JPH10319787A - Image forming device having circulating type automatic document feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To take out copies without disturbing the order of pages and improve the working property and operability by detecting the number of documents, and switching the mode to large-quantity sort mode to perform the copying operation when the number of documents exceeds the housing number of sheets per bin of a sorter. SOLUTION: When a sort mode is selected in the start of a copying operation by pressing the print key (start key) of a copying device, documents are circulated once to count the number of documents by a circulating type document feeding device B in order to confirm the number of documents prior to the start of image forming operation. After the number of documents is counted, it is judged whether the copies (number of discharged papers) to be discharged exceeds the housing number of sheets per bin of a sorter D or not, and when the number of discharged papers exceeds the bin housing number of sheets, the sort mode (general sort mode) is switched to large-quantity sort mode to execute the copy operation (image forming operation). When the number of documents is lower than the bin housing number of sheets, the copy operation is executed in the general sort mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, and a printer, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having an automatic document feeder and a sorter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus including an automatic document feeder and a sorter and capable of automatically classifying copied sheets is well known. Sorting using a sorter includes sorting (collating) and stacking (sorting). However, usually, the sort and the stack are collectively called a sort function, and an apparatus for performing the sort function is also called a sorter.

[0003] The sort (collation) is for arranging copied sheets in a page order and discharging the sheets to a sorter bin, and is used, for example, when preparing meeting materials for the number of persons. On the other hand, the stack (sort) discharges the copied paper to the bin of the sorter for each same page, and is used when aligning the copies for each page of the document. The sorting function is a very convenient function that can save the trouble of sorting and organizing the copied paper.

In the conventional image forming apparatus having a sorter, if the number of pages of the original is equal to or larger than the number of sheets that can be discharged to each bin of the sorter, the processing cannot be performed at once. .

For example, assuming that the number of sheets that can be discharged to one bin (each bin) of the sorter is 30 sheets, a plurality of copies (here, three copies are assumed) of a document having a total of 50 pages are copied using a sorter. I do. The apparatus first copies three copies (three sheets) of the first page of the original (even when copying is started from the last page of the original, the original sent first is referred to as the first page for convenience), and copies the first page of the sorter. Paper is discharged to the first bin, the second bin, and the third bin. Next, the second page is discharged in order from the first bin of the sorter. If you copy this one after another, when the 30th page is copied,
No more paper can be discharged to the sorter bin,
Copy stop. Alternatively, depending on the device, a copy stop does not occur and a jam occurs.

Therefore, conventionally, when copying a document having a number of pages exceeding the number of sheets discharged (stored) in the sorter bin, it has been necessary to copy the document twice or more times. Then, it was necessary to collect the copies made in several times later.

In order to solve such inconvenience, a mode called a mass sorting function has been proposed. This mass sort function performs sorting or stacking using a plurality of bins as one block (sorting unit).
One bin as one block (assuming one bin)
When sorting is performed, a document having twice the number of pages as a normal document can be copied (however, the number of copies that can be copied is reduced to half of the normal number).

The operation in the large-volume sort mode will be described. For example, when the number of bins stored is 30 and a 50-page document is sorted, two bins are regarded as one block (1
Sort), and lower bins 1-3
A copy of page 0 (a document sent first is set as a first page and a copy corresponding to the first page is set as a first page) is discharged, and copies of 31 to 50 pages are discharged to an upper bin. Therefore, even if the copies discharged to one block (two bins) are taken out and superimposed as they are, the page order of the copies is correct.

[0009]

However, even in an apparatus having a large-volume sorting mode, conventionally, large-volume sorting is not performed unless a user designates a large-volume sorting mode before the start of copying. When copying an original with a number of pages exceeding the number of sheets stored, the copying operation was stopped or moved to the next bin to continue copying.

In the case of moving to the next bin and continuing copying, for example, if it is attempted to sort a 50-page document with the number of sheets stored in the bin being 30 sheets, copies of 1 to 30 pages are discharged to the first bin, A copy of 31 to 50 pages is discharged to the second bin (the original sent first is the first page, and the copy corresponding thereto is the first page). At this time, the first page is discharged at the bottom of the first bin, and the 30th page comes at the top. And the third at the bottom of the second bin
One page is discharged, and the 50th page comes at the top. Therefore, if copies are pulled out of the sorter bin when they are overlapped, the page order will be out of order.

As described above, the conventional apparatus has a problem that even if the apparatus has the large-volume sorting mode, the large-volume sorting cannot be performed unless the user specifies the large-volume sorting mode before starting the copy.

The present invention solves the above-described problem in an image forming apparatus having a conventional sorter, and forms an image with a number of pages exceeding the number of sheets discharged from one bin of the sorter without specifying a large-volume sort mode. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can be taken out without disorder of the page order even when the image forming apparatus is out of order and has improved workability and operability.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a recirculating automatic document feeder and a sorter for automatically copying copied paper to a bin of the sorter when copying a plurality of pages of a document. In an image forming apparatus having a sort mode in which paper is sorted and discharged, when a copy operation is performed in the sort mode, the document is circulated once by the circulating automatic document feeder at the start of a copying operation, and the number of documents is increased. If the number of originals exceeds the number of sheets stored per bin of the sorter, a control means is provided for switching to a large sort mode in which a plurality of bins of the sorter are sorted as one block and performing a copying operation. Will be resolved.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention proposes that the number of bins in one block in the large-volume sorting mode is automatically set by detecting the number of documents at the start of the copying operation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a second automatic document feeder disposed adjacent to the circulating automatic document feeder. A mode in which a document can be conveyed from the apparatus to the circulating automatic document feeder, and a copying operation using the second automatic document feeder is reserved after copying using the circulating automatic document feeding apparatus. It is proposed that a document be transported from the second automatic document feeder to the circulating automatic document feeder during copying in the reservation mode, and the number of documents detected during the transport.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is directed to a method for detecting the number of originals at the start of the copying operation, wherein if the number of bins used in the large-volume sort mode is insufficient, the copying operation is performed at the time of detecting the number of originals. It is proposed to interrupt the display and display that copying in the sort mode is not possible.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to the present invention, when the number of bins used in the large-volume sort mode is insufficient by detecting the number of originals at the start of the copying operation, the copy is discharged to the bin of the sorter. It is proposed that the copying be interrupted when the empty bin is exhausted, a message prompting the user to take out the paper from the bin is displayed, and that the copy operation be restarted and the copy discharge be continued by the instruction to restart copying.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to the present invention, if the number of bins used in the large-volume sort mode is insufficient by detecting the number of originals at the start of the copying operation, the copy is completed and discharged. It is proposed to control the copying so that only the possible number of copies is made, and not to copy as much as not completed as one copy.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention proposes that when only the number of copies that can be completed and discharged as one copy is copied, an indication that there is a missing copy number is displayed.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention proposes that when only the number of copies that can be completed and discharged as one copy is copied, the number of missing copies is displayed.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a copying machine main unit: A, a recirculating document feeder (RDF) B mounted on an upper portion of the main unit, and an automatic document feeding device mounted adjacent to the recirculating document feeding device. Equipment (AD
F): C, a sorter D mounted on the side of the main body, and a reversing unit E disposed between the copier main body and the sorter.

