JPS62136675A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To optimize the supply of a developer by detecting a voltage applied to a developing cylinder and detecting the amount of the developer, and interrupting image forming operation and supplying a developer when a specific level is outputted continuously for a certain time. CONSTITUTION:The AC voltage applied to the developing cylinder 501 is detected by an AC voltage detection plate 503 through toner and inputted to an input terminal 509. The input voltage is rectified and compared with a reference voltage V81 by a comparator 51, whose output is inverted by an inverter 511 and inputted as an output 512 to a control part 60. The control part 60 reads the input 512 to judge the amount of toner and a timer counter 513 makes a calculation every time a toner empty signal is inputted; when the value continues for, for example, >=10sec, a toner empty state is displayed and copying operation is stopped to supply a developer. Consequently, the accurate remaining amount of the developer is detected and a proper amount of the developer is supplied.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Technical field] The present invention relates to developer replenishment for an image processing apparatus.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, in two-component development systems, it has been necessary to maintain a constant mixing ratio of toner and carrier in order to always obtain optimal image density. However, it is extremely difficult to replenish the amount of toner used because the amount of toner used for one copy varies. However, in recent years, since developer is composed of two types of different electrical properties, the amount of remaining toner can be measured electrically by taking in the AC voltage applied to the developing cylinder from the electrode via the developer. It is now possible to detect and replenish toner based on the detected voltage.

However, at the stage of determining whether there is no toner based on the output of the detection circuit, due to the bias of the developer or the rotation of the developing cylinder, the toner remaining amount detection may alternately detect the presence and absence of toner, or even when there is actually no toner. There were various drawbacks, such as erroneous detection of the presence of toner and differences in image density between the beginning and end of continuous copying.

[1] Objective] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to accurately detect the remaining amount of developer and always replenish the optimal amount of developer.

〔Example〕

Please refer to the drawings for examples of the present invention below! The IC will be explained in detail.

Overall Description> FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine according to the present invention, in which the main components and various sensor positions are shown at 5L-324. In the figure, 1 is the main body of the copying machine, 2 is an image forming section centered on the photosensitive drum 18, and 7 and 8 are developing devices that store toner of different colors (for example, red and black). The drum 18 is selectively brought into contact with the drum 18. 3 is a paper feeding unit for supplying transfer paper SH into the machine, and includes a cassette 9 that can be detached from the main body, their paper feeding rollers to, 11, and sensors S9 to S12. S
It consists of 22 and 23. Reference numeral 4 denotes an optical system including a lens system that exposes and scans the original and forms an image on the photosensitive drum 20.

It is driven by an optical motor 19 in the direction of the arrow.

25 is a fixing device, 23 is a second paper feeding section which will be described later, and 40 is an intermediate tray.

Figure 2 is a control block diagram, lot is the main switch,
DCP is a DC power supply that supplies power to the control unit 60 and the like, S is the sensors shown in FIG. Heater 21
, 22, 63 is a motor control section that controls the main motor 18 and optical motor 19, and HVT is a high voltage generator that supplies high voltage to the chargers 13, 15.16 and the developing device 7.8. 66 is a load such as a solenoid, clutch, fan, etc.; 67 is a document processing device; 68 is a sorter; 70 is a coordinate reading device (editor); and 80 is a buzzer.

Next, the operation will be explained.

When the power switch 101 is turned on, first, the heaters 21 and 22 in the fixing device 25 generate heat, and the fixed roller waits until it reaches a predetermined temperature at which fixing can be performed (wait state). When the fixing roller reaches a predetermined temperature, the main drive motor is energized for a certain period of time, and the photosensitive drum 18. The fixing device 25 and the like are driven to bring the rollers in the fixing device 25 to a uniform temperature (weight release rotation). Thereafter, the main motor 18 is pulled out and stands by in a copyable state (standby state). Here, the main motor 18 drives the photosensitive drum 20, the fixing device 25, the developing device 7.8, and various transfer paper conveyance rollers. Then, when a copy command is input from the operation unit 100, a copy operation starts.

(1) Explanation of image formation The main motor 18 rotates in response to a copy command, and the photosensitive drum 20 starts rotating in the direction of the arrow. At the same time, high voltage is supplied to the primary charger 13 from the high voltage supply device HVT and is uniformly applied on the photosensitive drum 20. gives an electric charge. Next, the exposure lamp 24
is turned on, the optical motor 19 is driven, the original placed on the original table 5 is exposed and scanned in the direction of the arrow, and is projected onto the photosensitive drum 20. In this way, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 20. Next, this latent image is developed by the developing device 7 or 8, and transferred to the transfer paper SH by the transfer charger 15. a 'itF electric appliance 16 part and photosensitive drum 2
Separated from 0. Next, the cleaner 6 cleans the photosensitive drum 2.
After the residual toner remaining on the 0 is collected and the charge is uniformly removed by the erase lamp 28, the copy cycle is repeated again. At this time, unnecessary charges outside the image area are erased by a blank exposure lamp 14 (LED array) composed of LEDs. Further, as will be described later, the LED array 14 is configured by arranging a large number of LEDs, and can erase any location in the image. First developer8. One of the second developing devices 7 is brought into contact with the drum 20 by a selection command from the operating section 100 . In this embodiment, the first developing device 8
A second developing device 7 is filled with black toner to form a black developing device 8, and a second developing device 7 is filled with color toner to form a color developing device 7. Pressure (contact) of these developing units to the drum 20 is applied and released by a black developing unit release solenoid 31 and a color developing unit pressure solenoid 30.
This is done by When the black developer release solenoid 31 is turned on, the black developer 8 is released from the drum, and when the color developer pressure solenoid 30 is turned on, the color developer 7 is pressurized against the drum. Also, each developing device 7
．． Each black toner sensor S16. A color toner sensor S17 is arranged.

Further, a developing bias voltage is applied to the developing rollers 7-a and 8-a of each developing device from the high pressure generating bag mHVT. This bias voltage is applied to the black developer 8 and the color developer 7 in order to optimize the developing conditions for black toner and color toner.
The conditions are different depending on when you use it. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the photosensitive drum may change as its durability progresses or changes in the environment occur.
It can also be changed by command from (described later).

In addition, the copying machine of this embodiment can perform not only normal single-sided copying but also double-sided copying and multiplex copying (described later), but the resistance of the transfer paper once passed through the fixing device is different from that of the first side copying. The state of the transfer charger 15. has changed, and in order to deal with this, the transfer charger 15. The conditions for the high voltage applied to the separation charger 16 are different between the first side and both sides or the second side during multiple copying. These developing biases, transfer, and separation high voltage values are controlled by commands from the m-control section 60.

The optical system 4 is reciprocally controlled by rotating the optical motor 18 forward and reverse via the motor control section 63 in accordance with commands from the control section 60 .

SL is an optical home position sensor and is stopped at this position during stun/hay. S2 is an image leading edge sensor corresponding to the leading edge position of the original image, and is used for timing of copy sequence control. S3 is the limiter position (inverted digit) at the time of maximum scanning. The optical system 4 reciprocates with a scan length according to the cassette size and copying magnification based on instructions from the control section 60.

(2) Transfer paper control In the paper feed section 3 in FIG. 1, step S9. Each Sll is
Upper and lower paper sensors S10 and S12 are upper and lower glue position detection sensors, S22. S23 are upper and lower cassette size detection sensors, respectively.

Hereinafter, since the upper and lower stages perform similar operations, the paper feeding operation for the upper stage will be explained. First, when the cassette 9 is inserted, the size is read by the size detection sensor S22 and the size of the cassette 9 is identified.
Turn off the paper out indicator, select the cassette size, and turn it on. Next, when a copying operation is started in response to a copy command, a middle plate raising clutch (not shown) is used to raise the middle plate in the ONL cassette 9, thereby raising the transfer paper SH. Transfer paper SH
rises, contacts the paper feed roller 10, reaches a predetermined height, the tray lid detection sensor S10 outputs an output, and turns the clutch off.
F and drives the paper feed roller 10 to supply transfer paper into the machine (described later). As described above, the transfer paper in the cassette is raised by the middle plate raising clutch, and thereafter the raised position is maintained, and the above-mentioned raising operation is not performed when the next copy is started. Furthermore, if the number of transfer sheets in the cassette decreases during continuous copying and the top surface of the transfer sheet SH falls below a predetermined position, the clutch is similarly turned on to raise it to a predetermined height.

The transfer paper fed into the machine reaches the pre-registration sensor S7, and since the registration rollers 12 are stopped, it forms an appropriate loop and stops. Next, in order to align the leading edge of the image formed on the drum 20, the registration roller 12 is driven by a timing signal from the optical system 4, and after aligning the leading edge, the transfer paper is sent to the transfer section 17. In the transfer section 17 , the image on the drum 20 is transferred to a transfer paper by the transfer charger 15 , and then separated from the drum 20 by the separation charger 16 , and sent to the fixing device 25 by the paper conveyance section 17 . In the fixing device 25, the surface of the fixing roller is controlled to a predetermined temperature by a temperature sensor (not shown) arranged on the surface of the fixing roller and a heater 21, and the image is fixed on the transfer paper here, and then a paper discharge sensor S4 The paper is detected to be ejected and ejected from the machine by rollers 26 and 27.

Next, manual copying will be explained.

When the manual tray 28 is moved in the direction of the arrow in the figure, the manual tray detection sensor S24 enters the ONL manual copy mode. At this time, the middle plate of the cassette 9 set in the upper stage is automatically released from the raised position, and the transfer paper SH in the cassette is lowered.

Next, place the transfer paper on the manual feed tray 28, and in response to the copy start command on the operation unit lOO, the manual feed lid clutch is driven in the same way as when feeding cassette paper, and the transfer paper set on the manual feed tray 28 is driven. Raise the paper feed roller 1 after raising it.
0 to feed into the aircraft.

Next, in the case of multiple copying, the flapper 29 is switched to the position shown by the dotted line by the operation of a solenoid (not shown), and the transferred paper, which has been fed, transferred, separated, and fixed, passes through the path 33 and passes through the second The paper is sent to the paper feed section 23. Second paper feed section 2
In step 3, after the paper is detected by the second pre-registration sensor S5, lateral positioning is performed by the transfer paper edge detection sensor S6, the lateral registration sensor S8, and the solenoid for lateral registration alignment (described later).

Next, in response to a multiple copy command from the operating section, the second registration roller 37 sends out the image again to the registration roller 12 section. Thereafter, the paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray 32 in the same manner as described above.

Furthermore, during double-sided copying, the transfer sheet is ejected halfway through by the ejection roller 27 in the same manner as in the normal copying operation described above, but after the trailing edge of the transfer sheet passes the flapper 29, the ejection roller 27 is driven in the reverse direction. , the transfer paper is guided by the flapper 29 and introduced into the path 33 (described later).

This reverse drive is performed by a solenoid that controls forward and reverse rotation. The subsequent operations are the same as in the case of multiple copying described above. In this way, in the case of double-sided copying, the discharge roller 2
The transfer paper is taken out of the machine from 7, turned over by the reverse rotation of the roller 27, and sent to the second feeding section.

Although multiple copying of a single sheet and double-sided copying have been described above, in the case of multiple copying of a plurality of sheets or double-sided copying, the intermediate tray 40 is used. As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate tray 40 has a paper transport path 59.
and a tray 5 for temporarily storing transfer paper in an intermediate state.
3 is provided. In the case of multiple copying of a plurality of sheets, the fused transfer paper is partially ejected by the paper ejection roller 27 under the same control as the double-sided copying of the above-mentioned one-sheet copying, and then the paper ejection roller 27 is driven in the reverse direction. Route 33.4
3 and is stored in the tray 53. After repeating this operation and storing all of the first side in the tray 53, the next copy command drives the paper feed roller 56 for the second side, and
9.23, the second side copy is executed. On the other hand, in the case of multiple double-sided copying, the flapper 29 passes from the fixing device 25 through the paths 33 and 43 and is stored in the tray 53 under the same control as the one-time multiple copying described above. Since it is the same as in the case, it is omitted.

(3) Explanation of the operation section Next, the operation panel 100 will be explained.

FIG. 3 is an external view of the operation panel 100.

In the figure, 101 is a power switch that controls power supply to the copying machine;
Reference numeral 102 is a key for instructing the operation of the sorter, and 103 is a copy image mode selection key, which is used to select the case where a specified area is to be copied in six types of modes (image conversion modes).

104 is a point key (described later) that specifies the point h (2 points in the X direction, 2 points in the Y direction) when specifying the area.
, 105 is a multiple key for selecting multiplex mode, 106 is a continuous copying key for specifying continuous copying which divides the copying area of document glass 5 into left and right halves and automatically makes two copies, and 107 is for selecting double-sided copying mode. 108 is a key for specifying the creation of a binding margin or border erasure at one end of copy paper, 109
110 is a zoom key that specifies the magnification in arbitrary magnification steps, such as 1% increments; 110 is a reduction key that specifies a fixed reduction magnification; 11
1 is a key for selecting the same size copy, 113 is a key for selecting a cassette, 114 is a key for adjusting copy density, 115
is a density correction key for changing the copy density specified by the copy density adjustment key 114. In the example of the present invention, it is executed by controlling the lighting voltage of the original exposure lamp 24 (described later) using the copy density adjustment key 114, and the copy density is adjusted. This is carried out by changing the developing bias using the correction key 115.

116 is a clear/stop key, which operates as a copy stop key while a copy operation is being executed.

117 is a copy key, 118 is a preheating key, 119 is a key to return to standard mode, 120 is a color selection key,
This key switches the developing device 7.8. 121 is the asterisk key used to enter the length of the original and the desired length after copying, and the magnification is selected. 122 is the numeric keypad to enter the number of copies. . 123 is an AE key that specifies the automatic moisture adjustment mode, 124 is a key that specifies the automatic paper selection mode that selects the optimal transfer paper according to the original size and copying magnification, and 125 is the original size and specified transfer paper size. 126 is a key to call up the magnification set in memory, 127 is a key to register magnification in memory, 128 is an area to be registered when specifying an area. This is a key to specify the area or call up the registered area (described later).
Further, 131 to 164 are LED indicators, 131 is an LED that displays sort mode and group mode when a sorter is used, and 132 to 137 are copying units that perform a specified area in combination with a color developer. LEDs 132 to 13 are used to display the mode.
7 is selected l1111st. These copy modes will be described later. 138 indicates the specified area,
In this embodiment, three types of areas can be specified. 139 is L for displaying the dimension part to be registered when specifying an area.
ED, 140 to 142 are LEDs that display the copy mode related to multiple copying, 140 is a multiple mode display for sequentially multiple copying each sheet, and 141 is an LED that divides the copy area on the original glass 5 into left and right halves; Continuous copying multiple mode display that automatically makes multiple copies in the color specified by the developer selection key 120, 142 divides the copying area on the original glass into left and right halves and automatically uses the two developers 7.8 sequentially. Switch and
In this embodiment, the left half of the original copy area is copied in black using the black developer 8, and then the right half is multiplexed in color using the color developer 7. make a copy.

143 is a page quick copy display that divides the original copy area into left and right halves and obtains two copies with one copy command;
145 to 147 are LEDs for displaying the copy mode for double-sided copying, and 145 is for copying each sheet sequentially to both sides. Double-sided mode display, 14
6 is a continuous duplex mode display that divides the copying area on the original glass 5 into left and right halves, and automatically copies both sides of the area in the color specified by the developer selection key 120; 147 uses RDF to double-sidedly copy a double-sided original; This is a double-sided display for copying. [4g indicates a mode that shifts the original image relative to the transfer paper and creates a binding margin, 149 indicates a white frame mode that erases the edges of the transfer paper, 15
0 indicates no toner, no control counter, and a warning display indicating a jam; 151 indicates the location of the jam.
ED, 152 is an LED that lights up when magnification is calculated using the asterisk key 121; 153 is an LED that lights up when the magnification display 154 is displaying the magnification; 155 is an LED that displays the specified fixed magnification mode; 11
2. 156 is an LED that displays what kind of cassette is used for copying, and 157 is an LED that displays the installed cassette. For example, A3 is installed in the upper row, A4 is installed in the lower row, and the lower row is selected. If 1
57, A3 and A4 are lit, and 156, the LED next to A4 is lit.

