JPS5863952A - Controller for copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make the operation of a plug-in counter and copying operations to coincide by inhibiting feeding of paper when the freely mountable and dismountable plug-in counter is drawn off prior to feeding of the paper and continuing the copying when the plug-in counter is drawn off after it counts up. CONSTITUTION:When copying is started by operating a print key 31, an original platen moves by a prescribed extent, and a word switch 17 goes on to generate a start signal for feeding of paper. When a freely mountable and dismountable plug-in counter is drawn off and a detecting switch 51 for the plug-in counter goes off before paper is fed, a microcomputer controls interruption such as inhibition of feeding of paper or stopping of copying according to the signal states by these switches. On the other hand, when the paper is fed and the plug-in counter is drawn off after it counts up by a solenoid 52 controlled by the computer 30, the copying machine is stopped upon ending of said copying by the computer 30. Thus the operation of the plug-in counter and the copying operations coincide and the number of copying sheets etc. is controlled accurately.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention: Technical Field The present invention relates to a control device for a copying machine, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a control device for a copying machine, and more particularly, the present invention is detachable from a copying machine, and is capable of starting a copying operation while being attached, and is capable of starting a copying operation for each copying operation. The present invention relates to a control device for a copying machine including a plug-in counter associated with the copying machine.

Conventional technology plug-in counters generally have the above-mentioned functions. For example, they are held in each section within a business office and are used to check and manage the number of copies in each section. , also called key counter (product name).

Conventionally, in a copying machine that can use this plug-in counter, when the plug-in counter is removed from the copying machine after operating the print key that starts the copying operation and before the copying operation is completed, the copying operation is stopped. Although the program was executed until completion, a situation could occur in which the plug-in counter did not count up. When something like this happens.

It is not possible to accurately manage the number of copies.

The above disadvantage is usually caused by removing the plug-in counter.
It is treated the same as a signal such as a stop key that stops the copying operation, and the stop signal is configured so that once the copying operation has started, it cannot be accepted and at least one copy is executed. It occurs due to being present.

On the other hand, it is undesirable to control the copying operation to stop under any circumstances when the plug-in counter 2 is pulled out, considering the risk of copy paper remaining inside the machine or stopping at the heater section. .

Purpose The present invention has been made by focusing on the above-mentioned drawbacks of the conventional copying machine.The present invention has been made by focusing on the above-mentioned drawbacks of the conventional copying machine. An object of the present invention is to provide a control device for a copying machine that prevents the above.

Example An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing the structure of an electrophotographic copying machine (1) with a movable document table.A charger (8), a charger (8), A developing device (4), a charger for transfer and static elimination (5), a cleaner unit (6), an eraser lamp (18), etc. are arranged in this order.

The document table (8
) The original (not shown) placed on the original placing plate made of a transparent member is exposed to an exposure lamp (91
), an optical system (
9), the image is scanned as the original platen (8) moves and is projected onto the exposure area on the rotational circumference of the photosensitive drum (2), which rotates once.

The copy papers P) are stacked and held on a paper feed tray (q), and are fed one by one from the top one by the rotation of the paper feed roller (10), and are temporarily stopped by the timing roller (11). Thereafter, the photosensitive drum (2) is conveyed in synchronization with the image formed on the surface of the drum (2), the powder image on the drum (2) is transferred by the transfer charger (5), and the photosensitive drum (2) is transferred by the static elimination charger. ) is released from the transport bell) (
12) to a heat roller fixing device (13), and after the image is fixed, it is discharged onto a tray (15) by a discharge roller (14).

A magnet (16) is attached to the bottom of the document table (8).

When the document table (8) starts from the scanning start position shown in Fig. 1 and moves to a predetermined position,
(16) is a reed switch (
17) is turned on to issue a signal to start feeding paper. Reference numeral 50 denotes a plug-in counter that is attached to the main body of the copying machine to enable the start of a copying operation and is associated with the copying machine so as to count the number of copying operations.

FIG. 2 shows the operation panel section of the copying machine (1).

(31) is a print key for starting the copying operation;
(32) is an interrupt key used to temporarily stop the continuous copying operation in order to perform another copying operation during the continuous copying operation of a large number of sheets.When the interrupt mode is set, the light emitting element (89) on the inner sleeve is lit. e5).

(36) is a number key for changing the numerical value displayed on the sheet number display section (41), (87) and (88) are keys for changing the exposure state displayed on the exposure display section (42)K. (4) is the display section for jam, vapor empty, etc. Also, (47) clears the display of the number of sheets display section (41) to "1" if the copying operation is stopped and prints continuously. This is a clear and stop key (hereinafter referred to as stop key) that is used to stop the copying operation while leaving the set number unchanged if the copying operation is in progress.