For the sort copy in this copying apparatus, an original is set in the recirculating original feeder B or the automatic original feeder C, a copy is made in the copying machine main body A, and the copy is sorted into each bin 50 of the sorter D. To discharge. Now, the configurations of the main body A, the sorter D and the reversing unit E will be described later, and the description will be started from the configurations of the recirculating document feeder B and the automatic document feeder C.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the structure of the recirculating document feeder B. In this RDF, the document table 13
1, the lowermost sheet is attracted to the vacuum belt 132 and is sent to the document feed port by the movement of the belt. The document is once drawn to the upper left and appears again to be set on the document bundle. The original fed in that state is fed to the intermediate transport path 1 by the original feed roller 133.
It is sent to 34 and temporarily stopped. The stopped document is set on the contact glass 1 by the turn roller 135 and the document transport belt 136 by the subsequent restart. In the case of continuous paper feeding, the next original is set in the intermediate conveyance path 134 by executing the original calling operation at the same time. The document set on the contact glass 1 is discharged by sending the document to the document discharge path 139 by the document conveying belt 136 and the document discharge rollers 138, but the discharge method differs between a single-sided document and a double-sided document. ing.

In the case of a single-sided original, the original on the contact glass 1 is moved by an original conveying belt 136 to an original discharge path 139.
When the reversing sensor 141 detects the trailing edge of the document once entering the paper discharge path, the switchback roller 14
0 is reversed and the document is fed back. At this time, since the discharge switching claw 137 is operated, the original is discharged to the discharge path 139.
The document is guided to the normal rotation discharge path 143 by the original discharge rollers 144.
As a result, the original is discharged onto the original stack on the original mounting table 131 in the same direction. At this time, since the document separating claws 145 are placed on the document bundle, the discharged documents are not confused.

In the case of a double-sided document, the switchback roller 140 does not rotate in the reverse direction, and proceeds directly to the reverse discharge path 142. Therefore, when the sheet is discharged onto the document table 131 and stacked again, the top and bottom are reversed. When the sheet is fed again in this state, the back surface of the contact glass 1 is exposed, and the sheet is returned to the original state by passing through the reverse sheet discharging path 142 again.

The detection of the final document is performed by dropping the document separating claw 145 set on the document into the separating claw detection sensor 146 by feeding the final document. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the automatic document feeder C. In the ADF shown in this figure, a document bundle (not shown) placed with the image surface downward on the document placing table 151 is separated by a separation blade 152.
And only the lowest document is separated by the separation roller 153.
The sheet is fed by the conveying force of the call roller 154. The fed document is transported by a pull-out roller 155 and a turn roller 135 (FIG. 2), and is transported by a document transport belt 136.
Is set on the contact glass 1. The subsequent paper discharge operation is the same as that of the RDF, but when the paper is discharged to the document discharge tray 27 (FIG. 1) on the left of the RDF, the paper discharge switching claw 137 operates so as to close the document discharge path 139. The document is discharged to the discharge tray 27 by the document discharge roller 138.

The double-sided document from the automatic document feeder C is discharged to the document mounting table 131 of the RDF after the back side copying is completed. Therefore, the document is guided to the document discharge path 139, and when the trailing end of the document once entering the paper discharge path is detected by the reversing sensor 141, the switchback roller 140 rotates in the reverse direction and the document is fed backward. At this time, the paper discharge switching claw 137 is operated, and the document is guided from the paper discharge path 139 to the forward rotation discharge path 143, and is discharged downward by the document discharge rollers 144 on the surface copied to the document mounting table 131.

Reference numeral 156 of the automatic document feeder C is an ADF
Used by a registration sensor to accurately stop the original on the contact glass. An original set sensor 157 detects that an original has been set.
Reference numeral 158 denotes a document end sensor for detecting the last document of the document bundle set on the ADF. Reference numeral 159 denotes an ADF side sensor that detects the size of the original and controls the original so that the original is not transported obliquely when fed.

The difference between the RDF and the ADF is whether or not copying is performed by circulating the original. Since the ADF cannot return the original to the sheet feeding position, it is suitable for making a plurality of copies from one original. However, in the RDF, it is possible to execute the same copying operation as in the ADF by not circulating the original.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the DF control unit for controlling the movement of the RDF and ADF originals. In the DF control unit shown in FIG.
Using a one-chip microcomputer with an integrated AM, AD converter, and serial communication port,
The input port 103 is externally connected. Output port 102
Is a motor driver 104 for driving various motors at a constant speed.
Are connected, and each motor is driven as needed. Further, a document feeding clutch 105,
The partitioning claw solenoid 106, the chuck unit solenoid 107, and the like are connected and driven. Input port 10
3, various sensors 108 are connected to input signals.
The necessary information can be obtained. The operation of the document is realized by executing the above-described driving of the load at a predetermined timing.

