JPH0619261A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To always maintain image quality in an excellent state, and to increase the working efficiency of an operator by executing an adjusting process in a proper period. CONSTITUTION:This copying device is provided with a control panel 214 on which various kinds of keys for setting various kinds of copying modes including a multijob mode, etc., and a display unit are disposed, an ADF having a function for automatically carrying a document on a document platen and detecting the end of a document bundle, and a CPU 206 judging whether the adjusting process is executed or not, with an elapsed time after the last adjusting process, and executing the adjusting process for varying a voltage applied to an electrifying charger by a high voltage power source 215, even during a copying action.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an adjusting function for adjusting a control condition in image formation by executing a predetermined adjusting process, and a multi-job mode function for changing a copying condition for each bundle of originals for copying. And more particularly to a copying apparatus that executes an adjusting process during a copying operation in a multi-job mode.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a copying machine having various functions has been developed in recent years, and one of the functions is a multi-job mode function. In the multi-job mode, in a copying machine equipped with an automatic document feeder (ADF), for a plurality of document bundles placed on the ADF document table, a break for each document bundle is detected and each document bundle is detected. The copying operation is performed in accordance with the copying condition set in (1). At this time, the detection of the division for each document bundle is performed by hardware such as inserting a partition plate between the document bundles and by inputting the number of documents for each document bundle.
Alternatively, there is a software-based method in which detection is performed by a predetermined sheet inserted between the document stacks.

Further, in a copying machine, generally, an image is formed by using an electrophotographic system, but this electrophotographic system has a complicated process, and a material used for the electrophotographic system is environmentally friendly. For example, there are relatively unstable ones whose characteristics change due to factors such as the above. An example of an unstable characteristic is a photosensitive member used for a photosensitive member, and it is known that the characteristic of the photosensitive member varies depending on the environment and the time (for example, the number of repeats). In a copying machine, generally, the photoconductor is charged by using corona discharge, but this discharge characteristic also changes depending on the environment.

Since various characteristics fluctuate in this way, if various control conditions (for example, developing bias, charging output) in image formation are kept constant, the fluctuations in characteristics cause deterioration in image quality. Therefore, in the copier, the environmental conditions,
The control conditions for image formation are changed according to the passage of time (the number of repeats, etc.), and further, the control conditions are changed by using the result of actually executing a series of electrophotographic processes according to predetermined conditions, that is, the adjustment process is performed. By doing so, there are some that maintain a good image quality.

[0005]

However, according to the conventional copying apparatus, it is determined whether or not the adjusting step is performed for every predetermined time, the number of copies, the presence / absence of key operation, the time elapsed from the last key operation, and the like. However, even if it is determined that the adjustment process is performed based on these conditions, the adjustment process was performed when the copying operation was not performed, so the conditions for performing the adjustment process during the copying operation are satisfied. If it is determined that the adjustment process is to be performed, the copy process may not be performed under appropriate control conditions after this time, and the copy process may continue in a state where the image quality is deteriorated.

Here, when copying is performed in the multi-job mode, it is often the case that a large number of originals (bundles) are copied at once. For example, it is determined that the adjustment process is performed when the first original bundle is being copied. If so, a copied image with good image quality may not be obtained for all many originals (bundle).

Further, although the adjustment step can be performed, a copy having a good image quality can be obtained. However, since the apparatus cannot be used during the adjustment step, when the operator tries to use the apparatus, the adjustment step is performed. When the operation starts, the operator has to wait until the adjustment process is finished as it is, which hinders the quick copying work and reduces the work efficiency.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is a first object of the present invention to always maintain an excellent image quality by performing an adjusting process at an appropriate time regardless of a copying operation. And

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and a second object thereof is to improve the working efficiency of the operator by performing the adjusting process at an appropriate time.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is an automatic document feeder for automatically feeding a document placed on a document table onto a contact glass, and an automatic document feeder. The control conditions for image formation are adjusted by executing a multi-job mode function that performs copying according to the copy conditions set for each of a plurality of document stacks placed on the document table and a predetermined adjustment process. The copying machine having the adjusting function is provided with a control means for judging whether to execute the adjusting process based on a preset condition during the copying operation and executing the adjusting process during the copying operation by the adjusting function. A copying machine is provided.

