JPS5974574A - Efficient recycling type manuscrpt copying method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to an improved method for more efficiently recirculating original copying from a set of original sheets under the special conditions of a small set of original sheets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A representative copying machine and document recirculation inverter disclosed herein is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,355,880 (published October 26, 1982). An advantage of this method is that it can be used with the disclosed device with little modification. However, the method is not limited to the devices or applications described above, but can be used with a variety of other recirculating document handling devices and copiers.

As xerography suites and other copiers become faster and more automated, both the copy sheet and the document being copied, both the output and input of the copier, become faster, more reliable, and more automatic. It is becoming increasingly important to deal with However, performing multi-copying, recirculating original copying, especially for double-sided (both sides) copying, is very complex, and the handling of original sheets and copy sheets is even more complicated.

The following terms are commonly used in the following description, and the term "sheet" generally refers to a normal size sheet of paper, plastic or other conventional or typical individual image substrate (original or copy). It does not include microfilm or electronic images, which are thin sheets and are generally very easy to handle. However, unless otherwise specified, the terms "original" or "original sheet" in the claims may also be read to include radar print or other electrically generated, memorized, or rearranged images. The term "page" generally refers to one or both sides of a sheet.

A "single-sided" original or copy sheet is one that has the page and image on only one side of the sheet, whereas a "double-sided" original or copy sheet has pages on both sides. ” can be defined in detail in terms of several different known copy modes. For "duplex/duplex" copying, both sides of the double-sided original sheet (both pages are copied on both sides of the copy sheet.
For double-sided/single-sided copying, both sides of the double-sided original sheet
Copied onto one side of a series of copy sheets. In the case of "single-sided/double-sided" copying, images of two pages of two successive single-sided original sheets are copied onto both sides of a single copy sheet. In the case of non-double-sided copying, or "single-sided/single-sided" copying,
One side of each single-sided original sheet is copied onto one side of each copy sheet. In the printing industry, unlike the copying machine industry, copying on both sides is sometimes referred to as "back-side printing" rather than double-sided copying.

The preferred pre-collated document handling device as a product is the “Double-Sided/
It is not necessary to have a "one-sided" copy mode, but it should have all of the above copy modes.

The method relates in particular to a "single-sided/double-sided" front-collate copying method, which is fully compatible with all other aforementioned copying methods by means of the same device.

1-RD HJ is an abbreviation for automatic recirculating document handler, typically for a front collating copier, in which original sheets are automatically fed from a stack, copied, and returned to the stack. The method is particularly suitable for pre-collating (recirculated multiple times) document handling devices, but can also be adapted by the same device to non-collating copying devices.

Collation or collation, as it is variously called, is a known and desirable feature of copiers and has many important advantages. For pre-collated copying, the set of originals is recirculated a corresponding number of times through the imaging station of the copier in collated order, only once for each original page as it passes through the imaging station. By copying, a required number of pre-collated copy sets can be created. The copies come out of the copier as a pre-collated set automatically, so there is no need to use a sorter or collator afterwards.

Thus, direct finishing operations or removal of a completed copy set can be performed while the next copy set is being produced in a subsequent cycle of the same document set.

However, a disadvantage of pre-collating copying is that the original must be repeatedly cycled and copied in a predetermined order for a number of cycles equal to the required number of copies of the copy set. Therefore, in the case of a front collation copying device, it is necessary to handle documents more often than in a rear collation copying device. Additionally, duplex copying typically requires that the copy sheet be recirculated one more time through the copy path in conjunction with the recirculation of the document set to print images on both sides of the copy sheet. Therefore, in the case of pre-collated copying, it is especially important to automate document handling and make the copying cycle as efficient as possible. If the document handling device is not able to efficiently and quickly circulate and copy documents in the correct b-order, along with the copy sheets, i.e., if the document or copy cycle must be significantly skipped; The total copying time required to complete the entire copy set will be longer. Furthermore, another important factor is to minimize the time delay between the start of copying and the completion of the first copy set. this is,
``The first copy creation time is known as J.

In contrast, in post-collated copying, multiple copies are made from each document page at once, placed in independent sorter bins, and collated. Typically, it is only necessary to cycle a set of documents, i.e. manually or semi-automatically feed them once to an imaging station and copy them multiple times to fill the bins of a copy sheet sorter or collating device or collator with the corresponding number of copies. It is only necessary to input a copy set of . However, the number of copy sets that can be created in one document cycle is limited by the number of available bins. Additionally, sorters are not well suited for direct-coupled finishing operations due to the added space and complexity. however,
Back collated copying and manual document placement are preferred in certain copying situations because they minimize document handling. Therefore, it would be desirable for a front collating copying device to also be compatible with and be used for back collating copying.

Forward (1-N) and reverse (N-1) pre-collated copies of manuscripts are single-sided (one side), as indicated in the cited document.
and is known for both double-sided (both sides) manuscripts and copies. Recent (
1-N) or conventional forward stack document recirculation apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,229,101. Another example is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,234,180. However, in recent products and the above-mentioned literature, in the case of a device that feeds originals from a stack placed (loaded) above the platen of a copying machine, original set circulation in the reverse order (1-N) is common. It is. In such conventional devices, documents are loaded face-up, fed from the bottom of the stack, and re-stacked on top of the stack. The single-sided original is flipped, copied, flipped again, and returned to the top of the stack above the platen for a round trip.

The main drawback of such (N-1) or reverse document feeding and copying is that the last page is fed first, so the copier does not know which document is being fed in the first cycle. This is unknown to the controller. Not knowing whether the documents being fed are odd or even, and therefore duplexing, is a distinct disadvantage in making duplex (both sides) copies. If the number of original pages is odd, the last double-sided copy sheet will have one side blank. Because of this problem, U.S. Pat.
．． No. 278,544 and No. 4,166.614, the entire set of originals may be pre-counted by non-copying prior to copying or a copy sheet inversion device may be used in the copy sheet path. single-sided/double-sided copying, with its selective use and other disadvantages. That is, commercially available RDH copying machines generally feed documents in reverse page order, ie, from the last (Nth) page to the first page, as described in detail below.

Therefore, for single-sided/double-sided copying, the first non-copy pre-count cycle of a single-sided original is such a reverse page order (N
-1) It was considered essential for RDH devices. This is disclosed in the aforementioned US Pat. No. 4,330,197. As a result, it is automatically determined whether the Nth original (to be copied first) is an odd number or an even number, and the "first copy making time" is shortened.

Such pre-counting and/or selective use of a copy sheet inversion device requires special handling of the set of originals, and special or different handling and timing of passing the copy sheets through an additional finger to the inversion device. This has a negative impact on the reliability of the equipment. In addition, for large document sets, the operator may not be required to finish or process the copy sheet output, and most obviously at the start of copying, the document handling device may be cycled without document imaging. Because of this, pre-counting circulation can reduce the productivity of the equipment. In addition, if the original set has a large number of sheets,
Correspondingly, the "first copy making time" for single-sided/double-sided copying using pre-count circulation is also extended.◎ If you do not know whether the document being fed during the first circulation is an odd page or an even page, the copy sheet Letterhead that needs to be printed or bound on a particular side or orientation, binder-edged, perforated, sidenoted, or one-sided/copy sheet in the copier when requested to use a special copy sheet for that particular side or orientation.
Duplex copying operations become particularly complex. For example, when duplexing is performed using letterhead paper, page 1 must be printed on the letterhead side rather than the front side. When using perforated paper for ring or spiral binders, odd-numbered manuscript pages must be copied with the holes on the left side of the page, and even-numbered manuscript pages must be copied with the holes on the right side of the page. There must be. If the finishing device of the copying machine is equipped with a wire binding device located around the edge, the copy sheet must be automatically oriented in the finishing device in the correct orientation for wire binding at the correct edge. O However, since (N~1) the document recirculation device is a system in which documents are recirculated from document stack to stack placed above the platen of a copying machine, as described in the cited patent documents. Race track J, above the platen
Despite the above-mentioned drawbacks, it has been commercialized and used because it is suitable for circulation channels and is membrane-based. Single-sided documents are fed from one edge of the stack to the same side or edge of the platen below the stack, and from the opposite edge of the platen back to the opposite edge of the stack. Therefore, it is possible to stream feed in a single direction on the platen, ie, feeding a subsequent document while feeding a preceding document. There are 180 document paths on both sides of the platen.
It has 0 loops and turns and is a short path overall. Such shorter unidirectional “race tracks” −
The travel length allows for slower document transport speeds, and the skip-free copy cycle allows for a 2-3
Can handle sheet manuscript sets.

As background on the well-known difficulties in combining pre-collated original circulation with double-sided copying, in a properly collated set of double-sided copy sheets, odd pages 1, 3, 5, etc. are generally placed on the first or front side. The next page number, even pages 2, 4, 6, etc., should generally be on the second or reverse side of each.

The order in which original pages are copied and the order in which copy sheets are provided to the images must be adjusted so that the correct page order is maintained during collation. Furthermore, the number of double-sided sheets is always υ
few. On the other hand, in a single-sided copy sheet set with t number of single-sided originals, the number of sheets and the number of pages generally match. Therefore, the odd number on the single-sided sheet corresponds to the odd number on the normal page. In contrast, a set of double-sided sheets may have odd or even numbered pages regardless of the number of sheets. If there are odd numbered pages in the set (double-sided sheets), the back side of the last sheet is usually not printed (blank). Other difficulties involved in creating an efficient duplex copying system that is compatible with both simplex and duplex machines are discussed in the references cited herein and in other duplex copying literature.

Of interest regarding the effectiveness of improved simplex/duplex copying devices is U.S. Pat. No. 4,116,558 (issued September 26, 1978). The device is also described in other cited patents. This U.S. Patent No. 4,116,5
No. 58 is an efficient RD that can be adapted to single-sided copying and also creates a pre-collated double-sided copy set that can be used in the present invention.
H device is disclosed. The apparatus is capable of recirculating and copying all single-sided originals in all copy cycles except the first and last copy cycles. Also, in the first and last cycles, every other single-sided document is copied to create and eject an intermediate set of double-sided copies, respectively (all documents are circulated, but only one document is (exposed every third time).

However, in all other cycles, all of the single-sided originals are copied (both to copy every other original page to the other side of the copy sheet in the intermediate set, and to maintain the intermediate set until the copy cycle). , blank copy sheets or intermediate set copy sheets are alternately fed to the photoreceptor)
.

U.S. Patent No. 4,335,954 (June 22, 1982)
(Published on June 2, 1931), No. 4,270,746 (June 2, 1931)
(Published on February 1978) and No. 4.076, 408 (February 1978)
Published on May 28, 2006) discloses several detailed examples of preferred recirculating document handling devices. U.S. Patent No. 4,078,787 (issued on April 14, 1978) uses RDH to copy a single-sided original in a circular process (since it is of course possible to collate a one-page copy set). It talks about what to do. Also of interest is the
U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,372 requires an RDH copier that automatically switches the copy mode from pre-collate to post-collate in response to the operator's selection of a set (larger) number of copy sets. Disclosed.

By way of further background, another recent example of a double-sided or single-sided original recirculation pre-collation copier is manufactured by Industrial Opportunities, Ltd.
Published by pportuntles, Ltd,, )! Research Disclosure (R@5each Dis
closure'Xtask o-shi'v (Dlscl
osure)AI 6332.1)l), 49-
52 (published November 1977) and UK patent application;
No. 2,000,749A, published January 17, 1979, in comparable content.

Disclosure 419015 (published in February 1980) by unknown author of I Research Disclosure I mentioned above is a double-sided original using an "immediate double-sided copying" device, which requires the double-sided original to be immediately reversed each time in order to copy the other side in the next step. I am interested in whether this suggests that the inevitable reduction in copying speed can be compensated to some extent by making two consecutive copies each time from the same original when attempting to copy the same document onto a double-sided copy sheet. However, in that case two copy-receiving trays are required.Other background is that initially, in a reproduction machine, multiple single-sided copy sheets (with only their first side printed) It is known that non-collated duplex copying (both duplex/duplex or simplex/duplex) can be performed by creating an intermediate set consisting of: The sheets of the intermediate set are temporarily stored in a preferred double-sided intermediate tray;
They are then sent back through the same copying path and the correct back pages are printed on their backs a second time. Such devices can be referred to as sequential or two-time/91 duplex copiers, and are used, for example, in the Xerox 40GO (RO) and 9400 series copiers from Xerox Corporation. U.S. Patent No. 3.615.129 (1
Issued October 26, 971) and No. 3,645.61
No. 5 (published February 29, 1972) discloses an example of an apparatus for handling such double-sided copy sheets. In such non-collating duplex reproduction machines, all sheets of the intermediate set are typically identical copies of the same single original page.

In contrast, in the case of pre-collated double-sided copying, the copies in the intermediate set are not identical, and each intermediate set consists of copies of different original pages.

Therefore, the order and orientation of the copies must be maintained and adjusted to the original pages being copied on their opposite sides. Previously cited U.S. Pat. No. 4,278. ′
As stated in No. 544, column 2, lines 6-16,
The literature cited therein states that in special document handling equipment and copiers copies are made in two different orders (1-N then N-
In the special case of bidirectional copying created in 1), it is taught that two intermediate sets can be created.

These references include U.S. Patent No. 4.116.558;
No. (previously cited) (column 6, row 1) and No. 4.172.65
No. 5, column 4, rows 57-39 and 64-last row. In that connection, reference is also made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,210,519, particularly column 6, lines 46-58. An intermediate set of them is provided by IBM Technical Disclosure (IBM Technical Disclosure).
lsclosure Bulletin) Vol.
, 2 2.

No, 7. pp. 2657-2659 (1979.12.
different (in a different order) than those listed in the month)
It is something.