These various input keys such as the print key (31), interrupt key (82), and stop key (47), and various display mechanisms are connected to the above-mentioned reed switch (17) and other devices in the copying machine (1). In addition, as shown in Fig. 3, a microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as M, C) (8
0) are associated with K, and M, C, (80) execute control of the copying operation according to conditions set by various input keys.

In FIG. 8, (52) is a renoid for operating the plug-in counter (50), (84) is a clutch mechanism for reciprocating the document table, and (88) is a main motor.

All of them are driven and controlled based on control signals from the output ports of M, C, (80). The main motor (33) is driven by switching the photocoupler (45) using signals from the output ports of M, C, and (80).
This is controlled by triggering the try book (TC). (46) is a driver circuit for the exposure display section (42). The solenoid (52) is M, C,
The transistor (53) is turned on by the signal from the output port (80), which turns on and increments the counter in the off operation. Further, (51) is a switch for detecting whether or not the plug-in counter (50) is installed, and is closed when installed.
Attachment is determined by M-C, (80).

In addition, M, C, (80) have the above-mentioned sheet number display section (4
1), a driver circuit for the display unit (43), a switch (not shown) for detecting the normal position (scan start position) of the document table (8), and charging in the copying machine (1). Control circuits for various devices such as development, transfer, exposure and erase are connected, but since these are generally well known and are not directly related to the present invention, their operations will be explained using the flowcharts below. However, especially M,
The structural relationship with C, (80) is not shown.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of control by M, C, (80), which will be explained below with reference to the time chart of FIG. 5.

In step ■, the time (10 to 15 m5) is slightly longer than the maximum time required for program processing of M, C, (80).
Set an internal timer (1) set to ec-degree). As a result, the time from the start to the end of the final step [phase] is constant regardless of the amount of internal processing, and the control timers (TA) to (TF), which will be described later, are timed up for each routine of the program. The setting time of and (T-Z) becomes accurate.

In step (2), it is determined whether the print key (31) is on, and if it is on, it is determined in step (2) whether or not a copying operation can be started, and if YES, a print flag is set in step (2). A state in which the copying operation can be started is, for example, when there is no abnormality in the internal equipment of the copying machine (lro), the temperature of the fixing device (18) has risen to a predetermined value, the plug-in counter is installed normally,
This refers to a state in which a copy operation is not in progress (the copy flag is reset).

Steps ① to [phase] show the processing when the 1 interrupt key (82) is pressed.

When it is determined in step ■ that the interrupt key (32) is turned on, it is determined in step ■ whether or not the interrupt key (32) is turned on in the interrupt mode. ) −1
If tE is turned on, the process returns to the normal mode in steps ~ [phase] 1. If the interrupt key (32) is turned on in the normal mode, the process to set the interrupt mode is performed in steps ~ ~ [phase]. Execute.

The process of setting from normal mode to interrupt mode involves setting a stop flag and using a light emitting element (
89) and turn on the number of sheets display section in normal mode (
41) and the status of the exposure display section (42) are saved in the memory, and "1" is displayed on the number of sheets display section (4I).The process of returning from interrupt mode to normal mode is This process includes turning off the light emitting element (39) for 1-interrupt display and restoring the display of the number of sheets and exposure in the normal mode that had been saved in the memory.

When setting the interrupt mode, a stop flag is set in step ■, but this is because the interrupt key (32) is set to the copying machine (1) in step [phase], as described later.
It is determined whether the switch is turned on under conditions that allow it to be stopped.
If YES, move the original table (8) as shown in step 0.
), and the exposure lamp, charging and development are turned off. Conditions under which the copying machine (1) can be stopped will be described later.

Steps [phase] to [phase] indicate processing related to the stop key (47).

When it is determined in step [phase] that the stop key (47) is on, it is determined in step @ whether or not the copy flag is set, and if No, that is, if the copy flag is reset, the number of sheets display The display in step (41) is set to "1", and if YES, that is, if copying is in progress, a stop flag is set. The processing after the stop flag is set is the same as that for the interrupt key described above.

Steps [phase] to [phase] are plug-in counters (50)
This shows the process associated with pulling out. Plug-in counter (5
0) is pulled out during the copying operation, the step)
Set the stop flag with . The processing after the stop flag is set is the same as that for the interrupt key and stop key described above.

A step [phase] indicates a process that involves manual input of keys such as a number key or an exposure key.

Suatsu 1q Le ~ [Co., Ltd.] TJ Norin I Key (8I) is Ai, 3. This shows the processing when the print flag is set. That is, when the print key (81) is turned on and the print flag is set under conditions that allow the start of the copying operation, printing is performed in step [phase].