In the above-described structure, when the control means determines that the adjusting process is executed during the copying operation in the multi-job mode, the copying of the document bundle being executed at that time is completed, or is executed at that time. It is desirable to execute the adjusting process by the adjusting function after the copying of the inside original bundle and the predetermined number of original bundles following the original bundle is completed.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a copying machine having an adjusting function for adjusting a control condition in image formation by executing a predetermined adjusting process, and an object located near the apparatus. (EN) A copying machine provided with an object detecting means for detecting the above, and a control means for executing an adjusting process by an adjusting function based on the detection result of the object detecting means. In the above-mentioned configuration, it is desirable that the control unit does not execute the adjustment process when the object is detected by the object detection unit.

[0013]

In the copying apparatus according to the present invention, when it is determined that the adjustment process is to be performed during the copying in the multi-job mode, the copying is completed at the time when the copying is completed, or when the judgment is made. After the copy of the document stack being copied in step S1 and the copy of a predetermined number of document stacks subsequent thereto are completed, the adjustment process is executed.

Further, the copying apparatus according to the present invention prohibits execution of the adjusting step when the object detecting means detects an object when it determines that the adjusting step is to be performed.

[0015]

EXAMPLES Examples 1 and 2 of the present invention will be described below.
The order of Embodiments 2 and 3 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine 100 according to Embodiment 1, roughly classified into an automatic document feeder (ADF) for automatically feeding a document (not shown). ) 101, a scanner 102 that optically reads an original image, a printer 103 that forms an image using an electrophotographic method, an automatic duplex unit 104 that forms an image on both sides of recording paper, and a large amount of recording paper. A paper bank 105 in which the sheets can be set, and a sorter 106 that sorts the recording sheets on which the images are formed according to a preset condition.

The ADF 101 comprises a document table 107 on which a document is set, a document feeding roller 108 for conveying the document set on the document table 107, and a document conveying belt 109.

The scanner 102 includes a contact glass 110 on which a document whose image is read is placed, and an optical system 111 arranged in a space below the contact glass 110.
Composed of and. The optical system 111 includes a CCD 201 (see FIG. 2) that reads a document image.

The printer 103 includes a drum-shaped photosensitive member 11
2, a laser writing system 113 for performing an exposure process for writing an image on the photoconductor 112 by a laser beam, a charging charger 114 for negatively charging the photoconductor 112 by corona discharge prior to the exposure process, and an exposure process By photoconductor 112
A developing unit 115 for developing the electrostatic latent image formed above, a pre-transfer charge eliminating lamp 116 for lowering the surface potential of the photoconductor 112 in order to improve transfer efficiency, and recording paper for each size are set. Paper feed cassettes 117 and 118, a transfer charger 119 for transferring the toner image on the photoconductor 112 onto the recording paper conveyed to the photoconductor 112, and for separating the recording paper on which the toner image is transferred from the photoconductor 112. Separation charger 120, a cleaning unit 121 that removes toner remaining on the photoconductor 112 after the transfer process is completed, a conveyance belt 122 that conveys the recording paper separated from the photoconductor 112, and a toner image on the recording paper. It is composed of a fixing unit 123 for fixing.

The automatic double-sided unit 104 includes a paper feed cassette 124, a double-sided paper ejection tray 125 for temporarily ejecting the recording paper on which one-sided image formation has been completed when images are formed on both sides of the recording paper, and a double-sided paper ejection tray 125. The recording sheet on the paper tray 125 is composed of a sheet re-feeding transport system 126 that transports the recording sheet to the printer 103 again.

The paper bank 105 comprises a paper feed cassette 127 in which a standard amount of recording paper is set and a paper feed cassette 128 in which a large amount of recording paper can be set.
The sorter 106 includes a sorter conveying roller 129 that conveys the recording paper on which the fixing process is completed, and a pin 130 that ejects the recording paper conveyed by the sorter conveying roller 129.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the copy operation is started, the document is conveyed onto the contact glass 110 by the ADF 101, and the scanner 10
2 shows the image of the original on the contact glass 110 as CC
Optically read using D201 (see FIG. 2). The laser writing system 113 writes an image on the photoconductor 112 that has been subjected to the charging process, using the image data that has been subjected to a predetermined image process for the output from the CCD 201.

