JPH07199741A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To execute a copying action on the different kind of paper from a text document by automatically discriminating the cover document and/or the interleave document and to easily produce an impressive copy by combining a cover/interleaved mode and a 2-in-mode as for a copying machine. CONSTITUTION:On the document placing tray of an automatic document feeder, the cover document of the length size of A4, the interleave document and the back cover document(specified document) are set together with the text document of the width size of A4. The size of the respective documents is detected just after they are fed by turning on or off a sensor SE3. When the specified document is fed, it is copied on the specified paper by unmagnification(X1.000) by a copying machine main body. When the text document is fed, two sheets of text documents are copied on one plain paper in the 2-in-1 mode by reduction(x 0.707).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus for forming a document image on a sheet by electrophotography.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electrophotographic copying machine, an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as an ADF) has been widely used in order to handle the document easily and to increase the copy speed. Further, various operation modes have been developed and put to practical use. For example, there are specific paper modes (front cover mode and slip sheet mode). In cover mode, the first sheet of a group of originals is used as the cover original (the last sheet may be the back cover original), and when copying the cover original, a different type of paper from the original is fed. It means the mode to do. The interleaf sheet mode is a mode in which some of the originals in the group of originals are designated as interleaved originals, and when copying the interleaved originals, a different kind of paper from the other originals is fed. In the cover / insert mode, the copy process may not be performed on the supplied cover or insert.

By the way, in the conventional interleaving paper mode,
To specify the slip-sheet insertion position when using the ADF,
On the operation panel of the copier, the operator selects the "xth sheet of original"
I was typing. However, this is cumbersome to set and there is a risk of setting mistakes.

On the other hand, there is a 2-in-1 mode as an operation mode using the ADF. The 2-in-1 mode is a mode in which two originals are arranged side by side on a platen glass and an image is formed on one sheet. For example, A4 landscape size (short side is set parallel to the transport direction) Two originals are placed side by side on the platen glass, and A4 portrait size (long side is set parallel to the transport direction). 0 sheets of paper.
Copy at a magnification of 707 times. The 2-in-1 mode is extremely economical because the number of copies can be halved. Incidentally, an operation mode for forming one copy on one original is called a one-to-one mode.

However, when the above-described specific paper mode and the 2-in-1 mode are combined and copied, the number of cover originals is usually one, but two cover originals are prepared because it is necessary to correspond to the 2-in-1 mode. It has to be inconvenient. Further, in the 2-in-1 mode, reduction copying is performed, which makes it difficult to see as a cover. Therefore, the operator is forced to separate the cover original and the body original, copy the body original in the 2-in-1 mode, and copy the cover original in the one-to-one mode, which is inconvenient.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of automatically identifying a cover original and / or an interleaf original and executing a specific paper mode. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can easily create a good-looking copy by combining the specific paper mode and the 2-in-1 mode.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention has an image forming means for forming an original image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method; a plurality of sheet feeding ports, and is selected in advance. Paper feeding means for feeding the sheets one by one from the paper feeding port to the image forming means; automatic document feeding means for feeding a group of originals to a predetermined position on the platen in sequence; until the originals are fed to the predetermined position Detecting means for detecting the size of the original; original specifying means for specifying the original as a specific original when the detecting means detects an original of a specific size; and for the original specified by the original specifying means Includes a paper feed control means for controlling the paper to be fed out from a paper feed port different from the non-specific original.

According to the present invention described above, the size of the specific original (the interleaf original or the cover original) is made different from that of the non-specific original (text original) (for example, if the non-specific original is A4 horizontal size, the specific original is specified). If the original document is conveyed by an automatic document feeder, the original document size is automatically detected by the detecting means, and if the original document is a specific original document, the original document size is different from that of the non-specific original document. Paper or cover is fed. Therefore, the operator does not need to input the slip-sheet insertion position on the operation panel one by one, and the trouble of setting and setting error can be eliminated.

Further, the image forming apparatus is provided with a count unit for inputting the number of originals in a group and for counting the number of originals conveyed, and the original specifying unit detects an original of a specific size. It is preferable that the original is designated as a cover original, a back cover original, or an interleaf original by the counting means. In this case, if the first original is a specific size, the original is designated as a cover original, and if the final original is a specific size, the original is designated as a back cover original. If the originals other than the first or last originals have a specific size, the originals are designated as interleaf originals.

Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: the image forming means; the paper feeding means; the automatic document feeding means; the original specifying means for specifying a specific original in a group of originals; two sheets. Side-by-side with the
A 2-in-1 mode in which an image is formed on a sheet of paper; a specific paper mode in which the original specified by the original specifying unit is fed from a paper feed port different from the non-specific original; 2
When operating in combination with the IN 1 mode and the specific paper mode, the control unit controls so as to form an image in the 2 IN 1 mode only on a non-specific document.

