JPH1020588A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the operability of an operator and the copying efficiency of an image forming device when an identical image is copied on the plural kinds of transfer papers. SOLUTION: When optional plural; paper supply trays are selected from the plural paper supply trays by an operation part 50 and the number of copies is designated every selected paper supply tray, the transfer papers 31 equivalent to the designated number of copies are rerspectively successively supplied from the paper supply trays selected from the paper supply trays 39-42 and image data stored in an image memory 20 is copied by a recording part 33. Beside, the transfer papers are stored and ejected to paper ejection trays 61-63 by a paper post-processing part 60.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, when a plurality of different types of copy paper are obtained from a plurality of paper feed trays and copied (copied), copy setting is performed separately for each copy paper. An input operation is performed, and the copying operation is repeated to obtain a desired copy of the recording paper.

[0003]

However, in a conventional image forming apparatus, for example, two or more copies are frequently made at the time of performing a copying process. May be replaced and copied. In this case, there is a problem that the operability is poor because the operator has to select the type of transfer paper suitable for the distribution destination and purpose in a plurality of times and repeat the copy operation.

For example, when the color of the transfer paper is changed according to the distribution destination, or when the plain paper and the recycled paper are used separately, the operator needs to supply a copy tray of a desired type according to the distribution destination. And select the number of copies for each,
Since the copying operation had to be repeated, the operation was troublesome.

[0005] In some cases, slides, OHP sheets, and the like used when giving a presentation or the like are created. Normally, OHP sheets are often quoted from distribution explanatory materials. For this reason, once the explanatory materials for distribution are copied on plain paper, the copying operation is performed again after changing to the OHP sheet. won.

Further, in the image forming apparatus, when copying,
Since the reading of the image on the document surface had to be repeated the same number of times as the number of copies, there was a problem that the efficiency of the copy processing was reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to improve the operability of an operator when copying the same image on a plurality of types of transfer paper and the efficiency of copy processing by an image forming apparatus. Aim.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a digital image forming apparatus having a data memory device for storing image data. Means for selecting a plurality of paper feed trays and designating the number of copies for each of the selected paper feed trays; and sequentially feeding the designated number of copy sheets from each paper feed tray selected by the means. Means are provided for copying the image data stored in the data memory device on paper.

Further, it is preferable to provide a paper post-processing means for copying the image data onto each of the above-mentioned transfer papers, separating the image data for each paper feed tray of the paper feed source, and discharging the paper.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention allows an operator to select an arbitrary plurality of paper feed trays from among a plurality of paper feed trays and to designate the number of copies for each of the selected paper feed trays. Then, the designated number of copy sheets are sequentially fed from each of the selected paper feed trays, and the image data stored in the data memory device is copied.

Therefore, when copying the same image on a plurality of types of transfer paper, the operator must select a plurality of types of paper feed trays from among a plurality of paper feed trays each containing a different type of transfer paper and the number of copies for each of the plurality of types. The input operation can be selected and designated, so that the input operation does not take much time.

Further, the image data read from the document is stored in the data memory device, and the image data stored in the data memory device is copied onto the transfer paper sequentially fed, so that the reading operation of the image of the document can be performed. Only once,
Copy processing can be performed efficiently.

Further, if the image data is copied onto each transfer sheet, and the sheets are separated and discharged for each paper feed tray of the paper feed source, manual sorting work by the operator can be omitted. Copy work can be performed easily and efficiently in a short time.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This image forming apparatus is a digital copying machine, and a digital scanner unit 10 for reading an image of an original 11 by converting it into pixels, and a data memory for readable storage of image signals (image data) from the digital scanner unit 10. An image memory 20 which is an apparatus, and an image output unit 30 for reading out image data stored in the image memory 20 and copying and recording the image data on a transfer sheet 31 are provided. The image data is stored in the image memory 20, and the image data is reproduced by the image output unit 30 and copied onto the transfer paper 31.

The operation unit 50 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 3.
There are provided a plurality of keys for inputting operation information such as a key for selecting and inputting an arbitrary plurality of paper feed trays from 5 to 38 and a key for designating the number of copies for each of the selected paper feed trays. The operator can instruct a desired copy mode by key input selection. The operation unit 50 further includes a display panel such as an LCD for displaying work information at the time of copying and guidance information for inputting various operation information.

The paper post-processing section 60 includes a sorter and a stepper. The recording paper discharged after copying the image data accumulated in
Then, the sheets are sorted into sheets 3 and discharged.

The control unit 70 includes a CPU, ROM, and RA
M is realized by a microcomputer consisting of
It controls the entire image forming apparatus, controls image reading by the digital scanner unit 10, stores and reads image data in and from the image memory 20, controls the image data copying operation by the image output unit 30, and The paper post-processing unit 60 performs a control process for sorting and discharging the recording paper.

The digital scanner section 10 irradiates the lower surface of the original 11 arranged above with light by an optical scanner 12 and transmits the optical image to a photoelectric conversion section via a mirror 13 and lenses 15 and 16 (lens system). The data is transmitted, converted into a digital electric signal (image data), and stored in the image memory 20.

