JPH05327964A - Copying machine with facsimile function - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve power-saving effect by permitting a power source to be automatically turned on at the point of time when a facsimile reception memory becomes full and starting the turning of a fixed heater lamp at the time of leaving alone a facsimile in a reception possible state at night. CONSTITUTION:When a night facsimile mode is selected, the heater lamp 81 becomes an off-state and the reception memory 73 is cleared. Then, reception data is stored in the memory 73 and a image processing CPU 74 monitors the remaining quantity of the memory 73. When the memory 73 comes to have no room for storage, CPU 74 transmits information to a printer part control CPU 79 by communication. Based on this, CPU 79 judges that a copying output shold be conducted at the point of time, sequence for turning on the heater lamp 81 is conducted and the stored contents in the memory 73 is copying- outputted when fixation liquid becomes prescribed temp. Thus, the safety in the office which becomes uninhabited at night is improved and the life of parts in a pinter part adding fixing device is lengthened.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine with a facsimile function, and more particularly, to nighttime facsimile reception in a copying machine with a facsimile function, which consumes less power and can be reliably performed. The running cost such as maintenance fee can be reduced.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Since a digital copying machine has many functions in common with a facsimile receiver, a copying machine with a facsimile function has been proposed in which the digital copying machine and the facsimile receiver are integrally combined. Since this copier with a facsimile function has a facsimile function, it is not known when the information from the caller side will arrive. Therefore, leave the power on day and night and always turn on the heater lamp of the fixing device. It is necessary to keep it heated.

[0003]

At night when the office is unattended, the copying machine is rarely used, and the facsimile reception is almost done. However, the control temperature of the fixing roller is set to the same temperature as during the daytime, the power consumption is large due to the on / off control of the heater lamp, the running cost is high, and the life of the printer section such as the copy lamp is easily deteriorated. is there. Especially in the daytime, it is necessary to secure the fixability for a large number of multi-copy. Therefore, the heater lamp of the fixing device is constantly controlled to be turned on and off, and the temperature of the fixing roller is kept constant. It is not necessary to adapt the temperature of the heat roller of the fixing device to multi-copy, it is sufficient to correspond to the number of copies to match the facsimile reception processing time, and it is not necessary to control the heater lamp on / off like daytime. It is a waste of power.

[0004]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides (1) a common fixing means for copying output paper and facsimile output paper, and a daytime mode (copying and facsimile reception mode). ) And the night mode (facsimile reception mode), and when the night mode is selected, the heater lamp of the fixing device is heated when the facsimile reception memory is full, and the fixing means fixes the fixing means. Having a means for making a copy output of the facsimile receiving memory when the temperature is reached, (2) common fixing means for copy output paper and facsimile output paper, daytime mode (copy and facsimile reception mode) Switching means for switching the night mode (facsimile reception mode) and facsimile when the night mode is selected When the receiving memory is full, the heater lamp of the fixing device is heated, and when the fixing means reaches the fixing temperature, copy output of the facsimile receiving memory is started and the memory is full at night. And (3) a fixing unit common to the copy output paper and the facsimile output paper, and a daytime mode (copy and facsimile reception modes). ) And night mode (facsimile reception mode), and when night mode is selected and there is no facsimile reception during night mode, it must have means for displaying a message to that effect on the display panel during daytime mode switching. , (4) Common fixing means for copy output paper and facsimile output paper, daytime mode And facsimile reception mode) and night mode (facsimile reception mode)
And a means for setting the preset temperature of the fixing device to a temperature lower than that in the daytime mode when the nighttime mode is selected. And having means for outputting a message indicating that the mode is night mode to the display panel, (6) In (4) or (5) above, when the night mode is selected, multi-copy corresponding to the facsimile reception processing time is enabled. (7) common fixing means for copy output paper and facsimile output paper, switching means for switching between daytime mode (copy and facsimile reception mode) and night mode (facsimile reception mode), timer and copy When the output time setting means and night mode are selected, the contents of the fax received at night are stored in the memory And (8) In (7), when the contents of the receiving memory when the night mode is selected is zero, even one facsimile reception in the night mode is provided. (9) In (7), when the reception memory is full until the set time is reached,
It is characterized by having a means for collectively outputting the contents of the memory.

