JPH1165211A - Color image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a color image forming device by which the operation efficiency of copying is improved by reducing the life problem, noise and power consumption of the motor of a scanning part and also shortening a time required until a first copy is obtained. SOLUTION: This color image forming device is constituted of an image memory 33 constituted of an image data inputting part 30, an image processing part 31, an image data outputting part 32 and a hard disk device or the like, a central processing unit(CPU) 34, an image editing part 35 and an external interface part 36. Based on a discriminated result by the laser recording state discrimination of the CPU 34, an LCU(laser control unit) 32a sequentially stops or decelerates the rotation of a driving motor from one where laser recording is completed. In this case, the CPU 34 discriminates whether recording is finished or not from the recording state of LSUs(laser scanner units) 27a, 27b, 27c and 27d.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a laser scanning type color image forming apparatus for forming a color image by a plurality of laser recording units based on a color digital image signal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a color image forming apparatus, for example, a color digital copying machine, generally, an image of a color original input from a scanner is subjected to predetermined image processing, and is subjected to color separation and color conversion. An image is reproduced for each data, and the color printer unit outputs an image of a color original.
In recent years, a color digital copier equipped with an image forming apparatus using laser recording scanning has been commercialized in order to reproduce a high-resolution color image at high speed.

In this color digital copying machine, a laser deflection scanning unit is provided for each recording unit, and a laser beam modulated in accordance with a digital image signal is guided on a photosensitive member and scanned to form a latent image. To form an image. The main components that make up the laser deflection scanning unit are polygon mirrors,
In addition, a motor for rotating the polygon mirror at high speed is incorporated.

[0004]

However, in such a color digital copying machine, since the polygon mirror of the laser deflection scanning unit is rotated at high speed, the life of the motor and the noise due to the wind noise of the polygon mirror and the like are increased. Is a problem.

In order to solve these problems, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-49688, when laser recording is not performed, the motor for rotating the polygon mirror is set at a higher speed than the recording speed. To a lower speed,
Alternatively, there is a method of making the motor stand by in a state where the motor is completely stopped. However, when returning the laser recording unit to a state where image recording is possible under such a standby state,
It is necessary to return the motor startup control to the predetermined number of revolutions in a short time and surely.

Further, in recent color digital copying machines, in order to improve the reproducibility of black to improve the color reproducibility of the entire color image, a recording section of Y: yellow, M: magenta, and C: cyan is used. In addition, it is common to mount a Bk: black recording unit. For this reason, in addition to the color mode, a black-and-white mode is provided, and a color digital copying machine or the like capable of performing color copying and monochrome copying has been commercialized.

In such a color digital copying machine, if each mirror motor of the laser deflection scanning unit in each recording unit is rotated every copying operation regardless of the color / monochrome mode, copying in the monochrome mode is not possible. In addition, the mirror motor for the color is rotated at the same time, so that the life of the mirror motor, the noise and the like remain unsolved.

The present invention provides a color image forming apparatus in which the life of a mirror motor, noise, wasteful power consumption, etc. are reduced, the time until a first copy is obtained is shortened, and the work efficiency of the copy is improved. The purpose is to do.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention forms an image on a laser scanning unit having image information input means for inputting image information, a laser, a rotary polygon mirror, and a drive motor for rotating the rotary polygon mirror. A plurality of laser recording means arranged in parallel for each color; a laser scanning control means for controlling and controlling the rotation of the drive motor for performing laser scanning based on the image information; A color image forming apparatus comprising: a plurality of image generating units for generating an image from a recorded latent image arranged in parallel for each image forming color.

[0010] The invention according to claim 1 further comprises a laser recording status judging unit for judging a recording status on the photoreceptor by the laser recording unit, wherein the laser scanning control unit judges by the laser recording status judging unit. Based on the result,
It is characterized in that the rotation of the drive motor is sequentially stopped or decelerated from the one after the laser recording is completed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a laser recording state determining means for determining a recording state on the photoreceptor by the laser recording means, wherein the laser scanning control means determines by the laser recording state determining means. Based on the result, a first laser scanning unit that sequentially decelerates or decelerates the rotation of the drive motor from the one where the laser recording is completed, and maintains the rotation of the drive motor despite the completion of the laser recording, or 2nd control to decelerate to a predetermined number of revolutions
And is separately managed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a laser recording state determining means for determining a recording state on the photoreceptor by the laser recording means, wherein the laser recording means and the image generating means record a color image. The laser recording determination unit is composed of a color recording unit and a black-and-white recording unit that records a black-and-white image, and the laser recording determination unit divides and determines the recording state by the color recording unit and the black-and-white recording unit. The drive motor of the laser scanning unit in the color recording unit is stopped from rotating before the drive motor of the laser scanning unit in the black-and-white recording unit, or decelerated to a predetermined number of revolutions, based on the determination result by the recording determination unit. And