Various other examples disclosing conventional document handling devices and their controls, including document path switches and counters, include U.S. Pat.
No. 062,061, No. 4,076.408, No. 4.0
No. 78,787, No. 4,099,860, No. 4,12
No. 5,325, No. 4,132.401, No. 4.144
．． No. 550, No. 4,158,500, No. 4,176.
No. 945, No. 4.179,215, No. 4,229.1
No. 01, No. 4,278,344, and No. 4.284.
, No. 270. As taught by these and other patents and various commercially available copiers, the normal simple software instructions in the conventional microprocessor logic circuits of copiers and the software for the functionality and logic of document handling devices and copiers are well known. and B is preferred. However, the document handling functions and controls described herein may be reproduced in a conventional manner in their place by using other suitable, known simple software or hardwired logic circuits, switch controllers, etc. It will be seen that it can be incorporated into a machine. The software for the functions described herein may, of course, vary depending on the particular microprocessor or microcomputer device used, but it is likely that they will become available in due course and will be within the knowledge of experts in the field. From the description given here it would be easy to get 760 grams without experimentation.

All controls for the typical sheet handling device disclosed herein are controlled by simple programmed commands, selection of the number of copies to be made, selection of single-sided or duplex copying, and selection of whether the original is to be single-sided or double-sided. This can be accomplished by activating the sheet handling device in the normal manner with signals from the controller in response to operator-selected switch inputs from the copier console, such as selections. These signals can actuate conventional electric solenoids or cam-controlled turning fingers and drive motors or their clutches in selected steps or programmed sequences.

As is well known in the art, and as shown in the aforementioned and other patents and products, original and copy sheet counting is performed using a conventional sheet path sensor or switch connected to a control device. and its location can be tracked. Known pre-collated copying machines use conventional microprocessor control circuitry and interlocking switches to count the number of original sheets as they are recirculated;
The operations of the document feeding device, copy sheet feeding device, reversing device, etc. are controlled by counting the number of completed document set circulations.

All documents cited herein and their citations are
Additional or alternative structures, features, or technical background are incorporated herein by reference to provide proper knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention desirably solves or overcomes various problems discussed above.

The general percentage characteristics disclosed herein are such that small document sets, specifically document sets of approximately 9 sheets or less, can be pre-collated more efficiently and more quickly using a recirculating document handler. In order to achieve this goal, each company independently controls the feeding and copying order of originals and copy sheets.

Another general feature disclosed is that, in order to improve copying efficiency, in the case of a copy set with a small number of sheets, the front collation copying mode is changed and controlled according to the number of hard copies.

The preferred percentages disclosed herein are such that after each copy cycle of a set, the original is normally copied once to create an intermediate copy set for double-sided copying, and then on the opposite side of the copy of the intermediate set. By copying other IF documents and creating a collated double-sided copy set, you can recirculate the set of multiple originals and make pre-collated copies on both sides of the copy sheet to create a pre-collated double-sided copy set. It is possible to obtain a method for creating a requested number of copy sets. in this way~
The number of originals in the original set is counted, and it is determined that there are only 2 or 6 sheets of the 7 [complement] sheet, and depending on the determination, the copy mode of the original sheet is automatically changed to a more productive small original. Switch to set mode ◎ In this small document set mode, the initial copy circulation of the document set is stopped and only one document is copied, thereby continuously creating multiple identical copies from that one document, From this copy, a plurality of identical intermediate sets each consisting of one identical copy sheet are created, and then, when the number of copy sheets corresponding to the plurality of identical copies is successively created, copies of the one original are made. Skip Another feature that may be obtained individually or in combination by the methods and apparatus disclosed herein is that if said determined number of originals is two, then said number of said plurality of identical copies made is , be made equal to the number of copies of the copy set to be created: If the determined number of originals is 2, the number of the plurality of identical copies to be created is made to be the same as the number of copies of the copy set to be created. is approximately 14 or less, and the number of cycles of the original set is 3 or less for a copy set of up to 14 copies; if the determined number of originals is 2, only the negative originals are continued. Copy multiple times to the intermediate copy sheet with the maximum limit number of times, then continue to copy other originals to the intermediate copy sheet the same limited number of times, and then make a collated completed double-sided copy of the two document sets on the copy sheet. All copy mats are created by sending out as a set; the maximum number of consecutive copies is 14; if the determined number of originals is 3, the plurality of identical copies to be created; The number of said plurality of is at most approximately 4
the number of the plurality of identical copies is 4;
For copies or larger copy sheet sets,
4; If the determined number of manuscripts is 3,
that all originals except said first copied original are copied only once in each original set rotation; and that said plurality of identical consecutive copies are only of the first original 4-page; , is.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIG. 1, a typical xerographic complete copying machine 10 and its representative W1 feed system 20 are illustrated in detail. It will be appreciated that the present invention may be utilized in a variety of alternative recirculating document feeders and copiers, including those disclosed in the previously cited patents.

In the case of the typical (N-1) forward recirculating document handler (RDH) 20 disclosed herein, the document stack holding tray 22 [oiler is placed face up in a normal collated forward + 1 m
In other words, each original sheet is 111 from a stack of original sheets placed with Easy 1 at the top of the stack.
The next delivery will be made. From the bottom of the stack, the sheets are fed in succession to an imaging station 23 consisting of a conventional copying platen of a copier 10 and placed on the photoreceptor 1 in the conventional manner.
A copy is made using conventional xerography. Documents are first stacked on tray 22 above platen 23, and on each cycle
2, you will be automatically killed again. Document handling device 20
has a conventional switchboard or other sensor 24 for detecting and counting the number of sheets fed from the tray 22 (ie, the number of sheets being circulated). ing. A normal reconfigurable roller or finger will fall and its l! 'j? A set counter switch or sensor 26 indicates that all documents have been delivered from below and are then automatically reset to the top of the stack before the wash cycle. The document feeding device 20 is configured to feed documents one after another. The manuscript may be a paper or plastic sheet of various standard sizes and weights with information display reproduced on one or both sides, such as printed or typed text, figures, prints, photographs, etc.

The bottom feeder 28 selects the lowermost original sheet from the stack in response to commands from the controller.
It is possible to feed the platen through one of the feeding passages to the platen conveying device 30, and the conveying device ? g'30, move the original on the platen 23 of the copying machine to the alignment position O and place it on the alignment f-to 32, where the side of the original facing the platen 23 is copied □ This document feeding device 20, each document is optionally inverted or not inverted as it is fed from tray 22 to imaging station 23 through one of two selectable passages M by control 1. . Therefore, this is done before the )@ manuscript is copied. The two paths are provided by a selectively reversible sheet drive roller 40 and a selectable position 85' in the document path or turning device 60. Each original sheet is first fed from tray 22 around the outside of rollers 4°. If the original sheet continues to move around rollers 40, it is fed inverted onto platen 23 through first (single-sided original) path 54.

The determining r-toro 0 in the document path is located near the entrance of the roller 4o and consists of a normally raised pivotable deflection finger that allows the trailing edge of the document to be pulled out through this gate. (Switch 24 or another switch can detect the trailing edge and begin counting the amount of time VC is sufficient to pass the document). What happens next?) 6
(By actuation of 1 and coordinated reversal of roller 40, j
The subsequent circulation of the Q document is reversed and it passes through a different conveyance path 58 in the frame 2 to the copy grating. Previously, this was referred to as the "inverter", although the document is not inverted at this point, as will be explained below. In the second (.theta.) conveyance path 58, the sheet is reversed between the stack and the platen.On the other hand, in the first conveyance path 54
Now, the original sheet is transferred between the stack and the platen (once).
be reversed. Aisle 58 is the cited United States! 4th license,
As explained in detail in No. 278,344, double-sided originals are inverted in order to copy both sides of a set of double-sided originals.

During the reversal operation in the case of the passage 58 2, the document travels only partially around the roller 4o due to the reversal of the roller 40, and then the direction of travel is reversed 1 and is immediately sent backward through the gate 60. At this time, by bending dart 60 downward (as indicated by the solid line position in FIG. 1), the document is diverted into path 58 and immediately fed onto platen 23. Thus, in this non-inverting path 58, the original is delivered to the platen in the same orientation as the original orientation of the original in tray 22.

On the other hand, the first reversing conveyance path 54 conveys the document onto the platen 23 by completely rotating the roller 40 without reversing in a single direction. Therefore, the orientation of the original fed through the single-sided passage 54, that is, the side facing the platen 23, is reversed from the original orientation of the original in the tray 22.

It will be appreciated that the return path of the document from the document copying machine's document tray tenn to tray 22 is always the same, regardless of which of the first two paths 54 or 58 are used. The document return path inverts the document by passing the document around a second irreversible roller document feeder 42, which returns the document to the top of the stack in tray 22 for restacking.

Therefore, in the entire circulation path from the bottom of the tray 22 to its return to the top, when the transport path 54 is selected, the document is reversed twice when both rollers 40, 42 rotate. , when the transport path 58 is selected, the document can be reversed only once. - Therefore, the reversal or non-reversal of the roller 40 in the circulation of the document set and the co-acting decision f - the actuation or non-actuation of Toro 0 causes the document set to be re-set with a total of one or two reversals in the circulation. It depends on whether it will be recycled or not. (In any case, since documents can be continuously re-stacked at the same time as they are continuously fed by the feeder 28, it is possible to recirculate them many times in succession for pre-collated copying.) In the case of two full-pass inversions per circulation (ie, using passage 54), there are actually no inversions per circulation.

Therefore, the originals are again stacked on the tray 22 in the same original orientation and the same lI 411 of the originals is exposed during the next cycle. On the other hand, when the entire passage is reversed only once per circulation (when the passage 58 is used), the originals are reversed from their original orientation and stacked on the tray 22. Thus, the device of passage 58 is referred to as an "inversion device" because, as noted above, its local effect is actually non-inversion, but its overall circulation path effect is inversion.

One percent of the method of pre-collating a set of multiple (multiple pages) single-sided original sheets disclosed herein is that the original sheets are placed in a normal reverse (from N to 1) continuous receiving section 111 in a copier lOO.
Provided to imaging station 23. Continuously feeding document sheets in a recirculating series from the bottom of the stack to one side of said imaging station and back again from the opposite side of said imaging station to the top of said same stack. Thereby, the original sheet is recycled between the stack of original sheet sets and the imaging station multiple times, and one side is copied at the imaging station once per cycle. A set of single-sided original sheets is stacked in stack position 22 above imaging station 23, face up in correct page order, with the first page at the bottom of the stack.

As mentioned in 5 U.S. Pat. No. 4.111558, no.
．． In the case of the apparatus disclosed in No. 278.344, etc., in order to make a double-sided copy from a single-sided original sheet according to a request, in the first and last copy cycle of a set of original sheets,
In each case, only every other document sheet is individually copied at the imaging station to create and eject an intermediate set, but in all other cycles, feed is alternately fed from the main copy tray and the duplex saw tray. By sending the document, all the originals will be copied. A final non-copying document circulation can be performed to reassemble the document set into its tray.

This method does not require any hardware changes and provides different processes for copying or not copying the selected manuscript onto the selected copy sheet under the special conditions and inputs mentioned above. Efficiency is improved using the same document handling device, the same copier, the same imaging station and the same stack of document sheets disclosed herein by simply applying different selectable software programs to the copier programming device; Moreover, it is possible to perform pre-collated copying which is completely compatible with both methods.

The operation of the reversing mechanism using the sheet reversing path is particularly useful for recirculating multiple sets of originals or for recirculating multiple sets of copies.
Reliability can be a major issue if the seat requires infrequent use. This method not only eliminates the need to use the double-sided document transport path 58 for single-sided documents, but also eliminates the need for the copy sheet inverter, e.g.
There is no need to use it again and again. The number of times either reversal path is used is typically much less than the total number of copy sets created by the method. In addition, the one-line method is fully compatible with the recirculation of double-sided documents without increasing the number of flipping operations, even in the case of double-sided documents.

Next, the processing device and control device 100 of a typical copying machine 10 will be described.
will be explained in detail. The copying machine 10 includes a xerographic photoreceptor belt 12, a charge 13 acting on it,
It has exposure 14, development 15/drive 16, and cleaning 17 xerographic processing stations. Copy machine 1
0 is such that a double-sided or single-sided front-collated copy set can be obtained from either a double-sided or single-sided original fed from the RDH 20. Two independent copy sheet trays 106, 107 are arranged for selectively feeding blank copy sheets from either side, these are the king tray 106 and the auxiliary tray 10.
known as 7. All sheet feeding is normally controlled by the copier control device 100.

The controller 100 is preferably a known programmable microprocessor as exemplified in the previously cited references, and further includes a document feeder, document sheet cart, copy sheet gate, and feed drive. All of the above-mentioned functions and other processes of the copier are controlled in the usual manner. As disclosed in detail in those documents, the controller 100 further includes counting copy sheets, recirculating original sets, etc. in a conventional manner via switches, time delays, jam correction controls, etc. The number of originals and the number of copy sets selected by the operator are memorized and compared.

The copy sheet is fed from the selected one of trays 106 or 107 to a zero-dough-fee transfer station 112, where the xerographic toner image of the original page is transferred to the first side of the blank copy sheet in the conventional manner.

The sawtooth sheet is then conveyed by a vacuum conveyor to a roll fuser 114 where the toner image is fused. From the fusing device, the copy sheet is fed to a gate or finger 118 which acts as a single inversion selector. gate 118
According to the position of the copy sheet, the copy sheet is transferred to the sheet inverter 116.
or directly to the second decision gate 120, bypassing the inversion device 116. Reversing device 11
The copy sheet (in aisle 1') with 6 pino 4 is f
- The copy sheet is turned around a 90° corner in the sheet path before reaching sheet 120, where the copy sheet is flipped so that the front side is facing up, so that the image side that has just been transferred and fused is now front side up. It is above. If inverter path 116 is selected, the opposite is true (the last printed side is now face down).

The second decision gate 120 then diverts the sheet either directly to an output tray 122 or to a transport path that carries the sheet without inversion to a third decision gate 124 . This third dart 124 is.

Either the sheet is passed directly to the output path 128 of the copier without inversion, or the sheet is diverted to a duplex reversing roller transport 126. When the copy sheets 124 are so oriented, the double-inverting conveyor 126 inverts the copy sheets to be duplicated and then stacks them in the duplex tray 108.

