JPH1049002A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify a procedure when a user forms an image for a document image only on one of transfer papers for front and back covers by an image forming device. SOLUTION: When both cover modes are set by a cover mode key 28a, the fact that the images are formed or not on the transfer papers for the front and back covers can be independently set by a cover image key 28b. For instance, for forming the image on the transfer paper for the front cover, without forming the image on the transfer paper for the back cover, the document at the first page is fed by an automatic document feeder(ADF), the transfer paper is fed from a feeding port (cover feeding port), to form the image of the document on this transfer paper and then, the documents from the next page are successively fed by the ADF. Then, the transfer papers are fed from a feeding port (normal feeding port) different from the feeding port, to successively form the images of the respective abovementioned documents on the respective transfer papers. After that, the transfer paper is fed again from the cover feeding port and the formation of the image on the transfer paper can be inhibited.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine equipped with an automatic document feeder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A current image forming apparatus is equipped with an automatic document feeder for feeding set originals one by one, and forms an image (copy) on a set of originals set in the automatic document feeder. In some cases, it is possible to set a front cover mode in which both front and back covers are added when performing the operation.

In such an image forming apparatus, as shown in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-131869, when a front cover mode (front and back cover mode) is set, a document is not transferred to the front and back cover transfer sheets. In some cases, image formation of an image is not performed, and each cover is made plain. In some cases, when the front cover mode is set, an image of a document image is also formed on the front and back cover transfer sheets.

[0004]

However, in the conventional image forming apparatus as described above, the original image can be copied to only one of the front cover and the back cover transfer paper by a simple procedure by the user. In order to do so, it is necessary to perform complicated procedures.

For example, when a document image is copied onto a front cover transfer sheet and the back cover transfer sheet is made plain, the user operates a key on the operation unit to operate in both cover mode and image presence (front cover and back cover). (Copy the original image on the cover), the last page of the original to be set in the automatic document feeder is blank, and the copy operation is started by pressing the start key on the operation unit.

Further, in such a mode, a plain copy of copying a blank image of a blank document on a back cover transfer paper is performed. Therefore, the back cover transfer paper after copying is in a plain state. , The billing counter counts up, and wasteful expenses other than the paper cost for the back cover have been generated. In the current maintenance contract for the image forming apparatus, a fee is charged according to the number of times of image formation (number of times of image formation) on transfer paper.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a user forms an image of a document image on only one of a front cover and a back cover transfer paper in a double cover mode in an image forming apparatus. It is a first object to simplify the procedure for making the setting. It is a second object of the present invention to reduce the cost generated in the cover mode.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following image forming apparatuses (1) to (5).

(1) An automatic document feeder for feeding the set documents one by one, a final document detecting means for detecting the feeding of the last document by the automatic document feeder, and a document fed by the automatic document feeder. An image forming means for forming an image of each document on transfer paper fed from a paper feed port; and an image forming means for forming an image on a bundle of documents set in the automatic document feeder by using the image forming means. Both cover mode setting means for setting both cover modes to add both cover sheets, cover paper feed port designating means for specifying a paper feed port for feeding a front and back cover transfer sheet in both cover modes, and both cover pages An image forming apparatus having a cover image forming presence / absence setting means for independently setting whether or not to form an image on the front cover and the back cover transfer paper when the mode is set

(2) An automatic document feeder for feeding the set documents one by one, a final document detecting means for detecting the feeding of the final document by the automatic document feeder, and a document fed by the automatic document feeder. An image forming means for forming an image of each document on transfer paper fed from a paper feed port; and an image forming means for forming an image on a bundle of documents set in the automatic document feeder by using the image forming means. Both cover mode setting means for setting both cover modes to add both cover sheets, cover paper feed port designating means for specifying a paper feed port for feeding a front and back cover transfer sheet in both cover modes, and both cover pages When the mode is set, a cover image forming control means for controlling the image forming means so as to form an image of the original image on the transfer paper of the front cover and not to form an image on the transfer paper of the back cover. Image shape with Equipment

(3) In the image forming apparatus shown in (2), the automatic document feeder is a device for sequentially feeding the set document from the first page, and the cover image forming control means is provided with an automatic document feeder and An image forming apparatus in which the image forming means is controlled as follows: a) The first page of the original is fed by the automatic document feeding apparatus, and the transfer paper is fed from the paper feed port designated by the cover paper feed port designating means. To form an image of the original on the transfer paper

A) Thereafter, the originals set by the automatic original feeding device are sequentially fed, and the transfer paper is fed from a selected paper feeding port other than the paper feeding port designated by the cover paper feeding port designating means. C) to sequentially form the image of each of the above-mentioned originals on each of the transfer papers. C) When the final original detecting means detects the feeding of the final original,
After the above-mentioned process a) is completed for the original, the transfer paper is fed from the paper feed port designated by the cover paper feed port designating means, and image formation on the transfer paper is prohibited.