There are various modes of the document specifying means,
As described above, it is preferable to specify the document based on the document size. Further, the specific original is a cover original, a back cover original, or an interleaf original.

According to the present invention described above, an image is formed (or need not be formed) on a specific paper fed from a preselected paper feed port only for a specific original, and only a non-specific original is printed in two. An image is formed in one mode. Therefore, the operator does not have to distinguish the text original and the cover original or the interleaf original, and just set them as they are in the automatic document feeder, and the usability is improved. In addition, if an image is formed on the specific original document at the same size, it is possible to create a good-looking copy without the size of the front cover being reduced as in the 2-in-1 mode.

[0013]

Embodiments of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. (Structure and Operation of Copying Machine) As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine has an image forming section 1 in the middle section of the main body, an exposure optical system 20 in the upper section, and a sheet feeding section 30 in the lower section. An automatic document feeder (ADF) 50 is installed on the upper surface of the main body.

The image forming section 1 is constructed around a photosensitive drum 2 which can be driven to rotate in the direction of an arrow a, and the periphery thereof is surrounded by an eraser lamp 3 of a residual charge, a charging charger 4, and an image end. / Eraser lamp between images 5, developing device 6,
A transfer charger 7, a sheet separation charger 8 and a residual toner cleaner 9 are arranged. The configurations of these image forming elements and the image forming process are well known, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The optical system 20 includes an exposure lamp 21, movable mirrors 22, 23 and 24, an image forming lens 25, and a fixed mirror 2.
6, the lamp 21 and the mirror 22 are integrally formed at a speed of v / m (v: peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 2, m: copy magnification), and the movable mirrors 23 and 24 are integrally formed at v / m. Two
Each of them is movable in the direction of arrow b at a speed of m. The original is set on the platen glass 29 as described below, and the image is displayed on the lamp 21, the mirrors 22, 23,
The movement of 24 in the direction of arrow b exposes the photosensitive drum 2 in a slit shape.

Further, the optical system 20 is provided with switches SW1 and SW2 for detecting the moving position. The switch SW1 is for detecting whether or not the optical system 20 is on standby at the home position, and the switch SW2 is for obtaining a signal serving as a reference for the timing of feeding the paper to the transfer portion.

The paper feed unit 30 has a cassette type paper feed port 3
1 and elevator type paper feed port 33 and refeeding unit 4
0 is set. The copy paper is usually a paper feed roller 3.
The sheets are fed one by one based on the rotation of 2 or 34, and are conveyed to the timing roller 13 through the conveying path 35. The sheet is temporarily stopped here, and is fed to the transfer portion by the timing roller 13 in synchronism with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 2. After the transfer, the transfer belt 14 sends the toner to the fixing device 15 to fix the toner, and the toner is discharged from the discharge roller 16 to the tray 17.

The copying machine further includes a manual paper feed port 11
Is installed. A plurality of sheets of paper are placed on the table of the manual sheet feeding port 11, and the sheets are conveyed one by one to the timing roller 13 based on the rotation of the sheet feeding roller 12. The operator preliminarily selects from which of the paper feed ports 31, 33 and 11 the paper is fed.

The re-feeding unit 40 is for processing double-sided copying or composite copying, and has an intermediate tray 41 having a re-feeding roller 42, a path switching claw 43, and a reversing path 4.
It is composed of 4 etc. Further, in order to convey the sheet to the re-feeding unit 40, a passage switching claw 18 is provided immediately before the discharge roller 16, and a conveying path 19 extending from the switching claw 18 to the re-feeding unit 40 is provided. . When the double-sided copy mode is selected, the single-sided copied sheet is guided to the transport path 19 by the switching claw 18 and is directly stored in the intermediate tray 41 by the switching claw 43 with the image facing upward. When the composite copy mode is selected, the single-sided copied sheet is guided to the reversing path 44 by the switching claw 43, and the image is directed downward to the intermediate tray 4.
It is accommodated in 1. At the time of re-feeding, the sheets are fed one by one from the intermediate tray 41 based on the rotation of the re-feeding roller 42 and conveyed to the timing roller 13.

By the way, the photosensitive drum 2 and the sheet conveying system are rotationally driven by the main motor M1 via various clutches. The developing device 6 is rotationally driven by the developing motor M2. The optical system 20 is a scan motor M3.
Is driven in the direction of the arrow b and in the opposite direction, and the imaging lens 25 is moved to a predetermined position on the optical axis by the lens motor M4 when the copy magnification is changed.