Each flag for stop and fixed position detection is reset, and various timers for sequence control (T-C
), (T-D), (T-E), (T-F) and Tie-q
(T-Z) (see Figure 5), and a timer (T-A) for setting the delay time from turning on the print key (31) to starting scan movement in step [phase]. (See Figure 5) and step [phase]
Main motor (83), erase lamp (1)
8) and the developing motor etc. are turned on, and in steps [phase] and [phase], a process of setting a flag indicating a stoppable condition and a flag indicating that a copying operation is in progress is executed. Note that the print key (81) is turned on after the final copy scanning operation is completed.

When it is determined in step (2) that the timer (TA) has ended, a fixed position detection flag is set in step @, and the process proceeds to step [phase] of Fig. 4, crest).

In FIG. 4(b), when it is determined in step [phase] whether the home position detection flag is set, it is determined in step [phase] whether or not the document table (8) is in the home position to start scanning. , repeat this until you get YES.

If the continuous copying operation is in progress, the fixed position detection flag is set at the timing when the developing motor is turned off, as shown in step @.

When it is determined in step O that the document table (8) has returned to the normal position, the copy flag is determined in step [phase], and if it is set incorrectly, scanning movement is started in step 0, and the exposure lamp and Turn on the charging and transfer charger. The purpose of providing the steps (phases) is that, as will be described later, in the copying machine of the present invention, during a series of copying operations, signals (stop signals, interrupt signals, etc.) and the copy flag may have been reset, this is to determine whether scanning should be started when the document table (8) returns to its normal position.

In step [Phase], the paper feed switch (
17) is turned on, the rise of this signal is determined, and in step [phase], the paper feed roller (lO) is turned on and the stop enable flag is reset, and the plug-in counter (50) is set in step @. A signal is issued to turn on the solenoid (52), and a timer (T-Z) for setting the on time is set in step (3). That is, the stoppable flag at the start of the copying operation is set from the time when the print key is turned on until the paper feed is turned on (see FIG. 5).

When it is determined in step @ that the paper feed switch (17) is turned off, the paper feed roller (lO) is stopped in step [phase], and at the same time, processing such as turning on the timing roller (11) is performed. At the same time, a timer (T
-B) is set. Note that the drive time of the paper feed roller (lO) is determined by the length of the magnet (16) that activates the switch (17).

In step @, it is determined whether the timer (T-Z) has ended, and if the timer (T-Z) has ended, the plug-in counter solenoid (52
) is turned off.

When the end of the timer (T-B) is determined in step [phase], a timer (T-C) for controlling the timing of stopping the developing motor is set in step [phase], and at the same time, in step The scanning operation, exposure lamp and charger are turned off.

△ In step @, the process of subtracting the number set in the sheet number display section (41) is executed. When the result of subtracting the number of sheets is "0" and this is determined in step [phase], in step O, the display on the sheet number display section (41) is returned to the original setting value, and at the same time, step [phase] ] to reset the copy flag.

Step [phase] is a step for determining the end of the timer (T-D) set in step [phase].
- Upon completion of step D), processing for turning on the developing motor is performed in step [phase]. The timer (T-D) is a timer that controls the turn-on timing of the developing motor during continuous copying operations (see FIG. 5).

Step [stock] is a step for determining the end of the timer (TE) set in step [phase], and when the timer (TE) ends, the transfer charger (5) is turned off in step [stock]. Processing is performed, and an auto-shut timer (T-F) is set in step [phase].

The timer (T-E) is set when the developing motor is turned off during final copying and when a stop signal is received, and turns off the transfer charger (5) at the end of the copying operation. It's a useless timer.

In step [phase], O, auto-shut timer (T-
After determining the end of step F), the main motor (38) and eraser are turned off, and the copying machine (1) is stopped. The auto-shut timer (T-F) is set when the above-mentioned timer (T-E) (D is completed, and the copying operation) is completed, and the photoreceptor drum is operated under the lighting of the eraser lamp (18) for a certain period of time. This is a timer that turns off the motor (33) after rotating the motor (2).