Next, the copying operation in the sort mode using the circulating document feeder B, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of automatically switching large-volume sorting in the sorting mode in the copying apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this flowchart, if the sort mode is selected when the print key (start key) of the copying apparatus is pressed to start the copying operation (S1, S2), before the image forming operation is started. In order to check the number of originals, the circulation type original feeder B
Then, the number of originals is counted and the number of originals is counted (S3). After counting the number of originals, it is determined whether the number of copies to be discharged (the number of discharged sheets) exceeds the number of sheets stored in one bin of the sorter D (S
4) If the number of discharged sheets exceeds the number of stored bins, the sort mode (normal sort mode) is switched to large-volume sorting (S5), and a copy operation (image forming operation) is executed. If the number of discharged sheets does not exceed the number of stored bins, that is, if the copy fits in one bin, the copy operation is performed in the normal sort mode.

As described above, at the start of copying when the sort mode is set, the document is circulated once by the circulating document feeder B. If the counted number of documents is larger than the number of bins stored in the sorter, the document is automatically circulated. By switching to the large-volume sort mode and performing copying, copies after sorting can be taken out without disturbing the page order, so that the operability of the copying apparatus can be improved and the user can save time and effort.

Next, the process of determining the number of bins used per block (the number of bins regarded as one bin in the large-volume sort mode) when automatically switching to the large-volume sort mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the flowchart of FIG.
Up to 3 is the same as the flowchart of FIG. By counting the number of originals in S3, the number N of discharged copies of one copy is calculated (S4). The number of discharged sheets N is compared with the number of stored sheets M to determine whether N> M (S
5). If the number of discharged sheets N is larger than the number of stored sheets M, the mode is switched to the large-volume sorting (S6), and the number of used bins per copy, that is, the number of bins treated as one block (considered as one bin) is determined (S7). ). Where 1
It is assumed that the number of bins handled as blocks is obtained by adding 1 to a quotient obtained by dividing the number of discharged sheets N by the number of stored bins M. For example, assuming that the number of copies discharged per copy is 50 and the number of bins stored is 30, a 1-block bin that uses 1 in addition to 1 which is the quotient of 50/30 plus 1 in large-scale sorting is used. Number.

On the other hand, in S5, the number of discharged sheets N is equal to the number of stored bins M.
If the number is equal to or less than the number, the copy operation is executed in the normal sort mode. In this way, 1
Number of bins used per copy (number of bins handled as one block)
Is automatically calculated, the sorting operation is smoothly performed, and the working efficiency can be improved.

Even if the number of bins in one block is not automatically set at the time of large-volume sorting, the user can set the number of bins in one block or, for example, by automatically fixing the number of bins with two bins as one block. It is possible to execute the copy switched to the large-volume sort.

By the way, in the copying apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reserve a copy using the automatic document feeder C during the execution of the copy processing using the recirculating document feeder B. The operation of this reserved copy (reserved job mode) will be described later, but here, the automatic switching of large-volume sorting at the time of reserved copy will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the start of copying in the reservation mode is determined (S1), and the original is moved from the ADF to the RDF (S2). At this time, if the mode is the sort mode (S3), the number of documents is counted when the document is moved from the ADF to the RDF (S4). The number N of copies discharged for one copy is calculated from the counted number (S5). The number of discharged sheets N and the number of stored sheets M are compared to determine whether N> M (S6). If the number of discharged sheets N is larger than the number of stored sheets M, the mode is switched to the large-volume sorting (S7), and the copying operation is started.

As described above, in the reservation mode in which the copy using the ADF is reserved during the copy processing using the RDF, the original is transferred from the ADF to the RDF, and the number of the originals is counted at that time, whereby the number of copies per copy can be increased. When the number of copies discharged is larger than the number of stored bins, it is possible to automatically switch to the large-volume sort mode and execute the sort copy. In this case, since the number of originals is counted when the originals are transferred from the ADF to the RDF, it is not necessary to circulate the originals again in the RDF to count the number of originals, and the originals are not damaged. Further, the time required for the copying operation can be reduced.

In the operations described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the number of bins of the sorter is insufficient in the middle of a copy depending on the number of copies to be made and the number of documents when making a copy by large-volume sorting. A case is conceivable. For example, assuming that there are a total of 15 bins in the sorter, 7 copies are required when a large quantity sort requires 8 bins per copy (2 bins as one block) and makes 8 copies. A complete copy with the same number of pages is obtained up to the first copy, but only one bin remains available for the 8th copy, and the last 8th copy has the number of pages for one bin Is copied, resulting in an incomplete copy with no pages.

If the copying operation is stopped when the output bins are exhausted when the output bins are exhausted during the transition to the mass sorting mode and the mass sorting copy is performed, the incomplete operation is performed. This will result in extra copies and extra work for the user. Therefore, a process performed when the number of bins used for the large-scale sorting is insufficient will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the number of originals is counted (S1), and from the set number of copies and the counted number of originals, the number of bins required in the entire mass sort mode is determined by the number of bins available for the sorter. It is determined whether the number is small (S2). If the required number of bins is less than the number of available bins, the copying operation is interrupted before starting the actual copying process (document exposure and subsequent image forming operation), and the number of output bins is reduced when shifting to a large number of swords. A message indicating that the number is insufficient is displayed (S3), and the user is notified that the number of bins for discharging the copy is insufficient. This display may be displayed on a display unit or the like of the operation unit of the copying apparatus described later.

As described above, when the number of bins used in the large-volume sorting mode is insufficient, the copying operation is interrupted when the number of originals is counted and the display is performed, thereby preventing erroneous copying. The operability of the copying apparatus can be improved.

In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the number of documents is counted in S1 and expressed as an independent process. However, following the counting of the number of documents in each flowchart of FIGS. If the number of available bins is larger than the required number of bins (if the determination in S2 is No), the process returns to the original flowchart, and if the required number of bins is smaller than the available number of bins (S2 The process may proceed to S3 to interrupt the copying operation.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. As described above, in the above-described embodiment, when the number of bins of the sorter runs short in the middle, an incomplete copy that is not completed as one copy is produced, and is useless. In order to complete an incomplete copy, it is very time-consuming to check the last page of the ejected copy and copy only the original after that page. In order to prevent this, if the copying operation is interrupted when the number of originals has been counted, it takes time and effort to set the number of copies again and copy again, and complete the required number of copies. Must be copied again for the number of copies that is insufficient. When the number of missing copies (the number of remaining copies) is small, such as one copy, it is not a great deal of work, but when the number of remaining copies is large, it is troublesome and the operability is not good.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, by performing the following control, a countermeasure is taken when the number of bins of the sorter becomes insufficient in the middle of a large quantity sort. First, the first control is that when a complete copy of one copy cannot be discharged in the middle of large-volume sorting (the number of bins for completing a copy as one copy is insufficient), the time before the number of bins becomes insufficient , The copying operation is interrupted, the subsequent copying operation is not executed, and an incomplete copy that is not completed as one copy is not discharged. This prevents erroneous copying due to incomplete copy ejection, enables the creation of several completed copies until the number of bins becomes insufficient, and reduces the time it takes to copy the missing portion again. Thus, the operability of the copying apparatus can be improved.

