JPH0493851A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To form plural document images in the carrying direction of the same recording medium surface and at an arbitrary position perpendicular to this carrying direction by providing a detecting means detecting the position of a document and a first control means forming plural prescribed images of the document at the arbitrary position of a recording medium carried in the direction perpendicular to the carrying direction of the document. CONSTITUTION:The document is moved to be placed, in the direction perpendicular to the carrying direction of the recording medium by a prescribed quantity by an automatic document feeder 51, according to the output of a resist roller 71b provided inside the automatic document feeder 51. Then, a controller 42 controls the placing position of the document and the multiple carrying timing of the recording medium based on the output of the detecting means and forms plural desired images of the document at the arbitrary position of the recording medium carried in the direction perpendicular to the carrying direction of the document. Thus, the images of the document can be distributively formed while being divided in the carrying direction o the recording medium and at a desired position in the direction perpendicular to this carrying direction.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that optically scans a document to form an analog image, and particularly relates to an image forming device that can move and place the document in a predetermined position. It is related to.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, in this type of image forming apparatus, an analog image forming apparatus that optically scans a document to form an image has been put into practical use, and it can produce a variety of images corresponding to various image modes. Formation processing is possible.

Further, in many cases, this type of apparatus can be connected to an automatic document feeder that can automatically place a plurality of documents at a predetermined position on a document table, scan the documents, and then eject them outside the device.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] By the way, in a digital image forming device, which is compared to the above analog image forming device, the read image information can be stored in a storage medium, so various digital image processing is possible, and analog Image repeat processing, which is generally infeasible in image copying apparatuses, is also easily carried out, ie, repeatedly recording the same image on a conveyed storage medium.

However, in analog image recording devices, the transport direction (X direction) of the recording medium and the transfer timing of the original image are often uniquely determined, and the direction in which the image can be moved is determined by the timing control described above. Direction (X
The major limitation was that it was limited to only one direction.

For this reason, analog image forming devices cannot perform image repeat processing in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium, which can be easily performed with digital image forming devices, and have extremely low analog image editing capabilities. there were.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and in an image forming apparatus having multiple transfer buses, while moving a document by a desired amount in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of a recording medium and placing it thereon, An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can form a plurality of original images in the transport direction of the same recording medium surface and at arbitrary positions perpendicular to the transport direction by controlling the timing of multiple transfers onto the same recording medium surface. .

[Means for Solving the Problems] An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a document feeding device that moves and places a document by a desired amount in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of a recording medium, and a device that feeds a document to the document feeding device. a detection means for detecting the position of the original document to be conveyed; and a detection means for detecting the position of the original document to be conveyed in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the original document by controlling the placement position of the original document and the multiple conveyance timing of the recording medium based on the output of the detection means. A first control means for forming a plurality of desired images of a document at arbitrary positions is provided.

Further, a second control means controls the placement position of the document and the multiple conveyance timing of the recording medium based on the output of the detection means, and forms a plurality of document images while dispersing them in the conveyance direction of the recording medium and in the orthogonal direction. It has been established.

Furthermore, based on the output of the detection means, the document placement position and the multiple conveyance timing of the recording medium are controlled to place the document in the area designated by the designation means at an arbitrary position defined by the conveyance direction of the recording medium and the orthogonal direction. A third control means for forming an image is provided.

[Effect]

In this invention, when the original is moved and placed by a predetermined amount in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium by the original feeding means in accordance with the output of the detection means, the first control means is activated based on the output of the detection means. A plurality of desired images of the original are formed at arbitrary positions on the recording medium that is transported in a direction perpendicular to the original transport direction by controlling the original mounting position and the multiple transport timing of the recording medium.

Further, when the original is moved and placed by a predetermined amount in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium by the original feeding means in accordance with the output of the detection means, the second control means controls the position of the original based on the output of the detection means. A plurality of original images are formed while being dispersed in the conveyance direction and orthogonal direction of the recording medium by controlling the placement position and the multiple conveyance timing of the recording medium.

Furthermore, when the original is moved and placed by a predetermined amount in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium by the original feeding means in accordance with the output of the detection means, the third control means controls the position of the original based on the output of the detection means. The document image in the area designated by the designation means is formed at an arbitrary position defined by the transport direction and orthogonal direction of the recording medium by controlling the mounting position and the multiple transport timing of the recording medium.

[Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, in which a document feeding device 51 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to be connectable to a predetermined position. There is.

In this figure, reference numeral 1 denotes the main body of the image forming apparatus, document scanning section 2. Paper feeding section 32 image forming section 4. Intermediate training part consists of 5 etc.

First, the configuration of the document scanning section 2 will be explained.

