JPS63172174A - Setting method for copy paper size and copy magnification in copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent an erroneous operation accompanied with copying by detecting the dimensions of an original and defining the dimensions corresponding to two-page components of originals as reference dimensions an setting the size of a copy paper to be used, based on copy magnification and reference dimensions and setting the copy magnification based on the copy paper size and reference dimensions. CONSTITUTION:When a second synthesizing mode is selected where two-page components of originals are copied on one copy paper, dimensions of the first original are detected and dimensions corresponding to two-page components of originals are defined as reference dimensions of originals. When a first automatic set mode (APS) where the copy magnification is designated is selected as automatic setting mode, the copy paper is set, based on the original dimensions and the copy magnification and a paper supply tray is selected. When a second automatic setting mode (AMS) is selected, the copy magnification is determined based on the original dimensions and the copy paper size and a scanning optical system is set in accordance with this magnification. If the automatic setting mode is not set, proper copy paper size and copy magnification are determined, and a paper supply tray is selected, and the magnification paper supply tray is selected, and the magnification of the scanning optical system is set. Thus, erroneous operation is prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a method for setting copy paper size and copy magnification of a copying machine used with an automatic document feeder.

[Conventional technology]

In order to efficiently copy multiple sheets of originals, an automatic document feeder that automatically transports the original onto the copying machine's original table and automatically ejects it after exposure is completed. It is installed on the document table of a machine and used in conjunction with a copying machine.

In this device, originals are sequentially fed from the feed tray, stopped by a pinch roller on the feeder side, and transported to a predetermined position on the document table by a pinch roller and a conveyor belt that operate in response to a feed signal. be done. When the exposure is completed, the document is conveyed again by the conveyor belt and discharged onto the discharge tray, and the next document is conveyed to a predetermined position on the document table.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

The above-mentioned conventional automatic document feeder automates the handling of documents and performs copying operations efficiently, but in order to store large quantities of copies and save on the number of copies, two documents are transferred to one sheet of paper. It was not possible to respond to requests such as those for copying documents because the stopping position of the document conveyed onto the document table is fixed. The stopping position of the document being conveyed by the document feeding device is changed between odd and even pages of the document, and this is set in composite copy mode (after copying the first document on a portion of one sheet of copy paper, the remaining The applicant has proposed an automatic document feeder for use with a copying machine equipped with a mode in which another document is copied into the blank space (patent application filed on September 18, 1986). ).

This automatic document feeder will be explained based on FIG. 1. In the figure, 30 is an automatic document feeder (ADF), and the document is placed on the document tray 32 with the side to be copied facing the document tray 32. The written originals ORI and OR2 are sequentially fed from the top original, that is, from OR2, to the front of the pinch roller 38 by a feeding means including a feeding roller. When a command to convey the document to the document table is output from a microprocessor that controls the operation of the ADF, the document is conveyed toward the document table by a conveying means including a pinch roller, a conveyor belt, and the like.

2 for the first (odd-numbered) manuscript, that is, a 2-page manuscript.
The first original OR2 is transported. When the trailing edge is detected by the sensor 37, this detection signal is counted and judged by the counter of the microprocessor that constitutes the odd-even judgment means of the original, and it is determined that it is the odd-numbered sheet, and the original is moved a certain distance t1.
After being conveyed, it is stopped and set at position A in the figure. In this state, exposure is performed and copies are made, but the copy paper is C0P in the same figure.
It is shown in Y1, half of which is blank. Since the composite copy mode of the copying machine is selected, this copy paper is stored in the paper re-feed tray. When the required number of copies have been copied, the second (even-numbered) document, that is, the first page of the two-page document, is fed, but when the trailing edge is detected by the sensor 37, the gold tooth is determined to be an even-numbered sheet, and the total distance of the constant distance t□ and the document width t2 (
After being conveyed for a distance of t, +t2), it is stopped and set at the position B in the figure. In this state, exposure is performed and copies are made, but the first copy of the original is first copied in 2 on the copy paper and then copied onto the paper stored in the paper re-feed tray, so C0 in the same figure
This is shown as PY 2, and odd-numbered pages and even-numbered pages of the original are copied onto one sheet of copy paper.

Some documents are transferred to 1 using the automatic document feeder.
When performing copying in the mode of copying onto a sheet of copy paper (hereinafter referred to as compositing second mode), the automatic setting mode provided on the copying machine, that is, when the copy magnification is specified, the original size and copy magnification are A first automatic setting mode, that is, APS mode, in which a suitable copy paper is selected from the list, or a second automatic setting mode, that is, in which, when copy paper is specified, a suitable copying magnification is selected from the original size and the copy paper size. When attempting to use the AMS mode, the size of one document is determined and the APS mode or AMS mode is activated. For example, when the document is A4 landscape and the copying magnification is 0.707, A5 landscape copy paper is selected in the APS mode, and copying in the second composite mode is not possible.

Further, for example, when the original is A4 landscape and A4 portrait is selected as the copy paper size, an appropriate copy magnification cannot be selected in AMS mode.

Afterwards, the printer must select the copy magnification or copy paper in manual mode, and at this time,
Choosing the appropriate copying magnification or copying paper has been difficult.

