JPH04229880A - Copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To find the number of document sheets in advance in use of an auto matic document feeder as well as to specify the number of copy sheets or page numbers to be stapled by a paper stapler automatically according to the docu ment sheet numbers. CONSTITUTION:In a copying machine equipped with an automatic document feeder A, plural sheets of documents set in this feeder are fed with no copying operation and counted by a document sheet number counting means B, then the document sheet number is displayed on a display means C. In addition, on the basis of the counted document sheet number, an automatic stapling data inputting means E is able to specify the sheet numbers or page numbers to be stapled by a paper stapler D automatically.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying apparatus equipped with an automatic document feeder and a copying apparatus further equipped with a paper binding device.

0002

[Prior Art] A copying machine equipped with an automatic document feeder automatically feeds a plurality of documents placed on a document tray one by one onto a contact glass and exposes them to light, and sequentially prints the images. Copies are made onto copy paper and the original is ejected after exposure. In addition, if there are images to be copied on both sides of each original, the original with one side copied is circulated in the automatic document feeder, turned over and sent onto the contact glass again, and the other side is copied. Some are designed to be ejected after copying.

[0003] The following four modes are possible for such a combination of an original and a copy (copied paper). (1) Single-sided original → single-sided copy (2) Single-sided original → double-sided copy (3) Double-sided original → single-sided copy (4) Double-sided original → double-sided copy

[0004] There were also copying machines equipped with such an automatic document feeding device and a paper binding device;
As seen in Publication No. 1-110596, when copying paper is stapled, it is linked with an automatic document feeder, and after the original placed on the automatic document feeder has gone through one cycle, the copied paper is stapled. It was common to do so.

[0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in a copying apparatus equipped with such a conventional automatic document feeder, when it is desired to know in advance the number of originals to be copied, it is difficult to know in advance the number of originals to be copied, especially during double-sided copying or when using the above-mentioned paper binding device. In cases where it is necessary to enter the number of sheets in a group of originals in advance in order to bind the copies each time a desired group of originals is copied, the operator must count the number of sheets one by one before setting the originals. It was inconvenient.

[0006] Also, in a copying machine equipped with an automatic document feeder and a paper binding device as described above, originals are set on the document table of the automatic document feeder for each unit of paper binding processing. This is inconvenient because it requires copying, and it is not possible to set multiple types of originals on the original table at once and process multiple jobs at once. Alternatively, even if copy sheets are bound every time a specified number of copies of a document group are copied as described above, there is a problem in that the number of copies or pages must be input in advance.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a first object thereof is to make it possible to know in advance the number of originals to be copied using an automatic original feeding device. In the case of a copying apparatus that is also equipped with a paper binding device, a second object is to be able to automatically specify the number of sheets of paper (copy paper) or pages to be bound according to the number of original sheets.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above-mentioned first object, the first invention provides a copying operation in a copying apparatus equipped with an automatic document feeder A, as shown in FIG. A document number counting means B for feeding a plurality of documents set by the automatic document feeder A one by one onto a contact glass without performing the above operations, and ejecting the documents one by one, and counting the number of fed documents. , a document number display means C for displaying the number of document sheets counted by the means.

Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned second object, the second invention provides a copying apparatus equipped with an automatic document feeder A and a paper binding device D, as shown in FIG. A document count in which a plurality of documents set by the automatic document feeder A are fed one by one onto the contact glass without performing a copying operation, and then ejected, and the number of fed documents is counted. This apparatus is provided with a means B and an automatic binding data input means E for automatically specifying the number of sheets or pages to be bound by the paper binding device D based on the number of manuscript sheets counted by the means.