[0005]

In a copying machine with a facsimile function, when left in a facsimile receivable state in the night mode, the power is automatically turned on when the facsimile reception memory is full to obtain a copy output. If the memory is not full, a copy output is made when switching to the daytime mode in the morning. When there is no facsimile reception in the night mode, a message is displayed on the display panel to that effect when the day mode is switched. Lower the temperature of the fixing device in night mode. In that case, when the night mode is selected, a message indicating that the night mode is in progress is displayed on the display panel, or multi-copy corresponding to the facsimile reception processing time is enabled. Further, a timer and a copy output time setting means are provided, and the information accumulated in the memory at night is collectively output at the time set by the setting time means. If the memory is zero, a message is displayed on the operation panel that there was no reception, and if the memory is full by the set time, a copy is output at that time.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram for explaining an example of a digital copying machine with a facsimile function according to the present invention.
The copying machine 30 with the facsimile function includes a scanner unit 3
1, a laser printer unit 32, a multi-stage paper feeding unit 33, and a sorter 34 are provided. The scanner section 31 is composed of a document placing table 35 made of transparent glass, a double-sided automatic document feeder (RDF) 36, and a scanner unit 40. The multi-stage paper feeding unit 33 includes the first cassette 5
It has a first cassette 52, a second cassette 52, a third cassette 53, and a fifth cassette 55 which can be added by selection. In the multi-stage sheet feeding unit 33, the sheets are fed out one by one from the sheets stored in the cassettes in each stage, and the laser printer unit 3
It is conveyed toward 2. The RDF 36 sets a plurality of originals at one time, automatically feeds the originals one by one to the scanner unit 40, and causes the scanner unit 40 to read one side or both sides of the original according to an operator's selection. .. The scanner unit 40 includes a lamp reflector assembly 41 that exposes a document, and a plurality of reflection mirrors 4 that guide a reflected light image from the document to a photoelectric conversion element (CCD) 42.
3 and a lens 44 for forming a reflected light image from the document on the CCD 42.

The scanner unit 31 is constructed so that when scanning an original placed on the original placing table 35, the scanner unit 40 moves along the lower surface of the original placing table 35 to read the original image. When the RDF 36 is used, the document image is read while the document is being conveyed while the scanner unit 40 is stopped at a predetermined position below the RDF 36. The image data obtained by reading the original image with the scanner unit 40 is sent to the image processing unit and subjected to various processes, and then temporarily stored in the memory of the image processing unit, and the image data in the memory is stored according to the output instruction. The data is given to the laser printer unit 32 to form an image on a sheet.

The laser printer unit 32 includes a manual document tray 45, a laser writing unit 46, and an electrophotographic process unit 47 for forming an image. The laser writing unit 46 is a semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam according to the image data from the above-mentioned memory, a polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam at a constant angular velocity, and a laser beam that is deflected at a constant angular velocity is exposed to the electrophotographic process section 47. Body drum 48
It has an f-θ lens and the like for performing correction so as to have a uniform velocity tendency. The electrophotographic process section 47 comprises a charging device, a developing device, a transfer device, a peeling device, a cleaning device, a static eliminator, and a fixing device 49 around the photosensitive drum 48 according to a well-known mode. A transport path 50 is provided on the downstream side of the fixing device 49 in the transport direction of the sheet on which the image is to be formed, and the transport path 50 communicates with the sorter 34.
And a conveyance path 58 leading to the multi-stage sheet feeding unit 33.

The conveying path 58 is branched in the multi-stage sheet feeding unit 33, and the reversing conveying path 50 is formed as a conveying path after branching.
a and a double-sided / composite transport path 50b are provided. The reverse conveyance path 50a is a conveyance path for reversing the front and back sides of a sheet in the double-sided copy mode for copying both sides of a document. The double-sided / composite conveyance path 50b conveys a sheet from the reverse conveyance path 50a to the image forming position of the photosensitive drum 48 in the double-sided copy mode, or forms an image of different originals or images of different colors on one side of the sheet This is a conveyance path for conveying the sheet to the image forming position of the photosensitive drum 48 without reversing the sheet in the single-sided composite copying mode for copying.

The multi-stage paper feeding unit 33 includes a common transport path 56, which is the first cassette 51 and the second cassette 51.
The sheets from the cassette 52 and the third cassette 53 are configured to be conveyed toward the electrophotographic process section 47. The common conveyance path 56 merges with the conveyance path 59 from the fifth cassette 55 on the way to the electrophotographic process section 47 and communicates with the conveyance path 60. The conveyance path 60 merges with the conveyance path 61 from the double-sided / composite conveyance path 50b and the manual feed tray 45 at a confluence point 62 to reach an image forming position between the photosensitive drum 48 of the electrostatic photography process section 47 and the transfer device. The confluence point 62 of these three transport paths is provided at a position close to the image forming position. Therefore, in the laser writing unit 46 and the electrophotographic process section 47, the image data read from the above-mentioned memory is
The toner image formed as an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 48 by scanning the laser beam by the laser writing unit 46 and visualized with toner is the toner image of the sheet conveyed from the multi-stage sheet feeding unit 33. It is electrostatically transferred and fixed on the surface. The sheet on which the image is formed in this manner is sent from the fixing device 49 to the sorter 34 via the transport paths 50 and 57, or is transported to the reverse transport path 50a via the transport paths 50 and 58.

Next, the structure and function of the image processing unit and each control system included in the digital copying machine 30 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of an image processing unit and each control system included in the digital copying machine 30 with a facsimile function shown in FIG. The image processing unit included in the digital copying machine 30 includes an image data input unit 70, an image processing unit 71, an image data output unit 72, a memory 73 including a RAM (random access memory), and an image processing central processing operation. A device (CPU) 74 is provided.

The image data input section 70 is a CCD section 70a,
It includes a histogram processing unit 70b and an error diffusion processing unit 70c. The image data input unit 70 is the CCD 42 of FIG.
Binary conversion of the image data of the original read from
While taking a histogram as a binary digital amount, the image data is processed by the error diffusion method and temporarily stored in the memory 73. That is, the CCD unit 70
In a, an analog electrical signal corresponding to each image density of image data is A / D converted, and then MTF (Modulation Trans
fer function) correction, black-and-white correction, or gamma correction is performed, and is output to the histogram processing unit 70b as a digital signal of 256 gradations (8 bits). In the histogram processing unit 70b, the digital signal output from the CCD unit 70a is added for each pixel density of 256 gradations to obtain density information (histogram data), and if necessary, the obtained histogram data is subjected to image processing. CPU74
Error diffusion processing unit 70c that is sent to
Sent to. The error diffusion processing unit 70c uses the error diffusion method, which is a kind of pseudo-halftone processing unit, that is, a method of reflecting the binarization error in the binarization determination of the adjacent pixels.
8 bit / pixel digital signal output from 0a is 1
It is converted into bits (binary), and a redistribution operation is performed to faithfully reproduce the local area density in the original.

The image processing unit 71 includes multi-valued processing units 71a and 71b, a synthesis processing unit 71c, a density conversion processing unit 71d, a scaling processing unit 71e, an image processing unit 71f, an error diffusion processing unit 71g and a compression processing unit 71b. Contains. The image processing unit 71 is a processing unit that finally converts the input image data into image data that the operator desires, and this processing unit is used until the memory 73 stores the finally converted output image data. Is configured to process. However, each of the above-described processing units included in the image processing unit 71 functions as necessary and may not function.

That is, in the multilevel halftoning processing units 71a and 71b, the data binarized by the error diffusion processing unit 70c is converted again into 256 gradations. In the combination processing unit 71c, a logical operation for each pixel, that is, an operation of a logical sum, a logical product, or an exclusive logical sum is selectively performed. The data to be calculated are the image data stored in the memory 73 and the pit data from the pattern generator (PG). In the density conversion processing unit 71d, the relationship between the input density and the output density is arbitrarily set for the 256 gradation digital signal based on a predetermined gradation conversion table. In the scaling processing unit 71e, pixel data (density value) for the target pixel after scaling is obtained by performing interpolation processing based on the input known data according to the instructed scaling ratio, and the sub-scanning is varied. After being scaled, the main scanning is scaled. In the image processing unit 71f, various image processes may be performed on the input pixel data, and information collection such as feature extraction may be performed on the data string. In the error diffusion processing unit 71g,
Processing similar to that of the error diffusion processing unit 70c of the image data input unit 70 is performed. The compression processing unit 71h compresses the binary data by the encoding called run length. Regarding the compression of the image data, the compression functions in the final processing loop when the final output image data is completed. The image data output unit 72 includes a restoration unit 72a, a multi-value quantization processing unit 72b, an error diffusion processing unit 72c, and a laser output unit 72.
d is included.

The image data output unit 72 restores the image data stored in the memory 73 in a compressed state and restores the original 2
It is configured to convert the data into 56 gradations again, perform error diffusion of 4-valued data that is a smoother halftone expression than binary data, and transfer the data to the laser output unit 72d. That is, the restoration unit 72a restores the image data compressed by the compression processing unit 71b. The multilevel halftoning processing unit 72b performs the same processing as the multilevel halftoning processing units 71a and 71b of the image processing unit 71. The error diffusion processing unit 72c performs the same processing as the error diffusion processing unit 70c of the image data input unit 70. In the laser output unit 72d, the digital image data is converted into a laser on / off signal based on a control signal from the print unit control CPU 79, and the laser is turned on / off. The data handled by the image data input unit 70 and the image data output unit 72 are basically stored in the memory 73 in the form of binary data in order to reduce the capacity of the memory 73. It is also possible to process in the form of four-valued data in consideration of deterioration.

On the other hand, as the facsimile apparatus, a telephone line 77, an NCU (network control unit) 76 and a modem 75 are used.
When receiving information is received from the calling side facsimile device via the, an incoming signal is sent to the printer control CPU 79, and the CPU 79 instructs the image processing CPU 74 to prepare memory for image data (data from the modem). ,
The image data is stored in the memory 73. This is read, and the laser writing unit 46 is driven according to the read reception information to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the reception information on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48. Prior to driving the laser writing unit 46, the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 is uniformly charged by the charging charger.

Next, the developing device supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum, whereby a toner image is formed on the corresponding portion. Further, during this period, the printer control CPU 79 shown in FIG. 2 drives the paper feed / conveyance rollers to supply the paper in the cassette to the registration rollers 63.
The registration roller 63 supplies the paper between the photosensitive drum and the transfer charger in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 48. As a result, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 48 is transferred to the paper. The paper on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the position of the fixing device 49, where the fixing process is performed, and then the conveyance path 5
0 or 57 to the sorter 34, or the transport path 5
It is conveyed to the reverse conveyance path 50a via 0 and 58.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the details of the fixing device 49. The fixing device 49 is composed of a pair of upper and lower rollers of an upper roller 49a and a lower roller 49b. A heater lamp 81 that heats the surface to the fixing temperature is provided. Also, the upper roller 49a
A thermistor 78 for detecting the surface temperature of the thermistor 78 is provided on the surface of the
The upper roller 49a is supported so as to be in constant contact with the upper roller 49a. The thermistor 78 sends a voltage signal corresponding to the surface temperature of the upper roller 49a to the printer control CPU 79.
Output to. Then, the CPU 79 for controlling the printer unit
Based on the detection signal from the thermistor 78 and a preset reference voltage value, a predetermined drive signal is issued to the heater on / off drive circuit 80 so as to set the surface temperature of the upper roller 49a to the fixing temperature. Heater on / off drive circuit 8
0 is equipped with a triac using zero cross and the like, and heats the heater lamp 90 in response to a drive signal from the printer control CPU 79, whereby the upper roller 49.
That is, a, that is, the fixing device 49 is set to the fixing temperature. The fixing temperature is set when the storage capacity of the receiving memory is full (when the nighttime facsimile reception mode is selected).
Until then, it is off.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing an example of a display panel used in the copying machine with a facsimile function according to the present invention.
Display panel 1 of copying machine with facsimile function according to the present invention
00 has a night mode (night facsimile reception mode) and a daytime (normal) mode (copier and facsimile reception mode) changeover switch 101 and a message display panel 102, as shown in FIG.
According to 1, the working hours are set to the daytime mode, the normal copying function and the facsimile receiving function are activated, and when the employee returns at night, the nighttime mode is switched to the facsimile receiving state.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the present embodiment. When the nighttime facsimile mode is selected (step 1), the heater lamp 81 is turned off by the printer control CPU 79, and the reception memory is set here. Is cleared (step 2). After that, the received data is
Stored in memory. Since the image processing CPU 74 is monitoring the remaining amount of memory (step 3), when there is no room in the storage amount of the receiving memory, the image processing CPU 74
Information is sent to the printer unit control CPU 79 by communication. Based on that, the CPU 79 for controlling the printer unit
By outputting the contents of the memory, it is determined whether or not an empty area should be secured in the memory so as to be ready for the next facsimile reception. As a result, when it is determined that the output should be made, the heater lamp on sequence is entered (step 4),
When the fixing device 49 reaches a predetermined temperature, the contents stored in the reception memory are copied and output (step 5).