(4) In the image forming apparatus shown in (2), the automatic document feeder is a device for sequentially feeding the set document from the last page, and the cover image forming control means is provided with the automatic document feeder and An image forming apparatus in which the image forming means is controlled as follows: a) Transfer paper is fed from the paper feed port designated by the cover paper feed port designating means, and image formation on the transfer paper is prohibited.

A) Thereafter, the originals set by the automatic original feeder are sequentially fed, and the transfer paper is fed from a selected paper supply port other than the paper supply port designated by the cover paper supply port designation means. C) successively forming the images of the respective originals on the respective transfer sheets c) When the final original detection means detects the feeding of the final original,
Transfer paper is fed from the paper feed port specified by the cover paper feed port specifying means, and an image of the final document is formed on the transfer paper.

(5) In the image forming apparatus shown in (3), when the cover image forming control means feeds the first page of the document set in the automatic document feeder, the last document detecting means sets the last document. When the feeding of the document is detected, the image forming apparatus is provided with means for prohibiting the processes a) and c) after executing the process a) above. In the forming apparatus, when the cover image forming control means feeds the last page of the document set in the automatic document feeder prior to the process (a), the last document detecting means causes the last document to be fed. An image forming apparatus having means for prohibiting the processes of a) and b) and executing only the process of c) if detected

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The copying machine includes a copying machine main body 100, an automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as “ADF”) 200, and an auxiliary paper feeding unit 600.

The copying machine main body 100 is an image forming means.
The optical system 110 includes an optical system 110, an image forming system 120, a paper feed system 130, a re-feed system 140, and the like. The optical system 110 includes a contact glass 111, and an exposure lamp 112 and a first
Mirror 113a, second mirror 113b, third mirror 11
3c, fourth mirror 113d, fifth mirror 113e, sixth
Mirror 113f, exposure lens 114, and dust-proof glass 1
15 are arranged.

The image forming system 120 includes a photosensitive drum 121, around which a charger 122 and an eraser 12 are arranged.
3, developing device 124, PTL 125, transfer charger 12
6, a separation charger 127, a separation claw 128, a static elimination charger before cleaning (hereinafter referred to as “PCC”) 129,
And the cleaner 12A, and the photosensitive drum 1
A transport belt 12 </ b> B and a fixing device 12 </ b> C are arranged downstream of 21.

The paper feeding system 130 combines the auxiliary paper feeding unit 600 when it is connected as in this embodiment. That is, the paper feeding system 130 includes a manual paper feeding table 131a, paper feeding cassettes 131b, 131
c, 131d, 131e, and the feeding rollers 132b, 132c, 132d, 132e, the feeding rollers 133b, 133c, 133d, 133e, and the reversing roller 1
34b, 134c, 134d, 134e, registration rollers 135, guide mylar 136, various guides, and intermediate rollers.

The paper feed system 130 includes a call roller 132
b, 132c, 132d, 132e, paper feed roller 133
b, 133c, 133d, 133e, reverse roller 134
b, 134c, 134d, 134e, registration roller 1
35, a guide mylar 136, various guides, intermediate rollers, and the like, a manual paper feed table 131a, a paper feed cassette 1
One of the transfer sheets set in the sheet feeding port selected by the user (operator) among 31b, 131c, 131d, and 131e is fed.

The refeeding system 140 includes a switching claw 141, a contact / separation roller 142, a reversing guide 143, a reversing roller 144, a gate claw 145, an intermediate tray 146, and a leading edge roller 14.
7, a paper stopper 148, a call roller 149, a paper feed roller 14A, a reverse rotation roller 14B, a paper discharge roller 14C, and the like.

Hereinafter, the copying operation in the copying machine will be briefly described. When a copy operation is instructed with the original set on the contact glass 111, the paper feed clutch is turned on, and the feeding roller of the paper feed port specified at that time transfers the transfer paper to the paper feed roller and the reverse roller. Send out between. The paper feed roller feeds the transfer paper sent out by the call roller toward the registration roller 135. At this time, since the reverse rotation roller rotates in the opposite direction to the paper feed roller,
Double feed is prevented, and only the uppermost transfer sheet is sent to the registration roller 135.

During this time, the optical system 110 scans the original on the contact glass 111 and reflects the reflected light from the original illuminated by the exposure lamp 112 onto the first mirror 113a, the second mirror 113b, the third mirror 113c, the exposure lens 114,
The light is guided to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 121 via the fourth mirror 113d, the fifth mirror 113e, the sixth mirror 113f, and the dustproof glass 115.