0010

[Operation] According to this first invention, automatic document feeding device A
The originals set in the original sheet are fed in a blank manner according to instructions from the original sheet number counting means B, the number of sheets is counted, and the number of sheets is displayed on the original sheet number display means C. Therefore, the number of original sheets can be known before copying starts.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the number of set originals is counted by the automatic document feeding device A and the original number counting means B in the same manner as described above, and the binding data automatic input means is executed based on the number of original sheets. E automatically specifies the number of sheets or pages to be bound by the paper binding device D. Therefore, by sequentially setting a desired number of document groups in the automatic document feeder A, having the binding data automatically input, and then setting each document group together and starting copying, multiple jobs can be processed. can be processed all at once.

0012

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 2 and subsequent figures. FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of a copying apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. This copying apparatus consists of a copying machine main body 1, a circulating automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as "RADF") 2 that automatically feeds originals, and a reversing device that reverses transfer paper after copying if necessary. 3, and a stapling device 4 having paper binding means.

The copying operation of this copying apparatus is started by setting necessary copying conditions such as the number of copies from an operation panel, which will be described later, and pressing a copy start key. Here, R.A.D.
F2 is provided with two document placement tables 14 and 15, of which a plurality of originals P placed on the document placement table 14 are automatically fed one by one one by one and transferred to the copying machine. It is sent to the copying position on the contact glass (original table) 101 of the main body 1 and stops.

Then, the entire image surface of the document is illuminated by light emitted from the flash lamp 102. The power supply 103 of the flash lamp 102 is given a charge prior to flashing, and emits light at a predetermined timing. The reflected light from the original passes through a first mirror 104, a through lens 105, and a second mirror 106, which constitute an optical system, in order to expose the belt photoreceptor 107.

The belt photoreceptor 107 is uniformly charged in advance by a charger 108, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on its surface by exposure, and after the charge is removed from unnecessary portions by an eraser 109, it is developed. Toner is applied and developed in a container 110, and the toner image is transferred to transfer paper (copy paper) by a transfer charger 111 in a transfer section. The transfer paper is fed from one of the paper feed trays 112, 113, and 114, passes through a conveyance path 115, and is sent to the transfer section by registration rollers 116 in synchronization with the toner image on the belt photoreceptor 107.

The transfer paper after transfer is transferred to a separate charger 120.
The image is separated from the belt photoreceptor 107 by a conveyor belt 117 and sent to a fixing unit 118 where it is thermally fixed. In the duplex mode for copying on both sides of the transfer paper, the duplex switching claw 123 is switched to the duplex tray 121 side, the transfer paper is sent to the duplex entrance path 124, and is once stacked in the duplex tray 121.

In the single-sided mode for copying on one side of transfer paper, the double-sided switching claw 123 switches to the paper ejection side, and the paper is ejected to the ejection tray 119 by switching the ejection switching claw 122, or goes straight to the reversing device 3. transported to. Note that when transfer paper that has been copied on one side is stacked on the duplex tray 121, the transfer paper is re-fed at a predetermined timing and conveyed to the transfer unit again with the front and back sides reversed, and the other side is The surface is also subjected to the copying process described above.

On the other hand, after the transfer paper is separated, the surface of the belt photoreceptor 107 is neutralized by a corona discharger 125 and cleaned by a cleaning device 126.
Prepare for the next copy. Further, the original on the contact glass 101 after exposure is sent out by the conveyor belt 23 and returned to the original placing table 14, or goes straight and is ejected onto the original ejecting tray 28.

The reversing device 3 rotates the transfer paper sent from the copying machine main body 1 by switching the reversing and separating claw 5.
The paper may be sent once to the switchback path 6 and reversed, and then sent to the stapling device 4, or may be allowed to proceed straight as it is without switching the reversal/separation claw 5.