(Structure and Operation of ADF) The ADF 50 is composed of a document feeding section 51 and a document feeding section 55. The paper feed section 51 is provided with a paper feed roller 5 at the front end of the document placing tray 52.
3, the tray 52 is provided with a sensor SE1 for detecting the presence or absence of a document. Paper feed roller 5
A sheet feeding motor M5 is rotationally driven by the sheet feeding motor M5 to feed the originals one by one in a page order from the tray 52 onto the platen glass 29.

The transport section 55 is provided with an endless transport belt 56 which is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow c and a document discharge tray 58. The conveyor belt 56 conveys the original fed from the paper feed section 51 to a predetermined position on the platen glass 29 and stops it. At this time, the original is scanned by the optical system 20, and the image is exposed on the photosensitive drum 2 rotating in the direction of arrow a. After the exposure, the transport belt 56 is driven to rotate again, and the document passes through the discharge passage 57 and the document is transferred to the tray 5.
8 is discharged.

The conveyor belt 56 is rotationally driven by a motor M6. Further, sensors SE2 and SE3 for detecting the fed document are installed in the transport section 55. As shown in FIG. 6, the sensor SE2 is set at a position where documents of all sizes pass, and the length of the document is detected by counting the time between the on and off timings with a timer. The sensor SE3 is set at a position for detecting an A4 horizontal size original without detecting an A4 vertical size original, and detects whether the A4 horizontal size or vertical size is set depending on the on / off state. Further, the conveying section 55 can be opened upward with the back side as a fulcrum, and an operator can manually set the original on the platen glass 29.

(Operation Mode) In this copying machine, it is possible to make a copy in the following operation modes.
Will be described on the premise of using.

One-to-one mode: One original is conveyed by the ADF 50 one by one to a predetermined position on the platen glass 29 and stopped, and an image is formed on one sheet. Paper feed port 31,3
3, 11 are selected in advance by the operator. The copy magnification can also be set arbitrarily. Duplex copy mode / composite copy mode: Description is omitted. 2-in-1 mode: Two originals are juxtaposed at a predetermined position on the platen glass 29 by the ADF 50, and an image is formed on one paper. For A4 size originals, the originals are placed in the tray 52 in the horizontal direction (the short side is parallel to the transport direction).
Set it on the top, and place two on the platen glass 29 side by side.
3 Vertical size manuscript. When copying on A4 portrait size paper, the copy magnification is set to 0.707.

Cover / Slip Sheet Mode: A group of originals having different sizes (detected by the sensor SE3) is designated as the front cover original, and if it is the final original, the back cover original is designated, If it is the middle sheet, specify it as an interleaf original (other than the original), and for the front and back cover originals, feed the front cover from the paper feed port previously selected by the operator to make a copy. To do. An interleaf sheet is fed from a paper feed port previously selected by an operator to copy the interleaf document. In the cover / insert mode, an A4 landscape original is normally used as a body document, and the cover original, the back cover original, and the insert original are set as A4 portrait on the tray 52 of the ADF 50. In addition, a remaining original number counter is built in the control circuit described below. The counter inputs the number of originals by the operator and subtracts each time the original is fed. The front cover document, the back cover document, and the interleaf document of A4 vertical size are not detected by the sensor SE3, and when the sensor SE3 does not turn on during paper feeding, 1
The first manuscript is the cover manuscript, the last manuscript is the back cover manuscript,
If it is neither the first sheet nor the last sheet, it is designated as a slip sheet document.

Here, the operation mode in which the cover / insert mode and the 2-in-1 mode are combined will be described. In this combination mode, as shown in FIG. 6, an A4 horizontal size original document and an A4 vertical size specific original document (front cover original, back cover original, interleaf original) are used, and only the main original is set to 2 in 1 mode. An image is formed on A4 portrait size paper at a magnification of 0.707. If the specific original is a cover original and a back cover original, an image is formed at the same size on the cover fed from the paper feed port in which the cover is accommodated in the one-to-one mode. If it is a slip sheet original, an image is formed at the same size on the slip sheet fed from the sheet feeding port in which the slip sheet is accommodated in the 1: 1 mode.

FIG. 6 exemplifies a copy form when there are 10 originals. Copy the first cover original to the front cover at the same size,
The second to fifth text documents are reduced (0.707 times) in the 2 in 1 mode for the second, third and fourth and fifth sheets.
For the sixth interleaf sheet original, only one copy is made on the interleaf sheet at the same size. The 7th and 8th text originals are reduced and copied in the 2-in-1 mode. The 9th text manuscript is reduced and copied in the 2-in-1 mode with the right half as a margin. Finally, the tenth back cover original is copied to the front cover at the same size.

(In the case of a digital-compatible machine) When the copying machine is a digital-compatible machine, that is, an image reader for optically reading an image of an original is provided, and a laser is read based on the image data read by the image reader. In the case of a model that drives the beam optical system to form an image on the photoconductor,
By combining the image rotation modes when processing the cover / insert mode in the one-to-one mode, the image directions of the copies discharged onto the tray 17 can be aligned. For example, in FIG.
As shown in, the first cover document, the fourth interleaf document, and the sixth back cover document are copied to the vertical size cover and interleaf, and the second, third, and fifth sheets are copied. For the text original of the eye, the read image data is rotated by 90 ° and copied to vertical size paper.

(Structure of Operation Panel) FIG. 2 shows an operation panel 70 installed in the main body of the copying machine. Operation panel 70
The following keys and indicators are provided on the.

Copy start key 71: commands the start of the copy operation. Numeric keypad 72: Inputs numerical values such as the number of copies and the number of originals. Fluorescent display tube 73: Displays a numerical value input by the ten-key pad 72 and the state of the copying machine. Copy magnification setting key 74: Input various preset copy magnifications with one touch. LED 75: Corresponding to each key 74, the input from that is displayed.

Document number input key 76: The number of documents set in the ADF 50 is input. Numeric keypad 7
The number of originals is input on the fluorescent display tube 73 by turning on the key 76 and stored in a counter in the control circuit described below. 2-in-1 mode setting key 77: Inputs selection of 2-in-1 mode. LED 78: Indicates selection of 2-in-1 mode by the key 77. Cover / interleaf mode setting key 79: Displays selection of cover / interleaf mode. LED 80: Displays the selection of the cover / inserted sheet mode by the key 79.

Further, although not shown, on the operation panel 70, a double-sided copy mode setting key, a composite copy mode setting key, a paper size indicator stored in the paper feed ports 31 and 33, and a paper feed port 31. , 33, 11 selection keys and the like are installed. Further, the paper feed port selection key can select a paper feed port for a cover document copy and a paper feed port for an interleaf document copy.

(Control Circuit) FIGS. 3 and 4 show the input / output configuration of the first CPU 100 for controlling the main body of the copying machine. 1st CP
U100 has input expansion ICs 101, 102, 103,
Output expansion ICs 1111, 112, 113 are provided. Various keys, switches, and sensors are connected to the expansion ICs 101, 102, and 103, are connected to the first CPU 100 by a data line 104, and are controlled via a decoder 105. The expansion ICs 111, 112, and 113 are connected to various image forming elements and motors, a paper conveyance system clutch, a display LED, and a fluorescent display tube 73.
It is connected to U100 by a data line 114, and the decoder 1
Controlled via 15. In addition, the fluorescent display tube 7
The LED matrix 117 for displaying 3 and other displays is controlled via the decoder 116. In addition, the first CPU 100 has an R that is backed up by a battery.
It is equipped with AM118.

FIG. 5 shows a second CPU 1 for controlling the ADF 50.
20 shows an input / output configuration of 20. The second CPU 120 receives signals from the sensors SE1, SE2, SE3 for detecting the original, and outputs control signals to the paper feeding motor M5 and the conveyor belt motor M6. Also, the first CPU 100 and the second CPU 1
The necessary signals are alternately communicated with the bus 20 via the bus 130.

(Control procedure) Here, the CPU 100,
A control procedure of the copier body and the ADF 50 by the 120 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

In the following description, on-edge means that switches, sensors, signals, etc. are switched from off-state to on-state, and off-edge means that they are switched from on-state to off-state. . The sensors SE1, SE2, SE3 are turned on when a document is detected.

FIG. 8 shows a main routine of the first CPU 100. When the first CPU 100 is reset and the program starts, first, in step S1, the RAM 1
18 is cleared, various registers and counters are cleared, and initial setting for setting each device to the initial mode is performed. Next, in step S2, an internal timer is started. The internal timer determines the time required for one routine in this main routine, and its value is preset in step S1.

Next, the subroutines of steps S3 to S7 are sequentially called to perform necessary processing. Steps S3 to S
Each of the subroutines 6 will be described below. Succeedingly, in step S8, the end of the internal timer is awaited and the process returns to step S2. The time units of this one routine are used to count the various timers that appear in each subroutine.

FIG. 9 shows the 2-in-1 executed in step S3.
9 shows a subroutine for processing an input from the mode setting key 77. First, in step S11, it is determined whether or not the 2-in-1 mode setting key 77 is on edge. If it is not on edge, the process immediately returns to the main routine, and if it is on edge, it is determined at step S12 whether or not the LED 78 is on. If the LED 78 is on, the LE is performed in step S13.
Turn off D78. That is, the 2-in-1 mode is released, and the 2-in-1 signal is reset to "0" in step S14.
On the other hand, if the LED 78 is off (NO in step S12), the LED 78 is turned on to set the 2-in-1 mode in step S15, and the 2-in-1 signal is set to "1" in step S16.