In steps @ and @, turn on the interrupt key (32) or stop key (47) or turn on the plug-in counter (50).
When the stop flag is set by pulling out the stop flag, it is determined whether or not the copier (1) is in a condition to accept this stop signal. As is clear, the next paper feeding starts from the time the print key (31) is turned on until the paper feeding starts, and from the time when the developing motor is turned off for one copying operation (step @-@). It remains set until it is set. When the stop flag is set in a stopable state, the timer (T-E) is set in step [phase], the timer (TA) and (T-D) are reset in step [phase], and the timer (T-E) is reset in step [phase]. The copy flag, stoppable flag, and stop flag are reset in step 2, and the process of stopping scanning, turning off the exposure lamp, charging, and developing motor is executed in step 2, and the document table (8) is returned to the starting position. . On the other hand, even if the stop flag is set, if the stop enable flag is in a reset state, the stop signal will not be received and at least one copying operation will be executed. At this time, there is no problem since the plug-in counter (50) has already counted up even if it is pulled out.

When the timer (TC) expires during normal copying operation.

If the processing to turn off the developing motor is performed in step O, and the copy flag is set at this point (continuous copying continues), a timer (T-D) that controls the next timing of turning on the developing motor is set in step @. At the same time, the stop enable flag and the normal position detection flag are set in step 2, and scanning, etc. is started immediately when the original table (8) returns to the normal position (steps [phase] to 0).

Step @ is a step to wait for the end of the internal timer ([) described above, and is intended to keep the processing time of each routine constant, and loops the program after waiting for the end of the internal timer (1).

In the above explanation, when the interrupt key (32), stop key (47), etc. are turned on before the print key (31) is turned on or paper feeding starts, and during the same period, the plug-in counter is turned on. When it was pulled out, the copying machine (1
) immediately stops the copying operation and returns to the conditions that allow copying, so it is possible to interrupt or stop the operation even after the print key (31) has been turned on, thereby eliminating unnecessary waiting time and unnecessary copying. This problem can be solved, and the inconvenience that the plug-in counter does not operate due to copying does not occur.

In addition, in the above flowchart, step [phase]
Although it has been explained that the numeric subtraction process is executed in step O when the timer (T-B) ends, I would like to add an additional note regarding the process when switching between normal copy mode and interrupt copy mode. If the 1-interrupt mode is being executed, step ■ is determined, so if the copy flag is set (during copying), even if the interrupt key (32) is turned on, the Processing (step ■ ~ 0
) is not executed, the subtraction process of the set number is executed from the displayed number. However, if the normal mode is being executed, the processing in steps ~ [phase] will be executed when the interrupt key (32) is turned on even during scanning, and if it is not possible to stop, the normal mode copy will be 1 Therefore, at this time, in step [share], when the timer (T-B) expires, processing is performed to subtract from the numerical value in the normal copy mode saved in the memory.

In the above embodiment, the copying machine (1) scans by moving the document table (8), and operates the switch (17) during the scanning movement to start feeding the paper. The invention can also be applied to a type of copying machine that performs scanning by moving an optical system, or a type of copying machine that outputs a paper feed signal as the photosensitive drum rotates.

Effects As explained above, the present invention includes a start signal generating means for starting a copying operation, a paper feeding means for starting feeding paper in conjunction with the start of the copying operation, which is removably attached to a copying machine, and which In a copying machine having a plug-in counter associated with the copying machine so as to operate for each copying operation, after generation of the start signal, the supply When the plug-in counter is in a non-installed state before the paper means operates, at least means for preventing the operation of the paper feeding means, and operating the plug-in counter in conjunction with the operation of the paper feeding means. Since this is a control device for a copying machine, it prevents the continuation of the copying operation when the plug-in counter is pulled out and starts the copying operation only under conditions in which the plug-in counter does not count up after the start of the copying operation. If the plug-in counter is pulled out after the plug-in counter counts up, the copy operation is allowed to continue, and the operation of the plug-in counter matches the copy operation, which is extremely useful in practice. .

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a sectional view showing the general structure of the copying machine, Fig. 2 is a view showing its operation panel, Fig. 8 is a circuit diagram showing the relationship between the input key and the microcomputer, Fig. 4(a), (b
) is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the microcomputer, and FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the relationship between control and copying machine operation. l... Copying machine, 8... Document table, 10... Paper feed roller, 16... Magnet, 17... Reed switch, 80... Microcomputer, 31...
...Print key. 32...Interrupt key, 88...Main motor. 34...Clutch mechanism, 5o...Plug-in counter, 52...Solenoid for operating the plug-in counter.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] (1) A start signal generating means for starting a copying operation, a paper feeding means for starting feeding paper with the start of the copying operation, which is detachable from a copying machine, and is capable of copying while attached. In a copying machine that is capable of starting an operation and is provided with a plug-in counter associated with the copying machine so as to operate for each copying operation, after generation of the start signal, means for preventing at least the operation of the paper feeding means when the plug-in counter is in a non-attached state before operation; Means for operating the plug-in counter in conjunction with the operation of the paper feeding means. A control device for a copying machine, comprising: