JPH08234508A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent damage of a sheet original, to make an image forming device quiet, and to improve the image forming speed by jointly performing both running- reading and fixing-reading of the sheet original. CONSTITUTION: This device is provided with a carrying path pH3 guiding the sheet original P to a platen glass, a controlling means starting moving the sheet original P standing by at a specified position inside the path pH3 by a signal for starting running-reading scanning at the time of image running-reading, outputting an image leading edge signal at the time when the leading edge of the original P reaches a position H for running-reading leading edge, and starting the running-reading of the original P, and a controlling means keeping a distance between the trailing edge of the leading original and the leading edge of a succeeding original constant at the time of reading the image on the original P and controlling the moving and the stopping of the original when an image is formed by only image running-reading. By this constitution, scanning for both running-reading and the fixing-reading can be performed. Thus, the scanning for the running-reading in the middle of the converting operation of the original P, and the scanning for the running-reading of the succeeding original can be performed in the middle of the changing operation of the original P.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technical field of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer having a sheet material conveying device for conveying and placing a sheet material at a predetermined position such as an image reading unit. It is a thing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An automatic document feeder has a document circulation type (R
DH) and non-circulating (ADF) devices exist, the former RD
In case of H, when the document passes through the exposure unit, the exposure is completed, and the document is discharged above (or below) the document placing unit, and even when plural sets are set, it is possible to sequentially recirculate the document. There is a device that does this.

As described above, the combination of the flow reading mode in which the exposure is completed while the document is moving and the RDH are compared with the fixed reading mode in which the document is temporarily stopped and then the exposure position is moved along the document area. Since the loss time of the exposure device movement time is eliminated, it contributes to the reduction of the document replacement time, which leads to the speed-up technology and high productivity technology of the copying system. On the other hand, there is an advantage that the document can be circulated at a lower moving speed, which leads to a silent technology.

Referring to an example of combination with RDH, there is also a system that enables high speed and high productivity of a copying system by combination with a flash exposure technique. Although detailed description on the flash exposure technique is omitted, compared to the above-described exposure apparatus, it is configured to complete exposure on all surfaces of the original at the same time, and it is necessary to provide a high-output light source and a belt-type photoconductor. In the present situation, the devices using this technology are limited to some large high-speed machines.

In the latter ADF device, the original is fixed at a predetermined position on the platen, and the exposure of the copy is repeated several times by reciprocating the exposure device. After the end, the original is placed on a predetermined discharge tray. By ejecting and sequentially repeating this operation, it is possible to copy multiple copies of a series of originals.As a copying system, by combining with a sorter on the output side, the originals are not repeatedly circulated many times. Therefore, there is an advantage that the document is relatively damaged.

In the presence of the above-mentioned conventional techniques, various proposals have been made in recent years in order to achieve high speed and low noise. As a first example, in a sheet material conveying device, a document on a sheet mounting table is automatically operated by either one of two sheet feeding means provided at both ends of the sheet mounting table depending on conditions such as size and mode of the document. There is a device that selects and feeds the paper, conveys it to the image reading unit of the copying machine body, and forms an image (pending application and not known).

For example, in an original recirculating system, FIG.
As described above, in the original fixed reading mode (paper is fed from the first paper feeding means side), the plurality of sheet originals P stacked on the sheet original placing table 304 are set by the first separating means 306 by one.
The sheets are separated one by one, conveyed by a paper feeding unit 338, and sequentially stacked at arbitrary positions on the platen 303.
The image reading unit 380 (optical system) therein is moved in the a direction to read an image and reload it on the carry-out means 311. In the original flow reading mode (paper is fed from the side of the second paper feeding means), the plurality of sheet originals P stacked on the original tray 304 are separated one by one by the second separating means 314 and fed. It is conveyed by the paper means 315. The optical system 38 is placed at a position at a distance L from the home position of the optical system 380 (shown by a broken line).
0 is fixed, an image is read while the sheet original P conveyed at a constant speed is conveyed by the wide belt 307 on the platen 303, and the sheet original placing table 30 is discharged by the discharging means 311.
Load on top of 4.

When the flow-reading mode is selected, for example, small size originals (A4, B5, LTR, etc.)
Is placed on the document tray 304 by the user, the start key (not shown) of the copying machine main body is turned on, the first entrance sensor 323 is turned on, and the sheet material length detection sensor 368 is turned off. Proceed in mode. First, the document tray 304 moves down to a predetermined position with the 340 as a fulcrum, and the stopper (sheet bundle conveying means) 321 conveys the sheet originals P in a bundle to the second separating means 314 side, and the bundle conveying position detection sensor 328. To the position (the bundle transport position detection sensor 328 is turned on), the sheet is fed from the second feeding unit 315, is fed to the platen 303, and is copied in the original flow reading mode described above, and the sheet is fed. The document is discharged from the discharge roller 311 onto the document tray 304. In addition, the stopper 321 pushes the trailing edge of the sheet document to the second separating portion side every time it is discharged to improve the consistency, and when another circulation is made, all the sheet documents are discharged and then collectively conveyed in a bundle. The paper was re-fed and re-copied.

As a second example, an application for a non-circulating type, that is, a device for performing a flow reading in an ADF device is also filed. In the apparatus of this configuration, when the document is conveyed onto the platen, the exposure device is fixed at a predetermined position on the lower part of the platen to perform the flow reading, and the document is discharged to the discharge tray after completion. If you want to make a copy of
After the end of the non-stop scanning, the original is not ejected as it is, but at the position where the non-stop reading is completed, the original is temporarily stopped, and then,
This is a system of combined flow reading and fixed reading, which enables the exposure apparatus to reciprocate by a predetermined number of sheets and, after the completion, discharges the original document to a discharge tray to create a plurality of copy sheets.

[0010]

However, in the apparatus of the prior art, for example, in the case of the apparatus of the first example, since it is an original recirculation type processing apparatus, a high original exchange speed can be obtained in the flow reading mode. It is suitable for a high productivity system and is also suitable for noise reduction as described above, but if a plurality of copies are to be obtained, the original must be circulated several times for the set number of copies. There is a lot of damage to the original document such as stress on the document when it passes through the separating means of the device, curling of the document when it passes through a bending path, etc., and there is also a high probability of conveyance failure when handling the document, and it has high reliability. The system was difficult to implement.

Also, in the case of the apparatus of the second example, since the document is a system that does not recirculate, there is no problem in terms of damage to the document, but the document replacement time is made faster, and the position of the document and the transfer sheet is increased. Considering the high accuracy of registration (registration), many problems remain.

For example, in the apparatus of the second example shown in FIG. 19, the reading position for flow reading is provided at the position 1002 or 1003. However, for example, when performing small size flow reading, in the 1 to 1 mode. Even if it is possible to secure a predetermined productivity if the paper interval is constant, in the case of 1 to 1, the distance Lx from the image timing sensor 1004 to the flow reading position is long, so that the document replacement time becomes long. .

That is, when the combined mode of flow reading and fixed reading is executed, the wide belt 1005 cannot move while the original is fixedly read by moving the optical system. Since the standby sensor 1004 has to wait on the upstream side,
x becomes large, it takes time to replace the original, and it is not possible to adapt to high productivity. If the distance Lx from the image timing sensor to the flow reading position is shortened in order to improve the productivity, the trailing end of the original is off, ON, etc. of the drive system on the upstream side during the flow scanning (separation, paper feeding). The image is blurred due to the shock of the time), the image reliability is deteriorated, or the large-sized scanning becomes impossible, resulting in an insufficient copying system. The device of FIG. 20 has the same problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus which enables simultaneous reading and fixed reading of a sheet original to prevent original damage, quietness of the apparatus, and high productivity. .

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to achieve the above object by an image forming apparatus having the following configuration.

(1) An image reading unit for reading a sheet original on the platen glass of the image forming apparatus and an automatic document feeder for feeding the sheet original on the platen glass are provided, and the image reading unit is provided at any position. The image scanning means reads the image while the sheet original is fixed and is fed by the automatic document feeder, and scans the image, and moves the image reading means after the sheet original is positioned and fixed at a predetermined position on the platen glass. An image forming apparatus capable of continuously performing fixed reading scanning for reading an image by: (a) a conveyance path for guiding a sheet document to the platen glass; and (b) a predetermined position in the conveyance path at the time of image flow reading. When the sheet document on standby starts to be transferred by the flow reading scanning start signal and the leading edge of the sheet document reaches the flow reading image destination position. And (c) a trailing edge of the preceding document at the time of reading the image of the sheet document when the image is formed only by the image-flow reading. And control means for carrying out transport / stop control while maintaining a constant distance between the leading edge of the following document and
An image forming apparatus comprising:

(2) Conveying means for sequentially conveying a plurality of originals onto the exposure table, exposure means movable along the exposure table for exposing the originals on the exposure table, and exposure by the exposure means The image forming means for forming an image of the formed original on the sheet, and the first copying operation for performing copying by moving the original by the conveying means with the exposing means stopped, and the conveying means An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that performs one of the second copying operations for performing copying by moving the exposure unit while stopped on the document table. When executing the first mode in which the second copying operation is performed after the first copying operation, the conveying means sets the distance between the leading edge of the preceding document and the leading edge of the following document to be the first constant. The distance Conveyed, said control means, said first
When performing the second mode in which only the copying operation is performed, the conveying means conveys the distance between the trailing edge of the preceding document and the leading edge of the following document at a constant second distance. Image forming apparatus.

(3) The control means executes the second mode when the set number of copies is 1, and executes the first mode when the set number of copies is plural. The image forming apparatus described in (2) above.

(4) The control means performs the first copying operation in the first copying operation in the first mode, and sets the number of copies-1 set copying operation is the second copying operation. The image forming apparatus described in (3) above.

(5) The control means sets the exposure position of the exposure means during the first copying operation to the upstream side of the document conveyance from the home position of the exposure means during the second copying operation. The image forming apparatus according to (2) above.

(6) The exposure position of the exposing means during the first copying operation is near the center of the original table, and the home position of the exposing means during the second copying operation is the original position of the original table. The image forming apparatus according to (5) above, which is an end portion on the downstream side.

(7) The image forming apparatus according to (2), wherein the first distance and the second distance are independent of the document size.

(8) The image forming apparatus according to (2), wherein the conveying means is one belt capable of simultaneously conveying a plurality of originals.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With the above structure,
Both fixed reading is possible, and by setting the document leading edge standby position to a predetermined position on the platen and setting the distance from the position to the flow reading image destination position (exposure position) to a predetermined run-up area, It becomes possible to stabilize at the same speed as the flow reading speed (process speed) at the start of flow reading, and it becomes possible to eliminate blurring, image expansion, and image shrinkage due to speed changes during exposure.