In this case, some completed copies may be made before the number of bins becomes insufficient, and in such a case, the user may misunderstand that the copying has been completed. That is, even though the set number of copies has not been actually ejected, some completed copies are ejected, which may lead to a misunderstanding that the set number of copies has been completed. Therefore, as a second control, when the copy of the set number of copies is not completed due to the shortage of the number of bins, a message indicating that the copy is not completed is displayed on the operation unit display means of the copying apparatus to notify the user. I do. Alternatively, it may be notified by a buzzer or the like.

In order to further enhance the operability, the number of missing parts (remaining number of copies) is displayed on the operation unit display means as the third control. Alternatively, the number of missing copies may be displayed on the number display unit (displaying the set number of copies) described later of the operation unit.

The processing up to this point will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that this flowchart is a process performed after the transition to the large-volume sorting by counting the number of documents after the start of the copying operation in the sort mode.
The meanings of the alphabets a to f used in the description of this flowchart are as follows. a: Number of used bins per copy (number of bins of one block in mass sorting) b: Number of copies (set number of copies) c: Number of copies output to sorter bin d: Number of remaining bins during mass sorting e: Number of bins required to discharge the set number of copies (= a × b) f: Number of bins that can be discharged (= a × c + d) In the flowchart of FIG.
1 to S6. When sorting by large-volume sorting, if f ≧ e, that is, if the number of bins required for discharge is equal to or less than the number of dischargeable bins, all copies of the set number of copies can be sorted. All copy operations are performed (S1, S2). On the other hand, if f <e, that is, if the number of bins required for discharging is larger than the number of dischargeable bins, the number of bins will be insufficient. It is determined whether or not there is (S3). Here, if f ≧ a,
The number of copies of (quotient of f ÷ a), that is, the copy of c copies is executed (S4). Since no further copy (copy of the (c + 1) th copy) is performed, no copy is discharged to the remaining bin (the number of remaining bins of f ÷ a = d). Next, a message such as "Copy not completed. Remove paper from sorter and restart copying" is displayed on the display section of the operation panel described later. Alternatively, the user is notified that copying is not completed by a buzzer or the like (S5). Further, a message such as "the number of remaining copies is n" is displayed. Alternatively, the remaining number of copies is set to the number (S6).

Up to this point, a description has been given of the processing for preventing incomplete copies that are not completed as one copy from being ejected. However, in the present embodiment, when the number of bins of the sorter becomes insufficient in the present embodiment, the fourth control is performed. It is also possible to discharge a copy that is not completed as one copy, and to perform a process that makes subsequent operations as easy as possible.

Next, a description will be given of a process for discharging a copy that is not completed as one copy when the number of bins of the sorter runs short during the process. This processing corresponds to S7 and S8 in the flowchart of FIG.

In the flowchart of FIG. 9, in S3,
If f ≧ a, that is, if the number of bins in one block is larger than the number of bins that can be ejected, the bins can be exhausted (f
A copy is output halfway by copying and discharging (up to the bin) (S7). Then, a message such as "Please remove the paper from the sorter and restart copying" is displayed so that the remaining copies can be made (S
8) Prompt the user to remove the paper. After this, if the user removes the paper and resumes copying (by pressing the start key), the remaining copy of one copy that has not been completed is output. Good.

The above description related to the large-volume sorting mode according to the present invention. The configuration and operation of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described below. However, the circulation type document feeder B and the automatic document feeder C have already been described, so please refer to them.

The copying apparatus main body A shown in FIG. 1 comprises an exposure section, an image forming section, a sheet feeding section, and the like. The exposure unit includes a contact glass 1 arranged on the upper surface of the apparatus, a flash light source 2 as an exposure lamp, a first mirror 4, a through lens 5,
It is composed of the second mirror 6 and the like. The image forming unit includes a photoreceptor belt 7 as an image carrier and charging means 8, an eraser 9, a developing unit 10, a cleaning unit 26, a transfer charger 11, a fixing unit 18 and the like provided around the photoreceptor belt 7. You. The paper feed unit is configured by paper feed trays 12, 13, and 14, and other paper feed / transport mechanisms. Note that a paper discharge tray 19 is provided on the upper surface of the main body. A registration roller 16 is provided before the transfer position in the paper transport path, and the fixing unit 1
A conveyor belt 17 is provided in front of 8.

The original set on the contact glass 1 is entirely exposed by the flash light source 2. The power source 3 of the flash light source is charged before the flash and emits light at a predetermined timing. Light reflected from a document (not shown) is guided by a first mirror 4, a through lens 5, and a second mirror 6 to a belt photoreceptor 7, which exposes the belt photoreceptor.
The belt photoreceptor 7 is uniformly charged by the charging means 8 and forms an electrostatic latent image by exposure. Unnecessary charges are removed from the electrostatic latent image on the belt photoreceptor 7 by the eraser 9, developed by the developing unit 10, and sent to the transfer unit. In the transfer section, the electrostatic latent image developed is transferred onto transfer paper by the transfer charger 11. The transfer paper is fed from one of the paper feed trays 12, 13, and 14 or the double-sided tray 24, is conveyed along the conveyance path 15, and is synchronized with the original image on the belt photoreceptor 7 by the registration roller 16. And is sent between the belt photoreceptor 7 and the transfer charger 11. The transfer paper on which the image has been transferred is separated from the photoreceptor by the separation charger 20 and sent to the fixing unit 18 by the conveyor belt 17 to fix the unfixed image.

