JPS62240974A - Multiplex image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify a work, and to execute it in a short time by providing a form discharge means for making an image formation release means and a store part discharge means effective, when the operation of a low temperature control means is selected, while a form detecting means is detecting a form. CONSTITUTION:When a timer 55 has become a time-up, or when a power-saving key 32 is operated, whether a form detecting sensor 25 is turned on or not is discriminated, and when the form detecting sensor is turned off, that is to say, when a form exists in an intermediate tray 10, the operation of devices such as an electrifying charger 7 and a developing device 6, etc., which are related to a copying process is stopped, a paper feeding roller 11 is turned on, and also, a carrying belt 17, etc., for constituting a carrying part are driven. It is continuously executed until the form detecting sensor 25 is turned on, that is to say, until the form is gone from the intermediate tray 10. In this way, after the inside of the intermediate tray 10 becomes empty, the temperature of a fixing device is controlled to a low temperature, therefore, the start of a multiplex image forming work which is executed in the next time can be performed without delay.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a multiple image forming operation including a double-sided image forming operation in which images are formed on both sides of a sheet of paper and a composite image forming operation in which a plurality of images are formed on a single side of a sheet. The present invention relates to a multiplex image forming apparatus capable of performing the following steps.

<Summary of the Invention> The multiplex image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image formation canceling means that stops the image forming operation when the operation of the low temperature control means is selected while paper remains in the intermediate storage section. By providing a paper ejecting means that is activated and ejects the paper in the intermediate storage section without performing image formation, it is possible to prevent paper from remaining in the intermediate storage section after multiple image forming operations are completed, and to perform the next step. This makes it easy to perform multiple image forming operations.

<Prior Art and Its Disadvantages> In an image forming apparatus using electrophotography, a sheet of paper that has undergone a transfer process is guided to a fixing device, and the image is fixed by applying heat and pressure. This fixing device generally includes a pair of upper and lower rollers, and the surface temperature of one or both rollers is maintained at a fixing temperature at which the developer can be melted using heating means such as a heater lamp. As a result, the developer transferred onto the paper is melted by heating when passing between both rollers constituting the fixing device, and is pressed onto the paper by pressure. Since this fixing temperature is usually as high as about 180° C., a large amount of electric power is required to drive a heating means such as a heater lamp. Further, it takes a long time to raise the temperature from room temperature to the fixing temperature.

For this reason, conventionally, the temperature of the fixing device is controlled to be slightly lower than the fixing temperature when a selection switch provided on the operation unit is operated or when the interruption time of the image forming operation has elapsed. Some were equipped with control means.

This prevents the heating means from wasting power during the interruption of the image forming operation (and shortens the waiting time at the start of the image forming operation).

On the other hand, when forming multiple images, in order to avoid the loss of paper on which images have been formed on the first side due to testing or jamming during image formation on the second side, it is necessary to It is common practice to form images. Therefore, when the image forming operation on the second side is performed without failure, some sheets of paper on which images have been formed on the first side remain in the intermediate storage section after the multiple image forming operation is completed. In this way, the paper remaining in the intermediate storage section after the image forming operation is completed becomes a hindrance to the next multiple image forming operation.

However, in the conventional multiple image forming apparatus, the operation of the low temperature control means can be selected regardless of the presence or absence of paper in the intermediate storage section.

Therefore, if the operator forgets to remove the paper remaining in the intermediate storage section after completing the multiple image forming operation and selects operation of the low temperature control means, or
If the paper is left in the intermediate storage section for a long time, the temperature will be controlled to be low with the paper remaining in the intermediate storage section.

Therefore, before starting the next multiple image forming operation, it is necessary to eject the paper from the intermediate storage section.
The disadvantage was that the work became complicated and took a long time.

<Object of the Invention> In view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to enable a low temperature control means to be effective after ejecting the paper when the paper remains in the intermediate storage section. ,
□Eliminates the image forming operation from ending with paper remaining in the intermediate storage section, and eliminates the need to eject the paper remaining in the intermediate storage section during the next multiple image formation operation, simplifying the work. The objective is to provide a multiplex image forming apparatus that can realize speed reduction and time reduction.