The duplex tray 108 is printed on one side and then the image is required to be printed on the opposite side, i.e. the sheet is inverted by a roller 126 which provides intermediate storage for copy sheets that are to be duplicated on both sides. These intermediate sets of copy sheets are then stacked face down in duplex tray 108. The copy sheets of the intermediate set are placed in the double-sided tray 108 in the order in which they were copied.
stacked on top of each other.

To complete the duplex copy, the already single-sided copy sheets in tray 108 are sequentially fed back from the duplex tray to transfer station 112 by bottom feeder 109, essentially a blank sheet from tray 106 or 107. A second or opposite page image is copied through a copy sheet path (paper path) similar to that for the (unprinted) sheet. It can be seen that this copy sheet feed path from duplex tray 108 to the feeder to transfer station 112 has an inherent inversion that inverts the copy sheet once.

However, since the reversing roller 126 has already stacked the printed intermediate sheets face down on the tray 108,
The sheets are provided to the photoreceptor belt 12 at a transfer station 112 in the correct orientation, ie, with the blank or opposite side facing the photoreceptor belt 12 to receive the image on the second side. This is referred to as the "second pass" because it duplexes the intermediate set of copies. The double-sided copy sheet is now fed through the same output path, passes through a fusing device 114, and then passes through an inverting device 116.
and stacked in an output drain 122 or passed through a gate 124 and delivered to an output path 128.

Output path 128 conveys the finished copy sheets (single-sided or double-sided) to another output tray, as shown in FIG. The set can be separated and finished by direct wire binding, thread binding, perfect binding, interleaf and/or offset stacking (as shown in FIG. 2).

Alternatively, if uncollated output is obtained by using the RDH 20 in IJ-me feeding mode (a semi-automatic system using only the platen transport 30) or by manual document placement, the output path 128 is A sorter can be connected. If 1-N manual document placement is used for sorting, sorter-specific sheet path reversal can be performed.

In order to simplify and shorten the sheet path and increase the reliability of the inverter 116, the copy sheet output inverter 1
It is desirable to minimize 16 operations. Its use depends on the inherent inversion achieved within the sheet path of the copier. A typical normal reversing device R116 is Goo) 118
operates by turning the copy sheet face down into the first or lower nip of the illustrated 30-file inverter, driving the sheet into the inversion chute. The motion of the copy sheet is then reversed in a reversing chute by known or suitable sheet reversing means, such as another roller or a resilient rebounding member, so that the copy sheet is reversed.

The same 30-channel inverter is driven directly from the inverter 116 to the gate 120 through the second or upper nip. The convex curvature of the inversion chute acts on the bending strength of the sheet to flip the trailing edge of the sheet up toward the second nip.

The copy sheet output from inverter 116 to f-) 120 will therefore be with the last printed side down. Note that this reversal device 116 is located at the unique 90° reversal corner previously mentioned. but,
Other suitable sheet inversion devices may also be used;
An example of a similar or alternative sheet inverting device that may also be located at different locations within the copy sheet output path is disclosed in U.S. Pat. '901,246, No. 3.
No. 337.213, No. 3,416.791.

No. 3,523,687, No. 3,856,295 and No. 4,044,285.

Another reason why the five-inverting device 116 can be used with respect to the orientation and ordering of copy sheet output in the case of pre-collation, as discussed in cited U.S. Pat. No. 4,278,344 et al. , especially in copiers that must do both simplex and duplex copying, to maintain proper collation of copy sheets in the output tray or finishing equipment.
There are several problems and their solutions. Figure 2 shows N −
IJ--Illustrated is a stack of copy sheets properly collated face up for page-order copying. Collated duplex output has unique output collation difficulties and requirements, depending on which side was printed last. As previously pointed out, when in the hands of the fourth writer, the output double-sided copies of each copy set are in the correct page order 1/2:3/4;5/ even if copied in reverse page order. 6
: To be more precise, the smaller odd-numbered original pages must be on the - side of the double-sided copy sheet, and the next larger even-numbered original pages should be on the opposite side of the copy sheet. Must be. In the case of duplex copying, obtaining a properly collated output without the use of a reversing device usually requires that the entire pass of the copy sheet to be duplexed is generally different, i.e., when the second copy nog The difficulty is further compounded by the fact that the need to flip the copy sheet over to provide its opposite side involves more inversions than a full pass of the copy sheet being copied on only one side. In this unique double-sided sheet passage,
Each sheet to be duplexed is passed through a reversing conveyor 126, a second time on a return path to transfer station 112, and a second time on a return path to transfer station 112.
A sixth inversion occurs in the path from transfer station 112 to output path 128, and the final printed side emerges face up.

Therefore, if the second printed side is an odd side, the outputs can be stacked (N-1) with the last printed odd side facing up as shown in Figure 2 without using the reversing device 116. I can do it. It is generally desirable to have maximum commonality for duplex and simplex copying, ie, to utilize the same sheet feed path, to avoid the use of selectable output reversals.

In the N-1 simplex/duplex original copy sequence shown in FIG. is printed correctly. That is, page 2 is printed on the back side of page 1. N-1 copy, "odd number"
For intermediate sets of pages, the last page printed in each set is always page 2 printed on the back of the page 1 sheet, and this last double-sided copy sheet comes out page 2 side down.

The path of the reversing device 116 is shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2 as an alternative path. However, as discussed separately, the reversing device 116 is normally bypassed by a goo (passage 1') 118. This path 1' of FIG. 2, which usually excludes the reversing device 116, is also used for single-sided copying, which is one important advantage.

As another background, there is an additional problem when the number of single-sided original pages to be copied into a double-sided copy set is an odd number rather than an even number. If the original iso number is odd, N-i
The Nth or first copied page of the double-sided copy set made therefrom in sequence is actually a single-sided copy. That is, the bottom copy sheet of each copy set has an image (of the odd Nth page) on only one side and is blank on the back side. Just to invert this Nth copy sheet one more time to keep the output collated.
Passing this sheet through the transfer station twice and falsely printing a blank image on its back side not only wastes processing time, but can also create unwanted background stains on the blank back side of this sheet. , undesirable.

This prints the Nth page on an unprinted sheet in tray 106 or 107 instead of feeding the sheet from or to duplex tray 108, and prints the Nth page on the unprinted sheet in tray 106 or 107,
1 can be avoided by directly outputting the copy sheet as soon as it is printed. As a result, this particular copy sheet is normally subjected to a certain number of inversions, but the particular copy sheet can then be inverted in inverter 116 if desired.

However, in order to specifically handle the Nth odd-numbered double-sided copy page, i.e., tray 10
In order to know whether the first intermediate set in 8 consists of odd or even pages (essential to maintain output collation), we need to know whether the number of single-sided documents is odd or even. Must know in advance. If the originals are copied in normal order, i.e. from 1 to N, then this is not difficult, and the last (Nth) original in the set is counted and %N is an odd number or not. After activation of the roller bar switch 26 that determines , it is only necessary to feed and copy the Nth copy sheet page.