158 is an LED that indicates whether the manual feed, upper or lower tray is selected, and 159 is an LED that lights up when there is no paper in the cassette or when the cassette is not installed.
, 160 is an LED for displaying the number of copies, 161 is an LED for indicating automatic density adjustment mode, 162 is a density display LED, 16
3 is a standby display LED that lights green when copying is possible and red when copying is not possible.

164 is an LED that displays the color of the specified developing device;
5 is a display indicating automatic paper selection mode, and 166 is an LED indicating automatic magnification selection mode. Note that the toner empty indicator 150-1 displays whether or not there is toner in the developing device designated by the developing device switching key 120. That is, when there is no black toner, the light is turned on only when the black developer 8 is selected, and is off when the color developer 7 is selected. Conversely, the same applies when there is no color toner.

<Explanation of LED array> Next, the LED array will be explained.

FIG. 4-1 is a diagram showing the LED array 14 and the drive circuit, in which 60 is the aforementioned control section and 81 is five PNP transistors.

82 is connected to 7 nodes of each LED respectively, and 82 is connected to 24 N nodes.
A PN transistor is connected to the cathode of each LED as shown in the figure.

83 is a transistor. The LED array is composed of 124 LEDs 1 to 124, and the 124 LEDs are arranged in a line over the entire axial direction of the drum 20. In addition, the length of the light emitting part of these LED arrays is set to be longer than the width of the maximum transfer paper.
) The LEDs 123 and 124 are set at a portion longer than the pile of transfer paper. Each LED is driven by four LEDs 1 and 2 at both ends of the LED array.

123 and 124 are driven statically by transistor 83, and the remaining LEDs 3 to 122 are driven by transistor 83.
1.82, it is lit by dynamic driving of a 5 x 24 matrix.

The LED array 14 is an LED to be lit by the control unit 6o.
The timing is controlled and used for removing unnecessary charges on the drum 20 and erasing an image when copying a designated area.

Furthermore, 84 in the figure is a circuit for switching the power supply voltage to the transistor 81. FIG. 4-2 is an enlarged view of the LED array 14 and photosensitive drum 2o. LED array 1
The LED in 4 illuminates the area between A and B on the drum 20. Meanwhile, the drum 20 is rotating in the direction of arrow C. Considering the above-mentioned copy mode with area specification, the drum 20
When erasing the area after point A above, the timing signal from the control unit 60 aligns the position to point A and the LED starts to light up. That is, the LED lights up when the LED shown in FIG. 4-2 is at point A and point B. At this time point A and B
The product (energy) of light and time received by the drum surface at a point is small at point A and increases toward point B. The points after the 8th point are the same because the LED continues to light up.

For this reason, the charge cannot be removed sufficiently at the boundary between the portion of the image to be erased and the image portion, and the boundary becomes unclear. Conversely, when the LED changes from being lit to being turned off, the image becomes unclear as well. In order to prevent this, the switching circuit 84 is driven at the time when the LED starts lighting up and at the time it goes out, so that the normally used voltage +v1
Switch to a higher voltage +v2 to increase the amount of light emitted from the LED (strong lighting).

Furthermore, although this LED array is dynamically lit as described above, in order to prevent the lighting position from shifting, five digit signals (hereinafter referred to as DG) are driven by a transistor 81.
It is synchronized with the above-mentioned strong lighting time using one unit (referred to as T signal). For example, in FIG. 4-3, before time TO, the DGT signal from transistor 81 is turned off, and the LED is turned off. At time TO, when the lighting starts, five DGT signals sequentially turn on the ONI and LEDs.

At this time, the switching circuit 84 receives a signal synchronized with the series of DGT signal generation times T from the control section 60, and switches to strong lighting.

This strong lighting time is an integral multiple of T, but the LED array 14
It is determined appropriately by the spread of light and the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum.

Explanation of the editor I> Next, the editor will be explained. The editor 70 is installed on the document pressure plate 34, and its configuration is shown in FIG. It consists of a pen (not shown) with a built-in switch that presses the surface of the editor 70 when inputting coordinates, and a switching circuit 90 that switches between the X direction and the Y direction when reading coordinates. The document is placed within the dotted line in the figure with the base position aligned with the arrow position. The above-mentioned planar resistor is used not only in the area indicated by the dotted line where the original is placed, but also in the clear key 92. Memory key 91° Area copy mode key 93~
It also covers part 98. Here, the area copy mode keys 93-98 correspond to the mode displays 132-137 on the copy panel described above. The clear key 92 is a key for clearing a specified area and canceling the area copy mode, and the memory key 91 is a key for registering a specified area. When inputting certain coordinates with a pen, 901 is sent to the relay.
remains OFF, so a voltage is applied between Yl and YO,
Equivalent to Fig. 5-3, the control unit 60 reads the Y-direction coordinate as a voltage obtained by dividing the power supply voltage using DG-Y, and then the control unit 60 connects 901 to the relay ONL, X 1-X0
A voltage is applied between them, and the coordinates in the X direction are read in the same manner as shown in FIG. 5-2. Based on the read coordinate data, the area coordinates are set and the key force is also determined.

Determine the signal from the editor and register the copy mode and area specification coordinates. Also, when copy mode is specified, the buzzer will be activated at 60m5. When inputting area coordinates, press the buzzer 3.
It is set to 0m5. This is to remind the user of the editor input. The buzzer does not sound if the user's input to the editor is not valid.

The area for inputting coordinates of the editor area is 432x29
7mm, but considering the error of the editor, the maximum or minimum value was set to 5mm inside the area. That is, when specifying a point within 5 mm from the inside of the editor area, it is considered that a point 0 mm from the inside of the editor area has been specified.

Description of copy mode> Next, details of the copy mode will be described.

Mode 18 Single-sided original → double-sided copy (LED l 45 lights up) As shown in FIG. 6(a), double-sided copies are obtained from two originals.

In other words, set original A on the original table and press the copy key 117.
is pressed to form an image on one side of the transfer paper, then set the B original on the document table, and press the copy key 117 to form an image on the opposite side of the transfer paper.

Mode 2. Continuous page copying → double-sided copy (LED 146 lights up) As shown in FIG. 6(b), double-sided copies are obtained from sides A and B of the double-page document.

In other words, set the two-page spread document on the document table, and press the copy key 1.
When 17 is pressed, the A side is imaged on one side of the transfer paper, and then the B side is imaged on the opposite side of the transfer paper.

Mode 3. Single-sided original → multiple copy (LED 140 lights up) As shown in FIG. 6(C), multiple copies are obtained from two originals.

In other words, set original A on the original table and press the copy key 117.
is pressed to form an image on one side of the transfer paper, then set the B original on the document table, and press the copy key 117 to form an image on the one side of the 4A original on which the image was formed.

Mode 4. Page continuous shooting multiplex (LED l 41 lights up)
As shown in FIG. 6(d), A of the two-page spread manuscript.

Obtain multiple copies from side B. That is, when a two-page spread original is set on the document table and the copy key 117 is pressed, an image is formed on side A on one side of the transfer paper, and then an image is formed on side B on the same side of the transfer paper.

Mode 5. Page continuous color multiplex copy (LED 1
42 lights up) As shown in FIG. 6(e), a black copy is made on side A of a two-page spread document, and a color copy is made on side B, to obtain a color multiplex copy.

This is a mode in which the B side is a color copy during page snapshot multiplexing. Also, side A may be a color copy.

Mode 6: A mode in which the color within the specified area is colored and the color outside the area is black.

(LED 132 lights up) As shown in FIG. 6(a), the area is obtained by color copying the white color of the designated area and black copying of the color outside the area. When you set the original, specify the area, and press the copy key, the area within the area will be imaged in black on the transfer paper. Next, a color image is formed on the transfer paper outside the area. Alternatively, copying may be performed from outside the area first.

Mode 7: A mode in which the color within the specified area is black and the color outside the area is color.

(LED 133 lights up) As shown in FIG. 7(b), the area is obtained by copying the color within the specified area to black and copying the color outside the area to color. This is the reverse mode of mode 6.

Mode 8. A mode in which the color within the specified area is colored (the LED 134 is lit), as shown in FIG. 7(C), the color within the specified area is copied in color. When a document is set, an area is specified, and a copy key 117 is pressed, an image is formed in color on the transfer paper within the area.

Mode 9. A mode that colors the area outside the specified area. (LED 135 lights up) As shown in FIG. 7(d), the color outside the designated area is color-copied. When a document is set, an area is specified, and a copy key 117 is pressed, an image is formed in color on the transfer paper in the area outside the area.

Mode 10. A mode that changes the color within the specified area to black. (LED 136 lights up) As shown in FIG. 7(e), the color within the designated area is copied to black. When a document is set, an area is specified, and the copy key 117 is pressed, an image is formed in black on the transfer paper within the area.

Mode 11. A mode that changes the color outside the specified area to black. (LED 137 lights up) As shown in FIG. 7(f), the color outside the designated area is copied to black. When a document is set, an area is specified, and the copy key 117 is pressed, an image is formed on the transfer paper in black on the portion outside the area.

Due to the mechanism of the copying machine, there is only one paper path, so only one of the above modes 1 to 7, single copy, continuous page copy, double-sided continuous copy, and double-sided copy of double-sided original can be selected.

Only one of the modes 6 to 11 can be selected because selecting two or more will result in inconsistent images. Also, 8
~11 modes and binding margin key 14811 frame erase key 14
9 can only choose one for the above reasons.

When mode 5 to 11 is selected, color selection key 120
becomes invalid. This is because modes 5 to 11 also specify the color mode for copying.

Next, a case will be described in which a document feeding device (DF, ADF, RDF) is used when mode 1 or mode 3 is selected.

(1) When using DF, when a document is set on the DF document feed tray, the document is automatically fed and set at a predetermined position on the document tray of the main body. Then, the copying operation for the first side is started, copying is performed under the set copying conditions, the transfer paper is stored in the intermediate tray 40 or the second paper feeding section 23, and the copying operation for the first side is completed. The DF then ejects the original.

Next, in the same manner as described above, when the original is set on the DF's original feeding table and the original is automatically fed, the main body starts copying the second side. At this time, the transfer paper is fed from the first
Intermediate tray 40 in which face copies have been completed and stored.
Alternatively, the second paper feeding unit 23 is used. When the copying operation for the second side is completed, the DF discharges the original. Then, the series of copy operations is completed.

Also, set the original manually for the first side, and set the original in D for the second side.
Alternatively, the document may be set using the DF for the first side and manually for the second side.

(□2) When using the ADF, set the M document on the document feed table of the ADF and press the copy key 117 to automatically feed and eject the document. When the first side of the document is completely fed, if there is no second side of the document, the transfer paper is ejected from the machine and the copying operation is completed. However, when there is only one original, depending on the copy settings,
The transfer paper is stored in the intermediate tray 40 or the second paper feed section 23, and the copying operation for the first side is completed. Then, when the copy key 117 is pressed again, the copying operation for the second side is started. At this time, you can set the original manually, or
DF may also be used.

(3) When the copy key 117 is pressed during RDF, the RDF counts the number of originals by circulating the originals set on the original feed table. Then, if there is an odd number of sheets, the last original is made a one-sided copy.

Next, paper size regulations when modes 1 to 5 are selected will be described.

When making multiple double-sided copies, depending on the size of the transfer paper, the second
There are cases where the paper feed section 23 and the intermediate tray 40 cannot be used. When the size of the transfer paper makes it impossible to use the second paper feed section 23 and the intermediate tray 40, it is ejected from the machine and the copying operation is completed.

(1) When there is no intermediate tray 40 In the case of mode 1 and mode 3, it is necessary to exchange originals, so the settable number of copies per copy is "°l°".

(2) When using the intermediate tray 40 In the case of mode 1 and mode 3, since originals must be replaced, the number of copies that can be set is limited to the number of sheets that can be loaded on the intermediate tray. However, if the paper size is unusable in the intermediate tray 40 and the filter paper size is usable in the second paper feed section 23, the possible number of copies will be "1'°.Also, when feeding transfer paper from the manual feed tray 1" , the intermediate tray 40 cannot be used because transfer papers of different sizes may be stacked thereon.

When the intermediate tray 40 is used in a multiplex/double-sided copy mode other than mode 11 or mode 3, the number of copies that can be set is up to the number of sheets that can be loaded on the intermediate tray.

Explanation of jam processing> Next, jam processing will be explained.

If a jam occurs in a copy mode that does not use the intermediate tray 40 or the second paper feed section 23, clear the jam, press the reset button S15 (shown in the first diagram), and turn on the power switch 101 to resume copying. It becomes possible. Then, the copy mode returns to the one before the jam occurred. However, the number of completed copies is subtracted from the set number of copies and the remaining number of copies is displayed on the copy number display section 160. If the copy key 117 is pressed here, the remaining copy number is copied and the copying operation is completed.

If a jam occurs on the first side of the copy mode using the intermediate tray 40 or the second paper feed section 23, clear the jam, press the reset button in S15, and turn on the power switch 101 to return to a copy ready state. Become. At this time, the copy mode is the same as when the intermediate tray 40 or the second clam paper section 23 is not used. If you press the copy key 117 here, the remaining number of copies will be copied, and the first copy will be copied.
Complete the face copy operation. In double-sided/multiple copy modes other than mode 1.3, the second side copying operation is then performed. perform an action. Furthermore, if the user presses the stop key 116 or the reset key 119 in the copy ready state after the jam has been cleared, the user determines that he/she wants to cancel the copying of the first side, and the number of sheets of transfer paper in the intermediate tray 40 is displayed as the number of copies. 160 and waits for the copying operation of the second side.

When a jam occurs on the second side of the copy mode using the intermediate tray 40 or the second paper feed section 23, clear the jam, press the reset button in S15, and turn on the power switch 101 to return to a copy ready state. Become. At this time, the copy mode before the jam occurs is restored. However, the number of transfer sheets in the intermediate tray 40 is displayed on the copy number display section 160. If the copy key 117 is pressed here, the copying operation is performed until the intermediate tray 40 runs out of transfer paper. If there is no transfer paper in the intermediate tray 40 when the copying is possible after the jam has been cleared, the copying operation is completed.

Note that when a jam occurs, even if the power switch is turned off, the data before the jam occurs is retained as a backup. Further, even if the front door (not shown) is opened, the power supply to high voltage and the like is cut off.

Explanation of tonerless processing> Next, processing without toner will be explained.

(1) In the case of black toner, copying is not permitted in copy modes 5, 6, 7, 10, and 11.

Even if no black toner is detected during copying, the toner out display 1 will be displayed until the set number of copies is completed.
50-1 is not displayed.

Also, when copying using RDF, if the number of remaining original sheets and the desired number of copies are less than 100, copying will not be performed even if black toner is detected to be out during copying. To complete copying up to the last original without interruption. Furthermore, if the calculation result is 100 or more, it is possible that the lack of toner will affect the image, so the copying operation is interrupted when black toner exhaustion is detected.

(2) When there is no color toner, copy modes 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are not allowed.

During a copy operation, if the color toner runs out, the copy operation is interrupted at that point. This is because if the copying operation continues, the mixture ratio of toner and carrier becomes abnormal, and the carrier of the color developing device adheres to the drum, causing adverse effects such as scratches on the drum. However, when the transfer paper is stored in the second paper feed section 23, the single copy mode is used, and since the amount of color toner consumed is small, a series of copy operations is completed.

