JPS63246763A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To shorten the time for rising of a scanner motor which rotates a rotary polyhedral mirror of a laser exposing means by starting the scanner motor according to supply of a power source and controlling the driving of the scanner motor at the number of revolutions lower than the number of revolutions at the time of image formation except the image forming time. CONSTITUTION:This recorder has the scanner motor (e) which rotates the rotary polyhedral mirror (d) for scanning a laser spot and a control means (f) which controls the revolutions of the scanner motor (e) at the number of revolutions lower than the prescribed number of revolution at the time of the image formation except the image forming time. The scanner motor (e) which rotates the rotary polyhedral mirror (d) of the laser exposing system is thereby started according to the supply of the power source and the driving of the scanner motor is controlled at the number of revolutions lower than the number of revolutions at the time of the image formation except the image forming time and, therefore, the rising time of the scanner motor (e) is shortened and the fast recording process is obtd. Since the occasion of running the scanner motor (e) at a high speed for a long period is eliminated, the life of the motor is extended and the reliability thereof is improved; in addition, maintenance and inspection as well as replacements of parts are decreased.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image recording device such as a copying machine that records images such as characters and figures through a plurality of exposure systems and a photosensitive recording medium, and in particular, The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus equipped with a laser exposure system that scans a laser beam spot using a polyhedral mirror.

[Prior Art] In recent years, it has been proposed that such an apparatus uses a normal copying exposure system to copy an original, and records input image information from an image memory, a host computer, etc. using a laser exposure system. Furthermore, a method has been proposed that uses both a copying exposure system and a laser exposure system to erase unnecessary image portions on a designated recording surface, enhance images, and the like. In such a laser exposure system, a photosensitive recording medium is generally exposed with a laser beam spot that is turned on and off according to input image information, but the scanning of the laser beam spot is performed using a rotating polyhedral mirror rotated by a scanner motor. (
Polygon mirror) is used.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in such conventional devices, it takes a long time from starting the scanner motor that rotates the rotating polyhedral mirror until it reaches a predetermined rotation speed. There is a problem in that when the scanner motor is rotated after pressing the start button (copy start key), the recording processing speed (copy speed) becomes slow. Therefore, if the scanner motor is started at the same time as the power is turned on and is constantly rotated at a constant speed, the recording processing speed becomes faster, but there is a drawback that the life of the scanner motor becomes extremely short.

Therefore, the present invention eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks, does not reduce the recording processing speed, does not shorten the life of the scanner motor,
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a highly reliable image recording device that requires less maintenance and inspection and replacement of parts.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a copying exposure system that exposes original image light to a photosensitive recording medium, and a laser beam spot controlled by input image information to a photosensitive recording medium. In an image recording apparatus that has a laser exposure system that exposes a medium, a scanner motor that rotates a rotating polyhedral mirror that scans a laser beam spot, and a scanner motor that rotates at a lower rotation speed than a predetermined rotation speed during image formation except during image formation. It is characterized by comprising a control means for controlling the rotation by numbers.

[Function] According to the present invention, the scanner motor that rotates the rotating polyhedral mirror of the laser exposure system is started in response to the power supply being turned on, and the scanner motor is operated at a rotation speed lower than the rotation speed during image formation except during image formation. Since the drive is controlled,
The start-up time of the scanner can be shortened, resulting in faster recording processing, and since the scanner motor does not have to rotate at high speed for long periods of time, the life of the motor can be extended, reliability can be improved, and maintenance and parts replacement can be reduced. There will be fewer shifts.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, reference numeral a denotes a copying exposure system that exposes a photosensitive recording medium to original image light. C is a laser emitting means of a laser exposure system that outputs a laser beam spot controlled by input image information. d is a rotating polyhedral mirror that scans the laser beam spot, and the laser beam spot scanned by mirror d exposes the photosensitive recording medium. e is a scanner motor that rotates the rotating polyhedral mirror d;
f is a control means that controls the rotation of the scanner motor b at a rotation speed lower than a predetermined rotation speed during image formation except during image formation.

g is a timer that measures whether the image forming process (copying process) is not performed for a predetermined period of time, and the control means f stops the scanner motor e in response to the output of the timer g.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic internal configuration example of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied. In this figure, 1 is the main body of the copying machine, 2 is the photosensitive drum 2
This is an image forming section centered on 0. Reference numeral 3 denotes a first paper feeding section for feeding transfer paper Sl+ into the machine, and it includes a cassette 9 that can be attached to and detached from the main body, and their paper feeding rollers 10, 11,
Sensor S9-512. It consists of S23. Reference numeral 4 denotes a document scanning optical system as a main recording optical system, which includes a lens system for exposing and scanning the document and forming an image on the photosensitive drum 20 and an exposure lamp 24 for document illumination.
is driven in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Reference numeral 5 denotes an original glass table on which an original is placed, 34 an end thereof, and 6 a cleaner for removing residual toner on the photosensitive drum 20.

7 is a color developer (second developer) that stores color toner such as red, 7a is an image roller of the developer, 8 is a black developer (first developer) that stores black toner, and 8a is the developer. This is the developing roller of the device. The developing units 7.8 are selectively brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 20 among the two colors, and pressure is applied (contacted) to the photosensitive drum 20 and released by a color developer pressure solenoid 30 and a black developer release solenoid 31. This is done by

Reference numeral 12 indicates transfer paper Sl+ from the cassette 9 or the second paper feed section 23 at a good timing according to the image position on the photosensitive drum 20.
This is a second registration roller that supplies the photoreceptor to the photosensitive drum 20. 13 is a primary charger disposed around the photosensitive drum 20;
15 is a transfer charger, 16 is a separation charger, and 17 is a transfer section. The transfer unit 17 includes a transfer charger 15, a separation charger 16,
It consists of a paper conveying section 17a. A main motor (DC motor) 18 drives the photosensitive drum 20, a fixing device 25 with a built-in heater 21, a developing device 7.8, and various transfer paper conveyance rollers.

26 and 27 are paper ejection rollers, 29 is a flapper located between the paper ejection rollers 26 and 27 to change the path during multiple copying or duplex copying, and 32 is a paper ejection tray. 33 is fuser 2
5 is a path for transporting the fixed transfer paper SN to the photosensitive drum 20 again, and 37 is a transfer paper S11 sent through the path 33.
This is the second registration roller that determines the sheet feeding timing. 4
0 is an intermediate tray used for multiple copying or double-sided copying of a plurality of sheets, and includes a path exit 42, a paper conveyance path 43, a path switching flapper 49, an intermediate tray paper feed roller 52, a tray 53, a paper feed roller 56, an intermediate tray feed It is composed of a paper roller 57 and a paper conveyance path 59. Reference numeral 70 denotes a shutter for blocking the optical image of the document projected onto the photosensitive drum 20 at a predetermined position.

Furthermore, 90 is a laser unit as an auxiliary recording optical system, which will be explained in detail in FIG. 3, and lasers 91. It includes a polygon mirror (polyhedral mirror) 93, a polygon motor 92 for driving and rotating the polygon mirror 93, a reflecting mirror 97, and the like.

In FIG. 3, 94 is a horizontal synchronizing signal (BD signal) detection circuit, 95 is a spherical lens, and 96 is a toric lens. The laser unit 90 can erase unnecessary charges outside the image area, erase any part of the image, or write simple characters on transfer paper via the photosensitive drum 20. In addition, Sl~512.514.515.51 in Fig. 2
9 to S23 are various sensors described later.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a circuit configuration of a control system for controlling the copying machine shown in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 60 denotes a control section that controls the entire calculation, and is composed of a microcomputer, a program memory, a RAM (random access memory), a timer, and the like. 61 is an AC driver that controls the AC load 62 such as the exposure lamp 24 and heater 21; 63 is the main motor 18;
and a motor control unit that controls the optical motor 19; 66 is a load such as a solenoid, clutch, fan, etc.; 67 is a document processing device (DF, 80F,
RDF), 68 is a sorter.

