JPS6033574A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To restart copying operation through simple operation and improve processing efficiency by disharging all originals which are in an original conveying means if abnormality such as a jam occurs to an image forming means. CONSTITUTION:The automatic original feeder (ADF) consisting of an original feeder part A which separates and feeds one of plural originals and an original setter part B which feeds the original to an exposure position is provided over an image forming device. If such abnormality as a jam occurs, an original on platen glass 20 and originals waiting at the entrance of the setter part B are all discharged into a paper discharge tray 9. Consequently, an operator need not look for a return original by opening the ADF when a copy is taken again after the device is release from the abnormality, and the copying operation is restarted easily to improve the processing efficiency.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Technical Field) The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus equipped with an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF) that separates each sheet and feeds them to a predetermined position within the apparatus.

(Prior Art) As a conventional image forming apparatus, there is a copying apparatus equipped with an ADF that sequentially feeds originals to an exposure position. In such a conventional apparatus, the ADF exchanges the original at the end of exposure of the original during the copying operation to increase the copying speed.

Generally, when an abnormality such as a conveyance abnormality (jam) occurs within the copying machine main body, the abnormality is often related to the copy paper of the original that has already been ejected. Therefore, in conventional devices, the next document fed by the ADF may be stopped at the document exposure position, so the operator can resume copying using the copy key etc. after the abnormality is cleared. However, there is a drawback that when writing a document, the user forgets the original and fails to make a copy of the original. Furthermore, even if the operator is aware of the original, it is necessary to open the ADF, take out the original to be recopied (hereinafter referred to as the "restored original"), and then redo the copying, which causes operational complications. Sadness arises.

(Purpose) The present invention uses an ADF to form images on multiple sheets of originals, and if an abnormality occurs, all the originals being fed by the ADF are ejected.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that eliminates the conventional drawbacks.

(Example) Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a copying machine equipped with an ADF as an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. Here, A is a part of the document feeder (hereinafter referred to as the AF section) that separates and feeds one document from multiple documents, and B is a part of the document setter that feeds the document to the exposure position (hereinafter referred to as the DF section). ), C is compound 17. The main body of the machine, D is an operation display section having a start key, a jam indicator lamp, etc., and E is a tray for a return document insertion slot according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. Here, its configuration will be explained along with its operation.

When the operator places a document on the document tray l, the AF document sensor lO senses the document. When the ADF start switch provided on the operation display section is turned on, a lamp (not shown) lights up and a pickup solenoid (not shown) is energized to lower the pickup roller 2. When a certain period of time has elapsed after the pickup solenoid is energized, the AF motor (not shown) rotates and the first part of the stacked documents begins to be conveyed.

When the AF timing sensor 11 detects the leading edge of the document being conveyed between the separation belts 3 and 4 in the direction of the arrow in the figure, the pickup solenoid is de-energized and the pickup roller 2 moves upward. And the manuscript is AF
from the department to the DF department.

When the leading edge of the document is detected by the DF document sensor 12, A
At the F section, a separation solenoid (not shown) is energized and the separation belt (lower) 4 is pushed down. The operation of the one-separation belts 3 and 4 also stops. Then, after a certain period of time has passed after the separation solenoid is energized, the AF motor is stopped and the operation of the AF section is stopped.

In the DF section, when the DF document sensor 12 detects the leading edge of the document, a presser solenoid (not shown) is energized, and the presser roller 5 moves downward to press the document. And D.F.
When the motor and clutch (both not shown) are turned on, the OF1 light roller 5. Conveyance roller 6, belt drive roller 15. The turn roller 1B and the discharge roller 8 rotate.

As a result, the document begins to be conveyed. When the document passes the conveyance roller 6, the leading edge of the document is detected by the population sensor 13, and from this point on, clock pulses generated from a clock generator (not shown) are counted. Furthermore, when the power to the presser solenoid is cut off, the presser roller 5 moves upward. Next, the original enters between the full-face belt 7 and the original platen glass 20 and is conveyed by the full-face belt 7.

When the rear end of the document is detected by the sight sensor 13, if there is a document to be fed next in the AF section, feeding of the next document is started as described above. This original is waiting at the OF original sensor 12 position.