When copying using RDF, the number of remaining originals (
When the value is multiplied by the value of the set number of copies, and the value is less than a predetermined value, the copying operation is not interrupted even if no color toner is detected during copying, and copying is completed up to the last original. After detecting the absence of color toner while copying the second side of double-sided/multiple copying, the user turns off the power 101 and replenishes color toner. At that time, the transfer paper stored in the intermediate tray 40 or the second paper feed section 23 may be removed and copying may be interrupted. Therefore, 'the source switch 10
If there is no transfer paper in the intermediate tray 4o or the second paper feed section 23 when the copying paper No. 1 is loaded, the copying operation cannot be continued and the copying operation is put into a standby state.

The above toner-free state processing will be explained in more detail.

8 and 9 are flowcharts regarding display and copy control in the case of no toner, and FIG. 8 shows processing in a standby state, which will be explained first.

To determine the color of the developer specified by the developer interpretation key 120 described above (301-1), if the copy is black, select 3.
The presence or absence of toner in the developing device selected in step 02-1 is checked using a toner detection signal from a sensor (not shown);
If there is no toner, the no toner LED 150-1 lights up (
301-3), and also prohibits the start of black copy and the start of two-color copy (301-4). That is,
No input from the copy start key 117 is accepted. If there is black toner, the no-toner LED 150-1 is turned off': 301-6)L, and the copy start prohibition for two-color copying and black copying is canceled (301-7). Note that detection of the presence or absence of toner is performed using a well-known method. Further, even if the toner is detected to be out of toner, it does not mean that the toner is completely out; in fact, the toner out is detected with some margin.

In the case of color copying where a color developing device is selected, as with black copying, if the selected color developing device is out of color toner, the LED150-
1 is turned on (301-9), color copying and two-color copying are prohibited (301-10), and if there is toner, these are canceled (301-12.13). Among these, the two-color copy is the above-mentioned copy mode 5.6.7, and is a mode in which black and color developing devices are used alternately to obtain a two-color copy.

A case where the toner runs out during the next copy will be explained.

A flowchart is shown in FIG. 9, and the processing in this flowchart is checked every time one copy is executed. First, in step 302-1, it is determined whether the copy being executed is a black copy or a color copy. In the case of black copying, if no black toner is detected (302-2), the set number of copies being executed is calculated (302-3). If the circulating document feeder (RDF) is not used, this calculated value will be the number of copies set with the numeric keypad 122 in the operation unit 100, and if the RDF is used, this calculated value will be the number of copies set before copying starts. If the number of originals to be printed is known in advance, the number of copies set using the numeric keypad 122 of the operation unit 100 is multiplied by the number of originals.

It is determined whether the calculated total number of copies is 100 or more (302-4), and if it is 100 or more, a command is set to interrupt copying midway (302-5). In the case of color copying, it is determined in 303-6 whether toner is present, and if no toner is detected, it is determined in 302-7 whether or not the mode is multiple duplex or multiple copy mode using an intermediate tray, and multiple copying is performed. 3 for duplex or multiple copy mode
A copy interruption command is set in 02-5. In addition, in a mode in which the intermediate tray is not used, and in cases other than the first side of double-sided or multiple copying (302-8→302-5), a copy interruption command is similarly set. Also, if it is the first page, it will be executed without interruption. For example, if the toner runs out in multiple single-sided copy mode using a color developer, 302-1→
302-6→302-7, 302-8→302-5, and a command to interrupt copying midway is set.

In addition, in the above embodiment, when copying using a color developer, copying is immediately interrupted due to the lack of color toner, but when the set number of copies is relatively small (about 3 to 5 copies), the set number of copies can be changed. It can also be configured to complete the copy. Further, when copying a specified area using a color developing device, when the specified area is small, the amount of toner consumed per copy is small, so the number of copies that can be made can be further increased.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of this.
Connected to A in the figure. The presence or absence of color toner is determined during copying (303-1), and if toner is present, the color copy counter is cleared (303-2). Here, the color copy counter is a counter for counting the number of copies without toner. When the toner runs out, add 1 to this color copy counter to 303-
3) If the mode is other than Mead, which copies only the specified area, 303-7 determines whether the copy counter is 5 or more, and if it is less than 5, continues copying, and if it is 5 or more, 303-9 determines whether the copy counter is 5 or more. Set the copy interrupt command to interrupt copying midway. Also, in area copy mode, calculate the ratio of the specified area to the whole (303-5), if the ratio is 30% or more, perform the same process as the normal mode above, and if it is less than 30%, copy in 303-8. When the counter reaches 15 or more, a copy interruption command is issued at 303-9.

Further, although in FIG. 8, copy start is prohibited when there is no toner, it is easy to configure the apparatus so that copy start is possible when the number of sheets is less than a predetermined number.

Note that the copy area ratio can be calculated from the size of the selected copy paper, the copy magnification, and the coordinates of the designated area.

In this way, by combining with the set developer indicator 164, the toner-free indicator 150-1 can be used for both black and color.

Also, if the toner runs out while copying.

By distinguishing whether to continue copying or to stop copying according to the developing device copy mode being used at the time, two developing devices can be compactly implemented without impairing copy operability.

The above toner-free state processing will be explained in more detail.

8 and 9 are flowcharts regarding display and copy control in the case of no toner, and FIG. 8 shows processing in a standby state, which will be explained first.

301-1) to determine the color of the developer specified by the developer selection key 120 described in 11j), and in the case of black copying, the presence or absence of toner in the developer selected in 302-1 is determined (not shown). It is checked based on the toner detection signal from the sensor, and if there is no toner, the no toner LED 150-1 is turned on (301-3), and the start of black copying and two-color copying is prohibited (301-4). That is, input from the copy start key 117 is not accepted.

Also, if there is black toner, no toner LED150-
1 is turned off (301-6'), and the copy start prohibition for two-color copying and black copying is canceled (301-7). Note that detection of the presence or absence of toner is performed using a well-known method. Also,
Even if the toner is detected to be out of toner, it does not mean that the toner is completely out; in fact, the toner out is detected with some margin. In the case of a color copy in which a color developer is selected, the same applies as in the case of a black copy when the selected color developer is out of color toner.

Turn on the LED 150-1 (301-9).

Color copying and two-color copying are prohibited (301-10).

Also, if there is toner, release these (301-1
2.13'). Among these, two-color copying refers to copy modes 5 and 6.7 mentioned above, in which black and color developing units are used alternately.
This is the mode to get a copy of the color.

A case where the toner runs out during the next copy will be explained.

A flowchart is shown in FIG. 9, and the processing in this flowchart is checked every time one copy is executed. First, in step 302-1, it is determined whether the copy being executed is a black copy or a color copy. In the case of black copying, if no black toner is detected (302-2), the set number of copies being executed is calculated (302-3). If the circulating document feeder (RDF) is not used, this calculated value will be the number of copies set with the numeric keypad 122 in the operation unit 100, and if the RDF is used, this calculated value will be the number of copies set before copying starts. If the number of originals made is known in advance, the number will be the number of copies set using the numeric keypad 122 of the operation unit 100 multiplied by the number of originals.

It is determined whether the calculated total number of copies is 100 or more (302-4), and if it is ioo or more, a command is set to interrupt copying midway (302-5). In the case of color copying, 303-6 judges whether there is toner or not.
If no toner is detected, it is determined in 302-7 whether the mode is multiple duplex or multiple copy mode using an intermediate tray, and if the mode is multiple duplex or multiple copy mode, a copy interruption command is set in 302-5. do. Also, in a mode that does not use an intermediate tray, it is possible to make double-sided or multiple copies.
In cases other than face value (302-8→302-5), a copy interruption command is similarly set. Also, if it is the first page, it will be executed without interruption. For example, if you run out of toner in multiple single-sided copy mode using a one-color developer, 302-
1→302-6→302-7→302-8→302-5
and sends a command to interrupt copying midway through.

In addition, in the above embodiment, when copying is performed using a color developer, copying is interrupted more immediately without color toner, but when the set number of copies is relatively small (3 to
(approximately 5 sheets) can be configured so that the set number of copies can be completed. Further, when copying a specified area using a color developing device, when the specified area is small, the amount of toner consumed per copy is small, so the number of copies that can be made can be further increased.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of this.
Connected to A in the figure. The presence or absence of color toner is determined during copying (303-1), and if toner is present, the color copy counter is cleared (303-2). Here, the color copy counter is a counter for counting the number of copies without toner. If the toner runs out,
Add this color copy counter to +303-3)
, If the copy counter is not mead, which copies only the specified area, it is determined in 303-7 whether the copy counter is 5 or more, and if it is less than 5, copying is continued, and if it is 5 or more, 303-7 is used.
-9 sets the copy interrupt command and interrupts copying midway. In addition, in the area copy mode, the ratio of the specified area to the whole is calculated (303-5), and the ratio is 303-5).
If it is over 0%, perform the same process as the normal mode above, and set 30%.
% or less, at 303-8, and when the copy counter becomes 15 or more, a copy interruption command is issued at 303-9.

Further, in FIG. 8, copy start is prohibited when there is no toner, but it is easy to configure such that copy start is enabled when the number of sheets is less than a predetermined number.

Note that the copy area ratio can be calculated from the size of the selected copy paper, the copy magnification, and the coordinates of the designated area.

In this way, by combining the set developing unit indicators 164, the toner-free indicator 150-1 can be used for both black and color.

In addition, when toner runs out during copying, two developing devices can be implemented compactly without compromising copying operability by distinguishing whether to continue copying or to stop copying according to the developing device copy mode being used at the time. be able to.

Description of Editor II> FIG. 16 is a flowchart regarding processing of input values from the editor.

To determine whether the input data is area coordinates, S te
p4-2), if the area coordinates, the buzzer is 30m5ec.
Sound (Step 4-3).

Then, the input data from the editor is corrected to obtain a better image (Step 4-4). The correction value is stored in RAM (Step 4-5).

5 steps to determine whether the input data is key human coordinates
4-1) If the key is manual coordinates, turn on the buzzer at 60m5ec4
j% (Step 4-6).

Then, the copy mode is set and canceled based on the input data (Step 4-7).

Next, the details of Steps 4-3 to 4-7 (7) will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of 5tep4-3. First, turn on the buzzer (5 steps 4-3-1)
Sound the buzzer. Then, in that state for 30m5ec (S
step 4-3-2) 1 and turn off the buzzer 5 steps
4-3-3) Stop the buzzer.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of 5steps 4-7.

First, turn on the buzzer (5 steps 4-7-1). And in that state for 60m5ec (Step 4-
7-2), then turn off the buzzer and stop the buzzer (S
step4-7-3), Step4-3 and 4
As shown in -7, the time the buzzer sounds differs depending on the input of the copy mode and the input of the area coordinates.

This is to make the user reconfirm the input mode and reduce erroneous operations. Further, as another embodiment, instead of sounding a buzzer, it is also possible to make a difference in the duration of one blink of an LED or the like.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of 5tep4-4. Here, the length of the area coordinate range of the editor in the X direction is defined as x, and the length in the Y direction is defined as ly. First, it is determined whether the input data X in the X direction is within 5 mm from the edge of the area range (Step 4-4-1), and if it is within 5 mm, the input data X is set to 0 (Step 4-4-2). . Determine whether the input data Y is within 5 mm from the edge (S
te p4-4-3).

If it is within 5mm, set input data Y to 0 (S t
e p 4-4-4), input data X! ;LX-
If it is 5 mm or more (Step 4-4-5).

Set input data X to lx (Step 4-4-6)
, if the input data Y is ly-5mm or more (S te
p4-4-7), set input data Y to statement y (
Step 4-4-8) This is to prevent unnecessary images from being formed on the edge of the copy paper due to an error when specifying the edge of the editor area when specifying the masking/trimming area. It's for a reason.

Further, as another embodiment, when the document size can be detected (for example, a plurality of document detection sensors are provided under the document platen glass, and the document size is detected by a combination of their outputs.

), the length ux in the X direction and the length y in the Y direction are set to the document size. When this is implemented, Step 4-4-6 is performed in the above implementation method.

Since the correction in step 4-4-8 was performed uniformly regardless of the original size, it was not effective for originals smaller than text X and text y.

However, if the original size can be detected, corrections of 5 steps 4-4-6 and 5 steps 4-4-8 can be made according to the original size, and image formation by masking e-trimming will be better than in the above embodiment.

The data corrected in step 5step 4-4 is stored in the RAM. By using the trimming/masking image forming method described below, masking/trimming of a plurality of areas that are separated from each other or that overlap is possible.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing that area coordinates, color mode, and multiple mode can be input from the editor.

If the input data is the area copy mode key 93 (FIG. 5-1) (Step 4-7-1), the copy mode of mode 6 described above is selected (Step 4-7-11).

If the input data is the area copy mode key 94 (S t
e p4-7-2), the copy mode of mode 5 described above is selected (Step 4-7-10).

If the input data is the area copy mode key 95 (S t
e p4-7-3), the copy mode of mode 4 described above is selected (Step 4-7-9).

If the input data is the area copy mode key 96 (S t
e p4-7-4), the above-mentioned copy mode 3 is selected (Step 4-7-19).

If the input data is the area copy mode key 97 (S t
e p 4-7-5), the above-mentioned copy mode 2 is selected (Step 4-7-18).

If the input data is the area copy mode key 98 (S t
e p4-7-6), the above-mentioned copy mode (7) mode 1 is selected (Step 4-7-17).

If the input data is the memory key 91 (Step 4-7-7), determine whether the area of the registered area is 0 (Step 4-7-14),
If the area size is O, a copy prohibition flag is set (Step 4-7-16).

Further, if the area area is not 0, area registration is performed (4-7-15). The area can be easily calculated from the coordinates of two points in the specified area.

If the input data is the clear key 92 (Step 4-7-
8) Determine whether any of the mode keys 91.93 to 98 above is selected. Step 4-7-12
), 'M is selected, the selected mode is cleared using keys 91, 93 to 98.

With the above, you can specify the area from the editor,
Color mode and multiplex mode can be selected.

You can also easily add a double-sided mode to the editor.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart in which the copy operation is not executed when the area of the registration area is 0. copy key 117
A copy operation start flag is set by turning on 0 or the like. Determine whether the copy operation start flag is set (step 12-1), and if it is set, determine whether the copy prohibition flag is set (step 12-1).
step12-2), if set, prohibits the start of a copy operation. If the copy prohibition flag is not set, start the copy operation (Step 12-3)
.

This prohibits copying when an invalid area is registered. This is to notify the user when invalid area registration is executed due to user error.

Also, if you want to change the editor's manual correction value, you can do so by following the steps below. First, press the asterisk key 121, press ■ on the numeric keypad 122,
Press the asterisk key 121. ) and enters the editor input correction value change mode by pressing the key.

Subsequently, by pressing the (3) key (press (2) on the numeric keypad 122 and press the asterisk key 121), the correction value input by the editor is changed to 3 mm. Also, if you press numeric keypad 122 times instead of (2) on numeric keypad 122, the correction value of the editor input will be
This means that it has been changed to mm. This means a key that does not perform corrections on editor input. As described above, correcting editor input is performed using the flowchart in Figure 19).
5tep4-4-1.4-4-s, 4-4-5.4
This means that the value of 5 mm shown in -4-7 has been changed.

Explanation of area specification using keys〉 Next, section 6 explains area specification using keys and inputting coordinates.
This will be explained using FIG. 4 and FIG. 865. An area memory (not shown) stores in advance three rectangular areas represented by two points located on the diagonal of the area. Note that the data is memorized even when used for the first time. Therefore, when performing area specified copying, the user selects which of the three areas to make valid.

Note that there are three combinations of areas that can be selected: Area 1 only, Areas 1 and 2) Areas 1, 2, and 3. This section explains how to specify an area. First, area key 128
When is pressed once, LED 138-1 (Fig. 64) lights up, and in this state only area 1 becomes valid. When area key 128 is pressed for the second time, LEDs 138-1 and 138-
2 lights up, and in this state Area 1 and Area 2 are enabled. If you press the third time, LE0138-1.138-2.1
38-3 lights up, and in this state areas 1, 2.3 become valid. When pressed a fourth time, all of the LEDs 138 go out and the area designation is canceled.