The photosensitive drum 121 is rotated clockwise, and its photosensitive surface is uniformly charged by the charging charger 122 before receiving the reflected light of the original from the optical system 110.
A latent image area is formed by static elimination by the eraser 123. Accordingly, when the latent image area is irradiated with the reflected light of the document, photoconduction occurs depending on the intensity of the reflected light, and an electrostatic latent image is formed.

This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 124, and becomes a toner image to which toner adheres according to the image density of the document. This toner image is transferred to the transfer paper fed from the registration roller 135, but before the transfer, the charge is removed by the PTL 125 to facilitate the transfer.

The transfer paper fed by the registration roller 135 is brought into close contact with the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 121 by the guide mylar 136, and the toner image is transferred directly above the transfer charger 126. Immediately after this, the transfer paper is separated charger 1
The separation is performed by the separation claw 128 if the separation is insufficient at this time.

After the transfer paper is separated, the remaining toner on the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 121 is removed by the cleaner 12A.
The transfer paper is sent to the fixing device 12C by the transport belt 12B. The fixing device 12C includes a fixing roller 12Ca and a pressure roller 12Cb. The transfer paper on which the toner image has been transferred is heated while applying pressure (about 185 ° C.) to fix the toner image, and is transferred to the re-feeding system 140. .

The re-feeding system 140 transfers the transfer paper from the fixing device 12C to the discharge rollers 14 by the action of the switching claw 141.
When the copying on the one side of the transfer paper in the double-sided mode is completed, it is guided to the reversing guide 143. Thereafter, when the rear end of the transfer sheet passes through the switching claw 141, the switching claw 14
1 is switched, the transfer paper is sent to the reversing roller 144 by the contact of the contact / separation roller 142, and is sent to the gate claw 145 by the reversing roller 144.

There are four gate claws 145, and when the gate claws corresponding to the size of the transfer paper are opened, the transfer paper is discharged to the intermediate tray 146 and is moved by the leading end roller 147 until it comes into contact with the paper stopper 148. The leading edge is aligned and stocked, and when the copy of the transfer paper to the other side is started in the duplex mode, the call roller 149 is set.
Is fed out between the paper feed roller 14A and the reverse rotation roller 14B, and only the uppermost transfer paper is re-fed toward the registration roller 135 by the paper feed roller 14A and the reverse rotation roller 14B.

When the toner density of the developing device 124 is detected, a position outside the range of the contact glass 111 is formed prior to the formation of the toner image by the reflected light from the original set on the contact glass 111. (Above the first mirror 113a located at the home position)
A toner image is formed by reflected light from a standard pattern (not shown) provided in the developing unit 124, and the density is read by a P sensor PSN arranged downstream of the developing device 124.

On the other hand, the ADF 200 is
The feed roller 15
The original set on the original table 160 is fed and discharged by the conveyor belt 152, the discharge roller 153, and the like.

That is, before the optical scanning (copy) is started by the copying machine main body 100, the original set on the original table 160 is moved from the first page by the feed roller 151 from the first page.
The copier body 1 is fed out one sheet at a time, and
When the one-side mode is set, the original is conveyed to the transport belt 152 and the discharge roller 153 after the optical scanning is completed.
To discharge onto the upper discharge table.

When the double-sided mode is set, the original on the contact glass 111 is conveyed to the discharge roller 153 side by the conveying belt 152 after the optical scanning is completed, and then again turned upside down by a mechanism (not shown). The original is fed and set on the contact glass 111, and after the optical scanning is completed, the original is discharged onto the upper discharge table by the transport belt 152 and the discharge roller 153.

Reference numeral 161 denotes a document set sensor for detecting whether a document is set on the document table 160 (presence or absence of a document). By using the document set sensor 161, it is possible to determine whether the document fed from the document table 160 is the last document, or whether the document set on the document table 160 is one.

That is, if the original set sensor 161 does not detect the presence of the original on the original table 160 after the first (first page) original is fed from the original table 160, the original is set on the original table 160. It is determined that there is one document. Further, after determining that the number of originals set on the original table 160 is not one, after feeding the next original from the original table 160, the existence of the original on the original table 160 is no longer detected by the original set sensor 161. In this case, it is determined that the fed original is the final original (original of the last page).

The ADF 200 feeds the set original document sequentially from the first page. However, an ADF that feeds the original document sequentially from the last page may be provided at the upper part of the copying machine main body 100. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an ADF for sequentially feeding a set document from the last page.