FIG. 6 shows a case in which, in the copying machine with the facsimile function as described above, the power is automatically turned on and output when the facsimile reception memory is full when the facsimile reception is enabled and left at night. To
If the memory is not full, the next morning, when the mode is switched to the normal mode, copy output is performed, and if the reception memory is not stored, a message is output. When the nighttime facsimile mode is selected in the flowchart (step 1), the reception memory is cleared (step 2). The heater lamp is turned off by the printer control CPU 79 (step
3). After that, the received data is stored in the memory. Since the image processing CPU 74 monitors the remaining amount of memory (step 4), the image processing CPU 74 sends information to the printer unit CPU 79 by communication when the storage capacity of the receiving memory runs out. Based on this, the printer control CPU 79 outputs the contents of the memory to determine whether or not an empty area should be secured in the memory so as to be ready for the next facsimile reception. As a result, when it is determined that the output should be performed, the heater lamp on sequence is entered (step 5). On the other hand, even if the reception memory has a sufficient storage capacity, for example, when the user switches to the normal mode (daytime multi-copy or facsimile reception mode) in the morning (step 6), the image processing CPU 74 sets the remaining memory capacity. Information is sent to the printer CPU 79 by communication. When the memory storage amount is zero (step 7), the display panel 10 of FIG.
For example, by displaying a message such as "There is no fax call received last night" in 2 (step
8) Send information to the user. If there is a storage amount in the memory, the heater lamp ON sequence is entered (step 9), and when the fixing device 49 reaches the set temperature, a copy output of the storage content in the reception memory is performed.

FIG. 7 shows a copying machine with a facsimile function as described above, in which the fixing temperature of the fixing device is set to a lower temperature than that in the normal copying mode when the facsimile receiving state is left and left at night. It is a diagram showing a flow chart in the case of trying to save power. In this case,
The message in the nighttime facsimile reception mode is displayed and the facsimile reception processing time (number of copies /
Minute) corresponding to multi-copy. In this embodiment, in the daytime (normal) mode, the printer section control CPU 79 controls so that the temperature of the fixing heat roller 49a is maintained at 190 ° C. This is a heater on / off drive so that the printer control CPU 79 sets the surface temperature of the upper roller 49a to the fixing temperature based on the detection signal from the thermistor 78 and the reference voltage value preset corresponding to 190 ° C. A predetermined drive signal is issued to the circuit 80. On the other hand, when the nighttime facsimile mode is selected by the switch 101 in FIG. 4 (step 1), the printer control CPU 79 compares the detection signal from the thermistor 78 with the reference voltage value set corresponding to 170 ° C., and the upper roller A predetermined drive signal is issued to the heater on / off drive circuit 80 so as to set the surface temperature of 49a to the fixing temperature (step 2). At the same time, the message display panel 102 displays, for example, "nighttime facsimile reception mode" to inform the user that the nighttime facsimile reception mode has been entered (step 3). Even when the nighttime facsimile mode is selected, if it is necessary to make a copy (step 4), the reception processing time (the number of copies / the number of copies /
Minutes) to enable multi-copy (step 5).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, in the normal mode, the set temperature of the heat roller is set to 190 ° C. so that the copy speed of A4 original is 30 sheets / min. As shown in FIG. 8, this is a speed at which the fixability can be satisfied even when copying is continued at a copy speed of 30 sheets / minute (curve A in FIG. 8). In addition, the minimum fixing temperature in this embodiment is set to 160 ° C. When the temperature of the heat roller is lowered below this temperature, the toner particles on the transfer paper are not completely melted and the inflow into the fiber space of the paper is incomplete. so,
This is a phenomenon called low temperature offset in which the toner easily separates from the transfer paper even by touching it with a hand. On the other hand, there is no need for multi-copy in an unmanned office at night. Therefore, set the temperature of the heat roller to 190 ℃ in the normal mode.
It does not need to be set to, which consumes wasted power.
By selecting the nighttime facsimile reception mode, the set temperature of the heat roller is switched to 170 ° C.