As mentioned above, four pieces of coordinate data are stored in each of the three areas, and a case in which these data are changed will be described.

First, press area key 12 to specify the area you want to change.
Press 8. Area 1 each time you press the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd time.
．． Area 2. Area 3 is selected and, as shown in FIG. 65, a base pointer BP indicating the data to be changed is specified.

Note that the display on the LED 138 at this time is the same as in the case of valid area designation described above.

After specifying the area to be changed, by pressing the point key 104, the coordinates to be changed can be selected. First, when the point key 104 is pressed, the LED 139-1 blinks, the base pointer is designated as xl, and the coordinates of xl can be input. At this time, the currently stored x
The data of l is displayed on the magnification display section 154. Furthermore, Xt
is the X coordinate of the lower left corner of the area.

x2 is the X coordinate of the upper right corner, Yl is the X coordinate of the lower left corner, and Y2 is the X coordinate of the upper right corner.

When changing the xl data, it can be done using the numeric keypad 122 or the zoom magnification key 109. Note that when changing the value using the zoom magnification key 109, the 1 display section 15
Increase or decrease the value displayed in 4.

Then, when the point key 104 is pressed, the magnification display section 15
The data displayed on 4 is stored as data on Xl, and the currently stored data on x2 is displayed on display section 154, and the base pointer moves to x2. Furthermore, LED139-1 changes from blinking to lighting, and x2 LE
D139-2 blinks. When it is necessary to change the data of x2, the same operation as above is performed, and the data can be changed in the order of Yl and Y2 by pressing the point key 104 in the same manner. Press point key 109 and Y2
When the data is memorized, the four LEDs x1 to Y2
139-1-139-4 goes out.

In addition, when the base pointer is not selected.

That is, when all of the LEDs 138-1 to 138-3 are off, the data of Xl-Y2 cannot be changed even if the point key 104 is pressed.

Furthermore, when the point key 104 is pressed, the LED 138 of the selected area decreases, allowing the user to confirm the value of the base pointer. When the storage of data up to Y2 is completed, the LED 138 of the selected area changes from blinking to lighting, but the base pointer does not change unless the area key 128 is pressed.

Also, if you press the area key 128 while any of the LEDs in Xl-Y2(7) LED l 39 is flashing or lit, the base pointer will move to the next area, but the base pointer will not be specified in area 3. If so, the data change mode will be canceled.

Explanation of Blank Exposure> Next, the area designation control of the LED array 14 will be described.

Figure 822 shows a portion of the RAM, in which an area necessary for control is secured. In order to simplify the explanation, there are only two areas in which the area can be specified. 200-5 stores the data of the area set by the operation unit 1oo or the editor 70, and 200-1 stores the data of the area set by the operation unit 1oo or the editor 70. Start data in the X direction (optical system scan direction) of area 0, 20
0-2 is the end data of area O in the X direction, 200-3 is the start position data of area O in the Y direction (vertical direction), 200
-4 is the Y direction end data of area 0. Four pieces of data are set for one area, and area 1
The same applies to 200-6 is 200-3°20
This is 0N10FF data of the LED corresponding to data 0-4, and in this embodiment, 5×24 bits are provided, and 1 bit corresponds to one LED.

For example, 100°200-4 to 200-3 (YOE)
When (YOE) is set to 200, the LED array 14 has LEDs arranged at a pitch of 2.5 mm, so 200-6 is 100/2.5 = 20072.5 = 80 from the 40th bit. The first bit is 1, and all other bits are set to O.

Similarly, data corresponding to the Y direction data of area 1 is set in 200-7. 200-8 is the area used when changing the lighting pattern of the LED array, and 200-6
, 200-7 are provided. 200
-9 is an area in which the LED array is actually set in a dynamically lit state, and as will be described later, data in this area is output corresponding to each digit to drive the transistor group 82. 200-1o.

200-11 is an output data switching flag and an output current switching flag used when changing the lighting state of the LED array. 200-12 is a digit counter used to control which digit is output.

FIG. 23 shows how the LED array 14 corresponds to the area.
This is a flow showing how to control.

When copying starts, the optical system starts scanning in the X direction. In 201-1, it is determined whether the copy is within the area, and if it is the copy within the 5 area, the process proceeds to 201-2 and the LED output data 200-
Set all l to 9. This causes all LED arrays 14 to light up and all images to be erased. If it is not an intra-area copy, the process goes to 201-3 and all O's are set in the LED output data 200-9. As a result, all the LED arrays 14 are turned off, and an image appears in all parts in the Y direction. Then, in step 201-4, it is determined whether it is the start timing for area 0 (7) in the X direction or not.

If so, the process proceeds to 201-12, and it is determined whether the end timing of area l in the X direction is reached. If NO, 201-1
8, it is similarly determined whether or not it is the start timing of area I in the X direction. If NO, it is determined in steps 201 to 20 whether or not it is the end timing of area l in the X direction. N
If it is O, the process advances to 201-22 and it is determined whether it is the optical system reversal timing. If NO, proceed to 201-4. If the timing to process is not reached like this, 201-4 → 2
01-12→201-18.201-20-201-2
Repeat the loop of 2-201-4.

Here, when the start timing in the X direction of area O is reached, the process proceeds from 201-4 to 201-5 and a series of processes is performed.

In 201-5, it is determined whether the start timing in the direction of area O is within area I, and if YES, the process advances to 201-6. In this case, since area 0 and area 1 overlap, the logical sum of area 0 LED data 200-6 and area 0 LED data 200-7 is set in LED output buffer 200-8, and the process proceeds to 201-8. On the other hand, if NO in 201-5, the starting position of area O in the X direction does not overlap with area 1. Therefore, LED output buffer 200-8 contains LED data 200-6 of area O.
Set the contents as is. Then, proceed to 201-8. In 201-8, it is determined whether or not the copy is within the area, and if it is the copy within the area, the process advances to 201-9.

201-9 inverts the contents of the LED output buffer 200-8, and 201-10 inverts the output current switching flag 200-1.
Set 1 and return to 201-4. Due to this,
For example, in the example above <200-3, 200-4 is too
, 200 is set, the LEDs at positions in the Y direction corresponding to 100 to 200 will turn off, and the other LEDs will turn off.
will now be turned off, and images will be output only inside the predetermined area. Further, as will be described later, since only the output current switching flag 200-11 is set, the lighting state of the LED array 14 is switched after one cycle of digits O to 4 is strongly lit in the previous lighting state of the LED array 14. On the other hand, if it is determined in 201-8 that it is not an intra-area copy, the process proceeds to 201-11, where both the output data switching flag 200-10 and the output current switching flag 200-11 are set to 5. The LED output buffers are not inverted, so <200-3°200-3 as in the previous example.
If 100 and 200 are set in 4, only the LEDs corresponding to 100 to 200 in the Y direction will light up.
The image in that area will be deleted. Also, since both the output data switching flag 200-10 and the output current switching flag 200-11 are set, the lighting state of the LED array 14 is switched from the next digit O timing, and only for one cycle, as described later. It will be in a strongly lit state. 2
Return to 01-4.

Next, the case where the end timing of area 0 in the X direction is reached will be explained. The process proceeds from 201-12 to 201-13, and it is determined whether the end timing of area 0 in the X direction is between the start position and end position of area l. If YES, the process advances to 201-14, and although the copying of area O has been completed, the end position of area O in the X direction is included in area l, so area ILED is added to LED output buffer 200-8. Set data 200-7.

On the other hand, if No in 201-13, the process advances to 201-15, and since the end position of area O in the X direction is not included in any area, all O's are set in the LED output huffer 200-8. Next, in 201-16, it is determined whether it is a medium copy or not, and if it is a medium copy, the process goes to 201-17 and the LED is displayed as before.
Invert the contents of output buffer 200-8. And 2
The output data switching flag 200-10 and the output current switching flag 200-11 are set in 01-11, and the output data switching flag 200-11 is set in 201-4.
Return to On the other hand, if 201-16 is No, 201-10
Proceeds to step 201, where only the output current switching flag is set.
- Return to 4.

Next, when the start timing of area l in the X direction comes, 2
The process advances from 01-18 to 201-19, and in 201-19, the same process as in the case of the start timing in the X direction of area O described above is performed.

This is a process in which the area numbers O and 1 are changed, and the explanation will be omitted.

Also, if it is the end timing of area 1 direction, 2
The process advances from 01-20 to 201-21, and here processing is performed with the area numbers 0 and 1 different from the above-described case of the end timing in the X direction of area O. When the timing of reversal comes as the optical system scans, the transition from 201-22 to 201-
23, and set all LED output data 200-9 to 1.
Then, all the LED arrays 14 are turned on and unnecessary images are erased.
Also, the optical system begins to move backward and one cycle ends. The same applies when there are three or more areas.

Next, the portion that controls the dynamic lighting of the LED array 14 will be explained with reference to FIG.

This routine is executed by a timer interrupt every 1m5ec.

First, the operation when both the output current switching flag 200-11 and the output data switching flag 200-10 are not set will be described. The digit counter 200-12 is updated at 202-1.6 In this embodiment, the digits are from O to 4, and the digit counter 200-1
2 is also updated with a value from O to 4. If it is not O, the process goes to 202-11, and if it is 0, the process goes to 202-3 to turn off the strong lighting. 202-4 → 202-8 → 202-11
Then, the digit output and segment output corresponding to the digit counter 200-12 are set. For example, if the digit counter 200-12 is O, digit 0 is turned on, and the segment output is set to LE.
The contents of data 200-13 corresponding to digit O in D output data 200-9 are output. If it is 1, the corresponding LED is turned on, and if it is O, the corresponding LED is turned off.

And it ends. The digit counter is updated sequentially, and at the next timing, digit 1 is turned on at 202-11, and the contents of 200-14 corresponding to digit 1 of LED output data 200-9 are output to the segment output. be done.

Next, a case where both the output current switching flag 200-11 and the output data switching flag 200-10 are set will be described. The content of digit counter 200-12 is 0
The same process as described above is performed until O is reached, and when O is reached, 2
Proceed from 02-2 to 202-3 and turn off the strong lighting. At this time, the strong lighting is off in the previous state, so it has no meaning here.

Next, it changes from 202-4 to 202-5, and the strong lighting is turned on.
Reset the output current switching flag 200-11. Next, proceed from 202-6 to 202-9, reset the output data switching flag 200-10, and turn on the LED at 202-10.
The contents of the output buffer 200-8 are transferred to the LED output gator 20.
Set to 0-9. Then, the process of 202-11 is performed and the process ends. Then, digit counter 200-1
When 2 becomes 0, 202 = 2 → 202-3, the strong lighting is turned off, and since both flags have already been reset, the flow changes from 202-4 → 202-8 → 202-11, and normal processing is performed. Therefore, the LED array output state changes at the timing of digit O, and from there, for one cycle,
The strong lighting turns on.

Next, the operation when only the output current switching flag 200-11 is set will be explained.

200 when digit counter 200-12 reaches 0
-2 → 202-3 and turns off the strong lighting. 202-4
→202-5 and performs the same processing as described above. This time it changes from 202-6 to 202-7 and output data switching flag 2
02-11 is set, and the process ends after passing through 202-11.

Next, when the digit counter 202-12 becomes 0, 2
02-2 → 202-3, and the strong lighting is turned off. 202
-4 → 202-8 → 202-9, the output data switching flag 200-10 is reset, and at 202-10, the output data switching flag 200-10 is reset.
LED output buffer 200 to ED output data 200-9
-8 is set, and the output state of the LED array 14 is changed. Therefore, the output state of the LED array 14 is turned on for a little more than one cycle from digit O in the output state of the LED array 14 one cycle before, and then the output state of the LED array 14 is updated.

FIG. 25 shows the timing of changing the digit output, strong current, and LED output data. In FIG. 25, time t1
is the start or end timing of the area, and at this time, the above-mentioned output current switching flag 200-11 and output data switching 7
The contents of the LED output buffer 200-9 are set by the mode of image conversion.

Strong lighting indicates the first digit O output timing E
It turns on at 2 and then turns off after one period T. On the other hand, LE
D output data is changed at timing t2 or t3 depending on the image conversion mode and whether the area starts or ends. The time t2 is used to change the area end timing for intra-area copying and the area start timing for out-of-area copying. Furthermore, the changes made at t3 are the area end timing for out-of-area copying and the area start timing for intra-area copying. As a result, as shown in FIG. 26, strong lighting is turned on on the non-image area side at the boundary between the image area 204-2 and the non-image area 204-1 in either the intra-area copy mode or the outer-area copy mode. As a result, sharp edges are maintained. Furthermore, by changing the lighting state of the LED in synchronization with the timing of digit 0, the edge becomes more linear. The situation is shown in FIG. 27.

In Figure 27, 205-1 is LE with digit 2, for example.
This shows the case where the lighting of D is switched from all off to all on. In this embodiment, d is the distance that the drum travels in 1 ms e c, but as shown in the figure, a maximum deviation of 4 d occurs. However, by synchronizing with digit 0 as in the present invention, the deviation is always d as shown in 205-2, so the boundary portion appears smooth. Also L
Further linearity can be achieved by installing the ED array at an angle.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the output result when there are two areas in the intra-area copy mode, and the shaded area is the area where the image is output. As described above, since the logical sum of the two regions is calculated, an image of only the desired portion can be obtained even if the two regions are separated or overlap.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the output result when there are two areas in the out-of-area copy mode, and the shaded area is the area where the image appears. As with intra-area copying, a desired portion of the image can be erased even if the areas are far apart or overlap.

Description of Editor ■> Next, different embodiments of area specification will be described. FIG. 30 shows an editor 250-1, in which 250-2 is a section for setting an image conversion mode, and 250-3 is a section for specifying an area.

In the mode setting part, fill specification of 250-4, 2
There are 50-5 color specification within the area, 250-6 color specification outside the area, 250-7 area black and white specification, 250-8 area black specification, and 2 points for the area specification part 250-3. By pressing the mode setting part after specifying
When an area (a rectangle with two diagonal points) is set, the mode of the area is registered.

The filling designation 250-4 is for filling the set area in color regardless of the state of the document. 25
0-5 color specification within the area outputs an image with color toner only inside the set area, and 250-6 color specification outside the area outputs an image in color only outside the set area. be. 250-7 area black and white specification outputs the image in black only inside the set area, and 250-7
The outside black designation of 0-8 outputs an image in black only outside the set area.

FIG. 31 shows an area data area 251-7 provided in the RAM for storing specified area data.In one area specification 251-6, a specified mode, for example, an inner light , outer black, etc., and parts 251-2 to 251-5 to store coordinates of designated areas. In the castle data area 251-7, a plurality of pieces of data 251-6 regarding one area designation are set. When two points on the area designation part 250-3 are pressed and then the mode designation part 250-2 is pressed, the mode changes to 251-1.
Also, point data is stored in 251-2 to 251-5.

The 32nd copy operation after the next copy command is input is
This will be explained according to the diagram. First, in step 252-1, all locations where the mode of area data area 251-6 is stored are searched and inspected. At step 252-2, it is determined whether a black fill mode or a red fill mode is set therein. First, the case where it is set will be explained. At step 252-3, transfer paper is fed from the cassette, and as described later, a copying operation is performed in which only the portion corresponding to the designated filling area is filled in with the designated color. The transfer paper is set in the second paper feed section 23 with the copied side facing down.

