state is advanced to "43J" (step #523).

In state "43", the scanner 50 waits for return to the home position, and when the completion of the return is confirmed in step #524, the state is returned to the initial value "40" in step #525.

According to the above-described embodiment, when switching from the OHP mode for increasing the translucency of the copied image to the normal copying mode, the electrophotographic process is stopped until a predetermined period of time has elapsed for the state of each part to stabilize. Since this is prohibited, it is possible to always form high-quality copied images under stable process conditions.

In the above-described embodiment, a color copying machine l of an intermediate transfer method is provided in which a transfer heald 11 as an intermediate transfer medium is provided between the photosensitive drum 2 and the paper P, and toner images of each color are superimposed on the transfer belt 11. As an example, as a method of superimposing toner images, a method is performed on copy paper wrapped around a rotating body such as a transfer drum, or a method is performed on a photosensitive drum (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-32854). The present invention can also be applied to color copying machines that employ the following.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to avoid as much as possible a delay in the copying operation due to a shortage of toner when forming a monochrome copy image.

According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a color copying machine that increases the flexibility of the colors of monochrome copied images and provides convenience for users.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional front view showing the general configuration of a color copying machine;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the operation panel provided on the top of the color copying machine, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control section of the color copying machine.
4 to 18 are flowcharts showing the operation of the color copying machine, FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the contents of the scan table,
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing how the photosensitive drum is exposed. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Color copying machine, 7-9... Developing device (developing device means corresponding to primary color toner), 10... Developing device (developing device means corresponding to 9 specific colors), 10a... Toner Empty sensor (toner shortage detection means), 228-230
...Color key (composite color copy specification means), 231...
- Color key (specific color copy designation means), 232...Full color key (color copy designation means), 401...C
PU (control means).

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) a plurality of developing means corresponding to each of the primary color toners and at least one specific color toner essential for forming a color copy image; a color copy designation means for specifying the formation of the color copy image; a specific color copy designating means for designating the formation of a specific monochrome copy image using only specific color toner; and control for controlling copying operations by each of the developing means based on the designation by the color copy designating device or the specific color copy designating device. In the color copying machine, the developing means corresponding to the specific color toner is provided with a toner shortage detection unit for detecting a shortage of the specific color toner, and the toner shortage detection unit detects the shortage of the specific color toner. When a shortage is detected and the specific color copy designating means specifies the formation of the specific monochrome copy image, a predetermined primary color toner among the respective primary color toners is used to form the specific monochrome copy image. A color copying machine characterized by being capable of forming monochrome copy images of equivalent colors. (2) By appropriately combining a plurality of developing means corresponding to each of the primary color toners essential for forming a color copy image, a color copy designating means for designating the formation of the color copy image, and each of the primary color toners. a composite color copy designating means for designating the formation of a composite monochrome copy image of the resulting composite colors; and control for controlling copying operations by each of the developing means based on the designation by the color copy designating means or the composite color copy designating means. In the color copying machine, each of the developing means is provided with a toner shortage detection means for detecting a shortage of each of the primary color toners, and the toner shortage detection means corresponds to the composite monochrome copy image. When a shortage of the primary color toner is detected and the composite color copy designating means specifies formation of the composite monochrome copy image, use other primary color toners other than the primary color toner for which the shortage has been detected. A color copying machine characterized in that it is capable of forming a monochrome copy image having a color similar to the composite monocolor copy image.