FIG. 10 shows the cover sheet / which is executed in step S4.
9 shows a subroutine for processing an input from the slip sheet mode setting key 79. First, in step S21, it is determined whether the front cover / inserted paper mode setting key 79 is on edge. If it is not on edge, the process immediately returns to the main routine, and if it is on edge, it is determined in step S22 whether the LED 80 is on. If the LED 80 is on, the LED 80 is turned off in step S23, and the cover / insert mode is released. On the other hand, if the LED 80 is on (N in step S22,
O), the LED 80 is turned on in step S24, and the cover / insert mode is set.

FIG. 11 shows a subroutine for processing the input from the document number input key 76 executed in step S5. First, in step S31, it is determined whether the original number input key 76 is on edge. If it is not on edge, the process immediately returns to the main routine. If it is on-edge, the number of images displayed on the fluorescent display tube 73 at that time is taken into the first CPU 100 as the number of originals in step S32. Here, the displayed number of sheets displayed on the fluorescent display tube 73 is a numerical value entered by the operator using the ten keys 72. Next, in step S33, the number of originals is set to the first
The number of remaining originals is set in the PU 100. Further, in step S34, the display number of the fluorescent display tube 73 is set to "1".

12 to 16 show a subroutine of the copy operation executed in step S6. In this subroutine, each step in FIG. 12, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14 is a preliminary process until the copy operation is started, and the copy operation is processed in each step of FIG. 15 and FIG.

First, in step S41, it is determined whether the copy start key 71 is on edge. If it is on edge, it is determined in step S42 whether or not the original signal is "1". The original signal is set to “1” based on the detection signal of the sensor SE1 when the original is placed on the tray 52 of the ADF 50, reset to “0” when the original is exhausted, and transferred from the second CPU 120 to the first CPU 100. Is coming. If the start key 71 is on edge and the original signal is set to "1" (steps S41, S4)
(YES in 2), which means that the operator has input the start of the copy operation using the ADF 50, and in step S43, it is determined whether the cover / insert mode is selected by turning the LED 80 on and off. . If it is selected, it is confirmed in step S44 that the value of the remaining document number counter is not "0" (N in step S44).
O), the ADF start signal is set to "1" in step S45. If the cover sheet / insert sheet mode is not selected (NO in step S43), the ADF start signal is set to "1" in step S45. That is, in the present embodiment, when the 2-in-1 mode is selected, the operation of the ADF 50 is started unless the number of originals is input.
The DF start signal is not set to "1" and the copy process cannot be executed. This is because in the present embodiment, as described in detail below, the number of originals is counted to control the (back) front cover original and the interleaf original.
However, it is also possible to check the presence or absence of the remaining document on the tray 52 of the ADF 50 to distinguish the (back) cover document and the interleaf document. However, if it is checked whether or not it is the final document based on the signal of the sensor SE1, the switching timing of the paper feed port is delayed, and as a result, the copy speed is reduced. Entering the number of documents in the counter is
It is possible to prevent the copy speed from decreasing.

On the other hand, if the start key 71 is on edge and the original signal is reset to "0" (YES in step S41, NO in step S42), ADF5
This means that the operator has manually input the start of the copy operation with the original placed on the platen glass 29 without using 0. In step S46, the 2-in-1 mode is selected by turning the LED 80 on and off. After confirming that the copy start flag is not set, the copy start flag is set to "1" in step S47.

In step S41, if the start key 71 is not on-edge (after determining once as on-edge,
When returning to step S41 again), the fixed position signal is set to "1" in step S51,
After confirming that the lens weight is not being set in step S52, the process proceeds to step S53. Fixed position signal is ADF
When a document is fed by 50 and set at a predetermined position on the platen glass 29, it is set to "1" (see FIG. 2).
1, refer to step S169), and are transmitted to the first CPU 100. "During lens weight" means that the imaging lens 25 is moving when the copy magnification is changed.

In step S53, it is determined whether the 2-in-1 flag is "1". 2-in-1 flag is ADF50
When an A4 size original (text original) is fed onto the platen glass 29, it is set to "1" (see FIG. 1).
9, refer to step S138), and is transmitted to the first CPU 100. Therefore, if the 2 in 1 flag is set to "1", the copy magnification is 0.70 in step S54.
If it is YES, the copy start flag is set to "1" in step S56. If NO, the copy magnification is set to 0.707 in step S55, and then the copy start flag is set to "1" in step S56.