At this time, the transfer paper is placed at the designated 255 as shown in Figure 35.
Only the -2 part is filled with color, and the other parts are white. At 252-4, it is determined whether there is a specification of the color within the area or the color mode outside the area, and if No, the 25
Proceed to 2-7. If YES, determine in 252-5 whether area black and white mode or outside area black mode is specified, and NO
If so, proceed to 252-7; if YES, proceed to 252-6. Therefore, if you want to make both color and black copies, 252
-6 to copy one color, 252-7
It looks like it's going to move on. 252-6 feeds paper from the second paper feed section, performs color copying in the area specification mode to the specified area as described above, and transfers the transfer paper to the second paper feed section again with the copied side facing down. Set. Next 252
At -8, paper is fed from the second paper feed section, black copy is made in the area specification mode to the designated area, the transfer paper is discharged outside the machine, and the copying operation is completed.

Therefore, in this case, as shown in FIG. 35, a fill-in copy is first made, then a red copy is made on the same side, and finally a black copy is made on the same side, and the process is completed.

On the other hand, if the process advances to 252-7, paper is fed from the second paper feed section 23, a copying operation is performed according to the designated color and area, and the transfer paper is discharged outside the machine, and the process ends.

Next, the case where no fill mode is specified will be explained. The process proceeds from 252-2 to 252-9, and in 252-9 it is determined whether there is an inside color mode or an outside color mode. If NO, proceed to 252-12; if YES, proceed to 252-10. In 252-10, it is determined whether or not the area black and white or area heat mode is set; if yes, proceed to 252-11; if not, proceed to 252-11. If so, proceed to 252-12. In other words, if it is necessary to make both a color copy and a black copy, proceed to 252-11; if only one is required, proceed to 252-11.
Proceed to -12. 252-11 feeds paper from a cassette,
Copy the specified area in color, and
Load the paper into the paper feed section 23 with the copied side facing down. Next, at 252-8, the paper is fed from the second paper feed section as described above, a black copy is made, and the paper is ejected outside the machine, and the process ends. On the other hand 252-12
If the process advances to , paper is fed from the cassette, copying is performed according to the specified color and area, and the transfer paper is ejected to the outside of the machine and the process ends.

Next, fill-in copy will be explained.

When filling in the image, by leaving the exposure lamp 24 off, an electrostatic latent image of a dark image is formed on the photosensitive drum 20. Therefore, as explained above regarding area copying, by selectively lighting up the LED array 14 at the timing according to the designated area, it is possible to erase the latent image of the unnecessary part and output only the desired part as a solid image. I can do it. The flow is shown in FIG. 33.

At step 253-1, the LED array 14 is fully turned on, and thereafter, feeding of the transfer paper is started at a predetermined timing.

Next, it is determined at 253-2 whether or not it is the area start timing, and if NO, the loop is repeated at 253-2. Thereafter, when the area start timing comes, the I and ED arrays 14 are selectively turned on in accordance with the Y-direction coordinates of the designated area at step 253-3.

Next, in step 253-4, it is determined whether the end timing of the area in the X direction has come. When the end timing of the area in the X direction is reached, the LED array 14 is completely turned on in step 253-5, and the image is erased over the entire area. Then, it is determined by counting pulses at 253-6 whether or not the development for the size of the transfer paper has been completed, and if YES, one cycle is completed.

Next, an example of the copy result is shown in FIG.

In the diagram, 254-4 is filled in with color,
254-3 is copied in black, this is 254-4
The image inside is similar, and as shown in the figure, black characters "A B C" (corresponding to the original) are output on the colored area 254-4. 254
In -2, the original is copied in color, and the image in other parts has been deleted. The operation when such a copy result is desired is as follows. Manuscript editor 250-
Set it to 1 and input two points on the diagonal of the area 254-4 using the editor. Next, specify the fill mode of 250-4. Press two points on the diagonal line of the area 254-3, and then press the area color designation part 250-5. 2
Press two diagonal points in the area 54-2. Finally 250-
Press the area black and white designation section of 7. Then, place the original on the document table and press the copy key. With these input operations, first 2
The filled portion of the area 54-4 is copied, then the portion 254-2 is copied in color on the same side, and finally the portion 254-3 is copied in black, and the copying ends automatically. In this way, it can be performed with very simple operations. Furthermore, since the filled-in copy is performed first, the original can be copied over the filled-in area, and a good copy can be obtained, for example, when trying to make a title part stand out. In addition, you can input the color part, black part, and fill-in part at the same time, which makes the operation very intuitive and eliminates the hassle of setting the document on the editor or document table many times. Moreover, it is consistent with human thinking.

Furthermore, by using an LED with a narrow irradiation width, it is also possible to draw a thin line such as an underline.

In the example of the output result shown in Fig. 34, there is only one area in each of the color within area, black and white area, and fill mode, but it goes without saying that multiple areas are possible as explained above. be. Further, although only the mode shown in FIG. 30 is registered for one area, it is also possible to add, for example, copy magnification and position specification of where on the transfer paper the image of the area should be displayed.

The copy magnification and position designation are added to the section 251-1 shown in FIG. 31 where the mode is recorded.

During a copy operation, for example, two areas with color inside are registered, and one of them is 100% (area 1).
If the other one is set to 64% (area 2), 252-6 or 25% in the flowchart shown in FIG.
The operation in step 2-11 may be performed as follows. 10
A color copy is made of only area l at a copying magnification of 0%, and the transfer paper is set in the second paper feed section 23.

Next, change the magnification and set the copy magnification of 64% to the second paper feed section 23.
A color copy is made of only area 2, and the transfer paper is set in the second paper feeding section 23 again. Further, the position can be specified by calculating the difference between the position specification value and the area position and shifting the transfer timing of the transfer paper by the difference (only in the X direction in this embodiment). Similarly, in the case where a position is specified, for example, if the amount of deviation in the feeding timing of the transfer paper due to the specified position in a certain area is different from the amount of deviation in another area, multiple copying may be performed by dividing into two exposures.

Furthermore, if multiple copies are made on a single sheet of transfer paper many times, the transfer paper will be damaged, leading to poor conveyance and paper jams, or poor transfer performance, making it impossible to obtain good images. Therefore, each time an area is registered, the number of times that multiple copies must be made is calculated, and if it exceeds a predetermined value, registration is prohibited and a warning is displayed.

In the above embodiments, the images of each designated area are multiple-copied onto the same transfer paper, but each area may be copied onto separate transfer paper. In addition, in such a mode, it is possible for the image of the designated area to appear at the leading edge or center of the transfer paper. trouble key 121
, press (2) on the numeric keypad 122, and press the trouble key 121.
By pressing , you can specify that the specified area be copied onto separate transfer paper.

By pressing the blank key 121, pressing (2) on the numeric keypad 122, and pressing the blank key 121, it is possible to specify that one image should be aligned with the leading edge of the transfer paper.

Furthermore, press the trouble key 121, press the mark on the numeric keypad 122,
By pressing the print key 121, it is possible to specify that one image be placed in the center of the transfer paper.

At the start of the copying operation, first, copying is performed according to the mode and coordinates set at the beginning of the area data area shown in FIG. 31, and then the transfer paper is discharged outside the machine. If the mode set at the beginning is in trouble, the transfer paper feed timing is delayed by xO. If the mode set at the beginning is difficult, the next calculation is performed.

However, if the value of T is positive, the transfer timing of the transfer paper is delayed by T. On the other hand, if the value of T is negative, the transfer timing of the transfer paper is advanced by ITI.

Next, referring to the second area designation of the area data area in FIG. 31, if it is registered, it is similarly copied and ejected from the machine.

Then, copying is performed sequentially, and all areas registered in the area data area of FIG. 31 are copied, and the series of copying operations is completed.

As described above, according to the present invention, for example, when filing newspaper articles item by item, a plurality of new articles can be specified at once. It is also possible to copy onto separate transfer sheets with a single copy command. Furthermore, it is very convenient because the article can be copied to a desired position on the transfer paper.

Figure 35-1 shows the output result when two areas are specified to appear in the center of separate transfer sheets.
35-12 and 35-13 are designated for the original, and the portion 35-12 is copied onto the center portion 35-15 of the transfer paper 35-14. Also, the center portion 3 of the transfer paper 35-16
The part 35-13 is copied to 5-17.

Description of Copy Paper Conveyance Path> As described above, this embodiment has two systems of copy paper refeeding mechanisms for realizing double-sided copying or multiple copying. That is, the second paper feed section 23 and the intermediate tray 40
It is. Which of these is used depends on the copy mode.

That is, the copy program determines the optimal system based on the size of the copy paper and the set number of copies. The former is a paper refeed unit that is essential for realizing double-sided and multiple copying.
Since horizontal registration is easy with the mechanism described later, there is a degree of freedom in paper size. However, you cannot store more than one sheet of paper there. On the other hand, the latter allows multiple sheets of paper to be stacked, but horizontal alignment can only be done to a predetermined fixed size.

Part 63: How to choose a paper path for double-sided/multiple copying
This will be explained according to the diagram.

When a copy operation is started by a copy command, first 270
-1, it is determined whether double-sided/multiple copying is to be performed on the same original, that is, without exchanging originals. For example, in the case of a mode in which a predetermined portion of a document is copied in color and other portions are copied in black, the answer is YES. If YES, 270-2
to determine whether the original is a standard size. If it is not a standard size, the process advances to 270-5 and the second paper feed section 23 is unconditionally loaded.
Select. If YES, the process advances to 270-4, where it is determined whether the set number of copies is one, and if YES, the process similarly advances to 270-5. If NO, it is determined in 270-4 whether the set copy number is greater than 30 sheets, which is the maximum number of sheets that can be loaded on the intermediate tray 40, and if YES, the process advances to 270-5.
If so, proceed to 270-8.

270-5 copies one sheet and transfers the transfer paper to the second paper feed section 23.
Then, at 270-6, the paper is re-fed from the second candy paper section 23, copies are made, and the transfer paper is discharged outside the machine.

270-7 determines whether copying of the number of sheets set has been completed, and if No, 270-5 → 270-6 → 270
-7 loop is repeated, the copying operation continues until the set number of copies is completed, and then ends. On the other hand, if the process advances to 270-8, the intermediate tray 40 is used to perform a copying operation. 270-8 copies the set number of sheets and sets the transfer paper on the intermediate tray 40. Next, at 270-9, the paper is re-fed from the intermediate tray 40, a set number of copies are made, and the paper is ejected to the outside of the machine for winter.

If the determination at 270-1 is NO, the process advances to 270-10. 270-10 determines whether the original is a standard size, and
If O, the copy setting number is set to 1 at 270-17, and the process proceeds to 270-18. If YES, determine whether the set number of copies is 1 at 270-11; if YES, 27
The process advances to step 0-18 and the second paper feed section 23 is selected.

If no, select intermediate tray 40, 270-12
Determine the number of copies, and if it is 30 or more, it is 270-1
Step 3 sets the number of copies to 30.

Next, at 270-14, the set number of copies are made in the same manner as at 270-8, and the copies are set on the intermediate tray.

When the original is replaced at 270-15 and a copy command is output, copying is performed at 270-16 in the same manner as at 270-9, and the process ends. On the other hand, when the second paper feed section 23 is selected, the second paper feed section 23 is selected.
Copy 70-18 in the same way as 270-5, and 270-1
When the original is exchanged at 9 and a copy command is output, 270
At -20, copy in the same way as 270-6 and end.

As explained above, in this embodiment, paper is sent to the intermediate tray 40 for temporary multiplex/double-sided copying, for copying other than standard sizes, that is, for paper feeding from a universal cassette or manual feed tray, and for single-sheet copying. First, the paper is sent directly to the second paper feed section 23 to be re-fed, and when a fixed size and a large number of sheets are to be copied, the paper is once stacked on the intermediate tray 40 and then sent to the second paper feed section 23 to be re-fed.

The selection of which of the two types of systems to use is not made by the operator, but is done automatically by the sequence program, so the operator does not have to think about it each time, and control is always performed using the optimal system. In addition, non-standard multiple copies can be performed one by one using the second candy paper without using an intermediate tray. Furthermore, the inconvenience of transfer paper (
Unnecessary trouble can be avoided by determining whether the size is too small (e.g., the size is too small) and discharging it outside the machine without performing duplex/multiple copy processing.

The copying apparatus of this embodiment can also be equipped with an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF), and the ADF is shown in FIG. Various methods have been proposed in the past, and their operations will be briefly explained here. In FIG. 61, 260-12 is an ADF that can set a plurality of originals and automatically feeds them, 260-11 is an original tray for setting originals, 260-10 is an original sensor that detects originals, 260 -1 is a paper feeding auxiliary roller for feeding the original, 260-2 is an upper belt, 260-3 is a lower belt, 260-5 is a paper feeding roller, 260-6 is a driving roller, 260-7 is a 260-7 260-8 is a paper ejection roller, and 260-9 is a paper ejection tray section.

When a document is set on the document tray 260-11, the document sensor 260-10 detects the document. A motor (not shown) rotates in response to the copy command, and each drive unit starts operating. The paper feed auxiliary roller 260-1 moves in the direction of arrow A by a mechanism not shown, conveys one document to the paper feed roller 260-5, and the paper feed auxiliary roller 260-1 rises. After that, the original is conveyed by the paper feed roller 260-5 and the conveyor belt, and the leading edge of the original is brought to the original platen 5 shown in FIG.
It will stop when it reaches the reference position.

Exposure of the original is started by moving the optical system, and when the exposure of a predetermined number of originals is completed, the ADF starts operating again. At this time, if the document sensor 260-10 detects the document, it feeds the next document in the same way as described above, and at the same time the document set on the document table 5 passes through the paper ejection roller of 260-8. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray section 260-9. Then, the next original is copied. This operation is repeated until there are no originals left on the original tray 260-11. When the last original is set on the original platen 5 and the prescribed original exposure is completed,
At this time, the document sensor 260-10 does not detect the document, so no paper feeding operation is performed, and the document is discharged to the paper discharge tray 260-9, completing one series of copying.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart illustrating that copying operations differ depending on the number of ADF originals in single-sided or multiplex mode.

In order to feed the original/document (step 7-1), the original is set in a predetermined position. At that time, the document tray 260-1
The document sensor 260-10, which detects the presence or absence of a document at step 1, determines whether there is one document or a plurality of documents (Step 7-2).

First, we will discuss the case where there is only one manuscript.

If NO in step 7-2, it can be determined that there is only one original set. The operation of copying the first side is completed,
Convey the transfer paper to the second paper feed section 23 (Step 7-13
), and the original is ejected (Step 7-14), and the transfer paper in the second paper feed section performs the copying operation for the second side in response to the next copying operation start command, completing the series of copying operations. do.

Next, a case where there are multiple manuscripts will be described.

If Yes in step 7-2, it can be determined that there are multiple originals set. The copying operation for the first side is completed, and the transfer paper is conveyed to the second paper feeding section 23 (Step 7-
3). Then, the original is ejected, and then the original tray 260-
11 is fed (Step 7-4). Second
Performs copying operation and ejects the transfer paper outside the machine (St
ep7-5). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a mistaken original in the original tray 260-11 (5step 7-6), and if there is no original, the original is ejected (5step 7-14), and a series of (7)
)ff complete the operation.

Further, if there is a document in the document tray 260-11, the document is ejected and the next document is fed (Step 7-7).

Then, it is determined whether or not the next document is in the document tray 260-11 (step 7-8), and if there is, a copying operation is performed for the first side, and the transfer paper is conveyed to the second paper feed section 23 (step 7-8).
step 7-9). Then, the original is ejected, the next original is fed, the second side is copied, and the transfer paper is ejected from the machine. Then, the process is executed again from step 5 step 7-6.

If No in step 7-8, after the copying operation for the first side is completed, the transfer paper is ejected from the machine (step 7-12), and the original is ejected (step 7-14), completing a series of copying operations.

As described above, differences in copying operations depending on the number of ADF originals have been described. Now, this effect includes the following.

For example, when combining large-sized originals such as newspapers that cannot be fed with an ADF and originals that can be fed with a regular ADF, or when performing duplex/multiple copying, when the number of originals set is one The ADF could not be used to obtain double-sided or multiple copies for ejection.

