JPS6048835A - Control unit of machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To emininate a waste of operation cycle time by controlling the operation of a machine according to previously stored designated size data when a paper cassette of a wide use is mounted. CONSTITUTION:A control unit is adapted to control a machine capable of operating with a paper cassette capable of storing sheets of different size for a wide use and operating corresponding to a size code of a special cassette having a code corresponding to each sheet size. Means SW300-SW307 for discriminating a size code of a paper cassette are mounted on a machine body. Means RAM203 for storing designated size data separately from a size code of a paper cassette is provided. The first CPU201 is adapted to detect that a cassette of wide use is installed, and the second CPU202 is adapted to control the operation of the machine according to a size code of a paper cassette and control the operation of the machine according to the stored size data on detecting that a cassette of a wide use is used.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a control device that determines paper size using a paper cassette or the like and controls a mechanical device based on this determination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For example, in recent copying machines, microcomputers are increasingly performing extremely detailed control in sequence control and the like. For example, it has a function that determines the size of copy paper, and based on this, it controls the scan length and site erase for each paper size and the removal of charges from the outside of the image, eliminating wasteful scanning movement. It has functions such as performing accurate site erase.

In this case, the paper size is determined by arranging protrusions, magnets, optical marks, etc. on the paper cassette installed in the main body of the copying machine according to the appropriate size code, and detecting these by the detection means on the main body of the copying machine. This method is commonly used.

On the other hand, conventionally, general-purpose cassettes (universal cassettes)
There is a cassette with a movable side plate inside the cassette so that it can store paper of several sizes.When this cassette is installed in the main body of a copying machine, the size code is indeterminate or a general-purpose cassette code. Therefore, the same control as the copying operation for the largest size paper was performed.

Therefore, when using a general-purpose cassette, even if the size of the paper actually used is small, the scan length and site erase width are controlled in the same way as for the largest size paper, which unnecessarily lengthens the copying operation cycle time. There was an inconvenience that the site erase was also incomplete.

OBJECTS It is an object of the present invention to provide a control device that performs operation control adapted to the size of paper used when a general-purpose cassette is used.

Summary of the Invention A control device that controls a mechanical device that can operate using a general-purpose cassette that can accommodate sheets of different sizes and that operates in accordance with the size code of a dedicated cassette that has a code corresponding to each sheet size. The operation of the mechanical device described above is controlled according to the size code of the paper cassette, and when the paper cassette used is a general-purpose cassette, the operation of the mechanical device is controlled based on predetermined size data stored in advance separately from the size code described above. Control the operation of the device.

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

FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a copying machine equipped with a control device of the present invention.

A photoreceptor drum (1) is supported at approximately the center of the main body of the copying machine (1000) so as to be rotatable in the counterclockwise direction in the figure.
Around it, there is an eraser lamp (2), a charger (3), a front edge and inter-image eraser (4), and a developing device (6).
, a transfer charger (7), two separate chargers (8), a cleaning device (9), etc. are arranged in this order. The photoreceptor drum (1) has a photoreceptor layer provided on its surface, and this photoreceptor is connected to the eraser lamp (2) and the charger (
3), it is uniformly charged and transferred to the scanning optical system (
Image exposure is performed from 1-1 through the slit portion (5), and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface thereof. The front end and inter-image eraser (4) has a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) arranged in the image width direction, and removes unnecessary charges on the surface of the photoreceptor drum (1) during image formation. The details of its configuration and control will be described later.

The optical system (10) is installed under the original glass (10) so that the original image can be scanned, and includes a light source (17), movable mirrors (11), (+13), a lens (141), and a mirror ( +5).The light source (171
and the movable mirror (11) are (V/m) relative to the circumferential velocity (V) of the photoreceptor drum (1) (constant regardless of magnification or variable magnification).
(However, the movable mirrors (12) and (131) are driven to move integrally to the left at a speed of (V/2m). When changing the copying magnification, the lens (14) moves along the optical axis t and the mirror (former) moves and swings to compensate for the optical path. , which is already known in principle, and in the following explanation, the lens (14) and mirror (15
) is interlocked to control the position, and a detailed explanation of the interlocking mechanism etc. will be omitted. In addition, regarding the control of the speed (v/m) of the scanning optical system +101, for the same reason, the DC motor (M3
) only shows that control is performed to change the rotational speed of the motor, and a detailed explanation of the control method and the like will be omitted.