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the laser recording means and the image generating means comprise a color recording section for recording a color image and a black and white recording section for recording a black and white image. The drive motor of the laser scanning unit in the recording unit is controlled to rotate between a first speed at which an image can be recorded and a stopped state, and the drive motor of the laser scanning unit in the black-and-white recording unit is controlled to a first speed at which an image can be recorded. It is characterized in that the rotation is controlled between the speed, the second speed during standby and the stopped state.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the laser recording means and the image generating means are composed of a color recording section for recording a color image and a black and white recording section for recording a black and white image. The driving motor of the laser scanning unit in the recording unit is controlled to rotate between a first speed at which a color image can be recorded and a stop state, and the driving motor of the laser scanning unit in the black-and-white recording unit can record a color image and stand by. And the second speed capable of recording a black-and-white image.
It is characterized in that the rotation is controlled between the speed and the stop state.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the color image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the driving speed of the laser scanning unit in the black and white recording unit is higher in the first speed than in the second speed. Is slow.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the drive motor is stopped or decelerated sequentially from the laser scanning unit where the laser writing of the image information is completed. Therefore, it is advantageous for the life of the motor, and a low-cost drive motor can be used. Further, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the drive motor is sequentially stopped or decelerated from the laser scanning section where the laser writing of the image information is completed. However, the rotation of the drive motor of the predetermined laser scanning section is maintained or the predetermined rotation is performed. Decelerate to speed. Therefore, it is advantageous to the life of the motor, and in particular, a low-cost drive motor can be used as a drive motor other than the drive motor of the specific laser scanning unit. Further, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the drive motors of the plurality of laser scanning units arranged in parallel stop or decelerate the drive motor of the color recording unit to a predetermined number of revolutions earlier than the drive motor of the black and white recording unit. Therefore, useless rotation of the drive motor of the laser scanning unit of the color recording unit can be prevented, and a low-cost drive motor can be used for many of these motors. Further, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in a plurality of laser scanning units arranged in parallel, the rotation of the driving motor of the color recording unit is controlled between a recordable first speed and a stop state, and the driving motor of the monochrome recording unit is controlled. Is controlled between a recordable first speed, a standby second speed, and a stop state. Therefore, useless rotation of the drive motor of the laser scanning unit of the color recording unit can be prevented, and a low-cost drive motor can be used for many of these motors. Furthermore, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in a laser scanning unit having a plurality of laser scanning units arranged in parallel, the drive motor of the black-and-white recording unit has a first speed at which a color image can be recorded and a standby speed and a second speed at which a monochrome image can be recorded. The rotation of the driving motor of the color recording unit is controlled between the second speed at which a color image can be recorded and the stop state. When the drive motor of the color recording unit is performing color image recording, only the drive motor of the black-and-white recording unit rotates at the second speed during standby, and the drive motor irrelevant to color recording stops. Become. Therefore, useless rotation of the drive motor of the laser scanning unit of the color recording unit can be prevented, and a low-cost drive motor can be used for many of these motors. Furthermore, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the first speed is lower than the second speed in the fifth aspect. Therefore, in the copy mode using only the laser scanning section of the black recording section, the time until the first copy is obtained can be shortened, and workability in the black-and-white copy mode, which has a high recording speed and is frequently used, can be greatly improved.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of Color Digital Copying Machine) FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic front sectional view showing a configuration of a color digital copying machine which is an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. A document table 2 and an operation panel are provided on the upper surface of the copying machine main body 1. The document table 2 is supported on the upper surface of the document table 2 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the document table 2. The automatic document feeder 3 is mounted in a predetermined positional relationship. further,
Inside the copying machine main body 1, a document scanning body 4 as an image reading unit and an image forming unit 10 are configured.

First, the automatic document feeder 3 is mounted on the document table 2 on the upper surface of the copying machine main body 1, and is a double-sided automatic document feeder 3 for two-sided originals. The document is conveyed such that one side of the document faces document table 2 at a predetermined position. After the image reading on one side is completed, the original is turned over so that the other side faces the original table 2 at a predetermined position, and is conveyed toward the original table 2.

After the reading of one side of the original has been completed, the original is discharged, and a double-sided conveying operation is performed for the next original. Note that the above-described document conveyance and reverse operation are controlled in relation to the operation of the entire copying machine. In order to read the image of the original conveyed onto the original platen 2 by the double-sided automatic original feeder 3, an original scan that moves back and forth in parallel along the lower surface of the original platen 2 below the original platen 2. The body 4 is located.

The original scanning body 4 includes a first scanning unit 5, a second scanning unit 6, an optical lens 7, and a photoelectric conversion element 7. The first scanning unit 5 includes an exposure lamp for exposing the document image surface and a first mirror for deflecting a reflected light image from the document in a predetermined direction. , And reciprocate in parallel at a predetermined scanning speed. The second scanning unit 6 includes second and third mirrors that reciprocate in parallel with the first scanning unit 5 with a constant speed relationship.
The reflected light image from the document deflected by the first mirror of the scanning unit 5 is further deflected in a predetermined direction.
The optical lens 7 reduces the reflected light image from the document deflected by the third mirror of the second scanning unit and forms an optical image at a predetermined position. Color CC that is a photoelectric conversion element
D30a forms an optical image reduced by the optical lens 7 and sequentially photoelectrically converts the optical image, and outputs a reflected light image from the document as an electric signal. The document image information converted into an electric signal by the color CCD 30a is further transferred to an image processing unit 31, which will be described later, and subjected to predetermined processing as image data.

Next, the image forming section 10 located below the copying machine main body 1 will be described. Image forming unit 1 shown in FIG.
A paper feed mechanism 11 is provided below 0, and separates the sheets stacked and accommodated in the sheet tray one by one and feeds them toward the recording unit. The sheets separated and supplied one by one are conveyed under timing control by a pair of registration rollers 12 arranged in front of the image forming unit 10. In the case of double-sided printing, the sheet is re-supplied and conveyed at a timing with the image forming unit 10.

Below the image forming section 10, a transfer / conveying belt mechanism 13 extending substantially in parallel is arranged. The transfer and transport belt mechanism 13 includes a driving roller 14 and a driven roller 1.
Transfer conveyance belt 1 stretched between a plurality of rollers such as 5
6, the paper is conveyed by electrostatically attracting the paper.

Further, a fixing device 17 for fixing the toner image transferred and formed on the sheet to the sheet is disposed downstream of the transfer and transport belt mechanism 13. The paper passes between the fixing roller nips of the fixing device 17, and is discharged by a discharge roller 19 through a conveyance direction switching gate 18 onto a discharge tray 20 attached to the outer wall of the device.

