JPS59121064A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To stop adequately each of image processors which are independently usable in the event of abnormality by connecting plural image processors and providing control means which disable all the processors when imperfect connection is detected to each of the units. CONSTITUTION:The connecting condition of a male type connecting part (projecting part) 1 of an image processor (for example, copying device) engaged and connected to the inside of a female type connecting part (recessed part) 2 of the other processor having the similar constitution is investigated with detecting sensors 3, 4 consisting of a pair of push-switches. Whether the swithes 3 and 4 are both on or not is supervised in a sub-routine for diagnosing the connection and copying and whether the mechanical connection is perfect or not is judged. If the connection is imperfect, a copying prohibition signal C11 is transmitted and the processing to stop copying and to display the abnormality in connection is performed, whereafter the monitoring of a detection signal C4 for connection is continued until the connection is made perfect. All of the copying including the copying device in which the abnormality arises and in the stages before said device are stopped in the event of abnormality.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Field The present invention relates to an image processing device ξ having a copying function such as a copying machine or a facsimile machine, and in particular to connecting and integrating a plurality of independently usable image processing devices. According to
It is designed to make it easier to obtain more advanced image processing functions.

PRIOR ART Conventionally, for example, when editing multiple manuscripts to create one new manuscript, one or more multiplexing devices are used to print a number of times on one sheet of recording paper 1-. or text or drawings had to be superimposed. For this reason, conventional bags require complicated copying operations due to the overlap, such as pressing the copy operation button many times, taking out the recording paper after copying, and inserting the recording paper again from the manual feed section. The operator had to perform the copying operation manually. Furthermore, when performing multicolor printing, there was no other method other than using an expensive color copying device. However, by preparing multiple relatively inexpensive m-color copying machines,
In addition to making it possible to perform multicolor printing by changing the color of each developer in each device, we also prepared documents separately for each color.
- Multi-color printing may be possible by performing the same editing operations as described above, but in this case as well, there is a problem in that the operator must perform extremely complicated copying operations as described above.

On the other hand, in order to save such troublesome work, a multi-copying machine, such as a three-color superimposed color copying machine, is equipped with a function to make side dishes in one copying machine. A copying machine that is equipped with a control device that sequentially superimposes manual image information of original documents on a photosensitive drum or a storage device, stores it once, and then transfers it all at once onto a recording sheet, or a copying device that controls multiple images. Is it possible to use the optical system for the manuscript? A copying device is equipped with a function to create a latent image on a photosensitive drum at one time. Copying machines have been proposed that are equipped with a control device that controls the hairs of individual photosensitive drums to combine and form an image, but in both cases, the size of the copying machine is large and the price is significant. There was a problem that the prices were high.

In this current situation, where there is almost no difference between the total price of multiple copying machines with simple functions and the price of one copying machine with advanced functions, it is difficult to use a simple connection mechanism. (If it were possible to perform the above-mentioned editing work and multi-color printing by connecting multiple low-cost copying devices, the conventional effort of having to perform complicated copying operations could be eliminated. Moreover, it is possible to reduce the cost compared to conventional advanced copying devices, and since each device can be used independently as necessary, it is considered to be advantageous even when used repeatedly.

However, if the connection is not good, for example, if they are bent and connected, the recording paper may skew or meander, and in the worst case, a paper jam may occur. Further, if the timing between the connected copying apparatuses is shifted, there is a risk that the text or images of the originals copied in a superimposed manner may be shifted or a paper jam may occur.

Furthermore, if a predetermined copying device 8 is not appropriately stopped in the event of an abnormality such as a paper jam, a larger abnormality may occur.

Purpose In view of the above-mentioned points, the present invention provides a monitoring means for monitoring whether connected image processing devices are reliably connected and fixed to each other, and a means for controlling each image processing device to mutually control the image processing devices in the event of an abnormality. In order to maintain safety, each device is equipped with a control means that can stop each device during a predetermined copying process to prevent recording paper meandering and paper jams, and to prevent I,? The purpose is to provide

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described below with reference to the following five drawings.

FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) show the image processing apparatus of the present invention i (
For example, an example of the configuration of a copying machine is shown from the direction 5111, where l is engaged in the female coupling part (four parts) 2 of another device having a similar configuration to the present device 'N, and both The male connectors (protrusions) 3 and 4 that connect the devices are detection sensors consisting of a pair of bush switches used to check the connection status, and if both 1i171 switches 3 and 4 are on (closed) For example, it is determined that both of the above-mentioned devices are not tilted horizontally and the connection is confirmed to be complete.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a receptacle-side connector that can be accessed at the M-type connecting part 1, and is connected to the plug-side connector 6 attached to the female-type connecting part 2 of the other device mentioned above, thereby transmitting data and control information between the connected devices. transmission. 7 is recording paper (not shown)
A fixing roller 8 fixes the recording paper and projects it to the upper surface of the male connecting portion l by four strokes, and 8 is a paper ejection detection sensor consisting of a microswitch that detects the recording paper passing through the fixing roller 7.

Figure 2 shows how the two devices shown in Figure 1 are used.
An example of the state when the paper ejection side coupling part 1 of the other apparatus B is connected to the paper feeding side coupling part 2 of the other apparatus B is shown. The installed FB will be referred to as a subsequent device. Further, 9 is a registration roller used to align the leading edge of the latent image on a drum (not shown) with the leading edge of the recording paper, IO is a paper feed force unit that connects and supplies the recording paper, and II is its paper feeding cassette. This is a paper feeding roller that extracts recording paper one by one from the recording paper 10 and sends it to the registration roller 9 .

Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the control unit of the device shown in @1, where Ql is a microprocessor that performs various calculation controls, a central processing unit (CPU), and a ROM (read-only memory) that stores control programs. , RAM (Random Access Memory) S¥ for storing data. Q2 is an operation unit consisting of various input keys and indicators, Q3 is various sensors that detect the copying operation state A;, Q4
Q is a jam detection unit that detects paper jams.
5 is a connected detection unit that breaks the detection switches 3 and 4 described above.

Input signals supplied to the micro-pro sensor O1 include a key signal C1 from the operation unit Q2, a detection signal C2 from various sensors 3, a detection signal C3 from the jam detection unit Q4, and a detection signal 04 from the connection detection unit Q5. In addition to those generated within individual devices such as, the rear jam signal C5, the rear stop signal C6, and the stop 1-.

There are signals transmitted from other connected multiplex devices, such as an interrupt signal C7, a copy start signal C8, a copy end signal C9, and a paper size C1O. These input signals are processed within the microprocessor Ql according to a predetermined processing procedure, and a copy prohibition signal of 0.1
1, pseudo paper feed signal C12, stop j2 signal CI3'
.

A jam signal CI4 is sent out. The above-described input/output signals and control processing within the microprocessor Q1 control the connected copying operations between a plurality of copying apparatuses.

Next, with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 4, 5(a) and 5(b), FIGS. 6 and 7, and the timing chart in FIG. 8, the book shown in FIGS. An example of the operation of the device will be explained.

First, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of the operating procedure of each copying apparatus connected as shown in the second figure will be explained. Here, in this device, which can be connected in multiple stages, there are four states of use: independent use state, use state 7g connected only to the latter stage device, use state connected only to the first stage device, and use state connected to the first stage and second stage device. Classified into different usage conditions. Therefore, in step S1 belonging to the first procedure group and S2 or S12, it is determined whether each device is connected or not and the state of the number of connected stages. At this time, if the copying device is not connected to either the preceding device or the subsequent device, a negative determination is made in steps Sl and S2, and it is determined that the device is in an independent state, so the process proceeds to step SIO, and the independent copying device Start operating as.

On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2, the leading device (for example, device A in FIG.
), and the process proceeds to step S3 belonging to the next procedure group (2). Further, if both steps S1 and S12 result in affirmative determinations, it is determined that the front-stage trace: fI' and the rear-stage device are both connected, and the process proceeds to step S13, which belongs to the next procedure group (■). . In addition, if step S12 is a negative determination, it is determined that it is the last downstream device connected only to the preceding device, and the step S12 belonging to the next procedure group ■
Proceed to step 23. The copying process of each device classified as described above in procedure group (2) proceeds as follows according to each state.

Step s3 of the second procedure group ■. si3. And in S23, it is diagnosed whether each copying device is capable of copying. Each step S3, 513. The subroutines of S23 and S23 are shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b).

First, in a device connected to a subsequent device, step S3
Alternatively, the process jumps from S+3 to the connection and copy diagnosis subroutine shown in FIG. If the connection is incomplete, the copy disable signal C11 is sent out in step S32, and after the process of stopping and connection abnormality display is performed in the next step S33, the process returns to step S31 and switches 2 and The connection detection signal C4 continues to be monitored until both signals C3 and C4 are turned on, that is, until the connection is complete. At this time, the above-mentioned copy disable signal C1l is transmitted in the form of an interrupt to all the preceding stage apparatuses, and in the event of an abnormality, all the preceding stage copying apparatuses, including the copying apparatus in which the abnormality has occurred, are stopped. Details of this stop control procedure will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the connection detection process ends with an affirmative determination in step S31, it is determined whether copying is possible in the next subroutine of step S34, based on, for example, the presence or absence of toner (developer) or recording paper.

That is, in the copy diagnosis subroutine, FIG.
), it is determined whether or not copying is possible based on the detection signal C2 of the various sensors Q3 (step S35).
and 536), if copying is not possible, step S3? as in the case of connection diagnosis? After sending the copy disable signal C11 in step S38, the copying operation is stopped and what is abnormal is displayed, and further monitoring is continued. When the abnormality disappears and copying is possible, the process returns to the main routine and moves to the next step. (Step 536). On the other hand, in a copying apparatus that is connected to the first stage device 6 but not connected to the second stage device (for example, the device B in FIG. 2), there is no need to perform the connection diagnosis, so in step S7, as shown in FIG. Only the processing of the copy diagnosis subroutine in (b) is performed.

In this way, if it is diagnosed that the copying status is 1, the process proceeds to the third procedure group (3) for setting the copying operation.First, in the case of the first copying apparatus, the process proceeds from step S3 to step S84, and the copying command is issued. Wait for the signal. This copy command signal is sent to the copy operation unit Q.
This occurs when the push button 1 is pressed or when recording paper is inserted from the manual feed section. When the copy command signal is received, in the first step S5, the copy data (copy information) necessary for copy processing such as the size of the recording paper obtained at the time of receiving the copy command signal and the start of copying are transmitted to all subsequent devices. .

The reason why it is not necessary to transmit data regarding continuous copying at this time will be explained later in the explanation of the time chart shown in FIG. 8.

In the case of a copying apparatus connected to a downstream device, after receiving the above-mentioned copy data sequentially supplied from the upstream device in step S14 or S24, the pseudo copy data supplied from the upstream device is received in the first step S+5 or S25. Wait for paper signal ct2e. This pseudo paper feed signal CI2 is detected when the recording paper is fed during the copying process of the preceding copying device as shown in FIG.
This is a signal generated from the sensor 8 at the moment it is applied to the discharge detection sensor 8 shown in FIG.

Next copying process step S6゜S18 of the fourth procedure group ■
Alternatively, copying is actually performed in S28.

Also, during this copying process, at the same time, as shown in Figure 6 (1)
) A jam detection routine constantly monitors paper jams. This jam detection employs a method of counting clock pulses. First, the jam detection counter is set to zero, and when it has counted by a first predetermined value n1 (step 541), the paper discharge detection sensor 8 If the recording paper is not hanging, it is determined that the recording paper is delayed (step 542), and the process proceeds to step S, which will be described later.
Jump to 46. Further, if the recording paper is still caught on the paper discharge detection sensor 8 when the second predetermined value n2 is counted after the paper discharge detection sensor 8 is turned on (step 543), It is determined that the recording paper is retained (step 544), and the process jumps to step S48, which will be described later. However, since the above-mentioned value n differs depending on the length of the recording paper in the transport direction, each copying machine needs to know the size of the recording paper, so all subsequent copying machines start from the first copying machine. Data regarding the size of the recording paper is received in step S14 or S24 described above.

In the event of a delay or lingering jam as described above, step S
48 and S47, the device is stopped and a jam is displayed, and a jam signal C14 and a copy impossible signal C1 are output.
1 and stops the preceding devices one after another. continue,
In step 348, the process waits for jammed paper processing to remove jammed recording paper and jam reset for device value recovery, and after resetting the control circuit, returns to the initial state of step S1 from step S49. On the other hand, in the case of normal operation in which the discharge detection sensor 8 is turned off in step S44.

After proceeding to step S45 and resetting the jam set detection counter to zero, the process returns to step S941 and repeats the above-described procedure until the copying is completed.

If no paper jam occurs during copying, each copying device row checks whether copying is possible (step S7.S
1? , 528), if there is no abnormality, the first copying device returns to step S6 and repeats the processes of steps 86 to S8 described above until it is determined that the number of copies set in step S4 has been completed (step S8). , when the copying is completed, the process returns to step S4 and waits for the copying operation. In addition, if there is no abnormality in the copying apparatus in which both the front-stage device and the rear-stage device are connected, the steps from step S17 to step SI are performed.
The process returns to step 5 and waits for the pseudo paper feed signal CI2 from the primary upstream device. In the copying machine at the last stage, each time a sheet of recording paper passes the paper ejection detection sensor 8, the stencil S2? A copy end signal C9 is sent out at the copy end, and this signal C8 is sequentially sent to the first copying device. Based on this copy end signal C9, the leading device can determine how many sheets of recording paper are currently being recorded in all the copying devices. After the last-stage device sends the copy end signal C9, if there is no abnormality in the copy diagnosis at step 928, the process returns to step S25 and waits for the pseudo paper feed signal CI2 from the previous-stage device.

Next, step S33, S38 or S4? The control operation when a device stop interrupt is input will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the previous step S3
2, copy prohibition signal C1 in S37 or S46
1 is sent to cause all copying machines at the previous stage to also issue a stop interrupt, thereby sequentially stopping all the copying machines corresponding to stage 171. However, if the copying operation is in progress, instead of immediately stopping it like when a paper jam occurs, the paper other than the jammed paper is transported to just before the fixing section, and at least only the recording paper transport section (not shown) is operated. (Steps 551-S53). In addition, the copying devices downstream from the copying device in which the abnormality occurred continue to operate normally, eject the internal recording paper, or temporarily locate it in a safe place, and then stop. At this time, the first copying machine waits until all other copying machines have stopped (step 5).
57), after adjusting the copy number display counter (not shown) provided inside the control unit to an appropriate value (step 858).
), return to the original routine and proceed to the first step.

In FIG. 8, copying apparatuses A and B are connected in two stages as shown in the second figure, recording sheets are fed by a cassette IO, and two consecutive sheets #I! Indicates the timing of control operations when copying. First, in the first-stage copying machine A, when the operator presses the copy start button on the operation unit Q2 after power is turned on, the main motor starts rotating, and at the same time, current is applied to the cassette paper feed solenoid to move the paper feed roller 11. , and feed paper from the cassette IO. After a time t from the press of the copy start button, the optical system (not shown) starts moving forward, and the first pulse N'l is supplied from the pulse generating circuit of the position detection sensor (not shown) attached to the optical system. At the rising edge of the pulse, the energization to the cassette paper feed solenoid is stopped, and then, at the rising edge of the second pulse, current is applied to the registration solenoid to rotate the registration roller 8 and convey the recording paper to a photosensitive drum (not shown). do.

Start of rotation of registration roller 9 (from No. 7m to time t).

Afterwards, the above-mentioned optical system starts moving backwards, and after a time t, the cassette paper feed roller 11 is rotated to carry out the next recording paper. Further, when the optical system continues to move backward and reaches the home position, a pulse starts to be generated from the optical system position detection sensor, and the optical system is stopped at the rising edge of the third pulse. If only one copy is to be made, the main motor and registration roller can be stopped after a certain period of time. However, in the case of continuous copying of two sheets as in this example, the optical system is moved forward again after time t4 after stopping the optical system to start the process of copying the second sheet. The copying operation for the second copy is almost the same as for the first copy, except that the main motor and registration roller are finally stopped at a time t5 after the optical system begins to move backward. Thereafter, the first-stage copying device A waits for a copy operation (step S in FIG. 4).
4th q14. ).

Next, the operation of the second stage (latter stage) copying apparatus B will be explained.

The copy start signal of the first stage (previous stage) copying machine A directly becomes the copy start signal of the second stage copying machine B, and the main motor of the machine B starts rotating. Well, the first stage outfit #B! - Differently, the paper feed roller 11 is not rotated. The second stage device B uses the fixing roller 7 of the first stage device A.
serves as the paper feed roller 11, so the paper feed roller 11 of device B does not always rotate and is placed at a position where it does not come into contact with the recording paper. The second-stage device B receives a rising signal from the paper discharge detection sensor 8 of the first-stage device A, moves its optical system forward after time t6, and starts copying.

The subsequent operation is the same as that of the first stage device B except for driving the cassette paper feed roller 11. However, when finishing copying the first sheet and starting copying the second sheet, the device A in the first stage
In this case, the optical system was moved forward at time intervals of time t4.

However, in the second-stage device, the copying process is started by the rising edge of the detection signal (pseudo paper feed signal Cl2) from the paper discharge detection sensor 8 of the first-stage device A, so the optical system moves backward. After starting the main motor and registration roller 8
During the time L5 when the rotation stops, the pseudo paper feed signal CI
The condition for continuous copying is that 2 is input.

Therefore, there is no need to transmit data on the number of consecutive copies to the second and subsequent copying apparatuses.

Effects As explained above, according to the present invention, since the connection status is constantly monitored by the monitoring means, it is possible to reduce abnormal conditions that are likely to occur when devices are connected, and to prevent problems between connected devices. Since the phase pressure is controlled, in the event of an abnormality, the recording paper can be placed in a safe position, the apparatus r can be stopped, and the apparatus r can remain inactive until the cause of the abnormality is removed.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1(a) and 1(b) are a perspective view of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention as seen from the fixing and paper ejection unit side and a perspective view as seen from the paper feed side, respectively, and FIG. (a) and (
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit of the device shown in FIGS. 1(a) and (b); Figure 4 is the third
Flowchart showing an example of control operation of the control unit shown in FIG.
Figures (a) and (b) are flowcharts of the concatenation and copy diagnosis subroutine in the flowchart of Figure 4, Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the jam detection operation of the control unit in Figure 3, and Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the jam detection operation of the control unit in Figure 3. 5(a) and (b) and a flowchart showing an example of the operation at the time of a stop interruption in the flowchart of FIG. 6; FIG. Figure 8 shows the device being connected in two stages as shown in Figure 2.
5 is a timing chart showing the waveform of an output signal when copying a sheet. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Male type connection part (convex part), 2...Female type connection part (four parts), 3.4...Connection state detection sensor (button switch), 5...Receptal side connector, 6 ...Plug side connector, 7...Fusing roller, 8...υ1 paper detection sensor (micro switch). 8 river registration rollers. 10... Paper feed cassette, ll... Paper feed roller, A... Previous stage device (first stage device), B... Later stage device (second stage device M), Ql... Micro Processor, C2...Operation unit, C3...Various sensors, C4...Jam detection unit, C5...Connection detection unit. C5...Late stage jam signal, Cθ...Late stage stop signal, C7...Stop interrupt signal, C8...Copy start signal, C9...Copy end signal, CIO...Paper size signal, CI ! ...Copy not possible signal, CI2...pseudo paper feed signal. C13...stop signal, C14...jam signal. Patent applicant Canon Co., Ltd. Figure 1 (0) (b) Figure 6 Figure 7

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] (1) A connecting means for connecting a plurality of units each capable of independently recording an image on a recording medium along the conveyance direction of the recording medium, and a monitoring means for monitoring the connected state by the connecting means. , an image processing apparatus characterized in that each unit is provided with a control means for inactivating all of the connected units when the monitoring means detects that the connection is incomplete. . 2. In the device according to claim 1, the connecting means includes means for determining a mechanical fitting position between the units, and a status signal indicating the arrangement position state between the units obtained by the monitoring means. and means for transmitting a unit that is determined to be placed at a specific position based on the status signal, and the inoperable state is controlled by the control unit of the unit that is determined to be placed at a specific position. 3) The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means causes all of the units to become inactive when at least one of the units becomes inactive. Image processing device.