In the duplex mode for copying on both sides of the transfer paper,
The double-sided switching claw 21 is switched to the double-sided tray 24 side, and the transfer paper is sent to the double-sided tray 24 from the double-sided entrance path 23 and is temporarily stored in the double-sided tray. In the single-sided mode in which copying is performed on only one side of the transfer sheet, the double-sided switching claw 21 is switched to the sheet discharge side, and is conveyed to the discharge switching claw 22. The discharge switching claw 22 functions to switch between discharging the transfer paper to the main body tray 19 and discharging to the peripheral device.

After the transfer sheet is separated, the belt photoreceptor 7 is discharged by the discharging charger 25, and the remaining toner on the photoreceptor is removed by the cleaning unit 26 to prepare for the next copy.

Since the belt photoreceptor 7 has a seam, the image forming areas on the belt are determined so as to be at equal intervals for each sheet size, avoiding the seam. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the image forming areas (segments) of the belt photoconductor 7 developed at the seams. A indicated by a dashed line in the figure
5 are 4 segments and 4 are B4 segments indicated by broken lines.
The three A3 segments indicated by two-dot chain lines are determined so that they are equally spaced.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming control section of the copying apparatus main body. The control unit shown in FIG.
It comprises a CPU 401, an output port 402, an input port 403, and the like. Various sensors are connected to the input port 403 to input sensor signals. Output port 402
Is connected to a motor control circuit 404, a power pack 405, and the like, so that the load can be controlled.

At the time of image formation, it is necessary to determine an image forming area on the photoconductor before forming an image in order to avoid a seam of the belt photoconductor 7. To this end, a synchronization mark (see FIG. 10) is provided at a fixed distance from the seam at the end of the belt photoconductor 7, and is detected by the mark sensor 410. In order to determine the image area, it is necessary to drive the photoconductor and detect this synchronization mark. For this purpose, a drive signal from the output port 402 is input to the motor control circuit 404, and the photoconductor drive motor 408 is driven. Photoconductor drive motor 40
8, an encoder 409 is integrally mounted.
It outputs a number of pulses proportional to the moving distance of the belt photoconductor 7. The pulse signal is input to the motor control circuit 404 and is used to rotate the photoconductor drive motor 408 at a constant speed, and is also input to the frequency divider 406 to divide the pulse signal at a predetermined frequency division ratio. Are input to the CPU 401 to count the number. Since the value is proportional to the amount of movement of the photoconductor, the image forming area is determined by this count value.

Next, the copy sequence will be described.
When the end of the segment of the belt photoreceptor 7 reaches a predetermined position, a sequence operation starts, and a counter for sequence control starts operation. This counter performs a count-up operation by a pulse signal from the frequency divider 406, and is cleared when the sequence is completed. When the counter starts operating and the value becomes CNT_1, a signal is input from the output port 402 to the power pack 405, and the charger 8 operates to uniformly charge the photosensitive member 7. Next, when the count value reaches the value of CNT_2, a charge start signal is input to the flash power supply 3 from the output port 402, and charges are stored in a capacitor in the flash power supply 3 to turn on the flash lamp 2, and the flash signal is output. The rush lamp 2 is turned on by sending it to the power supply 3, and the original set on the contact glass 1 is irradiated with light to expose the photoconductor 7. The count value of this flash signal is output as CNT_3.

When the photosensitive member 7 further rotates and the leading end of the image reaches the position (CNT_4) of the eraser 9, the portion corresponding to the image of the eraser 9 is turned off, and the rear end of the image reaches the position (CNT_5) of the eraser 9. Then, the eraser 9 lights up,
The excess charge on the photoreceptor is erased and an electrostatic latent image is left only on the original image. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 10, and in the case of a front copy, the paper feed trays 12, 13,
14 is transferred to a sheet sent from any one of the printers 14. In the case of backside copying, the image is transferred to the sheet sent from the double-sided tray 24. In order to synchronize with the original image, conveyance starts at different timings depending on which tray the paper is sent from. The paper on which the original image has been transferred passes through the transport belt 17,
The image is fixed by the fixing unit 18. The double-sided switching claw 21 operates by CNT_6, and switches to the double-sided tray side when stacked on the double-sided tray 24, and switches to the discharge side otherwise. The discharge switching claw 22 operates by CNT_7, and switches between discharging the paper to the main body tray 19 and sending the paper to the peripheral device. The sequence operation ends when the sheet is discharged.

Table 1 below shows the correspondence between the count values and the sequence processing.

[0064]

[Table 1]

The copying process is realized by sequentially executing this sequence process at the movement timing of the segment. The normal copying process is determined by the segment size and the paper size to be used. Therefore, the processing speed of the A4 size is the fastest, the B4 size is the next four-fourths of the A4 size, and the A3 size is five-fifths. It becomes 3.

The processing speed can be changed by changing the correspondence between the segment size and the paper size. That is,
Even if the paper size is A4, the size is reduced to 4/5 by using the B4 segment and 5% by using the A3 segment.
It is possible to reduce it to 3/3. When the paper size is B4, the size can be reduced to 3/4 by using the A3 segment.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an operation unit provided on the copying apparatus main body A. In the operation unit 110 shown in this figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a mode clear / excess heat key, which functions as both a mode clear key and a residual heat key. The function of the mode clear key is maintained by pressing the key, and the function of the residual heat key is maintained when pressed. Becomes The mode clear key is used to return each mode to the standard mode. By operating this key, the number of repeats is set to 1, the density is set to automatic density, the paper feed is selected automatically, and the magnification is set to 1: 1. , Both sides,
All other functions are turned off. The preheating key is an alternate switch, which is pressed when the machine is to be preheated and when the preheating is released. In the residual heat state, the fixing unit is controlled at a low temperature, and only the residual heat lamp is turned on and other displays are turned off to reduce power consumption. Therefore, during the execution of the copy process, the residual heat key is invalid.

Reference numeral 112 denotes an interrupt key, which is depressed when performing interrupt copying. An enter key 113 is pressed to input values for zoom magnification and binding margin. A print key (start key) 114 is depressed when starting a copying operation. This key also serves as a ready / wait display, and a green LED is lit when ready and a red LED is lit when waiting. Reference numeral 115 denotes a numeric keypad, which is used for inputting numerical values of zoom magnification and binding margin when setting the number of copies.
A clear / stop key 116 functions as a clear key during standby and as a stop key during copying operation. This clear key is pressed to cancel the set number of copies. The stop key is pressed to interrupt the copying operation,
The machine stops when the current copying operation is completed. A guidance key 117 is pressed to display a description of a basic operation. A program registration key 118 can register a mode frequently used by a user, and the registered mode can be called with a program call key 119. Reference numeral 120 denotes a reservation key, and 121 denotes a reservation setting key.