The switching gate 18 is for selectively switching the paper transport path between discharging the fixed paper to the outside of the apparatus and re-supplying the paper to the image forming unit 10 again. The transport direction of the sheet is switched again toward the image forming section 10 by the switching gate 18, and after the sheet is turned over via the switchback transport path 21, the sheet is again supplied to the image forming section 10.

On the upper side of the transfer conveyance belt 16 stretched substantially in parallel by the driving roller 14 and the driven roller 15 and the like, the first and second transfer conveyance belts are arranged in order from the upstream side of the conveyance path close to the transfer conveyance belt 16. Second, third, and fourth image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are provided side by side. Then, the transfer conveyance belt 16 is driven by the driving roller 14.
In FIG. 1, the sheet is driven by friction in a direction indicated by an arrow Z, and carries a sheet as a transfer material fed through the sheet feeding mechanism 11 as described above. Then, the sheet is sequentially conveyed to the above-described image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd.

Each image station Pa, Pb, Pc, P
d denotes photosensitive drums 22a, 22b, and 22 having substantially the same configuration and driven to rotate in the direction of arrow F shown in FIG.
c, 22d. Each photosensitive drum 22a,
Chargers 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d for uniformly charging the photosensitive drums are provided around 22b, 22c, 22d.
And developing devices 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum, and transfer dischargers 25a and 25 for transferring the developed toner image to paper.
b, 25c, 25d, and cleaning means 26a, 26b, 26 for removing toner remaining on the photosensitive drum.
c, 26d are the photosensitive drums 22a, 22b, 22
They are sequentially arranged along the rotation directions of c and 22d.

Each photosensitive drum 22a, 22b, 2
Above 2c and 22d, a semiconductor laser device that emits dot light modulated in accordance with image data, a deflecting device for deflecting light from the semiconductor laser device in the main scanning direction, and a deflecting device. Laser beam scanner units 27a, 27b, 27c, 2 each composed of an fθ lens for forming an image of the laser beam on the surface of the photoreceptor.
7d are provided. The deflecting device incorporates a rotating polygon mirror and a mirror motor for rotating the rotating polygon mirror at high speed.

A pixel signal corresponding to the yellow component image of the color original image is input to the laser beam scanner 27a, and a pixel signal corresponding to the magenta component image of the color original image is input to the laser beam scanner 27b. A pixel signal corresponding to the cyan component image of the color original image is input to 27c, and a pixel signal corresponding to the black component image of the color original image is input to the laser beam scanner 27d.

Thus, the photosensitive drum 22 of each recording unit
Electrostatic latent images corresponding to the color-converted original image information are formed on a, 22b, 22c, and 22d. The developing device 27a of each recording unit contains yellow toner,
7b stores magenta toner, the developing device 27c stores cyan toner, and the developing device 27d stores black toner. It is reproduced as a toner image of each color.

Further, between the first image forming station Pa and the paper feeding mechanism 11, a paper suction (brush) charger 2 is provided.
The transfer charging belt 28 charges the surface of the transfer / conveying belt 16 so that the transfer material supplied from the paper feed mechanism 11 is reliably adsorbed on the conveying belt 16. Then, the first image forming station Pa and the fourth image forming station Pd are transported without shifting.

On the other hand, a static eliminator (not shown) is provided almost directly above the drive roller 14 between the fourth image station Pd and the fixing device 17, and the static eliminator is provided with a transport belt. An alternating current for separating the sheet electrostatically attracted to the sheet 16 is applied.

In the above-described color digital copying machine, cut sheet-shaped paper is used as a transfer material, and the transfer material is fed out of a paper feed cassette and fed to a paper feed mechanism 11.
Is fed into the guide of the paper feed conveyance path, the leading end of the transfer material is detected by the sensor (not shown),
The transfer material is temporarily stopped by the registration roller pair 12 according to the detection signal output from this sensor. The transport belt 1 rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow Z in FIG. 1 is synchronized with the image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd.
It is sent to the 6 side. At this time, the suction charger 28 described above is used.
As a result, the transport belt 16 is charged at a predetermined level, so that the transport belt 16 is stably transported and supplied while passing through the image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd.

Each image station Pa, Pb, Pc, P
In (d), toner images of the respective colors are formed by the above-described configuration, and are superimposed on the support surface of the transfer material electrostatically conveyed and conveyed by the conveyance belt 16. When the transfer of the image by the fourth image station Pd is completed, the transfer material is separated from the transport belt 16 by the discharging device from the leading end of the transfer material and guided to the fixing device 17. Finally, the transfer material on which the toner image has been fixed is discharged from the transfer material discharge port onto the discharge tray 20.

(Explanation of Image Processing Circuit) Next, the configuration and functions of an image processing circuit for color image information mounted on a color digital copying machine will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image processing circuit of the color digital copying machine. An image processing circuit included in the digital copying machine includes an image data input unit 30, an image processing unit 31, and an image data output unit 3.
2. Image memory 3 composed of a hard disk device, etc.
3, a central processing unit (CPU) 34, an image editing unit 35, and an external interface unit 36.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image data input section 30 can read a color original image and output line data obtained by color separation into RGB color components.
A line matching unit 3 such as a color CCD 30a for a line, a shading correction circuit 30b for correcting a line image level of line data read by the color CCD 30a, and a line buffer for correcting a deviation of the line data.
0c, a sensor color correction unit 30d that corrects the color data of the line data of each color, an MTF correction unit 30e that corrects the change in the signal of each pixel so as to have a sharp edge, and a visibility correction by correcting the brightness of an image. And a gamma correction unit 30f that performs the above.

The image processing unit 31 includes a color space correction circuit 31
a, masking circuit 31b, black detection circuit 31c, under color removal / black addition circuit (UCR / BP) 31d, density processing circuit 31e, scaling processing circuit 31f, separation / screen circuit 3
Consists of 1g.

Here, the color space correction circuit 31a converts the color gamut of a color image signal input via the image data input section 30 or the external interface section 36 to be described later into a color gamut by color toner in the recording apparatus. to correct. The masking circuit 31b converts the RGB signals of the input image data into YMC signals corresponding to the respective recording units of the recording apparatus.
Convert to a signal. The black detection circuit 31c detects a black component from an RGB signal of a color image input via the image data input unit 30 or the interface unit 36 described later. The under color removal / black addition circuit 31d performs a black addition process of adding a black component signal output from the black detection circuit 31c based on the YMC signal output from the masking circuit 31b. The density processing circuit 31e adjusts the density of the color image signal based on the density conversion table. The magnification processing circuit 31f performs magnification conversion of the input image information based on the set magnification. Separation / screen circuit 31g
Detects a character / photo / halftone dot region in image information from input image data, separates the region, and determines an image output pattern.

The image data output unit 32 includes a laser control unit 32a for performing pulse width modulation based on image data of each color, and a laser control unit (LCU).
Laser scanner units (LSU) 27a, 27b, 27c, 27 for each color that perform laser recording based on a pulse width modulation signal corresponding to an image signal for each color output from 32a.
d. Laser control unit (LCU) 3
2a also controls a mirror motor that drives a rotary polygon mirror that performs laser deflection, and controls laser scanning based on the image information.

The image memory 33 sequentially receives the 8-bit 4-color (32-bit) image data output from the image processing section 31 and temporarily stores the 8-bit 4-color (32-bit) image data from the 32-bit data into the 8-bit 4-color image data. And a hard disk control unit (HDCU) 33a for outputting the divided data to the hard disk for division management, and four hard disks (HD) 33b, 33c for storing and managing the image data of 8 bits and 4 colors as image data for each color.
33d and 33e.

The central processing unit (CPU) 34 includes an image data input unit 30, an image processing unit 31, and an image data output unit 3.
2, an image memory 33, and an image editing unit 35 described later,
And the external interface unit 36 is controlled based on a predetermined sequence.

The image editing unit 35 performs a predetermined image editing on the image data once stored in the image memory 33 via the image data input unit 30, the image processing unit 31, or the interface unit 36 described later. belongs to. Further, the interface unit 36 is a communication interface means for receiving image data from an external image input processing device provided separately from the digital copying machine. The external input is, for example, as shown in FIG.
X, input of image data from an image reader, an external scanner, video, a network, or the like.

The image data input from the interface unit 36 is also once input to the image processing unit 31 to perform color space correction or the like, so that the image data can be handled by the image memory 33 of the digital copying machine. After conversion, the hard disks 33b, 33c, 33d, 33
e will be stored and managed.

(Explanation of the control structure of the entire digital copying machine)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the entire apparatus of the color digital copying machine, showing a state in which the operation of each unit is managed by the CPU 34. The image data input unit 30, the image processing unit 31, the image data output unit 32, the image memory 33, and the CPU 34 are the same as those in FIG.

The CPU 34 includes the ADF 40 and the sorter unit 4
1. Each of the driving mechanism units constituting the digital copying machine, such as the scanner unit 42, the laser printer unit 43, and the desk unit 44, is managed by sequence control, and a control signal is output to each unit. Further, an operation board unit 38 including an operation panel is connected to the CPU 34 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The CPU 34 transfers a control signal to the CPU 34 in accordance with a recording mode set and input by the operator to operate the digital copier. It operates according to the recording mode.

A control signal indicating the operation state of the digital copying machine is transferred from the CPU 34 to an operation board unit 38 which is an operation panel. On the operation board unit 38 side, the operation state is displayed on a display unit or the like so as to show the operator what state the apparatus is currently in by the control signal. The external interface 36, which is an image data communication unit, is provided to enable information communication with other digital image devices such as image information and image control signals as described in FIG.

The CPU 34 has a function of determining a laser recording state. This laser recording status determination, which will be described in detail later, determines the laser recording status of the LSUs 27a to 27d.

(Description of Operation Panel) Next, the operation panel of the color digital copying machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

A touch panel liquid crystal display device 51 is arranged at the center of the operation panel 38, and various mode setting keys are arranged therearound. On the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 51, there is a screen switching instruction area for constantly switching to a screen for selecting an image editing function. By directly pressing this area with a finger, various image editing functions can be selected. A list of various image editing functions is displayed on the liquid crystal screen. From among the various displayed image editing functions, an editing function is set by touching a region where a function desired by the operator is displayed with a finger.

The various setting key groups arranged on the operation panel will be described. Reference numeral 52 denotes an adjustment dial for adjusting the brightness of the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 51. Reference numeral 53 denotes an automatic magnification setting key for setting a mode for automatically selecting a magnification, and reference numeral 54 denotes a copy magnification of 1
A zoom key for setting in increments of%.
Reference numerals 56 and 56 denote fixed magnification keys for reading and selecting the fixed magnification, and reference numeral 57 denotes an equal magnification key for returning the copy magnification to the standard magnification (actual magnification).

Reference numeral 58 denotes a density switching key for switching the copy density adjustment from automatic to manual or to the photo mode, and reference numeral 59 denotes a density for finely setting the density level in the manual mode or the photo mode. An adjustment key 60 is a tray selection key for selecting a desired paper size from paper sizes set in a paper feeding unit of the color digital copying machine 1.

Reference numeral 61 denotes a copy number setting key for setting the number of copies, reference numeral 62 denotes a clear key operated when clearing the number of copies or stopping continuous copying halfway, and reference numeral 63 denotes a copy key. Is a start key for instructing the start of printing, reference numeral 64 is an all release key for releasing all of the currently set modes and returning to the standard state, and reference numeral 65 is another original during continuous copying. Reference numeral 66 denotes an operation guide key for operating the color digital copier 1 to display a message indicating an operation method of the copier by not operating the color digital copier 1 when the user does not know the operation. Is a message forward key for displaying the continuation of the message displayed by operating the operation guide key 66. Code 6
Reference numeral 8 denotes a double-sided mode setting key for setting a double-sided copying mode, and reference numeral 69 denotes a post-processing mode setting key for setting an operation mode of a post-processing device for sorting copies discharged from the color digital copying machine body 1. It is.