On the other hand, if the 2-in-1 flag is reset to "0" (NO in step S53), step S5
In step 7, it is determined whether or not the copy magnification is the one designated by the operator. If YES, the copy start flag is set to "1" in step S56. If NO, the copy magnification is set to the designated magnification in step S58, and then the copy start flag is set to "1" in step S56.
When the copy operation is performed in the combination of the 2-in-1 mode and the cover / insert mode, the step S58 is the ADF5.
0, it is processed when a front cover document, a back cover document, or an interleaf document is fed, and the specified magnification is usually the same magnification (×
1.000).

When the above processing is completed, step S61
Then, it is determined whether or not the copy start flag is "1". "0"
If it is set to 1, this subroutine is immediately ended, and if it is set to "1", LE is executed in step S62.
It is determined whether the 2-in-1 mode is selected by turning D80 on and off. If the 2-in-1 mode is selected, it is determined in step S63 whether or not the 2-in-1 flag is "1". If the 2-in-1 flag is set to "1", the text document has been fed (FIG. 19, step). In step S67, a paper feed port that accommodates normal paper (A4 vertical size) is selected as the paper feed port in step S67. If the 2-in-1 flag is reset to "0", it is determined in step S64 whether the cover / insert sheet original flag is "1". For the cover sheet / interleaf document flag, the document fed by the ADF 50 is the sensor S
If the original is not detected in E3, it is set to "1" because the original is a cover / inserted original (FIG. 19, step S1).
35), and is transmitted to the first CPU 100. Therefore, if the front cover / interleaf document flag is reset to "0", it is a body document, and therefore, in step S67, the paper feed port in which normal paper is accommodated is selected as the paper feed port. If the cover sheet / inserted sheet original flag is set to "1", it is determined in step S65 whether or not the remaining original number counter is a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of originals set first, YE.
If it is S, the original fed at that time is the cover original, and therefore, in step S69, the paper feed opening in which the front cover is accommodated is selected as the paper feed opening. If NO in step S65, it is determined in step S66 whether or not the remaining document number counter is "0". If it is not "0", the original fed at that time is an intermediate slip sheet original, and therefore, in step S68, the sheet feed port containing the slip sheet is selected as the sheet feed port. If the number of remaining originals counter is "0", the original fed at that time is the back cover original, and therefore, in step S69, the paper feed opening containing the front cover is selected as the paper feed opening.

Next, steps S70 to S91 (FIG. 15,
The copy operation is processed in (see FIG. 16). First, in step S70, the main motor M1 is turned on, the developing motor M2 is turned on, the chargers 4, 7, and 8 are turned on, the inter-image eraser lamp 5 is turned on, and the sheet feeding roller 3 of the selected sheet feeding port is turned on.
Any one of 2, 34 and 12 is turned on. Next, in step S71, the copy start flag is reset to "0" and the timers A and B are started. The timer A measures the time required for sheet feeding, and when the completion of the timer A is confirmed in step S72, the sheet feeding roller is turned off in step S73. The timer B measures the timing of starting the scan of the optical system 20, and when the end of the timer B is confirmed in step S74, the scan of the optical system 20 is started in step S75, and the inter-image eraser lamp is started in step S76. Turn off 5. The original image is now on the photosensitive drum 2.
It is exposed to the top.

Next, in step S77, it is determined whether the timing signal is an on edge. The timing signal is a signal for synchronizing the image on the photosensitive drum 2 with the sheet, and is turned on at a predetermined timing after the optical system 20 starts scanning and turns on the switch SW2. When the on-edge of the timing signal is confirmed, the timing roller 13 is turned on in step S78, and the timer C is started in step S79. The timer C measures the scan duration of the optical system 20, and the timer C is used in step S81.
When it is confirmed that the end of the above step is completed, the return flag is set to "1" in step S82, the charging charger 4 is turned off and the timing roller 13 is turned off in step S83.

Next, in step S84, after confirming that the return flag is set to "1", it is determined in step S85 whether or not copying is completed. Specifically, here, it is determined whether or not scanning for the set number of copies has been completed, and if not completed, step S89.
The copy start flag is set to "1" and the return flag is reset to "0". If the scan corresponding to the number of copies has been completed, the switch SW is switched in step S86.
It is determined whether the optical system 20 has returned to the home position by turning 1 on and off. If it has returned, the developing motor M2 is turned off and the chargers 7 and 8 are turned off in step S87, the timer D is started in step S88, and the return flag is reset to "0". The timer D measures the end timing of the copy operation, and when the end of the timer D is confirmed in step S90, the main motor M1 is turned off in step S91.

FIG. 17 shows the main routine of the second CPU 120. When the second CPU 120 is reset and the program starts, first, at step S101, R
The AM and various registers are cleared, and the initial setting for setting each device to the initial mode is performed. Next, step S102.
To start the internal timer. The internal timer determines the time required for one routine in this main routine.
The value is set in advance in step S101.