However, if the single-sided original is copied in reverse order (from N to 1), the first original fed is page N, and the double-sided copy sheet (first CNth) requires special duplex processing. It is. That is, when N is an odd number, the copy sheet has a blank back side. Since this Nth copy sheet is fed first, it is not known whether the Nth original hard page is an odd number or an even number until after all the originals have been counted in the first original set cycle. Yes, this reduces the efficiency of the device.

Preprinted copy sheets, such as copy sheets with letterhead, present special problems. They cannot guarantee that the first even numbered page will be printed on the 5th (preprinted) side. i.e. page 1
must be on the letterhead side and oriented correctly in the direction in which it will be printed. This adds further complexity to double-sided copying. Said single side/
For double-sided copying, load letterhead or other special sheets face up in trays 106 and 107, and if you copy odd-numbered pages on the first pass, the copy sheet path is between trays 106 and 107 and the transfer station. Since there is one reversal between 112 and 112, the odd numbered pages will be printed correctly on the front side of the copy sheet, i.e. the letterhead side, and then on the next cycle, the even numbered pages will be printed on both sides of these pages. It will print correctly on the back side of the copy sheet.

However, in the case of pre-drilled/mind-perforated edges and other special papers, even if you do the above,
It is not possible to give the correct (common) sheet orientation to the duplex copy sheet of the odd Nth page. Therefore,
A "special paper" or similar operation button 200 for the control device 100 is installed on the copier console, and
The control device is configured to detect the simultaneous occurrence of signals caused by 1) the pressing of this "special paper" button, (2) the pressing of the r single-sided □ original button, and (3) the pressing of the "duplex" button as well. 100 can be programmed. If all of the above conditions are detected, the controller 100 can take special actions.

As disclosed in previously cited US Pat. No. 4,278,344, a duplex/duplex copying process that is compatible with the simplex/duplex copying process disclosed herein can be obtained. Briefly, double-sided originals are similarly loaded face up, with N
It can be copied in order from 1 to 1. The disclosed double-sided copying method copies only one side of each double-sided document in each circulation, and stores the intermediate set of copies in the double-sided tray 108.

The double-sided original is then reversed during circulation, and the opposite side of every original sheet is copied onto the opposite side of the intermediate set of copy sheets fed from the single-sided tray 108. Control device 10
0 performs the above copying order in accordance with the operator's operation of the "double-sided original" switch in the console or RDH device as instructed by its software. Here, double-sided/single-sided copying is not performed, so this same "double-sided original"
You can also automatically select double-sided copy mode with a switch.

Therefore, this single-sided/double-sided method is fully compatible with the unique double-sided/double-sided method disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,278,344 cited to Moe.

In that case, the inverter (40, 60) passage 58 is only used intermittently during a series of multiple copy cycles of single-sided originals. That is, multiple intermediate sets are placed in the duplex tray 108, and the document inverter path 58 is configured to cycle through the document sets a number of times (not to exceed the sheet capacity of the tray 108) and then at the beginning or end of the series of cycles. Since it is only used during one document circulation, the number of circulations requiring operation of the document reversing device is considerably reduced, except in the case of a very large document set. therefore.

Taking the example of a four-sheet, seven-page original set and a duplex tray 108 with a capacity of 100 sheets, at the beginning of copying, the four-sided originals are circulated 25 times through the path 54, and then the tray 10
A 4-sheet intermediate set of 25 copies can be made in 8. These copies are 'i1. 1 Noah, 5.3, 1 is printed on it. Next, during the 26th original circulation, the double-sided original set is circulated once through the passage 58.

Next, the double-sided document set is circulated 25 times through the entire passage 54 again. In circulation 26-5o, Eshiro, 4.2
, a blank sheet is printed 25 times in that order on the back side of the intermediate set of sheets sent from the duplex tray 108, and a total of 25 duplex copy sets are printed and output. Next, repeat this order until the requested number of copies of the copy set is completed (
It is assumed that the operator selects the appropriate switch on the control unit W100 to request a copy set of 25 or more copies).

Next, a unique copying order for a document set with a small number of sheets shown in Table 1-V will be described. The following copying order achieves high efficiency by reducing the number of times the original is circulated or by reducing the total copying time compared to the above-mentioned normal single-sided/double-sided pre-collated copying method. First, two sheets of Table I (
We will consider the special case of front collated copying of a one-sided original set with only 2 pages), and then consider the case of a 6-page original set shown in Table 3. Table 6 discloses an operating mode that achieves high efficiency in special cases by a unique original copying order, i.e. by eliminating skipped pitches or I″ii cycles. There are five individual tables, each with the requested 〃1
'1% 〃21-1/' 3II5 "4", // 14
Note that the order of originals and copies is shown to create a 77-copy set. The other tables have similar configurations.

In all Tables 1-V, the horizontal line marked ``Original on Platen'' indicates which original page is on the platen at that time (e.g., 1°2 in Table I). . "Paper feed 1
The symbol "m" in the row indicates a blank copy sheet fed from either the main or auxiliary sheet feeder (tray 106, 107), and the symbol rdJIi indicates a blank copy sheet fed from the duplex feeder (tray 108). A copy sheet of the intermediate set is shown. The symbol in the "Flash" line [xl is the "Paper feed" above it]
"Original on platen" above the copy sheet indicated in the row
Indicates the flash pottery at the corresponding pitch (column) of the original document shown in the row. The horizontal 6 for each set number
In all of the rows, each star represents a skipped pitch or cycle, or time delay.

The number of repeating "copier pitches/cycles" in the top row of winter clothes is 1~? and 10 (10 pitches) are set time intervals corresponding to one sheet path interval, or one pitch, respectively, and are each one document feed or one pause in document feeding. This number of pitches or cycles is repeated every 10 pitches for graphical convenience (using only single digit numbers). The number of cycles through the entire document set is the number of repetitions of all document page numbers in the "Document on Platen" row (read end to end). This is also shown in the ``Original Set Circulation'' line, but this line is shown only in the case of the maximum number of sets of winter clothes, for example in the case of the 14 set example in Table 2. Similarly, for clarity, the "Intermediate Set" row is shown only for the last example of winter clothing, illustrating the creation and release of multiple intermediate sets of copy sheets in that case.

As already discussed, in Winter 1-V, this operation assumes in each case N-1 (reverse order) unidirectional copying and an initial non-copying circulation of the document set; Number of pages and Nth original - Note that the number of single-sided originals is counted to determine whether a page is an odd or even number. Therefore, for example, nl
In all cases: - The first circulation of the "Document on platen" line r2. When using IJ, "paper feed" and "flash" are not available (under).

In I2, the first copy (page 1) is made only at the fourth pitch, which is the end of the original set circulation. For pitches 4 through 14, in contrast to normal pre-collated copying, up to 14 identical copies are made from page 1, corresponding to the number of copy sets made without cycling the original. Re, -! - A plurality of intermediate sets, up to 141, consisting only of digits are created. requested 1
If the number of tf5 copy sets is 14 or more, the same arm turn is repeated rather than increasing the size of the intermediate set to 14 or more.

The operations listed in Table I are briefly explained below (from left to right).