Reference numerals 70 to 72 denote setting keys for the printer mode and the facsimile mode.
Reference numeral 70 denotes a memory transmission mode key for temporarily storing a transmission original in a memory and then transmitting the same, and reference numeral 71 denotes a copy / fax / printer mode switching key for switching the mode of the color digital copying machine body 1 between copy, fax and printer. Numeral 72 is a one-touch dial key for storing a destination telephone number in advance and transmitting a telephone call to the destination by one-touch operation at the time of transmission.

The above-described operation panel and various keys arranged on the operation panel are only one embodiment.
It goes without saying that the keys provided on the operation panel differ depending on various functions mounted on the color digital copying machine 1.

Next, first to sixth embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(First Embodiment) In a first embodiment, C
The LCU 32a sequentially stops or decelerates the rotation of the drive motor from the point where the laser recording is completed, based on the determination result of the laser recording state determination of the PU.
In this case, the CPU 34 sets the LSUs 27a, 27b, 27
It is determined whether or not the recording is completed based on the recording status of c and 27d.

FIG. 5 shows a first example of the color digital copying machine.
6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the embodiment. When an image recording instruction is input, the photosensitive drums 22a, 22b,
LSUs 27c and 22d are sequentially output based on the respective image signals.
Recording is started by a, 27b, 27c, and 27d (step S501). Next, the CPU 34 sets the LSU2
It is determined whether or not the recording of yellow by 7a has been completed (step S502). If the recording has not been completed, it is determined whether or not the recording of magenta by the LSU 27b has been completed (step S504). If finished, LC
After the U32a stops the yellow drive motor of the LSU 27a (step S503), the process proceeds to step S504. If the recording of magenta has not been completed, the CPU 3
4 judges whether or not the recording of cyan by the LSU 27c has been completed as it is (step S506). If completed, the LCU 32a stops the magenta drive motor of the LSU 27b (step S505), and then proceeds to step S506. If the recording of cyan has not been completed, it is determined whether or not the recording of black by the LSU 27d has been completed (step S508). If it has been completed, the LCU 32a stops the cyan drive motor of the LSU 27c (step S507), and then returns to step S507.
Proceed to 508. If the black record is not over,
It is determined whether or not recording of all colors has been completed (step S510). If completed, the LCU 32a
After the black drive motor of the LSU 27d is stopped (step S509), the process proceeds to step S510. If all recording has not been completed, step S502 is performed again.
And the above-described operation is performed. If it has been completed, it means that a color image has been formed, and the operation of the apparatus is stopped (step S511).

When the above-described recording is performed, the CPU 34
Monitors the recording status of each color, and the LSU
Control such as stopping the rotation of the drive motors 27a to 27d is performed.

In this way, by sequentially stopping or decelerating the rotation of the drive motor from the LSUs 27a to 27d which have completed the laser writing of the image information, it is advantageous for the life of the motor and the use of a low-cost drive motor is possible. The cost of the LSUs 27a to 27d can be reduced. Furthermore, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

It should be noted that the determination of the end of recording is not limited to the color order shown in FIG. Further, instead of stopping the drive motor, the drive motor may be controlled to rotate at low speed to reduce the load on the motor bearing. In general, the recording time differs for each color. In this case, the recording is stopped in an order different from the arrangement of the laser beam scanner. These apply to other embodiments described below.

(Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, C
The PU 34 determines the laser recording status of the LSUs 27a to 27d, and the LCU 32a sequentially stops or reduces the rotation of the drive motors of the LSUs 27a to 27c from the one after the laser recording is completed. Control is performed to maintain the rotation despite the completion, or to decelerate to a predetermined number of rotations.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the color digital copying machine. This embodiment is a color image forming apparatus for a case where any one of the recording units is set as a specific recording unit. LSU which is a recording unit corresponding to black component image creation as a specific recording unit
A configuration in which 27d is set will be described. It goes without saying that the same applies to the case where a recording unit corresponding to the creation of another color component image is set.

When an image recording instruction is input, recording is sequentially started on the photosensitive drums 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d by the LSUs 27a, 27b, 27c and 27d based on the respective image signals (step S601). Next CP
U34 determines whether or not the yellow recording by the LSU 27a has been completed (step S602). If the recording has not been completed, it is determined whether or not the recording of magenta by the LSU 27b has been completed (step S604). If completed, the LCU 32a stops the yellow drive motor of the LSU 27a (step S603), and then proceeds to step S604. If the recording of magenta has not ended, it is determined whether or not the recording of cyan by the LSU 27c has just ended (step S606). If the recording has been completed, the LCU 32a stops the magenta drive motor of the LSU 27b (step S605), and then proceeds to step S606. If the cyan recording has not been completed,
It is determined whether or not the black recording by the LSU 27d is completed (step S608). If the recording has been completed, the LCU 32a stops driving the cyan driving motor of the LSU 27c (step S607). Even if the black recording has been completed, the rotation of the black driving motor is maintained (step S609), and the processing ends. If not, it is further determined whether or not recording of all colors has been completed (step S610). If not, step S60 is performed again.
2 and the above-described operation is performed. If it has been completed, it means that a color image has been formed, and the operation of the apparatus is maintained in a standby state (step S611).

In this manner, the rotation of the drive motor is sequentially stopped or decelerated from the LSUs 27a to 27c for which the laser writing of the image information is completed, but the rotation of the drive motor of the LSU 27d is maintained or decelerated to a predetermined number of revolutions. This is advantageous for the life of the motor, and in particular, allows the use of low-cost drive motors for the LSUs 27a to 27c.
The cost of c can be reduced. Furthermore, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed. Also,
Since the LSU 27d corresponding to the black component image generation is controlled so as to maintain the rotation and prepare for the next copy,
In the copy mode using only the specific LSU 27d, the time until the first copy is obtained can be reduced.

Incidentally, the rotation of the recording unit may be maintained at a lower speed than the rotation at the time of image creation to prepare for the next copy. Also,
It goes without saying that the above-described control mode can be adopted regardless of whether the specific recording unit is yellow, magenta, or cyan.

(Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment, the CPU 34 determines the laser recording status by the LSUs 27a to 27d by dividing the laser recording status into a color recording section and a monochrome recording section. Based on this determination result, the rotation of the drive motors of the LSUs 27a to 27c in the color recording unit is stopped or reduced to a predetermined rotation speed before the drive motor of the LSU 27d in the monochrome recording unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment. When an image recording instruction is input, recording is sequentially started by the LSUs 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d on the photosensitive drums 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d based on the respective image signals (step S701). Then C
The PU 34 determines whether or not the yellow recording by the LSU 27a has been completed (Step S702). If the recording has not been completed, it is determined whether or not the recording of magenta by the LSU 27b has been completed (step S704).
If it has been completed, the yellow drive motor of the LSU 27a is stopped (step S703), and then the step S70 is performed.
Proceed to 4. If the recording of magenta has not ended, it is determined whether or not the recording of cyan by the LSU 27c has just ended (step S706). If finished, L
After the CU 32a stops the magenta drive motor of the LSU 27b (step S705), the process proceeds to step S706. If the cyan recording has not been completed, L
It is determined whether or not the recording of black by the SU 27d has been completed (step S708). If finished, LCU
After stopping the cyan drive motor of the LSU 27c at 32a (step S707), the process proceeds to step S708.
Even if the black recording is completed, the LCU 32a keeps the rotation of the black drive motor (step S70).
9) If not completed, it is further determined whether or not recording of all colors has been completed (step S710). If not completed, the process returns to step S702 again to perform the above-described operation.

If the processing has been completed in step S710, the apparatus is set in a standby state (step S711), and it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S712). After a predetermined time has elapsed, the rotation of the black drive motor is stopped (step S713), and the apparatus is brought into a stopped state (step S714).

In this manner, a plurality of LSUs 27 arranged in parallel
The drive motors a to 27d are LSU27 for color recording.
The drive motors a to 27c are stopped or decelerated to a predetermined number of rotations earlier than the drive motor for black and white recording of the LSU 27d, so that the useless rotation of the drive motors of the LSUs 27a to 27c other than black used for color recording. Can be prevented. Then, a low-cost drive motor can be used for many of these motors other than black. Furthermore, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, the drive motors of the LSUs 27a to 27c for recording color images are controlled by a motor control means between a first speed at which images can be recorded and a stopped state. The rotation is controlled. The rotation of the drive motor of the LSU 27d for recording a black-and-white image is controlled by a motor control means between a first speed at which an image can be recorded, a second speed during standby, and a stop state.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment. When an image recording instruction is input, LS
All the motors U27a to 27d rotate at the first speed, and image recording is started (step S801). Next, the CPU 34 determines whether or not the yellow recording by the LSU 27a has been completed (step S802). If the recording has not been completed, it is determined whether or not the recording of magenta by the LSU 27b has been completed (step S80).
4). If completed, the LCU 32a stops the yellow drive motor of the LSU 27a (step S80).
3) The process proceeds to step S804. If the recording of magenta has not been completed, it is determined whether or not the recording of cyan by the LSU 27c has been completed (step S80).
6). If completed, the LCU 32a stops the magenta drive motor of the LSU 27b (step S80).
5) The process proceeds to step S806. If the recording of cyan has not been completed, it is determined whether or not the recording of black by the LSU 27d has been completed (step S80).
8). If completed, the LCU 32a stops the cyan drive motor of the LSU 27c (step S80).
7), and proceed to step S808. If black recording has been completed, the rotation of the black drive motor of the LSU 27d is reduced to the second speed (step S809). If not completed, it is determined whether or not recording of all colors has been completed. (Step S810). If not,
Returning to step S802, the above operation is performed.

If the processing has been completed in step S810, the apparatus is set in a standby state (step S811), and it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S812). After the predetermined time has elapsed, the rotation of the black drive motor is stopped (step S813), and the apparatus is brought into a stopped state (step S814).

Thus, a plurality of LSUs 27 arranged in parallel
a to 27d, the LSUs 27a to 2
The drive motor 7c is rotationally controlled between a recordable first speed and a stop state, and the drive motor of the LSU 27d of the black-and-white recording unit is a recordable first speed, a standby second speed, and a stop state. The rotation is controlled between. Therefore, useless rotation of the drive motors of the LSUs 27a to 27c other than black used for color recording can be prevented, and a low-cost drive motor can be used for many of the motors other than black. Furthermore, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed. Also, the LSU 27 of the black recording section
In the copy mode using only d, the time until the first copy is obtained can be reduced.