Further, even in the mode of combined use of flow reading and fixed reading (hereinafter referred to as "mix mode"), the leading edge of the original can be timed from the position inside the platen to enable the operation of flow reading and fixed reading. By doing so, the space between each document (paper interval) can be reduced.
Timed reading from outside the platen area,
Compared to fixed reading, the document interval is shorter, so it supports high speed,
Silent support is possible.

Further, in the flow-reading fixed reading combined use mode (mix mode), the distance between the flow-reading image destination (reading position) and the standby position of the document to be flow-read is set to a constant speed after the end of the rising acceleration region of the drive system. Immediately after that (actually, after reaching a certain speed, set a certain distance after the natural vibration of the drive system (overshoot, undershoot) has subsided to a level that does not affect the image), and In order to reliably and highly accurately stop at the fixed reading position after the flow reading, the flow reading destination No. 4 is considered in consideration of an arbitrary stop approach distance considering the acceleration of deceleration of the drive system. H in the figure (J) and G in the fixed reading image destination
By setting the distance of, a configuration that enables high-precision registration and high productivity is established.

As described above, in the structure in which the flow reading and the fixed reading are compatible with each other, the distance between the document standby position and the flow reading image destination at the time of the flow reading is the minimum run for stabilizing the flow reading speed of the document. When a non-scan original is transported (scanning) so that it can be set to a distance, the subsequent original is conveyed while ensuring a certain space between the non-scan original and the non-scan original is an image that is fixed on the original by moving the optical system. When the position reaches the position, the following document is scanned and fixed while maintaining the theoretically minimum space between sheets, by the control circuit that enables the operation to stop and position the document at the document standby position during the scanning. It enables continuous scanning of reading and achieves high productivity and low noise.

Further, when the number of copies is 1, the image is formed only by the flow-reading with the shortest sheet interval, so that the higher productivity can be realized.

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an automatic document feeder (hereinafter, abbreviated as RDF in the present embodiment because a circulating RDF is used as an embodiment) provided in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

The basic document flow of the RDF of this embodiment will be described. First, the document group P placed on the processing tray 2 of the RDF 1 is A depending on the setting mode and the document size.
It is divided into a direction side (switchback path) and a B direction side (closed loop path). As an example, in the case of a large size (for example, B4, A3 size, etc.), or in the double-sided copy mode, etc., the sheet is fed from the direction A side (switchback path), and passes through a predetermined path PH1 (explanation omitted), It is positioned at a predetermined position on the platen 105 of the image forming apparatus 100, and is returned from the C direction side (paper discharge path PH2) after the exposure operation by the optical system is completed, and then returned to the processing tray 2 again.

Reference numeral 3 on the processing tray is a recycle lever, which is a partition member for separating the copy-finished document group and the pre-copy document group. When the copy button (not shown) is turned on, the recycle lever 3 is turned on. Placed on top of the manuscript. Since the original is separated and conveyed from the lowermost sheet, the recycle lever 3 placed on the uppermost original at the same time when the copy is turned on, the recycle lever 3 is placed on the original placing surface 2a when all the lower originals are sent to the platen. It is further lowered to confirm that the circulation of the original document for one cycle is completed. Although detailed description of the configuration is omitted, 5, 5'and 5 "are separating and feeding means, 6'is a conveying roller for guiding the original to the platen 2, 6 is a reversing roller, and 16 is a discharging roller. Documents ejected from the platen 101 at
Lead to.

Next, in the small size single-sided copy mode, the paper is fed from the B direction, passed through a predetermined path PH3 (not described), positioned at a predetermined position on the platen 2 of the image forming apparatus 1, and exposed. After the operation is completed, the sheet is returned from the C direction side (sheet discharge path PH2) and then returned onto the processing tray 2.
Similarly, 9 and 9'and 9 "are separate feeding means, 10 is a conveying roller, 11 is a registration roller on the B direction side (closed loop path), and 12 is more advantageous for handling thick paper or the like. In this case, the backup roller is provided in the turn path section, and at this time, the tray 4 descends until it becomes substantially horizontal.
The backup roller 12 is also used as a manual feeding roller. 14 is a turn flapper, usually B
When feeding from the direction side, it is positioned above the platen edge portion 105a and guides the original so that it does not get caught in the platen edge 105a, and when manually feeding in the manual feed mode, one original is fed by the manual feed path. Even when the sheet is fed from the mouth 13, the sheet is positioned above the platen edge portion 105a, and when the sheet is fed and is returned to the E direction again after the copying is completed,
In order to scoop the document from the platen edge portion, the document is retracted below the platen edge portion 101a. Although briefly described above, this configuration is applied to Japanese Patent Application No. 5-2.
It has the same structure as the specification of No. 2158.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the structure of the drive system in the RDF of this embodiment.

First, the conveyor belt 40 on the platen 105.
In the present embodiment, a stepping motor 51 is used as a driving means (means for transferring the original onto the platen). One of the purposes of using the stepping motor is that it has good controllability, that is, good control response of start / stop. Further, in the present embodiment, the conveyor belt 40 is used.
(Backup roller that receives drive from the conveyor belt),
This is because the constant velocity between the registration rollers 11 is required with high accuracy (details will be described later).

Further, the backup roller 12 is driven by the turn roller 8 that is driven by the conveyor belt 40, and the drive force is transmitted so that the conveyor belt 40 and its collecting speed become constant. The registration roller 11 on the closed loop path side is driven by the stepping motor 64. As described above, the purpose of using the stepping motor is to attach importance to the uniform speed with the conveyor belt (to ensure high precision registration). As described above, in the present embodiment, the conveyor belt 40 and the registration roller 11 are driven by the stepping motor, but the PLL control of the DC motor controls the constant velocity in the transfer section, or one drive source and the clutch. The conveyor belt 40 and the registration roller 11 may be simultaneously operated by the same drive source by means of means or the like when the clutch is turned on or off. Further, 65 is a clock disk attached to the drive shaft of the stepping motor 64, and 66 is a clock detection sensor which is a means for detecting a step out of the stepping motor 64.

The separating motor 52 drives the separating / feeding means 5, 5 ', 5 "on the switchback side in forward rotation, and the separating / feeding means 9, 9', 9" on the closed loop side in parallel rotation. Also, it is possible to drive the conveying roller 10 in a closed loop.
The separate motor shaft has a clock disk 53 for speed control,
A clock sensor 54 is provided. Furthermore, when reversing,
The drive from the separation motor 52 makes it possible to selectively actuate and stop the separation feeding means 9, 9 ', 9 "via the clutch 70. Further, the driven roller 10' pressed against the conveyance roller 10 is in contact. A clock disk 67 is mounted on the roller shaft of No. 2, and the document feed speed and amount can be counted by the output of the clock count sensor 68.

Further, a reversing motor 55 is mounted so as to be able to drive the reversing roller as a driving means for the resist and reversing on the switchback side. In this example,
The reversing motor 55 is a DC motor, and by the PLL control,
A constant speed control between the conveyor belt 40 and the reversing roller 6 is possible. Further, a clock disk 56 and a clock detection sensor 57 for enabling PLL control are attached to the reversing motor shaft (note that the reversing motor is a stepping motor and is synchronized with the above-mentioned belt motor (constant speed control). You may let me).

The discharge roller 16 of the switchback path
Is driven by the paper discharge motor 61. A clock disk 62 and a clock sensor 63 are also attached to the paper discharge motor so that the paper can be transferred to and from the reversing roller 6 and the speed of the original can be controlled. Furthermore, the document tray 2
A tray lifting motor 59 is attached as a drive source for enabling lifting and lowering during closed-loop sheet handling.

Further, the contact shutter 4 at the time of setting the original document
1, when the closed loop sheet handling is started, the leading end side of the set document is closed loop separating and feeding means 9, 9 ',
The bundle is transported until it reaches the 9 ″ input port, and the bundle transport drive means at this time and the bundle transport as a drive means for jogging again the originals returned after the closed loop sheet handling to the separating and feeding means side. The motor 60 is a stepping motor in this embodiment.

Further, as described above, the recycle motor 58 is mounted in the tray side regulating plate 4 as a drive source for driving the recycle lever 3 as a partition for the set original and the processed discharged original. .

Next, the solenoid will be described. First, the weight 42 for assisting sheet feeding on the switchback side.
A weight solenoid 71 is mounted to operate the shutter 41, a shutter solenoid 72 is mounted to drive the shutter 41 so that the shutter 41 is rotated and retracted at the time of sheet feeding, and when the switchback is reversed, the sheet is discharged and double-sided. For rotating the reversal flapper 15 for switching reversal for
A reverse flapper solenoid 73 is attached. Also, on the closed loop side, the partition rotation solenoid 74 and the pressurizing solenoid 75 rotate together with the closed loop weight shaft in order to operate the closed loop weight for partitioning the sheet feeding assistance and the closed loop mode. Installed on. Further, the closed-loop pass flapper 14 that switches the position with respect to the platen 105 at the time of carrying in and discharging the sheet during manual feeding is rotated. The solenoid 76 is also attached so that the flapper 14 shaft can rotate.

Next, the in-pass sheet sensor and the image reading position will be described. First, to simplify the explanation from the switchback side, an empty sensor 30 that detects that a document has been set on the tray 2, a separation sensor 31 that detects that the document has been separated, the registration of the document, and the timing of skewing It is provided with a switchback registration sensor 32 for shifting, a reversing sensor 33 for detecting that the original is returned from the platen by switchback, and a paper discharge sensor 39 for detecting discharge of the sheet. The detailed function of each sensor is described in the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 5-22158, and will be omitted.

Next, the path sensor on the closed loop side will be described. First, the empty sensor 31 is shared. A document set sensor 34 is provided for detecting whether the set document is half size (A4, LTR, B5) or longer depending on the presence or absence of the trailing edge of the document when setting the document. In the case of the half size (that is, when the empty sensor 30 is ON and the document setting sensor 34 is OFF), it is determined that the document is a half size document and the paper is fed from the closed loop side (actually, the empty sensor 30, the document setting sensor 34, And document width detection (not shown) are also performed at the same time, and in the present embodiment, A4, LTR, and B5 are determined).

In the original set sensor 34, the tray 2 is lowered during closed loop paper feeding, and the shutter 41 is moved in the F direction (FIG. 1) so that the leading end of the set originals bundled (closed loop paper feed side end). Is detected, the movement of the shutter 41 is stopped at the point where the leading edge of the document has moved to a position suitable for separation (moves a predetermined amount of clock from the leading edge detection). Therefore, it serves as a sensor for detecting the leading edge of the original bundle. 35
Is a closed-loop separation sensor, 36 is a closed-loop registration sensor, a closed-loop registration sensor that performs skew feeding timing, 37 is an image sensor that determines the positioning of the original on the platen, and 38 is a manual feed set and paper ejection sensor. .