Step 1: (Pitch 1 and 2) Perform the first non-copy circulation of two original sheets (R-zu 2 and 1) without paper feeding and flashing, and check whether the single-sided original set is only two sheets. , Therefore, a set count determination is made to determine whether the second original sheet (page 1) is an odd numbered page.

Step 2: (Pitch 3 and 4) During the second original circulation @ (first copy circulation), stop the odd numbered page (page 1) on the platen, and then set the requested copy set without performing original circulation. Continuously copy (flash) page 1 a number of times equal to the number of copies (up to 14), create multiple burns on the blank sheet fed from the main tray, and print both sides after copying. Place in the tray (for 1 set, 1 copy of page 1, for 2 sets, 2 copies of page 1, for 14 sets, 14 copies of page 1) Nokogi). (Note that this is different from normal pre-collation copying, where the original is cycled and only one copy of page 1 is made on each cycle).

Step 3: Feed the next (other) original (Hage 2) into the grating and after the appropriate variable stop (pitch) (the first intermediate copy will move through the correct path 7α1 to its correct duplex copying position). ), this manuscript page 2
Without circulating, the sheets are fed from the double-sided tray (the only one) the same number of times as in step 2, without any pauses, and are copied onto the opposite side of the resulting intermediate set sheet. The length of this document recirculation and copy pause is the length of the paper path of the individual copier from transfer station 112 to intermediate tray 108 and the number of intermediate sheets formed.

If the number of sets is 14 or more, one (as shown) or no pitch rest may be required, up to one
I admire the efficiency of the 00 section. Furthermore, up to 14 copy sets, the originals are circulated only three times in all cases (hopefully).

Step 4: (Special case) If a copy set of 14 or more copies is requested, limit the number of copies created with STETSU 7''2.3 to 14 (to avoid exceeding the capacity of the double-sided tray) Then repeat step 2.3 to complete the requested number of copies of the set, further cycling the document set, ie, repeating the order shown in the last example of Table 1! as directed.

Step 5: No copying is performed, simply return page 1 to the document input tray to complete the final (second) document circulation.

table! As an alternative to the method of (variation), if the logic circuitry of the control 1 device is able to respond in time to the end-of-set signal from the sensor 28, one of the following more efficient alternative methods may be used instead: can do.

8. Start making the requested multiple copies of page 1 at the end of the first original circulation instead of the second original circulation (step 2 above).

Since page 1 is the last document fed out from under the set counting finger, the end of the end of set finger 26 in the document tray is already in place before page 1 is fed out from the platen. Please note that the document has been dropped, indicating that the switch 26 should complete the document count.

Copy page 2 first instead of page l in the second set cycle (i.e., reverse steps 2 and 3 above) Note that they only have one sheet in each set, so their output orientation can be face-up or face-down). (In other words, in the case of a 1-sheet output cassette, there is no need to collate the output.) However, even in the case of a 1-sheet 2-P/S output set, the letterhead, border binder, etc. hole,
Or when there are other output (copy sheet) constraints,
It may be necessary to copy odd pages first.

Referring now to Table 1, efficient operations for creating collated 1, 2.3, 4.5 and 6 copy sets from the special case of two single-sided original sheets that are recycled are described, respectively. ing. This preferred order is similar but more complex. For 1-4 copy sets, the first two steps are essentially the same as the first two steps 0 above. , that is, holding page 1 consecutively on the platen for up to 4 copies.

However, each song in which page 2 is copied includes the step of copying original page 3 onto a sheet from the main tray. However, for sets of four or more copies, the number of consecutive copies made from page 1 in the second cycle (step 2) does not exceed four. This method has been found to provide a more efficient copying order (requiring less pitch) for this copier, but may be modified somewhat for other copiers. For example, the number of copies of page 1 (straddle 2) can be 3 for different copying machines. In the normal intermediate set creation/discharge cycle of intermediate sets after the second document circulation, all documents are recirculated and copied only once per cycle. Next, the copier must have already created during the first copy cycle to emit multiple intermediate sets (consisting only of multiple identical copies of page 1, as shown in the table!) during the last copy cycle. Copying of page 1 is skipped by the number of copies of page 1 specified.

The example schematically shown in FIG. An intermediate set of sheets, where the operator has requested four or more copy sets and only three sets have been completed at the time shown.When the last copy set requested is completed, both sides Tray 108 is front ■
As shown in the figure, it should be empty because it is released.

Table m shows the algorithm for a single-sided original set of four original sheets. The example table is for creating a copy set of 4 original sheets at 1% 2 and 4 copies. Just for the 4 set example.

Lines for "Intermediate set" and "Original set circulation" have been added. In this special case of four manuscripts, the most efficient intermediate set is the two intermediate set (containing pages 1 and 3, respectively). That is, the resulting (maximum) intermediate set in the duplex tray is a stack of four sheets with the page 3.1:3,1 copied on the bottom side. These two intermediate sets are created first, during the second and third document set cycles, and are ejected after # and during the previous document set cycle. It is common knowledge that there are many successive copies of any manuscript page, and that although the individual intermediate sheets are not identical, i.e. not interchangeable, two complete intermediate sets are identical. I want to be

Tables 1 and 2 are cases of a 5-original set and a 6-original set, respectively. They are processed in the same way as the four-original set shown in Table 2. However, in the case of table ■ of a set of 5 manuscripts, table ■
As in the case of , the odd Nth page needs to be treated specially.

Referring to Tables ■ and ■, as already explained, for all odd-numbered original sets (regardless of the number of sheets), in an N-1 order copying machine where odd-numbered pages are intermediately stored in all cases, the copy The last page of the set (e.g. page 3 of table ■ or page 5 of table ■ is copied first, but preferably without intermediate storage, i.e. the Nth odd number 4-) is the main or seventh assistant first. It should be noted that the copies are made on blank sheets that are page-fed from the goby tray and sent directly to the output tray. Therefore, going to Table H, the intermediate set consists only of copies of page 1 (rather than 5). Similarly, referring to Table 2, only copies of pages 3 and 1 (instead of 5) are placed in the middle set m1 trays 108. However, it should be noted that in another (alternative) device, even R-　 instead of odd 4-　 could be intermediately stored.

In table ■, as in the case of the two-original set in table ■, in this special (3-2-)W, pan) case, all intermediate pages are identical copies of page 1 only.
In the special case of only 2 or 3 original sheets, it should be noted that several intermediate pages can be stacked and their copying order and ejection is not important, i.e. one and the same page sent to the duplex tray. It has been found that it is not important which of the copy sheets on which the number 1 is printed is ejected with this sheet. i.e. intermediate set of sheets, 11
There is no need to maintain M. This feature has been exploited extensively for 2 or 3 YA document sets by switching to a unique copy mode that maximizes productivity. This table! and H's unique high-productivity copy mode, K
Rather than copying each manuscript page only once per cycle (to obtain a collated output set), the first page, which is the second and last manuscript sheet fed, is the first page of the first copy cycle (to obtain a collated output set). That is, in the first original circulation after the first non-copy count circulation), copies are made multiple times in succession depending on the number of copy sets to be created, and an intermediate set of multiple sheets of the same number as the copies of page 1 is created. Ru. Then at the last copier for the last copy set or in multiple cycles, this intermediate set of multiple sheets has identical multiple copies of C-page 2 copying their opposite sides multiple times) used up (released) by

As pointed out, table! In the case of a two-manuscript set, the original method described above is Jv! at 14t! It is used for subsequent calls and is repeated for further calls. However, the number of branch points is not constant, as it is a function of the paper path length and the capacity of the duplex trays on the sides.