Reference numeral 200 denotes a display unit of the LCD type. This display has touch keys on the surface, and functions as selection keys as well as displaying functions. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining the function of the display unit 200.

In FIG. 13, reference numeral 201 denotes a message display, which is a place for displaying information about the machine. For example, a message such as "You can copy", "Please replenish paper", "You can make a reserved copy" is displayed. indicate. A set display area 202 displays the set number of copies (number of copies). Reference numeral 203 denotes a tray selection key and a paper size / remaining amount display area, which indicate, in order from the left, an upper tray, a middle tray, a lower tray, and a large capacity tray (optional). Reference numeral 204 denotes an automatic paper selection key. When this key is selected, a tray containing paper of the same size as the original is automatically selected. A density adjustment key 205 is pressed to adjust the copy density. An automatic density key 206 is pressed to automatically adjust the copy density according to the background density of the document. Reference numeral 207 denotes an equal-size key, 208 denotes an enlargement key, and 209 denotes a reduction key, which are depressed when designating equal-size copying or reducing or enlarging a fixed size, respectively. 210
Is a zoom key that is pressed to specify an arbitrary magnification between 64% and 142%. A paper designation scaling key 211 is pressed to automatically reduce or enlarge an image of a document according to the size of the designated paper. A double-sided key 212 is selected when a single-sided original is set to both sides, when a double-sided original is set to both sides, and when a double-sided original is set to one side. 213 is duplex mode
When the function of the double-sided mode is selected in the message area, a copy creation status is shown by a picture. A binding margin key 214 can be set on either the left or right side if the binding margin is 21 mm or less. A binding mode message area 215 displays a binding state when a binding mode function is selected. Reference numeral 216 denotes a stack key which is pressed to discharge copy sheets of the same original to each bin of the sorter. 217
Is a sort key which is depressed when collating copy paper into each bin of the sorter in the same manner as a document. Reference numeral 218 denotes a staple key for instructing staple. A large number sort key 219 is pressed to sort a plurality of bins into one block when the number of sheets to be sorted as one copy is large.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit of the operation unit. The operation control unit shown in FIG.
01, ROM 302, RAM 303, interrupt controller 304, communication port 30 for communication with main controller
5, an LCD controller 306 for controlling the LCD display unit, a display memory 307, an output port 308 for turning on an LED, a DMA controller 309 for reading an input of a touch key or a push key, and the like.

The operator sets a necessary processing mode on the operation unit, and inputs a copy start instruction using the print key. The copying apparatus executes a copy process according to the processing mode set in the operation unit.

The reversing unit E and the sorter D will be described with reference to FIG. The original discharged from the copying apparatus main body A is
The sheet is conveyed from the sheet receiving port 31. The reversing switching claw 32 operates by reversing / non-reversing the sheet, guiding the sheet to the reversing path 33 when reversing the sheet, and transporting the sheet to the sorter D without passing through the reversing path 33 when reversing is unnecessary.

The sheet discharged from the reversing unit E is introduced between the upper and lower transport belts 42 and 44 by the guide plate 43 from the sheet inlet 40 of the sorter. A paper discharge roller pair 45 is provided on the upper path switched by the switching claw 46, and discharges the paper to a paper discharge tray 47.

A copy vertical feed path 51 is extended on the lower path switched by the switching claw 46, and is provided with a plurality of conveying rollers, deflecting claws, discharge rollers, etc., which are not provided with reference numerals, and are provided in parallel with each other so as to rise upward. The paper is discharged to the bin 50.

In the case of the normal sort mode, the first copy of the first page is discharged to the first bin, and the second copy of the first page is discharged to the second bin. Similarly, 1 on page 2
The first sheet is discharged to the first bin, the second page of the second page is the second
Drained into bottles. Thus, in the sort mode, 1
Copies are discharged to one bin in the order of pages, such as 1, 2, 3,....

In the stack mode, all copies of the first page are discharged to the first bin, and all copies of the second page are discharged to the second bin. As described above, in the stack mode, a copy of the same page is discharged to one bin and sorted for each page.

The large-volume sorting is a mode used when copying originals exceeding the number of sheets that can be stored per bin, and sorts the copies into a plurality of blocks with a plurality of bins 50 as one block. At this time, the copies are discharged from the bottom of each block so that the page order of the sorted copies does not change.

Next, a description will be given of a copying method using the circulating document feeder B. First, in the case of single-sided / single-sided copying, documents placed downward on the document mounting table 131 are fed one by one from below, sent to the contact glass 1 through a document feeding path, and exposed. . When the exposure is completed, the original on the contact glass
And is discharged to the paper discharge tray 27. The next original starts to be fed before the exposure of the original is completed, so there is no delay for replacing the original.
The copy is completed. The state of document feeding and paper feeding at this time is shown in FIG. Since one copy is made when the document on the document table makes one round, this operation is repeated N times to make N copies.

In the case of one-sided / two-sided copy, first, a copy of the front side document is taken in the first document circulation, and is temporarily stacked on a double-sided tray. In the next cycle, a copy of the original that was not copied in the first cycle is copied on the front copy sheet in the duplex tray to create one copy of the duplex copy. In the case where a plurality of copies are to be created, the N copies are created by N + 1 times of document circulation by copying a sheet from the double-sided tray and simultaneously creating a front side copy and stacking them on the double-sided tray during the second and subsequent document circulation. FIG. 15B shows the state of document feeding and sheet feeding when two copies are created.

In the case of double-sided / double-sided copy, first, a copy of the front side document is taken in the first document circulation, and is temporarily stacked on a double-sided tray. The document is inverted and discharged by this circulation. In the next cycle, a two-sided copy is created by making a backside copy of the original on the front side copy paper in the two-sided tray. The original is reversed again by the circulation of the original for backside copying, and the original state is returned. That is, when the document on the document table circulates twice, one copy is made. The state of document feeding and paper feeding at this time is shown in (3) of FIG.