Next, when the original is fixed and the optical system is moved, the home position of the exposure start of the optical system at the time of scanning is the G first image destination (fixed image destination), and is moved to the right by a distance L. The position of the second image destination (following reading image destination) H indicates the scanning point at the time of the following reading in which the optical system is fixed and the document is read while being transported.

Next, an outline of the image forming apparatus main body 100 to which the above RDF is attached will be described with reference to FIG.

The configuration of the optical system is well known, and the third mirror 101, the second mirror 102, the first mirror 103, the document illumination lamp 104, the zoom lens 106, and the fourth mirror 111 are used for document information on the platen 105. Can be transmitted to the photosensitive drum 107. The optical system is configured such that the original is fixed at a fixed position and the exposure unit 133 reciprocates on the platen so that an image can be read, and the exposure unit is fixed at the fixed position when the original moves. (Locking means will be described later), and the image is read and can be read both ways.

Next, 108 is a drum cleaner, 109 is a pre-exposure lamp, 110 is a primary charger, 112 is a blank exposure lamp, 113 is a potential sensor, 114 is a toner hopper, 115 is a developing device, and 116 is a multi-feeder. , 11
7 is a side tray, 118 is a roller electrode, 119 is a pre-transfer charger, 120 is a registration roller, 121 is a re-feeding unit (both sides), 122 is a transfer / separation charger, 123 is an upper front tray, and 124 is a lower front. Tray, 125 is a transport unit, 126 is an intermediate tray, 127 is a second transport unit, 1
28 is a fixing device, 129 is a waste toner collecting container, 130 is a paper discharge unit, and 200 is a copy sheet output side device (sorter). Since the process related description of the image forming apparatus is well known, the description thereof will be omitted.

In order to explain the flow of sheets in this embodiment, the paper feed roller 132, the registration sensor 131, and the registration roller 120 are taken as an example of the paper feed configuration of the image forming apparatus.
Will be used for future explanations.

Since the present embodiment is configured to perform the flow-reading, the timings of feeding, registering, transferring and separating the main body of the copying machine and the flow of the original document of the original processing apparatus, especially the original handling up to the image reading position. In, the synchronism with each process of the main body of the copying machine is important. Before explaining the synchronization with the main body of the copying machine in this embodiment, the flow of the sheet material peculiar to the document processing apparatus will be described.

In the document processing apparatus of this embodiment, the switchback path for feeding in the direction A as shown in FIG. 1 has the same structure as in Japanese Patent Application No. 4-359306. Is omitted. Here, a description of the flow of the sheet material in the mix mode (hereinafter referred to as the mix mode) in which the flow reading and the fixed reading are used together by feeding from the B direction side will be described with reference to FIGS. It is carried out using.

First, in FIG. 4A, the document P is placed on the tray.
Shows the state where is set. In the state (a), when the empty sensor 30 detects a document and the document setting sensor 34 is OFF, that is, when the length of the document is within a predetermined storage space, copying from the copying machine main body in a predetermined mode is performed. When the start signal is issued and it is the information designating the mix mode, the tray 2 moves downward in the I direction around the swing fulcrum 101 to the lower position 2 '.
When the lowering operation is completed, the document contact member shutter 41 transports the document group P in the J direction in a bundle. The amount of bundle transfer by the shutter 41 is stopped depending on the position where the leading edge of the document group P has passed the document set sensor 34 and advanced by a predetermined amount (a transfer amount sufficient for the documents to be separated well by the separating / feeding unit 9). Then, the document P _n is fed out from the lowermost part of the document group P (FIG. 4C, FIG.
(D)).

FIG. 4D shows a state in which the original P _n has hit the registration roller 11. Each of the originals has a well-known skewed configuration in the registration roller 11 section (a registration loop is formed between the front end of the original and the conveying roller 10, 10 ′ by aligning the front end of the original with a stopped roller nip portion, and the original is separated and conveyed. Then, after a predetermined time, the registration roller 11 starts rotating, and the document P _n is started to be conveyed.

FIG. 5E shows the position where the trailing edge of the original has passed through the separation sensor 35, and in this state, the separation and feeding of the next original P _n-1 is started. Returning to the previous step, in the state of FIG. 4D, after the registration loop,
Although the registration roller 11 and the conveying rollers 10 and 10 'have different drive sources, a clock disk is provided on the axis of the driven roller 10' of the conveying roller 10 as described above. Original P _n
The conveyance speed of the registration roller 11 is recognizable, and the registration roller 11 rotates based on the output of the clock sensor so that the peripheral speed is synchronized with the conveyance speed of the document P _n (that is, the registration roller is driven by the clock signal). The control circuit is configured to synchronously rotate the rotation speed of the stepping motor 64).

As will be described in detail later, just before the leading edge of the original P _n is nipped by the backup roller 12 which can be rotated by the driving of the wide belt 40, the conveyance rollers 10, 10 ′ and the registration roller 11 are just described. From the constant speed control (conveyance ← → cash register constant speed control), a clock for driving the wide belt, that is, a synchronous control of the stepping motor 51 for driving the wide belt 40 and the registration driving stepping motor 64 is applied (clock of the stepping motor 51). (Synchronization control of the registration stepping motor 64) according to (1), the peripheral speeds of the wide belt 40, the backup roller 12, and the registration roller 11 are controlled to be constant speed, and the control is switched to belt ← → registration, constant speed control.

In the state immediately after the constant speed control is switched, the trailing edge of the original is nipped by the transport rollers 10 and 10 'in FIG. 5 (h). 1 includes a one-way clutch that allows the conveyance roller (not shown) to freely rotate in the feeding direction. Even if the peripheral speed of the registration roller is faster than the peripheral speed of the conveyance roller, the registration roller 11 rotates the document to the peripheral speed of the registration roller. It can be pulled out with. 5E shows the state in which the trailing edge P _n ′ of the document is removed from the conveying rollers 10 and 10 ′ by the above (belt ← → registration constant velocity control).

In order to make the apparatus compact in this embodiment, when the drive system is started up by the belt ← → registration constant velocity control as shown in FIG. 5E, the trailing edge P _n ′ of the original P _n is ,
Although the paper path length is configured to be nipped by the transport rollers 10 and 10 ', the trailing edge _Pn ' of the original document _Pn when the drive system is started up by the belt ← → registration constant velocity control, By setting the paper path length so that the transport rollers 10, 10 'are removed,
It is also possible to discontinue the not-shown one-way clutch on the side (see FIG. 11).

In FIG. 11, the length 1p in the feeding direction of the maximum scannable size original Ps may be reduced by a predetermined amount with respect to the distance 1 s between the conveying roller pair 10S and the turn roller pair 12S.

Then, in the state of FIG. 5F, the wide belt 40, the backup roller 12, and the registration roller 11 are controlled at a constant speed by the constant speed control of the belt ← → the register, and the original P _n is placed on the platen 105. Indicates the state of entry. At this time, the next original P _n-1 is the pair of conveying rollers 10, 10.
'And its leading end passes the tip P _n-1 of P _n-1' is, P
_n to the rear end P _n 'of, at a conveying speed that will not catch up, and is continuously conveyed. In addition, the original P _n-1 has the conveyance rollers 10 and ₁ driven by the separation motor 52 in FIG.
In the back end P _n-1 in the middle is conveyed P _n-1 "does not pass through the nip point of separation feeding means 9, 9 'at 0', disconnect clutch 70 (FIG. 2) is OFF, the transport Rollers 10,1
0'continues to rotate, but separates and feeds feeding means 9, 9 ',
9 ″ is stopped, and thereafter, the original P _n−1 is pulled out from the separating and feeding means 9 by the transport rollers 10 and 10 ′.

In order to obtain a good separating function and reduce the load at the time of pulling out, the feed roller 9 and the auxiliary transportation roller (half-moon roller 9 ") are allowed to rotate freely in the feeding direction. the one-way clutch is incorporated. FIG. 5 (g) is P _n, P _n-1
Shows a state in which is further conveyed. Furthermore, for P _{n-1
As with n} , the registration roller 11 causes a registration loop,
A state in which skew correction is about to be performed is shown.

In FIG. 5 (h), the leading edge of P _n is a predetermined distance l from the flow-reading image destination (second image destination) H.
₁ Indicates a state where the robot is temporarily stopped at a position away from it. This time,
The wide belt 4 that performs the flow reading exposure scanning at the rear end of the document P _n
In order not to be affected by a drive source other than 0 drive, it is not nipped by the upstream conveying roller pair,
The brake or the like at the time of the de-drive system is released (in the embodiment example of the main body, it is described as instantaneous stop, but it does not have to be stopped). At this time, P _n-1 is in a state where the predetermined amount of advance (Δ1) from the nip portion of the registration roller 11 is completed immediately by the conveyance → registration constant velocity control. This time between P _n of the rear end and P _n-1 of the front end of the paper is separated _{l (n, n-1)} .

[0062] end position of the further P _n is a state in which the image tip sensor 37 is the tip of the P _n feeding of predetermined clocks from the time that has passed is made, the control circuit (not shown), the distance of the l ₁ Is always recognized. In the state of FIG. 5 (h), P _n is started to be conveyed by an image permission signal (standby signal) from the main body of the copying machine and a predetermined run-up section l
_{After s} (l _s <l ₁ ), the process speed becomes equal to the process speed of the copying machine body (when copying at the same size). In the case of variable-magnification copying, a relative speed difference (original handling speed and transfer material transfer speed difference) is added to the process speed for handling at a predetermined flow-reading speed according to the magnification.

[0063] Then, the P _n determines the tip feed amount of the tip of the P _n by not shown control circuit H (second image tip)
At the time of coincidence with (after the tip of P _n has passed the image sensor 34,
At the end of the total clock until the tip of P _n reaches H),
An image signal is issued from the document processing apparatus, and image formation is started on the photosensitive drum 107 of the copying machine body (FIG. 6 (i)).
At this time, the feeding speed of the original document and the process speed of the main body are synchronized at a constant speed, and the non-stop scanning for reading the image is started while the original document is being fed (the optical system is fixed).

P _n is the time when the trailing end P _n ′ of the point P _n at which the flow reading is completed at a constant speed has passed H (the position at which the trailing edge P _n ′ is also recognized in the control circuit by the wide belt conveyance clock). , When the trailing edge of document P _n has passed H)
Then, an optical system return signal (when the number of copies is two or more) is issued to the copying machine main body control circuit from a control circuit (not shown) in the document processing apparatus, and the optical system exposure unit 133 (FIG. 3) causes the first exposure The movement to the image destination G is started.

FIG. 6J shows a state in which the optical system exposure unit 133 has moved from H to G. When the leading edge of the original P _n reaches the eleventh image destination (fixed reading image destination) after the end of the flow reading, the wide belt drive is stopped, and the original P _n (also for P _n-1 ) is stopped (see FIG. j)). The positions of P _n and P _n-1 at this time are also
It is recognized by a control circuit (not shown) in the document processing apparatus by the wide belt conveyance clock.

Then, in the state of FIG. 6 (j), when the setting mode is a plurality of copies m, the remaining m-1 scanning is performed on the original P.
_With respect to _n , this time is performed by the reciprocating movement (X direction) of the exposure unit 133 of the optical system. Of course, when the setting mode is a part of the original P _n , the optical system exposure unit 133 is fixed at the H position, and a single copy is created by simply scanning the original P _n while it is being transported. The system exposure unit 133 remains fixed at the H position, and the next P
_n-1 , P _n-2 , ... P ₁ may be sequentially read and exposed.

With such a set number of copies, it is possible to continuously perform the flow-reading and fixed-reading scanning of the original, so that the copy paper output side, for example,
If the number of copies is set to the capacity of the sorter or the like (specifically, the number of bins of the sorter), the document bundle P _n finishes scanning for the number of copies during the feeding and placing operation of one circulating document. That is, in the conventional flow scanning, the document circulation number of several times is required for setting, whereas in the present embodiment, the flow scanning scanning fixed scanning is used together during the series of document feeding operation. When the number of circulations is once (when the capacity is on the sorter side), not only all the scans are completed, but also one scanning is completed during the document replacement operation. Moreover, the speed may be slower than the scanning speed (the conventional document exchange speed is considerably faster than the scanning speed (1000 to 1300 mm / sec)).

Further, with reference to FIG. 9, a little more explanation will be added regarding the document standby position during the flow scanning.

The original is raised by driving the belt 40 from a standby position which is separated from the original H by a distance of l ₁ on the upstream side. FIG. 10 shows a rising line diagram (time-speed) of the belt drive motor (stepping motor) 51 at that time.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing time on the horizontal axis and speed on the vertical axis. As shown in the figure, the belt drive motor is constant at t ₁ hours after step excitation (to) v ₁ to v _2. Get up to speed. Actually, this v ₂ is the document transfer speed at the time of scan scanning, and coincides with the process speed of the main body of the copying machine at the same size copying. The area S ₁ in FIG. 10 means the traveling distance and corresponds to the distance l _s in FIG. 5 (h). In this embodiment, l ₁ > l _s
(L ₁ is an approach distance at the time of scanning scanning).

This is in consideration of the minimum vibration damping time in which the characteristic pulsation of the drive system of the belt 40 at the time of rising is damped and the image blur does not occur. Distance l
It goes without saying that if ₁ is short, the time required to start the flow reading and reading is shortened, and the productivity of the system is improved. Also, after the end of the scanning scanning, the document is moved from the S position to S ′.
The document is transported to the position and stopped, but the original is scanned and the image ahead H
Of course, the document is transported while maintaining a constant speed, so that the distance required for the document to substantially stop is l ₂ (scanning is performed by moving the optical system at the first image destination). Fixed reading image destination, l ₂ in FIG. 6 (j). Figure 6
L _w in (j) is a substantial deceleration / stop section and corresponds to the area S ₃ in FIG. The reason for l ₂ > l _w is to set a constant speed section of l ₂ −l _w even after the image reading is completed, and allow a margin so that the image will not be affected even if variations due to registration deviation occur. It is also for shortening the time until the stoppage.

After the document is stopped at the position S'in FIG. 9, the scanning is performed by the movement of the optical system in consideration of the allowance for the natural vibration of the belt drive system at the time of the stop. There is.

Although explanations are repeated, in FIG. 5 (h),
The original P _n-1 is conveyed ← → by registering the constant velocity control of the register, and after the end of the predetermined amount of advance of Δ1 from the nip of the registration roller 11 is completed, the original P _n-1 is switched to the constant velocity control of the belt ← → register, and the original P _{n- 1} starts moving from the state of FIG. 5 (h), and P _n-1
The counting of the conveyance cloak of the document P _n-1 is started from the time when the leading edge of the document passes the image sensor 37.

When the original P _n-1 stops at the position shown in FIG. 6 (j), the stop position is dominated by the previous original P _n , but until the original P _n-1 reaches the H position next time. Since the leading edge of the original P _n-1 has passed the image sensor 37 and the distance between the position H and the image sensor has not changed, P _{n-1 in} FIG. The tip is H from the state
Fig. 5 shows the state where the remaining clock until reaching
In the state of (h), if the image front signal is issued from the control circuit of the document processing apparatus and the flow start is started, the registration accuracy of the document can be guaranteed.

The succeeding originals P _n-2 P _n-1 P ₁ are also subjected to the flow reading registration by the same control. The distance l _{1 to} H on the original P _n and the distance l _{2 to} H on P _n-1 are slightly changed due to the variation of the predetermined distance Δ1 by the registration roller described above. As described, the image sensor 37
Since the arrival point of the leading edge of the document is defined by the number of clocks from, the fluctuations of the reading start position H at the time of flow reading and the stop position of the document leading edge at the time of fixed reading are suppressed to a minimum, and stable both in the flow reading and the fixed reading. Tip resist accuracy is guaranteed.

[0076] In FIG. 5 (h), part by skimming from the predetermined number of copies of the number fixed reading minus (stationary original, well-known configuration of an optical system moving) original P _n the exposure is completed for the pair of reversing rollers 7 Is transferred in the direction, and enters the discharging process. The reversing roller pair 7 is driven by PLL control of the reversing motor 55 so that the peripheral speed of the wide belt 40 and the peripheral speed of the reversing roller are controlled at a constant speed. Even when the sheet is conveyed over the reversing rollers, it is possible to convey and deliver the sheet while forming a loop and pulling it to the minimum.

Further, in FIG. 6 (l), the leading end of P _n is nipped by the paper discharge roller 16. Discharge roller 16
Is driven by the paper discharge motor 61, and has a wide belt peripheral speed,
Although the document rotates at a speed faster than the reversing roller peripheral speed, when the document is conveyed over the reversing roller 7 and the discharge roller 16, it is predominantly delivered by the reversing roller 7 having a strong conveying force and the rear end is reversed. When the roller nip point has passed, the sheet is discharged at a peripheral speed according to a speed control system having a good discharge stacking property due to the peripheral speed specific to the discharge roller (FIG. 7 (m)).

[0078] Specifically, when the P _n passes the nip of the reverse roller 7, temporarily faster speed than the peripheral speed of the reversing rollers 7, spread sheet interval between the succeeding document original P _n-1, the P _n When the trailing edge has passed the sheet discharge sensor 39, the speed at which the discharged sheet can be stacked is good, and in the system of this embodiment, the linear velocity is 200 to 40.
It is slowing down to about 0 (mm / sec).

In FIG. 7 (n), the original P _n for which the paper discharge has been completed lands on the existing stacked sheets before processing. In this state, the shutter 41 is driven by the shutter drive stepping motor 60 after a predetermined timing, and the discharged original P _n is jog-aligned in the J direction (FIG. 7 (n)).

The document handling operation described above is repeated, and, for example, the final page P _n of a series of documents P is circulated in a designated manner (when the number of copies exceeds the capacity of the output side of the copy paper, a plurality of circulations are performed. ) Is completed and the sheet is ejected, that is, before the first circulation of the original P is ejected, the partition member 43 is placed on the original stack P (FIG. 7 (o)).
See). The partition member 43 is driven by the solenoid 74 shown in FIG. That is, when the solenoid is turned on, the partition member 43 is placed on the original stack P by the weight of the partition member, and the sheet for which the final circulation scanning is completed is the sheet feeding unit.
Prevents the paper from entering the 9 and 9'sides (the pressing force applied to the document stack by the partitioning member at this time is very light, and positive feeding assist is applied to the paper feed auxiliary roller 9 "and the lowermost sheet. It is about not to do).

The solenoid 75 is operated when the partition member needs to positively apply a pressing force (to assist the feeding) to the document stack P. That is, when the separation of the originals is not detected by the post-separation sensor 35 within the time t determined in the paper feeding sequence, the solenoid 75 is actuated to press the original stack with the partition member 43 at a predetermined load W to feed the originals. The auxiliary roller 9 ″ is given a positive feeding force to the lowermost sheet (just the sheet being separated and fed).

Thus, the two solenoids 74, 75
Thus, the partition member 43 has a mechanism configured so as to have a stepwise pressing force (detailed mechanism is omitted).

FIG. 7 (p) shows a state in which the final original P _{n in the} final circulation is ejected. After P _n is discharged, the tray 2 again rises to the initial state (when the original is set) (FIG. 8 (q)).

Then, the leading edge P _n of the original stack P is set to the tray 2
The shutter 41 moves the bundle in the k direction until it slightly protrudes from the front end 2 _a of the original 2 _a to improve the operability of taking out the original bundle P (FIG. 8 (r)).

The description of the series of sheet flow operations on the document processing apparatus side is completed.

Now, the operation of the main body optical system will be described. In FIG. 22, the optical system device 140 having the optical path of the folding mirror system includes the first mirror 103 and the halogen lamp 14.
1, a first mirror shade 142, a second reflector shade 143, a third reflector shade 144, a first mirror holder 145, and the like, a first mirror stand 146, a second mirror 102, a third mirror 101, and a second mirror stand. The second mirror table 148 including the table 147, the zoom lens 149, and the fourth mirror 111 transmit the original image on the platen glass 105 onto the photosensitive drum. The drive pulley 150 is reciprocally rotated by the drive force of a drive motor (not shown), and the wire 151 wound around the drive pulley 150 by the rotational drive.
Is arranged so that the first mirror base 146 and the second mirror base 148 can be moved below the platen glass 105 at a predetermined speed.

For fixed original reading, the first mirror stand 146
Is a document P fixedly placed on the platen glass 105.
Is scanned at a constant speed in the direction of arrow Z with the first image tip G as the leading edge, and the original P is exposed. When the exposure of the original P is completed, the first mirror base 146 is again inverted in the direction of the arrow Y and returned to the first image destination G again. When the number of copies or the number of copies is plural, the scanning is again performed in the direction of the arrow Z. To start.
When performing the flow-reading mode and the mix mode, in addition to the fixed reading operation described above, it is necessary to stop the first mirror 146 at the second image destination H.