Furthermore, for the same reason as above, it was not possible to make double-sided copies of double-sided originals using the ADF.

Also, when using the masking/trimming copy mode together to obtain multiple or double-sided copies of two originals, the area specification cannot be specified for the two originals at the same time, so set the originals one by one. However, for the same reason as mentioned above, there was a serious drawback in that the desired copy could not be made using the ADF.

According to the present invention, the above-mentioned drawbacks can be eliminated, and in the case of an odd number of originals in a series of multiple sheets, the last copy is ejected outside the machine, so that it can be used in the same manner as in the past.

After the above-mentioned 5tep7-13.7-14c7) processing, the transfer paper is in the second paper feeding section 23. A flowchart regarding subsequent processing is shown in FIG. 62-1.

When the reset key 119 is pressed (Step 7-15)
, the transfer paper in the second paper feed section 23 is transported by the paper bus for the second side and discharged out of the machine (Step 7-21).

When the copy key 117 is pressed (Step 7-16), A
If there is a document in the document tray 260-11 of the DF (St
ep7-17), feed the original 5tep7-18),
The copying operation for the second side is performed, and the transfer paper is discharged outside the machine (Step 7-19). Then, the original is ejected and the series of copying operations is completed (Step 7-20).

If there is no original in step 7-17, it is determined that the original has been manually set, the second side is copied, the transfer paper is ejected from the machine (step 7-20), and the series of copy operations is completed. do.

Description of Sequence> Next, the sequence will be explained using FIGS. 36 to 860.

The operation when the power is turned on will be explained. FIG. 36 is a time chart when the power is turned on. When the main SW is turned on, the fixing heater and black developer release solenoid are turned on.

Eventually, when the temperature of the fixing device reaches 190° C., the motor is rotated, and after one second (■), the black developing device pressure solenoid is turned off. As a result, the black developing device reaches the one-stage release position and then approaches the drum. Thereafter, when the drum rotates once, the main motor is stopped. or,
If the middle plate of the cassette in the paper feed section is lowered when the motor starts rotating in (2), the middle plates of both the upper and lower cassettes begin to rise. This situation is shown in FIG. After the middle plate has finished rising, the main motor is stopped (■).

Figure 37 is a time chart for the rise of the middle plate, and is the same for both the upper and lower rows. When the middle plate rising clutch is turned on, the middle plate begins to rise. Eventually, the output of the middle plate detection sensor becomes 1, and after 0.1 seconds from this point, the middle plate lifting clutch is turned off. -The force paper detection sensor is activated by raising the middle plate.
As shown in the figure, if there is paper, before the output of the middle plate detection sensor reaches 1,
The positional relationship is such that the output of the paper detection sensor is 1. Further, when the output of the middle plate detection sensor becomes 1, the paper detection sensor is determined, and if it is O, the paper out display is turned on.

Further, if no cassette is installed, this operation is not performed.

Next, the copy operation will be explained. When the copy key is pressed, the main motor, high voltage, and document illumination lamp are turned on. Also, the paper feeding operation and developing device pressurizing operation, which will be described later, are started. After one rotation of the drum, the optical system moves forward and turns on the registration roller t1 after the image edge is detected. After that, it will turn off after a period of time depending on the paper size. After that, when the optical system comes to the reverse position, the optical system moves backward. The original illumination lamp is turned off by 0.2 sand diameter. When the optical system returns to the home position, the optical system is stopped and backward rotation begins. It stops after the transfer paper is ejected outside the machine.

In the case of color copying, a developer pressurizing operation, which will be described later, is performed.

Next, the pressurizing operation of the developing device will be explained. FIG. 39 is a timing chart when color copying is started with the black developing device set. First, turn ON the black developer release solenoid to release the black developer from the drum. After the release is completed, the color pressure solenoid is turned on and the color developing device is set on the drum. When the coffee is finished, the color pressure solenoid is turned off and the color developer is released. Incidentally, at this point, the black developing device remains disabled. In order to replenish color toner smoothly, this is always canceled when color copying is completed (ii
). If you want to start black or color copying from this state,
Both developing units have already been released. Further, after black copying, the black developing device remains set on the drum.

Next, the paper feeding operation will be explained. FIG. 40 shows a timing chart. If the output of the intermediate plate detection sensor is O at the time of copy start, the intermediate plate lifting operation is performed in the same manner as explained in FIG. 37. The paper feed clutch is turned on after the middle plate lifting operation is completed.
L. The transfer paper begins to move. Thereafter, when the transfer paper reaches the registration front sensor, the output of the registration front paper sensor becomes 1, and after a predetermined time, the paper feed clutch is turned off, and the transfer paper hits the registration rollers and stops while forming a loop.

Thereafter, as the copying operation progresses, the paper feed clutch is turned on again for a predetermined period of time when the registration rollers are turned on, thereby reducing the paper feeding load on the registration rollers. On the other hand, after that, the control of the middle plate is performed asynchronously with the copy operation, and when the output of the middle plate detection sensor becomes 0, the middle plate raising clutch is turned ON, and 0.1 seconds after the output of the middle plate detection sensor becomes 1. Turn off later.

Also, the presence or absence of the cassette is constantly detected, and if the cassette begins to come out, the operation of lifting the middle plate is immediately stopped.

Next, the paper feeding operation for manual copying will be explained.

At the same time as copying starts, turn on the manual feed tray lift clutch and start pushing up the manual feed tray. As it rises, if transfer paper is set, the output of the paper detection sensor becomes 1. After a predetermined period of time, the paper feed clutch is turned on and the paper is fed into the machine. After the time t5 until the transfer paper is gripped by the next roller, the first manual feed tray lifting clutch is turned off, and as the manual feed tray descends, the output of the paper detection sensor becomes O. On the other hand, the transfer paper is sent to the pre-registration sensor S7, and a predetermined time after the output of the pre-registration sensor S7 becomes 1, the paper feed clutch is turned off, and the transfer paper hits the register roller, forming a loop and stopping.

Next, the copying of the first side of a double-sided copy of a single will be explained. High pressure, unit, wrap.

Since the movements of the optical system, paper feeding operation, etc. are the same as described above, the movement of the transfer paper after the registration roller 12 is turned on will be explained. FIG. 41 is a timing chart in which the transfer paper is sent to the fixing device by turning on the registration roller. After that, when the paper passes the paper discharge sensor, the output of the paper discharge sensor S4 changes from O→1→0. At this time, the lateral registration means, which will be described later, is moved to the home position. After a predetermined period of time, when the transfer paper is gripped by the discharge roller 27 at a position approximately 10 mm from the trailing edge, the reverse solenoid is turned on to switch back the transfer paper. At this time, the second transport latch is also turned on. The transfer paper is sent to the second conveyance section 23, and the second pre-registration sensor S
The output of 5 becomes 1. After a predetermined period of time, the second @ feed latch is turned off, and the transfer paper hits the second registration roller, creates a loop of about 15 mm, and then stops. At this time, the reverse solenoid is also turned off. Further, the second conveyance section 23 can only convey transfer paper with a length of about 180 mm or more. In the case of manual copying where the transfer paper size is unknown, the input of the registration front paper sensor S7 is determined after a distance of 180-24 (24 mm is the distance between the registration front paper sensor and the registration roller) from the registration roller 12 on, and if If there is no paper, the size of the transfer paper is less than 180 mm, so it is ejected outside the machine without entering the switchback operation. On the other hand, if there is one sheet of paper, the size of the transfer sheet is 180 mm or more, so a predetermined operation is performed.

Next, the first side of multiple copies of a single will be explained.

The movement of the transfer paper after the registration roller is turned on will be explained. Fourth
Figure 2 is a timing chart showing this. Along with the registration roller ON, the flapper solenoid 29 is turned on, and the later-described lateral registration means (second registration roller 37
) to the home position. Transfer paper is distance Mu
After the paper has moved by 100 degrees, the pre-registration sensor is checked in the case of manual copying, as in the case of double-sided copying described above. If paper is not detected, the flapper solenoid 29 is turned off and the paper is ejected from the machine. When the transfer paper advances and the output of the paper discharge sensor S4 becomes 1, the second transport latch is turned on. The second transport latch is turned off after a predetermined time t4 after the transfer paper is transported to the second transport section 23 and the output of the second pre-registration sensor becomes 1. The transfer paper forms a loop when it hits the second registration roller 37 and stops. Since the curling state and direction of the transfer paper are different from the case of double-sided copying described above, the time t4 from when the output of the second pre-registration sensor 85 becomes 1 until it stops changes in value.

Next, the copying operation for both sides of a single copy and the second side of multiple copying will be explained based on FIG. 44. The transfer paper is already in the second conveyance section and hits the second registration roller 37, forming a loop and stopping F. When copying starts, the second registration roller clutch and double-sided conveyance latch are turned on, and the transfer paper begins to move toward the second registration roller 12. After 0.1 seconds, the second
While being held in the registration rollers, the lateral force direction registration (described later) starts. After the output of the pre-registration sensor becomes 1 and a time Tb elapses, the second registration roller clutch and both-side conveyance latch are turned off. The transfer paper hits the registration roller, creates a loop, and stops.

After that, the optical system starts moving forward, and it is time to turn on the register rollers. After the transfer paper has been advanced by about 5 mm, in the case of double-sided copying, the second registration roller clutch and the duplex transport latch are turned on, and the transfer paper advances with the loop reduced by 5 mm. On the other hand, in the case of multiple copying, only the duplex transport latch is turned on, the transfer paper is pulled by the register roller 12, and the second register roller 37 becomes a load.
The transfer paper continues to be conveyed with the loop amount being 0. Thereafter, the transfer paper passes through a fixing roller and is ejected from the machine, completing the copying process. Furthermore, the time tb for determining the loop amount before cyst is set differently from that in the case of paper feeding from a cassette because the transfer paper conditions are different.

Next, the operation of setting the second registration roller to the lateral home position will be explained. The drive of the main motor is transmitted to the second registration roller via a spring clutch.
By turning on the lateral registration solenoid, it is possible to move in the lateral direction. A lateral registration home sensor for detecting the position of the second registration roller and a lateral registration paper sensor for detecting transfer paper that has fallen back between them are arranged. The second registration roller moves in both directions with respect to the axial direction of the drum, but in order to improve stopping accuracy,
Be sure to stop the movement from one direction. That is, as shown in the timing chart of Fig. 45, if the output of the lateral registration home sensor is 1 at first, it is stopped when it changes from 1 to 0 to 1, and if it is 0 at first, it is stopped when it changes from 0 to 1. let

Next, the lateral registration adjustment operation will be described. In FIG. 47, 37 is the second registration roller.

S8 is a horizontal registration paper sensor, and SH is a transfer paper. Second
When the registration roller 37 is set at the home position, it is stopped at the center of its operating range, and by turning on the lateral registration solenoid, it moves as shown by the arrows ■→■→end■→■. When the second registration roller 37 is stopped at the home position and transfer paper is inserted, depending on the position where the transfer paper enters, the horizontal registration paper sensor may initially detect the paper or not. There is. First, the case where paper is detected will be explained. As shown in FIG. 46, the output of the lateral registration paper sensor changes from 1 to 041 and is stopped. Furthermore, if the transfer paper comes in extremely biased toward the lateral registration paper sensor, there is a possibility that the output of the lateral registration paper sensor will always be 1. Even in such cases, we do the following to ensure that the vehicle stops at the appropriate position. That is, as shown in FIG. 47, when the transfer paper moves in the direction of arrow ■ and arrow ■, it is the time when the transfer paper is furthest away, and if the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor is 1 at this point,
From there on, the paper moves in the direction of the arrow (■), so the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor never becomes O. Also, the most appropriate position is to stop at that point. Therefore, if the time of one cycle of horizontal movement of the registration roller is T, then 3/4
Even if you move by the time corresponding to T, that is, the arrows ■ and ■,
When the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor does not become O, it is stopped there.

Next, we will first describe the case when the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor is O, that is, the transfer paper is cutting the horizontal registration paper sensor. At this time, as shown in FIG. 46(ii), the process is stopped when the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor changes from O to 1. Also, if the transfer paper comes in at an extremely far distance from the horizontal registration paper sensor, the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor will remain O. Even in that case, in order to stop it at the appropriate position as much as possible,
If the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor does not become 1 even after moving for the time 1/4T corresponding to ■ in FIG. 46, it is stopped at that point.

Next, the operation of the first side of double-sided copying when an intermediate tray is used will be explained. After copying starts, the movements of the paper feed, high pressure, and optical system are the same as described above, so the movement of the transfer paper at the first roller will be explained. FIG. 48 is a timing chart showing that the flapper is remade and the intermediate tray flapper is turned on at the same time as the registration roller is turned on. Second
The transfer paper sent out from the registration rollers passes through the fixing rollers and is conveyed directly to the intermediate tray. The intermediate tray entrance sensor can detect the number of sheets of transfer paper stored in the intermediate tray, and after detecting the set number of sheets.

Stop operation +h.

Next, the operation of the first side of multiple copying when an intermediate tray is used will be explained. FIG. 49 is a time chart showing that the intermediate tray flapper is turned on at the same time as the first roller is turned on to form a path for conveying the transfer paper to the intermediate tray. The transfer paper is sent out from the registration rollers, and when it passes the paper discharge sensor section, the reverse solenoid is turned on, and the transfer paper is switched back and transported to be stored in the intermediate tray, as in the case of single-sheet double-sided copying described above. . At this time, the intermediate tray entrance sensor counts the number of stored sheets, and when the set number of sheets is detected, the operation is stopped.

Next, the operation of the second side of multiplex and double-sided copying using the intermediate tray will be explained. Transfer paper is already stocked in the intermediate tray, and the transfer paper is set from there to the 21st!2 feeding section 23. The situation is shown in FIG. 50. First, the intermediate tray paper feeding rollanoid is turned on. The main paper roller 5b is lowered by a driving means (not shown), and the uppermost transfer paper is brought into contact with the feeding roller 57. Thereafter, the intermediate tray feed roller solenoid is turned on, and the transfer paper is sent out to the conveyance path 59 by the intermediate tray feed roller 57. When the leading edge of the transfer paper reaches the intermediate tray exit sensor S21, the intermediate tray paper feed roller runnoid is turned off and the paper feed roller 56
rises and is out of contact with the transfer paper. At this time the second
The transport latch is turned on, and again.

The above-described operation is started to set the second registration roller 37 to the home position.

The transfer paper eventually reaches the second pre-registration sensor S5, and after a predetermined period of time, the transfer paper hits the second registration roller and creates a loop, and then the second registration roller 37 is turned on, and the transfer paper moves to the second registration roller 12. sent towards.

The subsequent operations are the same as those for the second side of single multiplexing and double-sided copying described above.

Next, the operation of replenishing the black developing device 8 with toner from the hopper will be described. In Fig. 51, 301 is a hopper, 3
02 is a screw that stirs the toner in the hopper 301 and sends it to the black developing device 8, and is driven by the hopper motor 300. Inside the black developing device 8 is a toner sensor 516 that detects the presence or absence of toner. A stirring bar a-b for stirring the toner and a developing sleeve 8-a are arranged.

The stirring bar 8-b is driven by a main motor 18 (not shown), and its cycle is 4 seconds. When the toner sensor 316 detects that there is no toner, the hopper motor 300 is rotated to replenish toner. If the toner sensor S16 does not detect the presence of toner even if the hopper motor 300 is driven to a certain extent, it is determined that there is no toner in a part of the hopper, and 1 is displayed.
It is configured to notify the user. This control will be explained in detail.

The control method during copying and when copying is stopped is different, and when copying is stopped, as shown in FIG. 52, if no toner is detected at that time, the hopper motor 300 is rotated for 10 seconds. On the other hand, if the presence of toner is detected at this time, nothing is done.