The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 112 by the exposure process is visualized (forms a toner image) by the developing unit 115, and the toner image is conveyed from the selected paper feed cassette. It is transferred onto the recording paper by the action of the transfer charger 119. After the transfer process is completed, the recording paper is separated from the photoconductor 112, and then a fixing process is performed to fix the toner image, and the pin 130 or the double-sided paper ejection tray 1 is attached.
The sheet is discharged to 25. The recording paper ejected to the double-sided paper ejection tray 125 is then conveyed again to the printer 103 by the re-feeding conveyance system 126.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrical system in the copying machine 100. The CCD 201 to which the reading light of the original image is incident and the electric signal (image data) output from the CCD 201 are A / D. An A / D converter 202 for conversion, an image processing unit 203 for performing various image processing on the image data output from the A / D converter 202, and image data subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 203 are output. Laser drive unit (LDU) 204, semiconductor laser (LD) 205 driven by LDU 204, CPU 206 that executes various controls, ROM 207, RAM 208, R
Writing data to the OM 207 and RAM 208,
Alternatively, a decoder 209 for reading and a timer 210
An I / O 211, 212, an ADF 101 connected to the I / O 211, and an interface unit 21 for managing data input / output via the I / O 211, 212.
3, an operation panel 214 on which various keys and indicators (not shown) are arranged, and a high-voltage power supply 215 for supplying electric power to various chargers including the charging charger 114.
And a potential sensor 21 for detecting the surface potential of the photoconductor 112.
6, a sensor unit 217 described later, and a potential sensor 2
A / D converter 21 for A / D converting 16 detection signals
8 and.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. When a key operation on the operation panel 214 is performed, the CP
The U 206 performs mode setting, sequence control, etc. according to the key operation. The timer 210 is for performing various interrupt processes, adjustment processes, etc. described later,
A predetermined signal is output to the CPU 206 every predetermined time. C
The PU 206 executes these processes based on the signal output from the timer 210, and changes the output of the charging charger 114. The output of the charging charger 114 is changed by outputting an 8-bit signal (CDT0 to 7) from the CPU 206 to the high voltage power supply 215.

Next, the multi-job mode in the first embodiment will be described. In the multi-job mode, a plurality of document bundles having different copy conditions are continuously copied according to the copy condition set for each document bundle, and the partition of the document bundle is detected by the partition mechanism. .
FIGS. 3A to 3E are explanatory views showing a partitioning mechanism for detecting the boundaries of the document bundle and the operation thereof. As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), this partition mechanism includes a partition plate 301 inserted between document bundles, a partition plate moving disk 302 for moving the partition plate 301, and the presence or absence of the partition plate 301. It is composed of sensors 303 and 304 for detecting.

In the above structure, the partition plate 301 and the partition plate moving disc 302 can be rotated independently about the shaft 301a, and the partition plate 301 is normally arranged as shown in FIG. 3 (a). It is in a position detected by the sensor 303 due to gravity. The copy mode (copy magnification, for the first original stack A placed on the original table 107,
When the multi-job mode key (not shown) on the operation panel 214 is pressed after setting the number of copies, etc.) by operating the keys on the operation panel 214, the multi-job mode is set, and the partition plate moving disk 302 starts rotating to the right. The partition plate moving disc 302 has a projection 302a, and when the partition plate moving disc 302 rotates to the right, this projection 3
The partition plate 301 is also moved (rotated right) by 02a.

When the partition plate 301 is moved by the clockwise rotation of the partition plate moving disk 302 and detected by the sensor 304,
The partition plate moving disk 302 stops rotating, and the partition plate 301 rotates by gravity until it reaches the document stack A (FIG. 3).
(C)). Here, the original bundle B to be copied next to the original bundle A
Is placed on the partition plate 301 (FIG. 3D), and the copy mode is set. Actually, a plurality of such partitioning mechanisms are provided, and when there is a document bundle to be copied subsequent to the document bundle B, the multi-job mode key is pressed again, and thereafter,
Perform the same operation.