The ADF 170 feeds the original set on the original table 171 from the last page by the feed roller 172 before the optical scanning by the copying machine 100 starts.
The copier body 1 is sent out one sheet at a time,
When the one-side mode is set, the original is conveyed to the transport belt 173, the reversing roller 174,
The sheet is discharged onto a sheet discharge tray 176 by a discharge roller 175.

When the duplex mode is set, the original on the contact glass 111 is sent to the reversing roller 174 by the conveyor belt 173 after the optical scanning is completed, and then the front and back sides are switched by the switching claws 177 switched to the positions indicated by the virtual lines. Contact glass 111 again in a state where
After the optical scanning is completed, the original is conveyed to the conveying belt 173, the reversing roller 174, and the discharging roller 1
The sheet is discharged onto a sheet discharge tray 176 by the button 75.

Reference numeral 178 denotes a document set sensor for detecting whether a document is set on the document table 171 (presence or absence of a document). By using the document set sensor 178, it is possible to determine whether the document fed from the document table 171 is the last document or whether only one document is set on the document table 171.

That is, when the original (last page) original is fed from the original table 171 and the presence of the original on the original table 171 is no longer detected by the original set sensor 178, the original is set on the original table 171. It is determined that there is one document. Further, after determining that the number of originals set on the original table 171 is not one, the next original is fed from the original table 171, and the presence of the original on the original table 171 is no longer detected by the original set sensor 178. In this case, it is determined that the fed original is the final original (the original of the first page).

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of an operation display unit in the copying machine. In this operation display section, 1
Is a start key for instructing a copy start, 2 is a numeric keypad for inputting the number of sets (the number of repeat copies), etc., 3 is a clear / stop key for instructing clearing of a set number and a copy stop, and 4 is a number of sets. Is a set number display for displaying the number of copies, 5 is a copy number display for displaying the number of copies, and 6 is a document number display for displaying the number of documents.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a paper size display for displaying the size of the transfer paper set in the selected (specified) paper feed port, and 8 denotes the remaining amount of the transfer paper set in each paper feed port. A paper remaining amount display 9 to be displayed, and an automatic paper selection mode display 9 to display when a mode (automatic paper selection mode) for automatically selecting an optimum transfer paper from original size information or the like is set. Reference numeral 10a denotes a paper key for selecting a paper feed port for feeding normal transfer paper, and 10b denotes a cover (cover paper) key for selecting a paper feed port for feeding a front cover or back cover transfer paper. It is.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a preparation indicator for notifying that the printer is waiting ("Please wait"), 13 indicates a copy enable indicator for notifying that copying is possible ("can be copied"), 14 indicates a sort key for setting a sort mode, Reference numeral 15 denotes a sort mode indicator for indicating that the sort mode has been set;
Is the stack key for setting the stack mode, 17
Is a stack mode indicator for notifying that the stack mode is set, 18 is a staple key for setting the staple mode, and 19 is a staple mode indicator for notifying that the staple mode is set.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a DF for setting the ADF mode.
A key, 21 denotes an ADF mode display for notifying that the ADF mode is set, 22 denotes a single side for copying each image of two single sided originals (an original having an image only on one side) on both sides of one transfer paper → One side for setting the duplex mode →
A double-sided mode key 23 is a single-sided-> double-sided mode indicator for indicating that the single-sided-> double-sided mode is set.

Numeral 24 denotes a double-sided key for copying each image of one double-sided original (an original having images on both sides) to one side of two transfer sheets → a double-sided → single-sided mode key for setting a single-sided mode.
Numeral 25 indicates a double-sided to single-sided mode indicator that indicates that the single-sided mode is set, and numeral 26 indicates a double-sided to double-sided mode for copying each image of one double-sided original to both sides of one transfer sheet. A double-sided to double-sided mode key 27 is a double-sided to double-sided mode indicator that indicates that the double-sided to double-sided mode is set.

A cover mode key 28a is used to set either the cover mode or the cover mode. Here, the cover mode is a mode in which a cover is added when an image is formed on the bundle of documents set on the ADF 200 or 170 by the copying machine body 100. The double-cover mode is a mode in which both front and rear covers (front cover and back cover) are added when an image is formed on the bundle of originals by the copying machine body 100.

Reference numeral 28b denotes a cover image key for setting whether to form an image (image formation) or not (no image formation) on the front or back cover transfer sheet, and 29a is a cover cover mode. A cover mode indicator 29b indicates that the cover mode has been set, and a cover mode indicator 29b indicates that the cover mode has been set. 29c indicates a cover state indicating that an image is to be formed on the transfer sheet of the cover. An indicator, 29d is a back cover status indicator notifying that an image is to be formed on the back cover transfer paper, and 30a is a sorter bin paper forgotten display that warns that copy paper (transfer paper) remains in the sorter bin. It is a vessel.