When the total number of pulses generated from the clock generator reaches a predetermined value, the DF motor and clutch are turned off. At the same time, the brakes are energized. and copying machine body C (first
A copy start signal is sent to the printer (see figure), and the copy operation is started. Note that the power to the brake is cut off after a certain period of time.

When a copy start signal is output from the ADF and the copying machine main body C receives the signal, the drive motor 44 starts driving. The original placed at a predetermined position on the original platen glass 20-1 is exposed to light by the exposure lamp 21. The image of the original document is formed via an optical system 22 on a photosensitive drum 23 rotating in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and the photosensitive drum 23 is entirely charged by a charging electrode 24 . ).

A latent image of the original is formed on the image. The developing device 25 develops the latent image, and the transfer pole 26 transfers it onto copy paper. Thereafter, the remaining toner on the photosensitive drum 23 is removed by the cleaning section 27, and the photosensitive drum 23 is further removed by the eraser lamp 2.
8 and a static eliminator 29.

On the other hand, the copy paper is taken out one by one from the cassette 30A or 30B by six interleaving paper rollers 31A or 31B', respectively, and fed to the surface of the photosensitive drum 23 via the registration roller 32. The copy paper on which the original image has been transferred is conveyed on a conveyor belt 34 via a separation roller 33 and sent to a fixing section 35. Next, the copy paper fixed by the fixing roller 36 is discharged to the discharge tray 38 via the discharge roller 37. On the copy paper conveyance path, there are a plurality of jam sensors that monitor the conveyance state of the copy paper, in this example, a separation jam sensor 41 and a discharge jam sensor 4.
2 is installed to detect jams.

Further, the forward/reverse clutch 45 moves the exposure lamp 21 and the optical system 22 to expose the original on the platen glass 20. When the set number of copies of the original is completed, the ADF is activated when the final exposure of the optical system 22 is reversed.
An operating signal is sent to the A[lF rotates the leaf motor in response to the operation signal, energizes the clutch, and starts ejecting the misted original by the full-surface belt 7. Then, the document is ejected by the ejection roller 8 to the paper ejection i.g.9-hi. The ADF stops energizing the leaf motor and clutch after a certain period of time has elapsed after the paper ejection sensor 14 detects the leading edge of the document, and then energizes the presser solenoid in response to the detection of the document by the DF document sensor 12, as described above. Send the next original by following the steps below.

Note that 43 is a jam reset switch that releases a jam state, which will be described later. 18 is a sensor that detects the returned original, and 17 is a shutter that prevents the returned original from entering the delivery route.
(not shown) is in the on state, the shutter opens.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of an operating section provided in the main body C of the copying machine. Here, 55 is a cassette selection key for selecting the upper cassette 30A or lower cassette 30B, and 54 is a slide lever for setting the copy density.
In the figure, the position "5'° is the standard density. 53 is a numeric key to set the number of copies, 81 is a clear key used to cancel that number, and 51 is a key used to cancel the number of copies set by key 53. An interrupt key 52 interrupts the copying machine to execute another number of copies, a copy key 52 commands the start of copying, and a stop key 50 stops the copying operation during continuous copying of a set number of sheets.

Reference numeral 57 indicates a display section for displaying the upper and lower rows of the cassette selected by the cassette selection key 55, and reference numeral 58 indicates a display section for displaying the type of selected cassette loaded in the selected row. Reference numeral 58 denotes a jam display section that displays a jam when a jam occurs in the copying machine main body C; 58 is a copy number display; when the desired number of copies is set using the numerical keys 53, the set number of copies is displayed; is displayed in, for example, 7 segments. It is also possible to display the number of jammed papers remaining in the copying machine main body C, which will be described later, and the number of returned originals in the ADF. 60 is an interrupt indicator;
The light turns on when the interrupt key 51 is pressed, and turns off after the interruption copy is completed.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of a control section that performs the processing procedures shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 according to the present invention, and includes a control section disposed within the copying machine main body C and a control section disposed within the ADF. Consists of. First, in the control section in the copying machine main body C, p COMA is, for example, a known one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as
(simply abbreviated as p COMA), ROM, RAM
etc. That g COMA's entry capo) Po～P
The jam reset switch 43, the separation jam sensor 41, the discharge jam sensor 42, and the signals generated by other input switches and the signals A output by the ADF are respectively assigned to n.
It guides the DF operation signal SAO, copy start signal SCS, and jam reset signal SJR. In addition, -COMA output capo-) From FO to Fn, data signals of the copy number display 59, Dry/<D, and drive signals supplied to the copy zero number display 59 via D8, respectively. Driver D9
a jam display signal sent to the jam display unit 58 via;
It outputs a number data signal SSO that informs the ADF of the number of originals to be returned, an ADF activation signal 5ASi that is supplied to the ADF via the driver DT)-1, and a main body jam signal SCJ that is supplied to the ADF via the driver On.