When the setting of all original bundles and the setting of the copy mode are completed, and then the start key (not shown) on the operation panel 214 is pressed, copying in the multi-job mode is started. As shown in FIG. 3E, when the copy of the document stack A is completed, the partition plate 301 moves to the position detected by the sensor 303 by gravity,
As a result, the copy of the document bundle A is completed, that is, the separation between the document bundles is detected, and the copy of the document bundle B is started.

Next, various control operations in the first embodiment will be described. First, the timer interrupt processing will be described. In the first embodiment, the adjustment process is performed every predetermined period, and in the timer interrupt process, the timer 210 interrupts the CPU 206 at a predetermined cycle (for example, 1 second) in order to determine when to perform the adjustment process. Multiplied by, that is,
It is executed when a signal is output from the timer 210 to the CPU 206. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing.

When the timer 210 interrupts, it is first determined whether or not the adjustment process time flag indicating whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the previous adjustment process is OFF (S4).
01), if it is determined that the adjustment process time flag is OFF, it is determined whether or not the value of the adjustment timer for measuring the time elapsed since the last execution of the adjustment process is larger than the predetermined value T1 (S402).

When it is determined that the value of the adjustment timer is larger than the predetermined value T1, the adjustment timer is cleared (S403), the adjustment process time flag is turned on (S404), the process proceeds to step S406, and the adjustment is made in the opposite. When it is determined that the value of the timer is not larger than the predetermined value T1, the adjustment timer is counted up (S405) and the process proceeds to step S406. If it is determined in step S401 that the adjustment process time flag is not OFF, the process similarly proceeds to step S406. Here, for example,
If the interruption process is performed every 1 second and the adjustment process is performed every 5 hours, the value of the predetermined value T1 is 18000.

In step S406, it is judged whether or not the copy flag indicating whether or not the copy operation is being executed is OFF, that is, whether or not the copy operation is being executed, and the copy flag is OF.
If it is determined to be F, then it is determined whether or not the in-suspension adjustment process flag, which indicates whether or not the conditions for performing the adjustment process while the copying machine 100 is stopped, are OFF (S407).
When the adjustment process flag during stop is determined to be OFF, the value of the stop period timer indicating the duration of the state in which the copying machine 100 is not operating, including the presence or absence of the key operation, is larger than the predetermined value T2 (for example, 15). It is determined whether or not (S408).

When it is determined that the value of the stop period timer is larger than the predetermined value T2, the stop period timer is cleared (S40
9), the stoppage adjustment process flag is turned on (S410),
When it is determined that the value of the stop period timer is not larger than the predetermined value T2, the series of processes is ended (S411), and the series of processes is ended. If it is determined in step S406 that the copy flag is not OFF, the series of processes ends here. If it is determined in step S407 that the stop adjustment flag is not OFF, the series of processes ends here.

Next, the copy operation check process will be described. This copy operation check process is for performing an adjusting step during the copy operation in the multi-job mode.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the copy operation check processing operation.

First, it is judged whether or not the copy flag is ON (S501), and if it is judged that the copy flag is not ON, then it is judged whether or not the start key is ON, that is, whether or not the start key is pressed. Yes (S502). When it is determined that the start key is turned on, the copy mode of the document bundle to be copied first is set (S503), the copy flag is turned on (S504), the series of processes is ended, and conversely, the start key is turned on. If it is determined that it is not ON, the adjustment process during stoppage described below is performed (S50
5), a series of processing is ended.

When it is determined in step S501 that the copy flag is ON, it is then determined whether or not the originals of the original bundle currently being copied are out of the original table 107 (S50).
6) If it is determined that the originals have been exhausted, it is determined whether the adjustment process flag indicating that the adjustment process is to be executed is ON (S507). If it is determined that the adjustment process flag is ON, a series of processes ends here. To do. If it is determined in step S506 that the original document has not been exhausted, the copy operation is continued (S508), and the series of processes ends. Here, whether or not there is a document is determined by receiving a signal from the ADF 101 using the interface unit 213.