The stapling device 4 includes a plurality of punching roller groups 41 for punching holes in the transfer paper, a stapling unit 42 serving as a paper binding means for binding the transfer paper, and a stapling tray 4.
3. It is equipped with a paper output tray 44, and when the copied transfer paper is sent from the copying machine main body 1 side through the above-mentioned copying process, it is transported while being punched by a group of punching rollers 41 for stapling. Eject to tray 43,
Every time a predetermined number of transfer sheets (number of sheets per copy) are collected, they are stapled by the stapling unit 42, and then
The paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 44.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining the RADF 2 in more detail. When the copy start key on the operation panel, which will be described later, is pressed, compressed air is blown out from the blower tank 16, and the bundle of originals P set on the original platen 14 is lifted up, and only the lowest original among them is transferred to the transport device. The paper is drawn out and separated by the vacuum tank 17a constituting the vacuum tank 17a and the paper feeding belt 17b stretched between the vacuum tank 17a and two rollers. It is pulled into the upper left corner of the original P, and then appears again to be placed on top of the original P.

The document fed in this state is sent from the first turn passage path 18 to the horizontal conveyance path 20 by the conveyance force of the first turn roller 19, and then to the second turn passage path 21 via the second turn passage path 21. The sheet is sent to a predetermined copying position on the contact glass 101 and set by the conveying force of the conveying belt 23 stretched by the turn roller 22 and four rollers.

Thereafter, the copying machine main body 1 exposes the image surface of the original set at the copying position at a predetermined timing, and when this is completed, the original is sent out from the contact glass 101 by the conveyor belt 23 and then exposed to light. The document is picked up by the document branching claw 24 and conveyed to the reversing conveyance path 27 while being pressed against the entrance roller 26 by the feed pressure guide piece 25 .

When the front and back sides of the original are the same as when feeding, when the trailing edge of the original passes the entrance roller 26, the reversing drive roller 29 is rotated in the opposite direction and switched back, and the feed pressure guide It is guided by the sheet 25 and the upper surface of the document double-side branching claw 30, and is drawn into the normal rotation paper ejection path 32 by the conveyance force of the reversing pull-out roller 31, and the fixed pressure member 3
3, the paper is pressed by the paper ejection roller 34 and is returned onto the document table 14 through the paper ejection port 35. Furthermore, if the drive remains unchanged and the direction of movement is not changed, the front and back sides can be reversed.

Note that the unexposed original and the exposed original on the original placing table 14 are separated by partition pieces (not shown) that are selectively movable back and forth, so that sensors (not shown) The last page of the document can be detected by On the other hand, when reversing the document internally, when the trailing edge of the document passes the entrance roller 26, the reversing drive roller 29 rotates in the opposite direction to switch back the document, and at the same time, switches the document double-sided branching claw 30 to turn the document sideways again. This is possible by feeding it into the conveyance path 20.

FIG. 4 shows the copying machine main body 1 and RADF 2 of FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system. The main body control section 50 of the copying machine main body 1 is equipped with a microcomputer, and receives information from the operation panel 51, the RADF control section 55, each peripheral unit of the reversing device 3 and the stapling device 4 shown in FIG. 2, as well as sensors and switches. Input the detection signal from class 52,
Copying process equipment 53 such as the flash lamp 102, charger 108, eraser 109, developer 110, transfer charger 111, and fixing unit 118 in FIG.
It controls sequence devices 54 such as solenoids, clutches, and fixing heaters, and sends various information to the RADF control unit 55, reversing device 3, and stapling device 4.

The RADF control section 55 is also equipped with a microcomputer, and includes commands from the main body control section 50 (information instructing the feeding of originals from the original mounting table 14, the ejection of originals to the original mounting table 14, etc.). Various information and detection signals from sensors and switches 56 are inputted to control sequence devices 57 such as various solenoids, motors, and clutches, and various information including commands is sent to the main body control section 50.

FIG. 5 is a layout diagram showing an example of the configuration of the operation panel 51. As shown in FIG. This operation panel 51 has a numeric keypad 61
, copy start key (start key) 62, enter key 63
, an interrupt key 64, a mode clear/preheat key 65, a clear/stop key 66, a guidance key 67, a program registration key 68, a program call key 69, a document count key 70, a liquid crystal display (LCD) display 71, etc. ing.

The numeric keypad 61 is used to set the number of copies or copies, to input numerical values such as zoom magnification, dimension magnification, binding margin, etc. The copy start key 62 is pressed when starting a copying operation. This also serves as a ready/wait display; the green LED lights up when ready, and the red LED lights up when wait. It also serves as a document number input key, which will be described later. The enter key 63 is a key used when inputting numerical values such as zoom magnification, dimension magnification, binding margin, etc.

The interrupt key 64 is a key to be pressed when performing an interrupt copy. The mode clear/preheat key 65 has the functions of a mode clear key and a preheat key, and when this key is pressed, each mode is returned to the standard mode by the function of the mode clear key. Also, if you keep pressing this mode clear/preheat key 65, the preheating state of this copying machine will be canceled due to its function as a preheating key.
By pressing this key 65 again, the preheating state can be entered.

The clear/stop key 66 functions as a clear key during standby and as a stop key during copying. In other words, when you want to cancel the number of copies set during standby,
Alternatively, press this key 66 when you want to interrupt the copying operation. Note that if this key 66 is pressed during a copying operation, the operation of this copying apparatus will stop when the copying operation at that point is completed.

The guidance key 67 is a key that is pressed to display an explanation of basic operations. Program registration key 6
8 is pressed when the user registers a frequently used mode. Here, 10 modes can be set. The program call key 69 is pressed to call up a registered mode.

The original count key 70 is used when you want to know the number of originals, and if you press this original count key 70 with a stack of originals set on the original table 14, the copying operation is prohibited. In the state, the original table 14
The upper originals are fed one by one onto the contact glass shown in FIG. 2 and then discharged to the original output tray 28, during which time the number of originals is counted. Then, at the stage when the final document is detected, the counted number of sheets is displayed on the set display section 73 of the copy mode screen shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later. Therefore, the number of original sheets can be confirmed in advance before copying starts.

The liquid crystal display 71 has a touch panel with a large number of built-in touch keys (for example, one for each 8×8 display pixel) in the display area, and when the power is turned on, the display area changes as shown in FIG. 6, for example. Display the copy mode screen. If you touch a desired display while this screen is displayed, that display content will be selected and black and white will be inverted.

In the copy mode screen shown in FIG. 6, 72 is a message display that displays information regarding this copying device, and in addition to the message ``Ready to copy'' shown in the figure, ``Please replenish paper.'' etc. will be displayed. 73 is a set display section, and the numeric keypad 6 in FIG.
1, the number of copies set by RADF 2, the number of originals automatically counted by RADF 2, etc. are displayed.

Reference numeral 74 indicates a tray selection key and paper size/remaining amount display area, which indicates, in order from the left, an upper tray 112, a middle tray 113, and a lower tray 114 (see FIG. 2). Reference numeral 75 is an automatic paper selection key, and when this key is selected, a tray containing paper of the same size as the original is automatically selected. 76 is a density adjustment key, which is pressed when manually adjusting the copy density. Reference numeral 77 denotes an automatic density key, which is selected when automatically adjusting the copy density according to the background density of the original.

Reference numeral 78 is a same size key, 79 is an enlargement key, and 80 is a reduction key, which are pressed when specifying a same size copy or reduction or enlargement of a standard size. 81 is the zoom key, 64-1
Press to specify any magnification between 42%. Reference numeral 82 is a dimension magnification change key, which automatically calculates a magnification by inputting a dimension, and sets the magnification to that magnification. Reference numeral 83 denotes a paper specification scaling key, which is used when it is desired to automatically reduce or enlarge the original image according to the specified paper size.

84 is a double-sided key group, when you want to copy a single-sided original onto both sides of the paper (one side → both sides), when you want to copy a double-sided original onto both sides of the paper (both sides → both sides), or when you want to copy a double-sided original onto one side of the paper. If you want to copy (both sides → one side), select one of the keys. Reference numeral 85 denotes a duplex mode message area which displays the copy creation status when the duplex mode function is selected.

86 is a binding margin key, and when a binding margin is required, press 21.
If it is less than mm, it can be set on either the left or right side. In addition, in the case of double-sided copying, settings can be made for the back side independently of the front side. 87 is a binding margin mode message area which displays the binding margin status when the binding margin mode function is selected. 88
is a selection key group for the cover function, which allows you to select either the front cover, the back cover, or both covers. Reference numeral 89 denotes a group of staple selection keys, which can select either one-place stapling or two-place stapling.

Next, a specific example of a copy mode according to this embodiment that requires input of the number of originals will be explained. In the normal stapling mode, this copying device performs the stapling operation on a bundle of originals set on the original platen 14 of the RADF 2, but in a special mode, it performs copying and divided binding processing for multiple bundles of originals all at once. You can also do this.

In this embodiment, first, when any key of the staple selection key group 89 is pressed, the main body control section 50 of FIG. 4 is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 71 of FIG.
For example, the left half of the copy mode screen is switched to an input screen for specifying stapling pages as shown in FIG. In this example, four pages can be specified to be stapled, and when the desired page to be stapled (same as the number of copies in the case of one-sided copying) is input using the numeric keypad 61 in Figure 5, the page shown in Figure 7 is displayed. The specified stapling pages are sequentially displayed within the four specified page display frames 90a to 90d of the specified page display section 90 shown in FIG.

Therefore, for example, when making one-sided copies of 50 single-sided originals, the 10th and 25th sheets of the originals
When setting the first page as the specified page, the user selects "1" → "0".
→ "#" → "2" → "5" → "#" By pressing each key in sequence ("#" means pressing the enter key 63), the specified page display frames 90a, 90b in FIG. "10" and "25" are displayed respectively.

Thereafter, when the exit key (Exit) 91 is pressed, the screen of the liquid crystal display 71 returns to the copy mode screen shown in FIG. 6, and when the copy start key 62 is pressed, the main body control section 50 shown in FIG. The sequence device 54 is driven and controlled to execute the above-described copying operation, and the stapling device 4 is driven and controlled in accordance with the input stapling designated page.

Thereby, the stapling device 4 in FIG. 2 conveys the copied transfer paper sent from the copying machine main body 1 side while punching it with the punching roller group 41, discharges it to the stapling tray 43, and then outputs it to the stapling tray 43. So first 10
When the number of sheets of transfer paper (based on the input example of stapling specified pages described above) is collected, the stack is transferred to the staple unit 4.
After binding according to 2, the sheets are discharged to the paper discharge tray 44. After that, when the 15 sheets of transfer paper from the 11th sheet to the 25th sheet have been collected, and when the transfer sheets from the 26th sheet to the final page have been collected, the binding operation is performed as described above, and the sheets are ejected. The paper is ejected to the tray 44.

By the way, when inputting the stapling specified pages as described above, it is necessary to count the number of originals in advance, but according to this embodiment, the above-mentioned original count key 70
It is possible to automatically count the number of sheets in each bundle of originals in advance by using the function to count the number of originals by pressing . However, it is still cumbersome to count the number of originals in advance and input the value manually. Therefore,
In this embodiment, it is possible to automatically input stapling designated pages.

At this time, by pressing any of the staple selection keys 89 shown in FIG. 6, the input screen for stapling specified pages shown in FIG. RA one bundle of multiple document bundles
After setting the document on the document table 14 of the DF2, press the copy start key 62 (in this state, the function is the document number input key).

As a result, the RADF control section 55 in FIG.
The sequence device 57
is driven and controlled to feed the originals on the original platen 14 one by one onto the contact glass 101, and then to the original output tray 2.
8, the number of originals is counted, and when the final original is detected, the data of the counted number of sheets is sent to the main body control unit 50, and the main body control unit 50 inputs the data and stapling specified pages (number of sheets). The operation panel 51
The number of sheets, that is, the stapling designated pages are displayed in the designated page display frame 90a of FIG. 7 in FIG.