The image data stored in the image memory 20 is read out, input to the input unit 32 of the image output unit 30, converted into an optical signal, and sent to the recording unit 33. The recording unit 33 forms an image of the toner on the photoreceptor by the light signal and the toner, and copies the recording paper on which the image corresponding to the image data has been recorded on the transfer paper 31 conveyed by the conveyance mechanism unit 34. Output to the processing unit 60. The paper post-processing unit 60 sorts the recording paper discharged from the image output unit 30 into paper discharge trays 61 to 63 and discharges the paper.

That is, the image memory 20 corresponds to a data memory device for storing image data. Further, the operation unit 50 functions as a means for selecting an arbitrary plurality of paper feed trays from the plurality of paper feed trays and designating the number of copies for each of the selected paper feed trays.

Further, the image output unit 30 and the control unit 70
Functions as means for sequentially feeding the designated number of copy sheets from each of the selected paper feed trays and copying the image data stored in the data memory device. Further, the paper post-processing unit 60 and the control unit 70 function as a paper post-processing unit that copies image data onto each transfer sheet, and then sorts and discharges the sheet for each paper feed source paper feed tray.

Next, the copying process of the image forming apparatus will be described. Here, in the above-described image forming apparatus, among the modes for selecting a plurality of paper feed trays, a paper feed tray containing OHP sheets is included, and a description will be given of a process in a mode in which the paper feed tray is selected and a copy process is performed.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control process of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. In this process, in step (indicated by "S" in the figure) 1, copy mode setting and parameter setting are performed based on operation information input from the operation unit by the operator.

Here, the operator performs a copy mode input. When selecting a copy processing mode in which the same type of transfer paper is fed from one paper feed tray and the same image is copied, OUT = 0 is input. When a copy processing mode is selected in which different types of transfer paper are respectively fed from a plurality of paper feed trays and the same image is copied, OUT =
Enter 1. Then, the control unit sets the copy mode of the selected mode.

Further, in the case of the former copy processing mode, the necessary number of copies: B0 is continuously input. In the latter copy processing mode, the required number of copies: B1 to Bt is input for each of the selected paper feed trays (B1 to Bt: each paper feed tray number). The control unit sets the input parameters.

After setting the copy mode and setting the parameters in step 1, the process proceeds to step 2 where a copy start key is input from the operation unit 50, and starts copying. Then, the process proceeds to step 3 where the digital scanner unit outputs image data. An image reading process to be stored in the read image memory is executed.

Then, the process proceeds to step 4 to determine whether OUT = 0 or not, to determine the selected copy mode, and to determine whether or not the mode is to select a plurality of paper feed trays.
If OUT = 0, which indicates a copy processing mode based on sheet feeding from one sheet feeding tray, is set, the process proceeds to step 11, where N = 0 (the number of copies N is initialized).

Then, the process proceeds to step 12 to perform a copy process. The process proceeds to step 13 to add N = N + 1 (the number of copies is added), and proceeds to step 14 to determine whether or not B0 ≧ N (required number of copies). Is determined to be equal to or greater than the number of copies), and if B0 ≧ N, the process returns to step 12 to repeat the copy process. When B0 ≧ N, the copy process ends.

That is, in steps 12 to 14, a paper feed tray in which transfer paper of the same size as the document is stored is selected, the paper feed clutch of the paper feed tray is turned on, and the transfer paper is sent to the transport mechanism. Input copy number required: B0 times of copy processing.

On the other hand, if OUT = 1 (selection of a mode for selecting a plurality of paper feed trays) in step 4, the process proceeds to step 5 where the paper feed tray number: T is initialized to a value set in advance by a parameter. I do. T is a serial number of the paper feed tray, and T ≧ 1 and t ≧ 2. For example, when the first paper feed tray is selected, T = 1.

The process proceeds to step 6 to set N = 0 (initialize the number of copies), then proceeds to step 7 to perform a copy process for the paper feed tray of T = 1, and proceeds to step 8 where N = N + 1.
(Add the number of copies) to step 9 and proceed to step 9
It is determined whether or not ≧ N (feed tray: required copy number of T = 1: it is determined whether or not B1 has exceeded the number of copies), and if B1 ≧ N, the process returns to step 7 again to perform the copy process Is repeated, and the process proceeds to step 10 when B1 ≧ N.

In step 10, it is determined whether or not T ≧ t (determination of the presence or absence of the next selected paper feed tray: t).
If it is not t, the flow returns to step 6 again to set N = 0, and the copy processing of the next selected paper feed tray is executed. Then, when T ≧ t in step 10 (copying of all the selected paper feed trays is completed), the process is terminated.

In the processing of the above steps 4 to 10, when the mode for selecting a plurality of paper feed trays is selected, the first paper feed tray number is set from the plurality of paper feed trays selected in advance, and the copy number is set. The number N is initialized. For example, first, T = 1 indicating the paper feed tray 35 in which the plain paper transfer paper 31 is stored is set.

The control unit 70 controls the paper feed clutch 39 of the image output unit 30 to sequentially send the plain paper transfer paper 31 from the paper feed tray 35 to the transport mechanism 34, and the recording unit 33 sends the transfer paper 31 to each transfer paper 31. The image is transferred and the required number of copies B1 is copied, and the recording paper on which the image has been copied is discharged to the paper post-processing unit 60.

In this way, when copying the same image on a plurality of types of transfer paper, it is not necessary to switch the type of transfer paper and input the number of copies, and the image of the original can be read only once.

Next, T = 4 indicating the paper feed tray 38 in which the OHP sheet transfer paper 31 is stored is set. The control unit 70 controls the paper feed clutch 42 of the image output unit 30 to send out the OHP sheet transfer paper 31 from the paper feed tray 38 to the transport mechanism 34, and the recording unit 33 transfers the image to each transfer paper 31. Then, the required number of copies B4 is copied, and the recording paper on which the image has been copied is discharged to the paper post-processing unit 60.

Next, a method of discharging recording paper in the image forming apparatus will be described. When selecting a copy processing mode in which the same type of transfer paper is fed from one paper feed tray and the same image is copied, the control unit 70 controls the paper post-processing unit 60
Of the recording paper is switched to the paper discharge tray 61, and the recording paper discharged from the image output unit 30 is stored in the discharge tray 61.

On the other hand, when a copy processing mode in which different types of transfer papers are fed from a plurality of paper feed trays and the same image is copied is selected, in a normal discharge mode, the control unit 70 performs a paper post-processing. The separation claw 64 of the unit 60 is controlled to switch the recording paper discharge path to the discharge tray 61, and the plain paper recording paper discharged from the image output unit 30 is also stored in the discharge tray 61 together with the OHP sheet recording paper. .

FIG. 3 shows a recording paper discharge method in a normal discharge mode when a copy processing mode in which different types of transfer papers are respectively fed from a plurality of paper feed trays and the same image is copied is selected. FIG. Thus, the plain paper 80 and the OHP sheet 81 are both discharged to the same discharge tray 61.

If the automatic sorting mode is selected, the control unit 70 controls the separation claws 64 to 66 of the paper post-processing unit 60 each time the number of copies of the selected paper feed tray is set, thereby setting the recording paper discharge path. The recording sheets discharged from the image output unit 30 are sorted and stored in discharge trays 61 to 63, respectively.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a recording paper discharging method in the automatic sorting mode when a copy processing mode in which different types of transfer papers are respectively fed from a plurality of paper feed trays and the same image is copied is selected. It is.

For example, the control unit 70 controls the separation claw 65 to discharge the copied plain paper 80 to the discharge tray 62 when copying the plain paper transfer paper 31 fed from the paper feed tray 35. When copying the transfer sheet 31 of the OHP sheet fed from the sheet feed tray 38, the control unit controls the separation claw 64 to discharge the copied OHP sheet 81 to the discharge tray 61. Thus, the recording paper of the plain paper and the OHP sheet can be automatically sorted.

In this way, the image forming apparatus requires only one reading operation of the image on the document surface when copying to a plurality of types of transfer paper, so that copy productivity is improved. Further, the operator can process the operation of switching the type of transfer paper and setting the number of copies, which have been divided into a plurality of times, by one copy operation at one time, which is shorter than the conventional operation. It can be done efficiently in time.

Further, a paper post-processing apparatus (sorter / stepler) is mounted, and a mode is provided for separating and discharging the copied recording paper for each different type of transfer paper. By performing the processing based on the sorting section according to the sorting request, the manual sorting work can be omitted, and the work can be completed easily in a short time and efficiently.

[0046]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the operability of the operator when copying the same image to a plurality of types of transfer paper and the processing efficiency of the copy of the image forming apparatus are improved. Can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method of discharging a recording sheet after copying in the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a method of discharging recording paper after copying in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 10: Digital Scanner Unit 11: Original Document 12: Optical Scanner 13: Mirror 14: Reflection Mirror 15, 16: Lens 20: Image Memory 30: Image Output Unit 31: Transfer Paper 32: Input Unit 33: Recording Unit 34: Transport Mechanism Units 35 to 38: Paper feed trays 39 to 42: Paper feed clutch 50: Operation unit 60: Paper post-processing unit 61 to 63: Paper discharge tray 64 to 66: Separation claw 70: Control unit 80: Plain paper 81: OHP sheet

Claims (2)

[Claims] In a digital image forming apparatus having a data memory device for storing image data, an arbitrary plurality of paper feed trays are selected from a plurality of paper feed trays, and each of the selected paper feed trays is selected. Means for designating the number of copies for each paper feed tray, and sequentially transferring the designated number of transfer sheets from each paper feed tray selected by the means to copy the image data stored in the data memory device And an image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a paper post-processing unit that copies image data onto each of the transfer paper sheets, and then sorts and discharges the separated paper for each paper feed tray. Characteristic image forming apparatus.