If it is determined in step S507 that the adjustment process flag is not ON, it is then determined whether the adjustment process time flag is ON (S509). If it is determined that the adjustment process time flag is ON, the adjustment process flag is turned ON. (S51
After that, the adjustment process time flag is turned off (S51
1), a series of processing is ended. If it is determined in step S509 that the adjustment process time flag is not ON,
Next, it is determined whether or not there is a next original bundle to be copied in the multi-job mode (S512). If it is determined that the next original bundle is present, the copy mode corresponding to this original bundle is set (S513) and a series of operations is performed. When it is determined that there is no next original, the copy flag is turned off (S
514), and a series of processing ends.

Next, the adjustment process check process during stop in the above step S505 will be described. The adjustment process is normally performed when the copying machine 100 is not operating (including key operation), and this process is
This is for determining whether or not to perform the adjustment process when the copying machine 100 is not operating. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the adjustment process check processing during stop.

First, it is judged whether or not there is a key operation (S60
1) If it is determined that there is no key operation, then it is determined whether or not the adjustment process flag during stop is ON (S602). If it is determined that the adjustment process flag during stop is ON, then it is determined whether the adjustment process time flag is next ON. It is determined (S603). When the adjustment process time flag is judged to be ON, the adjustment process flag is turned ON (S
604), the stop adjustment process flag is turned off (S60
5), a series of processing is ended.

If it is determined in step S601 that there is a key operation, the stop period timer is cleared (S60
6), a series of processing is ended. If it is determined in step S602 that the in-stop adjustment process flag is not ON, the series of processes ends here, and step S60
If it is determined in 3 that the adjustment process time flag is not ON, a series of processes ends here.

As described above, by performing the copy operation check processing operation (see FIG. 5) and the stoppage adjustment step check processing operation (see FIG. 6), the adjustment step flag is turned on.
Then, the adjustment process is performed after the completion of these subroutine processing operations. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the adjustment process check processing operation of performing the adjustment process so that the control condition becomes appropriate.

First, it is determined whether or not the adjustment process flag is ON (S701), and when it is determined that the adjustment process flag is ON, an adjustment process described later is performed (S702), and then it is determined whether or not the adjustment process is completed. (S703). Here, whether or not the adjustment process is finished is determined by whether or not the conditions described later are satisfied by performing the adjustment process.

When it is judged that the adjustment process is not completed,
When the adjustment process of step S702 is continuously performed and it is determined that the adjustment process has ended, on the contrary, the adjustment process flag is set to OF.
After performing F (S704), a series of processing ends. If it is determined in step S701 that the adjustment process flag is not ON, the series of processes ends here.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the adjusting process operation in step S702. In this adjusting process, the electrophotographic process is actually executed under a predetermined condition, and the control condition is the charging condition, that is, the high voltage power source 2
Reference numeral 15 changes the voltage applied to the charging charger 114. First, the surface potential of the photoconductor 112 charged by executing the electrophotographic process is measured using the potential sensor 216 (S801). It is determined whether or not the absolute value of the difference between the measured charging potential and the target value (for example, -800V) is smaller than 5 (S802).

The charging potential measured by the potential sensor 216 is obtained by converting the detection signal of the potential sensor 216 into a digital signal by the A / D converter 208. The potential sensor 216 outputs a voltage of 1/200 of the charged potential of the photoconductor 112 as a detection signal to the A / D converter 218, and the A / D converter 218 outputs the output of the potential sensor 216 as an 8-bit signal (that is, 0-255
Value) and output. At this time, if the charged potential of the photoconductor 112 is −800V, the output voltage of the potential sensor 216 is −4V and the output value of the A / D converter 218 is 2V.
Will be 04.

If it is determined that the absolute value of the difference between the charging potential and the target value is not less than 5, then it is determined whether (the absolute value of) the charging potential is larger than the target value (S803), and the charging potential is the target value. If it is determined that the value is not larger than the above, C indicating the current output value of the high voltage power supply 215 to the charging charger 114
3 is added to the value of (S804), and a series of processing is ended. Here, the value of this C is obtained from the CPU 206 by the I / O2.
It corresponds to CDT0 to 7 which are 8-bit signals output to the high voltage power source 215 via 12, and the higher the value of C, the higher the voltage of the high voltage power source 215 to the charging charger 114.
The voltage applied to is large.