(Fifth Embodiment) In the fifth embodiment, the drive motors of the LSUs 27a to 27c for recording colors are controlled by the motor control means between a first speed at which a color image can be recorded and a stop state. The rotation is controlled by. The drive motor of the LSU 27d for recording a black-and-white image controls the rotation by a motor control means between a first speed at which a color image can be recorded and is on standby, a second speed at which a black-and-white image can be recorded, and a stop state. Is done.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fifth embodiment. When an image recording instruction is input, the CP
U34 determines whether the mode is the color mode or not (step S901). If the mode is the monochrome mode, the black drive motor of the LSU 27d is rotated at the second speed to record an image (step S902). After the black recording is completed (step S903), the black drive motor is rotated at the first speed (step S904), and the apparatus is set in a standby state (step S915). After a predetermined time has elapsed (step S916), the rotation of the black drive motor of the LSU 27d is stopped (step S917), and the apparatus is brought into a stopped state (step S918).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S901 that the mode is the color mode, all the motors rotate at the first speed, and image recording is started (step S905). Next, the CPU 34 determines whether or not the yellow recording by the LSU 27a has been completed (step S906). If the recording has not been completed, it is determined whether or not the recording of magenta by the LSU 27b has been completed (step S90).
8). If completed, the yellow drive motor of the LSU 27a is stopped (step S907), and the process proceeds to step S908. If the recording of magenta has not ended, it is determined whether or not the recording of cyan by the LSU 27c has just ended (step S910). If completed, the LCU 32a stops the magenta drive motor of the LSU 27b (Step S909), and then returns to Step S909.
Proceed to 910. If the cyan recording has not been completed, it is determined whether or not the black recording by the LSU 27d has been completed (step S912). If completed, the cyan drive motor of the LSU 27c is stopped (step S911), and the process proceeds to step S912. If the black recording has been completed, the rotation of the black drive motor of the LSU 27d is maintained at the first speed (step S9).
13) If not completed, it is further determined whether or not recording of all colors has been completed (step S914). If not, the process returns to step S906 to perform the above-described operation.

If the processing has been completed in step S914, the apparatus is set in a standby state (step S915), and it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S916). After the predetermined time has elapsed, the rotation of the black drive motor is stopped (step S917), and the apparatus is brought into a stopped state (step S918).

In this manner, a plurality of LSUs 27 arranged in parallel
In a to 27d, the rotation of the drive motor of the LSU 27d of the monochrome recording unit is controlled by the LCU 32a between a first speed at which monochrome images can be recorded, a second speed at which color images can be recorded, and a stop state. Also, by the LCU 32a,
The drive motors of the LSUs 27a to 27c of the color recording unit
The rotation is controlled between a first speed at which a color image can be recorded and a stop state.
The drive motor 7d is rotating at the second speed during standby. Therefore, useless rotation of the drive motors of the LSUs 27a to 27c other than black used for color recording can be prevented, and a low-cost drive motor can be used for many of the motors other than black. Furthermore, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed. Further, in the copy mode using only the LSU 27d of the black recording section, the time until a first copy is obtained can be reduced.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the first speed is lower than the second speed in the configuration of the fifth embodiment described above. The first speed is lower than the second speed because the LSU 27d of the recording unit corresponding to the black component image formation waits for rotation at the first rotation speed during standby.

Thus, the LCU 32a controls the drive motor of the LSU 27d of the black-and-white recording section so as to control the rotation between the first speed at which a color image can be recorded, the second speed at which a monochrome image can be recorded, and a stop state. Is done. The drive motors of the LSUs 27a to 27c of the color recording unit are controlled to rotate between a first speed at which a color image can be recorded and a stop state, and the drive motors of the black and white recording unit wait for rotation at the first speed. I have. Accordingly, the second speed is slower than the first speed, so that low-speed rotation and useless rotation of the drive motors of the LSUs 27a to 27c other than black used for color recording can be prevented, A low-cost drive motor can be used for many of these motors. Furthermore, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed. Also, LSU2 of the black recording section
In the copy mode using only 7d, the time until the first copy is obtained can be shortened, and the workability in the black-and-white copy mode, which has a high recording speed and is frequently used, can be greatly improved.

[0086]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the drive motor is stopped or decelerated sequentially from the laser scanning section where the laser writing of the image information is completed, which is advantageous to the life of the motor and is a low cost drive motor. Can be used, and the cost of the laser scanning unit can be reduced.
Furthermore, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the drive motor is sequentially stopped or decelerated from the laser scanning unit where the laser writing of the image information is completed, but the rotation of the drive motor of the predetermined laser scanning unit is maintained or reduced. By decelerating to a predetermined number of revolutions, it is advantageous to the life of the motor, and in particular, it is possible to use a low-cost drive motor for a drive motor other than the drive motor of the specific laser scanning unit, and to perform laser scanning other than the specific laser scanning unit. The cost of the department can be reduced. Furthermore, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed. In a copy mode using only a specific laser scanning unit, the time until a first copy is obtained can be reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the driving motors of the respective laser scanning units in the plurality of recording units arranged in parallel stop the driving motors for the color recording before the driving motors for the black-and-white recording or at a predetermined speed. By reducing the number of rotations to the number of rotations, useless rotation of the drive motor of the laser scanning unit of the color recording unit can be prevented, and a low-cost drive motor can be used for many of these motors. Furthermore, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, in a plurality of laser scanning units arranged in parallel, the driving motor of the color recording unit is controlled to rotate between a recordable first speed and a stop state, and black and white recording is performed. The rotation of the drive motor of the unit is controlled between the first speed at which recording is possible, the second speed during standby, and the stop state, so that useless rotation of the drive motor of the laser scanning unit of the color recording unit can be prevented. Thus, a low-cost drive motor can be used for many of these motors. Furthermore, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed. In the copy mode using only the black laser scanning unit, the time until the first copy is obtained can be reduced.

According to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention, in the laser scanning units arranged in parallel, the drive motor of the black-and-white recording unit controls the first speed at which a color image can be recorded and is in a standby state, and the black-and-white image is recorded. The rotation is controlled between a recordable second speed and a stop state, and the drive motor of the color recording section is controlled between the first speed at which a color image can be recorded and the stop state. Therefore, during color recording, only the drive motor of the black-and-white recording unit rotates at the second standby speed, and the drive motors not involved in recording are stopped. Useless rotation of the drive motor of the laser scanning unit can be prevented, and a low-cost drive motor can be used for the motor of the color recording unit. Furthermore, noise can be prevented and unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed. In the copy mode using only the laser scanning section of the black and white recording section, the time until the first copy is obtained can be reduced.