80 is a warning buzzer, 100 is an operation unit which will be described later in FIG. 5, and 180 is a coordinate reading device (editor) for manual coordinate information, which will be described later in FIG. Also, 80 is AC power supply, 10
1 is a power switch, DCP is a DC power supply that supplies power to the control unit 60, etc., and S is a sensor SL to s12, 514°5.
15.519-523. HVT is a high voltage generator, and includes a primary charger 13, a transfer charger 15, and a separation charger 1.
Apply high pressure to 6. In addition to the above-mentioned devices, the control section 60 also controls the above-mentioned shutter 70 and laser section 9°.

Next, the operation will be explained.

When the power switch 101 is turned on, first, the heater 21 in the fixing device 25 is energized and waits until the fixing roller reaches a predetermined temperature at which fixing can be performed (wait state).

When the fixing roller reaches a predetermined temperature, the main motor 18
is energized for a certain period of time, and the photosensitive drum 20. 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). After that, the main motor 18 is stopped,
Waits in copyable state (standby state). Then, when a copy command is input manually from the operation unit 100, the copy operation starts.

Note that the rotation speed of the main motor 18 can be switched between two stages according to a command from the control unit 60.

(1) Description of image formation In response to a copy command, the main motor 18 rotates, the photosensitive drum 20 starts rotating in the direction of the arrow, and high voltage is supplied to the primary charger 13 from the high voltage generator +1VT.
A uniform charge is applied to the photosensitive drum 20. Next, the exposure lamp 24 is turned on to remove unnecessary images, and then the optical motor 19 is driven to expose and scan the original placed on the original glass table 5 in the direction of the arrow, and to project the image onto the photosensitive drum 20. . At this time, any part of the image can be erased or a simple document can be written using the laser unit 9G. In this way, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 20.

Next, this latent image is developed by a developing device 7 or 8,
The image is transferred onto the transfer paper SN at the transfer charger 15, and separated from the photosensitive drum 2o at the separation charger 16. Next, the residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 2o is collected by the cleaner 6, and the laser beam from the laser unit 90 removes unnecessary charges in areas other than the image area and the illumination light from the optical system 4 removes unnecessary charges in the image area. After the static electricity is uniformly removed, the copy cycle is repeated again.

During the image formation described above, the black developer 8 and the color developer 7
Either one of them is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 20 by a selection command from the operation unit 100. That is, by energizing the black developer release solenoid 31, the black developer 8 is released, and by energizing the color developer pressure solenoid 30, the color developer 7 is pressurized (in contact with) the drum. Further, a developing bias voltage is applied to the developing rollers 7a and 8a of each developing device from a high voltage generator 11VT.

In addition, the copying machine of this embodiment can perform not only normal one-sided copying but also double-sided copying and multiplex copying, but once the transfer paper has passed through the fixing device, the state of the paper resistance etc. To cope with this, the conditions of the high voltage applied to the transfer charger 151 and the separation charger 16 are made 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 determined by commands from the control section 6o.

The optical system 4 is controlled in a reciprocating manner by rotating the optical motor 18 in the forward and reverse directions via the motor control section 63 in accordance with commands from the control section 6o. Sl is a home position sensor of the optical system 4, and the optical system 4 is stopped at the position of this home position sensor Sl during standby. Sl 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 a sensor for detecting the limiter position (inversion position) during maximum scanning.

The optical system 4 reciprocates with a scan length according to the cassette size and copying magnification based on commands from the control section 6o.

(2) Transfer paper control S9 in the paper feed section 3 in FIG. Each Sll is
Upper and lower paper sensors 510 and 512 are upper and lower glue position detection sensors, respectively, and s22°523 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 upper cassette size detection sensor S22 reads the size and identifies the size of the cassette 9, and the out-of-paper indicator of the operation section 10G is turned off and the cassette size is selected and turned on.

Next, when the copy operation starts with the copy command,
Turn on the middle plate lift clutch (not shown) and press cassette 9.
Raise the inner middle plate and raise the transfer paper SH. Transfer paper S
When ll rises and contacts the paper feed roller 10 and reaches a predetermined height, the lifter detection sensor 510 outputs an output, turns off the above-mentioned middle plate lifting clutch, and turns off the paper feed roller 10.
Drive O to feed transfer paper into the machine.

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. Also, during continuous copying, the amount of transfer paper in the cassette may run out and
11, the clutch is turned on in the same manner as described above, and the upper surface of the device 11 is raised to a predetermined height.

The transfer paper fed into the machine reaches the second pre-registration sensor S5 and is stopped by the registration rollers 12, so it forms an appropriate loop and stops. Next, in order to align the leading edge of the image formed on the photosensitive drum 20, the registration roller 12 is driven by a timing signal from the sensor of the optical system 4, and after aligning the leading edge, the transfer paper is sent to the transfer section 17. .

After the image on the drum 20 is transferred to the transfer paper by the transfer charger 15 in the transfer section 17, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 20 by the separation charger 16 and sent to the fixing device 25 by the paper conveyance section 17a. The fixing device 25 includes a temperature sensor (not shown) arranged on the surface of the fixing roller and a heater 2.
1, the surface of the fixing roller is controlled to a predetermined temperature, the image is fixed on the transfer paper, the paper is then detected by the paper discharge sensor S4, and the paper discharge rollers 26 and 27 transfer the image to the paper discharge tray 32 outside the machine. is discharged.

Next, the case of multiple copying will be explained. In the case of multiple copying, the flapper 29 is switched to the position shown by the broken line in the figure by the operation of a solenoid (not shown), and the transfer paper that has been fed, transferred, separated, and fixed as described above is moved to the position shown by the flapper 29. The paper passes through the path 33 and is guided to the second paper feed section 23.
sent to. In the second paper feeding section 23, after the passage of the transfer paper is detected by the second pre-registration sensor S5, the transfer paper is aligned in the lateral direction by the transfer paper edge detection sensor S6, the lateral registration sensor S8, and the solenoid for lateral registration alignment. will be done.

Next, in response to a multiple copy command from the operation unit 100, the second
The registration roller 37 rotates, and the transfer paper is sent to the first registration roller 12 section again. Thereafter, the same operation as described above is performed to eject the paper onto the paper ejection tray 32.

In addition, during double-sided copying, the transfer paper is ejected halfway by the paper ejection roller 27 in the same manner as in the above-mentioned normal copying operation, but after the trailing edge of the transfer sheet passes the flapper 29, the paper ejection roller 27 is driven in reverse, and the transfer paper is guided by the flapper 29 and introduced into the path 33. This reverse drive is performed by a solenoid (not shown) 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 transfer paper is once transferred to the ejection roller 2.
The transfer paper is taken out of the machine from 7, and is turned upside down by the reverse rotation of the paper ejection roller 27 and sent to the second paper feed section 23.

The above describes multiple copying and double-sided copying in single-sheet copying, but 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. 2, the intermediate tray unit 40 is provided with a paper transport path 59, 43 and a tray 53 for temporarily storing transfer paper in an intermediate state.

In the case of multiple copying of multiple sheets, the fused transfer paper is controlled in the same way as for double-sided copying of single sheet copying described above.
After being partially ejected by the ejecting roller 27, the ejecting roller 27 is driven in reverse to pass through the path 33, 43 and stored in the tray 53. After repeating this operation and storing all the transfer sheets on which the first side has been copied into the tray 53,
The paper feed roller 56 driven by the next copy command sends the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 20 via the path 59 and the second paper feed section 23, and second-side copying is performed.

On the other hand, in the case of multiple double-sided copies, the transfer paper is guided by the flapper 29, passes through the paths 33 and 43 from the fixing device 25, and is stored in the tray 53 under the same control as the one-sheet multiple copy described above. . The subsequent operations are the same as in the case of multiple copying described above, and will therefore be omitted.

Next, a configuration example of the operation section 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

In this figure, 101 is a power switch that controls power supply to the copying machine. 102 is a reset/stop key; during copy operation, copy stop key; during standby,
Acts as a key to return to standard mode. 103 is a copy key. Reference numeral 104 is a color developer selection switching key, and this key is used to switch the selection of the developer 7.8. 105 is a numeric keypad, which is mainly used to manually enter the number of copies.

106 is a key for selecting cassette 9, 107 is a copy f
j1 degree adjustment key, 108 is the key to select the same size copy,
109 is a zoom key for specifying the copying magnification at a predetermined magnification, for example, 1%; 110 is a standard magnification key for specifying a standard reduction or expansion magnification; ill is a key for specifying border erasure of copy paper; and 112 is an edge of the copy paper. The key 113 is a key for specifying the photo mode.

114 is a multiplex key for selecting a multiplex mode; 115 is a quick copy key for dividing the copying area of the original glass table 5 into left and right halves and specifying continuous copying for automatically making two copies; 116-
118 is a key for selecting double-sided copy mode, 119.12
0 is a key that specifies the operation of the sorter 68. Reference numerals 122 and 123 are keys for specifying a mode for writing predetermined character data into a copy image, and specify a number writing mode and a date writing mode, respectively.

Further, 131, 132, 134 to 143 are indicators using LEDs (light emitting diodes). First, 131 is a standby display LED, which lights up in green when copying is possible and red when copying is not possible. A color image display LED 132 lights up when the developer switching selection key 104 is pressed and the color developer 7 is selected. 134 is a number writing mode display, 135 is a date writing mode display, 136 is a copy number display, 137 is a warning display indicating no transfer paper or a jam, and 138 is a selected cassette size. A cassette size display 139 is a magnification display that displays the copy magnification.

140 is a frame eraser, binding margin, and photo mode display; 14
Reference numeral 1 indicates a mode indicator for multiplex/page copying, and 142 indicates a mode indicator for double-sided copying. 143 is a sorter use display LED when the sorter 68 is used, and indicates sort mode and group mode.

Next, a configuration example of the editor 180 will be described with reference to FIG.

This editor 180 also serves as a document compression plate for holding down a copy document, and FIG. 6 shows its appearance.

Reference numeral 170 denotes a document setting surface on which a document is placed when specifying an area, and hereinafter referred to as a coordinate manual surface. 171 is a reference mark against which the edge of the document is abutted; 151 is a key for specifying the area specification mode; 152 is a key for storing the specified area; and 153 is for moving the specified area between the two developing units 7.
8 is a mode selection key for copying, 154 is a clear key for canceling the area specification mode, and 163 is an area specification mode indicator.

Reference numeral 161 is a display device that indicates the designated area, and in the case of this embodiment, three types of areas can be specified. Reference numeral 162 denotes LE[l which displays the copy mode to be executed by combining the specified area with the color developer 7, and the mode selection key 153
are selected sequentially.

Reference numeral 155 is a key for specifying an add-on mode (character manual mode) for writing characters on a copy image.

156 is a key that specifies the size of characters to be written,
In this embodiment, two sizes can be selected: 8m111 and 4mm. Reference numeral 157 is a key for specifying the writing direction of each character to be written, and in the case of this embodiment, two types can be selected: vertical and horizontal. 158 is a key for specifying the start position of the character to be written, 160 is a key for specifying the end of inputting the character to be written, and 159 is a clear key for character input mode.

164 is a display indicating character input mode, 165, 166
Reference numeral 167 and 168 indicate an indicator indicating the size of the character, an indicator 167 and 168 indicating the direction of the character, and an indicator 169 indicating that position input has been completed. Further, 173 is a stylus pen that is input by pressing the coordinate surface 170 when specifying an area or inputting written data. Reference numeral 172 is a manual input area in which character data is specified with a stylus pen when inputting character data manually.

Next, the operation of the editor 180 will be explained.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the internal control circuit of the editor 180, where 181 is the coordinate input surface (original setting surface) 170.
This is a coordinate reading section that reads the pressed coordinates when an area on the document placed above is pressed down with the stylus pen 173, and the coordinates read here are sent to the editor control section 184. The editor control section 184 controls various modes, coordinates, etc. in response to manually entered coordinates according to the control procedure shown in FIGS. Display control is performed on each display section 183 on the editor 180.

Examples of control operations in the editor control unit 184 in the area specification mode and in the character manual mode will be described below.

(1) Region designation mode The flowchart in FIG. 8 shows an example of the control operation of the editor control section 184 in the region designation mode. First, when the area specification mode key 151 is pressed, the area specification mode LED 16
Turn on 3 and enter this area specification mode (201-1)
, Next, the stylus pen 173 is used to draw the coordinates on the manual surface 170.
When pressed, the coordinate values of the pressed position are read. At this time, in this embodiment, an area is specified using the read coordinate values of the two points to form a rectangular parallelepiped with the two points as diagonals. Therefore, the coordinates of the two points are read (201-2), and then the coordinate values of the two points read as the first area are stored using the key of the area memory key 152, and the area LE0161-1 is turned on (201-2).
1-3). Furthermore, if there is coordinate manpower (201-4)
In this step, the same operation as described above is repeated, the human coordinate value is stored as the second area, and the area LED 161-2 is turned on.

Next, the mode selection key 153 is pressed to set the copy mode (201-5). In this embodiment, six types of copy modes are set, and the contents are as follows.

■ A mode that copies inside the specified area in black ■ A mode that copies inside the specified area in color ■ A mode that copies outside the specified area in black ■ A mode that copies outside the specified area in color ■ A mode that copies inside the specified area in black and a specified area A mode that copies the outside in color ■ A mode that copies the inside of the specified area in color and an outside of the specified area in black ■ A mode that adds color halftone dots within the specified area and overlaps the normal copy ■ A black halftone dot inside the specified area In addition, in the modes shown in (1) to (4) above, a black copy and a color copy are executed as multiple copies. In step 201-5,
Select these modes in order and set the mode. Next, the coordinate data (including the number of areas) obtained in steps 2013 and 201-5 and the copy mode are sent to the main body control unit 60 (201-6).

(2) Character input mode The flowchart in FIG. 9 shows an example of the control operation of the editor control section 184 in the character input mode. First, when the character manual mode key 155 is pressed, the character input LED 164 is turned on and the character input mode is entered (202-1). Next, when the coordinate surface 170 is pressed down with the stylus pen 173, the coordinate values of the pressed position are read (
202-2), then the read coordinate values are human power area 1
72, and if it is outside the input area, ignore the character input, and if it is within the human power area, determine the character data corresponding to the coordinate value, and change it to a character code (202-3 ).

Next, it is determined whether the character end key 160 indicating the end of character input is pressed (202-4), and character data is read until the character end key 160 is pressed.

When the character power end key 160 is pressed, the key power of the size key 156 and direction key 157 is then accepted, and the LEDs 165 to 168 corresponding to the key power are turned on, and each data corresponding to the key power is set. do(
202-5).

Next, when the start position key 158 is pressed in step 202-6, the corresponding LED 169 blinks and the coordinates are read (202-8). Stylus pen 17
3, when the coordinate input surface 170 is pressed, the LED 16
9 is turned on and the coordinates are set with the pressed point as the character input start position (202-9).

After that, each data of character code, character size, character direction, character writing direction is sent to the main body control unit 60 (202-1
0).

Next, various copy modes using the laser unit 90 will be explained.

Note that an image obtained by a normal original 8m copy mode will be described as an analog image, and an image obtained by writing binary data with a laser will be described as a digital image.

Further, this embodiment uses the laser unit 90 to erase unnecessary charges outside the image area, and has the following copy mode.

(L) Area specification copy mode There are eight modes as explained in the editor 180 above, and FIG. 10 shows a copy example in the area specification copy mode. Copy a, b corresponding to each specified mode
Each area can be copied using a combination of color and black one image deletion. In the halftone dot mode, a halftone image is created using a digital image in black or color for area a, and normal analog copies are made for both areas a and b.

(2) Simultaneous copying mode of digital images (characters) and analog images This mode is used to obtain copies as shown in Figures 11 (^) and (B), and the predetermined area shown with diagonal lines in Figure 11 (C). It copies (records) digital images.

Here, Fig. 11 (A) shows the date writing LED 1.
35 is lit. In this mode, the normal analog image copying operation is started by copy start, and at the same time the shutter 70 is activated by the solenoid (
(not shown), the edge of the original optical image projected from the original onto the photosensitive drum 20 via the optical system 4 is
Only the shaded area in FIG. 1(C) is cut off, and a digital image (year, month, and date) is written in this shaded area using the laser 90.

In addition, Figure 11 (B) shows the number writing mode LED.
The image forming procedure in this mode is the same as that shown in FIG. 11(A), and is written as a digital image in the order of the copy number.

(3) Digital image multiple copy mode The tree mode is the mode shown in FIG. 11(D), and uses the multiple copy mode to obtain an image in which an analog image and a digital image are mixed. That is, when a document is set, a character input designation is performed using the editor 180, and the copy key 103 is pressed, the designated character is first copied at the position designated by the editor taO, and then a normal analog copy is performed. Note that it goes without saying that analog copying may be performed first.

Each of the above-mentioned modes can be used in combination.

Next, the second paper feed section 23 and intermediate tray unit 40 used for double-sided/multiple copying will be explained. In this embodiment, there are two systems, a second paper feeding section 23 and an intermediate tray 40, as a transfer paper refeeding mechanism for realizing double-sided copying or multiple copying. Which system is used depends on the copy mode.

That is, an appropriate system is determined by a copy program as shown in FIG. 12, which will be described later, based on the size of the transfer paper and the set number of copies. The former second paper feeding section 23 is a paper refeeding section essential for realizing double-sided/multiple copying, and since structure registration is easy with the mechanism described later, there is a degree of freedom in paper size. However, it is not possible to store one or more sheets of paper in the paper feed section 23. On the other hand, the latter intermediate tray 40 is
Multiple sheets of paper can be stacked, but horizontal alignment can only be done to a predetermined fixed size.

The control procedure for how to select a paper bus during duplex/multiple copying will be explained to i5 according to the flowchart in FIG.

When a copy operation is started in response to a copy command from the copy key 103, it is first determined in step 270-1 whether double-sided/multiple copying is to be performed on the same original without replacing the original. For example, if you want to copy a certain part of a document in color and other parts in black, select YE.
It becomes S (affirmative judgment).

In the case of YES, it is determined in the next step 270-2 whether or not the original is a standard size. If it is not a standard size, the process proceeds to step 270-5, and the second paper feed section 23 is unconditionally
Select. If it is a standard size, the process advances to the next step 270-3, where it is determined whether the set number of copies is one, and if YES, the process advances to the above-mentioned step 270-5. On the other hand, if NO (negative determination), step 270-II
It is determined 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 proceeds to step 270-5; if NO, step 270-5 is determined.
Proceed to step 8. In step 270-5, one copy is made,
Set the copied transfer paper to the second paper feed section 23, and then
At 70-'6, paper is re-fed from the second paper feed section 23, copies are made, and the transfer paper is discharged outside the machine.

Next, in step 270-7, it is determined whether or not the number of copies set using the numeric keypad 105 has been completed;
If NO, step 270-5→27G-6-2
The processing loop of 70-7 is repeated to continue the copying operation until the set number of copies is completed, and when the set number of copies is completed, the tree routine is ended.

On the other hand, if the process advances from step 270-4 to step 270-8, the copying operation is performed using the intermediate tray 4o. That is, in step 270-8, copies are made for the set number of sheets, and transfer paper is set on the intermediate tray 4o.

Next, in step 270-9, the paper is re-fed from the intermediate tray 4o to the photosensitive drum 20, a set number of copies are made, and the paper is ejected to the outside of the machine, and the routine ends.

Further, if the determination is No in the first step 270-1, the process advances to step 270-10. Step 270-1
0, it is determined whether the original is a standard size or not, and if No, the copy setting number of copies is set to 1 in step 270-17,
Proceed to step 270-18. Step 270-10 If YES, it is determined whether the set number of copies is 1 or not in Step 270-11; if YES, Step 270
-18, and select the second paper feed section 23.

If NO in step 270-11, select intermediate tray 4o, determine the number of copies in step 270-12, and if 30 (sheets) or more, proceed to the next step 270-13.
Set the number of copies to 30 in Step 270-
The process proceeds to step 14, and if the number does not reach 30 (sheets) or more, the process proceeds to step 270-14.

Next, in step 270-14, step 270-
A set number of copies are made on the studs 8 and 8, and the copied transfer paper is set on the intermediate tray 40.

When the original is replaced in the next step 270-15 and a copy command is output, a copy is made in step 270-16 in the same manner as in step 270-9 described above, and this routine ends.

On the other hand, if the second paper feed section 23 is selected, copying is performed in step 270-18 in the same manner as in step 270-5, and when the original is replaced in step 270-19 and a copy command is output, step 270 -20 and step 27
Copy as in 0-6 and end this routine.

In this way, in this embodiment, when multiplex/double-sided copying is performed, the paper is not sent to the intermediate tray 40 in the case of copying other than the standard size, that is, in the case of paper feeding from the universal cassette, and in the case of single-sheet copying. The paper is sent directly to the second paper feeding section 23 and fed again. On the other hand, when copying a large number of regular-sized sheets, the sheets are once stacked on the intermediate tray 40 and then sent to the second sheet feeding section 23 for re-feeding.

The operator does not have to select which of the above two types of systems to use, but the sequence program shown in Figure 12 automatically selects which one to use. Control is performed using an optimal system. Furthermore, in the case of a large number of non-standard copies, it is possible to perform copying one sheet at a time using the second paper feed section 23 without using the intermediate tray 40. Furthermore, unnecessary troubles can be avoided by determining the inconvenience of the transfer paper (such as its size being too small) and discharging it outside the machine without performing double-sided/multiple copy processing.

Next, with reference to the time charts of FIGS. 13 to 22, the sequential operations of each component of this embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 13 is a time chart when the power is turned on.

As shown in this figure, main sw (TrL source switch) 1
01 is retracted, the fixing heater 21 and the black developer release solenoid 31 are turned ON. Eventually, when the temperature of the fixer reaches 190°C, the main motor 18 is rotated, and after 1 second (■), the black developer pressure solenoid 31 is turned off (
OFF). As a result, the black developing device 8 once reaches the release position and then approaches the drum 20. Thereafter, when the drum 20 rotates once, the main motor 18 is stopped. Furthermore, if the middle plate of the cassette 9 of the paper feed section 3 is lowered when the motor starts rotating as indicated by ■, the middle plates of both the upper and lower tiers begin to rise. This situation is shown in FIG. Then, after the intermediate plate has finished rising, the main motor 18 is stopped (■).

FIG. 14 shows the timing of raising the middle plate, and the timing is the same for both the upper and lower stages. When the middle plate rising clutch (not shown) is turned on, the middle plate of the cassette 9 begins to rise.

Eventually, the output of the middle plate detection sensor (not shown) becomes 1, and 0.1 seconds after this point, the middle plate lifting clutch (not shown) is turned off. On the other hand, paper detection sensor S9. The Sit can detect the presence of paper by raising the middle plate, and as shown in this figure, if there is paper, the paper detection sensor will detect the presence of paper before the output of the middle plate detection sensor reaches 1. The positional relationship is such that the output is 1.

Also, when the output of the middle plate detection sensor becomes 1, the paper detection sensor is determined, and if it is 0, the display 13 of the operation unit 100
7 lights up the paper out display. However, cassette 9
This operation does not occur if the device is not attached to the main body.

Next, the copy operation will be explained. FIG. 15(^) shows a timing chart of the copy operation. When the copy key 103 is pressed, the main motor 1B, the high voltage generator HVT, and the original processing device 67 are turned on, and a paper feeding operation and a developer pressurizing operation, which will be described later, are started. After approximately one rotation of the drum 20, the optical system 4 advances, and the registration roller 12 is turned on t1 time after the image edge is detected by the image edge sensor S2. Thereafter, the registration roller 12 is turned off at a time corresponding to the paper size. Also, after that, when the optical system 4 comes to the inverted position,
The optical system 4 moves backward. When the optical system 4 returns to the home position, the optical system 4 is stopped and the drum 20 begins to rotate later. After the transfer paper is discharged outside the machine, the main motor 18 is stopped. In the case of color copying, a developer pressurizing operation, which will be described later, is performed. Note that the exposure lamp 24 will be described later.

Next, the pressurizing operation of the developing device will be explained. Figure 15 (B
) indicates the timing when color copying starts from the state where the black developing device 8 is set. First, the black developer release solenoid 31 is turned on to release the black developer 8 from the drum 20 . After the release is completed, the color developer pressurizing solenoid 30 is turned on and the color developer 7 is set on the drum 20. When copying is completed, the color developer pressure solenoid 30 is turned off to release the color developer 7.

Note that, at this point, the black developing device 8 remains disabled. This is because, in order to smoothly replenish color toner, the black developing device 8 is always released from the drum 20 when color copying is completed (see ii). When starting black or color copying from this state, both developing devices 7.8 are already released. Further, after black copying, the black developing device 8 remains set on the drum 2G.

Next, the paper feeding operation will be explained. FIG. 16 shows the timing of the sheet feeding operation. If the output of the middle plate detection sensor is 0 at the time of copy start, the middle plate lifting operation is performed in the same manner as explained with reference to FIG. 14 above. After the middle plate lifting operation is completed, the paper feed clutch of paper feed roller 10.11 is ONL.
The transfer paper begins to move. After that, the registration front paper sensor S7
When the transfer paper reaches this point, the output of the registration front paper sensor S7 becomes 1, and after a predetermined time, the paper feed clutch is turned off, so that the transfer paper hits the registration roller S7 and stops forming a loop.

Thereafter, as the copy operation progresses, the registration roller 12
When is turned on, turn on the paper feed clutch again for a predetermined period of time.
This reduces the paper feeding load on the registration rollers 12. On the other hand, after that, the control of the middle plate is performed asynchronously with the copying operation, and when the output of the middle plate detection sensor becomes 0, the middle plate rising clutch is turned on, and after the output of the middle plate detection sensor becomes 1, it is turned on. Turns off after 1 second. Also, the presence or absence of the cassette 9 is constantly detected, and if the cassette 9 begins to come out, the operation of lifting the middle plate is immediately stopped.

Next, copying of the first side of a double-sided copy of a single will be explained. High voltage generator 11VT, document processing device 67
Since the movements of the optical system 4, 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. 17 shows the timing of the movement of the transfer paper, and when the registration roller 12 is turned on, the transfer paper S
H is sent to the fixing device 25.

After that, when the paper passes the paper discharge sensor S4, the paper discharge sensor S4
The output becomes 0-1→0. Also, at this time, the later-described lateral registration means (second registration roller 37) is moved to the home position.

After a predetermined period of time, approximately 10111 points from the rear edge of the transfer paper.
When the portion m is gripped by the paper discharge roller 27, the reverse solenoid is turned on to switch back the transfer paper (reverse feed). At this time, the second transport latch is also turned on. As a result, the transfer paper is sent to the second paper feed section 23, and the output of the second pre-registration sensor S5 becomes 1. After a predetermined period of time, the second transport latch is turned off, and the transfer paper hits the second registration roller, forming a loop of about 15 mm.
Make and stop.

At this time, the reversing solenoid is also turned off.6 Also, the second
The paper feed section 23 can only feed transfer paper with a length of about 180 mm or more. If the transfer paper size is unknown for a universal cassette, turn on registration roller 12 to JZ.
After a distance of = 180mm - 24mm (24mm is the distance at between the registration front paper sensor and the registration roller),
The input from the registration front paper sensor S7 is determined, and if there is no paper, the size of the transfer paper is less than 180 mm, so the transfer paper is directly discharged from the machine without entering a switchback operation. On the other hand, if there is paper, the size of the transfer paper is 180 mm or more, so a predetermined operation is performed.

Next, the copying of the first side of multiple copies of a single will be explained. The movement of the transfer paper after the registration roller 12 is turned on will be explained. FIG. 18 shows the timing in that case.

When the registration roller 12 is turned on, the solenoid of the flapper 29 is turned on, and the later-described lateral registration means (second registration roller 37) begins to move to the home position. After the transfer paper 511 moves by a distance of 1i11j2,
Similar to the double-sided copy described above, in the case of manual copying, the pre-registration sensor S7 performs a check. If no paper is detected, the solenoid of the flapper 29 is turned off and the transfer paper is ejected from the machine.

When the transfer paper advances and the output of the paper discharge sensor S4 becomes 1, the second conveyance latch of the second paper feed section 23 is turned on. After the transfer paper is conveyed to the second paper feeding section 23 and the output of the second pre-registration sensor S5 becomes 1, the second conveyance latch described above is turned off after a predetermined time t4. As a result, the transfer paper forms a loop and stops in a state where it hits the second registration roller 37.

However, since the curl state and direction of the transfer paper are different from the case of double-sided copying described above, the second pre-registration sensor S5
The time t4 from when the output becomes 1 until it stops is:
changing the value.

Next, the copying operation for both sides of a single copy and the second side of multiple copying will be explained with reference to FIG. 19.

The transfer paper is already in the second paper feed section 23, hits the second registration roller 37, forms a loop, and stops. When copying starts, the clutch and double-sided conveyance latch of the second registration roller 37 are turned on, so that the transfer paper begins to move toward the second registration roller 12. After 0.1 seconds, the later-described lateral registration adjustment operation is started with the second registration roller 37 holding the transfer paper at a position 17III1 from the leading edge thereof.

That is, after the output of the pre-registration sensor S5 becomes 1 and a time Tb elapses, the clutch of the second registration roller 37 and the double-sided transport latch are respectively turned off. Therefore, the transfer paper hits the registration roller, creates a loop, and stops.

After that, the optical system 4 starts moving forward, and the registration roller 37
Now is the time to turn on. After the transfer paper has been fed approximately 5 mm, the second registration roller 37 is moved in the case of double-sided copying.
The transfer paper advances with the clutch and both-side conveyance latch turned on and the loop set at 5m+nfA.

On the other hand, in the case of multiple copying, only the double-sided conveyance latch is turned on, the transfer paper is pulled by the registration roller 12, the second registration roller 37 becomes a load, and the transfer paper is conveyed in the loop ff1O. Thereafter, the transfer paper passes through the fixing roller of the fixer 25 and is discharged to the outside of the machine, and the copying operation is completed. Also, since the transfer paper conditions are different, the time tb for determining the loop amount before registration is different from the cassette 9.
The time setting is different from that for paper feeding from.

Next, the operation of setting the second registration roller 37 to the lateral home position will be explained. The second registration roller 37 is driven by the main motor 18 via a spring clutch, and is oscillated in the lateral direction by turning on a lateral registration solenoid.

Further, a lateral registration home sensor for detecting the position of the second registration roller 37 and a lateral registration paper sensor S8 for detecting the transfer paper held between them are arranged.

The second registration roller 37 moves in both directions with respect to the axial direction of the drum 2o, but in order to improve stopping accuracy, it is always stopped by moving in one direction. That is, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 20-1, if the output of the horizontal registration home sensor is 1 at first, the second registration roller 37 is stopped when the output becomes 1-0-1. If the sensor output is initially 0, the second resistor 37 is stopped when it changes from 0 to 1.

Next, the lateral registration adjustment operation will be described. 20th
-2 shows the second registration roller 37. Lateral registration paper sensor S8. The positional relationship of transfer paper SH is shown. When the second registration roller 37 is set at the home position, the center point of the operating range stops, and when the lateral registration solenoid is turned on, it oscillates as indicated by the arrows ■-■-■-■ in the figure. When the second registration roller 37 stops at the home position and inserts the transfer paper S), the horizontal registration paper sensor S)
8 may be detecting paper or not.

First, a case where paper is detected will be explained. 120
- As shown in Figure 3, the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor S8 is 1.
Turn off the horizontal resist truid when the value becomes -0-1.
to stop the second registration roller 37. Also,
If the transfer paper SN comes in extremely biased towards the side of the lateral registration paper sensor, there is a possibility that the output of the lateral registration paper sensor S8 will always be 1. Even in such cases, the following steps are taken to ensure that the vehicle stops at an appropriate position. In other words, as shown in Figure 20-2, the arrow ■,
When the arrow ■ moves, the transfer paper SH is the furthest away.
If the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor S8 is 1 at this point,
From there on, the paper moves in the direction of the arrow (■), so the output of the lateral registration paper sensor S8 never becomes 0. Also, the most appropriate position is to stop at that point. Therefore,
If the time of one cycle of the second registration roller 37 in the horizontal direction is T, then the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor s8 will not become 0 even if it is moved by 3/4T, that is, the time corresponding to the arrows ■ and ■. Then, the second registration roller 37
to stop.

Next, we will first describe the case when the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor s8 is 01, that is, the length of the transfer paper is shorter than the position of the horizontal registration paper sensor. At this time, the second registration roller 37 is stopped when the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor S8 changes from 0 to 1 as shown in (ii) of FIG. 20-3. Furthermore, if the transfer paper S11 comes in from the lateral registration paper sensor S8, the output of the lateral registration paper sensor s8 remains at 0. Even in that case, in order to stop at the proper position as much as possible, if the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor s8 does not become l even after moving for a time of 1/4T corresponding to ■ in Fig. 20-3, at that point the second Stop the registration rollers 37.

Next, the copying operation for the first side of double-sided copying when the intermediate tray 40 is used will be described. After copying starts,
Since the movements of the paper feeding system, high pressure system, and optical system are the same as described above, the movement of the transfer paper when the first roller 12 is turned on will be explained. FIG. 21-1 shows the timing of this operation.

Further, at the same time as the first registration roller 12 is turned on, the flapper solenoid and the intermediate tray flapper are turned on. The transfer paper sent out from the first rigid roller 12 passes through the fixing roller of the fixing device 25, and is conveyed as it is toward the intermediate tray 40. The population sensor of the intermediate tray 40 can detect the number of sheets of transfer paper 5+1 stored in the intermediate tray 40, and after detecting the set number of sheets, the second roller 12
stop working.

Next, the copying operation of the first side of multiple copying when the intermediate tray 40 is used will be explained. FIG. 21-2 shows the operation timing. First, at the same time as the first rigid roller 12 is turned on, the flapper 49 of the intermediate tray 40 is turned on, and the transfer paper S11 is conveyed to the intermediate tray 40 to form a filter paper path. When the transfer paper SH is sent out from the first rigid roller 12 and passes the paper discharge sensor section S4, the reversal solenoid is turned on, and as in the case of double-sided copying of one sheet described above,
The transfer paper 511 is switched back (reversely fed) and conveyed to be stored in the intermediate tray 40. At that time, the intermediate tray 4
The population sensor 0 counts the number of sheets stored, and when the set number of sheets is detected, this operation is stopped.

Next, a copying operation for the second side of multiplex and double-sided copying using the intermediate tray 40 will be described. Already in middle tray 4
FIG. 22 shows the timing when transfer paper is stocked in the second paper feed section 23 from there. First, the solenoid for the intermediate tray paper feed roller 57 is turned on. The paper feed roller 57 is lowered by a drive means (not shown), and the transfer paper containing soil is abutted against the intermediate tray paper feed roller 57. Thereafter, the solenoid of the intermediate tray paper feed roller 57 is turned on, and the transfer paper is sent to the paper conveyance path 59 by the intermediate tray paper feed roller 57. When the leading edge of the transfer paper reaches the intermediate tray exit sensor 521, the intermediate tray paper feed roller TRUID is turned off, and the paper feed roller 56 rises to be out of contact with the transfer paper. At this time, the second transport latch is turned on, and the second registration roller 3
7 to the home position, the above-mentioned operation is started.

The transfer paper eventually reaches the second pre-registration sensor S5, and after a predetermined time from there, the transfer paper reaches the second registration roller 37.
After making the end loop, the second registration roller 3
7 is turned on, and the transfer paper is sent toward the first roller 12. The subsequent operations are the same as those for the second side of single multiplexing and double-sided copying described above.

Next, the driving operation of the main motor 18 will be explained with reference to FIG. 23.

In this embodiment, in order to make the process speed variable, a DC motor is used as the main motor 18 as a drive source, and its speed is controlled by PLL control.

That is, the signal from the oscillator 85 is used as a reference signal to
The speed signal from the encoder 82 that is input to the L circuit 81 and connected to the DC motor 18 is fed back to the PLL circuit 81 as a feedback signal, and the PLL circuit 81 is controlled so that the above-mentioned reference signal and feedback signal are synchronized. The output is transmitted to a driver 84 via an amplifier 83, and the driver 84 drives the DC motor 18. When changing the speed of the motor 18, the output frequency of the oscillator 85 is controlled by the input signals ^ and B. To this input signal, B is connected to a speed command circuit, not shown.

Next, an example of the circuit configuration of the laser unit 90 is shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, laser unit control information such as the position of the blank area, copy magnification 9, paper size, photo mode, add-on character code, add-on position, etc. is sent from the control unit 60 to the laser unit controller 700 via a well-known 2-voice RAM 703. passed through. The laser section controller 700 selects a blank RAM (0) 705 and a blank RAM (1) according to the program in an external program ROM 701.
) Rewrite data alternately to 90B. The blank area data read control circuit 716 sets the blank address counter 715° and the 8-bit shift register 7.
A control signal is output to 0B, and the data control circuit 720
Output area data to.

M(0)705 to blank data R, RAM(1)
706 each has a capacity sufficient to write one line of data. The laser unit controller 700 stores the area data in the blanking RAM (0) 705.
, a control signal is output to the address switching circuit 704 and the blank data switching circuit 707 so that while data is being written to one of the blank RAM (1) 706, data can be read from the other.

Furthermore, add-on controls will be explained.

The laser unit controller 700 reads data from the font ROM 702 according to the add-on character code and sets it in the add-on ROM 723. Laser unit controller 700 writes add-on character printing position designation data to add-on controller 709.

The add-on controller 709 controls the add-on RAM 723 based on the start signal from the laser section controller 700.
The data is read from the data control circuit 72G, and the data is output to the data control circuit 72G.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light emitted from the laser 91 is reflected by the rotating polygon mirror 93 and is reflected by the imaging lens 95.
．． 96 and scans over the photosensitive drum 20. that time,
In order to extract the horizontal synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal (hereinafter referred to as BD double signal detection circuit 94) is arranged on the laser scanning.

The horizontal synchronizing signal (BD double signal) output from the BO detection circuit 94 is input to the laser unit 90. This horizontal synchronizing signal (BD double signal) is input to the pulse width shaping FF (flip-flop circuit) 71O in FIG. After the pulse synchronization circuit (1) 711.
2) Input to 712.

The laser unit controller 700 generates an interrupt every time the BD double signal is generated, and writes the blank area data RAM (0
)704. Write control data to RAM (1) 705.

Further, the laser unit controller 700 outputs a control signal in the sub-scanning direction by counting the number of interruptions of the BD double signal and the like.

The pulse synchronization circuit (1) 711 outputs a reset pulse to the horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 713 in synchronization with the rise of the above-mentioned BD double signal. Horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 71
Reference numeral 3 outputs a clock CL synchronized with the BD multiplied signal, and is composed of a reference clock generation circuit and a frequency dividing circuit.

The pulse synchronization circuit (2) 712 is a horizontal synchronization clock HC.
A BO number synchronization signal tlsYNc2 is generated using LK as a reference. This signal IISYNC2 resets the horizontal line counter 714 and counts the horizontal synchronization clock HCL. horizontal line counter 71
The output of 4 is input to the timing signal generation circuit 718,
A horizontal timing signal is output from the horizontal line counter 714 at the set count number.

Waveform examples of the horizontal timing signal described above are shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG. 25 shows the reference clock 5CLK of the reference clock generation circuit provided in the horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 713 in response to the human input signal IBD from the BO detection circuit 94.
shows the timing at which the rising edge detection pulse HSYNCI is generated. As shown in the figure, the horizontal synchronization clock II CL K is generated by resetting the reference clock frequency division counter in the horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 713 with the rising edge detection pulse ll5YNCI. next,
The BD synchronization signal II S is generated by the horizontal synchronization clock HCL.
Y N C2 is generated and the horizontal line counter 714
Reset.

FIG. 26 shows the timing of the output signal of the timing signal generation circuit 718 in the laser unit 90.

As shown in the figure, signals VBSET and VBR5T are generated from the output of the horizontal line counter 714 to generate an image area signal blank signal. Also, add-on RAM72
The horizontal synchronization clock HCLK is used as the clock for reading data from 3. M to blank area data II (
0)705. As the data read clock from the RAM (1) 706, the horizontal synchronization clock II CL )t
By using a clock CLKM whose frequency is divided, the resolution of blank area designation is made variable.

In addition, the BDEN port signal is generated using the BSET and BR5T signals, and if the horizontal synchronizing waveform BD is not manually generated within a predetermined period, the horizontal synchronizing signal error detection circuit 717 detects the B
A D error signal is output to the laser unit controller 700. When the laser unit controller 700 detects the above-mentioned BD error signal, the laser unit controller 700 stores the abnormal status in two points in the RAM 70.
3 to the main body control unit 60.

Next, the dot erase circuit 719 is
This will be explained with reference to Figure 7-3. As shown in FIG. 27-1, the dot erase circuit 719 is composed of an 8-bit shift register 724, and the above-mentioned horizontal synchronization clock IICLK is manually inputted as the clock on the shift side. As shown in the timing chart of Fig. 27-2, from the rising edge of the 110 signal, the image area signal (Blank
), data is loaded into the shift register 724 by the laser section controller 700. The output of the shift register 724 is ANDed with the image area signal (Blank) by an AND gate 725 and output to the data control circuit 720 .

The 8-bit data written in the 8-bit shift register 724 by the laser unit controller 700 is cyclically shifted by the synchronous clock and output to the AND gate 725.

M'527-3 Figures (8) to (C) show examples of data configurations based on each dot erase pattern. Repeated patterns DO to D7 are output in the main scanning direction.

In the sub-scanning direction, the laser unit controller 700 controls the 8-bit shift register 72 every 80 interrupts.
By loading specified (arbitrary) data into 4, a specified pattern can be generated.

The data control circuit 720 of the laser unit 90 transfers data from the add-on controller 709 to data FDAT and blank area data BOAT to the dot erase unit 7.
This is a gate circuit that controls data input from the laser drive circuit 721 based on a control signal from the laser section controller 700. The laser drive circuit 721 modulates the laser according to data input from the data control circuit 720 .

Next, regarding the laser drive circuit 721 described above, the second
This will be explained with reference to FIG. The laser 750 is driven by a constant current circuit 753 and is configured to always output constant power. Laser 750 (91 in Figure 1)
(equivalent to ), the current-emission light intensity (power) characteristics fluctuate depending on the ambient temperature and aging, so by applying well-known APC (automatic light control) at a certain timing, it is possible to always output a constant power. There is. Next, this A
To execute the PC, the operation of the PC circuit will be explained.

A laser ON signal is output from the laser unit controller 700 to cause the laser 750 to emit light. The monitor current of the photodiode PD in the laser 750 is converted to the current-voltage conversion circuit 7.
54 and extracts a voltage proportional to the power of the laser 750. Reference voltage V output from constant voltage circuit 76G
By selecting rcfl to Vref4 by analog switch 759 and inputting them to comparators 756 and 757, the laser power is set within a certain range.

The outputs of the comparators 756 and 757 are input to the APC logic circuit 758, and if the output is outside the above-mentioned setting range, the input data of the 0H (digital/analog) converter 752 is changed by controlling the up/down counter 751. . When the laser power is controlled to a constant width, a stop signal is output from the PC logic circuit 758, and the up/down counter 751 is held at constant data. The laser part controller 700 is ^PCI
When IDY (ready) signal is detected, APC5TOP
A (stop) signal is output to the laser partial drive circuit 721 to turn off the laser, and the PC end status is transmitted to the control unit 60 through the 2-bottom RAM 703.

Laser scanner motor controller 722 in FIG.
controls to rotate the polygon mirror 93 mentioned above at a predetermined rotation speed. Therefore, this controller 7
Reference numeral 22 uses a known l'LL circuit (not shown), which starts rotation by applying an ON signal (LSCON) from the outside, and while rotating at a predetermined number of rotations, a known PLL clock signal is used. is used to send the laser scanner motor ready signal (LSC) to the laser unit controller 700.
RDY) is output.

The laser section controller 700 monitors the above-mentioned laser scanner motor ready signal at a predetermined period, and waits for a predetermined time after the laser scanner motor 92 is turned on, and if the laser scanner motor ready signal is not output, it is determined that the laser scanner motor is abnormal. The signal is transmitted to the main body control section 60.

A description of the operation of the laser unit controller 700 in the case where the blank area is controlled by the laser optical system will be omitted since it has already been described with reference to FIG.

Next, blank RAM (0) 705 and blank RAM
(1) The control operation for controlling the blank area using 706 will be described with reference to FIG.

From the control unit 60, the data (P+, P+”) (P2.P2°) with the area specified as shown in FIG.
Laser unit controller 7 through boat RA14703
Sent to 00. Now, the blank RAM (0) 705 of the laser unit 90 and the blank RAM (1) 70B
are each configured to have a storage capacity for one line with a predetermined area resolution. Therefore, when an area as shown in FIG. 29(8) is designated by the control unit 60, three line memory data as shown in FIG. 29(B) are used. Next, from the starting point of PO to Xl, line memory data O is blanked to RA.
M (0) Read from 705. Line memory data 1 is read from the blank RAM (1) 706 from XI to ×1. Blank RAM between xlo and x2
(0) Read line memory data 0 from 705. Furthermore, between x2 and x2°, blank RAM (
1) Read line memory data 2 from 706. ×
From 2° to PE, line memory data O is read from blank RAM (0).

Regarding writing of line memory data, the blank RAM that has not been read out is rewritten by the laser section controller 700. Also, when reducing or enlarging, data P sent from the control unit 60, depending on the magnification α,
,P,°,P2. Based on P2°, P1×α, P2×α,
P1°×α and P2°×α are calculated, and line memory data 0, 1.2 are changed as shown in FIGS. 29(C) and (0).

Next, the control procedure of the laser part controller 700 in blank area control will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 30. First, in step 800, area data and magnification data are received from the control unit 60. Next, in processing step 801, line memory data is set in the blank RAM (0) 705 from the above-mentioned area data and magnification data. Next, in determination step 802, the control unit 60 waits for an image formation start command to be given. When an image formation start command is given from the control unit 60 in determination step 802, reading from the blank RAM (0) 705 is started in processing step 803.

Next, in processing step 804, blank RAM (1) 7
The next line memory data is set in 06, and in judgment steps 805 and 806 it is judged whether image formation is completed or area data is to be switched. The end of image formation and the switching of area data are determined by counting the BD signal from the start of image formation inside the laser unit controller 700, and using the value of I'1. F'l', P2. A comparison is made with the sub-scanning position information of P2° and P.

In the case of area data switching, process steps 806 and 807
Switching between read and write 1^M is performed at judgment steps 808 and 809, and judgment steps 805 and 806 are performed.
Waiting for the timing in the same way as in step 809
If the determination is affirmative, the process returns to step 803 and the above operations are repeated until the image formation is completed.

FIG. 31 shows a laser unit controller 70 to which the present invention is applied.
0 and the laser scanner motor controller 722 are shown. In this figure, the laser unit controller 700 includes a microcomputer 700A for arithmetic control;
It has a program memory (ROM) 700B, a frequency division counter 700C, and a crystal oscillation circuit 700D that outputs a clock signal to the frequency division counter. The microcomputer 7008 selects and outputs a predetermined frequency division ratio (signal) to the frequency division counter 700C according to the control procedure shown in FIG. 32, which is stored in advance in the 110M700B.

On the other hand, the laser scanner motor controller 722
It consists of a general known PLL controller block circuit consisting of an IG (integrated circuit) 7228 for LL (phase locked loop), a filter 722B, a motor control circuit 722G, an amplifier 722D and a capacitor C.

The PLL IC 722A has a clock manually generated from the frequency division counter 700C and a scanner motor (polygon motor).
The encoder 92A outputs a phase output ^PC and a frequency difference cam FC relative to the clock input from the encoder 92A, which outputs a pulse number proportional to the number of rotations of the encoder 92.

When forming an image using a laser beam, the J microcomputer 700A selects a low frequency division ratio and outputs it to the frequency division counter 700G so that the scanner motor 92 rotates at a predetermined high speed. A clock of a predetermined frequency is output to the PLL IC 7228 based on the ratio and the output of the crystal oscillation circuit 700D. On the other hand, in cases other than image forming operations (copying operations), the frequency division ratio from the microcomputer 700A is increased to lower the frequency manually applied to the PLL IC 7228, and the scanner motor 92 is operated in low-speed rotation mode. Control.

Next, the control operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, after the power is turned on, the scanner motor 92 is rotated at a predetermined number of rotations by immediately outputting a low frequency division ratio (step 5TI). Thereafter, a commonly known power-up sequence process is performed (step 5T2), and the rotation speed of the scanner motor 92 is lowered by increasing the frequency division ratio (step 5T3). Next, it is determined whether the output of the standby mode key on the operation unit 100 or the output of the auto standby timer is set or not in step ST4.5T5.
), in standby mode or auto standby mode, the scanner motor 92 stops rotating (step 5T7) and waits for the copy start key 103 to be pressed (step 5T8).

After the copy start key 103 is pressed (step S
T6, 5T8), scanner motor 92 at a predetermined rotation speed.
(Step 5T9) and proceeds to copy sequence processing (Step 5TIO). After the copy sequence processing is completed, the rotation speed of the scanner motor 92 is lowered, the process returns to determination step ST4, and the processing from step ST4 described above is repeated again.

In the auto standby mode described above, the controller 700 measures that the copying process is not completed for a predetermined period of time, and automatically stops the scanner motor 92.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, the scanner motor that rotates the rotating polyhedral mirror of the laser exposure system is started when the power is turned on, and outside of the image forming operation, the rotation speed is lower than the rotation speed during image forming. Since the scanner motor is driven and controlled at a low rotation speed, the start-up time of the scanner motor can be shortened, resulting in faster recording processing, and the scanner motor does not need to rotate at high speed for long periods of time, which extends the motor's lifespan. This increases reliability, which in turn reduces maintenance inspections and parts replacement.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 3 is a configuration example of the laser unit in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the control system shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the editor in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the editor control unit in FIG. 7 when specifying an area; FIG. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the editor control section in Figure 7 when inputting characters, Figure 1O is an explanatory diagram showing an example of copy output when specifying an area, and Figures 11 (^) to (D) are digital images, respectively.・An explanatory diagram showing a copy example in the analog image simultaneous copying mode, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the control procedure for double-sided/multiple copying in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 13 to 22 are each of the embodiments of the present invention. The operation timing of the component equipment is shown, and Fig. 13 is a timing chart when the power is turned on, Fig. 14 is a timing chart when the middle plate is raised, Fig. 15 (8) and (B) are timing charts during copy operation, and Fig. 15 is a timing chart when the middle plate is raised. Figure 16 is a timing chart of paper feeding operation, Figure 17 is a timing chart of copying operation for the first side of single duplex copying, ¥SLB is a timing chart of copying operation of the first side of single multiplex copying, Figure 19 is a timing chart of copying operation of the first side of single duplex copying.・Timing chart of the copy operation for the second side of multiple copying. Figures 20-1 to 20-3 are timing charts and explanatory diagrams of the horizontal registration adjustment operation. Figures 21-1 and 21-2 are intermediate copies. Figure 22 is a timing chart of the copying operation for the first side of duplex/multiple copying when using a tray, Figure 22 is a timing chart of the copying operation of the second side of duplex/multiple copying when an intermediate tray is used, and Figure 23 is a timing chart of the copying operation of the second side of duplex/multiple copying when an intermediate tray is used. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main motor drive circuit, FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the laser unit in FIG. 4, and FIGS. 25 and 26 are the laser unit in FIG. A timing chart showing the operation timing of the controller. Fig. 27-1 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the dot erase circuit in Fig. 24. Fig. 27-2 is an output □ of the dot erase circuit in Fig. 24.
Timing chart showing timing, Figure 27-3 (
^) to (C) are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the output pattern of the dot erase circuit in Fig. 24, Fig. 28 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the laser drive circuit in Fig. 24, and Figs. 29 (8) to (0). ) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the blank area control operation by the laser section controller in FIG. 24, FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the blank area control operation by the laser section controller in FIG. 24, and FIG. 31 is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the laser scanner motor controller and the laser unit controller. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of the rotation control operation of the laser scanner motor according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3...First paper feed section, 4...Optical system, 5...Original glass stand, 7...Second developer (color developer), 8...First developer (black developer) 10.11...Paper feed roller, 13...Primary charger, 15...Transfer charger, 18...Main motor, 19...Optical motor, 20...Photosensitive drum , 23... Second paper feed section, 24... Exposure lamp, 28... Erase lamp, 29.49... Flapper, 10... Intermediate tray, 60... Main body control unit, 61. ...AC driver, 70...shutter, 82...encoder, 90...laser unit, 91...laser, 92...polygon motor, 93...polygon mirror, 94...horizontal synchronization Signal detection circuit! 00...Operation unit, 101...Power switch, 103...Copy key, 105...Numeric keypad, 107...Copy density adjustment key, 114...Multiple keys, 116-118...Double-sided Copy mode selection key, 122
...Number writing mode specification key, 123...Year, month, date writing mode specification key, 151...Area specification mode specification key, 155...Add-on mote specification key,
170...Coordinate human power surface, 173...Stylus pen, 180...Editor, 181...Coordinate reading unit, 182...Various human keys on the editor-1183...
Display section on editor, 184... Editor control section, 700... Laser section controller, 700A... Microcomputer, 700B...
ROM. 700C... Frequency division counter, 700D... Crystal oscillation circuit, 705.706... Blank area data RAM, 71
8...Timing signal generation circuit, 719...Dot erase circuit, 720...Data control circuit, 721...Laser drive circuit, 722...Laser scanner motor controller, 7228...IC for PLL. 722B...filter, 722C...motor control circuit. + Free time r left cps muichido' Figure 8 Figure 10 Rinpo Koichi - (A) Day I? (C) Fig. 11 Fig. 14 (A) (B) Manual feeding system) Self check Fig. 18 Fig. 19 Fig. 20-1 - 'W2o-2 Fig. Figure 20-3 Lugistrolla Hiyuni 22==:ko' Figure 21-2 Figure 22 Figure 23 Figure 27-1 BD Figure 27-2 (A) (B) (C) Figure 27-3 figure

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1)a) A copying exposure system that exposes a photosensitive recording medium with original image light, and a laser exposure system that exposes the photosensitive recording medium with a laser beam spot controlled by input image information. an image recording device comprising: b) a scanner motor that rotates a rotating polyhedral mirror that scans the laser beam spot; and c) the scanner motor rotates at a lower rotational speed than a predetermined rotational speed during image formation except during image formation. An image recording device characterized by comprising a control means for controlling the image. 2) The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means includes a timer that measures that the image forming process is not performed for a predetermined period of time, and a stop means that stops the scanner motor in accordance with the output of the timer. An image recording device comprising: