JPH0981007A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a copying device capable of improving productivity with a simple constitution. SOLUTION: This device is a copying device for forming a latent image on a photoreceptor and copying the image on a transfer paper, the device is provided with an image storing means 4 capable of storing image information by the page and a control part 1 for separately performing a timing control in accordance with two kinds of modes; a 1st mode for carrying the transfer paper by regarding a reference position detecting signal by an image reading means as a reference, not going through the image storing means 4 and outputting the image of the image information, and a 2nd mode for forming the latent image of the image information on the photoreceptor and outputting the image.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying apparatus which forms an image on a photoconductor to form an image on a transfer paper.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (copying apparatus), an image is converted into an electric signal (image signal) corresponding to the density of image information (original image) of a document, and the image signal is converted in accordance with the image signal. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum using laser light or the like.

Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image and then transferred to a transfer sheet, and the toner image on the transfer sheet is heated and fused and fixed by a heater of a fixing device.

[0004]

In a so-called analog type copying apparatus which optically forms image information on a photosensitive member to form a latent image, an image reading section (scanner) is reciprocally operated. , The moving position of the reading unit is detected at any time, the transfer paper is conveyed to move to the moving position, and the time synchronization (registration roller) is performed at a specific position (second paper feeding roller or registration roller) immediately before transfer to the photoconductor. The general method is to perform

In this case, since the optical writing is directly performed on the photoconductor, the timing of the transfer paper is adjusted in synchronization with the latent image position on the photoconductor. Further, in recent years, in a digital type image forming apparatus which has an image memory of a plurality of pages and temporarily stores and expands image information in the memory and outputs the image information, after storing all the image information, the transfer paper is conveyed and transferred. The paper conveyance state is detected to synchronize the timing. However, this synchronization method has a problem that productivity is significantly reduced.

By the way, when a latent image is formed in real time while being read from a scanner, a stepping motor is used to drive the optical system of the scanner so that the transfer paper and the image can be formed without detecting the position of the read image. There is a method to synchronize. In this case, it is difficult to drive at high speed in terms of driving force of the stepping motor, and there is a problem that productivity is reduced.

Further, in any of the methods, in order to copy a plurality of copies, it is necessary to read each copy, so that there is a problem of low productivity. Furthermore, even when both sides of an original are read and copied using an ADF (automatic reverse document feeder) (even page original reading + even page image formation),
(Odd page original feed) is performed on all pages, then the transfer paper is reversed in the stacker of the reverse transfer unit, and (Odd page original read + Odd page image formation), (Even page original feed) is performed on all pages. Over. In this case, the ADF requires a step of feeding the originals one by one, which causes a waste of time. Therefore,
It has a problem that productivity is significantly reduced.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a simple configuration,
An object of the present invention is to provide a copying machine capable of improving productivity.

[0009]

That is, a first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a copying apparatus for copying an image on a transfer paper by forming a latent image on a photoconductor, and it is a page unit. And an image storage unit capable of storing the image information of the first and a first output unit that conveys the transfer paper based on the reference position detection signal of the image reading unit and outputs the image without passing the image information through the image storage unit. In two types of modes, a mode and a second mode in which the image information read out from the image storage means is formed as a latent image on the photoconductor and the image is output based on the conveyance state detection signal of the transfer sheet. The copying apparatus is provided with a control unit that controls timings respectively.

According to the invention of this copying apparatus, when copying a plurality of copies or copying a double-sided original, the first mode and the second mode are selectively used according to the output state of the image information. It becomes possible to improve productivity.

Further, in the invention of this copying apparatus, when copying a plurality of copies, the read image information is read for the second mode while the read and image output are performed in the first mode. , And the image output in the second mode is performed subsequently to the image output in the first mode. Therefore, by selectively using the first mode and the second mode according to the output state of the image information, it becomes possible to improve the productivity with a simple configuration.

Then, the control unit adjusts the timing using the first mode and the second mode when copying the image information read by the image reading means, and when the image information is supplied from the outside. When performing the image formation, the timing adjustment is performed in the third mode in which the image information read from the image storage unit is formed as a latent image on the photoconductor with reference to the transfer sheet conveyance state detection signal. It is possible to handle not only the read image information but also image information supplied from the outside, and it is possible to improve productivity.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the control unit 1 controls each unit of the copying apparatus. In this embodiment, the timing of image output is adjusted with reference to various detection signals and adjustment data.