When it is determined in step S803 that the charging potential is larger than the target value, 3 is subtracted from the current value of C (S805), the series of processes is terminated, and in step S802, the charging potential and the target value are calculated. The absolute value of the difference is 5
If it is determined that the value is smaller than the above, the series of processing ends here. If it is determined in step S802 that the absolute value of the difference between the charging potential and the target value is smaller than 5, it is determined in step S703 (see FIG. 7) of the adjustment process check processing operation that the adjustment process is completed.

As described above, when the copier 100 needs to perform the adjusting process during the copying operation in the multi-job mode, the adjusting process is performed after the copy of the document bundle being copied is completed. Copying can be performed on the original bundle after the bundle under proper control conditions, and a copy with good image quality can be obtained. Also,
Performing the adjustment process during the copy operation after the copy of the document stack is completed has the effect of suppressing the fluctuation of the image quality state for each document stack and the effect of effectively utilizing the time required for the mode setting.

In the multi-job mode, many documents (bundles) are often copied. Since many original documents (bundles) are copied, the apparatus ( Often leave the copier).
When the operator is away from the apparatus, even if the image quality of the copy deteriorates, it cannot be dealt with, and in the worst case, the copy is made again. However, by performing the adjusting process even during the copying operation, it is possible to prevent such a phenomenon from occurring, and it is possible to improve the working efficiency of the operator in practice and to reduce the waste of the recording paper. It is possible to improve the property.

In the first embodiment, the adjusting process is performed every predetermined period of time, but the adjusting process may be performed based on the total number of copies after the adjusting process. Further, the potential sensor 216 may always detect the charging potential of the photoconductor 112, and it may be determined whether or not to perform the adjusting step based on the charging potential of the photoconductor 112 detected by the potential sensor 216. When it is determined that the adjustment step is performed, the copying operation may be immediately interrupted and the adjustment step may be performed.

If it is determined that the adjustment process is performed during the copy operation, the copy operation may be interrupted to perform the adjustment process regardless of the multi-job mode. In the multi-job mode, the copy operation is immediately performed. You may make it interrupt and perform an adjustment process. Further, the control condition changed in the adjusting step is the charging condition in the first embodiment, but in addition to the charging condition, the toner replenishment amount, the exposure amount, the developing bias may be used, or these conditions may be combined.

[Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 1, when it is determined that the adjusting step is performed during the copying operation, the adjusting step is performed after the copy of the original bundle being currently copied is completed, but the adjusting step is performed during the copying operation. When the process is carried out, the time required to complete the copy becomes longer accordingly. Therefore, especially when the operator is waiting for the end of copying without leaving the copying machine 100, the waiting time of the operator increases. Example 2
Is to perform control in consideration of this point.
Only the parts that differ from are explained. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the copy operation check processing operation according to the second embodiment.

First, it is determined whether or not the copy flag is ON (S901), and if it is determined that the copy flag is not ON, then it is determined whether or not the start key is ON (S9).
02). If it is determined that the start key is turned on, the copy mode of the original bundle to be copied first is set (S
903), the copy flag is turned on (S904), the series of processes is terminated, and conversely, when it is determined that the start key is not turned on, the stoppage adjustment process check is performed (S9).
05), a series of processing ends.

If it is determined in step S901 that the copy flag is ON, it is then determined whether or not the originals of the original bundle currently being copied are left on the original table 107 (S9).
06), if it is determined that the originals are exhausted, it is then determined whether the adjustment process flag is ON (S907), and if it is determined that the adjustment process flag is ON, a series of processes ends here.
If it is determined in step S906 that the document is not lost, the copy operation is continued (S90
8), a series of processing ends.

If it is determined in step S907 that the adjustment process flag is not ON, then it is determined whether the adjustment process time flag is ON (S909). If it is determined that the adjustment process time flag is ON, then the adjustment process time is determined. Flag is ON
Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the original bundle counter for counting the number of original bundles copied is larger than a predetermined value CT1 (S910). When it is determined that the value of the document stack counter is larger than the predetermined value CT1, the adjustment process flag is turned on (S9
11), the adjustment process time flag is turned off (S912),
The document stack counter is cleared (S913), and a series of processing is ended.

If it is determined in step S910 that the value of the original bundle counter is not larger than the predetermined value CT1, the original bundle counter is counted up (S914), and there is the next original bundle to be copied in the multi-job mode. It is determined whether or not (S915). If it is determined that the next original bundle exists, the copy mode corresponding to this original bundle is set (S916), and the series of processes is ended. Conversely, if it is determined that the next original bundle does not exist, the copy flag is turned off. (S917), a series of processing ends. If it is determined in step S909 that the adjustment process time flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S915 and the subsequent processes are continued.

As described above, in the second embodiment, when it is determined that the adjustment process is to be performed, the adjustment process is performed after the copy of the document bundle having the predetermined value CT1 is completed from the determination time. Therefore, when the number of remaining document bundles is smaller than the predetermined value CT1 at the time when the adjustment process is determined to be performed, the adjustment process is performed after the copying of all document bundles is completed. Therefore, as compared with the first embodiment, if the number of remaining document bundles at the time when it is determined that the adjustment process needs to be performed is smaller than the predetermined value CT1, the copy end time is shortened, that is, the waiting time of the operator. Can be shortened, and copy work can be performed quickly.

In the second embodiment, when it is determined that the adjustment process is to be performed, the adjustment process is performed after the copy of the document bundle having the predetermined value CT1 is completed from the time when the adjustment process is performed. When the judgment is made, the adjusting step may be carried out after the predetermined number of copies is finished from the judgment, and the adjusting step is carried out when either one of the conditions is satisfied by combining the number of original bundles and the number of copies. You can

[Third Embodiment] The third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment (and 2) in that the adjusting process is performed during the copying operation, but the adjusting process is further performed based on the detection signal from the sensor unit 217. It is determined whether or not to perform, and the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. The sensor unit 217 is
An object in the vicinity of the copying machine 100 is detected. As a specific configuration, as shown in FIG. 10, an ultrasonic sensor 1001, a pulse oscillator 1002 for driving the ultrasonic sensor 1001, an amplifier 1003 for amplifying a detection signal of the ultrasonic sensor 1001, and an amplifier 1003 for amplification. Detector 1004 that detects the detected signal and a predetermined pulse from pulse oscillator 1002, and detector 1
A comparator 1005 that shapes the signal output from 004 into a rectangular wave, and a flip-flop 1006 that further shapes and outputs the signal output from the comparator 1005.
Composed of and.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. The ultrasonic sensor 1001 generates ultrasonic waves by the pulse output from the pulse oscillator 1002 and receives the ultrasonic waves reflected by the object. Ultrasonic sensor 1001 output by receiving ultrasonic waves reflected by an object
The detection signal of 1 is amplified by the amplifier 1003, detected by the detector 1004, and shaped into a rectangular wave by the comparator 1005. The detection signal shaped into a rectangular wave by the comparator 1005 is a flip-flop 1006.
Is further shaped by and is output as a detection signal of the sensor unit 217.

This sensor unit 217 is used in the copying machine 10
The sensor unit 21 is for detecting an object in the vicinity of 0, that is, an operator. When the operator (object) is detected, "L" is detected. When the operator (object) is not detected, "H" is detected by the sensor unit 21.
7 is output to the I / O 212. Therefore, based on the detection signal of the sensor unit 217, it can be determined whether or not the operator is away from the copying machine 100.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the human body detection check processing operation for executing the adjustment process based on the detection signal of the sensor unit 217. In this human body detection check processing, first, it is determined whether the output (detection signal) of the sensor unit 217 is "H", that is, whether the operator is not near the copying machine 100 (S1101), and the operator When it is determined that the operator is not in the vicinity of the copying machine 100, the adjustment process is performed (S1102), the series of processes is terminated, and conversely, it is determined that the operator is in the vicinity of the copying machine 100, that is, the output of the sensor unit 217 ( When it is determined that the detection signal) is "L", a series of processing is ended here.

Here, the process of step S1102 is the same as the process shown in FIG. 8, and this human body detection check process is performed as a subroutine process of step S702 in FIG. The other control operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, when the sensor unit 217 detects the operator (when the output is “L”), the adjustment process is performed even if the adjustment process flag is turned on. When the copy operation is continued without being performed and the output of the sensor unit 217 becomes “H”,
At the time when the output becomes "H", the adjustment process is performed after the copying of the original bundle being copied is completed.