Reference numeral 30b denotes a jam display for warning a jam or the like in the sorter, 30c denotes a jam display for warning a jam or the like in the body of the copying machine or the like, and 31 is selected as a paper feed port for feeding normal transfer paper. A paper replenishment display alerts that no transfer paper is set in the fed paper inlet, a staple replenishment display alerts that there is no staple (needle), and 3
Reference numeral 3 denotes a staple disable indicator that warns that stapling cannot be performed, 34a denotes a staple limit indicator that warns a staple limit, and 34b denotes a staple limiter that feeds a front cover or back cover transfer sheet. This is a cover warning indicator for warning that the transfer paper is not set.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of an electric control system in the copying machine. This electric control system
Main unit 400, storage unit 410, optical control unit 420, AC control unit 430, operation control unit 440, AD
It comprises an F control unit 450, a sorter control unit 460, and the like.
The main control section 400 monitors various sensors 401 provided in each section of the copying machine main body 100 and controls the solenoid (So) of each section.
l) and the load 402 such as a motor is controlled.

The optical controller 420 controls a lens motor for moving the exposure lens 114 and a scanner motor for performing scanning (optical scanning). AC control unit 430
Controls the AC load of the exposure lamp 112, the heater of the fixing unit 12C, the main motor, the developing motor, the transport motor, and the paper feed motor. The operation control unit 440 performs reading and display control of the key operation of the operation display unit 150.

The ADF control unit 450 controls the ADF 200 or 1
The sorter control unit 460 controls the sorter (not shown). Here, the above-mentioned electric control system and operation display section 150 are the last original detection means, both cover mode setting means, cover paper feeding port designating means,
It functions as a cover image formation presence / absence setting unit and a cover image formation control unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the cover mode setting process by the main control section 400 of FIG. This routine is called and started by a main routine (not shown). First, it is determined whether or not the cover mode key 28a is pressed. If the cover mode key 28a is not pressed, the process returns to the main routine. When the cover mode key 28a is pressed, the current setting mode is checked, and the following processing is performed.

That is, when neither the cover mode nor the cover mode is set, the cover mode is set (the cover mode display 29a ON), and the process returns to the main routine. If the front cover mode is set, the front cover mode is released, the front cover mode is set (both front cover display 29b ON), and the process returns to the main routine. If the both-cover mode is set, it is canceled (the both-cover mode indicator 29b is turned off), and the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a cover image forming presence / absence setting process by the main control unit 400. This routine is also called and started by the main routine, and it is first determined whether or not the cover mode is set. If the cover mode is not set, the process returns to the main routine.

When the cover mode is set, it is determined whether or not the cover image key 28b is pressed. When the cover image key 28b is not pressed, the process returns to the main routine. When the cover image key 28b is depressed, the mode of forming an image (with image formation) or not (without image formation) on the front and back cover transfer sheets is checked, and the following processing is performed. Do.

That is, if a mode in which image formation is not performed on any of the front cover and the back cover is set, the mode is canceled and the transfer is performed on any of the front cover and the back cover. The image forming mode is set, and the process returns to the main routine. When the mode for forming an image on both the front cover and the back cover is set, the mode is released, the image is formed on the front cover, and the back cover is transferred. A mode in which image formation is not performed on paper is set, and the process returns to the main routine.

If a mode is set in which image formation is performed on the front cover transfer sheet and no image formation is performed on the back cover transfer sheet, the mode is released and the mode is changed to the cover transfer sheet. On the other hand, a mode in which image formation is not performed on the back cover transfer sheet without image formation is set, and the process returns to the main routine. If a mode is set in which image formation is not performed on the front cover transfer paper and image formation is performed on the back cover transfer paper, the transfer is performed on either the front cover or the back cover. Also sets a mode in which no image is formed, and returns to the main routine.

As described above, when the front cover mode and the back cover mode are set, it is possible to independently set whether or not to form an image on the front and back cover transfer sheets. This simplifies the procedure for forming an image of a document image on only one of the front and back cover transfer sheets. In addition, it is versatile and can support various specifications for the cover mode of the user.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a copy process according to claim 3 by the main control unit 400. In this case, ADF2 shown in FIG.
00 shall be used.

In this routine, an original is set on the original table 160 of the ADF 200, the front cover mode is set, an image is formed on the front cover transfer sheet, and an image is formed on the back cover transfer sheet. When the start key 1 shown in FIG. 1 is depressed in a state where the mode for not forming is set, it is called and started by the main routine.