The adjustment data holding unit 2 stores adjustment data for various timing adjustments, and is accessible from the control unit 1. The line memory 3 is a line memory for several lines as a timing adjustment buffer when outputting image information from an image reading unit (scanner) in real time.

The image memory 4 is an image storage means for storing image information and is capable of compressing and storing image information for a plurality of pages in page units. The selector 5 is a selection unit for selectively outputting the output of either the line memory 3 or the image memory 4 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 1.

The image output section 6 uses the image information from the selector 5 to generate image data suitable for forming an image (latent image) on the photosensitive drum. The laser diode 7 receives the image data from the image output section 6 and outputs a laser beam for forming a latent image on the photosensitive drum.

It should be noted that FIG. 1 mainly shows the configuration for adjusting the timing of image output, and does not show the mechanism of the scanner or transfer sheet conveyance. The operation of the copying apparatus configured as described above is as follows. The operation will be described here with reference to the time chart of FIG.

The operation of this copying apparatus has a first mode and a second mode described below, and the control unit 1
Take any action to judge and instruct. Here, the first
The mode of, without passing through the image memory 4 image information,
In this mode, the transfer paper is conveyed through the line memory 3 with the reference position detection signal from the scanner as a reference to output an image.

The second mode is a mode in which the image information read from the image memory 4 is formed as a latent image on the photoconductor and the image is output based on the transfer state detection signal of the transfer sheet. .

The copying operation of a plurality of copies will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. FIG. 2 shows a case where two copies of a two-page original are copied. FIG.
(A) and FIG. 2 (b) show the same operation as in the prior art, and show a state in which copying is performed in the copying apparatus of FIG. 1 using only the first mode. That is, the first page of the original is read (FIG. 2A), the line memory 3 performs buffering for several lines, the image output unit 6 generates image data, and the laser diode 7 causes the photosensitive drum to rotate. A latent image is formed on the sheet, and the latent image is developed, transferred, and fixed to form a toner image on the transfer paper and output (FIG. 2B). That is, the part connected by the broken line shows the state in which the read image information is output. As a result, the image can be output in almost real time.

However, in this case, the reading must be performed every time one image is output, and the productivity is low. In the case of FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), in order to output two copies of two pages, image reading is performed four times (FIGS. 2 (a), ',
, ′) Is required.

Then, reading is performed (FIG. 2C).
), While the image is being output via the line memory 3 and the selector 5 (FIG. 2E), the read image is stored in the image memory 4 in parallel (FIG. 2D). Then, when the image output of the first copy of the first page of the document (FIG. 2E) is completed, the control unit 1 switches the selector to the image memory 4 side and outputs from the image memory 4 (FIG. 2E).
′). Similarly, for the second page of the original, the first copy is output in the first mode, and the second copy is output in the second mode via the image memory.

In this way, the second mode is used for the second and subsequent copies when copying a plurality of copies. That is, even when copying three or more copies, the second and subsequent copies are output from the image memory 4.

By alternately using the first mode and the second mode as described above, there is an advantage that useless waiting time is reduced as compared with the conventional method using only the first mode. . That is, in the first mode, since the scanner position detection signal is used as a reference for timing adjustment, the next operation can be performed only after the optical system of the scanner has returned to a predetermined position (home position or the like). On the other hand, in the second mode, the image memory 5 can be read out at any timing, so that an image can be output according to the transport state of the transfer sheet. Therefore, wasteful waiting time does not occur, and efficient image output can be performed.

Therefore, in the case of FIGS. 2 (c) to 2 (e),
If the number of copies is increased, the productivity will be further improved.
In each of the above-mentioned first mode and second mode, adjustment data necessary for timing adjustment (timing for executing latent image formation, sheet feeding, registration roller driving after receiving each detection signal) is stored. By storing the adjustment data in the adjustment data holding unit 2 configured by a non-volatile memory or the like, the control unit 1 can instantly read the adjustment data when necessary (when switching modes, etc.), and reliable operation can be performed. Can be expected.

By the way, the productivity can be improved by using the present invention even when both sides of a document are read and copied by using the ADF (automatic reverse document feeder).

Conventionally, (even-page original reading + even-page image output) and (odd-page original feeding) are performed over all pages, and then the transfer paper is reversed in the stacker of the reversing transfer unit, and (Reading + outputting odd-numbered page image), (even-page original feed) was performed over all pages. In this case, ADF
However, since a step of idling is performed for each document, useless time is generated.

On the other hand, the following two methods can be considered by using the copying apparatus of this embodiment. By scanning the image and storing the image information in the memory in the conventional blank feeding process of the scanner, the number of scans and the scan time can be reduced by half. That is, (even page manuscript reading + even page image output) and (odd page manuscript reading (memory reading)) are performed over all pages, and then the transfer paper is reversed in the stacker of the reversing transfer unit to (memory reading + odd number). Page image output) is performed over all odd pages. This method corresponds to performing image output in the second mode after alternately performing the copying in the first mode and the reading in the second mode.

Further, it is also possible to carry out all the readings in a lump and read them into the memory, and then collectively output the image of the odd pages and the image of the even pages in a lump. This method is effective in the case of an apparatus having no stacker, and corresponds to executing the above-described second mode collectively over all pages. That is, batch processing can be executed in the second mode, such as (batch image reading of all pages), (batch image output of odd pages), (batch image output of even pages). In this case as well, there is no need to skip feed when reading an image.

As described above, it is possible to improve the productivity by effectively using the time for feeding the original document which has been conventionally required in the ADF. In the above case, the first and second modes for copying are used, but in addition to this, a case where image information is supplied from the outside to operate as a printer may be considered. In such a case, as the third mode, the transfer paper conveyance state detection signal is used as the reference signal, and the third adjustment data is prepared in the adjustment data holding unit 2 for adjusting the position of the image and the transfer paper. By setting it, the writing timing of the latent image on the photosensitive drum can be adjusted to an appropriate timing.

As described above, in copying a plurality of copies or copying a double-sided original, the first mode for outputting image information in substantially real time and the second mode for temporarily storing image information in the image memory are provided. By using them properly, it is possible to improve productivity with a simple configuration. Further, by using the third mode, it becomes possible to improve the productivity when operating as a printer.

[0033]

As described in detail above, the image storage means capable of storing image information in page units, and the reference position detection signal in the image reading means as a reference without passing the image information through the image storage means As a first mode in which the transfer sheet is conveyed to output an image and a transfer state detection signal of the transfer sheet is used as a reference, the image information read from the image storage unit is formed as a latent image on the photoreceptor to form an image. According to the invention of a copying apparatus including a control unit that controls timing in each of two types of modes, that is, a second mode for outputting the first mode and a second mode for outputting the first mode, By selectively using the two modes, it is possible to improve productivity with a simple configuration.

Further, in the invention of this copying apparatus, when copying a plurality of copies, while reading in the first mode and outputting the image, the read image information is stored in the image storage means for the second mode. , And the image output in the second mode is performed subsequently to the image output in the first mode to selectively use each mode, thereby making it possible to improve the productivity in copying a plurality of copies.

When image formation is performed when image information is supplied from the outside, the image information read from the image storage means is used as a latent image on the photoconductor with the conveyance state detection signal of the transfer sheet as a reference. By adjusting the timing in the third mode for forming, it becomes possible to deal with the image information supplied from the outside in addition to the read image information, and the productivity can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a copying apparatus according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a time chart showing an operation state in the example of the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 control unit 2 adjustment data holding unit 3 line memory 4 image memory 5 selector 6 image output unit 7 laser diode

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Susumu Kurihara 2970 Ishikawacho, Hachioji City, Tokyo Konica Co., Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A copying apparatus for copying an image on a transfer paper by forming a latent image on a photoconductor, the image storing means capable of storing image information in page units, and the image information storing means. Without passing through the first position mode in which the transfer sheet is conveyed and the image is output based on the reference position detection signal in the image reading unit and the transfer sheet conveyance state detection signal is used as the reference from the image storage unit. A second control mode in which the read image information is formed as a latent image on the photoconductor and the image is output, and a control section that controls timing in each of two modes is provided. Copying device. 2. When copying a plurality of copies, the control section adjusts the timing of the copy of the first copy in the first mode, and when the copy is executed in the first mode, the image storage is performed. 2. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information is stored in the means, and the timing of the second and subsequent copies is adjusted in the second mode according to the image information read from the image storage means. 3. The controller adjusts the timing using the first mode and the second mode when copying the image information read by the image reading means, and the image information is supplied from the outside. In the case of performing the image formation in the above case, the image information read from the image storage means is formed as a latent image on the photoconductor with reference to the transfer state detection signal of the transfer sheet.
3. The copying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the timing adjustment is performed according to the mode.