Reference numeral 2a denotes a controller section, which is composed of a control board in which control elements for comprehensively controlling the image forming sequence are integrated. Note that the controller section 2a is equipped with hardware serving as first to third control means and the like according to the present invention.

2b is a power switch, and 2C is an original exposure lamp, which together with a scanning mirror constitutes an optical scanning system, which scans and moves at a predetermined speed.

Reference numeral 2d denotes an imaging lens that forms an image of reflected light from the original onto the photosensitive drum 11 of the image forming section 4. Reference numeral 2e denotes a buzzer that notifies a user of an error in an image forming mode set on an operation unit, which will be described later. 2f is an optical system drive motor (optical motor) that drives the optical scanning system etc. with high precision.

Next, the paper feed section 3 will be explained.

3a and 3b are paper feed rollers, and these paper feed rollers 3a and 3b
The cut sheet SH is fed into the image forming section 4 by driving.

Next, the image forming section 4 corresponding to the image forming means of the present invention
The configuration of is explained below.

12 is a registration roller and a paper feed roller 3a.

The cut sheet SH fed by the drive of the drive unit 3b is temporarily stopped, and after the image leading edge alignment is synchronized, the cut sheet SH is fed again.

Developing units 13a and 13b contain developers of different colors (red and black), and one of the developing units 13a and 13b is selectively placed close to the photosensitive drum 11 by driving solenoids 14a and 14b. Then, the other is retracted from the photosensitive drum 11. Note that when the second recording mode is set from the operation unit described later, the controller unit 2a selects the recording material (cut sheet S) for a specific document.
The controller unit 2a controls the driving of the solenoids 14a and 14b so that red/black color development is performed only for H).

15 is a transfer charger which transfers the toner image developed by the development units h13a and 13b onto the cut sheet SH;
The cut sheet SH is separated from the photosensitive drum 11 by the post-transfer separation charger 16.

17 is a pre-exposure lamp that neutralizes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 11 and prepares for the next charging. A cleaner device 18 is composed of a cleaning blade and a cleaning roller, and collects toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11.

A fixing device 19 fixes the toner image transferred to the cut sheet SH using heat and pressure. 20 is a conveyance roller;
1 is the flapper and the cut sheet after the fixing process has been completed)
-3H's conveyance direction is switched to the intermediate tray part 5 direction via the paper discharge roller 23 or the conveyance path 22.

24 is a paper discharge tray; 25 is a scanner motor that rotates a rotary polygon mirror at a predetermined speed and deflects a laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser 26; Note that the scanner motor 2
5. A digital scanning unit includes a semiconductor laser 26 and the like, emits a laser beam according to font information corresponding to the input add-on information, forms a superimposed image of the original image and the add-on information, and also scans the photosensitive drum 11.
The latent image is selectively erased by irradiating the latent image area with a laser beam. An exposure shutter 27 blocks part or all of the reflected image light to prevent latent image formation. 28 is a primary charger. In addition, 22a is a conveyance direction, and MM is a main drive motor.

Next, the configuration of the intermediate training part 5 will be explained.

3o is an intermediate tray that temporarily stores the cut sheets SH conveyed via the conveyance roller 34, and stores the cut sheets SH conveyed via the conveyance roller 34,
The image is retransmitted to the image forming section 4 via the conveyance path 31 by driving. Note that 32 is a flapper, and 36 is a conveyance path.

Note that S1 to S15 and S19 to S23 are sensors, and sensor S1 detects the home position of the optical system serving as an analog scanning unit, and the optical system stops at this position during standby. Sensor S2 detects that the optical system has moved to a position corresponding to the leading edge position of the original image, and controls the timing of the copy sequence based on this sensor output. sensor S
3 is the limiter position (inversion position) at the time of maximum scanning. The optical system reciprocates with a scan length according to the cassette size and magnification inputted via an operation section, which will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating an example of the automatic document feeder 51 disposed on the top surface of the image forming apparatus main body 1 shown in FIG. The document S is configured to be able to be moved and fed by a desired amount in a direction perpendicular to the direction (from the back surface to the front surface) and placed on the platen glass 52. In other words, unlike the direction in which the document is fed by a conventional automatic document feeder, the direction in which the document is fed is
It is configured such that it can be fed in a direction across the platen glass 52 from the right side to the left side.

Note that the automatic document feeding device 51 is controlled by a feeder control section 50a shown in FIG. 3, which will be described later.

The configuration and operation will be described in detail below.

The automatic document feeder 51 is disposed facing the platen glass 52 of the document scanning section 2, and includes a conveyor belt 53 wound around a driving aperture roller 54 and a subordinate roller 62. A document stacking table 55' is arranged above the conveyor belt 53 on which a document stack consisting of a plurality of documents S constituting the document stacking section can be stacked. 56 are arranged,
The recycle lever 56 divides the document S stacked on the document stacking table 55 into a processing section document and a processed document. Further, a half-moon-shaped paper feed roller 57 is disposed at the base end 55a of this document stacking table 55, and further downstream of this paper feed roller 57, there is a separation section conveying roller 59 and a separation belt 60. The document S stacked on the document stacking table 55 is sent by the paper feed roller 57 toward the separation section conveyance roller 599 and the separation belt 6o.
A separating belt 60 rotating in the document feeding direction sequentially separates and feeds the documents one by one starting from the lowest document. Further, a paper feed stopper 61 is disposed between these paper feed rollers 57 and the separation section conveyance roller 599 and the separation belt 60.
When the original S is set, the leading edge of the original is positioned at the solid line position, and when the original is fed, the stopper solenoid is energized to move to the broken line position. Further, a paper feed path 63 is provided from the downstream side of the separation section conveyance roller 595 and the separation belt 60 to the above-mentioned conveyance belt 53, and the document S fed from the separation section conveyance roller 599 and the separation belt 6° is fed through this paper feed path. 63 between the conveyor belt 53 and the platen glass 52.
It is placed in a predetermined position on the top. And this paper feed path 63
A paper discharge path 66 is provided near the reversing roller 65 that extends to the document stacking table 55 along the outer periphery of the reversing roller 65, and the document placed at a predetermined position on the platen glass 520 is conveyed again through the paper discharge path 66. The document S is then discharged onto the top of the document S stacked on the document stacking table 55 by a document discharge roller 67 provided at the downstream end of the document discharge path 66 . Further, a reversing path 69 is arranged which branches from the paper ejecting path 66 above the reversing roller 65 and joins the paper feeding path 63. At the branching point between the reversing path 69 and the paper ejecting path 66, there is a A flapper 70 for switching the path is provided, and when the document is ejected, the document is guided toward the document stacking table 55 at the solid line position, and when the document is reversed, the flapper solenoid is energized to move the document to the dotted line position and the document is guided to the reverse path 69. is guided toward the platen glass 52. Further, a conveyance roller 71 is disposed downstream of the confluence of the paper feed path 63 and the reversal path 69, and is guided to the paper feed path 63 or the reversal path 69. It is configured to transport the guided original toward the platen glass 52. Note that 71b is a registration sensor.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller section 2a shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 41 is the operation unit, which includes copy modes (single-sided, double-sided, multiplex, etc.) and copy modes (magnification, paper size, etc.)
and a first mode setting means for setting a first recording mode in which digital information stored in advance from the digital scanning unit is superimposed on all documents fed from the automatic document feeder 51; A second recording mode for setting a second recording mode in which pre-stored digital information is added to a specific document fed from the automatic document feeder 51 by the digital operation unit.
Setting means, etc. are arranged.

42 is a control unit (controller), which includes a CPU 42a, R
Consists of OM42b, RAM42c, etc., ROM4
The image forming sequence is comprehensively controlled based on the control program stored in 2b.

Reference numeral 43 denotes an editor serving as a specifying means of the present invention, through which an area specification for a predetermined area of a document is input.

Reference numeral 44 denotes a shutter section, which is composed of an exposure shutter 27 and a solenoid. 45 is a laser section, which includes a semiconductor laser 26.
It is composed of a scanner motor 25 and the like. 46 is an AC driver that supplies AC power to an AC load 47 such as the document exposure lamp 2C. A motor control section 48 controls the drive of the motor section.

49 is a DC load control section, which includes solenoids 14a, 14b,
Controls the drive of clutches, fans, etc.

A feeder control section 50a controls driving of the document feeding section (including the automatic document feeding device 51).

A sorter 50b discharges cut sheets SH discharged by the drive of the paper discharge roller 23 into a designated paper discharge bin. The HTV is a high voltage unit that applies a predetermined voltage to the charging system and the developing sleeves of the developing units 13a and 13b.

DCP is a DC power supply and supplies a control potential +5■ to the controller section 2a.

In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the document is fed according to the output of the detection means (in this embodiment, a sensor mechanism provided in the automatic document feeder 51 (for example, the registration sensor 71b shown in FIG. 2)). When the document is moved and placed by a predetermined amount in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium by the means (in this embodiment, the automatic document feeder 51), the first control means (in this embodiment, the controller 42) detects. Based on the output of the means, the placement position of the original and the multiple transport timing of the recording medium are controlled to form a plurality of desired images of the original at arbitrary positions on the recording medium that is transported in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the original.

Further, when the document is moved and placed by the automatic document feeder 51 by a predetermined amount in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium in accordance with the output of the detection means, the second control means (in this embodiment, the controller 42 (also serving as a recording medium) controls the placement position of the document and the timing of multiple conveyance of the recording medium based on the output of the detection means, and forms a plurality of document images while distributing them in the conveyance direction of the recording medium and in the orthogonal direction.

Furthermore, when the document is moved and placed by the automatic document feeder 51 by a predetermined amount in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium in accordance with the output of the detection means, the third control means (in this embodiment, the controller 42 (also functions as a controller) controls the placement position of the document and the multiple transport timing of the recording medium based on the output of the detection means, and places the area designated by the designation means at an arbitrary position defined by the transport direction of the recording medium and the orthogonal direction. A document image is formed.

The operation will be explained below.

When the power switch 2b is turned on, first, the heater in the fixing device 19 is energized and waits (wait time) until the fixing roller reaches a predetermined temperature at which fixing can be performed. When the fixing roller reaches a predetermined temperature, the main drive motor MM is driven for a predetermined period of time to drive the photosensitive drum 11 and the like to set the roller in the fixing device 19 at a uniform temperature (weight release rotation).

Thereafter, the main drive motor MM is stopped, and the copying is possible (standby state). Here, the main drive motor MM is connected to the photosensitive drum 11. The fixing device 19, the developing units 13a and 13b, and the transfer paper conveyance roller are driven. Then, when a recopy command is input from the operation unit 41, an image forming sequence is started.

(1) Description of image formation The main drive motor MM rotates in response to a copy command, and the photosensitive drum 11 starts rotating in the direction of the arrow. At the same time, high voltage is supplied from the high voltage unit HT■ to the wide charger 28, and the photosensitive drum 11 is coated with high voltage. Gives a uniform charge.

Next, the document exposure lamp 2c is turned on, the optical motor 2f is driven, and the document is placed on the document loading table 55! The original document S is exposed and scanned in the direction of the arrow and projected onto the photosensitive drum 11. In this way, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11.

Next, the latent image is developed by the developing unit 13a or 13b, transferred to the cut sheet SH at the transfer charger 15, and separated from the photosensitive drum 11 at the separation charger 16.

Next, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is collected by the cleaner device 18, and the static electricity is removed by the pre-exposure lamp 17, and then the copy cycle is repeated again.

At this time, unnecessary charges outside the image area are erased by a laser unit composed of a semiconductor laser 26, a rotating polygon mirror, and the like.

In addition, the laser unit can erase a part of the image by irradiating a laser beam to any location in the image, and the first add-on information input from the operation unit 41 (for example, page number 1 with mortar, he/soda) and stamp information (important), which is the second add-on information.

It is possible to irradiate a laser beam according to the status (urgent, copy prohibited, confidential, etc.) and copy all originals or a specific original onto the main part of the cut sheet SR.

One of the developing units 13a and 13b is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 11 in response to a selection command from the operating section 41.

In this embodiment, the developing unit 13a stores color toner (for example, red toner), and the developing unit 13b stores color toner (for example, red toner).
contains black toner, and the solenoids 14a and 14b
Approaching/retreating from the photosensitive drum 11 is performed by this. Note that a developing bias voltage is applied to the developing sleeves of the developing units 13a and 13b from the high voltage unit HTV.

In addition, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment can perform not only normal one-sided copying but also double-sided copying and multiplex copying.
The cut sheet SH that has passed through the fixing device 19 has different conditions such as the resistance value of the paper compared to when copying the first side. Also, the conditions are different between the first side and both sides or the second side when multiplexing. Each high voltage value of these developing biases or transfer nine separations is controlled by a high voltage unit HTV.

The optical system controls the motor control unit 4 according to instructions from the control unit 42.
The reciprocating control is performed by rotating the optical motor 2f forward or reverse via 8.

(2) Control of cut sheet SH Sensor S9 in FIG. Sll detects whether the upper and lower cassettes are out of paper, respectively, and sensors S10 and S12 detect the lifting state of paper feed rollers 3a and 3b.

Moreover, sensor S22. S23 detects the cassette size.

Hereinafter, since the upper and lower stages perform similar operations, the paper feeding operation for the upper stage will be described.

First, when the upper cassette is inserted, the size is read by the sensor S22, the size of the cassette is identified, the out-of-paper indicator of the operation section 41 is turned off, and the cassette size is selectively turned on.

Next, when the copy operation starts with the copy command,
Turn on the middle plate lifting clutch (not shown) to raise the middle plate in the cassette and raise the cut sheet sH. As a result, the cut sheet SH rises and comes into contact with the paper feed roller 3a, and when it reaches a predetermined height, the sensor S10 outputs an output, turns off the clutch, drives the paper feed roller 3a, and transfers the cut sheet SH into the machine. supply.

As described above, the cassette sheet SH in the cassette is raised by the middle plate raising clutch, and thereafter is maintained at the raised position, and the above-mentioned raising operation is not performed at the next copy start. Further, when the number of cut sheets SH in the cassette decreases during continuous copying operation and the top surface of the cut sheets SH falls below a predetermined position, the clutch is similarly turned on to raise the cut sheets SH to a predetermined height.