Then, in step 1, the front cover flag is reset to "0". In step 2, the original of the first page is fed from the ADF 200. In step 3, it is determined whether the front cover flag is "0". However, since it is initially "0", the transfer paper is fed from the paper feed port (cover tray) selected as the paper feed port for feeding the front and back cover transfer papers in step 4, and the image of the original is read. After being formed on the transfer sheet, a cover sheet creating process for discharging the original and the transfer sheet is performed.

Next, in step 5, the cover flag is set to "1".
, And it is determined in step 6 whether or not the document is at the end. If the document is at the end, the transfer paper is fed from the cover tray and discharged as it is in step 7 (image formation on the transfer paper is prohibited). A back cover creation process is performed, and the process returns to the main routine. Here, when the ADF 200 feeds the original and detects the original as the last original, it is possible to determine that the original is the end after the front cover creation processing or the non-cover creation processing for the original is completed.

If the end of the original is not reached, the flow returns to step 2 to feed the original of the next page from the ADF 200. Then, in step 3, it is determined again whether or not the front cover flag is "0". Since it is "1", in step 8, transfer paper is fed from a selected paper feed port (non-cover tray) other than the above paper feed port, and an image of the original is formed on the transfer paper. A non-cover creation process for discharging the transfer paper is performed, and then it is determined again at step 6 whether or not the document has reached the end. If the number of repeat copies is “2” or more,
The non-cover creation processing is performed for the number of sheets.

If the end of the original is not reached, the flow returns to step 2 again to feed the original of the next page from the ADF 200, and the same processing as described above is repeated.
When it is determined that the document is at the end, the process proceeds to step 7, in which the transfer paper is fed from the cover tray and discharged as it is (prohibition of image formation on the transfer paper), and the back cover creation processing is performed. To return.

Therefore, the ADF 200 for sequentially feeding the set originals from the first page is provided by the original copier main body 10.
0, for example, as shown in FIG.
By setting a plurality of document bundles on the document table 160 of the ADF 200 and starting copying, the transfer paper (shown by hatching) of the front cover on which the image exists, the normal transfer paper on which the image exists, and the image A non-existent back cover transfer sheet (shown with diagonal lines) can be output in the direction of arrow A, and the back cover transfer sheet does not need to copy a blank document. By counting up, unnecessary costs other than the sheet cost for the back cover are not generated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a copy process by the main control unit 400 according to the fifth aspect. In this case, ADF2 shown in FIG.
00 shall be used. In this copy process, the processes in steps 11 to 16 and 19 are the same as those in steps 1 to
Since the processing is the same as that of steps 6 and 8, only the processing of steps 17 and 18 will be described.

In step 17, it is determined whether or not the number of documents set on document table 160 of ADF 200 is one. Here, when the original of the first page is fed from the original table 160 and the original is detected as the last original (when the end of the original is reached), the original table 1 is used.
It is determined that the number of originals set to 71 is one.

If the number of documents set on the document table 160 is one, the process returns to the main routine (prohibiting the non-cover creation process and the back cover creation process). If the number of sheets is two or more, in step S18, a transfer sheet is fed from the cover tray and discharged as it is (prohibiting image formation on the transfer sheet), and a back cover forming process is performed, and the process returns to the main routine.

Here, the document table 16 of the ADF 200
When only one document is set at 0, according to the copy processing of FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. 12A, a front cover transfer sheet having an image and a back cover transfer sheet having no image exist as shown in FIG. Is output, but this cannot be said to be output in accordance with the number of documents. However, according to the copy process of FIG. 8, only the transfer sheet of the front cover on which the image exists is output as shown in FIG. 12B, so that the following effects can be obtained. That is, it is not necessary to waste the transfer paper, and the copy time can be reduced.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of copy processing according to claim 4 by the main control unit 400. In this case, ADF1 shown in FIG.
70 shall be used.

In this routine, an original is set on the original table 171 of the ADF 170, the both-cover mode is set, an image is formed on the front cover, and an image is formed on the back cover. When the start key 1 shown in FIG. 1 is depressed in a state where the mode for not forming is set, it is called and started by the main routine.

Then, in step 21, a back cover forming process is performed in which the transfer paper is fed from the cover tray and discharged as it is (the image formation on the transfer paper is prohibited). In step 23, it is determined whether or not the original is the last original. If the original is not the final original, a non-cover creation process is performed in step 24. That is, the transfer sheet is fed from the non-cover tray, the image of the document is formed on the transfer sheet, and then the document and the transfer sheet are discharged.

Thereafter, the flow returns to step S22, and the ADF 17
Then, the same process as described above is repeated, and when it is determined in step 23 that the document fed immediately before is the last document, the process proceeds to step 25.
After the transfer paper is fed from the cover tray to form the image of the original on the transfer paper, a cover cover making process for discharging the original and the transfer paper is performed, and the process returns to the main routine.