In particular, according to the invention described in claim 6, the first speed is slower than the second speed in claim 5, and the recording speed in the frequently used monochrome copy mode is high. Workability can be greatly improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic front sectional view showing a configuration of a color digital copying machine which is an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image processing circuit of the color digital copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the entire color digital copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation panel of the color digital copying machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the first embodiment of the color digital copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the second embodiment of the color digital copying machine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of the third embodiment of the color digital copying machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of the fourth embodiment of the color digital copying machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fifth embodiment of the color digital copying machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

27a, 27b, 27c, 27d Laser beam scanner unit 30a Color CCD 31 Image processing unit 31h Document discriminating unit 32 Image data output unit 32a Laser control unit 33 Image memory 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e Hard disk 34 Central processing unit 35 Image editing unit 36 External interface unit 38 Operation board unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification symbol FI H04N 1/113 (72) Inventor Saki Manabe 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Sharp Corporation (72) Invention Person Toshio Yamanaka 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of laser scanning units having image information input means for inputting image information, a laser, a rotary polygon mirror, and a drive motor for rotating the rotary polygon mirror are arranged in parallel for each image forming color. Laser recording means, laser scanning control means for controlling and controlling the rotation of the drive motor for performing laser scanning based on the image information, and an image from the latent image recorded on the photoreceptor by the laser scanning unit. An image generating unit in which a plurality of image generating units for generating image data are arranged in parallel for each image forming color; and a laser recording status determining unit for determining a recording status of the laser recording unit on a photoreceptor; The control means stops or decelerates the rotation of the drive motor sequentially from the one after the laser recording is completed, based on the determination result by the laser recording situation determining means. Color image forming apparatus. 2. A plurality of laser scanning units having image information input means for inputting image information, a laser, a rotary polygon mirror, and a drive motor for rotating the rotary polygon mirror are arranged in parallel for each image forming color. Laser recording means, laser scanning control means for controlling and controlling the rotation of the drive motor for performing laser scanning based on the image information, and an image from the latent image recorded on the photoreceptor by the laser scanning unit. An image generating unit in which a plurality of image generating units for generating image data are arranged in parallel for each image forming color; and a laser recording status determining unit for determining a recording status of the laser recording unit on a photoreceptor; The control means is operable to perform a first laser drive for sequentially decelerating or decelerating the rotation of the drive motor from the one after the laser recording is completed, based on the determination result by the laser recording situation determining means. And a second laser scanning unit that controls the rotation of the drive motor by maintaining the rotation despite the completion of the laser recording or by decelerating to a predetermined number of rotations and controlling the rotation. Color image forming apparatus. 3. A plurality of laser scanning units having image information input means for inputting image information, a laser, a rotary polygon mirror, and a drive motor for rotatingly driving the rotary polygon mirror are arranged in parallel for each image forming color. Laser recording means, laser scanning control means for controlling and controlling the rotation of the drive motor for performing laser scanning based on the image information, and an image from the latent image recorded on the photoreceptor by the laser scanning unit. An image generating unit in which a plurality of image generating units for generating the image are arranged in parallel for each image forming color; and a laser recording status determining unit for determining a recording status of the laser recording unit on a photoreceptor. The means and the image generating means are composed of a color recording section for recording a color image and a black and white recording section for recording a black and white image. The laser scanning control unit determines a driving state of the laser scanning unit in the black-and-white recording unit based on the determination result by the laser recording determining unit. A color image forming apparatus, wherein the rotation is stopped before the drive motor, or the rotation is reduced to a predetermined number of rotations. 4. A plurality of laser scanning units having image information input means for inputting image information, a laser, a rotary polygon mirror, and a drive motor for rotating and driving the rotary polygon mirror are arranged in parallel for each image forming color. Laser recording means, laser scanning control means for controlling and controlling the rotation of the drive motor for performing laser scanning based on the image information, and an image from the latent image recorded on the photoreceptor by the laser scanning unit. Image generation means for arranging a plurality of image generation units for each image forming color in parallel, wherein the laser recording means and the image generation means are a color recording unit for recording a color image and a black and white recording a black and white image. A recording unit, wherein the laser scanning control unit controls the rotation of a drive motor of the laser scanning unit in the color recording unit between a first speed at which an image can be recorded and a stopped state. The driving motor of the laser scanning unit in the monochrome recording section, the color image forming apparatus characterized by controlling the rotation between the images is the second speed and waiting first speed can be recorded and stopped. 5. A plurality of laser scanning units having image information input means for inputting image information, a laser, a rotary polygon mirror, and a drive motor for rotating and driving the rotary polygon mirror are arranged in parallel for each image forming color. Laser recording means, laser scanning control means for controlling and controlling the rotation of the drive motor for performing laser scanning based on the image information, and an image from the latent image recorded on the photoreceptor by the laser scanning unit. Image generation means for arranging a plurality of image generation units for each image forming color in parallel, wherein the laser recording means and the image generation means are a color recording unit for recording a color image and a black and white recording a black and white image. The laser scanning control unit controls the drive motor of the laser scanning unit in the color recording unit to rotate between a first speed at which a color image can be recorded and a stop state. The drive motor of the laser scanning unit in the black-and-white recording unit is controlled to rotate between the first speed at which a color image can be recorded and is in a standby state, the second speed at which a black-and-white image can be recorded, and a stop state. A color image forming apparatus. 6. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first speed of the drive motor of the laser scanning unit in the monochrome recording unit is lower than the second speed. Color image forming apparatus.