As shown in FIG. 23, the first mirror stand 146 is usually at the home position of the mirror system (position where the exposure section is at X), and when the operation command of the flow reading or the mixed mode is received, the first mirror stand 146 moves downwards from the platen. Move in the direction of arrow Z,
Alternatively, it moves while performing exposure scanning and stops at the second image destination H. After that, the original P having the upper surface of the platen glass 105 transferred at a constant speed by the RDF 1 (not shown) is transferred to the second
Exposure scanning is performed with the image tip H stopped. In this flow-reading mode, the RDF 1 is issued at the registration timing as described above, and the registration roller 120 of the copying apparatus main body moves according to the signal to perform registration of the transfer paper. What is indispensable is that the first mirror stand 146 accurately stops at the second image destination H (FIG. 24).

In order to achieve this, in the present invention, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the first mirror stand 146 and the second mirror stand 1
It has a mechanical lock mechanism 152 for positioning 48. First mirror base 146 and second mirror base 14
A rotary support plate 154 having an engagement pin 153 is arranged coaxially with the drive pulley 150 for moving the drive pulley 8. A solenoid 155 is provided below the rotary support plate 154.
A lock arm 157, which is rotated by the connecting arm 156 in the direction of arrow W ← → V, is provided on the abutment 158, and the normal lock arm 157 is a solenoid O
It is stopped at the position shown in the figure (retracted position) by the FF state and the tension spring 159.

When performing flow reading, the drive pulley 150
Rotates in the direction of arrow T and guides the first mirror stand 146 to the second image tip H, but the first mirror stand 14 is accurately moved to the second image tip H.
16, the predetermined solenoid 155 is displaced in the direction of arrow V as shown in FIG. 16, and when it is turned on, the connecting arm 156 displaces the lock arm 157 to the solid line position (operating position) in the figure. In FIG. 17, the drive pulley 1
By the rotation of the rotary support plate 154 coaxial with 50, the engagement pin 153 advances in the direction of arrow T with respect to the lock arm 157 in the operating position and abuts on both take-up portions Q at the tip of the lock arm 157, Is pushed up in the direction of arrow P.

The engaging portion N of the connecting arm 156 with the lock arm 157 is a long hole, and the lock arm is displaceable in the arrow P direction from the operating position.
53 pushes up the lock arm 157 in the direction of arrow R, then continues to rotate in the direction of arrow T, contacts the wall portion M of the lock arm 157, and stops. Further, after pushing up the lock arm 157 in the direction of arrow R, the lock arm 157 continues to rotate in the direction of arrow T and comes into contact with the wall portion M of the lock arm 157 to stop.

The lock arm 157 has a tension spring 15
9 reaches the solid line position in the figure, engages with the engagement pin 153, stops the drive pulley 150, and stops the first mirror mount 146.
Is stopped at a predetermined position. Further, when the engagement pin 153 engages with the lock arm 157, it is normally controlled so as to enter after being sufficiently decelerated in consideration of the impact at the time of engagement.

When the first mirror stand 146 is separated from the second image destination H for the flow reading and returns to the first image destination G,
As shown in FIG. 6, the engagement pin 153 is connected to the lock arm 157.
The chamfered portion L on the inner circumference of the lock arm is pushed up from the engaged state with and to reverse in the direction of arrow K. After that, the engagement pin 1
When 53 is completely separated from the lock arm 157, the solenoid 155 is already in the OFF state at that time, and the lock arm 157 is returned to the retracted position by the tension spring 159.

Next, the movement of the document, the movement of the optical system, and the movement of the paper feed side when a series of copy operations are performed in the mixed mode will be briefly described.

FIG. 12A shows a state in which a sheet is placed on the tray. Illustrated copy start button of the copying machine main body The sensor 30 is ON (ON), the document size sensor 34 is (OFF), and information in the width direction of the document (FIG. 1).
The width direction detecting means (not shown) is built in by the regulating plate 4 and the member facing the regulating plate 4),
Tray 2 when the non-passing path (Figure 1, B) is selected
Rotates clockwise around the left end of the tray as a fulcrum (FIG. 12 (b)). Then, the trailing edge bundle pressing member pushes the trailing edge of the original bundle P and transfers the bundle to the right side sheet feeding portion 9 (FIG. 13).
(C)).

Optical system, 101, 102, 103, 10
4 and 133 are X1 ₁ at the point where the non-stop reading mode is confirmed.
The movement starts in the direction (FIG. 12 (b)). Then, the exposure unit 133 is stopped and locked in the H direction of the panning reading image destination position (FIG. 13C).

The lowermost sheet P ₁ of the original P is also shown in FIG.
At the time when the position 3 (d) is reached (flow-reading standby position), the sheet P ′ ₁ on the transfer paper side has also started to be fed.
When the sheet reaches the position P ₁ , the RDF side recognizes the number of clocks after the document P ₁ passes through the image-edge sensor 38 as described above, and the standby position arrival signal is sent to the main body side. To send. Upon receiving the signal, the CPU on the main body side transmits an exposure start permission signal (not shown) to the RDF side. Upon receiving this permission signal, the RDF side starts starting the document P ₁ . Then, when the leading edge of the document arrives at the flow-reading image destination position H, an image destination signal is transmitted from the RDF side to the main body side, and image forming exposure is started (FIG. 14 (e)).

At this time, the timing at which the document reaches the image leading edge position is also recognized by the clock from the image leading edge sensor 38 that the leading edge of the document has advanced.

Then, in FIG. 14 (f), the original P
₁ represents a state where the flow reading exposure is performed. Then, from the exposure position 134 of the drum 107 on the main body side to the transfer position 13
5, the relationship between the distance ld up to 5, the distance ld from the registration roller 120 to the transfer portion, and the exposure end distance ld is ld-
The registration roller 120 is turned on at the timing of lp≈lk so that the leading edge of the transfer sheet and the leading edge of the image are aligned (FIG. 14 (f)). When the trailing edge of the document P ₁ passes through the exposure position, the optical system back signal (from RDF) causes
The optical system starts returning in the X ₂ direction (first image destination) (Fig. 1
5 (g)).

At the time when the optical system reaches the home position of the first image destination (home position sensor not shown),
This time, the normal optical system moves (the document P ₁ is fixed),
Perform exposure. Fixed reading mode is started. At this time, the original P ₁ has already reached the first image destination (fixed reading image destination G). FIG. 15H shows a state in which the main body optical system has started and the optical system exposure unit 133 has reached the first image destination G.
FIG. 16I shows a state where exposure is performed by moving the optical system.

After that, when the set number of copies is n, the optical system is reciprocated and the exposure is repeated n-1 times (since one exposure is performed by flow-reading, scanning by moving the optical system). Is n-1 times).

The timing with respect to the transfer sheet at the time of exposure due to the movement of the optical system is well known and will not be described.

12 to 17 show a state in which two copies are being made. Flow reading exposure Fixed reading exposure is performed once each. Further, when a copy bundle of one copy is created, fixed reading need not be performed, so that the optical system is configured to perform only the flow reading exposure while being fixed to the flow reading image destination H.

After the reading by moving the optical system is completed, the flow reading exposure by the next original P ₂ is performed. Therefore, the optical system does not return to the first image destination G, and after the exposure is completed, it is in the X ₁ direction as it is. The optical system exposure unit 133 is again positioned and locked at the flow-reading destination H in a state in which the optical system exposure unit 133 has advanced a predetermined distance (deceleration stop section) (FIG. 16 (i)). And this time 2
The flow-reading with the first original P ₂ is started. And 2
The original P is discharged onto the tray 2 again through the left end side of the platen during the flow-reading exposure of the first sheet. Timing relationship P ₁
The description is omitted because it is the same as the above (FIG. 17 (k), FIG. (1)).

Thereafter, the same operation is repeated for the number of originals P, and a series of copying operations are completed.

(RDF Control Device) FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the RDF control device of this embodiment.

The control circuit mainly comprises a one-chip microcomputer (CPU) 301 having a built-in ROM, RAM, etc., and the signals of the various sensors described above are input to the input port of the microcomputer 301.

The slide volume for detecting the document width is connected to the analog / digital conversion terminal of the microcomputer 301, and the value of the slide volume is set to 255.
It is configured so that it can be detected continuously in stages.

Furthermore, each load described above is connected to the output port of the microcomputer 301 through a driver. Particularly, in the reversing motor 55, a well-known PLL circuit is connected to the front stage of the driver, and a rectangular wave signal of an arbitrary frequency is input to the PLL circuit from the rectangular wave output terminal GEN0 of the microcomputer 301. It is possible to perform speed synchronization control with the belt motor 51 by changing the frequency.

The CP registration motor 64 is a well-known stepping motor pattern control (abbreviated as SPC).
Is connected to the front stage of the driver, and the rectangular wave output terminal GE of the microcomputer 301 is connected to the SPC via a selector.
A rectangular wave signal of an arbitrary frequency is input from N1, and speed synchronization control with the belt motor 51 can be performed by changing the frequency of this signal. Furthermore,
The other side of the selector has a separate motor encoder 54.
The output from is connected, and the speed synchronization control with the separation motor 52 can be performed by switching the selector to this side.

Further, control data is exchanged with the main body of the copying machine via the communication IC 302, and as the received data, flow reading speed data (v) from the main body, originals such as single-sided / double-sided / flowing reading, etc. There are transport mode data, document feed trigger, document replacement (starting scanning start) trigger, and document discharge trigger. In addition, transmission data includes completion signals for document feed / replacement / discharge, detected document size data. There are a final document signal that notifies the break of the document stack, and an image tip signal in the flow reading mode.

The control procedure (control program) as shown in FIG. 28 and subsequent figures is stored in advance in the built-in ROM, and each input / output is controlled in accordance with the control procedure.

In the figure, CL is an abbreviation for clutch, SL is an abbreviation for solenoid, D is an abbreviation for driver, PLL is an abbreviation for PLL circuit, AR is an abbreviation for switchback, CP is an abbreviation for closed loop,
IRQ stands for interrupt terminal, and SPC stands for stepping motor pattern controller.

However, these control circuits are examples of the present embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to these configurations, and RO
The M and RAM may be external, or the reversing motor 55
May be a stepping motor or the like having the same configuration as the CP registration motor 64.

(Main Flow) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the main flow chart shown in FIG.

The empty sensor 30 detects whether or not the original is set, and the copy key on the operation unit of the main body 100 (not shown) is pressed to start the operation (step m).
ain1). At this time, it is determined whether the document trailing edge sensor 34 is off (main2). If the determination is affirmative, the copy mode transmitted from the main body 100 is determined (main3), and if it is the flow-reading copy mode. , (Ma
In step 5), it is determined whether or not the flow reading speed data (v) sent from the main body 100 can be executed by the RDF of the present invention. In the mode, a series of copying processes are executed and the operation ends. In the case of a negative determination in (main4), the process proceeds to (main7), and it is determined whether or not the high-speed continuous feeding mode in which two or more originals are placed on the platen 105 and the copying process is possible is possible. Then (in the present embodiment, the single-sided original copy mode corresponds to the high-speed continuous feed possible mode), and if the determination is affirmative, the operation proceeds to (main8) to execute a series of copy processing in the high-speed continuous feed mode described later to perform the operation. finish. If a negative determination is made in (main7), the flow proceeds to (main9) to execute a series of copying processes in a normal switchback mode described later, and the operation is finished.

Here, the mode selection according to the document size is
In the present control example, the selection is restricted only by the feeding direction by turning on / off the document trailing edge sensor 34, but as described above, by the combination with the document width detecting means by the slide volume provided under the document tray (not shown). The mode selection may be restricted according to the size of the original.

(Flow-Reading Mode) Next, the flow-reading mode will be described with reference to FIG.

In the RDF 1, since the operation of the main stream reading mode includes the operation of the mixed mode described above, the operation of the mixed mode will be described at the same time.

A tray down process described later is performed to move the document tray 2 to the lower limit position (draftseq1), a document bundle transport process described later is performed to move the document stack P to the right (draftseq2), and thereafter, A clockwise separation process described below is performed to separate only one document at the bottom (draftseq3). After that, the document is fed in the clockwise direction so as to be placed one position upstream of the reading destination H (draft).
ftseq4), and upon receipt of a document replacement (start of flow reading) trigger from the main body 100, a document flow reading process is performed in order to perform image reading with the optical system 133 of the main body 100 fixed at a predetermined position (draftseq).
5) The document is moved to the position of the fixed image destination G at a predetermined speed. After that, clockwise paper discharge processing (draftseq6)
The document is discharged onto the document tray 2 by performing.

In addition, during the clockwise separation processing (dra
When the final document determination of ftseq3) is negative, the continuous document feeding is enabled by activating the right separation process for the next document during the right paper feeding process (draftseq4) of the next step.

Further, the clockwise paper discharge process (draftseq
6) After the end, if it is the final document, a tray-up process (draftseq7) described later is performed to return the document tray 2 to the initial position.

Further, the original flow reading process (draftse
q5) After finishing, if you want to form multiple images,
In 00, the optical system 133 can be returned to the home position of the fixed image destination G, and then fixed reading can be performed by moving the optical system 133 a desired number of times.

(High Speed Continuous Transmission Mode) Next, the high speed continuous transmission mode will be described with reference to FIG.

To move the document tray 2 to the lower limit position, a tray down process described later is performed (doubleseq1),
Further, a document bundle conveying process to be described later is performed to move the document bundle P to the right (doubleseq2), and thereafter, a clockwise separation process to be described below is performed to separate only one document at the bottom (doubleseq3). The platen 105
Right-handed paper feed processing is performed to place it on the upper right edge (dub
lessq4). Further, a document moving process is performed to move to the position of the fixed reading image destination G on the platen 105 (do.
ubleseq 5). After that, image reading is performed by fixed reading in which the original image is read while moving the optical system 133 of the main body 100 (doubleseq6),
When the processing is completed, the document is returned to the document tray 2 and a rightward sheet discharge process is performed (doubleseq6).

Also, a clockwise separation process (dou
If the final manuscript judgment of bleseq 3) is negative,
Right side paper feed process (doubleseq4) in the next step
By starting the right separation processing for the next original, the continuous originals can be fed.

Furthermore, the intermittent paper discharge process (doubleseq
7) After the end, if it is the final document, a tray-up process (doubleseq8) described below is performed to return the document tray 2 to the initial position.

(Normal Switchback Mode) Next,
The normal switchback mode will be described with reference to FIG.

A switchback separation process, which will be described later, is performed to separate only one lowermost document from the document stack P on the document tray 2 (swseq1), and after completion, the document is placed on the platen 105. The switchback sheet feeding process is performed (swseq2). Thereafter, an image reading process is performed by fixed reading in which the original image is read by scanning the original while moving the optical system of the main body 100 (s
wseq3), and thereafter, the document is returned to the document tray 2 and an intermittent sheet discharge process described later is performed (swseq4).

Since this mode is not directly related to the essence of the present invention, detailed description will be omitted.

Hereinafter, the various processes described above will be described in detail.

(Tray UP Processing) The tray UP processing by the RDF 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

In order to raise the document tray 2 to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 1, the tray elevating motor 59 is driven until the tray position detecting sensor 20 is turned on, and the tray position detecting sensor 2 is driven.
When 0 is turned on, the drive of the tray lifting motor 59 is stopped.

(Tray DOWN Processing) The tray DOWN processing by the RDF 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

In order to lower the original tray 2 to the position shown by the broken line in FIG. 1, the tray elevating motor 59 is driven until the tray position detecting sensor 20 turns off, and the tray position detecting sensor 2 is driven.
When 0 is turned off, the drive of the tray lifting motor 59 is stopped.

(Bundle Transport Processing) Regarding bundle transport processing, FIG.
It will be described based on.

In the bundle conveying process, the bundle conveying motor 6 is used to convey the original bundle P on the original tray 2 in the direction of FIG. 1F.
0 is turned on (orgsfeed1). Thereafter, the document trailing edge sensor 34 detects the leading edge of the document stack P (orgs
(feed2), and thereafter, the document bundle is conveyed by the stopper unit until a predetermined distance elapses (orgsfee).
d3). At this time, the moving distance of the bundle of documents by the bundle conveying motor 60 is managed by an internal timer of the CPU 301. After that, the bundle conveying motor 60 is turned off and the processing ends (orgsfeed4).

(Clockwise Separation Processing) The clockwise separation processing will be described with reference to FIG.

In the clockwise separation processing, if the first document is the first document (rsepa1), the recycle motor 58 is turned on to operate the recycle lever 3 for detecting the break of the document stack P (rsepa2). After that, the separation motor 52 is turned on so that only the lowermost original in the original bundle is separated (rsepa3). The speed of the separation motor 58 at this time is controlled so as to be substantially synchronized with the flow reading speed (v) designated by the main body 100. Further, in the high speed continuous transfer mode, the speed is not limited to this, and the control is performed at an arbitrary speed. When the closed loop registration sensor 36 detects the leading edge of the document (rsepa4) while proceeding through the sheet path PH3,
The speed control for driving the separation motor 58 at a low speed is started, and the separation loop timer is started (rsep
a5) After the end of this set time (rsepa6), the CP registration motor 64 is driven in the separation motor synchronization mode, and at the same time, the advance timer for sending the leading edge of the document to the downstream side from the closed loop registration roller 11 by a predetermined amount is started (rse).
pa7), after that setting timer (rsepa8), the separation motor 58 is turned off and the CP registration motor 64 is stopped in the lock mode (rsepa9).

By this processing, the document is sent from the closed loop registration roller 11 to a position where it is advanced by a predetermined amount. This predetermined amount L0 is set to L1 as the distance until the peripheral speed of the closed loop registration roller is stabilized when the CP registration motor 64 is started up in the belt motor synchronous mode in the clockwise paper feeding process, which will be described later. When the distance to the closed loop registration roller 11 is L2, it is an arbitrary distance that satisfies the relationship of the following formula.

L0 ≦ L2−L1 ... Further, in the flow reading mode and when the preceding document exists, the original movement amount during the movement process of the preceding document, which will be described below, is added to the clockwise feeding process described below. Since the amount of movement of the next document depends on it, the distance from the fixed reading image destination G to the non-scanning reading image destination H is L
4, the distance from the flow reading image destination to the flow reading standby position is 1, the fixed reading image destination G to the closed loop registration roller pair 11
When the distance to the nip position of is L5, the above L0 is
It takes an arbitrary value that satisfies the relationship between the above equation and the following equation.

L0 ≦ L5- (L4 + 1) * 2 Formula However, when the copy mode in the main flow (FIG. 28) is the continuous reading and the combined use mode with the fixed reading is not used (when the number of copies is one) Or even when the number of copies is large, the image can be formed only by the flow scanning when the image is formed by using the recirculation mode. Therefore, only at this time, the amount of movement of the document during the clockwise feeding process described later. In order to avoid receiving a high speed, it is not necessary to satisfy the above equation, and the advance amount LO is determined only by the above equation.

(Clockwise Paper Feeding Process) The clockwise paper feeding process will be described with reference to FIG.

In the clockwise paper feeding process, in order to convey the original document from the sheet path PH4 to the sheet path PH5, the belt motor 51 is used for the first original sheet or at an arbitrary speed in the high-speed continuous feeding mode. , In the case of the second and subsequent sheets in the non-stop reading mode (including the mix mode), in relation to the later-described clockwise movement (not allowing non-stop reading),
The driving is started at the flow reading speed (v) designated by the main body 100, and at the same time, the CP registration motor 64 is turned on in the belt motor synchronization mode. At this time, the separation motor 52 is turned on and controlled so as to drive the closed-loop path transport roller pair 10/10 'with the CP registration motor 64 at the same speed. At the same time, a clockwise size check counter that counts according to a clock signal input from the CP registration motor encoder detection sensor 66 is started (rent1), and the count amount until the trailing edge of the document passes through the closed loop registration sensor 36 is held. Based on the data, the document size is determined in advance by the clockwise size check process shown in FIG. 42 (r
ent2). When the leading edge of the document is detected by the image destination sensor 37 (rent3), the separation motor 52 is turned off, and at the same time, the document is fed to the platen 105 at the above-described standby reading destination standby position (only one from the following reading destination H). C that drives the belt motor 51 to stop at the upstream side)
A flow reading standby position counter that counts the belt motor drive clock generated inside the PU 301 is started (rent4). The belt motor is decelerated and stopped (rent 5) at the time when the flow-reading standby position counter that has started is finished. At this time, the deceleration distance is subtracted from the flow reading standby position counter.

The distance 1 from the flow-reading image leading position H to the flow-reading standby position is 1 when the belt motor 51 is started up at a specified speed (v) from the main body 100 in the clockwise movement process described later. When L3 is the distance until the peripheral speed of is stable, it is an arbitrary distance that satisfies the following relationship.

1 ≦ L3 Formula Since this value L3 changes according to the designated speed (v) from the main body 100, the distance 1 from the flow-reading image destination position H to the flow-reading standby position is also variable. . However, this limitation is removed in the high-speed continuous transmission mode.

(Movement Processing) (Available for Flowing Reading Processing) A moving processing (avoiding scanning processing) will be described with reference to FIG.

In the moving process (which also serves as the flow-reading process), the entire surface belt 40 is driven to move the original to the sheet path PH.
5, in order to move within PH6, the belt motor 51,
The main body 10 in the flow-reading mode (including the mix mode)
At the flow-reading speed (v) designated by 0, the belt motor drive clock is driven at an arbitrary speed in the high-speed continuous feeding mode, and the belt motor drive clock generated inside the CPU 301 driving the belt motor 51 is started. At this time, an image edge counter corresponding to the distance 1 from the flow-reading image destination H to the flow-reading standby position and a stop corresponding to the amount of deceleration stop loss subtracted from the distance from the fixed image-reading destination G to the flow-reading standby position Count two of the counters (mv1). When the image destination counter ends, an image destination signal is transmitted to the main body 100 (mv2). Further, the belt motor 51 continues to move, and when the stop counter ends, the belt motor 51 is decelerated and stopped (mv
3).

As a result, the document passes through the flow-reading image destination H at a predetermined speed (speed (v) designated by the main body 100) to enable flow-scanning image formation by the main body 100, and at the same time perform fixed-reading. The movement to the image destination G can be completed. After that, the main body 100 can also perform the fixed document reading in which the image is read by moving the optical system 133 as necessary, as described above.

However, when the copy mode in the main flow (FIG. 28) is the flow reading and the fixed reading is not used together (when the number of copies is one or even when the number of copies is large, the recirculation mode is used to form an image). In this case, the stop counter (mvstopcn) is set to the flow-reading standby position counter (entc in the right paper feeding process of the succeeding document.
Since the value is the same as that of n), it is possible to further reduce the sheet interval (the distance between the trailing edge of the preceding document and the leading edge of the succeeding document), and further increase the productivity.

That is, in the mix mode in which the flow reading and the fixed reading are mixed, the manuscript interval is controlled so that the distance from the leading end of the preceding manuscript to the leading end of the succeeding manuscript is constant for any manuscript size, and then the manuscript spacing is controlled. In the flow reading mode in which only reading is performed, the document interval is controlled so that the distance between the trailing edge of the preceding document and the leading edge of the following document is constant regardless of the document size. As shown in FIG. 47A, when the leading edge of the preceding document is located at the home position for fixed reading, the leading edge of the following document is the running distance required to start moving the document from the flow reading position as shown in FIG. 47A. Control so that it is located upstream.

FIG. 47 shows the document interval in the flow reading mode.
As shown in (b), control is performed so that the trailing edge of the preceding document and the leading edge of the following document have a required minimum distance. Since the distance between the originals does not change while being fed to the belt, the distance is controlled upstream of the original being held on the belt.

(Clockwise Discharge Process) The clockwise discharge process will be described with reference to FIG.

In the clockwise paper discharge process, the platen 10
In order to eject the document on 5, the belt motor 51 / reversing motor 55 is turned on at a specified speed (v) from the main body 100 in the flow reading mode (including the mix mode) and at an arbitrary speed in the high speed continuous feeding mode ( If the original is conveyed from the sheet path PH7 to the sheet path PH2 and the leading edge of the original is detected by the paper discharge sensor 39 (dlejct1).
2) The paper discharge motor 61 is turned on at an arbitrary speed higher than the speed of the reversing motor 55 (dlejct3), and when the paper discharge sensor 39 detects the trailing edge of the document (dlejc).
At t4), the reversing motor 55 is turned off, and the discharge counter for determining the distance for discharging the document onto the document tray 2 is started while the discharge motor 61 is performing the low speed control for stacking the discharged sheets ((t4)). drejct5). When the paper discharge counter is completed (dlejct6), the paper discharge motor 61 is turned off (dlejct7), and a paper discharge drop timer that starts an interval until the document falls on the document tray 2 is started (dl
ejct8) and after the completion (dlejct9), the closed-loop paper ejection jogging process is performed to align the ejected originals (dlejct10), and the clockwise paper ejection process ends.

(Switchback Separation Process) The switchback separation process will be described with reference to FIG.

In the switchback separation process, if the first document is the first document (lsepa1), the recycle motor 58 is turned on to operate the recycle lever 3 for detecting the break of the document bundle P, and at the same time, the document bundle P is detected. Turn on the separation motor 52 that performs the judgment (lsep
a2). Further, a jogging process, which will be described later, is performed to align the document bundle P in the width direction (lsepa3). After that, when the jogging process is completed, the shutter solenoid 72 is turned on (lsepa to lower the shutter 41 so that only the lowest document in the document stack is separated).
4) When the sheet passes through the sheet path and the switchback registration sensor 32 detects the leading edge of the document (lsepa5), the speed control for driving the separation motor 52 at a low speed is started, and the separation loop timer is started (lsepa).
6) After the end of this set time (lsepa7), the separation motor 52 is turned off (lsepa8), so that the original can be abutted against the nip portion of the registration roller pair 6, 6'at a low speed, and therefore the original can be prevented from being damaged. At the same time, the collision noise can be reduced, and further, the vehicle stops when a predetermined amount of loop is formed. As a result, even if skewing occurs at the time of separation, the skewing is corrected.

Further, in order to reduce the time required for document exchange, the separation motor 52 and the reversing motor 55 are driven at an arbitrary speed, and at the same time, a forward timer of an arbitrary value is started (lsepa9), and after this timer ends ( lsepa1
0), the separation motor 52 and the reversing motor 55 are turned off, and the advance operation is completed (lsepa11).

(Switchback Paper Feeding Process) The switchback paper feeding process will be described with reference to FIG.

In the switchback paper feeding process, the belt motor 5 is driven to drive the registration rollers 6 and 6'and the entire surface belt 40 to convey the original to the sheet path PH1.
1, the reversing motor 55 is turned on, and at the same time, the size check counter that counts by the clock signal input from the reversing motor encoder detection sensor 57 is started (lent1). Then, the size check counter is stopped (lent3) at the same time when the document is conveyed and its rear end passes through the registration sensor 32 (lent2).
Based on the data, the size of the original is discriminated by the size check process shown in FIG. 43, and the original is generated inside the CPU 301 which drives the belt motor 51 which stops the original at a predetermined position on the platen 105. The registration counter that counts the belt motor drive clock is started (lent3). When the registration counter which has started is finished (lent4), the belt motor is decelerated and stopped to accurately stop the document (lent5). At this time, the value of the registration counter is
Loss for deceleration shall be deducted.

(Intermittent Paper Ejection Processing) The intermittent paper ejection processing will be described with reference to FIG.

In the intermittent paper discharge process, the platen 105
In order to eject the upper original, the belt motor 51 / reversing motor 55 is turned on at an arbitrary speed (lejct1), the original is conveyed from the sheet path PH7 to the sheet path PH2, and the leading edge of the original is detected by the paper ejection sensor 39. After that (lejc
t2), the paper discharge motor 61 is turned on at an arbitrary speed higher than the speed of the reversing motor 55 (lejct3), and when the paper discharge sensor 39 detects the trailing edge of the document (lejct).
4) The reversing motor 55 is turned off, and the paper discharge motor 61 is controlled at a low speed for stacking the discharged paper, and the paper discharge counter for determining the distance for discharging the document onto the document tray 2 is started ( lejct5). When the paper discharge counter ends (lejct6), the paper discharge motor 61 is turned off (le
jct7), and activates a discharge drop timer that takes an interval until the document falls on the document tray 2 (lectct).
8) After the end (lejct9), a paper ejection jogging process is performed to align the ejected documents (lejct10),
The intermittent paper discharge process ends.

(Size Check Processing) The size check subroutine will be described with reference to FIG.

In this size check subroutine, as the document size determination means, the size check counter data is added with the distance from the nip position of the registration roller pair 6, 6'to the registration sensor 32 and the amount of advancement performed in the left separation processing. The corrected size becomes the true original size.
At this time, the document is conveyed by the pair of registration rollers 6, 6 ', and the feed amount and the count value by the clock from the reversing motor encoder detection sensor 57 surely match. After that, according to the corrected size data, A5, B
Size determination of 5, A4, B5R, A4R, B4, A3, etc. is performed.

(Clockwise Size Check Process) The clockwise size check subroutine will be described with reference to FIG.

In the clockwise size check subroutine, the size check counter data is used as a means for determining the document size in the size check counter data for the distance from the nip position of the closed loop registration roller 11 to the closed loop registration sensor 36 and the amount of advancement performed in the clockwise separation process. The true original size is obtained by adding and correcting. At this time, the document is being conveyed by the closed loop registration roller 11, and the feed amount and the count value by the clock from the CP registration motor encoder detection sensor 66 surely match. After that, according to the corrected size data, A5, B5, A4, B5R, A
4R, B4, A3, etc. size determination is performed.

(Jogging Process) The flow of the jogging process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the jogging process, first, JOG-CN for determining the number of times of jogging is initialized (jog-CN).
1) At the same time when the jogging solenoid 77 for pushing out the jogging guide of the width regulating member is turned on, a timer JOG-TM which can be arbitrarily set is started (jog-TM).
2) When the timer JOG-TM has finished the set time (jog3), the jogging solenoid 77 is turned off to return the jogging guide to the initial state, and the timer JOG-TM is started (jog4) in the same manner as above, and the timer When the set time is over, increase the number of times jogging is performed (jog5), and the jogging guide's round-trip path becomes 3
Until the process ends (jog6), the process returns to (jog2) and is repeated. As a result, the document stack P is aligned in the width direction, and skewing, lateral registration, etc. can be prevented.

(Paper Discharge Jogging Processing) The flow of the paper discharge jogging processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The discharge jogging process is performed by the jogging solenoid 7 for pushing out the jogging guide of the width regulating member.
Timer EJC which can be set at the same time when 7 is turned on
When T_JOG-TM is started (ejog1) and the timer EJCT_JOG-TM ends the set time (ejog2), the jogging solenoid 77 is turned off to return the jogging guide to the initial state (ejog).
3). As a result, the document stack P is aligned in the width direction, and skewing, lateral registration, etc. can be prevented.

(Closed Loop Discharge Jogging Processing) The flow of the closed loop discharge jogging processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The discharge jogging process is performed by the jogging solenoid 7 for pushing out the jogging guide of the width regulating member.
Timer EJC which can be set at the same time when 7 is turned on
When T_JOG-TM is started (dejog1) and the timer EJCT_JOG-TM ends the set time (dejog2), the jogging solenoid 77 is turned off to return the jogging guide to the initial state (dejo).
g3). As a result, the document stack P is aligned in the width direction,
It is possible to prevent skewing and lateral registration.

After the above processing is completed, the bundle conveying motor 60 is turned on in the F direction and at the same time, the timer EJ which can be arbitrarily set.
Start CT_LJOG_TM (dejog
4) When the timer EJCT_LJOG_TM has finished the set time (dejog 5), the timer EJCT_L which can be arbitrarily set at the same time as stopping the bundle conveying motor 60
Start JOG_WAIT_TM (dejog
6), after EJCT_LJOG_WAIT_TM ends (d
7), a timer EJCT_L that can be arbitrarily set at the same time when the bundle conveying motor 60 is turned on in the direction opposite to F
When JOG_TM is started (dejog8) and the timer EJCT_LJOG_TM ends the set time (dejog9), the bundle conveying motor 60 is stopped (d).
ejog 10).

[0173]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By enabling both scanning and fixed scanning in combination, it is possible to perform non-stop scanning during sheet document replacement operation, and it is possible to perform non-scanning scanning of the next original during sheet original replacement operation. It will be possible. Normally, the exchange operation is performed at a linear velocity of about 1300 mm / sec, but even if the document exchange speed is not increased, 50
Documents can be exchanged at a speed similar to the image forming process speed of about 0 mm / sec.

Further, since the required productivity in reading the sheet original is obtained, the reliability for noise reduction and original damage prevention is improved while maintaining high productivity.

Further, when the image is formed only by the non-stop scanning (when the number of copies is one, etc.), the image is formed only by the non-stop scanning by the shortest sheet interval, so that the productivity is further improved. It will be possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an automatic document feeder (RDF) attached to an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an RDF drive system.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus in which an RDF is mounted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow of sheet originals in a mixed mode.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of sheet originals in a mixed mode.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of sheet originals in a mixed mode.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flow of sheet originals in a mixed mode.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flow of a sheet original in the mixed mode.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a relationship between a non-stop reading position and a fixed reading position.

FIG. 10 is a rising waveform diagram of the belt drive motor.

FIG. 11 is a positional relationship diagram between a sheet document and a conveyance roller.

FIG. 12 is a sheet document and an optical system in the mixed mode,
Schematic explanatory diagram of operation with copy sheet

FIG. 13 is a sheet document and an optical system in the mixed mode,
Schematic explanatory diagram of operation with copy sheet

FIG. 14 is a sheet document and an optical system in the mixed mode,
Schematic explanatory diagram of operation with copy sheet

FIG. 15 is a sheet document and an optical system in the mixed mode,
Schematic explanatory diagram of operation with copy sheet

FIG. 16 is a sheet document and an optical system in the mixed mode,
Schematic explanatory diagram of operation with copy sheet

FIG. 17 is a sheet document and an optical system in the mixed mode,
Schematic explanatory diagram of operation with copy sheet

FIG. 18 is a sheet document and an optical system in the mixed mode,
Schematic explanatory diagram of operation with copy sheet

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the proposed ADF.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the proposed ADF.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the proposed ADF.

FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical system when the sheet document is at the first image destination (document fixed reading).

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the optical system unit at the home position.

FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical system when the sheet document is at the second image destination (document original reading).

FIG. 25 is a side view of an optical system drive pulley and an optical system lock mechanism.

FIG. 26 is an operation diagram of the pin lever when the optical system is locked.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of the RDF control device.

FIG. 28: Main flowchart

FIG. 29 is a flow chart of flow-reading copy mode (including mix mode).

FIG. 30: High-speed continuous transfer mode flowchart

FIG. 31: Normal switchback mode flowchart

FIG. 32: Tray-up processing flowchart

FIG. 33: Tray down processing flowchart

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a bundle conveying process.

FIG. 35 is a clockwise separation processing flowchart

FIG. 36 is a clockwise paper feeding process flowchart

FIG. 37 is a flowchart of a moving process (also serves as a flow-reading process in the flow-reading mode)

FIG. 38 is a clockwise sheet discharge processing flowchart

FIG. 39 is a switchback separation processing flowchart.

FIG. 40: Left-sided paper feed processing flowchart

FIG. 41 Intermittent paper discharge processing flowchart

[Fig.42] Size check subroutine flowchart

FIG. 43: clockwise size check subroutine flowchart

FIG. 44 is a jogging process flowchart.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart of a paper discharge jogging process.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart of a closed loop sheet discharge jogging process.

FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram of the document interval in the mix mode and the document interval in the flow-reading mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

P sheet original PH3 sheet original transport path A direction Switchback path Paper feeding direction B direction Closed loop path Paper feeding direction C direction Switchback path Paper feeding direction E direction Manual paper ejection direction F direction Closed loop separation direction G Fixed reading destination H Flow reading image destination I direction Tray descending direction J direction Bundle transport direction 11 Distance from flow reading image destination to flow reading standby position 12 Distance required for sheet document to substantially stop Δ1 Advance amount l (n, n-1) Interval between originals in mixed mode (rear edge to front edge) ls Run-up area (startup distance) C0 Leading amount when turning clockwise L0 Leading amount when turning clockwise L1 CP registration roller Distance required for stable startup L2 CP registration roller Distance to the image sensor L3 Distance required to stabilize the entire surface of the belt L4 Distance from fixed read image G to flow read image H L5 Distance from the fixed reading destination G to the nip position of the closed loop registration roller pair 11 1 Automatic document feeder (RDF) capable of circulating documents 2 Document tray 3 Recycle lever 4 Tray regulation plate 5 Separation belt 5 'Separation conveyance roller 5 " Half-moon roller 6 Reversing roller 6'Conveying roller (registration roller) 8 Turn roller (belt driven roller) 9 Closed loop separating belt 9'Closed loop separating conveying roller 9 "Closed loop conveying roller 10 Closed roof conveying roller 10 'Closed loop driven roller 11 Closed loop path registration roller 12 Backup Roller (Manual Feeding Roller) 13 Manual Pass Paper Feeding Port 14 Turn Flapper 15 Reverse Flapper 16 Ejection Roller 20 Tray Position Detection Sensor 30 Empty Sensor (Original Detection Sensor) 31 Separation Sensor 32 Switchback Registration Sensor 33 Roll sensor 34 Document set sensor (document rear edge sensor) 35 Closed loop separation sensor 36 Closed loop registration sensor 37 Image edge sensor 38 Manual feed (paper ejection) sensor 39 Paper ejection sensor 40 Conveyor belt (entire belt) 41 Shutter (stopper) 42 Weight 43 Closed loop weight 51 Stepping motor (belt motor) 52 Separation motor 53 Separation motor 52 clock disc 54 Detection sensor of separation disc 53 (separation motor encoder) 55 Inversion motor 56 Inversion motor 55 clock disc 57 Clock disc 56 Detection sensor (reverse motor encoder) 58 Recycle motor 59 Tray lifting motor 60 Bundle transport motor 61 Paper discharge motor 62 Clock disk of paper discharge motor 61 63 Detection sensor of clock disk 62 (paper discharge motor encoder) 64 Stepping motor (CP registration motor) 65 Clock disk of stepping motor 64 66 Detection sensor of clock disk 65 (CP registration motor encoder) 67 Closed loop driven roller clock disk 68 Detection sensor of clock disk 67 (closed loop driven roller encoder) 70 Clutch (closed loop separation / conveyance coupling clutch) 71 Weight solenoid 72 Shutter solenoid 73 Reverse flapper solenoid 74 Partition turning solenoid 75 Pressurizing solenoid 76 Closed loop pass flapper solenoid (turn flapper solenoid) 77 Jogging solenoid 100 Image forming apparatus main body 101 Third mirror 102 Second mirror 103 First mirror 104 Original illumination lamp 105 Platen 105a Platen edge section 106 Zoom lens 107 Photosensitive drive 108 Drum Cleaner 109 Pre-exposure Lamp 110 Primary Charger 111 Fourth Mirror 112 Blank Exposure Lamp 113 Potential Sensor 114 Toner Hopper 115 Developer 116 Multi-Feeder 117 Side Tray 118 Roller Electrode 119 Pre-transfer Charger 120 Registration Roller 121 Re ) Paper feeding unit 122 Transfer / separation charger 123 Upper front tray 124 Lower front tray 125 Conveying unit 126 Intermediate tray 127 Second conveying unit 128 Fixing unit 129 Waste toner collecting container 130 Discharging unit 131 Registration roller 132 Registration sensor 133 Exposure unit (optical) System) 200 copy sheet output side device (sorter) 300 control device (control means)

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus having an image reading unit for reading a sheet original on a platen glass and an automatic document feeder for feeding the sheet original on the platen glass, and the image reading unit at an arbitrary position. An image flow scanning (hereinafter referred to as flow scanning) for reading an image during conveyance of a sheet document fixed and fed by the document automatic conveying device, and after the sheet document is positioned and fixed at a predetermined position on the platen glass. An image forming apparatus capable of continuously performing fixed reading scanning for moving an image reading unit to read an image, including: (a) a conveyance path for guiding a sheet original to the platen glass; and (b) at the time of image scanning reading. A sheet original waiting at a predetermined position in the transport path is started to be transferred by a flow reading scanning start signal, and the leading edge of the sheet original is flow read. Control means for outputting an image-edge signal at the time of reaching the image-edge position to start the flow-reading of the sheet document, and (c) image-reading of the sheet document when forming an image only by the image flow-reading. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that performs a transfer / stop control while maintaining a constant distance between the trailing edge of the preceding document and the leading edge of the following document. 2. A transport unit for sequentially transporting a plurality of originals onto an exposure table, an exposure unit movable along the exposure table for exposing the originals on the exposure table, and an exposure unit exposed by the exposure unit. Image forming means for forming an image of an original on a sheet, and a first copying operation for performing copying by moving the original by the conveying means with the exposing means stopped and the conveying means for copying the original. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit for performing one of the second copying operations for performing copying by moving the exposure unit in a state of being stopped on a document table. When executing the first mode in which the second copying operation is performed after the first copying operation,
The conveying unit conveys the leading end of the preceding document and the leading end of the succeeding document at a constant first distance, and the control unit executes the second mode in which only the first copying operation is performed. In this case, the conveying means sets the distance between the trailing edge of the preceding document and the leading edge of the following document to the second constant.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that it is conveyed at a distance of. 3. The control means executes the second mode when the set number of copies is 1, and executes the first mode when the set number of copies is plural. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. 4. The control means performs the first copying operation in the first copying operation in the first mode,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second copy operation is performed for a set copy count minus one copy operation. 5. The control means sets the exposure position of the exposing means during the first copying operation to the upstream side of the document conveyance from the home position of the exposing means during the second copying operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein 6. The exposure position of the exposure means during the first copying operation is near the center of the original table, and the second position
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the home position of the exposure unit during the copying operation is the downstream end of the document table. 7. The first distance and the second distance are
3. The method according to claim 2, which is independent of the size of the original.
The image forming apparatus described. 8. The conveying means is one belt capable of simultaneously conveying a plurality of originals.
The image forming apparatus described.