Next, the control of the hopper motor 300 during copying will be described. Due to the rotation of the stirring rod 8-b, for example, the stirring rod 8-b may come into contact with the toner sensor S16 even though there is no toner, so that the toner sensor output may indicate that there is toner. This time is a maximum of 1 second. on the other hand,
Even though there is toner, the stirring rod removes toner particles near the toner sensor S16, so the toner sensor output may indicate no toner. The time during which it is detected that there is no toner is 2 seconds at most. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 53, when the toner out signal continues for more than 1 second,
When the hopper motor 300 is driven and the toner presence signal continues for two seconds or more, it is determined that there is toner in the developing device, the hopper motor 300 is stopped, and a hopper partner no timer, which will be described later, is reset.

On the other hand, if there is no toner in the hopper, no matter how much the hopper motor 300 is rotated, the toner sensor S16 will not indicate that there is toner. This detects the absence of toner in the hopper.

The time during which the hopper motor 300 is rotating is measured using a tire without a hopper partner, and when the total time is 18 seconds, it is determined that there is no toner in the hopper 300 and a display is performed. This timer is reset when the power is turned on and when the presence of toner is detected during copying.

Next, the operation of the blanking LED array 14 will be described. This LED array 14 not only prevents toner from adhering to unnecessary areas of the drum 20, but also allows you to create a white area of approximately 2 mm at the leading edge of the transfer paper, and to whiten the area inside or outside the area specified in the area specification mode. (Masking.

trimming). The control timing is taken from the signal from the image tip sensor S2 that detects the position of the optical system 24. A shielding plate 24-a (FIG. 55) is attached to the optical system 24.

When this blocks the image tip sensor S2, a signal is output. The length of the shielding plate 24-a is length 2, and as the optical system moves forward, a signal is output as shown in FIG. Fifth
In Figure 6, the rise of the image tip sensor output is the pre-image tip signal,
The falling edge is used as the image tip signal. The leading edge of the document is exposed exactly when the image edge signal is applied. The time t8 is ts=J12/vK, where the speed of the optical system is vK. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 54, regarding the relationship between the blank LED 14 and the optical axis 305, the blank LED 14 is located upstream by a position 1. Therefore, the blanking control needs to be performed 11/Vp earlier, corresponding to the original, assuming that the process speed is Vp. First, control for creating a 2 mm leading edge margin will be explained. As shown in FIG. 57, the optical system is scanned, and the blank LED 24 is turned on after time t9 from the pre-image destination signal.
Turn off. Here, t9 is t9 = 12 + 2/
VK=l1/Vp-ct/Vp. Here, α is l/2 during irradiation of the blank LED 14. By doing this, an appropriate leading edge margin can be obtained depending on each magnification. Scraping 2 is set so that Ta does not take a negative value even during reduction copying when the speed VK of the optical system is high.

Further, since α does not take a constant value due to variations in the light intensity of the LED array, etc., it can be adjusted from the operation unit as described later.

Next, consider the area specification mode. In FIG. 58, 310 is a document, and the optical system 24 scans in the direction of arrow a. 311 is a copy area 1. For example, the range in direction a is set to 100 mm to 150 mm. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 59, the blank LED 14 is turned off t10 after the image tip signal, and from there, the blank LED 14 is turned off at time t11.
Later, by turning on the blank LED 14, the 58th
As shown in the figure, images can only be displayed within the designated bond area 311.

Here, t10 and t11 are In this case, a desired area can be blank exposed.

On the other hand, in Fig. 58, the part that displays the image is reversed, 31
If it is other than 1, as shown in Fig. 60, from the pre-picture destination signal to +! After JIt9, the blank LED 14 is turned off to create a leading edge margin, and the blank is turned on after time t12 from the image tip signal, and then the blank is turned off after time t1G. t12. t13 is as follows.

Precise area copying can be achieved by subtracting α/Vp when outputting white→image as shown in FIG. 2, and adding α/Vp when outputting one image→white.

Also, as mentioned above, when specifying areas to be copied in different colors at once, in order to prevent color toner and black toner from mixing, each area is narrowed down and copied. For example, area 311 in Figure 58 is copied in black. , when copying other parts in red, first in black, control is performed as shown in FIG. Increase 1mm from the above value.Next, when making a color copy, control the blank LED l4 as shown in Figure 60, but increase t12 by 1mm.
t13 is made larger than the above value by 1 mm. This results in a 2mm gap in the black and color areas.
Create a white area. Even if the resist shifts slightly, the black and color areas will overlap and no color mixing will occur.

Explanation of the mode setting> Figure 11 shows the copy mode when the power is turned on.

This is a flowchart of the processing when the reset key 119 is pressed or after a certain period of time has passed after the end of copying (auto clear), the double-sided/multi-haired Φ page continuous copying mode, and the processing of inputting the area designation mode.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of 5tapl-1. The contents will be explained below. Since it has a battery that retains the contents of the RAM, the contents of the RAM are retained even after the power is turned off. For this reason, when the power is turned on, necessary contents of RAM must be retained and unnecessary contents must be cleared (
Stapl-1-1). Then, the copy mode is set to standard mode (Step 1-2). This standard mode has the same setting as the mark and mode obtained when the reset key 119 is pressed. This standard mode includes, for example, set sheet It sheet, same-size copy, developing temperature, lower cassette selection, and the like.

Next, it is determined whether there is any key input from the operation unit 100 (
Step 1-2). Then, it is determined whether the input is related to the area OQ (5tep1-3), and if the input is related to area registration, the process of 5tap1-6, which will be described later, is performed. Reset key 119 If manually operated (Stapl-
4).

Processing of 5tapl-7, which will be described later, is performed. Double-sided key 107
．． Page continuous copy key j06. Multiple key 105, image conversion key 103. Binding margin frame erase key 108 If done manually, the process of 5tapl-7, which will be described later, is performed.

5tapl-6 will be explained. Areas 1, 2, and 3 are registered using the setting method described later.

In that case, the contents of areas 1, 2.3 are stored in the RAM shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of 5tepl-7. The contents will be explained below. Set the contents of RAM to set the copy mode to standard mode (St
apl-7-1). Then, the copy mode is returned to the standard mode (Step 7-2).

When copy mode is set to standard mode, area registration 1,
2.3 is canceled, but the data in the RAM where the area was registered in 5tapl-6 is not cleared. This causes the inconvenience of having to perform area registration again when the reset mode 119 is pressed due to a user's mistake. In order to alleviate this problem, the contents of the RAM registered in the area are not cleared. Furthermore, the data in the area 0 record will not be changed until the next time the area registration is corrected.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of 5tapl-8. The contents will be explained below.

When using the binding margin and frame erase key manually (Ste pl -
8-1), +i0-described copy mode 8.9°10.
If any of 11 is selected (Stapl-8
-17), cancel copy mode (Step L-
8-18).

When using multiple keys manually (Stapl-8-2).

If double-sided/page continuous shooting mode is selected (St
apl-8-15), its copy mode is canceled (
Stepl-8-16).

When double-sided keys are operated manually (St apl-8-3).

If the hirsute/page snapshot mode is selected (St
apl-8-13), its copy mode is canceled (
Stapl-8-14).

When the page continuous copying key is manually operated (Step-8-4), if duplex/multiple mode is selected (Step
-8-11), the copy mode is canceled (
Stapl-8-12).

The image conversion key is input (Step 8-5),
When copy mode 6 or 7 described in iii is selected (S
t e p 1-8-6), if hirsute or double-sided or page snapshot is selected (Stapl-8-9)
, Cancel multi-hair/duplex/page continuous shooting mode (Stap
l-8-10).

Also, the image conversion key is input (Step 1-8-5)
), when the aforementioned copy mode 6 or 7 is not selected (that is, either copy mode 8.9 or 10.11 is selected (Stapl-8-6)), the binding margin or border erase mode If has been selected (S te
p 1-8-7), the copy mode is canceled (
Stapl-8-8).

Above, I mentioned the copy mode interlock (when a certain mode is selected, the previously selected mode is canceled).

If there is no interlock relationship, it means that a combination of copy modes is possible. For example, it is possible to combine duplex and any one of copy modes 8, 9, 10, and 11, or to combine multiplex and any one of copy modes 8, 9, 10, and 11. This makes it possible to obtain color, multiplex or double-sided copy output with masking or trimming.

Explanation of Density Correction> By the way, the following two methods are generally used in copying machines to optimally set the copy density.

The No. 41 method is to set the amount of lamp light for exposing the original to a predetermined value, and the second method is to set the value of the developing bias to a predetermined value.

By the way, a rational method for managing these values is to store the optimal combination of data in the non-volatile data memory inside the copier at the time of shipment, and to adjust the copy density, the user himself/herself adjusts the exposure dial according to the user's preference. It is preferable to configure it so that On the other hand, if the process conditions change over time and the actual copied image does not reach the standard density even if the exposure dial is set to the center (standard density value), the configuration should be such that the developing bias value can be corrected. .

However, if the lamp light amount and the developing bias value are stored, for example, in the data RAM, it is necessary to display what value is currently set when adjusting the lamp light amount or the developing bias value. However, unnecessarily increasing the number of display LEDs in the operation display section of a copying machine is inconvenient in terms of cost and also leads to a decrease in operability. Therefore, in this embodiment, the developing bias value can be displayed in the exposure amount display segment, and the former is lit and the latter is blinking for differentiation.

A method of adjusting the exposure amount and developing bias value in this embodiment will be explained using FIGS. 66 to 69.

In FIG. 66, reference numeral 403 is a three-digit segment display corresponding to the magnification display 154 shown in FIG.
It is also possible to display Bis. Also, 404 is a 1 agricultural degree display LED 162, 406, 407 is a copy density adjustment key 114, 405, 408 is a copy density correction key l
15 respectively. 401 and 402 are data R for each data stored in the data ROM 440, which will be described later.
Data transfer key for storing in AM441, 409
is an extinguishing key for extinguishing the developing bias value blinking on the density display LED 404.

The keys C, 401, 402, and 409 may be provided on the operating section shown in FIG. 3, but since they are not normally used, they are preferably provided inside the copying machine.

FIG. 67 shows the data RAM 441 used for adjusting the exposure amount or developing bias value, and each numerical value in the figure indicates each data value on the data RAM area backed up by a lithium battery. -CNT is an exposure correction index, L-INT is a lamp control voltage value corresponding to the exposure correction index, and L-DAC is a scale converted to set the value of L-INT to an 8-bit D/A converter. Indicates an area for storing values. Similarly D
-CNT is L-CNT, D-Bis is L-INT, D-
DAC is a data table of developing biases corresponding to each L-DAC.

Further, FIG. 68 shows a data ROM 440 for storing standard data regarding exposure amount and developing bias value, and each area L-CN of this data ROM 440 is
TD-DAC is each area L-C of data RAM441
Compatible with NT-D-DAC.

Further, each data in the data ROM 440 is set in advance as standard data in order to obtain the optimum copy density, for example, when the copying machine is shipped. All standard data in data ROM 440 is copied to data RAM 441 by pressing data transfer key 402. Also, if you press the data transfer key 401, the data, R
Only the standard data stored in areas L-CNT and D-CNT of OM 440 is copied to the same area of data RAM 441.

The aforementioned control unit 60 controls the data RA when executing a copying operation.
The exposure amount and development bias value are determined based on each data stored in M441. FIG. 69 is a circuit diagram for setting the lamp control voltage value and developing bias voltage value stored in areas L-INT and D-Bis of the data RAM 441 to the light amount control circuit CVR (not shown) and the high voltage generator HVT. be. To explain the diagram,
When the copy key is turned on and a copying operation is started, the control unit 60 scales the lamp control voltage and developing bias voltage values stored in each area L-INT and D-Bis of the data RAM 441 to 8-bit data at a predetermined timing. The signal is converted and set in the area L-DAC and D-DAC as well as in the pulse width modulator 442. The output of the pulse width modulator 442 is converted into DC by a filter 443, and is supplied to the light amount control circuit CVR and the high voltage generator HVT via a buffer amplifier 444.

Next, a method of adjusting the exposure amount and developing bias value in this example will be explained.

When the copy density adjustment key 406 or 407 is pressed, the value of the area L-CNT of the data RAM 441 is set to "-1°" or "+1°", and one of the segments 404 corresponding to the value of the area L-CNT lights up. At the same time, the area L-I NT of the data RAM 441
A predetermined value is subtracted from or added to. Also, when the data transfer key 402 is pressed, all data in the data ROM 440 is transferred to the data RA.
M441, and each area of the data RAM 441 is, for example, L-CNT=8. Each standard value such as L-INT=75 is written, and on the segment 404, a part corresponding to the value "8pa" of area D-CNT is displayed blinking.

At the same time, the value "'180" of area D-Bis is displayed on the segment display 403. Then, when the copy density correction key 405 or the key 408 is pressed, the value of the area D-CNT of the data RAM 441 is changed to "-".
1" or "+l I+, and one of the segments 404 corresponding to the value of area D-CNT is shifted blinking. At the same time, area D-B of data RAM 441
A predetermined value is subtracted from or added to is. Incidentally, the segment 404 performs a blinking operation when adjusting the developing bias value in order to distinguish it from the exposure meter adjustment. That is, the segment 404 is the copy density correction key 405 .
When 408 is pressed, a blinking operation is performed, and when copy density adjustment keys 406 and 407 are pressed, a lighting operation is performed. Furthermore, if the blinking operation and the lighting operation overlap, the lighting operation takes priority.

In this example, the blinking of the segment 404 can be turned off using the lights-off key 9, but even if the lights-off key 9 is pressed during the lighting operation, the segment 404 is not turned off.

Also, when the copy density correction key 405 or 408 is pressed, the area D of the data RAM 441 is displayed on the 1 magnification display 403.
-Bis value, that is, the developing bias voltage value is displayed.

Note that this display returns to the original magnification display when the copy key is pressed. To explain an example of adjustment in detail,
First, data RAM 4 is transferred by pressing the data transfer key 402.
41 is initialized, and the standard voltage value of the developing bias "180°" is displayed on the segment display 403, and the portion corresponding to the standard value "8°" in the segment 404-H is displayed blinking. Next, copy density correction keys 405 and 408 so that the standard original has the appropriate density.
You can operate as appropriate.

As explained above, in this embodiment, the display for the shift acid of the developing bias is also used as the display for adjusting the exposure laser, so the developing bias can be easily adjusted without providing an extra display that is not normally used. can be done.

Description of automatic paper selection mode> Next, we will explain the automatic paper selection mode (
(hereinafter referred to as APS mode) will be explained using FIG. 70.

The copying machine of this embodiment can be equipped with multiple cassettes (paper sizes), and has an AP function that automatically selects the most suitable paper cassette according to the set original size and the specified magnification ratio.
It has an S mode. +-4, 11, LE in the diagram
D412.

413.414,415,416. Each of the keys 417 has an LED 165, a key 124 shown in FIG.
156, 157, 158, 159, corresponding to keys 113.

In FIG. 70, a key 411 is a key for selecting and canceling the APS mode, and an LED 412 indicates the selected state. The display section 414 is for displaying all cassette sizes currently installed. Further, a bar LED 413 indicates the currently selected size among the sizes displayed by the LED 414. However, if there is no paper in the cassette of the selected size, the LED 413 will not light up. An LED 415 indicates which cassette of the cassette loading port (including the manual feed port) is currently selected, and an LED 416 lights up when there is no paper in the selected cassette. 417 is a cassette selection key, and each time the key 417 is pressed, the LED 415 changes to 1.
The lighting will shift from bottom to top one by one.

In the copying machine of this embodiment, when the cassette selection key 417 is pressed after the APS mode is selected, the APS mode is canceled and the LED 412 is turned off. If the copy key is pressed and the original pressure plate 34 is open, the original size cannot be detected, the APS mode is canceled, and paper is fed from the lowest cassette.

By the way, the copying machine of this embodiment deals with various inconveniences that may occur when selecting the APS mode, such as when there is no optimal paper cassette to be selected, or when it becomes impossible to detect the original size for some reason. It is configured so that it can be done.