[Failure to solve the problem]

This invention controls a copying machine to set the copy paper or copy magnification based on the size of two originals when copying work in the second composite mode is performed using the automatic setting mode. a first automatic setting mode for selecting an appropriate copy paper based on the original dimensions and an externally input copying magnification; In a copier equipped with a second automatic setting mode to be selected and a manual mode in which the copy magnification and copy paper dimensions are externally input, if the document to be fed is an odd number, the document is fed to the first position on the document table. When a document is fed by an automatic document feeder equipped with a document conveying means that conveys an even-numbered document to a second position on the document table, the dimensions of the fed document are detected and the dimensions of the document are detected. A dimension corresponding to one page of two original pages is determined as the reference dimension, and when the first automatic setting mode is selected and a copy magnification is input from the outside, the copy magnification and the reference dimension are used. The copy paper size is set, and when the second automatic setting mode is selected and the copy paper size is input from an external source, the copy magnification is set from the copy paper size and the reference dimension, and the automatic setting mode is set. When not selected, the copy paper size and copy magnification are uniquely set.

[For production]

Composite No. 2, which copies two pages of the original onto one sheet of copy paper.
When the mode is selected, the dimensions of the first (odd-numbered) document are detected, and the dimensions corresponding to two pages are determined as the standard dimensions of the document. When the first automatic setting mode (APS mode) in which the copy magnification is specified as the automatic setting mode is selected, the copy paper size to be used is set from the original dimensions and the copy magnification, and the paper of the size that matches this is set. Select the tray.

When the second automatic setting mode (AMS mode) in which the copy paper size is specified is selected, the copy magnification is determined from the document size and the copy paper size, and the scanning optical system is set in accordance with this magnification.

Additionally, if automatic configuration mode is not selected,
Determine the uniquely appropriate copy paper size and copy magnification,
Select the paper feed tray and set the magnification of the scanning optical system.

Control of each part of the copying machine described above is performed by software of a copying machine control microprocessor.

〔Example〕

Examples of the present invention will be described below.

First, the configuration of the copying machine will be explained. FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the main components of a copying machine equipped with a composite copy mode suitable for use with an automatic document feeder (ADF) installed.

In the figure, ■ is the main body of the copying machine, 2 is the scanning optical system, 3 is the photosensitive drum, 4 is the developer, 5 is the first paper feed table, and 6 is the second
7.8 is a paper feed roller that feeds the copy sheets one by one on the first and second paper feed trays, 9.10.11
12 is a transport path, 13 is a transport belt for the copy paper onto which the toner image has been transferred, 14 and 15 are a pair of fixing rollers, and 69 is an eraser.

Further, 16 is a conveyance path for the fixed copy paper, 17 is a switching claw for switching between discharging the copy paper or conveying it to the re-feed tray 20, 18 is a conveyance path to the re-feed tray, 19
is a conveyance path switching claw that changes the direction of the paper, depending on whether you are making double-sided copies or composite copies. In the case of copying, this is for switching to conveying the paper to the re-feeding tray via the reversing conveyance path 21. 20 is a paper refeeding tray, 22 is a feeding roller that feeds the copy paper on the paper refeeding tray, and 23 and 24 are guide plates for the paper refeeding tray, which are set at appropriate positions according to the paper size.

Further, these guide plates 23 and 24 retract the paper feed roller 22 upward when a predetermined number of copies of copy paper is stored, and move the copy paper below the feed roller. , has a function to enable paper feeding. Reference numeral 30 denotes an automatic document feeder, which is installed on the document table 25 of the copying machine 1.

Its configuration will be explained later. Further, 80 is a known sorter.

Next, the automatic document feeder (ADF) will be explained based on FIG. 3. 31 is a document feeding unit, 32 is a document tray, 33 is a feeding roller, 34.35 is a separation roller that separates and feeds the document one by one, and 36 is a device to check whether the document is fed one by one. 37 is an entrance sensor that detects when the trailing edge of the document passes in order to control the stop position of the fed document, 38 is a pinch roller, and 39 is a conveyor belt that conveys the document. It is installed between a roller 40 and a tension roller 41. 42 is a roller that presses the conveyor belt against the document table. 45 is a document ejection section;
Reference numeral 46 denotes an ejected document feeding guide, 47 and 48 guide rollers, and 49 a paper ejection tray, which receives the exposed document. Note that 44 is a paper ejection sensor that detects the trailing edge of the ejected document.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of the pinch roller 38 of the ADF shown in FIG. This sensor detects the width in the direction perpendicular to the direction f. Please note that this sensor does not detect the exact width of the document, but rather the size of the document, such as A4 landscape or B.
This distinguishes between standard sizes such as 5-vertical. 52 is a pinch roller drive motor, 53 is a pinch roller clutch that connects the drive shaft of the pinch roller drive motor 52 and the pinch roller 38.
It is interposed between a drive mechanism consisting of, for example, a Zori 54, 55 and a belt 56, and transmits and interrupts power. Further, 57 is a pulse generation disk that generates a pulse ξ for timekeeping, and 58 is a pulse ξ detector.

Figure 5 shows the ADF operation and Z-channels, including the print key 73, the border erase key 72 to request erasing of the border between two originals, and the compositing key 72 to request erasing of the boundary between two originals, and the compositing mode when selecting the 2nd composite mode 1 as the copy mode. Second mode key 71, mode AP that automatically selects copy paper suitable for the document size
S, automatic setting mode selection key 70 for selecting either mode AMS, which selects the copy magnification according to the selected paper size, or mode MUL, which manually selects the copy magnification and copy paper, and a lamp that displays these modes. 65-1.65-2.65-3.65-4.65-5 are provided.