Next, in the control section in the ADF, 1. COMB is IL
It is a microcomputer similar to COllIA. The input ports P and -Pn of gCOMB are respectively connected to an AF section start switch 100, a return document sensor 18 that detects a return document, and other input signals, and a document number data signal 5SiD output from the copying machine main body C.
, ADF start signal SAS, body jam signal SCJ
guide. Also 1. COMB output boat F, -F
n, ADF start indicator light 101 via driver D1
A drive signal for the shutter solenoid 102 for driving the shutter 17 that prevents the returned document from entering the mouth F section via the driver D2;
It outputs other output load signals, as well as an A-leaf operation signal SAO, a copy start signal SC8, and a jam reset signal SJR to be supplied to the copying machine body C. In addition,
Reading, outputting, etc. of these signals are performed by 7LCOMA and
It is controlled according to a program stored in ROM in COMB.

5 to 8 show an example of the processing by the control unit shown in FIG. 4. Here, in step S1, the shutter solenoid is turned off, the original enters the ADF, and the return original opening is closed;
Next, it is determined whether the operator has set the original on the original tray l, and if the original has been set, it is further determined whether the operator has pressed the ADF activation switch 100.

Here, if the determination is affirmative, the process advances to step S2, and the ADF
A that lights up the ADF start indicator light 101 in the operation unit and further notifies the copying machine main body C that the ADF is in operation.
A DF operation signal SAO is output, and an AF separation operation is performed to separate only one document and send it to the DF section.

In step S3, the DF document sensor 1 determines whether the document has been separated by the AF section and conveyed to the DF section.
When the DF document sensor 12 detects the document, the DF section enters a standby state, and the process proceeds to step S.
Proceed to step 4.

In step S4, the copy start signal SC8 is turned off to prohibit unnecessary copying operations of the copying machine main body C. Next, it is determined whether the ADF activation signal SAS is being outputted from the copying machine main body C, and if it is not being outputted, a monitoring routine is entered which continues to check whether or not a main body jam signal is being outputted. If the ADF activation signal is output, it is checked whether the DF document sensor 12 detects a document, and if it is detected, the process proceeds to step S5, and if there is no document or a main body jam signal is output. If so, proceed to step S7.

In step S5, the original is fed and ejected, and it is monitored whether or not the fed original has reached the exposure position of the platen glass 20. When it reaches the exposure position, a copy start signal S is sent.
It outputs the OS and instructs the copying machine main body C to start the copying operation.

In the following step S6, the output of the shutter solenoid, which will be described later, is checked, and if there is an output, the copying machine main body C
The inputted returned original data is decremented to determine how many times the returned original has been made. Here, if all the returned documents have not been returned, monitoring is continued by the returned document sensor 18, and the process returns to step S3 each time the operator returns one document at a time. Further, when the shutter solenoid 102 is off, or when returning the returned original is completed, the shutter solenoid 102 is turned off and normal operation is started, and the original is placed in the tray IJ-,
Check whether it is set to . Here, if there is a next document, the process moves to step S2; if there is no next document, the process moves to step S7 via step S4.

In step S7, the meter section executes document ejection, and when the ejection is completed, the Al3F operation signal is turned off, and the copying machine main body C commands the ADF to end operation Y, and turns off the ADF startup display, etc., and then operates. Inform the person that the AOF has finished operating.

4 Next, in step S8, the presence or absence of a main body jam signal is checked. If the main body jam signal is not detected, it is determined that the ADF operation has ended normally, the A-leaf is returned to its initial state, and the process returns to step 1. On the other hand, if the main body jam signal is detected, as will be described later, this means that a jam has occurred in the main body C, and in this case, the output of the main body jam signal is also detected in step S4 described above. Therefore, in step S7, the next document detected by the DF document sensor 12 is also passed over the platen to be completely ejected, and when a jam occurs in the main body, the document remaining in the AF tray is set. Except,
All documents that have entered the ADF are ejected, and the process advances to step S8.

In step S8, after storing the data SSD of the number of returned originals supplied from the main body C and performing the main body jam reset described later, the operator performs the work of returning the number of originals according to the display of the number of returned originals. When a document is inserted into the insertion +3H and the return document sensor 18 is turned on, the jam reset signal supplied to the main body C is turned off from on.

In step SIO, the shirt turn lenoid 10
2 is turned on, the shutter is opened, the document to be returned is sent to the entrance of the meter, the A-leaf start indicator light 101 is turned on, and the process proceeds to step S3. Execute the copy. Next, in step S6, after returning the returned original a number of times equal to the next displayed number of returned originals data, the shutter solenoid is turned off to prohibit insertion of the original from the returned original opening, and the ADF returns to normal operation. If there is a document in the document tray 1, the ADF operation continues.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the processing procedure performed by the control unit disposed in the copying machine main body C. First, in step Sit,
When the operator sets the number of copies N using the numerical keys 53 of the operation section, the number N of copies is displayed on the number of copies display 59.

In step 12, an ADF start signal SAS is outputted to instruct the ADF to start its operation, and in response to this signal, the ADF starts separating and conveying the documents. 7t COM when the original reaches the exposure position on the platen
A determines whether or not a copy start signal is supplied, turns off the AIIF start signal according to the input of that signal, and
The next document fed by F is stopped at the entrance of the measuring section, and the process proceeds to step S14.

On the other hand, if the copy start signal is not supplied, the process proceeds to step S13, where a first document flag (described later) provided in the RAM in A is checked.

If the flag is not set, the process returns to step S12 and waits. If the flag is set, it is determined whether or not the ADF operation signal SAO is being supplied. If there is a supply, the process returns to step S12 and waits, and if there is no supply, the process goes to step S1B to perform post-copy processing.
Proceed to.

In step S14, a one-sheet copy sequence for executing one copy and a jam check are performed.

In step S15, the occurrence of a jam is checked in step 7, and if no jam occurs, step 91 is performed.
Proceeding to B, on the other hand, if a jam occurs, the calculation described later is performed in the jam check routine (see FIG. 7) immediately before proceeding to the jam removal processing procedure (see FIG. 8).

In step S18, the remaining number of copies n=N
-1, and n=0 at the end of the one-sheet copy sequence
If n≧1, the process proceeds to step S17.
If so, the number n is displayed on the number-of-copies display 58, and the process returns to step S14, where a one-copy sequence is performed. Note that the end of this one-copy sequence is when the optical system 22 finishes moving forward. is equal to the reversal point in .

In step 91.7, it is assumed that the set number of copies have been completed, and the value N of the set number of sheets is added to the number of remaining sheets n and output to the copy number display 58. Furthermore, the first document flag is set and the number of copies of the document is It is stored that copying for one sheet has been completed, and the process returns to step 912 to cause the ADF to start operating again.

8. When the ADF operation is completed in step 513 described above, the process proceeds to step 91B to perform post-copy processing, reset the first document flag, return to the initial state, and return to step S1.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the calculation and display processing (jam check processing) procedure when a jam is detected. First, step 92
0, the separation jam sensor 41 detects whether or not a delayed jam occurs.

If a delay jam occurs, the process advances to step S21;
If it has not occurred, the process advances to step S22.

In Stella 7'S22, the paper discharge jam sensor 42 detects whether or not a delayed jam occurs. If the delay jam has occurred, the process proceeds to step 923, and if it has not occurred, the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, the paper discharge jam sensor 42 detects whether or not a retained jam has occurred. If the accumulated jam has occurred, the process advances to step S25, and if it has not occurred, the process returns to step S20 to continue detecting the location where the jam has occurred, detecting the number of jammed papers remaining in the copying machine, and then proceeding to step S25. 9. Also detects the number of returned originals and stores the data.

In step S21, the set number of sheets N is compared with the remaining number of copies n, and if n=N, the number of jammed sheets in the machine is determined as P.
-1, memorize the number of originals to be returned as d-1 +, 11
=N-1t', store P-2, d-1, and n
If ≦N-2, P-3°d-1 is stored and subjected to processing by a jam processing routine to be described later.