The cut sheet SH supplied into the machine reaches the sensor S7, and since the registration rollers 12 are stopped, it forms an appropriate loop and stops.

Next, align the leading edge of the image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 (
, the registration roller 1 is activated by the timing signal from the optical system.
2 and align the leading edges, the image on the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the cut sheet SH by the transfer charger 15, and then the cut sheet SH is transferred to the photosensitive drum 11 by the separation charger 16.
The image is then separated and sent to the fixing device 19 by a transport mechanism.

In the fixing device, the surface of the fixing roller is controlled to a predetermined temperature by a temperature sensor (not shown) placed on the surface of the fixing roller and a heater, and the image on the cut sheet SH is fixed here, and then a sensor S4 detects the ejected sheet. The paper is then discharged to the outside of the machine by the paper discharge rollers 23.

Next, in the case of multiple copy p, the flapper 21 is switched to the position shown by the dotted line by the operation of a solenoid (not shown), and the cut sheet SH that has been fed, transferred, separated, and fixed passes through the conveyance path 22. Then, the paper is sequentially transported in the transport direction 22a, and after the paper is detected by the sensor S5, the paper is detected by the sensors S6, 38, etc., and the horizontal registration is performed by a solenoid for horizontal registration.

Next, the registration rollers 12 are driven by a multiple copy command from the operation unit 41, and the cut sheet SH is sent to the position of the registration rollers 12.

Thereafter, the paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray 24 in the same manner as described above.

In addition, during double-sided copying, the transfer sheet is ejected halfway through by the paper ejection roller 23 in the same way as in the normal copying operation, but the trailing edge of the cut sheet SH is ejected by the flapper 23.
After passing through, the discharge roller 23 is driven in the reverse direction, and the cut sheet sH is guided by the flapper 21 and introduced into the conveyance path 22.

This reversal drive is performed by a lever that controls forward and reverse rotation. The subsequent operations are the same as in the case of multiple copying described above. In this way, in the case of double-sided copying, the cut sheet sH is taken out of the machine from the -degree paper discharge roller 23, and the cut sheet sH is reversed from front to back by the reverse drive of the paper discharge roller 23, and the cut sheet sH is reversed in the transport direction 2.
Sent to 2a.

Although multiple copying of a single copy and double-sided copying have been described above, in the case of multiple copying of a plurality of copies or double-sided copying, the intermediate tray portion 5 is used.

As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate tray portion 5 is provided with an intermediate tray 30 that temporarily stores the cut sheet SH on the conveyance path 31. As shown in FIG. In the case of multiple copying of multiple sheets, the fixed cut sheet SH is partially ejected by the paper ejection roller 23 under the same control as in the case of double-sided copying of the single sheet copy described above, and then the paper ejection roller 23 is driven in the reverse direction. By doing so, the conveyance path 22 and the flapper 32. It is stored in the intermediate tray 3o via the conveyance path 36.

This operation is repeated, and after all of the first side is stored in the intermediate tray 30, the feeding roller 33 is driven for the second side in response to the next copy command, and copying of the second side is executed via the conveyance path 36.

On the other hand, in the case of multiple double-sided copies, the fuser 19 is controlled by the flapper 21 using the same control as in the case of single-sheet multiple copying.
From there, it passes through the conveyance path 22.36 and is stored in the intermediate tray 30.

The subsequent operations are the same as in the case of multiple copying described above, and will therefore be omitted.

In addition, in an apparatus in which an intermediate tray is configured in the image forming section 4, as shown in FIG. The resulting cut sheet SH is paper that is half size or smaller.

Hereinafter, the first to fourth images in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
The image forming process will be explained.

[First Image Forming Process] FIGS. 5 to 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating the first image forming process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

In these figures, reference numeral 1001 is, for example, an A5 size document, and the A5 size document 1001 is fed by an automatic document feeder 51 in a direction perpendicular to the paper feed direction (recording medium conveyance direction), and a controller controls the multiple transfer process. 42 transfers the image of the original 1001 to the recording paper 10 by controlling the automatic original feeding device 51 based on the sensor output.
This corresponds to the state in which images ■ and ■ are obtained by sorting in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of 03 (in this example, A4 is selected as the optimal sheet size).

First, when the copy key is pressed with the original 1001 set on the automatic original feeder 51, the original 1001 is perpendicular to the scanning direction 5CAN with respect to the reference position 10o2 of the platen glass 52, as shown in FIG. The paper is automatically fed in the direction (the amount of paper fed is 148° 5 mm), and the paper is stopped and placed at a predetermined position. Original exposure scanning is started in the scanning direction 5CAN,
The multiple transcription process described above is initiated. Then, in the first transfer process, an image ■
is formed and transported in the transport direction 22a via a multiplex bus (transport path 22). During this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the automatic document feeder 51 further conveys the document 1001 placed on the platen glass 52 by 148.5 mm, and then stops and places the document 1001 thereon.

On the other hand, when the recording paper 1003 is transported through the machine via the multiplex bus, it is detected by the sensor S5, passes through the sensor S5, and waits at the position where the registration rollers 12 are arranged for synchronization with optical scanning. Next, a normal image transfer process is performed on the waiting A4 size recording paper 10Q3.
Ejected out of the machine - As a result, the same image as the original 1001 is recorded on the recording paper 1003, which is the same recording medium, as shown in recording paper 1o○3 shown in FIG. 5, and distributed in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. can be output.

C. Second Image Forming Process] FIGS. 8 to 14 are schematic diagrams illustrating the second image forming process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

In these figures, reference numeral 1001 is, for example, an A5 size document, and the A5 size document 1001 is fed by an automatic document feeder 51 in a direction perpendicular to the paper feed direction (recording medium conveyance direction), and a controller controls the multiple transfer process. 42 is controlled based on the sensor output in the automatic document feeder 51, and also controls the paper refeed timing during multiple transfer, so that the image of the document 1001 is transferred to the recording paper 100.
3 (A3 is selected as the optimum sheet size in this embodiment), images 1 to 2 are obtained by dispersing the sheets in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction.

First, when the copy key is pressed with the document 1o○1 set on the automatic document feeder 51, the document 1001 is moved in the scanning direction 5CAN with respect to the reference position 1002 of the platen glass 52, as shown in FIG. Paper is automatically fed in the orthogonal direction (the amount of paper fed is 148°5 mm), and the paper is stopped and placed at a predetermined position. Original exposure scanning is started in the scanning direction 5CAN, and the above-described multiple transfer process is started. Then, in the first transfer process, as shown in FIG. 10, an image (2) is formed in the diagonally shaded area of the recording paper 1o04, and the recording paper 1o04 is transported in the transport direction 22a via the multiple bus (transport path 22). At this time, it is detected by the sensor S5, passes through the sensor S5, and waits at the position where the registration roller 12 is arranged for synchronization with optical scanning. Here, A3 size recording paper 1004
is re-transported by the registration roller 12 at a timing 210 mm earlier due to synchronization with normal optical scanning.
As shown in FIG. 11, an image (1) is formed on the diagonally shaded area of the recording paper 1004, and the recording paper 1004 is transported in the transport direction 22a via the multiplex bus (transport path 22), and waits at the position where the registration rollers 12 are arranged.

During this time, as shown in FIG.
The document 1001 placed on the platen glass 52 is further conveyed by 148.5 mm and then stopped and placed on the platen glass 52.

Next, a normal image transfer process is performed on the waiting A4 size recording paper 1o○4, and original exposure scanning is started in the scanning direction 5CAN, and the above-described multiple transfer process is started. Then, in the third transfer process, as shown in FIG. 13, an image (2) is formed in the diagonally shaded area of the recording paper 1004, and the recording paper 1004 is transported in the transport direction 22a via the multiplex bus (transport path 22). At this time, it is detected by the sensor S5, passes through the sensor S5, and waits at the position where the registration roller 12 is arranged for synchronization with optical scanning. Here, the A3 size recording paper 1004 is synchronized with normal optical scanning.
The recording paper 1004 is conveyed again by the registration rollers 12 at a timing advanced by 210 mm, and an image (2) is formed in the diagonally shaded area of the recording paper 1004, as shown in FIG. 14, and the recording paper 1004 is discharged outside the machine.

In this way, by repeatedly forming images of the A5 size document 1001 in landscape orientation, two vertically and two horizontally,
As shown in the recording paper 1004 shown in FIG.
It is possible to output the same image as 1 to the recording paper 10o3, which is the same recording medium, in a distributed manner in a direction perpendicular to the recording paper conveyance direction.

The image repeat output processing operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image repeat output processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (12) indicate each step. In addition, in the figure, Xo indicates the length of the document in the X direction, yo indicates the length of the document in the y direction, m× indicates the magnification in the X direction/100, mY indicates the magnification in the X direction/10o, and Xp indicates the length of the recording paper in the X direction, yP indicates the length of the recording paper in the X direction, nX indicates the number of repetitions in the X direction (repeat number), and ny indicates the number of repetitions in the X direction (repeat number) , and Vp indicates the process speed.

Furthermore, when making an image repeat copy, if three of the four parameters, ie, original size, magnification, print paper size, and number of repeats, are determined, the remaining one is automatically determined. That is, the user's setting method for making an image repeat copy is to automatically calculate the number of repetitions (repeat number) in the X direction by setting each of the above parameters.

Specifically, the repeat count counter iy in the X direction is rO
Clear to J (1). Next, it is determined whether the X-direction repeat number counter iy is greater than 1 and the X-direction repeat number counter ix is greater than 1 (that is, whether or not it is a normal image copy).2)
(3) If both are NO, the normal image forming processing routine is executed and 4) the processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (2) is YES, it is determined that the mage repeat cobby mode is being set, and the magnitude of the number of repeats in the X direction nY and the number of repeats in the X direction counter iy is compared to determine whether ny>xy. 5) If copying for the number of repeats in the X direction has been completed (in the case of No), the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (5) is YES, that is, if the number of repeat copies in the X direction has not been completed, the automatic document feeder 51 feeds the document at 3' p/m.
Convey the recording paper for y minutes in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction 6)
The repeat count counter iy is incremented by "1" (7). However, when copying for the first time, 'j
The original is transported for p/my minutes.

Next, clear the X-direction repeat count counter ix to "0". 8) Compare the X-direction repeat count nX with the X-direction repeat count counter ix to determine whether nx>ix. 9) X-direction If the copying of the number of repeats has been completed (in case of No), proceed to step (5).
Return to , and if YES, copy paper (X p-i
x/m x ) / V p time, registration roller 12
The transport start time is advanced (10) and the X-direction repeat count counter ix is incremented (11) to form one image in which the control for obtaining the X-direction or X-direction repeat copy has been completed. Then, the copies for copying are transported in preparation for multiplexing (12), and preparations are made for the next image formation. however,
After the last (final repeat) image is formed, in order to take the second repeat image, it is determined in step (9) whether there is any repeat in the X direction, and if there is, step (10) is performed.
If not, the process returns to step (5) to determine whether there are any more repeats in the X direction, and when all repeat images in the X direction are completed, image repeat copying ends. Further, repeat copying only in the X direction is processed in the same manner as above.

[Third Image Forming Process] FIGS. 16 to 18 are schematic diagrams illustrating the third image forming process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

In these figures, 10o5 is, for example, an A5 size document, and this A4 size document 1005 is trimmed by a specified amount by the automatic document feeder 51 in a direction perpendicular to the paper feed direction (recording medium conveyance direction). In the multiple transfer process, the controller 42 controls the paper refeed timing during multiple transfer based on the output of the sensor S5, so that the image of the document 1005 is transferred to the recording paper 1003 (in this embodiment, A4 is selected as the optimal sheet size). This corresponds to the state in which images (2) and (2) are obtained which are distributed in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of (2).

As shown in FIG. 17, a trimming area 1006 (210 mm x 148.5 mm) of an A4 size document 1005
If you want to output the same size in the direction perpendicular to the recording paper conveyance direction, the automatic document feeder 51
transports the original 10o5 onto the platen glass 52,
The document 1005 is stopped at a position where the trimming area 1006 matches the document abutting mark 1002. this is,
This is performed by controlling the document 1005 to be conveyed by (210-yt (trimming head position coordinate value in the X direction from the leading edge of the document)) mm and then stopped. Document 1 transported in this way
When the image 005 is copied onto A4 size copy paper in the normal operation, an image ■ is formed on the recording paper 1003 in the diagonally shaded area in FIG.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 18, the automatic document feeder 51 transports the document 10.times.5 by 148.5 mm and stops placing the document. During this time, the recording paper 100 on which the image
5 is transported within the machine via a multiplex bus in the same way as multiple copies, and waits at the position where registration rollers 12 are provided for optical scanning and synchronization.

In this state, when a normal copying process is performed on the recording paper 1005, a trimmed image (2) is formed on the recording paper 1003 in the diagonally shaded area in FIG. In this way, two images of the trimming area 1006 are repeatedly formed in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording paper 1005.

[Fourth Image Forming Process] FIGS. 19 to 21 are schematic diagrams illustrating the fourth image forming process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

In these figures, 10o7 is an A4 size document, for example, and this A4 size document 1o7 is trimmed by the specified trimming amount from the automatic document feeder 51 in a direction perpendicular to the paper feed direction (recording medium conveyance direction). At the same time, the controller 42 controls the paper refeed timing during the multiple transfer process based on the output of the sensor S5, so that the image of the document 1°07 is transferred to the recording paper 100B (in this embodiment, the optimal sheet size). This corresponds to a state in which the same image laid out in the transport direction (A4 is selected) and in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction is output to area 0.0.

In response to the copy command, the automatic document feeder 51 transports the document 1007 onto the platen glass 52 as shown in FIG. From the document abutment mark 1002 to the designated area (image
) is placed and stopped at the position where it has been transported by y1 in the X direction. When this document is copied onto A4 size recording paper in the normal manner, an image is formed as shown in area 0 (shaded area in FIG. 20) of recording paper 1Q○8.

Next, as shown in FIG. 21, the automatic document feeder 51
As a result, the specified area (corresponding to the image
The designated area of Q○7 (corresponding to image ■)) is placed and stopped at the position where it has been transported by y2 in the X direction.

At this time, the recording paper 1°Q8 on which the image of area (3) has been formed is conveyed via the multiplex bus to the position where the registration rollers 12 are disposed, and is put on standby for optical scanning and synchronization.

In this state of the document, if a copy operation is performed with normal optical scanning and the timing of conveying the recording paper 1008 by the registration rollers 12 in the X direction (scanning direction) with a time delay relative to Xl, the recording paper 1008 will appear as shown in FIG. A layout of the original image and the image (2) is formed in the area (1008). This completes the copying, and it is possible to obtain an image formed at any position with the two specified areas replaced on the same side of the recording paper 1008.

In other words, images of multiple areas specified on a document being conveyed on an analog image forming apparatus can be moved, copied, swapped, etc. in a specified area movement mode, copy mode, swap mode, etc. It can be formed by changing the layout in the position of .

In addition, in the above embodiment, the specified areas ■, ■ of the document area
The case where images are formed in the order of
As shown in the figure, the original 1007 is conveyed, the designated area ■ is formed first, and in order to send the original 10o7 to the position shown in FIG. 20, the original 1007 is returned and controlled to form the designated area ■. Similarly, it is possible to obtain a layout image in which the positions of the original images are changed.

Further, the area specifying means may be pen input using the editor 43, numerical input using the operation unit 41, or the like.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the present invention provides a document feeding means for moving and placing a document by a desired amount in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of a recording medium, and a positioning of the document fed to the document feeding means. and a detection means for detecting the detection means, and an arbitrary position of the recording medium conveyed in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the document by controlling the placement position of the document and the multiple conveyance timing of the recording medium based on the eight detection means. Since the first control means for forming a plurality of desired images of the original document is provided in the first control means, the original image can be formed at a desired position in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium.

Further, a second control means controls the placement position of the document and the multiple conveyance timing of the recording medium based on the output of the detection means, and forms a plurality of document images while dispersing them in the conveyance direction of the recording medium and in the orthogonal direction. , it is possible to distribute and form document images at desired positions in the conveying direction of the recording medium and in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

Furthermore, based on the output of the detection means, the document placement position and the multiple conveyance timing of the recording medium are controlled to place the document in the area designated by the designation means at an arbitrary position defined by the conveyance direction of the recording medium and the orthogonal direction. Since the third control means for forming an image is provided, it is possible to form a layout image with an arrangement different from that of the original image.

Therefore, conventional analog image forming apparatuses cannot perform editing and output, for example, an image repeat function.

Image editing functions such as layout functions can be added, and highly functional edited images can be obtained at low cost using an analog image forming apparatus.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a detailed configuration of a part of the intermediate tray shown in FIG. 1. 5 to 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating the first image forming process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIGS. 8 to 14 are schematic diagrams illustrating the second image forming process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. A schematic diagram illustrating the image forming process, FIG. 15. A flowchart illustrating an example of the image repeat output processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIGS. 16 to 18.
The figure is a schematic diagram explaining the third image forming process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIGS. 19 to 21 are schematic diagrams explaining the fourth image forming process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a diagram. In the figure, 1 is the main body of the image forming apparatus, 2 is a document scanning section, 2a is a controller section, 3 is a paper feeding section, 4 is an image forming section, 5 is a portion of an intermediate tray, and 51 is an automatic document feeding device. Figure Figure, Fig. Fig. Fig. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. Fure Fig. Fig. Fig. Fig. Fig. Fig. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 Direction chart Traveling direction Continuous paper feeding direction

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus capable of multiple transfer of scan-exposed images onto a recording medium conveyed via a multiple transfer bus, a document is moved and placed by a desired amount in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium. A feeding device, a detection device for detecting the position of the document fed to the document feeding device, and controlling the placement position of the document and the multiple conveyance timing of the recording medium based on the output of the detection device. an image forming apparatus comprising: a first control means for forming a plurality of desired images of the document at arbitrary positions on a recording medium conveyed in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the document; (2) Controlling the placement position of the original and the multiple transport timing of the recording medium based on the output of the detection means to form a plurality of original images while distributing them in the transport direction and orthogonal direction of the recording medium. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second control means. (3) An area designated by the designation means at an arbitrary position defined by the transport direction and orthogonal direction of the recording medium by controlling the document placement position and the multiple transport timing of the recording medium based on the output of the detection means. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third control means for forming a document image.