Next, a copying method using the automatic document feeder C will be described. First, in the case of single-sided / single-sided copying, the originals on the original mounting table 151 of the ADF are fed one by one from below, sent to the contact glass 1 and exposed. When the exposure is completed, the original on the contact glass is turned on by the transport belt 136 and the transport claw of the RDF.
The document is discharged to the document tray 131 of the DF. Because the next document starts feeding before the document being exposed is exposed,
Copies are created without delaying document replacement.
The state of document feeding and paper feeding at this time is shown in FIG.
Shown in

When the original on the original plate of the ADF runs out, 1
A copy of the copy is created, and it is possible to make a reserved copy on the ADF document table 151 again, and a message “ADF can be reserved” is displayed on the message display 200.
In order to create N copies, the operation according to the copy method using the RDF is repeated N-1 times.

In the case of single-sided / double-sided copy, first, when the document on the document placing table 151 of the ADF is conveyed to the document table of the RDF, a copy of the document on the front side is taken, and is temporarily stacked on a double-sided tray. All documents on the ADF platen are RDF
When the document is conveyed to the document table, the reserved copy can be made again on the document table 151 of the ADF, and "ADF can be reserved" is displayed on the message display 200.
Next, the original is circulated using the RDF, and a copy of the original not copied when the original on the ADF original mounting table is transported to the RDF original table is copied onto the front copy sheet in the duplex tray. Make a two-sided copy of. When a plurality of copies are to be made, when the original is circulated from the RDF tray, the front copy is made at the same time as copying on the paper from the double-sided tray and stacked on the double-sided tray, so that N copies are made with N times of document circulation. . The state of document feeding and paper feeding at this time is shown in (2) of FIG.

In the case of double-sided / double-sided copying, first, when the original on the ADF original mounting table 151 is conveyed to the RDF original table, a copy of the original on the front side is taken, and the original is temporarily stacked on a double-sided tray. All documents on the ADF platen are RDF
When the document is conveyed to the document table, the reserved copy can be made again on the document table 151 of the ADF, and "ADF can be reserved" is displayed on the message display 200.
At this time, the document is inverted and discharged to the document tray of the RDF. Next, the original is circulated using the RDF, and the back side of the original is copied on the front side copy paper in the double-sided tray, thereby obtaining 1
Make a two-sided copy of the copy. The original is inverted again by the circulation of the original of the back side copy. Subsequently, when making copies of a plurality of copies, the copying method in the case of using the RDF is followed. The state of document feeding and paper feeding at this time is shown in (3) of FIG.

Next, the operation in the reserved job mode will be described. If the job is set after the copy operation by document feeding using RDF (B) is completed, the RD
The document discharged on the document mounting table 131 of F is discharged to the discharge tray 27. More specifically, the document is conveyed one by one to the exposure position by the document feeding operation of the RDF, and sent out to the discharge tray 27 located on the left without exposure. That is, by discharging the document on the document mounting table 131 on which the copy processing has been completed to the discharge tray 27, the document mounting table 131 of the RDF is emptied to be ready for use in the next job. After that, the ADF (C) document table 1
If a document is set on the document 51, the document is moved onto the document loading table 131 of the RDF, and then the copying process is executed. The document set on the ADF document table is
The method of transferring the document to the document mounting table combines the above-described ADF sheet feeding operation and RDF sheet discharging operation.

Next, the setting of the reserved job mode will be described. When the reservation key 120 is pressed during the copy start wait state or during the copy operation, the currently set copy mode is temporarily stored in the memory, and the display unit 200 displays a copy mode setting screen different from the current setting screen. Is displayed.

After the screen change of the display unit 200 when waiting for the start of copying, the mode is cleared once, and then a copy mode setting screen is displayed. (See FIG. 13). During the copying operation, the copying screen is saved, the initial setting screen is displayed, and the copy mode can be set. The setting of the copy mode is performed in the same manner as the normal setting.

After the setting of the copy mode such as double-sided printing, scaling, number of sheets, paper selection, density setting, etc. is completed, the reservation setting key 12
By pressing 1, the reservation of the second job is completed. When the reservation setting is completed, the screen returns to the screen before pressing the reservation key 120, and a message indicating that the reservation is being made is displayed.
An original bundle to be copied in the reservation mode is an empty AD
The document is set on the document mounting table 151 of F.

The operation for shifting to the reservation mode when the preceding job is in a copying operation is performed by pressing the reservation key 120 and pressing the ADF document table 151.
May be controlled so as to be able to perform the setting depending on the original set to the printer. Whether or not to shift to the reservation mode by setting a document can be set by a mode called an UP mode in which a function that can be customized by the user is set.

In the reserved job mode, the next job can be set during the copying operation, so that the operator can effectively use the copying apparatus without worrying about when the preceding job is completed.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for setting the reservation mode. First, in step 1, the reservation key is O
It is checked whether N has been performed. If it is ON, it is checked in step 2 whether or not it is in a copy start wait state. If it is not in a wait state, it is checked in step 11 whether or not copy processing is being executed. That is, here, it is checked whether or not a reservation is possible.
It is checked whether the reservation has already been made or the reservation is being made (S
4) If neither is the case, a reservation can be made, so the current copy mode is stored, and the plug under reservation is set (S).
5, S6). After that, a copy mode setting screen of the operation unit is output (S7), so that a reservation mode can be set.

Next, if step 1 is NO, AD
It is checked whether or not a reservation can be made by setting an original on the original mounting table of F. That is, if the reservation key has not been turned on in step 1, it is checked whether or not a document has been set on the ADF document table (S8). It is checked whether or not the state is in progress (S9). If the copying process is being executed, it is checked whether or not a flag is set to enable reservation by document setting (S10). By checking the set flag, it is checked whether the document is set. In other words, if a document is set, and the copying process is being performed and a flag indicating that reservation is possible in the document set is set, the same processing as the reservation key ON is executed. That is, of course, when the original is set and the reservation is possible when the reservation key is not turned on or when the reservation key is not turned on, the current copy mode is stored in the memory and the new copy mode is stored. Is displayed (S5, 6, 7).