Next, the subroutines of steps S103 and S104 are called to perform necessary processing. Step S1
The 03 subroutine will be described below. Then, in step S105, the process returns to step S102 after waiting for the end of the internal timer. The time units of this one routine are used to count the various timers that appear in each subroutine.

FIG. 18 shows a subroutine for controlling the original document, which is executed in step S103. First, in step S111, it is determined whether or not a document is set on the tray 52 by turning the sensor SE1 on and off.
If it is set, it is determined in step S112 whether the ADF start signal is "1". If it is set to "1" (see step S45 in FIG. 12), step S1
At 15, the paper feed motor M5 is turned on, and the conveyor belt motor M6 is turned on. As a result, the first document starts to be fed from the tray 52. Even if the ADF start signal is reset to "0", if it is determined that the paper feed flag is set to "1" in step S113, step S1
After the paper feed flag is reset to "0" in 14, the document feed is started in step S115. The paper feed flag is used to feed the second and subsequent originals (see FIG. 22,
See step S172).

Next, in step S116, the original is conveyed to a predetermined position on the platen glass 29, and then in step S117.
In step S118, it is determined whether or not scanning for the number of copies by the optical system 20 is completed. If YES, the scanning end flag is set to "1" in step S118. Step S1
When it is confirmed in 19 that the scan end flag is set to "1", the flag is reset to "0" in step S120, and the original is ejected from the platen glass 29 in step S121.

FIG. 19, FIG. 20, and FIG.
11 shows a document feeding subroutine executed in step 116. First, in step S131, it is determined whether the flag A is "0". When the flag A is "0", it indicates that the originals to be fed in the 2-in-1 mode are odd-numbered sheets (initially reset to "0"), and even-numbered originals are fed. At this time, it is set to "1" (FIG. 20, step S14).
5). If the flag A is reset to "0",
When the on-edge of the sensor SE2 is confirmed in step S132, that is, when the leading edge of the document fed from the tray 52 is detected by the sensor SE2, it is determined in step S133 whether or not the sensor SE3 is on-edge. Sensor SE
If 3 is on-edge, the fed original is A4 landscape size (text original in 2-in-1 mode), so the cover / inserted sheet original flag is reset to “0” in step S134. Next, in step S136, it is determined whether the 2-in-1 mode is selected based on the 2-in-1 signal. If the 2-in-1 mode is selected (step S1
If YES in step S36), the remaining document number counter is decremented by "2" in step S137, the 2-in-1 flag is set to "1" in step S138, and the timer E is started. The timer E measures the drive duration of the paper feed motor M5. If the 2-in-1 mode is not selected (NO in step S136), the remaining document number counter is decremented by "1" in step S139, and step S140 is performed.
The flag K is set to "1", the 2-in-1 flag is reset to "0", and the timer E is started.

On the other hand, if the sensor SE3 is not turned on (NO in step S133), the fed original is A4 vertical size ((back) cover original or interleaf original in 2-in-1 mode). In step S135, the cover / sheet insert document flag is set to "1". Then, the above step S
139 and S140 are processed.

Next, in step S141, it is determined whether or not the 2-in-1 flag is "1". If it is set to "1", the off edge of the sensor SE2 is confirmed in step S142, that is, if the trailing edge of the document is detected by the sensor SE2, it is determined in step S143 whether the flag A is "0". To do. If the flag A is reset to "0", the number of originals fed at this time is an odd number, and it is determined in step S144 whether the originals remain in the tray 52 by turning the sensor SE1 on and off. . If the original remains (NO in step S144), the flag A is set to "1" in step S145 to feed the next original, the conveyor belt motor M6 is turned off, and the paper feed motor M5 is turned on. Turn on. If no document remains (YES in step S144), timer F is started in step S146. The timer F measures the time during which the trailing edge of the document is conveyed from the detection point of the sensor SE2 to the exposure start reference position (the end surface of the platen glass 29) by the optical system 20.
If the flag A is set to "1" (step S1
(NO in 43), the original fed at this time is an even number, and the flag A is reset to "0" in step S147, and the timer F is started.

On the other hand, if the 2-in-1 flagger is reset to "0" (NO in step S141, when feeding one original), it is confirmed in step S148 that the flag K is set to "1". In addition, it is determined in step S149 whether the sensor SE2 is off edge. Sensor SE2
Is off edge, that is, when the trailing edge of the fed document is detected by the sensor SE2, the flag K is reset to "0" and the timer F is started in step S150.

Next, when the end of the timer E is confirmed in step S161, the paper feed motor M5 is turned off in step S162. Then, in step S163, the flag A is "1".
If it is set to "1", that is, if the even-numbered original document is fed (see FIG. 20, step S145), the sensor SE2 is determined in step S164.
After confirming the on-edge of, the conveyor belt motor M6 is turned on in step S165, and the timer E is turned on in step S166.
To start.