In step S23, if n=N, the first document flag is set, and the ADF operation signal is output, that is, if one copy of the document is in progress and the copy of the previous document is in progress. It is thought that a jam occurred with one sheet of paper, and at that point the next manuscript was A [lF
If it is discharged without passing through P-
1, memorize d-2. Further, if the first document flag is reset or the A[IF operation signal is off, P-1 and d-1 are stored.

If n≦N-1, P-2 and d-1 are stored.

In step S25, n=N and ADF
If the operation signal is output, P-2 and d-2 are stored, and if n=N-111', or the above AD
When the F operation signal is turned off, P-2, d-1
is stored, and in the case of n≦N-2, P-3, d-1 are stored.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the procedure for jam removal processing.

In Stella 7'S2B, data on the number of remaining copies at the time of occurrence of the jam is saved in the RAM in pCOMA, and furthermore, the entire load during the copying operation is stopped.

Step S2? , the jam indicator light 58 is turned on, a main unit jam signal is output to the ADF, and data on the number of returned originals, which is data calculated in the jam check process, is output.

Further, the number of jammed sheets in the machine, that is, the data calculated in the jam check routine, is displayed on the copy number display 58.

At that point, the operator knows that a jam has occurred in the main body C, and in step S28 removes the jammed paper from the machine according to the information displayed on the display, turns off all jam sensors, and resets the jam. Pressing the switch 43 resets the jam in the main body C and turns off the jam indicator light 58.

Further, in step 5213, after resetting the jam in the main body C, if the ADF is in use, data on the number of returned documents in the ADF is displayed on the copy number display 59 to inform the operator that Have the child remove the number of originals from above and insert the originals one by one through the original opening. Then, as shown in step S8 and SIO described above, the main body Jamrisera No. 1-4A is output,
The shutter solenoid is turned on to enable insertion of a document into the DF section, and the meter section is operated. On the other hand, the main body C detects the presence or absence of a jam reset signal, and if detected, proceeds to step S30.

In step S30, the display on the copy number display 58 is returned to the display of the number of remaining copies that was saved before the occurrence of the jam, and the main body jam signal is turned off to return to the initial state and waits for a copy start signal.

(Effects) As described above, according to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having an ADF, when an abnormality occurs in the apparatus, all originals in the ADF, that is, in the above embodiment, all originals on the platen glass of the copying machine are By ejecting the original in the upper exposure position and the original waiting to be copied at the entrance of the OF section to the output tray, the operator can open the ADF when copying again after the abnormal state of the device is cleared. There is no need to search for the original to be returned, and copying can be performed simply by performing a simple operation, so that the processing efficiency of the image forming apparatus can be greatly improved.

3

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a copying device equipped with an automatic document feeder (ADF); FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the copying device; FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of an operating section provided in the copying machine main body of the copying device, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control section provided in the copying device 6, and FIG. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for jam removal by the control unit provided in the ADF, Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for jam removal by the control unit installed in the copying machine, and Figure 7 is the calculation when a jam is detected. FIG. 8 is a flowchart 1 showing an example of the procedure of the Jato removal process. 1...Document can/ray, 4 2...Pickup roller, 3.4...Separation belt, 5...DF press roller, 6...Transport roller, 7...Full surface belt, 8... Ejection roller, 9... Document ejection tray. 10... AF document sensor, 11... AF timing sensor, 12... DF document sensor, 13... Entrance sensor, 14... Paper discharge sensor, 15... Belt drive roller, 16...・Turn roller, 17...Shutter, 18...Return document sensor, 20...Document platen glass, 21...Exposure lamp, 23...Photosensitive drum, 41...Separation jam sensor, 5 42 ...Ejection jam sensor, 43...Jam reset switch, 52...Copy key, 53...Numeric key, 56.57...Display section, 58...Jam display section, 59... Copy count indicator. 100...ADF start switch, 101...ADF start indicator light, 162...Shirt turn renoid. Patent applicant Canon Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] Document placing means for placing an original; document feeding means for feeding the original placed on the original placing means to an exposure position and ejecting the original after exposure; an image forming means for forming a fed document image on a recording material; and a control means for controlling the document feeding means so as to eject all the documents in the document feeding means when an abnormality occurs in the image forming means. An image forming apparatus comprising: (Margin below)