As described above, in the third embodiment, when the operator is in the vicinity of the copying machine 100, the adjustment process is not performed. Therefore, by performing the adjustment process, the waiting time for the copying of the operator is not lengthened. ， Copy work can be done quickly and work efficiency can be improved. Further, even when the copying machine 100 is not used, the apparatus is always ready for use without any adjustment process, so that the copying operation can be carried out quickly, and the usage efficiency of the apparatus can be improved. effective. In addition, these means that it is possible to avoid making the operator (or a person in the vicinity of the device) feel uncomfortable due to noise generated during the adjustment process.

In the third embodiment, the sensor unit 21
Although the execution of the adjustment process is prohibited by the detection signal of No. 7, for example, when the key operation is not performed for a predetermined period, the detection signal of this sensor unit 217 causes the apparatus (copier) to be in the standby state ( The display may be turned off on the operation panel 214 or the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 123 may be lowered to shift to the power-saving state).

In the first to third embodiments, the adjustment process is automatically performed during the copying operation.
The operator may be allowed to select whether or not to perform the adjustment process during the copy operation.

[0068]

As described above, according to the present invention, the automatic document conveying means for automatically conveying the original placed on the original table onto the contact glass and the automatic original conveying means for placing the original on the original table. Copying apparatus having a multi-job mode function for copying a set of plural document bundles according to set copying conditions, and an adjusting function for adjusting a control condition in image formation by executing a predetermined adjusting process In, in accordance with the preset conditions during the copying operation,
Since the control means for determining whether to execute the adjustment process and executing the adjustment process by the adjustment function during the copying operation is provided, the image quality is always maintained by performing the adjustment process at an appropriate time regardless of the copying operation. It can be kept in good condition.

As described above, according to the present invention, in the copying apparatus having the adjusting function of adjusting the control condition in the image formation by executing the predetermined adjusting process,
Object detection means for detecting an object located near the device,
Since the control means for executing the adjusting step by the adjusting function based on the detection result of the object detecting means is provided, the work efficiency of the operator can be improved by performing the adjusting step at an appropriate time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrical system of the copying machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a partitioning mechanism for a stack of documents and its operation in a multi-job mode.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a time interrupt processing operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a copy operation check processing operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a stop adjustment process check processing operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an adjustment process check processing operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an adjusting process operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a copy operation check processing operation according to the second embodiment.

10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the sensor unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a human body detection check processing operation according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 ADF 107 Document Plate 114 Charging Charger 206 CPU 207 ROM 208 RAM 210 Timer 213 Interface Unit 215 High Voltage Power Supply 216 Potential Sensor 217 Sensor Unit 1001 Ultrasonic Sensor 1002 Pulse Oscillator 1003 Amplifier 1004 Detector 1005 Comparator 1006 Flip Flop

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An automatic document feeding means for automatically feeding a document placed on a document table onto a contact glass, and a plurality of document bundles placed on the document table of the automatic document feeding means. In a copying apparatus having a multi-job mode function for performing copying according to each set copying condition, and an adjusting function for adjusting a control condition in image formation by executing a predetermined adjusting process, presetting is performed during a copying operation. A copying apparatus comprising: a control unit that determines whether or not to execute the adjusting step based on the conditions set and executes the adjusting step during the copying operation by the adjusting function. 2. When the control means determines to execute the adjusting step during the copying operation in the multi-job mode, after the copying of the document bundle being executed at that time is completed, or the copying is being executed at that time. 2. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting process is executed by the adjusting function after the copying of the original bundle and a predetermined number of original bundles following the original bundle is completed. 3. By performing a predetermined adjustment step,
In a copying machine having an adjusting function for adjusting control conditions in image formation, an object detecting means for detecting an object located in the vicinity of the apparatus, and the adjusting step for performing the adjusting step based on the detection result of the object detecting means. A copying apparatus comprising: a control unit that executes the copying apparatus. 4. The copying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit does not execute the adjusting step when an object is detected by the object detection unit.