Next, when it is confirmed in step S167 that the timer F has finished, in step S168 the conveyor belt motor M
6 is turned off, and the fixed position signal is set to "1" in step S169. As for this fixed position signal, the original is platen glass 2
It is displayed that the exposure start reference position on 9 has been set.

FIG. 22 shows a document discharge subroutine executed in step S121. First, step S1
At 71, the presence or absence of a document on the tray 52 is determined by turning the sensor SE1 on and off. If there is a document, step S17 is performed.
At 2, the paper feed flag is set to "1". If there is no document, the conveyor belt motor M6 is turned on in step S173, and the timer G is started in step S174. Timer G
Is for measuring the time until the original is sent from the platen glass 29 to the paper discharge tray 58. When it is confirmed in step S175 that the timer G has ended, the conveyor belt motor M6 is turned off in step S176.

The document discharge (when YES at step S171) when the document remains on the tray 52 is performed by the rotation of the conveyor belt motor M6 for conveying the next document onto the platen glass 29.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electrophotographic copying machine which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel of the copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main body control circuit of the copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main body control circuit of the copying machine,
Continuation of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an ADF control circuit of the copying machine.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a copy mode in the case where a cover / insert mode and a 2-in-1 mode are combined in the copying machine.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a copy mode in a case where a cover / inserted sheet mode and an image rotation mode are combined in a digital compatible machine as another example.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a main body control CPU.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of input processing from a 2-in-1 mode setting key.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of input processing from a cover / insert sheet mode setting key.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of an input process from a document number input key.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a copy operation.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a copy operation subroutine, continued from FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a copy operation subroutine, continued from FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a copy operation subroutine, continued from FIG. 14;

16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a copy operation, a continuation of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the ADF control CPU.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a document control subroutine.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a document feeding subroutine.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a document feeding subroutine, continued from FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a document feeding subroutine, continued from FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for document ejection.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming unit 2 ... Photosensitive drum 20 ... Optical system 29 ... Platen glass 30 ... Paper feeding unit 31, 33, 11 ... Paper feeding port 50 ... ADF 52 ... Document placing tray 53 ... Document feeding roller 56 ... Document Conveyor belt 76 ... Original number input key 77 ... 2-in-1 mode setting key 79 ... Cover / interleaf mode setting key 100, 120 ... CPU SE2, SE3 ... Original detection sensor

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image forming unit for forming an original image on a sheet by electrophotography, and a plurality of sheet feeding ports, and the sheets are sent to the image forming unit one by one from a preselected sheet feeding port. Paper feeding means, automatic document conveying means for sequentially conveying a group of originals to a predetermined position on the platen, detecting means for detecting the size of the originals until the originals are conveyed to the predetermined position, and the detecting means. When a document of a specific size is detected by the document, a document specifying unit for designating the document as a specific document and a sheet for a document specified by the document specifying unit are fed from a paper feed port different from a non-specific document An image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet feeding control unit that controls the above. 2. An image forming means for forming an original image on a sheet by electrophotography and a plurality of sheet feeding ports, and the sheet is sent out to the image forming means one by one from a preselected sheet feeding port. A paper feed unit, an automatic document feeder that sequentially conveys a group of originals to a predetermined position on the platen, a count unit that inputs the number of originals of a group, and a count unit that counts the number of conveyed originals. A detection unit that detects the size of the document before being conveyed to a predetermined position, and when the detection unit detects a document of a specific size, the count unit specifies the document as a cover document or an interleaf document. And a sheet feeding port for the cover sheet original specified by the document specifying section, and a sheet feeding port for the slip sheet original sheet. An image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet feeding control unit that controls the image forming apparatus. 3. An image forming unit for forming an original image on a sheet by electrophotography, and a plurality of sheet feeding ports, and the sheet is sent to the image forming unit one by one from a preselected sheet feeding port. A sheet feeding unit, an automatic document feeding unit that sequentially conveys a group of documents to a predetermined position on the platen, a document specifying unit that specifies a specific document among a group of documents, and two documents to a predetermined position on the platen. A two-in-one mode in which images are formed on one sheet by juxtaposing them, and a specific paper mode in which the original specified by the original specifying unit is fed from a paper feed port different from a non-specific original, When a combination of the 2-in-1 mode and the specific paper mode is operated, a control unit that controls an image to be formed in the 2-in-1 mode only on a non-specific original is provided, and image forming. apparatus. 4. The control means reduces an image in a 2-in-1 mode on a non-specific original to form an image, and forms an image on a specific original at the same size. Three
The image forming apparatus described.