For this example device, the paper path length to the duplex tray for copying the first side is slightly more than nine pitches.

Therefore, in the example of set "1" in Table ■, the second and sixth
There is a 9-pitch star r-tJ (q-pitch pause) between cycles. For shorter paper paths, fewer copies (
intermediate sets with fewer sheets) for maximum efficiency equipment (
(deletion of skipped pitches). For return to work, an intermediate set with fewer sheets is desirable because there are fewer sheets to remove or recycle in the event of a jam.

Similarly, in Table 2, the maximum number of copies of page 1 placed on the intermediate tray during the second (first copy) original circulation is 4 (〃1111〃) in the case of the present device example. However, for shorter paper paths it can be 6 or an even number of 2.

All of the algorithms disclosed are designed to maximize efficiency by keeping the paper path full most of the time and minimizing waste pitch. However, in the special case of 1rn-v, the number of manuscripts is 4.
．． If it is determined to be 5 or 6, the device creates two intermediate sets of multiple sheets. If the counted number of originals in the original set is 9 or more, the device M changes the copy mode to the normal one intermediate set algorithm. On the other hand, in special cases where it is determined that a document set consists of only 2 or 5 sheets, intermediate sets, which are multiple identical copies of only one document, are created to reduce the number of document rotations, especially if there are only 2 documents. Therefore, multiple intermediate sets (each 1 usually 2 or more at 14 tons or 4
) are created and in all cases except 2 manuscripts, as mentioned above, after the first intermediate set is created, there is an intermediate cycle until the next copy set, when the intermediate set is completely released. Thus, the intermediate nut is recreated and ejected at the same time. In all cases, the next intermediate set is created while the first intermediate set is in the duplex path loop completing its journey, resulting in less copying delays and greater efficiency.

In the case of F4 III-V with 2 intermediate sets:
It will be noticed that there is one less intermediate (creation and release) manuscript cycle than usual, which in itself appears to reduce efficiency. (That is, there are only 4 cycles of alternating document copying instead of 2.) However, the overall efficiency is rather high.

For example, in Table 1[I, if a two-copy set is requested, two intermediate sets of odd pages only (3,1:311) are created and archived during the second and third manuscript set rotations; Then, during the fourth circulation, two double-sided copy sets consisting of two pre-collated four-page sheets are released (by copying only a few pages of the original). /2,3/4:
1/2.574 is possible. There is no intermediate replication ite ring, unless three or more copy sets are required.
In the case of the four-set example of Rm, the fourth and fifth circulations perform two intermediate (creation/emission of intermediate sets) copy circulations.

The disclosed copying machine and document handling device can automatically handle a wide variety of document sets with minimal operator operations. In a typical copying operation, an operator drops a set of originals to be copied into the open loading tray 22 at the top of the RDH 20, and inputs the requested number of copies to be made using the control unit fti? 70 programs with the switch 100, and if a double-sided original is loaded instead of a single-sided original, press the button connected to the splitter 1 device 100 to indicate it), and then press the button connected to the splitter 1 device 100.
All that is required is to press the normal "Start Print" button on the device to begin the copy run sequence. It goes without saying that there may be some adjustment of the side and rear guides of the tray 22 for larger size documents. Other than in the case of jam removal, other operator operations required by the copier or document handler to obtain a collated output set are generally not required.

Although the practical example of the N-i order single-sided original double-sided copying pre-collation copying apparatus disclosed herein is preferable, this bag elliptical example is
It is understood that, by way of example only, a person skilled in the art may make various alternatives, modifications, changes, or improvements based on this disclosure that are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Yo・

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a typical copying machine and a typical recirculating document handling device in which the present invention can be practiced, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the document path and copy sheet path in the apparatus of FIG. 1 for typical efficient N-1 order single-sided/duplex copying when collated copying; FIG. +10...Xerographic copying machine, 12...Photosensitive belt, 13...Charging station, 14...Exposure station, 15...Developing station, 16...
Drive stage ten, 17...Cleaning station, 20
... Automatic recirculation document handling device (RDH), 22.
・, Document stacking tray, 23... Image forming station (platen), 24... Switch (sensor), 2
6... Set and counter switch (sensor), 28
...bottom feeding device, 30...platen conveyance device%
32... alignment r-), 40... universally selective reversible sheet drive roller, 42... irreversible reversing roller document feeding device, 54... first reversing conveyance path, 58... 2nd non-reversing conveyance path, 60...Determination date (position dart, turning device), 100...Control device, 106...Main tray, 107...Auxiliary tray, 108...Double-sided tray, 109...Bottom feeding device, 112...Transfer station, 114...Roll fixing device, 116...Sheet reversing device% 11 s.yt (near f7 girth)
, 120... Second decision dart, 122... Output tray, 124... Filling 3 decision r-), 126... Reversing conveyance device, 128... Output path, 200... Operation button.

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) Normally, in each copying cycle of a set of originals, the original is copied only once on one side of the copy sheet to create an intermediate copy for double-sided copying, and another original is copied on the opposite side of the intermediate copy and then By making double-sided, collated copies, you can recirculate sets of multiple originals to make pre-collated copies on both sides of the copy sheet, creating the required number of pre-collated duplex copy sheet sets. (a) counting the number of originals in a set of originals and determining whether the number of originals is only 2 or 3; (b) automatically determining the number of originals in accordance with the determination; The copying mode is set to: (a) stop the initial copy circulation of the set of originals and copy only the - original to make a plurality of successive identical copies; (b) the plurality of copies made from the - original; (c) creating a plurality of identical intermediate sets each consisting of one identical sheet from identical copies of the same sheet; and (c) when subsequently creating a number of copy sheet sets corresponding to the number of said plurality of identical copies; 2-1. More productive method consisting of skipping copying of the same original. or switching to a three-original set copy mode. (2) If the determined number of manuscripts is 2, the number of identical copies of the number of countries to be created is the same as the number of copies of the copy set to be created. The method described in section. (3) If the number of manuscripts determined above is 2,
The number of the plurality of identical copies to be created is the same as the number of copies of the copy set to be created, but is approximately 14 or less,
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of cycles of the original set is 3 or less for a copy set of up to 14 copies. (4) If the determined number of originals is 2, continue copying only the - original to the intermediate copy sheet multiple times up to the maximum limit, then continue copying the other originals and copy the same number of times the same limit. Claim 1, wherein all copy sets are created by copying onto an intermediate copy sheet and delivering said copy sheet as a collated completed double-sided copy set of said two original sets. The method described in section. (5) If the determined number of originals is 3, all originals except the first copied original are copied only once in each original set circulation. The method described in section. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of identical consecutive copies are only of a first original page.