The temperature of this embodiment can be changed at any time. If the time from facsimile reception to image processing and output is 30 seconds, this is A4 per minute.
The size is the copy speed of 2 sheets. When the nighttime facsimile reception mode is selected, the heat roller surface temperature does not fall below the minimum fixing temperature even if the multi-copy of 2 sheets / minute is continued (curve B in FIG. 8). When the nighttime facsimile reception mode is selected, "Nighttime facsimile reception mode" or the like is displayed on the message panel 102 of FIG. 4 to give information to the user. In addition, even when the nighttime facsimile reception mode is set, the copy function is maintained, and therefore, two copies / minute of the above contents are permitted. That is, the user requests the multi-copy of two sheets or less in the nighttime facsimile reception mode,
Accepts copy mode when keyed in (multi-register). However, if the number of sheets is two or more, the fixing performance cannot be satisfied, and the acceptance of the copy mode is prohibited, and a message such as "multi-copy is two sheets or less" is displayed on the display panel 102. The above-mentioned values in the present embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned values, and change depending on various conditions.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 82 is a real time clock, and other parts having the same operation as the block diagram shown in FIG. The same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 are attached. The real-time clock 82 is an IC having a calendar function and can set the year, day, time and the like. This IC is backed up by a battery regardless of whether the power is ON or OFF, and the time can be counted up.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel suitable for use in the copying machine with the facsimile function shown in FIG. 9. This operation panel 100 is similar to the operation panel 100 shown in FIG. It has a switch 101 for switching between night mode and daytime mode and a message display panel 102,
Further, it has a time setting key group 103, a copy output time setting mode key 104, a set key 105, a timer start key 106 and the like.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, in which the nighttime facsimile mode is selected by the nighttime facsimile mode and daytime (normal) mode changeover switch 101 shown in FIG. step1), heater lamp 81 is CP for printer control
It is turned off by U79 and the reception memory is cleared (step 2). The memory in this embodiment is about 600 A4 characters.
It has the capacity to store 20 sheets of size. After that, the data at the time of nighttime facsimile reception is stored in the memory. On the other hand, the screen of the display panel 102 is switched by the input of the output time setting mode key 104, and the reservation screen 102 is displayed.
a ((b) in FIG. 10) is displayed, for example, "Please set the output time" is displayed. Here, according to the message 102a on the display panel 102, the time setting key group 103
Setting is possible by inputting (step 3). In the message 102a on the display panel 102, by blinking a required input portion (for example, am, hour, minute), inputting the time with the time setting key group 103, and then inputting the set key 105, the blinking is stopped. Indicates that it has been set. Then, the real time clock is started by inputting the timer start key 106 (step 4). The initialization of the real-time clock 82 is performed in the same manner. The printer unit control CPU 79 determines that the set time has been reached from the information (internal data) of the real-time clock (step 5). Based on that,
The printer control CPU 79 enters the heater-on sequence (step 6), and when the fixing device reaches the fixing temperature, starts the copy output of the contents stored in the receiving memory (step 6).
7).

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is shown in FIGS.
In the embodiment described with reference to No. 1, the description is for explaining an example in which there is no reception during the nighttime facsimile reception mode period and the memory is zero, and it is set from the selection of the night mode by the changeover switch 101. The process up to the step (up to step 5) where the CPU 79 for controlling the printer section determines from the information (internal data) of the real-time clock 82 that the time has arrived is the same as the flow shown in FIG. Thus, in this embodiment, the image processing CP
U74 monitors the remaining amount of memory (step 6), and sends the information to the printer CPU 79 by communication. When the memory storage amount is not zero, the printer control CPU 79 enters the heater-on sequence (step
7) When the fixing device reaches the fixing temperature, copy output of the contents stored in the receiving memory is started (step 8). When the storage amount in the memory is zero, the display panel 102 shown in FIG.
Then, the information is sent to the user by displaying a message such as "There was no fax call received last night" (step 9).

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining still another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is shown in FIG.
In the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 11, an example will be described in which during the nighttime facsimile reception mode period, in other words, before the set time is reached, the memory capacity becomes full and the memory becomes insufficient. The procedure from the selection of the night mode by the changeover switch 101 to the step of starting the timer by inputting the timer start key 106 (up to step 4) is the same as the flow shown in FIG. As described above, the real-time clock 82 is started by pressing the timer start key 106 (step
4) The memory is cleared (step 5), and thereafter, the data at the time of facsimile reception is accumulated in the memory, but the remaining amount of this memory is monitored by the image processing CPU 74 (step 6) until the output time. When the storage capacity of the receiving memory is exhausted, the image processing CPU 74 sends information to the printer unit CPU 79 by communication. Based on this, the printer control CPU 79 outputs the contents of the memory to determine whether or not an empty area should be secured in the memory so as to be ready for the next facsimile reception.
As a result, when it is determined that the data should be output (when the area of the reception memory is exhausted), the heater lamp on sequence is entered (step 7). Then, after the output of the stored contents is copied (step 8), it is confirmed that the memory storage amount has become zero (step 9), the heater lamp is turned off (step 10),
Return to the memory clear step again. If the receiving memory has enough storage capacity, until the output time is reached (st
ep11), the facsimile reception is continued and stored in the memory. When the set time is reached, the printer control CPU 79 determines from the information (internal data) of the real-time clock 82 that the set time is reached, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. Image processing CPU 7
Since No. 4 monitors the remaining amount of memory (step 12), the information is sent to the printer CPU 79 by communication. If the memory storage amount is not zero, the printer control CPU 79 enters the heater on sequence (st
ep13) When the fixing device reaches the fixing temperature, the copy output of the contents stored in the receiving memory is started (step 14). When the memory storage amount is zero, the display panel 102 of FIG.
Then, information is sent to the user by displaying a message such as "There was no facsimile call received last night" (step 15).

[0030]

According to the first aspect of the invention, in a digital copying machine with a facsimile function, when the facsimile receiving memory is left at night, the power is automatically turned on when the facsimile receiving memory is full, and the fixing heater is used. Because the lighting of the lamp is started 1. There is a power saving effect. 2. There is safety in the unmanned night office. 3. It is possible to extend the component life of the printer unit including the fixing device. Effect of the invention of claim 2: When the memory is not full, it is output the next morning when the user switches to the daytime mode. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, J
OB efficiency is high. Effect of the invention of claim 3 When the memory is zero, a message to that effect is displayed as a message on the display panel. Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 1, the user can feel secure. According to the invention of claim 4, in the digital copying machine with the facsimile function, when the facsimile is receivable and left at night, the set temperature of the fixing device is set to be lower than that in the normal copy mode. , 1. There is a power saving effect. 2. It is possible to extend the life of the heater lamp including the fixing device. 3. By lowering the set temperature, the adverse effect of heat can be reduced. 4. The copy function can be maintained even when the nighttime facsimile mode is selected. Effect of the invention according to claim 5: In the nighttime facsimile reception mode, since a message indicating that the facsimile reception mode is set is issued, the user can feel secure in addition to the effect of claim 4. Advantageous Effects of the Invention According to claim 6, since the multi-copy corresponding to the reception processing time (the number of copies / minute) is possible, the temperature of the heater roller of the fixing device at night is not required to correspond to the multi-copy, and the reception processing of the facsimile is performed. It is possible to make a copy corresponding to the number of copies according to the time. Effect of the invention according to claim 7: In a digital copying machine with a facsimile function, in a facsimile receivable state,
When left in the night state, the contents of the facsimile receiving memory are collectively output at a set time. There is a power saving effect. 2. There is safety in the unmanned night office. 3. Since the contents stored in the reception memory are output at the set time, work efficiency is improved. 4. Accumulation copy output of the facsimile reception memory and time can be set freely, improving work efficiency. 5. It is possible to extend the component life of the printer unit including the fixing device. Effect of the invention of claim 8: When the memory is zero, the fact that no reception has been received is displayed as a message on the display panel, so that the user is provided with information that the facsimile has not arrived, and in addition to the effect of claim 7. Thus, the user can be given a sense of security. Effect of the invention of claim 9: When the contents of the memory are full by the set time, the copy output is performed at that time. Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 7, the copy output of the storage of the facsimile reception memory The time can be set freely, improving work efficiency.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram for explaining an example of a copying machine with a facsimile function according to the present invention.

2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration and a function of an image processing unit and each control system in the copying machine with a facsimile function shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining details of a fixing device 49 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel.

5 is a flow chart for explaining an embodiment of the invention described in claim 1. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining an embodiment of the invention described in claims 2 and 3.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining an embodiment of the invention described in claims 4, 5 and 6.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a change with time of a surface temperature of a heat roller.

9 is a diagram for explaining another configuration and function of the image processing unit and each control system in the copying machine with a facsimile function shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining another example of the operation panel.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining an embodiment of the invention described in claim 7;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining an embodiment of the invention described in claim 8;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining an embodiment of the invention described in claim 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

30 ... Copier with facsimile function, 31 ... Scanner section,
32 ... Laser printer section, 33 ... Paper feeding unit, 34 ...
Sorter, 35 ... Original document table, 36 ... Automatic document feeder,
40 ... Scanner unit, 46 ... Laser writing unit, 48 ... Photosensitive drum, 70 ... Image data input section, 7
1 ... Image processing unit, 72 ... Image data output unit, 73 ... Memory, 74 ... Image processing CPU, 75 ... Modem, 76 ... Network control unit, 77 ... Telephone line, 78 ... Thermistor, 79
Printer control CPU 80 heater on / off drive circuit 81 heater lamp 82 real time clock 100 operation panel 101 mode switch 102 display panel

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A fixing unit common to copy output paper and facsimile output paper, switching means for switching between daytime mode (copy and facsimile reception mode) and night mode (facsimile reception mode), and night mode selected. And a means for heating the heater lamp of the fixing device when the facsimile receiving memory is full and for outputting a copy of the facsimile receiving memory when the fixing means reaches the fixing temperature. Characteristic copying machine with facsimile function. 2. A fixing unit common to copy output paper and facsimile output paper, switching means for switching between daytime mode (copy and facsimile reception mode) and night mode (facsimile reception mode), and night mode selected. In addition, when the facsimile receiving memory is full, the heater lamp of the fixing device is heated, and when the fixing means reaches the fixing temperature, the facsimile receiving memory is copied and output, and the memory is read at night. A copying machine with a facsimile function, comprising means for making a copy output when the mode is switched to the daytime mode when it is not full. 3. A fixing means common to the copy output paper and the facsimile output paper, a switching means for switching between a daytime mode (copy and facsimile reception mode) and a night mode (facsimile reception mode), and a case where the night mode is selected. 3. The facsimile function according to claim 2, further comprising means for notifying the display panel that there is no facsimile reception in the night mode when the day mode is switched when there is no facsimile reception in the night mode. Copier. 4. A fixing unit common to copy output paper and facsimile output paper, switching means for switching between daytime mode (copy and facsimile reception mode) and night mode (facsimile reception mode), and night mode selected. In addition, the copying machine with a facsimile function is provided with means for setting the set temperature of the fixing device to a temperature lower than that when the daytime mode is selected. 5. The copying machine with facsimile function according to claim 4, further comprising means for outputting a message indicating that the mode is night mode to the display panel when the night mode is selected. 6. A copying machine with a facsimile function according to claim 4, further comprising means for enabling multi-copy corresponding to a facsimile reception processing time when the night mode is selected. 7. A fixing unit common to copy output paper and facsimile output paper, switching means for switching between daytime mode (copy and facsimile reception mode) and night mode (facsimile reception mode), timer and copy output time setting. A copying machine with a facsimile function, comprising means and means for accumulating facsimile contents received at night in a memory when the night mode is selected and collectively outputting for copying at the set time. 8. A means for outputting a message on the operation panel that there is no facsimile reception in the night mode when the content of the reception memory is zero when the night mode is selected. A copying machine with a facsimile function according to Item 7. 9. The facsimile function copying apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising means for collectively outputting the contents of the memory when the reception memory is full until the set time is reached. Machine.