Hereinafter, a method to deal with the case where the APS mode cannot be executed smoothly will be explained.

(1) If the document size cannot be detected-----Cancel APS mode and select a predetermined priority cassette (for example, the bottom cassette).

(2) When power is turned on, auto clear temporary, reset key 1
When 19 is pressed, if no multiple paper cassettes are installed, the APS mode is canceled and the only installed cassette is selected.

(3) When no cassette is installed, the APS mode is canceled and a paper out display is displayed (LED 416 lights up) with a predetermined priority cassette selected.

(4) Select the cassette slot where there is only one paper cassette and there is no cassette.During 4R (LED 416
), when the APS key 411 is pressed, APS, LE
Turn on the D412, then select the only existing cassette and turn off the paper out display, then turn on the APS
Turn off the LED 412 and cancel APS mode.

Explanation of Memory Diagnosis> Next, the nonvolatile data memory diagnosis method in this embodiment will be explained using FIGS. 71 to 73.

The copying machine of this example has a nonvolatile data memory 421,
Various control constants, such as high voltage output values, exposure voltage values, and registration correction values, are stored in the memory area, and these control constants are read out as appropriate to execute copying operations.

Furthermore, the copying machine of this embodiment has a function of diagnosing whether or not each data read from the non-volatile data memory 421 as described above is correct. , further increasing the reliability of the outfit.

In FIG. 71, 421 is a static RAM (non-volatile data memory) with a standby function for storing various control constants, and 423 is for performing various controls such as sequence control based on the data stored in the RAM 421. 422 is a lithium battery, which is used as a backup power source for the RAM 421. Power supply 5v is RA
When given to M421, σ=0 and RA
M421 becomes accessible by the CPU 423, but when the 5V power is cut off by turning off the power switch, etc., CE becomes high level and the RAM 4
A holding current is supplied from a lithium battery 422 to VDD of 21. As a result, even if the current is interrupted, the RA
The data of M421 will be held by the lithium power supply 422.

Further, in this example, the output voltage of the lithium battery 422 can be monitored by the microprocessor (CPU) 423 when the power supply +5V is in the active state.

In FIG. 72, 428 is a parallel I10 port connected to the CPU 423, and the latching relay 426 can be driven by its output. On the other hand, latching relay 4
The state of No. 26 is read by the CPU 423 via the parallel I10 port 428 described above.

Further, 427 is a button switch for releasing the latching relay 426, which is used when it is desired to initialize the data RAM 421.

Next, the backup power supply 422 and RAM 42 are executed by the CPU 423 using the flowchart in FIG.
The diagnostic operation No. 1 will be explained in detail.

First, in step 430-1 when the power is turned on, the CPU 42
The data retention type r? connected to the A/D conversion input terminal of No.3.
, 422 are compared with a reference value (for example, 3.OV), and if the voltage is lower than the reference value, the process moves to step 430-6, where a data error is displayed and the user is requested to take action.

Further, if the voltage of the data holding core source 422 is equal to or higher than the reference value in step 430-1, the process moves to step 430-2;
Determine whether latching relay 426 is on. When the input of latching relay 426 is off, the process moves to step 430-3 and the data stored in advance on ROM is copied to a predetermined area on RAM 421. Then, it is determined whether or not the copied data can be completely read out from the RAM 421 using the output from the ROM (step 430-4).
21 is determined to be normal, the coil of the latching relay is energized in step 430-5.

If the latching relay is turned on in step 430-2, it is assumed that initialization has already been performed, and the process moves to step 430-4, where data at a predetermined address in the RAM and data at a predetermined address in the ROM No. 1111 are transferred. If they match, it is determined that the RAM 421 is normal.

hi・ 1:I:・ Tomoe - Explanation of the adjustment mode> The method of correcting the preset developing bias value has been described above. The following describes the case where the reference value itself is set or changed due to factors such as drum replacement. FIG. 74 is a diagram showing standard values of adjustable parts of a copying machine. These values are stored in RAM.

At the factory, adjustments are made to each machine one by one, and the adjustment values are written on a label affixed to the inside of the machine. When the control board on which the contents are stored is replaced in the market, the RAM is reset according to this label.

Also, when a new value is entered in the market, it is written on this label.

At 160, the standard value is displayed on the magnification display 154.

Next, I will explain how to adjust it.

By pressing a tact switch (not shown) provided outside the operation unit and then pressing the error key 121, the number of sheets display 160 enters the adjustment mode.The number display 160 indicates: 2; that is, the data number 0, that is, the AE slope constant is the copy magnification display. The percentage display 153 turns off and the trouble display 152 blinks, indicating that the change is possible.

In this state, if you directly input a value using the numeric keypad 122 or increase or decrease the value using the zoom key 109, and then press the error key 121 when the setting is complete, the value shown on the copy magnification display 154 will be transferred to the RAM as the content of data number 0. At the same time as the data is stored, the next adjustment item is moved to, the sheet number display 160 becomes :, and the value corresponding to data number 1 is shown on the display 154. The same process is repeated up to data number 16.

However, if the trouble key 121 is pressed when the data number is 16, the data number returns to 0 and the process can be repeated cyclically.

Note that whenever you wish to finish this adjustment, press the reset key 119 to cancel the adjustment mode and switch to the standard mode, allowing copying.

Description of Editor ■> A timing chart of coordinate input by the editor 70 is shown in FIG. When the pen switch is turned on, the CPU60
performs coordinate input processing for the editor. When the pen switch is turned on, relay 901 is turned on.

At this time, the editor 70 is expressed by the equivalent circuit shown in FIG. 5-2, and the editor signal DG-X is expressed as the DG-X signal shown in FIG. 75, taking into account the time constant of the electric circuit. Also, when relay 901 is in the OFF state, it is expressed by the equivalent circuit shown in Figure 5-3, and the editor signal DG-Y
Considering the time constant of the electric circuit, DG-Y in Fig. 75
Represented like a signal. CP the editor signal DG-X 30m5ec after turning on the pen switch.
U60 reads. Also, approximately 1ms after reading DG-X
After e c, relay 901 is turned off. Further, the CPU 60 reads the editor signal DG-Y 30 m5ec after the timing when the relay 901 turns off. This 30ms
e c is for preventing 1% (1%) of the chattering of 901 in the pen switch and relay.

Also, when the pen switch is turned on without the resistor 70 of the editor being pressed sufficiently, the DG-X signal of the editor is
There is a possibility that it will be output after the PU read timing. The situation at this time is shown in FIG. 76. At this time, an error occurs in reading the coordinates of the editor in the X direction.

Furthermore, if the pen switch is released from the resistor 70 of the editor before the coordinates in the Y direction are read, a G-Y signal is generated as shown in FIG. 77. At this time, an error occurs in the read value of the Y-direction coordinate of the editor.

For the above reasons, errors occur in the X and Y readings of the coordinates. Therefore, as shown in Figure 78, after reading the DG-Y signal, read the DG-X again and compare it with the DG-X signal read first. If they do not match, it is treated as an invalid coordinate input. , do not sound the buzzer. Also,
If it falls within a predetermined range, it is considered a valid input. In this way, by comparing the coordinate inputs from the editors, it is possible to improve the reliability of the input data.

A flowchart at that time is shown in FIG.

When the pen switch is turned on (step 79-1), 30
Waiting for m5ec (step 79-2), removing pen switch chattering, reading DG-X signal, DC-
Xi (step 79-3), then turn off 901 at L/- after about 1m5ec step 79-4), 30
Wait for m5ec (step 79-5), remove relay chattering, read DG-Y signal,
1 (step 79-6), and about 1 m5ec
After that, turn on the relay 901 again (step 79-7),
Wait for 30m5ec (step 79-8), remove relay chattering, read DG-X signal,
-X2 (step 79-9).

Compare DG-Xl and DG-X2 (Step 7)
9-10), if the difference is within a predetermined value X, it can be determined that the phenomenon shown in FIG. 76 or 77 does not occur. If the coordinate input is normal, step 79-11) sounds a blur, and registers the coordinate input (step 79).
-12).

Furthermore, if the coordinates are outside the range of the predetermined value X, the coordinate input is invalidated.

Furthermore, by increasing the number of times the DG-X and DG-Y signals are compared, reliability is further improved.

Explanation of color toner replenishment> Next, toner supply will be explained.

FIG. 80 shows the configuration of a color developing device, and FIG. 81 shows a remaining color toner amount detection circuit. 501 is a developing cylinder, 50
2 is a stirring screw, 503 is an AC voltage detection plate, 504
505 is a color toner supply window, 505 is a stirring rod, 506 is a color toner hopper, 507 is a direction in which pressure is applied to the developing device, and 508 is a direction in which pressure is released.

One of the stirring rods 505 is L-shaped and has the role of diverting toner in the color toner hopper into the developing cylinder 501 when rotating.

In the color toner remaining amount detection circuit 520 shown in FIG. 81, the AC voltage applied to the developing cylinder 501 is taken in by the AC voltage detection plate 503 via the toner, and is input to the input terminal 509. The input AC voltage is rectified by a diode D81, then inputted to the positive side of a comparator 510 via a resistor R81, and compared with a reference voltage V81 on the negative side. If there is sufficient toner around the developing cylinder 501, the developer will have a high resistance, so the input from the AC voltage detection plate 503 will be a low voltage, and the output of the comparator 510 will be 0. Conversely, when there is little toner, the developer has low resistance, so the output of the comparator 510 is 1°°.
becomes.

The output of the comparator 510 is inverted at an input 511 and inputted to the control unit 60 as an output 512. Also,
Reference numeral 513 is a timer counter that counts up in response to a toner absent signal and is reset in response to a toner present signal.

In addition, the color toner remaining amount detection circuit operates during copying.
The amount of toner at which it is detected that there is no toner can also be easily determined by changing the negative reference potential V8t of the comparator 510.

Next, the flowchart shown in FIG. 82 will be explained. Generally, the first sheet of continuous copying is more prone to toner fogging and oversupply than the second and subsequent sheets, so in this embodiment, the sequence is different for the first and second sheets of continuous copying. . When a color copy is performed after the power is turned on, the amount of toner is determined according to (L) for the first color copy. The power is turned on (step 82-1), the color developing device 7 (500) is pressurized against the drum surface (step 82-2), and idle rotation is performed for about 4 seconds (step 82).
-3) To make the adhesion state of the developer on the developing cylinder uniform. Next, the output 512 of the color toner remaining amount detection circuit is read to determine the presence or absence of toner (step 82-4),).
If there is no toner, it is determined whether or not the toner out signal continues for 10 seconds or more (step 82-5), and if it continues for 10 seconds or more, no toner is displayed (step 82-6), and the copying operation is stopped (step 82-6). 82-7), enters toner supply state.

In cases other than the above, that is, in the case of the second or subsequent sheets, follow (b). Read the output 512 of the color toner remaining amount detection circuit,
The amount of toner is determined (step 82-9), and the timer counter is incremented by 1 each time a toner out signal is received (step 82-10).

In step 82-11, it is determined whether the timer is within 5 seconds,
If it is within 5 seconds, proceed to copy operation (Stella 7'82-1
4) If the time is 5 seconds or more, the copy operation does not proceed, but the signal is constantly monitored in steps 82-9 to 82-12, and in step 82-12 it is determined whether the timer is 10 seconds or more,
Step 82-15: Display toner out when the time is longer than seconds.
), the copying operation is stopped (step 82-16), toner is replenished, and the timer counter is reset when toner is present in step 82-13. Note that the toner out display may be performed after a series of operations are completed as described above.

Further, in this embodiment, a color toner developer has been described, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to all two-component developers. In addition, in this embodiment, the AC bias detection plate is one plate, but if this is divided into a plurality of plates and connected to the remaining toner amount detection circuit by a well-known switching means, the remaining amount of toner can be detected. It is possible to partially control the amount of toner in the developer within the device.

[Effects] As explained above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent malfunctions in detecting the remaining amount of developer, to replenish an appropriate amount of developer, and to maintain a constant image density even during continuous copying. .

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a copying apparatus to which the present invention can be applied; FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an external view showing the operation panel of the device shown in FIG. 1;
Figure 4-1 is a diagram showing an LED array and its driving circuit;
Figure 4-2 is a diagram showing the irradiation of the LED onto the drum.
Figure-3 is a diagram showing the lighting timing of the LED, Figure 5-1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the editor, and Figures 5-2 and 5-3 are equivalent circuits when specifying the X direction and Y direction of the editor. figure,
Figure 6(a) shows an output example of double-sided copying from a single-sided original, Figure 6(b) shows an output example of page quick copy double-sided copying, and Figure 6(c) shows an output example of multiple copying. FIG. 6(d) is a diagram showing an output example of page continuous copy multiple copying,
FIG. 6(e) is a diagram showing an output example of page quick copy color multiplex copying, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of how the image conversion mode is output, and FIGS. 8 to 1O are flowcharts showing the sequence when toner is out. , FIGS. 11 to 15 are flowcharts showing initial copy mode input processing, and FIG.
21 to 21 are flowcharts showing the processing of input data from the editor, FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the data storage RAM for controlling the LED array, FIGS. 23 and 24 are flowcharts showing the control of the LED array, and FIG. Figure and 26th
The figure shows the strong lighting timing of the LED, and Figure 27 shows the L
Figures 28 and 2 showing the erased state due to ED lighting
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an output example of specifying multiple areas, FIG. 30 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the editor, and FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a memory for storing area data. 32 and 33 are flowcharts showing the copy operation when specifying an area, FIGS. 34, 35, and 35-1 are diagrams showing examples of output for specifying an area, and FIGS. 48 to 50, 52, 53, 55 to 57, 59, and 60 are diagrams showing the operation timing of each part of the apparatus, and FIG. 47 is the second paper feed section. 51 is a diagram showing the configuration of the developing device, and FIG. 54 is a diagram showing the configuration of the LED.
Figure 58 is a diagram showing the blank exposure timing; Figure 61 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the automatic document feeder; Figures 62 and 62-1 are the automatic document feeder. Diagram showing the copying operation when using the feeding device, No. 6
Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the copying operation based on the transfer paper size and the number of copies, Figure 64 is a diagram for explaining area specification using keys, Figure 65 is a diagram showing the position of the base pointer, and Figure 66 is 67 is a detailed view of the part related to density adjustment in the operation display section shown in the figure.
441, FIG. 68 is a diagram showing the data ROM 440, FIG. 69 is a circuit diagram for setting the lamp control voltage value and developing bias voltage value in the light amount control circuit CVR and the high voltage generator HVT, and FIG. 70 is a diagram showing the data ROM 440. AP in this example
Diagrams for explaining S mode, Figures 71 to 73 are R
A circuit diagram and a flowchart for explaining the diagnostic operation of AM421, *Note: Figure 74 is a diagram showing data contents in adjustment mode, Figures 75 to 77 are diagrams showing coordinate reading of a conventional editor. , FIG. 78 is a diagram showing the coordinate reading of the editor of the present invention, FIG. 79 is a flowchart showing the coordinate reading operation, FIG. 80 is a diagram showing the configuration of the color developer, and FIG. 81 is a toner remaining amount detection circuit. FIG. 82 is a flowchart showing the operation of detecting the remaining amount of color toner. In addition, 1 is a copy I! The main body, 7.8 is a developing device, and 70 is engineering≠ita. (c) yytt copy
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Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In a developing unit having means for detecting a voltage applied to a developing cylinder, means for detecting the amount of developer based on the detected voltage, and means for replenishing the developer according to the detected output, An image processing apparatus characterized in that when an output of a predetermined level from the developer detecting means continues for a certain period of time or more during a forming operation, the image forming operation is interrupted and the replenishing means is operated. (2) In claim 1, the method further comprises a means for measuring the time during which the developer detection means detects the absence of developer, and the image formation operation is performed before the predetermined number of sheets and during the subsequent image forming operation. An image processing device characterized in that the operation of the timekeeping means is made different.