<Configuration and Effects of the Invention> 2. The multiple image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a low temperature control means for selectively changing the temperature of the fixing device from a fixing temperature at which the developer can be melted to a temperature lower than this fixing temperature. In addition, in the multiplex image forming apparatus that guides the paper on which image formation has been completed to the image forming unit again via the intermediate storage unit, a paper detection means detects the presence or absence of paper in the intermediate storage unit;
An image formation canceling unit that stops the image forming operation of the image forming unit, a storage unit discharging unit that discharges the paper in the intermediate storage unit to the outside via the image forming unit, and a paper detection unit that detects the paper at a low temperature while detecting the paper. a paper ejecting means that enables the image formation canceling means and the storage section ejecting means when the operation of the control means is selected;
It is characterized by having the following.

According to the present invention with the above configuration, when the operator selects the low temperature control means at the end of the multiple image forming operation,
If paper remains in the intermediate storage section, the paper detection means detects this. This enables the image formation canceling means that stops the image forming operation by the paper ejecting means, and also enables the storage ejecting means that ejects paper from the intermediate storage section to the ejection section via the image forming section. eject the remaining paper outside.

Therefore, there is no possibility that the first side image-formed paper, on which images have been formed to account for the loss of paper during the second-side image forming operation, remains in the intermediate tray after completing the operation and is forgotten to be ejected. You can finish the work even when there is no paper in the copy.

In addition, during unmanned multiple image forming work, even if the low temperature control means operates after a certain period of time has passed after the end of the first side image forming work, the first side image formed remaining in the intermediate storage section Since the paper is discharged by the paper discharge means, when another multiple image forming operation is performed before the second side image forming operation, there is no paper in the intermediate storage section, and the operation can be started immediately.

<Embodiment> FIG. 2 is a schematic front sectional view showing the configuration of a multiple image forming apparatus which is an embodiment of the present invention.

A photosensitive drum I8 is provided in the center of the copying machine main body 21, and a charging charger 7, a developing device 6, a transfer/separation charger 9, a cleaner 8, and a static elimination lamp 20 are provided on the outer periphery.
Together with this, it constitutes a copying process section. A paper cassette 4 is mounted on the right side of this copying process section, and a paper feeding section is configured with a paper feeding roller 4a. A fixing device 22 consisting of a conveyor belt 17, a heat roller I, and a pressure roller 2 is provided on the left side of the copying process section. Further, on the left side thereof, a paper ejection section including a paper ejection roller 23 and a paper ejection tray 1G is configured. A thermistor 3 is provided near the heat roller l of the fixing device 22 to detect the surface temperature of the heat roller l. Further, the heat roller 1 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape,
A heater lamp 5 serving as heating means is provided inside. Inside the cabinet 26, in which the copying machine body 21 is placed, in which the paper transport path 24 from the paper feed section to the copy process section to the paper ejection section is constructed, an intermediate storage section is provided. An intermediate tray 10 is provided. This intermediate tray 10 includes a paper feed roller 11 and a paper detection sensor 25.
is provided. The paper detection sensor 25 is composed of a transmission type photo sensor. A sub-conveyance path 27 is configured between the paper discharge section and the intermediate tray 10. A flapper 15 is provided in the paper discharge section, and connects the conveyance path 24 to either the wandering tray 16 or the sub-conveyance path 27. A switch bank conveyance path 12 is formed in the sub conveyance path 27 . This switchback conveyance path 12 is provided with a roller 12a that rotates in both forward and reverse directions, and reverses the front and rear ends of the paper in the conveyance direction. Flappers 14a and 14b are provided at the joint between the sub-transport path 27 and the switch bank transport path 12. These flappers 14a and 14b are
The sub conveyance path 27 is opened to either the intermediate tray 10 or the switchback conveyance path 12, and the switchback conveyance path 12 and the intermediate tray 10 are communicated. moreover,
A passage 28 is formed between the intermediate tray 10 and the copying process section. Due to the above structure, during normal single-sided copying work, paper fed from the paper feed section passes through the copying process section and the paper ejection section. The paper advances through the paper transport path 24, forms an image on one side, and is ejected to the paper ejection tray 16. During double-sided copying, the paper fed from the paper feed section is transferred to the sub-conveyance path 27 and the sui-nochihasoku conveyance path 1 after the single-sided copying operation is completed.
2, the rear end n'iJ of the transport direction is reversed, and the paper is temporarily stored in the intermediate tray 10. The paper stored in the intermediate tray is guided again to the copying process section via the passage 28.
An image is formed on the side opposite to the side on which the previous image was formed, and the sheet is discharged to the paper discharge tray 16. During the composite copying operation, the paper that has been subjected to the single-sided copying operation is guided directly to the intermediate tray 10 through the sub-transport path 27 and temporarily stored therein. After this, the middle tray l
The paper is again guided from O to the copying process section via the passage 28, and after an image is formed on the same side as the previous image, it is ejected to the paper ejection tray 16.

FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the operation panel provided in the copying machine.

The operation panel 31 has a print switch 33 and a numeric keypad 3.
4, a clear key 35, a display section 36, and copy mode setting keys 37 to 39 are provided. Mode key 37-3
Reference numerals 9 denote keys and - which are operated when selecting a single-sided copy mode, a double-sided copy mode, and a composite copy mode, respectively.

The display unit 36 displays the set number of copies, copy magnification, warning, etc. The numeric keypad 34 is used to input numerical data such as the set number of sheets. The clear key 35 is the numeric keypad 34
It is operated to clear input data and to discharge the paper stored in the intermediate tray 10 to the paper discharge tray 16 without performing the copying process during double-sided copying work or composite copying work. print switch 33
is the key to start the copying operation. A power saving key 32 is provided above this print switch 33. This power saving key 32 is a key for selecting the operation of the low temperature control means, and is a key for setting or canceling the controlled temperature of the heater lamp 5 to a low set temperature.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control section of the copying machine.
□ The resistivity of the thermistor 3 provided near the heat roller 1 decreases as the temperature rises. Therefore, as the temperature of heat roller 1 increases, the potential at point P between thermistor 3 and resistor R1 decreases. This potential is input to comparators 63 and 64. The input voltages are compared with the voltages ■ and v2, respectively. The comparators 63, f; 4 output voltages corresponding to the ratio 1 bite results to the heater lamp control unit 1 60 as a low temperature signal Sl and a high temperature signal S2, respectively. This voltage (2) is made equal to the voltage at point P when the fixing temperature is 180.degree. C., and the voltage v1 is made equal to the voltage at point P when the fixing temperature is 150.degree.

On the other hand, copy data is manually input to the CPU 50 by key operations on the operation panel 31 via the encoder 53. Further, the detection data of the paper detection sensor 25 is sent to the input circuit 51.
Input via . When the power saving key 32 on the operation panel 31 is operated, the on signal is input as data from the encoder 53. Further, a timer 55 is connected to the CPU 50 to measure the interruption time of the copying operation. C.P.
The copy data input to U50 is stored in RAM52. Further, the ROM 59 stores a program that defines the operation of each unit, and the CPU 50 outputs control data to the copying process unit 57, transport unit 58, etc. via the output interface 56 in accordance with this program.

A power saving mode signal S3 is input to the heater lamp control unit 60 from the CPU 50. The power saving mode signal S3 is sent to the operation unit 3.
It is set to "H" when the detection data from the paper detection sensor 25 is not input, either when the power saving key 32 of No. 1 is operated or when the copying operation is interrupted for a predetermined time and the timer 55 times out. Ru. When this power saving mode signal S3 is “H”, the output signal S from the comparator 63
1 is enabled, and when the power saving mode signal S3 is "L", the output signal S2 from the comparator 64 is enabled. That is, the heater lamp control unit 60 selects either the low temperature signal S1 or the high temperature signal S2 depending on the content of the power saving mode signal S3. The signal selected in this way is output from the heater lamp control section 60 to the triac control section 61. The triac control unit 61 applies a gate trigger voltage to the triac Q1 when the input signal is negative, and stops the application when the input signal is positive. As a result, the power saving mode signal S
3 is "L", the heater lamp 5 is driven so that the voltage of the heat roller becomes 180°C. On the other hand, when the power saving mode signal S3 is "[I"], the heater lamp 5 is driven so that the temperature of the heat roller becomes 150.degree.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the multiple image forming apparatus.