The copy paper is fed either by an automatic paper feed mechanism (20) having a cassette mounting section with two lower cassettes installed on the left side of the main body of the copying machine (1000) in the figure, or by a manual paper feed mechanism (20) provided above the automatic paper feed mechanism (20).
0) into the machine, and the timing roller (21
After being temporarily stopped by +, the toner is sent to the transfer section in synchronization with the image formed on the photoreceptor drum (1), the toner image is transferred by the transfer charger (7), and the toner image is transferred by the separation charger (8). It is separated from the surface of the photoreceptor drum (1) and sent to the fixing device by a conveyor belt (22),
The image is fixed and discharged to the tray (24+).

At this time, the key counter (
KC) operates, and at the timing of ejection, a talk counter (TC) operates, and 1 is added as a count value of the number of copying operations.

After the transfer, the photoreceptor drum (1) is cleaned by a cleaning device (9).
), an eraser (2), etc. to remove toner and charges remaining on the surface, and prepare for the next copying process.

Either the automatic paper feeding mechanism (a) or the manual paper feeding mechanism (2) is selectively used. The manual insertion slot can be switched by closing it! When opened, the paper insertion table C31) is set to be a guide for manually fed paper. ) detects the insertion of paper, it enters the manual paper feed copy mode, and automatically switches to the automatic paper feed copy mode by closing the manual feed table (31) or by operating the automatic paper feed selection operation or by operating the numeric keypad to set the number of copies. controlled so that

In the case of automatic paper feeding, the image forming system including the photoreceptor drum (1) is started by operating the print key CI++ (see Figure 3) that starts the copying operation of the copying machine (1000). When the pre-driving process is completed, the paper feed roller (5) or (6) is driven, and the scanning optical system (10) is started to be driven by a scan start signal output as the copy paper is conveyed to form an image. Copy paper is fed in synchronization with the operation. 2.3 sheets of copy paper are pushed out by the rotation of the paper feed roller (26), and only the topmost copy is conveyed by the next-stage sorting mechanism -,@.

The handling mechanism (equipment) is the upper roller (27a), (
27a) in the paper feeding direction, the lower roller (271)),
(27b) in the paper pushing back direction as shown in the figure.
The second and subsequent sheets of paper that are rotated and pushed out together with the top sheet by the paper feed roller are sent to the lower roller (27b).
.

(27b), and only the topmost sheet is sent out toward the next stage intermediate rollers (21D, (2B1). The intermediate rollers (28+, (281) are associated with the next stage timing roller (21) and The drive is controlled.

On the other hand, in the case of manual paper feeding, when the copy paper is inserted from the manual paper insertion slot G2 and the sensor (341) detects this, the manual paper feed roller (G) rotates and feeds the copy paper into the machine. At the same time or with a slight delay, the photoconductor drum (1) starts in the same way as when the print key is operated as described above.Then, the manually fed copy paper is temporarily stopped at the paper leading edge detection switch (to) and is placed on standby. Ori,
When the preliminary drive process including the rotation of the photosensitive drum (1) is completed, the conveying roller rotates again, thereby sending the photosensitive drum (1) into the machine.

In addition, the copying machine (1000) has a manual feed table c (1).
is removable from the main body of the copying machine, and instead of the manual feed table 31), a general-purpose paper feed unit with a built-in paper feed motor, paper feed roller, etc. can be installed. It is also possible to provide the same function as one equipped with a three-stage automatic paper feed section.

In addition, each cassette mounting section of the automatic paper feeding mechanism (201) has
Cassette size detection switch (SW300) ~ (sw
303) and (SW304) to (SW307) are provided, and the operating state of the switch is changed by the arrangement of protrusions or magnets (not shown) provided on the loaded cassette, and the size and size of the loaded copy paper are changed. The installation of a general-purpose cassette is determined using a 4-bit binary code. As described above, many mechanisms are already known for determining the size of copy paper using a cassette containing copy paper, and a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. (SW310),
(SW311) is a DIP switch for setting the destination of this copying machine (1000) with a 2-bit binary code.In this example, since the destination is domestic, the switch (SW310) is set to "0", Switch (SW311) is O
are set respectively.