Accordingly, the ADF 170 for sequentially feeding the set original from the last page is provided by the original copier main body 10.
11, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, by setting a plurality of document bundles on the document table 171 of the ADF 170 and starting copying, the transfer sheet (the shaded line) ), A normal transfer sheet on which an image exists, and a back cover sheet (shown by diagonal lines) on which no image exists can be output in the order of arrow B, and can be output to the transfer sheet of the back cover. Does not need to copy a blank document, and the count-up of the billing counter does not cause any unnecessary expenses other than the sheet cost for the back cover.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the copy processing according to claim 6 by the main control section 400. In this case, the ADF shown in FIG.
170 shall be used.

In this routine as well, an original is set on the original table 171 of the ADF 170, the two-cover mode is set, an image is formed on the front cover, and an image is formed on the back cover. When the start key 1 shown in FIG. 1 is depressed in a state where the mode for not forming is set, it is called and started by the main routine.

Then, the back cover flag is reset to “0” in step 31, and the process proceeds to step 32. Here, in order to check whether or not one document is set on the document table 171 of the ADF 170, the ADF 170 feeds the last page of the document before executing the back cover creation process.

Next, at step 33, it is determined whether or not the back cover flag is "0". At first, since it is "0", it is determined at step 34 whether or not one document is set on the document table 171. If it is a single sheet, the process proceeds to step 35, in which a transfer sheet is fed from the cover tray to form an image of the document on the transfer sheet, and then a cover cover creation process of discharging the document and the transfer sheet is performed. Return to the main routine (prohibit non-cover creation processing and back cover creation processing).

If the number of originals set on the original table 171 is two or more, the transfer paper is fed from the cover tray and discharged as it is in step 36 (the image formation on the transfer paper is prohibited). After the front cover creation process is performed and the back cover flag is set to "1" in step 37, the non-cover cover creation process is performed in step 39. That is, the transfer sheet is fed from the non-cover tray, the image of the document is formed on the transfer sheet, and then the document and the transfer sheet are discharged.

Thereafter, the flow returns to step 32 to return the ADF 17
The document of the page before page 0 is fed, and it is determined again in step 33 whether or not the back cover flag is "0". This time, since it is "1", it is determined in step 38 whether or not the document is the last document. If the original is not the final original, the process proceeds to step 39, and thereafter, the same processing as described above is repeated. When the original fed immediately before is determined to be the final original in step 38, the process proceeds to step 35, and the front cover forming process is performed. Return to the main routine.

Here, the original table 17 of the ADF 170
When only one document is set on the sheet No. 1, according to the copy processing in FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. Is output, but this cannot be said to be output in accordance with the number of documents. However, according to the copy processing in FIG. 10, only the transfer sheet of the front cover on which the image exists is output as shown in FIG. 12B, so that waste of the transfer sheet can be avoided and
The effect that the copy time can be shortened is also obtained.

Each copy process in the case where the both cover mode is set and the mode in which the image is not formed on the transfer sheet of the front cover and the image is formed on the back cover is set is as described above. Since the copying process shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 can be realized by slightly changing the copying process, illustration and description of the corresponding flowcharts are omitted. However, as the front cover creation process, a process of feeding the transfer paper from the front cover tray and discharging it as it is is performed. In the back cover forming process, a process of feeding a transfer sheet from a cover tray, forming an image of a document on the transfer sheet, and discharging the document and the transfer sheet is performed.

The copy processing when both the front cover mode is set and the mode for forming an image on both the front cover and the back cover is set is already known. Although omitted, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of document bundles are set on a document table of the ADF and copying is started, so that a front cover transfer sheet (shown by diagonal lines) on which an image exists can be obtained. Normal transfer paper on which an image exists and transfer paper on the back cover (shown by hatching) on which an image exists can be output.

Further, the copy processing in the case where both the front cover mode is set and the mode in which image formation is not performed on any of the front cover and the back cover is set is also known. Although omitted, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of document bundles are set on a document table of the ADF and copying is started, so that a front cover transfer sheet (shown by diagonal lines) without an image is obtained. Normal transfer paper on which an image exists and transfer paper on the back cover (shown by hatching) without an image can be output.

Although the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a copier equipped with an ADF has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other image forming apparatuses equipped with an ADF.

[0086]

As described above, according to the present invention, the user forms an image of a document image on only one of the front cover and the back cover transfer paper in the double cover mode in the image forming apparatus. This can simplify the procedure for making it work. According to the second and subsequent aspects of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the cost generated in the double cover mode.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of an operation display unit in the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an ADF for sequentially feeding a set document from a last page.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of an electric control system in the copying machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a cover mode setting process by a main control unit 400 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a cover image formation presence / absence setting process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a copy process corresponding to claim 3;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of copy processing corresponding to claim 5;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a copy process corresponding to claim 4;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a copy process according to claim 6;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram relating to the copy processing shown in FIGS. 7 and 9;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram relating to the copy processing shown in FIGS. 8 and 10;

FIG. 13 is a copy process in the case where both cover mode is set by a key operation on the operation display unit shown in FIG. 1 and a mode for forming an image on both the front cover and the back cover is set; FIG.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram relating to copy processing in a case where both cover modes are set and a mode in which image formation is not performed on any of the front cover and the back cover is set.

[Explanation of symbols]

10a: paper key 10b: cover key 28a: cover mode key 28b: cover image key 29a: cover mode indicator 29b: cover mode indicator 29c: cover status indicator 29d: back cover status indicator 100: copier Main body 130: Paper feed system 131a: Manual paper feed table 131b, 131c, 131d, 131e: Paper feed cassette 160, 171: Document table 161, 178: Document set sensor 170, 200: Automatic document feeder (ADF) 400: Main control unit 420: Optical control unit 430: AC control unit 440: Operation control unit 450: ADF control unit

Claims (6)

[Claims] An automatic original feeder for feeding the set originals one by one; a final original detecting unit for detecting a final original fed by the automatic original feeder; and an automatic original feeder for feeding the originals. An image forming means for forming an image of each original to be transferred on a transfer paper fed from a paper feed port; and an image forming means for forming an image on the bundle of originals set in the automatic document feeder by the image forming means. Front and back cover mode setting means for setting a front and back cover mode for adding both front and back covers, and cover paper feed port specifying means for specifying a paper feed port for feeding a front and back cover transfer paper in the front and back cover mode in the front and back cover mode And a cover image formation presence / absence setting means for independently setting whether or not to form an image on the front and back cover transfer sheets when the both cover modes are set. Image forming equipment Place. 2. An automatic document feeder for feeding a set document one sheet at a time, final document detection means for detecting the feeding of the last document by the automatic document feeder, and an automatic document feeder for feeding the original. An image forming means for forming an image of each original to be transferred on a transfer paper fed from a paper feed port; and an image forming means for forming an image on the bundle of originals set in the automatic document feeder by the image forming means. Front and back cover mode setting means for setting a front and back cover mode for adding both front and back covers, and cover paper feed port specifying means for specifying a paper feed port for feeding a front and back cover transfer paper in the front and back cover mode in the front and back cover mode When the two cover modes are set, the image forming unit controls the image forming unit so that the image of the original image is formed on the transfer sheet of the front cover and the image is not formed on the transfer sheet of the back cover. Cover image formation An image forming apparatus; and a control means. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
The automatic document feeder is a device for sequentially feeding a set document from the first page, and the cover image forming control unit controls the automatic document feeder and the image forming unit as follows. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that: A) The original of the first page is fed by the automatic document feeder, and a transfer sheet is fed from a sheet feeding port designated by the cover sheet feeding port designating means to form an image of the document on the transfer sheet. B) Thereafter, the originals set by the automatic original feeder are sequentially fed, and the transfer paper is fed from a selected paper supply port other than the paper supply port designated by the cover paper supply port designation means. C) successively forming images of the respective originals on the respective transfer papers c) When the final original detection means detects the feeding of the final original, after the processing of a) for the original is completed, the cover feeding The transfer paper is fed from the paper feed port designated by the mouth designation means, and image formation on the transfer paper is prohibited. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
The automatic document feeder is a device for sequentially feeding a set document from the last page, and the cover image forming control unit controls the automatic document feeder and the image forming unit as follows. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that: A) Transfer paper is fed from the paper feed port designated by the cover paper feed port designating means, and image formation on the transfer paper is prohibited. A) Thereafter, the documents set by the automatic document feeder are sequentially read. The transfer paper is fed from a selected paper supply port other than the paper supply port designated by the cover paper supply port designation means, and the images of the respective originals are sequentially formed on the respective transfer papers. When the last original detecting means detects the feeding of the last original, the transfer paper is fed from the paper feeding port designated by the cover paper feeding port designating means, and the image of the last original is formed on the transfer paper. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the cover image forming control unit feeds the first page of the document set in the automatic document feeder, the last document detecting unit sets the last document. When the feeding of the final document is detected, after the processing of the above a) is executed, the above a) and c) are executed.
An image forming apparatus having means for prohibiting the above processing. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said cover image forming control means feeds the last page of the document set in said automatic document feeder prior to the process of a). When the last document detecting means detects the feeding of the last document, the image processing apparatus has means for prohibiting the processes of a) and b) and executing only the process of c). Forming equipment.