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18, the completion of the setting of the copy mode is checked by pressing the reservation setting key (S20). When the key is pressed, it is checked whether the reservation copy mode is being set. S21) If the reservation is being made (S21 YES), the copy mode set during the reservation mode setting is stored in the memory, and the reservation in progress flag is cleared.
A reserved flag is set (S22 to S24). When the reserved flag is set, a subsequent operation of the reservation key is controlled so as to be invalidated, and at the same time, a display during reservation is executed. Finally, the setting of the reservation mode is completed by calling the copy mode before the reservation and displaying it on the screen (S2).
5).

Next, the copying operation of the reserved job is performed by copying the original of the preceding job discharged onto the document placing table 201 of the RDF (B) by the end of the preceding job.
Start by discharging to 7. As described above, the copying operation using the RDF is performed by copying the original on the original mounting table of the RDF by one.
The copy operation for the first copy at the time of the reservation job is performed by feeding the document on the ADF onto the contact glass 1 and the RD.
This is performed by a combination of a document discharging operation from the contact glass using F. That is, the originals are fed one by one from the ADF original mounting table 151 onto the contact glass, and after the exposure is completed, the originals are inverted and discharged to the original mounting table 131 using a part of the circulating transport path in the RDF. The copy processing method for the second copy (the second round in the case of double-sided copy) is as follows.
The first round of copy processing in DF mode
By controlling the DF to be executed at the time of transferring the document onto the document mounting table 131, it is possible to save a useless time of only the transfer, and to further increase the productivity.

Once the document on the ADF document table is RDF
After the transition to the original mounting table, the reserved flag of the reserved job is cleared, so that the reserved display disappears and the next reservation is possible.

In the double-sided copying operation of the double-sided original using the ADF, the contact glass → the path 139 → the path 142 → so that the page order of the originals stacked on the discharge tray 27 becomes correct as described above. Route 143
→ A route such as contact glass 1 is also available.

[0098]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the number of documents is large, the process automatically shifts to the large-volume sorting, so that the copied copies can be taken out without disordering the page order. Operability of the copying apparatus can be improved.

According to the configuration of claim 2, 1 in large-volume sorting
Since the number of bins in a block is automatically set, a smooth sorting copy can be performed, and work efficiency is improved. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the RDF is performed at the time of the reserved copy using the ADF
Since the number of originals is counted when the originals are transported, the originals are not damaged and the copy time can be reduced.

According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, when the number of output bins in the large-volume sorting becomes insufficient, the copying operation is interrupted at the time of counting the number of originals and the display to that effect is made, so that erroneous copying can be prevented.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the number of bins in the sorter runs short, a copy that is not completed as one copy is discharged and the subsequent operation is made as easy as possible. Can be created.

According to the structure of the sixth aspect, an incomplete copy that is not completed as one copy is not discharged, thereby preventing erroneous copy and improving operability. According to the configuration of claim 7, since the copying of the set number of copies is not completed and the number of remaining copies (insufficient number of copies) is notified, misunderstanding of the user can be prevented, and trouble for the user can be eliminated.

By displaying the number of remaining copies (insufficient number of copies) according to the configuration of claim 8, the trouble of making a copy for the lack is greatly reduced, and the number of copies is not mistaken.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an entire configuration of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a circulation type document feeder of the copying apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a configuration of an automatic document feeder of the copying apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a DF control unit that performs document movement control of the copying apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of automatically switching a large number of sorts in a sort mode in the copying apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of determining the number of bins used per block.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a mass sorting automatic switching process at the time of reserved copying.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed when the number of bins used for large-scale sorting is insufficient.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a development view showing an arrangement of an image forming area (segment) of a belt photoreceptor of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming control unit of the copying apparatus main body illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an operation unit provided in the copying apparatus main body shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a plan view for explaining functions of a display unit provided in the operation unit.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit of the operation unit.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining a copying operation using the RDF of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining a copying operation using the ADF of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of setting a reservation mode in the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a copy mode setting completion process in the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 contact glass 7 belt photoreceptor 27 document discharge tray 50 bin 110 operation unit 131 RDF document mounting table 151 ADF document mounting table 401 CPU 200 display A copy body B recirculating document feeder (RDF) C document feeder ( ADF) D sorter E Inversion unit

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image having a circulating automatic document feeder and a sorter, and having a sort mode in which, when copying a plurality of pages of a document, the copied paper is automatically sorted into bins of the sorter and discharged. In the forming apparatus, when performing copying in the sort mode, at the start of a copying operation, the circulation type automatic document feeder circulates the document once and detects the number of documents.
When the number of sheets stored per bin exceeds the number, the sorter sorts a plurality of bins into one block and switches to a large-volume sort mode, and has a control means for controlling so as to perform a copying operation. Image forming device. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of bins in one block in the large-volume sorting mode is automatically set by detecting the number of documents at the start of the copying operation. And a second automatic document feeder disposed adjacent to said circulating automatic document feeder, wherein a document is sent from said second automatic document feeder to said circulating automatic document feeder. A mode in which a copy operation using the second automatic document feeder is reserved after copying using the circulating automatic document feeder; and 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a document is transported from the automatic document feeder to the circulation type automatic document feeder, and the number of documents is detected during the transport. 4. When the number of bins used in the large-volume sort mode is insufficient by detecting the number of originals at the start of the copying operation, the copying operation is interrupted at the time of detecting the number of originals,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a display indicating that copying in the sort mode is not possible is performed. 5. When the number of bins used in the large-volume sort mode is insufficient by detecting the number of originals at the start of the copying operation,
When the copy is discharged to the bin of the sorter and the empty bin is exhausted, the copy is interrupted, a display urging the removal of the paper from the bin is displayed, and the copy operation is resumed and the copy discharge is continued by the instruction to resume the copy. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 6. When the number of used bins in the large-volume sort mode is insufficient by detecting the number of originals at the start of the copying operation, only the number of copies that can be completed and discharged as one copy is copied. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so as not to copy unfinished parts. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when only one copy is completed and the number of copies that can be discharged is copied, an indication that there is a missing copy is displayed. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the number of copies that can be completed and discharged as one copy is copied, the number of missing copies is displayed.