When power is being supplied to the copying machine main body 21, if any of the keys provided on the operating section is operated in step nl (hereinafter, step ni is simply referred to as ni), the process proceeds to n2. .

At n2, the control temperature T of the fixing device 22 is set to the fixing temperature Th. Next, when the current temperature Ta of the fixing device 22 falls below the control temperature T at n3, the process advances to ni and the ready lamp is turned on. Copy data such as the set number of copies and copy magnification are input at n5, and when the print switch 33 is operated at n6, the process advances to n7 to execute the copying process. This copying process continues until the set number of copies is completed at r18, and when the set number of copies is completed at n8, the timer is turned on at n9.

Next, at nlo, it is determined whether or not the timer 55 has timed out, and at nil, it is determined whether or not the power saving key 32 has been operated. nl.

If the timer 55 times up at nil or the power saving key 32 is operated, the process advances to n13. n
At lO, the timer 55 is not performing time amplification, and n
If the power saving key 32 is not operated in il, n12
Then, it is determined whether or not the print switch 33 has been operated.

If the print switch 33 is operated at n12, the process returns to nl. If the print switch is not operated at n12, the process returns to nlo. By the above,
After the process of copying the set number of bones, n 10-=n 1
1-n 12-on 10 is repeated until the timer 55 times up and the power saving key 32 or print switch 33 is operated.

When timer 55 time amps or power saving key 3
If 2 has been operated, the process advances to n13, where it is determined whether or not the paper detection sensor 25 is on. If the paper detection sensor 25 is off at n13, that is,
If there is paper in the intermediate tray 10, the process advances to n14 to n16. At n14, the operation of devices such as the charger 7 and the developing device 6 related to the copying process is stopped, at n15 the paper feed roller 11 is turned on, and at n16, the conveyance belt 17 and the like constituting the conveyance section are driven. This n14~n1
Step 6 continues until the paper detection sensor 25 is turned on at n13, that is, until there is no paper left in the intermediate tray 10. In the above, n14 corresponds to the image formation canceling means of the present invention, n15 and n16 correspond to the storage part discharging means,
These n14 to n16 correspond to paper ejection means.

When the paper detection sensor 25 is turned on at n13, the process proceeds to n17, where the control temperature T is set to the low temperature Tr, and at the same time, it is set to R at n18.
The memory area in AM52 and the timer 55 are cleared, the ready lamp is turned off at n19, and the process returns to nl.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the power saving key 32 is operated by the operator, it is determined that the copying work has been completed, and at that time, the paper remaining in the intermediate tray 1O is used as unnecessary paper. It is discharged to the outside as it is. In addition, if paper remains in the intermediate storage section for a long time, the paper in the intermediate tray 10 is ejected in order to prevent an increase in running costs and free up the copying machine for other copying operations. . Since the temperature of the fixing device is controlled to a low temperature after the intermediate tray 10 is emptied in this manner, the start of the next multiple image forming operation is not delayed.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of a copying machine which is a multiple image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic front cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the copying machine, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the features of the copying machine. FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of the operation section and a block diagram of the control section of the copying machine. 3-thermistor, 5-heater lamp, 10-intermediate tray, 22 fixing device, 25-paper detection sensor1. 32-Power saving key.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A low temperature control means is provided to selectively change the temperature of the fixing device from a fixing temperature at which the developer can be melted to a temperature lower than this fixing temperature, and the paper on which image formation has been completed is passed through an intermediate storage section. In the multiplex image forming apparatus, paper detecting means detects the presence or absence of paper in the intermediate storage section, image formation canceling means stops the image forming operation of the image forming section, and paper detection means detects the presence or absence of paper in the intermediate storage section. a storage unit discharging means for discharging the image to the outside via the image forming unit, and an image formation canceling unit and a storage unit discharging unit are enabled when the operation of the low temperature control unit is selected while the paper detection unit is detecting paper. A multiplex image forming apparatus comprising: a paper ejecting means for discharging paper;