The inter-image and edge eraser (4) has a configuration in which a large number of LEDs are arranged as shown in FIG. 1), and when forming an AIDC pattern, only the pattern forming area in the center is turned off at appropriate timing, and when functioning as a front edge (side) eraser, the site erase area (4a)
, (4C) are controlled to light up, and each LED is controlled by the first CPU (20
1), the drive is controlled via a decoder (209).

FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of operation keys on the operation panel of the copying machine. The operation panel 6■ includes a print key ffl+ for starting the copying operation, a 7-segment numerical display device c72) capable of displaying 4-digit numerical values, and 1, 2. ..., numeric keypad corresponding to the numbers 9, 0 (80
) to (89), interrupt key ((g)) to specify interrupt copying, clear/stop key (91), paper selection key (□, copy image density) to specify copy paper loaded in multiple stages by size. Up and down keys θ■ for changing and specifying in steps.

(941 and a group of keys for setting the copy magnification (951 to (10)
3) Furthermore, a size setting key (107) for specifying a size setting mode for setting a special copy paper size.
In this size setting mode, a display (107a) for displaying that the vertical size is being set, a display (107b) for displaying that the horizontal size is being set, etc. are arranged.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of a control device for a copying machine to which the present invention is applied. Numeric keypad (8o) on the control panel
~99), a group of keys such as the size setting key (107), and switches (SW3 Q Q) ~ (SW
It is composed of a group of switches such as 307). (20
5) is the drive circuit of the DC motor (M3) for document scanning, (
206) is a drive circuit for a stepping motor (M4) for zooming, and (207) is a decoder. Note that the output terminal (
AI) to (AI) are the main motor (Ml),
Developing motor (M3λ timing roller clutch (CLl)
), upper paper feed clutch (CL2), lower paper feed clutch (C
L3), electrification charger (3), transfer charger (7)
is connected to each drive switching transistor (not shown).

(20B) is a site erase controller that controls the LED of the above-mentioned inter-image and end eraser (4) at the tcpu (20B).
1) via a decoder (209).

5 to 13 are the 1st CPU (201,)
It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the control performed by smell. Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically explained based on this.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically and comprehensively showing the processing procedure in the first CPU (201).

In step S1, the copying machine and the microcomputer are initialized, and in step S2, initial switches, etc. are input, and then a size key processing routine, a numeric keypad processing routine, which will be described later in steps S3 to S8,
Scan Size Routine, <Ii Execute Mill-Chinese Toilet Routine and Copy Operation Routine. Then, in step S9, it is determined that the internal timer has ended, and one routine is ended.

FIG. 6 shows the flowchart 1 of the size key processing routine. When the size setting key (107) is pressed (step 511), the vertical size setting indicator (107a) and the horizontal size setting indicator (107b) are displayed. Both are off, that is, when the size setting key (107) is turned on for the first time from the normal mode, the vertical size setting display (1071) is turned on (step 514), and the 7-segment numerical display device υ is turned off (step 514). 515).

Next, when the vertical size setting indicator (107a) is on, turn on the size setting key (1-07),
In other words, when you finish inputting the vertical size, press the size setting key (10
7), the vertical size setting indicator (107a
) is turned off (step 516), and the horizontal size setting indicator (107b) is turned on (step 517).
. At this time, the set size value is the maximum paper L432
If it is larger, this size value is corrected to 432, and this 432 is displayed on the 7-segment numerical display device ff'2 (step 519). Furthermore, if the set size value is smaller than the minimum paper length 148, this size value is corrected to 148, and this 148 is displayed on the 7-segment numerical display device υη (step 521). Then, the displayed value of the 7-segment numerical display device Q is stored in RA, M (203), and the 7-segment numerical display device U2 is turned off (step 523).

If the size setting key (1, 07) is turned on while the horizontal size setting indicator (107b) is on, the horizontal size setting indicator (107t) turns off (step 524). , if the set size value is greater than the maximum paper width 297, this size value is set to 297
This 297 is corrected to 7 segment numerical display device σ2.
is displayed (step 526).

Furthermore, the set size value is the minimum page/g width 105
If it is smaller, this size value is corrected to 105, and the 7-segment numerical display device ff2+here 105 is displayed (step 528). Then, the displayed value of this 7-segment numerical display device υ is stored in RAM (203), and
Segment numerical display device (displays 72 in normal mode)
The display returns to 1'' (step 530).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the numeric keypad processing routine, and when both the vertical size setting display (107a) and the horizontal size setting display (107b) are off, that is, in the normal mode, the normal copy number setting process is executed. (step 543). When either the vertical size setting indicator (107a) or the horizontal size setting indicator (107b) is on, it is the size setting mode, so the 100th, 10th, It is determined whether the display content of each digit of the first place is blank (step 544, S45.546). And the numeric keypad - ~ (!
The value entered manually by i91 is displayed in the 1st digit, and the previous displayed value is shifted from 1st to 10th and from 10th to 100th (steps 547 to 552). In this embodiment, the paper size manpower is up to three digits.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the Sugyan size routine. The scan size data differs depending on the shipment, but in this example, only the data for domestic shipments are shown. Dip switch (SW310), (SW311) is LJ
□ II, II Q If the setting is outside II and the destination is Europe or America, corresponding processing (not shown) is executed. Dip switch (5W31
0).

(sw3ii) or II □/I, # If it is set to Off and the destination is domestic, the scan size data of the selected cassette is set in the A register (step 562). Cassette codes used in Japan shown in Table 1 I H2r 3 r 4 j5 r 6 + 7 +
9 + A + B, the paper length data for each is stored in the A register, and if the cassette code is E, that is, a general-purpose cassette, the paper length data is stored in advance in the size key processing routine described above (Fig. 6). Store the value of the stored memory in the A register. Then, the data set in this person register is transferred to the second register that controls the scanning system.
Transfer to 0 P U (202) (step 563)
. The second CPU (202) calculates the scan speed, scan length, etc. according to the copy magnification set based on this data, and controls the scanning system based on the calculation results.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the paper width routine.

The destination set by the dip switches (SW310) and (SW311) is determined, and if the destination is Europe or America, corresponding processing (not shown) is executed. Dip switch (SW310).

(SW3], 1.) is JL O#, JL O
“If the cassette code is set to 1 and is destined for Japan, the cassette code 1
, 2, 3, 4° 5.6, 7, 9. The paper width data for A and B are stored in the paper width memory, and if the cassette code is E and the cassette is a general-purpose cassette, the value of the width memory stored in advance in the size key processing routine described above is stored. Store in paper width memory (step 572).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the Zydo erase routine, in which the magnification table routine shown in FIG. 11 is executed in step 581, and the size table routine shown in FIG. 12 is executed in step S82.

In the magnification table routine and size table routine,
Copy magnification and side erase LED group (4a) stored in a storage device (ltOM, etc.).

(4C) A magnification table that correlates the number of lights on, and
Copy paper size and site erase L E D (4a
).

(4C) Referring to the size table that corresponds to the number of LED lights lit, and comparing the actually selected or set copy magnification and the detected copy paper size data, the predetermined "number of LED lights lit for site erase" is determined. A process is executed to temporarily store the data in the B register and C register, respectively. The contents of the magnification table and size table are as shown in step 591 and step 5101, for example.

The magnification table in step S91 is for photosensitive drum (1)
When copying is performed at each copying magnification for the effective width of , the portion of the width corresponding to the erase area (width at both ends) by the number of LEDs shown in the table has already been erased before exposure. This means that the size table in step 5101 indicates that the difference between the effective width of the photosensitive drum (1) and the copy paper size (width) is equal to the number L shown in the table.
This means that it corresponds to the erase area by ED. Note that the number of LEDs shown in the table is the number counted from the left end and right end of the site erase sections (4a) and (4C), respectively.

Then, in step 583, the magnitude of the lighting number data obtained from the magnification table that is the content of the B register and the lighting number data obtained from the size table that is the content of the C register is determined, and the larger data is It is set in a register and used as site erase number data.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of controlling the copying operation of the copying machine, and this will be briefly explained with reference to the time chart of FIG. 14.

In block 10, by turning on the print switch, the main motor M1, the developing motor M2, the charging charger 2, and the transfer charger 14 are activated, and the copy flag indicating that the copying operation is in progress is set to 1''. Set and control timer T-A
, T-B is started, and the clutch of the paper feed roller on the selected side is turned on.

In block 11, the end of the timer TA is determined and the paper feed clutch is turned off.

In block 12, the end of timer T-B is determined, and
The scan motor M3 is turned on to start the scan operation, and the site erase is turned on.

In block 13, when the timing signal is output during the scan operation, the timing roller clutch CL
3 is turned on, and a process of setting a timer F-C is executed. The copy sheet is conveyed by the timing roller 35 in synchronization with the image on the photoreceptor drum 10.

In block 14, it is determined that the timer TC has ended, and the charging, scan motor, and timing roller clutch are turned off, and the site erase is turned off. Note that the timer TC may be set variably depending on the size of the copy sheet used.

In block 15, when the optical system returns to the home position due to the return operation and the home position switch is turned on, the developing motor M2 and the transfer charger 14 are turned off, the copy flag is set to 0'', and the timer T -D
Processing to set is executed.

In block 16, it is determined that the timer TD has ended, and the main motor M1 is turned off. Further, a block 17 for setting an auto-reset timer executes processing for various outputs.

Note that the timers TA, TD, etc. explained in the above flowcharts and time charts are one routine of processing executed within the time specified by the internal timer.
1. This is a digital timer programmed to count up, and the time-up time is stored as numerical data.

In this embodiment, the data of the paper size of the general-purpose cassette is stored using the numeric keypad, but the paper length is automatically detected and stored by using a paper-feeding sensor to temporarily pass one sheet. , the width direction of the paper may be determined and stored using a sensor.

Note that the embodiment described in "-" is about the case where the present invention is applied to a copying machine, but the present invention is limited to a copying section, and is applicable to a machine in which sheets of different sizes are loaded and predetermined operations are performed on the sheets. It can be applied to devices such as facsimiles and printers.

Table 1 Effects As explained above, in the present invention, the operation of the mechanical device is controlled according to the size code of the paper cassette installed in the main body of the mechanical device, and when the installed paper cassette is a general-purpose cassette, Since the operation of the mechanical device is controlled based on pre-stored predetermined size data, it is easier to handle paper of special sizes than when using a conventional general-purpose cassette, which controls the operation based on the maximum paper size. By performing operation control that accurately corresponds to the paper size, it is possible to eliminate wasted operation cycle time and to obtain a clean copy 1 without black marks or the like. Furthermore, wasteful consumption of toner can be avoided. In addition, when the magnification is calculated from the original size and the copy paper size and the copying operation is performed using that magnification, accurate magnification data can be obtained, and when the copy paper is selected after determining the copy magnification. can also be accurately determined.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the inter-image and edge eraser, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation panel of the copying machine. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a copying machine controller 1i11+ device to which the present invention is applied, and FIGS.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process executed in U, and FIG. 14 is a time chart showing the main part of the copying operation shown in FIG. 180) to 69)...Numeric keypad, (201)...1st. CPU, (204)...Switch matrix,
(207)...Decoder, (1000)...Copy machine, (SW300) to (SW307)...Cassette size detection switch, (SW310), (SW311
)...Dip switch, (203)...RAM0 Patent applicant Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Representative Patent Attorney Aoyama 2 persons Figure 8 Figure 9

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) In a control device that can operate using a general-purpose cassette that can accommodate paper of different sizes and that operates in accordance with the size code of a dedicated cassette that has a code corresponding to each paper size, means for determining the size code of a paper cassette installed in the main body of the mechanical device; means for storing predetermined size data separately from the size code of the paper cassette; and means for detecting that the general-purpose cassette is installed. , controls the operation of the mechanical device according to the size code of the paper cassette, and when it is detected that the paper cassette being used is the general-purpose cassette, controls the mechanical device based on the stored size data. 1. A control device comprising: control means for controlling operations.