Note that there are two combination modes: a first combination mode and a second combination mode. The second combining mode is a copying mode according to the present invention in which two sheets of originals consecutively supplied in a copying system linked with an ADF are copied onto one sheet of copy paper.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control circuit that controls the ADF and the copying machine, and only the portions related to the second combining mode, which is the copying mode provided in the ADF of the present invention, are shown.

Both the ADF and the copier are equipped with a microprocessor for control, and are controlled by a program executed by the microprocessor.
The ADF controls the functional operation of the copier.

First, to explain from the ADF side, 60 is the ADF control CPU.
The input board ■1 has a print key 72,
I2 has automatic setting mode APS/AMS/MUL
The selection key 70113 includes a combination second mode selection key 71.
A signal from the boundary erase key 72 is input to 14. Inputs N-zs, I6, and I7 receive output signals SEN-IN and SEN・ from an entrance sensor 37, an ejection sensor 44, and a document middle sensor 50 that detect the feeding state of the document, respectively.
OUT, 5EN-dan is input. Also, out capo [
) From 1.02.03 onwards, a high speed drive signal HI and a low speed main motion signal LO1 forward/reverse switching signal are output to the conveyor belt drive motor control circuit 62. Reference numeral 63 is a conveyor belt drive motor whose speed and rotation direction are controlled by a conveyor belt drive motor control circuit 62.
AD from the pulse generator via the control circuit 62
Input to IP of F control CPU 60. In addition, the output hoard 04 of the ADF control CPU 60 sends to the drive circuit 64 a clutch (D ON 10FF signal, brake operation signal, and automatic setting mode APS /
A signal for displaying AMS/MUL and displaying the second combination mode is output, and the clutch and brake are operated and the display lamp on the display section 65 is displayed.

On the other hand, the input port Ia of the copying machine control CPU 61.

For Ib, Ic, and Id, the document size and position must be A4 landscape or B.
5 Detection signal SEN/OR of the sensor that detects horizontal orientation, etc., paper size signal 5EN-PA stored in the copying machine's paper feed tray and paper feed cassette, detection signal SEN-SC1 of the scanning end of the scanning optical system 2 Then, a detection signal SEN-DM of the rotational angular position of the photosensitive drum is input. Also, out capo)C
) A and Ob output a scanning optical system drive signal and a forward/reverse switching signal to the scanning optical system drive motor control circuit 66. Reference numeral 67 denotes a scanning optical system drive motor, which is controlled to stop and rotate in forward and reverse directions by the above-mentioned control circuit.
The data is input to the input port IS of the copying machine control CPU 61 via the CPU 61 for controlling the copying machine. In addition, the output N- of the CPU 61 for controlling the copying machine
)Oc to the erase lamp 6 to the drive circuit 68
9 lighting control signals are output.

Various control signals are exchanged between the ADF control CPU 60 and the copying machine control CPU 61.
From the output port 05.06.07.08 of U60, the original size signal 0R3Z, copy start signal CPST, and even page signal EVPG indicating that the original is an even page are sent.
, a C0M2 signal indicating the second combining mode is output, and the inputs Ie, If of the copying machine control CPU 61 are output.

Input to Ig and Ih. In addition, the copying machine control CPU 6
The copy paper size signal PA is output from the output capo [) dloe of 1.
SZ and a copy end signal CPFN are outputted and input to input ports (9) and (10) of the ADF control CPU 60.

Next, its operation will be explained. First, operate the key 71 on the operation panel of the copying machine to select the second composition mode,
Furthermore, operate key 70 to set APS to automatic setting mode.
, AMS, or MUL.

Further, the document is placed face down on the document tray 32 of the ADF, and prepared to be fed starting from the last page at the top of the document.

When the print key 73 of the F channel is pressed and copying operation starts, the top original of the original OR on the original tray 32 is fed by the feeding roller 33, and the original is sent to the separating roller 34.3.
5, the documents are separated one by one, and the first (odd-numbered) document OR2 is sent out to the pinch roller 38. When it is time to send out the original by a known timing adjustment means, the pinch roller 38 rotates and feeds the original OR2 under the conveyor belt 39. The conveyor belt 39 is moved in the direction of arrow a by the drive roller 40.
Then, the document OR2 is held by frictional force and conveyed in the direction of arrow a.

A hole ξ provided on the motor shaft that drives the pinch roller 38
Lus generation disk and/! ? After the trailing edge of the document is detected by the entrance sensor 37 and the trailing edge of the document passes over the reference point P, the pinch roller 38
, the conveyor belt 39 is stopped, and then the conveyor belt is moved in the opposite direction (in the direction of the arrow) by a predetermined amount determined from the time counted by the previous timer and the amount of movement, and the rear end of the document is moved to the document table 25.
Upper reference point P (distance t□ from the entrance sensor 37 in Figure 1)
position).

When the trailing edge of the document is detected by the entrance sensor 37, the width of the document in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction is also detected by the middle document sensor 50.

Since the original is set at a predetermined first position (position A in FIG. 1) on the original platen 25, the ADF instructs the main body of the multiplication machine to perform a series of copying operations including exposure, development, and fixing. A scanning optical system 2 scans a document and forms an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor drum 3.

The electrostatic latent image is developed and transferred onto a copy sheet fed from the paper feed table 5 or 6 via the conveyance rollers 9, 10, 11 and the conveyance path 12. The copy paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed by the conveyor belt 13 to fixing rollers 14, 15, and the toner image is fixed on the copy paper. The above is the copying process of a normal copying machine, and although the explanation is omitted here, it goes without saying that the copying machine includes components such as a charger, a transfer device, a static eliminator, and a cleaner, which are known in the art.

The copy paper after fixing is discharged from the fixing rollers 14 and 15, but since the second combining mode is selected as the copy mode, the switching claw 17 provided in the middle of the conveyance path re-feeds the conveyance path 16. Switching towards the paper tray. Therefore, the copy paper enters the transport path 18. At the exit of the conveyance path 18, there is a switching claw for transporting the paper to the reversing conveyance path 21 for reversing the front and back sides of the paper in the case of double-sided copy mode, or directly to the refeeding tray 20 in the case of the composite tube 1 or the second mode. In the case of this explanation, the second combining mode is selected as the copy mode, so the switching claw 19 is switched in the direction in which the copy paper enters the paper re-feeding tray 20 directly. The imported copy paper is transferred to the re-feed tray 2 by guide plates 23 and 24.
It is stored in a predetermined position on 0.

In this way, the copying operation is repeated for the set number of copies.
Copying of the first (odd-numbered) original is completed.

The feed roller 22 on the paper refeed tray 20 is retracted upward, and the copy paper on the paper refeed tray 20 is moved to the left in FIG. 3 by the guide plates 23 and 24 and set at the paper feed position. be done. Then, the feeding roller 22 descends to complete preparations for feeding the second original as a copy sheet for copying onto the margin of the copy sheet on which the first original has been copied.

When the ADF receives a copy completion signal for the first (odd-numbered) document output from the copying machine, the ADF begins a document exchange operation. First, the conveyor belt 39 moves in the direction of arrow a in FIG.
6 and guide rollers 47, 48, and is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 49. At this time, the discharge sensor 44 detects discharge. Then, the next document is sent out by the feeding roller 33. This time, since this is the second (even-numbered) document, the timer starts counting after the trailing edge of the document is detected by the entrance sensor 37.
(In FIG. 1, the distance t1 from the entrance sensor 37) The original is counted and stopped at a position further to the left in FIG. 3 by a distance corresponding to the width 42 of the original.

Since the original is set at a predetermined second position (position B in FIG. 1) on the original platen 25, the ADF instructs the main body of the copying machine to perform a series of copying operations including exposure, development, and fixing. A scanning optical system 2 scans the original and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum. In this case, since the optical system 2 performs a full scan to scan the entire surface of the document table, dirt on the surface of the conveyor belt 39 of the ADF is also deposited as an electrostatic latent image on the portion corresponding to the first position of the document on the photoreceptor drum. Because it is formed as
To remove this, turn on the eraser lamp to erase this part.

At this time, a line image may be formed at the boundary between the first (odd-numbered) document and the second (even-numbered) document, so use a wider width to erase with the eraser lamp. It's a good idea to leave it there. The electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum is developed, and the toner image is transferred to the copy sheet on the re-feed tray 20 fed by the feed roller 22, that is, the first original is copied first. The image will be transferred to the blank area of the paper.

The copy paper on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed by the conveyor belt 13 to fixing rollers 14, 15, and the toner image is fixed onto the copy paper. The fixed copy paper is ejected, but since the second (even-numbered) document is being processed, the switching claw 17 switches the conveyance path 16 in the ejection direction toward the sorter θO.

Therefore, the copy sheets are ejected from the copy machine main body, enter the sorter, and are sorted by known means. The copying operation is repeated for the predetermined number of copies thus set, and the copying of the second (even-numbered) document is completed.

After the third sheet, the first sheet (odd number sheet), the second sheet (
The same operation as the copying operation for the even-numbered originals is repeated until all the originals have been copied and the series of copying operations is completed.

Note that the entrance sensor 3 determines whether the original is an odd numbered page or an even numbered page.
A counter in the ADF control CPU 60 counts the signal indicating the passage of the edge of the document detected in step 7, and a judgment is made based on the counting result.

Next, ADF control CPU 60, copying machine control CPU 6
The control process executed at 11:I will be explained with reference to flowcharts from FIG. 7 to FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ADF main routine. When the power is turned on, initialization such as clearing the memory and resetting the flags is performed (step Sl). Next, an internal timer for managing the operation of the main routine is set (step 32).

Processing is performed on signals input from various sensors and output signals such as drive motor operation commands (step S3).

Check whether the ADF is used (step S4), and if the ADF is used, set the required 7 lags, etc. according to the input signal of the mode input as the copy mode, for example, normal mode, composite mode, etc. The mode setting is performed (step S5). Feeding of the original is started, and the original is fed to the pinch roller and stopped (step S6).

Check whether the copy mode is the second composition mode (Stedab S
7) If it is not the second synthesis mode, the process proceeds to step Sll, executes the transport mode 1 subroutine, which will be explained in detail later, and proceeds to step 512. Further, in the case of the second composition mode, the process proceeds to step S8, and it is checked whether or not a flag indicating that the original is an even R-size is set.

If the flag indicating that the original is an even page is set, the transport mode 2 subroutine (step S9
) and proceeds to step S12. If the above flag is not set, the transport mode 1 subroutine (step 510) is executed, and the process advances to steady dub S12.

In step 512, the document size is detected by the document size detection sensor 50. This will be explained in detail later.

The process advances to step S13, and returns to step S2 in order to wait for the internal timer to finish counting and then proceed to the next cycle of processing.

If the ADF is not used in step S4, the ADF
A document forgetting process is performed, such as displaying a message indicating that no document is placed on the screen (step 514), and the process proceeds to step S13.

Next, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, step 5101Sl
The subroutines of transport mode 11 and transport mode 2 shown as 1 and S9 will be explained.

First, the transport mode 1 subroutine will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b).

A feeding counter (not shown) or the like is used to check whether or not this is the first document to be conveyed (step 521), and if it is not the first document, the process moves to step S30. If it is the first sheet, the entrance sensor 37
Checks whether the leading edge of the document has been detected (step 522).
, is detected, it is checked whether or not the document has been fed to the pinch roller entrance (step 523). When the document feeding is completed, the process advances to step S24. If the judgment results in steps S22 and S23 are negative, the process returns to the main routine. In step S24, it is checked whether the number of originals set on the original tray is an odd number. This is because if the number of originals is an odd number, only one original will be copied at the end.
On the copy paper, the left side will be blank (the one shown as C0PY 1 in Figure 1), which does not look good, so in this case, the original to be copied first, that is, the last page 2.
For the original, it is determined that the copy of the original should be placed on the left side of the copy paper, and the blank portion should be placed on the right side.

Additionally, the number of originals set in the original tray is odd.

The number of sheets or even number of sheets can be input from a not-illustrated document number input means, such as an operation/gunnel key switch, or it can also be input from a separately provided document number counting means.

As a result of the determination in step S24, if the number of originals is an odd number, the clutch of the pinch roller is turned on, and the conveyor belt 39 is turned on.
is driven at low speed to convey the document to position B on the document table 25 (see Figure 1), and sets the even number (- shift flag (step S25, 326, 527). If it is not a single sheet, the pinch roller clutch is turned ON, and the conveyor belt is driven at high speed to convey the document to position A on the document table 25 (see FIG. 1) (step S
28.529).

Proceeding to step S30, it is checked whether copying is complete.

If copying is finished, the conveyance belt 39 is driven at high speed to convey the document to the discharge section 45, and a timer TM3 is set to adjust the timing for feeding the next document (step S31.532). If copy 1 has not been completed, steps S31.332K are omitted and the process advances to step S33.

In step 533, it is checked whether the timer TM3 has finished counting, and if it has not finished, the process moves to step S41, but if it has finished, the process moves to step S34, and it is checked whether all the documents on the document tray 32 are fed.

If it is the feeding flow, the process advances to step S35, where it is checked whether the discharge sensor 44 of the document discharge section has detected the trailing edge of the document, and if it has detected the trailing edge of the document, the document is completely stored in the paper discharge tray 49. Set the timer TM6 for timing adjustment up to step 836), check whether the timer TM6 has finished timing (step 537), and if the timing has finished counting, the conveyor belt 3
9 and returns to the main routine (step 838). If the discharge sensor 44 of the document discharge section does not detect the trailing edge of the document in step S35, step S36 is omitted, and if the timer TM6 has not finished counting in step S37, step S38 is omitted.

If the document is not completely fed in step S34, the process proceeds to step S40, where the clutch of the pinch roller is turned on and the document is conveyed. Check whether the trailing edge of the transported document is detected by the entrance sensor 37 (step 541);
When detected, the timing adjustment timer TM7 causes the conveyor belt 39 to convey the document to a predetermined position on the document table 25.
is set (step 542). If no original is detected, step S42 is omitted.

Proceeding to step 543, it is checked whether timer TM7 has finished counting. If the time measurement has not ended, the process moves to step S50, but if the time measurement has ended, the conveyor belt 39 is stopped, the clutch of the pinch roller is turned off, and the brake is turned on to stop the document conveyance drive section (steps 544 to 846), and the document is transferred. A document feed flag is set to feed the next document from the tray 32 to the pinch row 238 (step 547).

Further, a timing adjustment timer TM8 is set to move the conveyor belt 39 in the opposite direction to the normal position (the position where the trailing edge of the original coincides with point P) to move the original that has come out and stopped somewhat ahead of the normal position. A copy start flag is set (step S48.549).

Check whether timer TM8 has finished counting (step 550), and if timing has finished, turn off the brake of conveyor belt 39.
F, the conveyor belt 39 is driven in reverse, the copy start flag is reset, and a timer TM9 for measuring the time of reverse drive of the conveyor belt is set (steps 351 to 554). The reverse drive time is determined based on the number of revolutions counted by the noise generator attached to the pinch roller drive shaft when the document is first fed by the pinch roller 38, and the length of the document fed beyond its normal position is determined. Therefore, the time is set so that the conveyor belt 39 is driven in the reverse direction by the amount necessary to correct this length.

It is checked whether the timer TM9 has finished counting, and when the timing has finished, that is, the document has been set at the normal position, the conveyor belt 39 is stopped from reversing, the one-shift flag is reset to an odd number, and the even-number R-shift flag is set (step S57). , S58.559),
Return to main routine.

If time counting by the timer TM8 has not ended in step 350, steps 351 to S54 are omitted and the process moves to step S56.
If the time measurement of M9 has not finished, steps 557 to S
59 is omitted and the process immediately returns to the main routine.

Next, the transport mode 2 subroutine will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the completion of copying is checked (step 561), and if copying is complete, the conveyor belt 39 is driven at low speed to convey the document to the discharge section 45, and a timer TM3 is activated to adjust the timing for feeding the next document. Set (Step S
62.563).

Here, the point of driving the conveyor belt at low speed will be explained.

Since the first document stops at position A in Figure 1, the document is positioned at the reference point P, but normally this position is on the document table (
Since the reference position can be set using the positioning member, it is driven at high speed.

On the other hand, when stopping the document at position B, since the stopping position varies depending on the size and it is difficult to provide a positioning member, the document is driven at low speed to improve the accuracy of the position at which the transported document is stopped. In the example, the high speed drive is 1
000 rrrm/sec, low speed drive is 200 m
m/sec.

If the copying is not completed in step S61, step S62.563 is omitted. The process advances to step S64, and it is checked whether or not the timer TM3 has finished counting, and if it has ended, the process proceeds to step S65, and it is checked whether all the documents in the document tray have been fed. If the document has been fed, it is checked whether the discharge sensor 44 of the document discharge section has detected the trailing edge of the document (step 566). When the trailing edge of the document is detected, a timer TM6 for adjusting the timing until the document is completely stored in the paper ejection tray 49 is set (step 567), and the end of timing of the timer is checked (step 568). If so, the conveyor belt 39 is stopped, the even-number shift flag is reset, the odd-number shift flag is set, and the process returns to the main routine (steps S69 and S70.571). Step S6
If the discharge sensor 44 of the document discharge section does not detect the trailing edge of the document in step 6, step S67 is omitted, and step S6
If the timer TM6 has not finished counting in step S65 and the document has not been completely fed in step S65, the process advances to step S72, where the clutch of the pinch roller is turned on and the document is fed. It is checked whether the trailing edge of the fed document is detected by the entrance sensor 37 (step 573), and when it is detected, the timing adjustment timer TM4 causes the conveyor belt 39 to convey the document to a predetermined position on the document table. is set (step 574). This timer TM4 varies depending on the size of the document. If no original is detected, step S74 is omitted.

Proceeding to step S75, it is checked whether the timer TM4 has finished counting. If the time measurement has not ended, the process moves to step S82, but if the time measurement has ended, the conveyance belt 39 is stopped, the clutch of the pinch roller is turned off, the brake is turned on, and the document conveyance drive section is stopped (steps S76 to S578). Timer TM for timing adjustment to turn off the brake
5, the copy start flag is set, and the document feed flag is set (steps 579 to 581).

Check whether the timer TM5 has finished counting (step 582), and when finished, turn off the brake, reset the copy start flag, reset the even number R shift flag, set the one shift flag for odd numbers (steps 583 to 886), and return to the main routine. Furthermore, if the timer TM5 has not finished counting in step S82, the process immediately returns to the main routine.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an outline of the main routine of the copying machine. When the power is turned on, initialization such as clearing the memory and resetting the flags is performed (step 5101).
). Next, an internal timer for managing the operation of the main routine is set (step 5102). Processes signals input from the paper feed cassette and other various sensors, and output signals such as operation commands for various drive systems (step 5103).
.

Next, set the copy mode (step 5104)
. Here, from keys 71 and 70 of the operation channel,
The following describes the modes in which the automatic setting mode is set. Details of the automatic setting mode will be explained later. When the copying magnification is determined in the automatic setting mode, the scanning optical system 2 is moved accordingly to set a predetermined copying magnification (step 5105), and the copy paper size selected in the automatic setting mode is re-selected according to the dimensions. Setting the guide plates 23 and 24 of the paper feed tray 20 (step 5106)
.

Check whether the copy mode is the compositing second mode (step 5)
107), and in the case of the second synthesis mode, performs a synthesis preliminary operation (step 5108). This is paper refeed tray 20
setting of the conveyance path switching claw 17, and setting of the tray guide plate 23.
24 settings, etc. Step 5108 is omitted when the mode is not the second synthesis mode.

It is checked whether the copy start signal CPST output from the ADF is ON (step 5109), and if it is ON, a series of copying operations begins. That is, copying processes such as feeding of copy paper, charging the photoreceptor, development, transfer, static elimination erase, scanning and exposure of the original by the scanning optical system, and electrostatic latent image formation on the photoreceptor associated with the second mode of composition. Among them, operations such as erasing of margins and boundaries, switching of the conveyance path associated with the second compositing mode, feeding of paper from the paper re-feeding tray, and ejection of copy paper are controlled (steps 8110 to 5116).

Wait for the internal timer to finish counting (step 5117)
, returns to step 5102 to proceed to the next cycle. If the copy start signal is not ON in step 5109, the copying operation is not started and the process moves to step 5117.

Next, step 04 in the flowchart of Figure 10
Among the copy modes set in step 1, the automatic setting mode will be explained based on the flowcharts in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b). Note that although the description here is based on an A4 size document, this is just an example and is not limited to this.

First, check whether it is in the second synthesis mode (step 5121)
, returns to the main routine if it is not in the second composition mode, but if it is in the second composition mode, it is checked whether the original is an odd R-zi or not (
Step 5122), if the page is not an odd number, the process moves to step 5142 (FIG. 11b);
If the result of the judgment in step 2 is an odd number R-ji, step 5123
Proceed to , and check whether the size of the document is A4 landscape. This is checked using an ADF sensor (not shown). If the layout is not A4 horizontally, a decision will be made on whether to use other dimensions, for example, B5 horizontally, but if the size is possible for the second mode of composition, the flowchart will be the same as the flowchart that will be explained from now on, and the copy to be used will be Since the only difference is the paper size etc., the explanation will be omitted.

If the size of the original or manuscript is A4 landscape, the process advances to step 5124, and it is checked whether the APS mode is selected. The APS mode is a mode that automatically selects copy paper suitable for the original size based on the original size, and is set by inputting from the operation/ε panel key 70.

When in APS mode, check the copy magnification entered manually using a separate key, and when the copy magnification is 0.816, select A3 portrait as the copy paper, and when the copy magnification is 0.816, select B4 portrait as the paper, and when the copy magnification is 0. .707, A4 portrait is selected as the paper (steps 8125 to 5129).

Next, it is checked whether the selected paper is in the paper feed tray or paper cassette (step 5130), and if there is paper, the process moves to step 5155 (FIG. 11(b)), and the optical system scans the width of the document. is set to A4 width, and further set to erase mode 1 (steps 5155 and 8156), and the process returns to the main routine. As a result of the determination in step 5130, if there is no paper, a warning is displayed and the process returns to the main routine (step 8131).

In this way, when in the second synthesis mode, the normal APS
By selecting a size twice the suitable size selected in , it is possible to create a composite image of two originals.

If it is not the APS mode in step 5124, the process moves to step 5141 (Fig. 11 (b)), and it is checked whether the mode is AMS mode or not. This mode automatically selects the copy magnification according to the copy paper size entered manually with the key.In AMS mode, the copy magnification is selected according to the copy paper size entered manually with the key, but if the original is A4 landscape orientation. On the other hand, if the paper size is A3 portrait, the copy magnification is 10.
0. If the paper size is A4 portrait, select the copy magnification 0707. If the paper size is B4 portrait, select the copy magnification 0.816.
Steps 5142 to 5146) Check whether the set magnification range can be set (Step 5147). If it cannot be set, a warning is processed and the process returns to the main routine (Step 5151); however, if it can be set, the process returns to Step 5148. Then, it is checked whether the document is an even numbered R-size or not. If it is not an even numbered R-size, the process moves to step 5155, and the width at which the optical system scans the document is set to A4 width.

If the original has an even number of pages, set it to A3 width while scanning.
Erase mode 2 (step 5149.5)
150).

In this way, in the second composite mode, it is possible to select a special magnification, that is, a magnification equivalent to half of the copy paper, compared to the compatible magnification selected in normal AMS, and to make a composite copy of two originals. do. Furthermore, when the width of the document scanned by the optical system is an odd number, that is, when the document is set at position A in FIG. When it is a page, that is, when it is set at position B in FIG. 1, it is set to scan the entire area from position A1 to position B, so that it is scanned at A3 width.

If it is determined in step 5141 that it is not AMS, the process moves to step 5152. This uniquely selects the paper size and copy magnification, and in the description of this embodiment, A4 portrait is selected as the paper size and a copy magnification of 0.707 is selected (steps 5152 and 5153).

Check whether there is A4 size paper in the paper feed table or paper cassette (step 5154), and if there is, step 5
Move on to 155. Furthermore, if there is no paper, a warning process is performed and the process returns to the main routine (step 5157).

Erase mode 1 shown as steps 5156 and 5150 in the flowchart of FIG.
, Erase mode 2 will be explained based on the flowcharts in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(Cb).

FIG. 12(a) is a flowchart showing erase mode 1. First, when copying is performed in composite mode, a line may appear at the boundary between two originals, and a request to erase this line is input from the operation key 72. Check whether it is done (
Step 5161).

If there is no request, it immediately returns to the original routine, but - if there is a request, a flag is set to check the set copy magnification and set a predetermined time to the timer T□, which determines the erase width according to the copy magnification. Set. That is, when the copy magnification is 1.00, flag A is set, when the copy magnification is 0.816, flag B is set, and when the copy magnification is 0.
．． If 707, set flag C in step 816.
2-8166), return to the original routine.

FIG. 12(b) is a flowchart showing erase mode 2. In this erase mode, the original to be copied is in the second position (position B in FIG. 1), so the front half of the original platen is To prevent dirt on the photosensitive drum from appearing as an electrostatic latent image and being transferred again onto the already copied image on the copy paper, erase only the front half, that is, the A4 size width of the paper. There is a need to.

Therefore, if a boundary erase request is not input from the operation key 72, a request flag is set to erase in A4 size width (step 5177).

The other parts, ie, the parts that check the copy magnification and set a flag requesting the setting of a predetermined time in a timer corresponding to the copy magnification (steps 8172 to S-176), are the same as in erase mode 1.

Next, of the erase control shown as step 5113 in the flowchart of FIG. 10, a portion related to the erase mode described above will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b).

First, it is checked from the rotation angle signal SEN-DM of the photoreceptor drum whether the leading edge of the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum has come under the eraser or not (step 5181), and it has to be under the eraser. If so, proceed to step 5190.
If it is under the eraser, move to step 5182, A4
Check the erase request flag in width (step 5182
). If the erase request flag is set, the erase lamp 69 is turned on (step 5183). If the erase request flag is not set, step 518
4, the timer request flag is checked (step 518).
4). If the timer request flag is not set, the process immediately moves to step 5190, but if the timer request flag is set, check whether the flag is A, B, or C.
The time corresponding to each time is set in the timer T1, and time measurement is started. (Steps 8185-5189). That is, set the following time.

(1) When flag A is T1 = (TA-A) (2) When flag B is T1 = (TB-B) (3) When flag C is 'r1 = ('rc-c) where TA: A4 size TB: Time required to scan an A4 size at a copying magnification of 0816 Tc: Time required to scan an A4 size at a copying magnification of 0.707 A, B, C: Constants. This value is determined according to each copying magnification and represents the time corresponding to the erase width of the boundary.

Proceeding to step 5190, it is checked whether the timer T1 has finished counting, and if the timer has finished counting, this means that the time has come to start erasing the boundary, so the erase lamp 69 is lit (step 3191). If the time measurement has not been completed, this step is omitted.Proceeds to step 5192, and determines whether the trailing edge of the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum has come under the eraser using the rotation angle signal of the photoreceptor drum. Check from etc. If it is not below the eraser, the process moves to step 5203, but if it is below the eraser, the A4 width erase request flag is checked (
Step 5193). If the erase request flag is not set, the process moves to step 3202, and the erase lamp 69 is turned on. If it is set, it is checked whether the timer request flag is set, and if it is not set, the process moves to step 52 and the erase lamp 69 is turned off. Further, when the timer request flag is set, it is checked whether the flag is A, B, or C, and the corresponding time is set in the timer T2, and time measurement is started (steps 8195 to 5199). That is, set the following time. This time extends the erase width by a length corresponding to time "A, B, C.

(1) When flag A, T2=A (2) When flag B is T2=B (3) When flag C, T2= Here, A, B, and C are the same constants as described above.

The process proceeds to step 5200, where the A4 width erase request flag is reset, and the process proceeds to step 5203.

In step 5203, it is checked whether the timer T2 has finished counting, and when the timing has finished, the erase lamp is turned off (step 5
204). If the time measurement has not finished, step 520
Step 4 is omitted and we move on. Furthermore, it is checked whether scanning of the original has been completed, and even when the scan has been completed, the erase lamp is turned off and the process returns to the main routine (steps 5205 and 5206). If the scanning is not completed, step 5206 is omitted and the process returns to the main routine.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, when copying is performed in the second composite mode in which 2 to 9 originals are copied onto one sheet of copy paper, the copying magnification is adjusted according to the automatic setting mode of the copying machine. Alternatively, you can use the automatic paper cassette selection or copy magnification setting function by specifying the copy paper size, and even if the automatic setting mode is not selected, you can automatically select the appropriate copy paper and copy magnification. can be set. As a result, it is possible to prevent operational errors that are likely to occur when copying paper is selected by manual operation or copying magnification is set, especially in the case of the second composition mode.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the automatic document feeder, Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the main configuration of a copying machine suitable for use with the automatic document feeder installed, and Figure 3 is an illustration of the automatic document feeder. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged plan view of the area around the pinch roller of the automatic document feeder, FIG. 5 is a front view of the operating knob of the automatic document feeder, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the main components of the feeder. A block diagram of a control circuit that controls the automatic document feeder and the copying machine, and FIGS. 7 to 13 are flowcharts of the control process executed by the CPU that controls the operations of the automatic document feeder and the copying machine. . 30: automatic document feeder, 32: document tray, 37: entrance sensor, 38: pinch roller, 39: transport belt, 2
5: Original table, ORI, OR2: Original, C0PY 1, C
0PY2: Copy. Patent applicant: Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Figure 1 Figure 10 Figure 12 (a)

Claims (1)

[Claims] A first automatic setting mode for selecting suitable copy paper based on original dimensions and externally input copying magnification, and suitable copying based on original dimensions and externally input copying paper dimensions. In a copier equipped with a second automatic setting mode for selecting the magnification and a manual mode for externally inputting the copy magnification and copy paper dimensions, when the odd-numbered document is being fed, it is placed in the first position on the document table. When a document is fed by an automatic document feeder equipped with a document feeder that transports the even-numbered document to a second position on the document table, the dimensions of the fed document are detected. Then, when the first automatic setting mode is selected and a copy magnification is input from the outside, the copy magnification and the standard dimension are used. The copy paper size is set, and when the second automatic setting mode is selected and the copy paper size is input from an external source, the copy magnification is set from the copy paper size and the reference dimension, and the automatic setting mode is set. 1. A copy paper size and copy magnification setting method in a copying machine, characterized in that the copy paper size and copy magnification are uniquely set when the copy paper size and copy magnification are not selected.