Next, by setting the next batch of originals on the original table 14 of the RADF 2 and pressing the original count key 70 and the copy start key 62 in sequence, this copying apparatus performs the same operation as described above. The number of sheets of the set original is counted, added to the number displayed in the specified page display frame 90a, and stored, and the second specified page display frame 90a
Display the number on b. Thereafter, by repeating the above-mentioned procedure, the number of sheets in each document bundle is counted, the number of sheets added to the number of sheets (number of pages) displayed immediately before is memorized, and the number of sheets is also displayed in the designated page display frames 90c and 90d, respectively. (number of pages) can be displayed.

[0049] Thus, in this example,
By inputting the count number of multiple sheets of originals sent from the RADF 2 as stapling designated pages, the main body control unit 50 copies up to the designated pages (number of sheets) based on this designation. ), the stapling device 4 is controlled so that the copy sheets are stapled for each page corresponding to each bundle of originals even if a plurality of bundles of originals are set on the document tray and the copying operation is started. be able to.

[0050] Note that the stapling designated pages to be displayed in the designated page display frames 90a to 90d of the designated page display section 90 shown in FIG. However, if the input numerical value or the counted number of sheets is displayed as is, the number of sheets (or number of pages) to be bound will be directly displayed, making it easier for the user to understand.

[0051] In addition, in the mode for single-sided copying from a single-sided original and the mode for duplex copying from a double-sided original, the number of original sheets (number of pages) and the number of copies (number of pages) are the same;
In the mode for double-sided copying from a single-sided original, the number of copies is half the number of originals, and in the mode for single-sided copying from a double-sided original, the number of copies is twice the number of originals, so in these modes, the converted value of the number of counted sheets ( It is only necessary to display the number of sheets or pages) and specify the pages to be stapled.

[0052]

As described above, according to the first invention, the number of originals set in the automatic original feeding device can be known in advance. Further, according to the second invention, the number of sheets of paper (copy paper) or the number of pages to be bound by the paper binding device can be automatically specified according to the number of manuscript sheets set in advance in the automatic document feeding device, Thereafter, it becomes possible to place a plurality of types of originals on the automatic original feeding device at once and perform copying and binding processing at once.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of a copying apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining the RADF 2 in more detail.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of the copying machine main body and RADF in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a layout diagram showing an example of the configuration of the operation panel.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a copy mode screen similarly displayed on the liquid crystal display.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in which the copy mode screen and the input screen for stapling specified pages are combined. 1 Copy machine body
2 Circulating automatic document feeder (RADF) 4 Stapling device 1
4 Original table 50 Main body control section
51 Operation panel 55 RADF
Control unit 57 Sequence device 61 Numeric keypad
62 Copy start key (number of original sheets input key) 63 Enter key
70 Original count key 71 LCD display
89 Staple selection key group

Claims (2)

[Claims] [Claim 1] Automatically feeds a plurality of originals set on a document mounting table one by one onto a contact glass,
In a copying machine equipped with an automatic document feeder that ejects the original after exposure, a plurality of originals set by the automatic document feeder are fed one by one onto a contact glass without performing a copying operation. a document number counting means for counting the number of sheets of the fed document after ejecting the document;
1. A copying apparatus comprising: original sheet number display means for displaying the number of original sheets counted by said means. [Claim 2] Automatically feeds a plurality of originals set on a document tray onto a contact glass one by one,
A copying machine equipped with an automatic document feeder that ejects the original after exposure, and a paper binding device that binds the sheets of paper on which the images of each original sequentially formed by the exposure are copied into a pre-specified number of sheets or pages. In the apparatus, a plurality of originals set by the automatic document feeder are fed one by one onto the contact glass without performing a copying operation, and then ejected, and the number of fed originals is counted. A copying machine characterized by being provided with a sheet number counting means and a binding data automatic input means for automatically specifying the number of sheets or pages to be bound by the paper binding device based on the number of manuscript sheets counted by the means. Device.