JPS63285563A - Copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent such a copy that an image is cut from being generated by inhibiting copying operation when detecting either of either of 1st and 2nd originals being >=1/2 as large as an entire exposure area in two-sheet original feed mode. CONSTITUTION:An original is conveyed from a tray 111 onto original glass 19 by pinch rollers 121 and 122, etc., and a conveyor belt 125 and arranged. The pinch roller 121 is provided with a sensor SE3 for original width detection and a sensor SE5 for original length detection. Then the original is discharged to a tray 135 through a roller 131, etc., after being exposed by an optical system 20. An original image obtained by the optical system 20 is projected on a photosensitive drum 10 and a developing device 14, a transfer device 15, and a fixing device 43 are put in operation to copy the image to copying paper sent from a paper feed cassette 30. When the copying operation is performed in two-sheet original feed mode and either of the 1st and 2nd originals is >=1/2 as large as the entire exposure area, the copying operation is inhibited. Therefore, such a copy that an image is cut is prevented from being generated in two-sheet original mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a copying apparatus equipped with an automatic document feeder capable of feeding, stopping, and ejecting documents onto a platen.

In recent years, automatic document feeders (hereinafter referred to as ADF) have been developed to reduce the time required for exchanging originals and to eliminate the troublesome effort of exchanging originals.
Various types of copying machines have been developed and have been put into practical use. If this type of ADF is a way to reduce indirect costs (time and effort) related to copying, it is possible to reduce direct costs (consumables such as copy paper and toner) by converting two originals into one copy paper on both sides. There are methods such as double-sided copying, in which two originals are copied onto one side of copy paper the size of one original (2M original single-sided copying), and the like. In the former case, double-sided copying requires only one sheet of copy paper, but requires two sheets of toner. On the other hand, the latter one-sided copying of a 2M document is economical since it requires only one sheet of copy paper and toner. Furthermore, by combining the two, it is possible to copy four originals onto both sides of one sheet of copy paper, which is extremely economical.

By the way, various ADFs that have been provided so far are
The originals are conveyed one by one onto the platen glass, and in order to make single-sided copies of two originals, the operator must line up the originals one by one on the glass platen, which does not improve the time and effort required. .

As a measure to improve these issues, ADFs that can feed two originals in parallel in the transport direction onto the document table glass are proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 60-2942, No. 60-84945, and No. 60-8494. It is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 93462.

However, in copiers equipped with these ADFs, when the two-sheet original feeding mode is selected, at least one of the first and second originals is completely exposed (the original image scanning area by the optical system). ), when two originals are placed side by side on the original platen glass,
The total length of the document may be larger than the total exposure area,
In this case, no matter what copying magnification is set, the original images for two pages cannot fit on one sheet of copy paper, resulting in erroneous copies where the images are cut off.

Therefore, regarding the size of the manuscript,
As disclosed in Publication No. 62, A4! , B5 landscape, letter size landscape, and A5, which allow two sheets to be placed on the document table glass, and second sizes, such as A4Jl and B5 portrait, which are placed with their longitudinal direction aligned with the document transport direction. And A3. B4. It is known that an operator can select, on an operation panel, a size such as legal size or leisure size that allows only one sheet to be placed on the document table glass.

However, it is cumbersome for the operator to input the document size one by one, and it is not possible to reliably prevent copying errors due to carelessness.

. In order to solve the problem of one or more stages of , the copying apparatus according to the present invention provides the following features: to stop the operation, and
A copying machine equipped with an automatic document feeder capable of ejecting a document from a platen after completion of an exposure operation, comprising: (i) means for selecting a two-sheet feed mode for documents;
means for detecting the size of a document; and (iv) when executing in the two-sheet feed mode, at least one of the sizes of the first and second documents detected by the detection means is one of the total exposure areas. The present invention is characterized by comprising: a control means for prohibiting the copying operation in the copying apparatus main body when the value is larger than /2.

In a configuration of New Year-Month or higher, when executing in 2-sheet feed mode, 1
The sizes of the first and second originals are automatically detected, and if at least one of the originals has a size larger than 1/2 of the total exposure area, the copying operation in the main body of the copying apparatus is prohibited. In this way, it is possible to reliably prevent copying mistakes due to inadvertent image cuts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a copying apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Schematic structure and operation of copying machine] In Fig. 1, the copying machine main body (1) is installed on the paper refeeding path box (60), the paper feeding section is on the left, and the duplex/combining unit (70) is on the right. ) and a sorter (90) are installed.

A photoreceptor drum (10
) is installed so that it can be rotated in the direction of arrow (a) at a constant circumferential speed (V). Around this photoreceptor drum (10), there is a main eraser (11) and a charger (12).
), sub-eraser (13), magnetic brush developing device (
14), transfer charger (15), sheet separation charger (16), blade type cleaning device (17)
are arranged sequentially. The photosensitive drum (10) has a well-known photosensitive layer on its surface, and as it rotates in the direction of arrow (a), a main eraser (11
), charger (12), sub eraser (13)
The static electricity is removed and charged, #% of unnecessary parts are removed, and the optical system (20
), and the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface is separated into a toner image by a developing device (14).

The optical system (20) is installed below the document table glass (19) so that the document image can be scanned, and includes an exposure lamp (21),
It is composed of a first mirror (22), a second mirror (23), a third mirror (24), a projection lens (25), and a fourth mirror (26). The n-light lamp (21) and the first mirror (22) are integrally formed into a block, and the photosensitive drum (
10) It is possible to move in the direction of the arrow (b) at a speed of (V/m: m is the copying magnification) with respect to the circumferential speed (V) (constant regardless of whether the magnification is the same or variable magnification). The second mirror (23) and the third mirror (24) are integrally blocked, (V/2m)
It is possible to move in the direction of arrow (b) at a speed of . Note that when changing the copy magnification, the lens (25) moves on the optical axis, and the fourth mirror (26) moves and swings to correct the optical path.

Copy paper is stored in a fixed automatic paper feed cassette (30) and a removable automatic paper feed cassette (35) provided on the left side of the copying machine main body (1).
31) and (36) are selectively rotated to feed sheets one by one. Further, the upper surface of the cassette (30) is a manual paper feeding section (32) from which copy sheets can be fed one by one. Copy paper fed from the paper cassette (30) and its manual paper feed section (32) passes through a pair of transport rollers (33) to a pair of timing rollers (
40), the copy paper fed from the cassette (35) is directly transported to the timing roller (40),
I'll wait here for a while. For copy paper, use a timing roller (40
), the image is sent to the transfer section in synchronization with the image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum (10).
1o), the toner image is transferred by the corona discharge of the transfer charger (15), and the toner image is separated from the photoreceptor drum (1o) by the alternating current corona discharge of the separation charger (16) and the strength of the sheet itself. Ru. Thereafter, the copy paper is fed to a fixing device (43) while being sucked onto a conveyor belt (41) equipped with an air saccharging means (42), where the toner image is fixed, and a pair of discharge rollers (44) ) is discharged from.

On the other hand, after the photosensitive drum (1o) has been transferred, residual toner and charges are removed from the surface by a cleaning device (17) and a main eraser (11), and the photosensitive drum (1o) is ready for the next copying process.

[Detection of copy paper size] Micro switches (Sen1) to (Sen4) are installed in the paper feed section.
).

(SW5), (SW6) ~(SW9), (SWI
O) has been installed.

Switch (SWI) ~ (Sen4), (S Kidney 6) ~ (SW
9) is turned on or off depending on the position of the copy paper width direction regulating plate, etc.
Based on the 4-bit hood according to the combination of OFF, ON, and OFF, the size of the copy paper set in the cassettes (35) and (30>) and the vertical direction relative to the paper feeding direction are determined.

Detects which direction it is installed horizontally.

The sizes that can be copied with this copying machine, that is, the sizes of copy sheets that can be set in each cassette (30) and (35), are, for example, [A3, [A4], [A5], and [A6].

[B11. [B5co, [B6], [:A4], [
A5.

For [B5], vertical or horizontal can be selected. Further, the switches (5W1) to (5W4) also detect the attachment and detachment of the cassette (35). Table 1 below shows an example of a food table using switches (Sen1) to (SW4).
In this table 1, the switch on is l″OJ%OJ%
If all the switches are off, it means that the cassette (35) is not installed in the paper feed section.
SW9) also performs similar detection.

In addition, a micro switch (Sen5) is provided in each paper feed section.

(Sen10) are respectively cassettes (35) and <30
) directly detects the presence or absence of copy paper.

[Margins below] [Table 1] [Double-sided/composite copying mechanism and paper passing] The duplex/composite unit (70) generally consists of a first switching claw (71), a second
switching claw (72) and ejection roller (73).

(74), conveyance rollers (75), (76), guide plates located around them and forming a conveyance path, and a paper refeeding device (80).
) is installed.

The paper refeeding device (80) is a removable paper refeeding cassette (81).
A pickup roller (85), which has a
It is equipped with a Sabaki roller (88). Re-feed cassette (
81) is a bottom plate (82a) that can rotate around the rear end (82a).
82), and the bottom plate (82) is rotatable from the dotted line position to the solid line position by a push-up mechanism (not shown).

The paper refeeding path box (60) has a conveyor roller pair (61)
.

(62), (63) and guide plates located around them to form a seat passage. The sheet sent out from the unit (70) is conveyed by a pair of conveyance rollers (61), (62), (63), passes through the guide plates (4g), (49) of the copying machine main body (1), and passes through the It is conveyed to the timing roller pair (40).

Paper passing modes in the duplex/combining unit (70) include a discharge mode, a duplex copying mode, and a composite copying mode, and the paper passing mode in each mode is a switching claw (71).

It can be changed by switching the position of (72).

That is, in the ejection mode, the switching claw (71) is fully set to the dotted line position in FIG. 1, and the copy paper is ejected to the sorter bin (91).
72) is set to the solid line position, and the copy paper that has been copied to one side is fed into the paper refeed cassette (81) as described above.In the composite copy mode, the switching claw (72) is set to the dotted line position, and the copy paper that has been copied to one side is fed into the paper refeed cassette (81). The copied copies are immediately conveyed to the paper refeed path box (60).

[Automatic document feeder (ADF) configuration and operation code A D
F (100) is generally a document feeding section (110);
It is composed of a document conveying section (120) and a document discharging section (130), and can be opened upward as a whole with the back as a fulcrum. Therefore, this A D F (100) is the first @
As shown in , the original is set on the original platen glass (19), and the original is placed one sheet at a time or two at a time as described below.
In addition to automatically conveying sheets in succession and setting them in a predetermined position on the document glass (19), the operator lifts the original upward and places the document on the document glass (19) to perform copying. can do. The opening and closing of the ADF (100) is detected by a switch (PSW) (see Figure 7), and this detection signal causes the ADF (100) and the copying machine body (1
) and controls are associated with each other.

The document feeding unit (110) includes a document tray (111), a pickup roller (112), a forward rotation roller Q13) and a reverse rotation roller (114) for handling documents, and each roller (
112), (113), and (114); and a document detection sensor (SEL).
It is equipped with The JK document tray (111) has a slide plate (not shown) for positioning the document in the width direction.

The original is completely set on the original tray (111) with the image side facing down, and this state is detected by a sensor (SEI).

The pickup roller (112) is movable up and down, and is normally waiting at the top. The original is in the original tray (111)
When the sensor (SEX) is set and the ADF start switch (SS Ken) (see Figure 7) is turned on by the operator, the pickup roller (112) descends and presses against the top surface of the document. The uppermost layer of originals is fed by rotation.

The forward rotation roller (113) rotates in the document feeding direction, and the reverse rotation roller (113) rotates in the document feeding direction.
114) can be rotationally driven in the document return direction, and as mentioned above, together with the pickup roller (112), both rollers (
113) and (114) are rotationally driven, and only the upper original is sent to the original transport unit (120) by the rotation of the forward rotation roller (113), and the lower original is sent to the original by the rotation of the reverse rotation roller (113).
14), it can be returned to the original tray (111).

The document transport unit (120) is equipped with pinch rollers (121>, (
122) and its drive motor (123) (see FIG. 2), a conveyor belt (125) and its drive motor (not shown), document detection sensors (SE2) and (SE3),
It is equipped with

The conveyor belt (125) includes support rollers (126a),
(126b) in an endless manner, and can be driven forward and reverse in the direction of arrow (C) while in contact with the original platen glass (19) at the press roller (127).

That is, when the sensor (SE2) detects the leading edge of the document sent out from the document feeding section (110), the rotation of the pickup roller (112), forward/reverse rollers (113), and (114) starts with a slight time delay. The document is stopped, and the leading edge of the document contacts the nip portion of the pinch rollers (121) and (122), forming a loop on the upstream side thereof. This will correct the skew of the original.

Furthermore, the original is placed on pinch rollers (121) and (122).
The document is conveyed onto the document table glass <19) by the rotation of the conveyor belt (125) and the forward rotation of the conveyor belt (125) in the direction of arrow (e). The stopping of the document can be controlled by setting a timer when the trailing edge of the document is detected by the sensor (SE2), and stopping the normal rotation of the conveyor belt (125) when the timer expires. With this, the original can be stopped at a predetermined position on the original table glass (19).

Here, from A D F (100) to the copying machine body (1)
A copying operation start signal is output to the copying machine main body (1).
The copy operation starts. and the optical system (20)
When the image exposure scanning for the set number of sheets is completed, a document exchange signal is output from the copying machine main body (1) to the ADF (100). At this signal, the conveyor belt (125
) is driven forward in the direction of arrow (c), and the original is ejected.

By the way, as shown in Fig. 2, the length of the original is determined by the disc (1) fixed to the spindle (121a) of the pinch roller (121).
24) is measured using a pulse signal from a sensor (SE5) based on the rotation. That is, the output of the sensor (SE5) is sent to the sensor (SE2) that detects the passage of the original and the pinch roller (1).
21) and is input to the second microcomputer (202) (see Fig. 7), and by counting the number of pulses while the original passes the sensor (SE2), Obtaining document length signal.

Further, the width of the document can be detected into two categories by the sensor (SE3). In this example, this sensor (SE3) is [A
4], [B11 is set in the position where it is detected (on) when the document is fed horizontally, and not detected (off) when it is fed vertically. As a result, [A4], [As1. CB4]
, [B11, etc., and whether it is vertical or horizontal is identified.

The document ejection section (130) has ejection rollers (131>, (1
32) and (133), (134), the surrounding guide plate, the discharge tray (135), and each roller (131) to
(134) drive motor (not shown) and original detection +:
:/su (SE4).

When the optical system (20) completes image exposure scanning for the number of copies and a document exchange signal is output from the copying machine main body (1), the conveyor belt (125) is driven to rotate in the normal direction, and
The rollers (131) to (134) are driven to rotate, and the original is ejected from the original platen glass (19) to the ejection tray (135).The original ejection operation is based on the original trailing edge detection signal from the sensor (SE4). After a certain period of time, that is, when the document is stored on the discharge tray (135), it is stopped.

Additionally, the sensor (SE4) generates a document trailing edge detection signal.

When a document is set on the document tray (111), the presence or absence of a document is determined based on the signal from the sensor (SEX>), and if a document is set, the above-described document feeding, stopping, and ejecting operations are repeated.

[Operation in 2-sheet original feed mode] In this embodiment, the ADF (100) is a normal single-sheet feed mode in which originals are set one sheet at a time on a predetermined position on the document platen glass (19), and after the image is exposed and scanned, it is ejected. In addition to the feed mode, 2
Select the 2-sheet feed mode in which two sheets of original are successively fed onto the document glass (19) and selected in series at a predetermined position, and then the two sheets of original are ejected at once after the exposure scan of the image is completed. It is possible.

(i) Original Feeding Operation The original feeding operation when the two-sheet feeding mode is selected will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3& to 3i.

The 2-sheet feed mode is selected, and the ADF start switch (
When SSW) is turned on, the originals stacked on the original tray (111) are fed from the top layer original (Dl) by the rotation of the pickup roller (112), and as described above, the originals loaded on the original tray (111) are fed by the forward/reverse roller (113), Qt4) and sent out from the feeding section ciio> (see Figure 3).

The leading edge of the first document (Dl) fed to this oak contacts the nip portion of the pinch rollers (121>, (122)) and forms a loop on the upstream side thereof (see FIG. 3b).

Hereinafter, this process will be referred to as tip 1/cyst process.

Next, the pinch rollers (121) and (122) are driven to rotate, and the conveyor belt (125) is driven to rotate forward in the direction of arrow (c), so that the original is transferred to the original platen glass (19).
) (see Figure 3C).

After that, the rear end of the original (Di') is
).

(122), pinch roller (121),
(122) and the rotation of the conveyor belt (125) is stopped (see Figure 3d).

Next, the conveyor belt (125) is reversely driven in the direction of arrow (C'), and the rear end of the document (Dl) is moved to the pinch roller (121).
.

(122) Stop it in a state where it is in contact with the nip part (
(See FIG. 3C), hereinafter this process will be referred to as trailing edge registration process.

While the first document (Dl) has been processed with trailing edge registration, the second document (Dl) is removed from the document tray (111).
), perform the edge registration process (see Figure 3g), and then process the two originals (see Figure 3g).
I), (Dl) are pinch rollers (121), (122
), it means that the rear end and the front end are registered and can be continuously arranged side by side.

In this state, the pinch rollers (121>, (122)) and the conveyor belt (125) are driven in normal rotation, and the original (Dl) (D2) is simultaneously conveyed onto the original platen glass (19) (see Figure 3h). , when the rear end of the second document (Dl) reaches a predetermined position on the document table glass (19), that is, the exposure start position by the optical system (20), the pinch roller <121)
, (1'22) and the rotational drive of the conveyor belt (125) are stopped (see Figure 131), and the two originals (
DI) and (Dl) are set at a predetermined position on the document platen glass (19) in a state where they are successively lined up in series in the conveying direction.

(i) In the two-sheet feed mode, which is more than the original ejection operation, the two originals are placed side by side without any gaps. You will have to push the rear end,
There is a possibility that the alignment or page alignment on the output tray (135) may be disturbed.

Therefore, in the two-sheet feed mode, two originals are ejected onto the ejection tray (135) with an interval between them to ensure alignment of the originals on the ejection tray (135).

There are two methods for such document ejection processing.

In the first document ejection process, the first document is
31), (132), the conveyor belt (12)
5) Stop normal rotation and place the second document on the document glass (
19) This is a method in which the conveyor belt (125) is rotated in the normal direction again after the conveyor belt (125) is placed on standby and an appropriate distance is created between the two.

Specifically, the conveyance belt (125) is driven to rotate forward in response to the document exchange signal, and the discharge rollers (131) to (134) are driven to rotate forward.
) is rotated (see Figure 4a), thereby rotating the original (
DI ), (Dl) begin to be discharged in the direction of arrow (c), and when the leading edge of the first document (Dl) is detected by the sensor (SE4), the forward rotation of the conveyor belt (125) is stopped. (See Figure 4b). From this state, the first document (D
The document (Dl) is successively conveyed by the ejection rollers (131) to (134), and the second document (Dl) is transferred to the document table glass (134).
9) A space is left between them (see Figures 4c and 4d).

When the rear end of the first document (Dl) is detected by the sensor (SE4), the conveyor belt (125) is again driven in normal rotation (see Figure 4c), and the two documents (Di), ( D2) are discharged onto the discharge tray (135) at appropriate intervals.

On the other hand, the second document ejection process is carried out by the ejection roller (131)
(134) The document transport speed is determined by the transport belt (125).
In this method, the document conveyance speed is set higher than the original document conveyance speed, and an appropriate distance is left between two documents.

Specifically, the transport belt (125) is driven to rotate in the normal direction based on the document ejection signal, and the ejection rollers (131) to (134)
) (see Figure 5a). At this time, the document conveyance speed by the discharge rollers (131) to (134) is set higher than the document conveyance speed by the conveyance belt <125). As a result, the distance between the originals (Di) and (D2) gradually increases (see Figures 5b and 5C), and as a result, the two originals (DI) and (D2) are spaced at an appropriate distance. It is discharged onto the discharge tray (135).

Note that the discharge rollers (131) and (132) on the downstream side may be set to the same document conveyance speed as the conveyor belt (125). In this case, the discharge rollers (131) and (132)
32) is a discharge roller (133>, (
When the document is conveyed in step 134), it is configured to rotate as a result of the conveyance of the document.

[Single-sheet feeding when two-sheet feeding mode is selected] By the way, when the above-mentioned two-sheet feeding mode is selected, if the total number of original sheets is an odd number, two sheets will be fed as a set. Eventually, only one manuscript will exist. Therefore, when one final document is completely fed and the sensor (SEI) outputs a document empty signal, the final document is processed in the one-sheet feeding mode.

[Relationship between original magnification and copy paper in 2-sheet feed mode]A
When operating the D F (Woo) in two-sheet feeding mode and copying two original images on one side of one copy paper, the original size, copy magnification, and copy paper size have the following relationship. , when two sheets of A4 side-by-side originals are transported, if the copy magnification is [1,000], by selecting A3 as the copy paper, the original images for two A4 side-by-side sheets will be superimposed on the A3 copy paper. It fits perfectly. Also, the copy magnification is [0,707
If it is 1, by selecting A471 sheet as the copy paper, the original image will fit in just the right amount. On the other hand, if A3 copy paper is selected for two sheets of A4 side-by-side originals, the copy magnification is set to [1].
,0003, and if A4 vertical copy paper is selected, if the copy magnification is set to [0,707], the original image of two A4 horizontal pages can be printed on one copy paper as above. You can pay just the right amount.

Therefore, by using A D F (100) and copying in two-sheet feed mode, it is possible to create two original images on one sheet of copy paper, saving time on copy paper and copying time. Leads to savings. Furthermore, if the double-sided copy mode is used in combination, original images for four sheets can be created on the front and back sides of one sheet of copy paper. Furthermore, if the copying machine body (1) is equipped with a book division function, that is, a function that exposes and scans the image of a book document one side at a time, it is possible to use the two-sheet feed mode, book division function mode, and double-sided copy mode together. , it is possible to form images of two originals on the front and back sides of one sheet of copy paper. These copying modes further save copying paper and copying time.

By the way, in this embodiment, as detailed below, the sizes of the first and second originals are detected in the two-sheet feed mode, and at least one of the originals is larger than 1/2 of the total exposure area. If the size is large, copying is prohibited. Therefore,
The two originals to be copied in two-sheet feed mode are A5
Portrait, A5 landscape, B5 landscape.

This is a combination of four types of A4 horizontal sheets, and there are 10 combinations shown in Table 2 below.

[The following thread is white] [Automatic optimum magnification setting (AMS)'] Next, in non-copying machines, when the operator has specified the copy paper size and original size, the original image is printed on copy paper of the selected size. Automatic optimum magnification setting function (hereinafter referred to as AM
(denoted as S).

When the 1MS mode is selected, the 20th PU (202
), the document size is determined and hooded, and the first CP
It is sent to U (201). 1st CPU (201)
calculates the optimum copy magnification from the original size hood and the size hood of the copy paper fully set in the cassettes (30) and (35) selected by the operator, and makes sure that the calculated copy magnification is within the specs of the copier. If so, set the copy magnification. - If the power is outside the specifications, the operator is warned that the optimum copying magnification cannot be set, and is prompted to manually set the copying magnification.

The following table 3a shows the original size and copy paper size in the 1MS mode in the normal copying mode in which originals are conveyed one by one, and calculations based on them.

This shows the relationship with the set copy magnification.

On the other hand, in the two-sheet feeding mode, in which two originals are transported as a set, the sizes of the first and second originals are detected,
If at least one of the documents has a size larger than % of the total exposure area, the copying operation is prohibited. Therefore, the optimum copying magnification when copying in 1MS mode in 2-sheet feeding mode is that if the paper feeding direction of the two originals is the same, then the length of the copy paper in the feeding direction should be set to the larger size (or one of them if they are the same size) divided by the length of the document in the transport direction. Further, the optimum copying magnification when the two originals are passed in different directions is the value obtained by dividing the length of the copy paper in the transporting direction by the length of the two originals placed side by side in the transporting direction. 1M when selecting 2-sheet feeding mode in table 3b below
The relationship between the combination of document sizes, copy paper size, and copy magnification calculated and set based on them in S mode is shown.

For example, the copy paper size is [A4 portrait] and the original size is [
B5 #i, A5 vertical], the optimum copying magnification is calculated as [0,757 times], and this magnification is set. In addition, if the copy paper size is [A5 portrait-C] and the original size is [A4 landscape, A5 Jl], the operator is prompted to manually set the copy magnification because there is no optimal copy magnification. .

[Margins below] [Automatic optimum copy paper size setting function (APS)] In addition, with this copier, when the operator has specified the original size and copy magnification, the original image can be formed without image cut-off. It has an automatic optimum copy paper size setting function (hereinafter referred to as APS) that automatically selects a paper feed cassette in which copy paper of the same size is set.

When this APS mode is selected, the second CPU (202
), the document size is determined, the hood has been completed, and the 1st CP
It is sent to U (201). 1st CPU (201)
calculates the optimal copy paper size from the document size hood and the copy magnification selected by the operator, and then selects the paper feed section, i.e., the cassette (
30) and (35). On the other hand, in which cassette is the copy paper of the calculated size <30)?

(35), or if the copy paper is outside the specifications of this copier, the operator is warned that the optimum size copy paper does not exist, and the operator is warned to manually select the paper source or manually select the copy magnification. prompts you to reconfigure.

Table 4a below shows the relationship between the document size, copy magnification, and copy paper size calculated and set based on these in the APS mode in the normal copy mode in which documents are conveyed one by one.

On the other hand, in the two-sheet feed mode, at least one of the originals covers one part of the total exposure area, as explained in the AMS section above.
If the size is larger than /2, the copying operation is prohibited.

Therefore, the optimal copy paper when copying in APS mode is the length in the transport direction of the larger size original (or one of them if they are the same size), if the paper feeding direction of the two originals is the same. The size of the copy paper is 2 times the value multiplied by the copy magnification. Also, when the two originals are fed in different directions, the best copy paper is juxtaposition! If l, the copy paper will be of a size that fits the length of two documents in the transport direction multiplied by the copying magnification. Table 4b below shows the relationship between original size, copy magnification, and copy paper size calculated and set accordingly in APS mode when two-sheet feeding mode is selected.

For example, if the original size is a combination of [B5 landscape, A5 landscape] and the copy magnification is [0,816x], the optimal copy paper size in two-sheet feed mode is calculated as [A4 portrait], and , the paper feed section in which A4 size paper is loaded vertically is automatically selected. Also, the original size is Ca2 horizontal and B5 vertical]
If the combination is [1,008] to [1,430]
Since there is no optimum copy paper size no matter which magnification is set between the two, the operator is prompted to manually select the paper feed section.

[Margins below] [In Figure 6, the operation panel (15) of the copying machine main body (1)
0) is fully equipped with keys, display means, etc., which will be explained below. Each key has an internal switch that is turned on by pressing it.

(151) is a print key for starting the copying operation, (152) is a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, etc., and (153) is a stop key for canceling multi-copying in the middle. The clear/stop key has the role of clearing the number, and <154) is the interrupt key for executing interrupt copy.

For (155), the copy mode is normal copy, double-sided copy.

A copy mode switching key (156) is used to switch to either composite copying, a magnification selection key (156) is used to set the copy magnification to a preset magnification or an arbitrary magnification, and (157) is used to select the copy paper size. The copy paper selection key (158) is the AMS.

A document size detection mode selection key (159) is used to select either APS or manual mode, and a feeding mode selection key (159) is used to select the document feeding mode from one-sheet feeding to two-sheet feeding.

The operation panel (150) further includes display means described below.

(160) is a 4-digit display segment that displays the number of copies, etc., (161) is a 4-digit display segment that displays the copy magnification set manually, (162) ~
(165) is the LED that displays the preset copy magnification, (166) is for normal copy, (167)
is double-sided copy, (16U is LED that displays composite copy, (169) is LED that displays copy paper size, (170) is AMS mode, (171”) is APS mode, (172) is manual mode (173) is the one-sheet feed mode, <174) is the two-sheet feed mode, and these various LEDs correspond to the corresponding keys (155) to (1).
59) is turned on each time the rotor is turned on.

[Control circuit Figure 7 shows the first CPU (20
L> and the second CPU that controls A D F (100)
(202) shows the input/output configuration of CPU (201).
, (202) are connected to each other for synchronization.

The input/output board of the first CPU (201) includes various key switches (151) to (1) on the operation panel (150).
159), a switch matrix (203) including micro switches (S river) to (Sen 10) installed in the paper feed section
) is connected, and this switch matrix (203
) and a display segment (16) via a decoder (205).
0), a matrix (204) of display LEDs is being connected. Also, from the output boat, the copying machine itself (
1) On/off signals are output to the main motor, developing motor, etc. A pulse signal of the main motor is input to the terminal (B1).

The input boat of the 20th PU (202) has ADF
(100) Open/close detection switch (Psi/), A
DF start switch (SSM), sensor (SEX) to (SE4>) that detects the conveyance of the document, sensor (SE5) that detects the rotation of the pinch roller motor (123)
is connected. The output boat has a pickup roller <112), a forward/reverse roller (113), and a (114)
a feeding motor that drives the transport belt (125), a solenoid that moves the pickup roller (112) up and down, and discharge rollers (131) to (134).
) is connected to the ejection motor that drives the motor. Terminal (B
In 2), the pulse signal of the transport motor can be input.

In addition, a clock terminal (S(J)) for data sampling and output of the first CPU (201), and an interrupt output terminal (
PCO), data output terminal (SOtlT) and data input terminal (SIN) are the clock input terminal (SCK) and interrupt input terminal (IN) of the second CPU (202).
r) is connected to the data input terminal (SIN>) and the data output terminal (SOUT).

[Controller III] The control procedure of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 19.

FIG. 8 shows the first CPU (20
1) shows the main routine.

When the first CPU (201) is reset and the program starts, first, in step (Sl), the internal RAM is cleared, various registers are initialized, and initial settings are made to put each device into the initial mode.

Here, the flags used in the following routine will be explained in advance.

Copy flag (FO): This flag is used to indicate that the copying machine is in operation, and is set to 11 from the completion of the copy start process until the end of the copy process.

Mode flag (Fl): Indicates the document feeding mode in A D F (100).It is set with the feeding mode selection key (159), and when r□, it indicates single sheet feeding mode, and rl ” indicates two-sheet feed mode.

Feed flag (F2): This flag is used to indicate the number of originals actually fed onto the document table glass (19) at A D F (100). '0' indicates one sheet. , "1" indicates 2 sheets.Even if the 2-sheet feeding mode is selected, if the total number of original sheets is an odd number, the final document feeding time is 10 sheets. Note that this flag (F2) is the second CF' U (202)
It can be set using the feed number signal from .

Calculation flag (F20): AP S mode, AM
It is used when calculating copy paper selection and copy magnification settings in S mode, and is set according to the document feed mode and the actual number of sheets to be sent. That is, when it is ``0'', it instructs calculation with one sheet feed, and when it is '1'', it instructs calculation with two sheet feed.

Returning to the routine, in step (S2) the first CPU (2
Set the main timer of 01). This main timer determines the time required for one routine of this main routine, and its value is set in advance in step (Sl).

Next, the subroutines shown in steps (S3) to (S5) are sequentially called. Step (S3) is a subroutine for manual key processing, including input processing from the numeric keypad (152),
Processing of storing the copy paper sizes set in the cassettes (30) and (35) in the internal RAM, processing of setting the copy mode using the copy mode switching key (155),
Execute the magnification setting process using the magnification selection key <156). Step (S4) is a subroutine for document feed mode switching processing, in which A is pressed by the feed mode selection key (159).
DF (100) executes the document feed mode setting process. Step (S5) is a subroutine for copy start processing, which processes the start of a copy operation.

Next, in step (S6), the copy flag (FO) is set to 11.
”, and if it is reset to r After practical training, the process moves to step (S8). In step (S8), data transmission and reception with the second CPU (202) is processed. The signals that can be transmitted in this step (S8) from the first CPU (201) to the second CPU (202) are as follows.
There is a copying operation signal, an original feed mode signal, and an original exchange signal when image exposure scanning for a set number of sheets is completed. Second
The signals sent from the CPU (202) to the first CPU (201) include: ADF mode signal: copying operation in progress and ADF (10
This signal is set to "1" when a document is loaded into the document tray (111) when the document tray (111) is not in operation, and is reset to r□ when the last document is completely ejected.

Set completion signal: A signal that can be output when the yX document is conveyed and stopped at a predetermined position on the document table glass (19).

Original size signal: A D F (100) sensor (
SE3).

The code signal of the original size detected in (SE5).

Feed sheet number signal: A signal indicating the number of original sheets actually fed and placed on the document table glass (19).

Prohibition signal: A signal that can be output when the size of the fed document is inappropriate for copying.

When the processing in each of the above subroutines is completed, the process waits for the main timer to finish counting in step (S9), and then returns to step (S2). The time length of this one routine is used to count the various timers that appear in each subroutine, that is, the end of counting for each of the various timers is determined based on how many times this one routine has been repeated.

FIG. 9 shows a subroutine for document feeding mode switching processing executed in step (S4) of the main routine.

First, in step (510), the FP flag (FO) is set to 1.
If it is set to "rl", that is, if a copying operation is in progress, the process returns to the main routine.

If it has been reset to 0., it is determined in step (511) whether the feed mode selection switch (159) is on-edge or not. If it is not on-edge, the process returns to the main routine, and if it is on-edge, the mode is It is determined whether the flag (Fl) is "0". If the mode flag (Fl) has been reset to 10j, that is, if the single-sheet feeding mode is set at this point, step (
513) sets the mode flag (Fl) to rl.

In other words, the two-sheet feeding mode is set, and the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if it is determined in step (512) that the mode flag (Fl) is set to rl,
In step (514), the mode flag (Fl) is reset to r□, that is, the one-sheet feeding mode is set.

Figures 10a and 10b show the main routine steps (
This shows a subroutine of the copy start process executed in S5), in which processes in APS mode and AMS mode are also executed.

First, in step (520'), the ADF mode signal is set to "1".
”, and if it is set to '1j, that is, if copying using A D F (100) is selected [see step (5123)], step (5
In step 21), it is determined whether or not a document prohibition signal is output. If the document prohibition signal has not been output, it is determined in step (522) whether or not a set completion signal has been output. If this set completion signal is not output, the process continues as it is, and when the output is completed, that is, when the original is set at a predetermined position on the document table glass (19) [step (5170)].

(5212) Refer to step (527) to determine whether the mode flag (Fl) is rl. mode flag (
If Fl) is reset to rO, step (52
8), reset the calculation flag (F20) to 10, and
If it is set to ``1'', then in step (529) the operation flag (F20) is set to ``1'' and both steps (S
32) Migrate.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (521') that the document prohibition signal is output (see step (5206)), a prohibition display is output in step (526) to prohibit the start of the copying operation.

If it is determined in step (520) that the ADF mode signal has been reset to 10'', step (52
After confirming that the copy flag (FO) has been reset to 0 in step 3), it is determined in step (S24) whether the print switch <isi> is on-edge or not. If it is on-edge, set the copy flag (FO) to 11 in step (525).
” and return to the main routine.

Next, in step (532) it is determined whether or not the APS mode is selected, and if it is selected, step (53
In step 3), it is determined whether the calculation flag (F20) is "0" or not. If the calculation flag (F20) is reset to rO, that is, if the APS mode is selected in the single-sheet feeding mode, the optimum copy paper size calculation based on the table 4a is performed in step (S34''). Execute the process of
The process moves to step (536).

Further, if the calculation flag (F20) is set to "1", that is, if the APS mode is selected in the two-sheet feed mode, the optimum copy paper size based on the table 4b is determined in step (S35). Execute the operation ■,
The process moves to step (536).

Next, in step (536), the step (534)
Alternatively, in (535) it is determined whether there is a cassette fully loaded with copy sheets of the calculated size. If there is, the corresponding cassette is selected and set in step (537), and the floppy flag (FO) is set to rl in step (548), and the process returns to the main routine. If there is no corresponding cassette, in step (538), a message is output that no copy paper of the optimum size is loaded in any cassette, and an appropriate display means (for example, display segment (160)) is used to warn the operator.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (532) that the APS mode is not selected, it is determined in step (539) whether or not the mode flag (Fl) is 11''.

If it is reset to OJ, that is, if it is one-sheet feeding mode, the process moves to step (541).If the mode flag <Fl) is set to 11, that is, if it is two-sheet feeding mode, the process moves to step (541). In step (540), it is determined whether the selected copy sheet is vertically threaded or not.

If it is vertical printing, the process moves to step (541), and if horizontal printing, a prohibition display is output in step (549) to prohibit the start of the copying operation. This means that in the two-sheet feed mode, if the copy paper is fed horizontally, the images of the two juxtaposed originals will be displayed regardless of the size of the two originals conveyed onto the platen glass (19). This is because it is impossible to set a copying magnification that will accommodate the upper part of the copy paper that is passed horizontally. Incidentally, if the copying operation is prohibited in this way, the operator can simply select the copy paper to be threaded vertically.

Next, in step <541), it is determined whether or not the AMS mode has been selected. If the AMS mode has not been selected, the FP flag (FO) is set to rl in step (54g), and the process returns to the main routine. If the AMS mode is selected, it is determined in step (S42>) whether the calculation flag (F20) is r□.The calculation plug (F20) is set to "0".
”, in step S43>, the optimal magnification calculation process (■) based on the table 3a is executed;
The process moves to step (545). ? jiI calculation flag (F
20) is set to "1", step (54) is set to "1".
In step 4), the process of optimal magnification calculation (2) based on the table 3b is executed, and the process moves to step (545).

Next, in step (545), the step <543>
Or it is determined whether the copy magnification calculated in (544) is within the specifications of the machine. If there is, step (546)
The calculated magnification is set in step (548), the copy flag (FO) is set to "rl", and the process returns to the main routine. If there is no corresponding magnification, step (547)
outputs that the corresponding magnification does not exist, and warns the Oopaque by an appropriate display means [for example, display segment (160)].

As described above, by setting the copy flag (FO) to 11'' in steps (525) and (548>), the copying process in step (S8) can be started.
Copying processing and control of APS mode and AMS mode are well known, and their explanation will be omitted.

Figure 11 shows the second CPU (2) that controls the ADF (100).
02) shows the main routine.

When the second CPU (202) is reset and the program starts, first, step (5100)
Clears the internal RAM, initializes various registers, etc., and performs initial settings to put each device into the initial mode.

Here, the flags used in the following routine will be explained in advance.

Copy flag (FO), mode flag (Fl), feed flag (F2): The above flags are the same as those used in the control of the first CPU (201).

ADF operation flag (F3): ADF (100
) is in operation, r1. It can be set to .

ADF feeding flag (F4): ADF (100
) is used to indicate that the document is being fed, and r1. is set to

Lead edge registration flag (F5): Place the original on the tray (111)
) to the leading edge registration position, and can be set to 11'' from the start of feeding the first and second documents until the leading edge registration process is completed.

Leading edge registration start flag (F6): Indicates the timing to start the leading edge registration process, from the start of feeding the first and second documents until the feeding motor and pickup roller (112) start up. r1
．． is set to

Waiting flag (F7): This is to indicate that the document is waiting at the leading edge registration position, and can be set to 11" from the completion of leading edge registration processing until the feeding resumes onto the document table glass (19). .

Set completion flag (Oka) 2W: This flag is used to indicate that the original fed from the original tray (111) is set at a predetermined position on the original platen glass (19). It is set to 11'' until the discharge starts.

Ejection flag (F9): This flag is used to indicate that the document is being ejected from the document table glass (19) to the ejection tray (135), and remains l″1 from the generation of the original exchange signal to the completion of ejection. ” can be set.

Original flag (FIO): Indicates whether the original being fed in the two-sheet feeding mode is the first or second sheet; '0' indicates that it is the first sheet; '1' ” indicates that it is the second sheet.

Returning to the routine, in step (Slot) the second CPU
(202) Set the main timer. This main timer determines the time required for one routine of this main routine, and its value is set in advance in step (5100).

Next, in step (5102) it is determined whether or not the mode is ADF mode. If NO, the process moves to step (5112), and if YES, steps (5103) to (5105)
) are called in sequence. Step (5
103) Execute processing to detect the non-on edge of the ADF start switch (SSw) and start the operation of the ADF (100). In step (5104), the original is transferred from the original tray (111) to the pinch roller (121>).
The leading edge registration process is executed to send the image to the leading edge registration position (122). Step (5105) executes a process of detecting the size of the document sent out from the document tray (111).

Next, in step (5106), it is determined whether the mode flag (Fl) is "1". Mode flag (Fl) is rO
'', that is, if it is in the single-sheet feeding mode, the subroutines of steps (5107) and (5110) are called, and the process moves to step <5112). Step (5107) executes a process of feeding and setting ordinary originals one by one onto the original platen glass (19). Step <5110) executes a process of ejecting one document onto the ejection tray (135).

In the step (5106), the mode plug (Fl)
If it is determined that the document is set in "l", that is, if the two-sheet feeding mode is selected, then in the subroutine of step (5108), the originals are fed and set two sheets at a time onto the original platen glass <19). Execute processing. And step (
5109), it is determined whether the feed flag (F2) is "1.", and if it is set to '1', the step (Sill
) subroutine to output two originals to the output tray (135).
Then, the process moves to step (5112). If the feed flag (F2) has been reset to "force 0", the subroutine of step (5110) is executed and the process moves to step (511, 2).

,Z,Tep(5112)T? is the first CPU (2
01) and processes data transmission and reception. The signals communicated here are the same as those explained in the process of step (S8).

When the processing in each of the above subroutines is completed, the process waits for the main timer to finish counting in step (5113), and then returns to step (5101). The time length of one routine is used to count the various timers that appear in each subroutine.

FIG. 12 shows a subroutine for ADF start processing that is executed in step (5103) of the main routine of the second CPU (202).

First, in step (5120) it is determined whether the copy flag (FO) has been reset to "0" or not.
In step 1), check whether the ADF operation flag (F3) has been reset to 0.
111) Determine whether the upper sensor (SEI) is on or not,
If either is No, immediately return to the main routine,
If both are YES, that is, copy operation 2ADFiI
] If it is confirmed that the original is not being edited and that the original is set on the tray (111), step (5123
) to set the ADF mode signal to "r'1".

Next, in step (5124), wait for the edge of the ADF start switch (SSW), and then in step (5125)
) to set the ADF operation flag (F3) to "11", and in step (5126) set the ADF feeding flag (F4) to "1".
．． In step (5127), the leading edge registration flag (F5) and the leading edge registration start flag (F6) are set to 11''. Next, in step (5128), it is determined whether the mode flag (Fl) is set to 11'', and if it is set to 11, the feed flag (F2) is set to ``1'' in step (5129). If it is set to "rO", the feed flag (F2) is set at step <5130).
is reset to "0" and this subroutine ends.

No. 13111! J is the 20th P U (202) (7)
) The subroutine of the leading edge registration process executed in step (5104) of In A--f is shown.

First, in step (5140), the tip registration flag (F
5) is determined to be 11 or not, and if it is reset to %'0'', the process returns to the main routine; if it is set to ``rl'', the tip registration start flag (F6) is set in step (5141). rl, it is determined whether or not. If this flag (F6) is reset to "0", step (
5144), and if it is set to 1"1", the feed motor and pickup solenoid are turned on in step <5142). With this, the pickup roller (11
2) rotates as it comes into pressure contact with the top surface of the document, and the forward and reverse rollers (113) 4114>(114> also start rotating,
Only one document in the top layer is sent out from the tray (111) (see Figure 3a), followed by step (5143).
Then, the leading edge registration start flag (F6) is reset to "0.", and the process moves to step (5144>).

In step <5144>, it is determined whether the sensor (SE2) is on-edge, and if it is not on-edge, step <5144> is performed.
146), and if it becomes on-edge, proceed to step (51).
Step 45) sets the tip registration timer, and step (5)
146>. This leading edge registration timer is set to the time until the leading edge of the document detected by the sensor (SE2) contacts the nip portion of the binder rollers (121>, (122) and forms a loop. Therefore, step <5146 ), wait for the tip registration timer to finish counting, turn off the feed motor and pickup solenoid in step (5147), and turn off the feed motor and pickup solenoid in step (514g).
) to reset the tip registration flag (F5) to "rO" and set the standby flag (F7) to "1" in step (5149).
, and end this subroutine.

As a result, the leading edge of the document sent out from the tray (111) comes into contact with the nip portion of the pinch rollers (121) and (122), corrects the skew, and waits while forming a loop on the upstream side ( Figure 3b (see WA).

FIG. 14 shows a subroutine for document size detection processing that can be executed in step (5105) of the main routine of the 20th P U (202). This subroutine is executed while the original is being fed from the leading edge registration position to a predetermined position on the original platen glass (19), and the length of the original in the conveying direction is detected by pulse counting by the sensor (5E5), and the width direction is detected. The document size is determined based on the combination of on and off of the sensor (SE3') to be detected.

Here, first, in step (5150), it is determined whether the pinch roller motor <123) has started up.

This pinch roller motor (123) follows the steps below (
5164). If it does not rise, move to step (Si52), and if it does, proceed to step (Si51) to start the pulse count of the sensor (SE5)!・Proceed to step (5152). When the off-edge of the sensor (SE2) is confirmed in step (5152>), the off-edge of the sensor (SE5) is confirmed in step (5153).
, and step <5154.
), the document size is calculated using the pulse count number and the on/off signal of the sensor (SE3), and the document size is calculated in step (Si55
> outputs the original size signal and ends this subroutine.

The 15th @ shows the subroutine of document feeding process (2) in the single-sheet feeding mode, which is executed in step (5107) of the main routine of the second CPU (202).

First, in step (5160), the ADF feeding flag (F4
) is "1" or not, and if it is reset to '0', it immediately returns to the main routine. , the standby flag (F
7) Determine whether or not is rl. If the standby flag (F7) is reset to rO, the process moves to step (5166), and if it is set to "1", that is, the leading edge of the document is registered by the pinch rollers (121) and (122). If so, in step (5162) the discharge flag (
It is determined whether F9) is r□. Emission flag (F9)
is already set to "1", step (5164
), and if it has been reset to 1″O, turn on the transport motor in step (5163), and then move to step (516).
In step 4), the pinch roller motor (123) is turned on, and in step (5165), the standby flag (F7) is reset to 10, and the process moves to step (5166). With this, feeding of the document from the leading edge registration position onto the document table glass (19) can be resumed.

In step <5166), it is determined whether the sensor (SEA) is off-edge, and if it is not off-edge, step (5166) is performed.
168), and if it is off-edge, proceed to step (51).
Step 67) sets the stop timer, and step (5168)
to move to. This stop timer is activated when the rear edge of the document is connected to the sensor (5).
E2) until the exposure start position on the document platen glass (19) is reached. Therefore, in step (5168), wait for the stop timer to finish counting, and in step (5169), turn off the pinch roller motor (123) and the conveyance motor, and in step (5170).
) outputs the original set completion signal to the first CPU (201), and in step (5171) outputs the set completion flag (F
8) to "1". This means that the original has been fed and stopped at a predetermined position on the original platen glass (19).

Next, in step (5172), it is determined whether the sensor (SEI) is on or not, and if it is on, that is, if the next document is on the tray (111), the leading edge registration process is performed on that document in advance. To do this, set the tip registration flag (F5) to "1" in step (5173), and
At step 74), the leading edge registration start flag (F6) is set to 1 degree, and at step (5175), the ADF feeding flag (F4) is reset to 10, thereby ending this subroutine. Further, in the step (5172), the sensor (S
EL) is off, that is, if there are no originals in the tray (111), the AD
The F feeding flag (F4) is reset to "0." and this subroutine ends.

Figures 16a and 16b are 20th P U (202)
This subroutine shows the document feeding process in the two-sheet feeding mode executed in step (5108) of the main routine of Only when the size of the exposure area [the area where the original image can be scanned by the optical system (20)] is less than half, the two-sheet feeding process is performed, and when other originals are fed, the copying operation is performed. It is prohibited and the original is ejected.

First, in step <5180), the ADF feeding flag (F4
) is "1." If it is reset to "0", the main routine is returned immediately; if it is set to "1", that is, the ADF start switch <SSS/)
is turned on, the document flag (
FIO) is J. Original flag (FIO
) is set to 11'', that is, the document to be fed from now on is the second sheet, the process moves to step (5201), and if it is reset to ``rO'', that is, the document to be fed from now If is the first sheet, step (5182)
It is determined whether the standby flag (F7) is 11. If the standby flag (F7) has been reset to "r'0", the process moves to step (5187), and if it has been set to "rl", that is, if the leading edge registration process for the first document has been completed. , the discharge flag (F
9) is 10''. If the ejection flag (F9) has been set to 11, it means that one set of originals is already being ejected and the transport motor is turned on.
185>, "When reset to O2, turn on the conveyance motor in step (5184), turn on the pinch roller motor (123) in step (5185), and turn on the standby flag (F7) in step ($186). ) to 10
” and moves to step (5187). With this, feeding of the first document from the leading edge registration position onto the document table glass (19) is resumed (see Figure 3c).
.

In step (5187), it is determined whether the sensor <5E2) is off-edge, and if it is not off-edge, step (5187) is performed.
193), and if it is off-edge, step CSI
ss), it is determined whether the size of the first document is less than half of the total exposure area. The desired copy form in the two-sheet feed mode is to form images of two originals on one sheet of copy paper, as described above. Therefore, it is necessary that the size of two originals placed side by side on the original table glass (19) is equal to or smaller than the exposure area determined by the copy paper size and the copy magnification.

At the same time, the size of each of the two originals must be less than half of the total exposure area.For example, if the copy paper is
3 If the copying magnification is 1x, the exposure area is 42
0mn+, and the original size is less than half of that size, 210, in the transport direction (A4 landscape, BS landscape).

It needs to be A5 horizontal, A5 Jl).

Therefore, if it is determined in step <5188> that the original size is larger than half of the total exposure area, the original image cannot fit on the copy paper, so step (5206)
) outputs a prohibition signal to the first CPU (201), and in step (5207) the ADF feeding flag (F4) is set to "O".
4, and in step (5208') sets the discharge flag (F9) to 11'' to instruct document discharge, and returns to the main routine. If the document size is less than half of the total exposure area, the sensor (S
EL) is on, and if it is not on, that is, the second document is not on the tray (111) and the first document being fed at this time is the final document. For example, in order to process it as the second original, step (519)
0), the original flag (FIO) is set to F1, and in step <5191>, the feed flag (F2) is reset to "0.", and the process moves to step (5209).

If the sensor (SEX) is on in step (5189), that is, if the second document is on the tray (111), a switchback timer is set in step (5192). This switchback timer is set to the time from when the trailing edge of the first document is detected by the sensor (SE2') until it completely passes through the nip portion of the pinch rollers (121) and (122).

Next, in step (5193), it is determined whether or not the count of the switchback timer has ended.
) to turn off the conveyance motor and pinch roller motor (123) (see Figure 3d), and then step (5195).
Turn on the transport motor in reverse. With this, the first document can be fed backwards toward the pinch rollers (121) and (122). Then, in step (5196), the tip registration flag (F5) and the tip registration start flag (F6)
) to rl, and prepare the leading edge registration process for the second document. At the same time, a reversal timer is set in step (5197), and the process moves to step (5198). This reversal timer is set to the time from when the document is fed backwards until the trailing edge is brought into contact with the nip portion of the pinch rollers (121) and (122) and the trailing edge is registered.

Therefore, in step (5198), wait for the count of the reverse rotation timer to end, in step (5199), turn off the reverse rotation of the transport motor, and in step (5200), set the document flag (FIO) in order to process the second document. 11”. With this, the trailing edge of the first document is attached to the pinch roller (1
21) and (122) and waits in a state where the resist is finished.

Next, in step (5201), the standby flag (F7) is set to r.
l.

Determine whether or not. Determine whether or not the leading edge registration process for the second document is completed, and set the standby flag (F7).
If is reset to "0", step (5204)
, and if it is set to 11, that is, if the subroutine of step ($104) is executed and the leading edge registration process for the second document is completed [see step (5149)], In step (5202), the conveyance motor and pinch roller motor (123) are turned on, and in step <5203), the standby flag (F7) is reset to 10'', and the process moves to step <5204).

In this way, the first and second originals are successively fed onto the original table glass (19) (see Figures 3g and 3h).

In step (5204>), it is determined whether the sensor (SE2) is off-edge, and if it is not off-edge, step (5204)
210), and if it is off-edge, that is, when the rear edge of the second document passes the sensor (SE2), the size of the second document is determined to be less than half of the total exposure area in step (5205). Determine whether the size is the same. If the original size is larger than half of the total exposure area, as explained in step (5188), the original image cannot fit on the copy paper, so in step (5206) a prohibition signal is sent to the first CPU ( 201) and step (5207
) to reset the ADF feeding flag (F4) to “OJ”.
Set the discharge flag (F9) to “1” in step (5208”)
Set it in S, instruct to eject the original, and return to the main routine.
, *If the document size is less than half of the total exposure area, a stop timer is set in step (5209), and the process moves to step (5210). This stop timer is the same as the one set in step (5167).

Therefore, in step (5210), wait for the stop timer to finish counting, and in step (5211), turn off the conveyance motor and under roller motor (123), and in step (5210), turn off the conveyance motor and under roller motor (123).
212) sends the original set completion signal to the first CPU (212).
01), step (5213) set the teset completion flag (F8) to I″1″, and step (521
In step 4), reset the original flag (FIO) to "0."

The two originals are now lined up in the transport direction and placed on the original platen glass (
19) This means that the feed has been carried out to the specified position above and stopped (
(See Figure 31).

Next, in step (5215), it is determined whether the sensor (SEX> is on or not. If it is on, that is, if the next original is on the tray (111), the sensor In order to pre-process the tip resist as
At step 216), the tip registration flag (F5) and tip registration start flag (F6) are set to "1", and at step (5217), the ADF feeding flag (F4) is reset to "0." to end this subroutine. .Furthermore, if the sensor (SEL) is off, that is, the tray (111
), the ADF feeding flag (F4) is reset to "0" in step (5217) and this subroutine is ended.

FIG. 17 shows the subroutine of document ejection processing in single-sheet feeding executed in step <5110) of the main routine of No. 20 P U (202). This process can be executed only in single-sheet feeding mode. If the selection is complete, 2
If the last original of an odd number of originals is fed even if sheet feeding mode is selected, or if the first original is determined to be unsuitable for copying in two-sheet feeding mode [step ( 518B) and NO].

First, in step (5220) the discharge plug (F9) is
Determine whether the angle is 1° or not. The ejection flag (F9) is set to 11 when the image exposure scan for the number of copies of the original is completed in the copying machine main body (1) and the original exchange signal is output.Therefore, the ejection flag (F9) is set to r. □、Lise・／
If it remains pressed, return to the main routine immediately and
1", it is determined in step (5221) whether the set completion flag (F8) is rl. If the set completion flag (F8) is reset to "rO", the process moves to step (5224), and if it is set to "1", the transport motor and discharge motor are turned on in step (5222), and step <52Za> Set completion flag (
F8) is reset to "rO" and the process moves to step (5224). With this, the original set on the original table glass (19) starts to be ejected.

In step <5224), it is determined whether the sensor (SE4) is off-edge, that is, whether the trailing edge of the document has passed the sensor (SE4>), and if it is not off-edge, step (
5226), and if off-edge, step <5
Set the ejection timer in step (225) and proceed to step (5226).
'). This ejection timer starts when the rear edge of the document is detected by the sensor (SE4) and then the ejection roller (133)
(134) is set to the time until cutting.

Therefore, in step (5226), the ejection timer finishes counting, and then in step (5227), the ejection motor is turned off. The document is now discharged onto the discharge tray (135).

Next, in step (5228) the T standby flag (F7> is
It is determined whether or not it is "O", that is, whether or not the next document is waiting at the leading edge registration position. The standby flag (F7) is “
If it is set to ``1'', the ADF feeding flag (F4) is set to ``rl'' in step (5232) to execute the feeding process, and the process moves to step (5233).

If the standby plug (F7) is reset to O4,
That is, if the document ejected at this time is the final document, the transport motor is turned off in step (5229), and step (5229) is performed.
5230), the ADF operation flag (F3) is reset to r□, and step (5231) sets the ADF mode signal to r.
O'' and output to the first CPU (201), and the process moves to step (5233).

In step (5233), the discharge flag (F9) is set to rOJ.
, and in step (5234) set the mode flag (
It is determined whether Fl) is "1" or not. Mode flag (Fl
) has been reset to "0", that is, if the mode is one-sheet feed mode, the process returns to the main routine. If the mode flag (Fl) is set to rl, that is, 2
If it is the sheet feed mode, the feed flag (F2) is set to rl in step (5235), and the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 18 shows the subroutine of document ejection processing in two-sheet feeding executed in step (Sill) of the main routine of the 20th P U (202). In this subroutine, when the document is ejected, the first document is ejected. Laura (131),
When sandwiched between (132), conveyor belt <125)
Temporarily stop the drive and place the second document on the document glass (
19) After temporarily waiting on the top and leaving an appropriate gap between the two originals, the conveyor belt (125) is rotated again and the two originals are placed on the output tray (135) in a well-aligned manner. be discharged.

Specifically, steps (5240) to (5243) are the same as steps (5220) to (5223),
The discharge flag (F9) and set completion flag (F8) are “1”.
．． The ejection process is started when the sensor (SE4) is set (see FIG. 4a), and in step (5244) it is determined whether the sensor (SE4) is on-edge. Sensor (S
If E4> is not on-edge, the process moves to step (5247), and if it is on-edge, it is determined in step <5245) whether or not the document flag (FIO) is "0". If the document flag (FIO) is reset to r□, that is, if the document whose leading edge was detected by the sensor (SE4) in step (5224) is the first document, step (5224)
246) to turn off the transport motor, and step (5247)
to move to. With this, the second document can be placed on the document glass (1
9) The original is placed on standby, and only the first original is ejected (see WA in FIGS. 4b to 4d).

In step (5247'), it is determined whether the sensor (SE4) is off-edge. If the sensor (SE4) is not off-edge, the process moves to step (5252), and if it is off-edge, the document flag (FIO) is set in step (5248).
is r 1 .

Determine whether or not. If the jK document plug (FIO) is reset to "0.", that is, if the document whose trailing edge was detected by the sensor (SE4) in step (5247) is the first document, step (5250 ) to turn on the transport motor, set the document flag (FIO) to ``14'' in step (5251), and return to the main routine. discharge is resumed (see Figure 4c).

On the other hand, in the step (524g), the original flag (FIO
) is determined to be set to ``1.'', that is,
If the document whose trailing edge was detected by the sensor (SE4) in step (5247) is the second document, step (5247)
Set the discharge timer in step 49) and proceed to step (5252)
to move to.

Steps (5252) to (5257) are the step (
5226) to (5231), the ejection motor is turned off when the ejection timer finishes counting [step (52
52), YES in step (S253) ], whether to execute the feeding process for the next document [N in step (5254)]
O, step (5258) ], if the final document has been ejected, execute end processing [step (5254)
”), YES, steps (5255) to (5257)
], then in step (5259) the discharge flag (F
9) to "0", and in step (5260), the document flag (FIO) is reset to "0." and ends this subroutine.

FIG. 19 shows another subroutine for document ejection processing (2) in two-sheet feeding that can be executed in step <5ill) of the main routine of the 20th P U (202).

In this subroutine, the discharge rollers (131) to (134)
) is set higher than the original transport speed by the transport belt (125), and the two originals are discharged onto the discharge tray (135) in good alignment with an appropriate interval between them.

Specifically, steps (5270) to (5273) are the same as steps (5240) to (5243) and (5220).
) to (5223), and the discharge flag (F9)
, the discharge process is started when the set completion flag (F8) is set to 11''. In this case, the document conveyance speed by the ejection rollers (131) to (134) is set higher than the document conveyance speed by the conveyor belt (125), and the distance between the first and second document gradually increases. (See Figures 5a and 5b).

Next, in step (5274) it is determined whether the sensor (SE4) is off-edge. If the sensor (SE4) is not off-edge, the process moves to step (5278), and if it is off-edge, the document flag (FIO) is set in step (5275).
) is "1." If the original flag (FIO) has been reset to "0", that is, step (52
If the document whose trailing edge was detected by the sensor (SE4) in step 74) is the first document, the document flag (FIO) is set to "1" in step (5277) and the process returns to the main routine.

This subroutine is called again and step (527
If it is determined in step 5) that the original flag (FIO) has been set to rl, that is, step (5274)
If the document whose trailing edge is detected by the sensor (SE4) is the second document, a discharge timer is set in step (5276).

The following steps (5278) to (5286) are the same as the above steps (5252) to (5260), and the ejection motor is turned off when the ejection timer finishes counting [YES in step <5278), step (5279)] , start feeding the next document and end this subroutine [NO in step (5280), step <5284]
) ~ (5286) ], if the final document is to be ejected, execute the termination process and end this subroutine [YES in step (5280), step (5281) ~
(5283).

(5285), (S286)].

[Principal parts of the embodiment] In the above configuration, the sizes of the first and second originals are automatically detected when the original is fed in the two-sheet feeding mode [
14], if at least one of the originals is larger than 1/2 of the total exposure area [see Fig. 16a, 16b
, NOI in step (5188) or (5205),
From then on, copying operations are prohibited [step (5206 in the figure)
) ], and the already fed document is ejected from the document table glass (19) [see steps (5207) and (5208) in the same figure. Misprints due to image cut-off due to carelessness can be reliably prevented.

[Other Examples] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be variously modified within the scope of the gist.

For example, in the above embodiment, the pinch rollers (121) and (122) were used as means for registering the leading and trailing edges of the document, but as shown in FIGS. 20a to 20d, the gate (129) ) can also be used. In this case, game 1-(129) is the pinch roller (121>,
(122) is installed on the downstream side in the feeding direction so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the feeding path, and the upper pinch roller (121) can move toward and away from the lower pinch roller (122).

In this case, when the two-sheet feeding mode is selected and the ADF start switch (SSIJ) is turned on, the pinch roller (12I) first separates from the lower roller (122), and the gate (129) enter the road. The originals stacked on the original tray (111) are fed from the top layer original (Dl) by the rotation of the pickup roller (112), and are separated by forward/reverse rollers (113) and (114), with the leading edge Pinch roller (121), (122)
The gate (129) passes through the gap and comes into contact with the gate (129), and the tip registration process is performed (see Figure 20a).Then, the gate (129) is retracted from the feeding path and the pinch roller (121) is moved downward. The conveyor belt (125) is also driven to rotate in the forward direction while being pressed against the roller (122). With this, the rear end of the original (Dl) is at the gate (129)
(see Figure 20b).

Next, the gate (129) enters the feeding path, and
The pinch roller (121) separates from the lower roller (122). At the same time, the conveyor bell 1- (125) is driven in the reverse direction in the direction of the arrow (C'), the document (Dl) is transported backwards, and the trailing edge is brought into contact with the gate (129), thereby performing trailing edge registration processing (first (See Figure 20c). Like this 1
After the trailing edge registration process has been performed on the second original document (Dl), the second original document (D2) is fed onto the document tray (111), and the leading edge registration process is performed. (
DI) and (D2) are continuously arranged side by side with the rear end resist and the front end resisted at the gate (129).

From this state, the gate (129) is retracted from the feeding path, and the pinch roller (121) is moved to the lower roller (12).
2) can be pressed against and rotated, and the conveyor belt <12
5) is also driven forward, and the originals (DI) and (D2) are simultaneously fed onto the original platen glass (19) (see Figure 20d), and the rear end of the second original (D2) When the image reaches a predetermined position on the document table glass (19), that is, the exposure start position by the optical system (2o), the pinch roller (121
), (122) and the rotational drive of the conveyor belt (125) are stopped.

On the other hand, as for the process of setting the original in a predetermined position, control was shown in which the feeding is stopped using a timer based on the trailing edge detection signal of the original by the sensor (SE2). It is also possible to use a method in which the original is switched back by providing a stopper with a
125) to allow switchback, and position the rear end of the document in contact with the step or stopper.

In addition, in the present invention, two originals are placed on the original table glass (1
9> In addition to the above-mentioned means, various means may be employed for juxtaposition on the top. For example, a so-called lag feeding method may be adopted in which a second document is also fed following the first document in the sorting section when feeding the document. Alternatively, move the document transport belt (125) two times in the transport direction.
It is also possible to adopt a method of dividing and installing. In this case, when ejecting the original, the timing of the ejection drive of the conveyor belt that holds the second original may be delayed, or the ejection speed may be set to be slow, thereby creating an appropriate space between the original and the first original. The output tray (13
5) It is possible to discharge above.

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, when executing in the two-sheet feed mode, at least one of the sizes of the first and second originals is 1 of the total exposure area. Since the copying operation in the main body of the copying apparatus is prohibited when the value is larger than /2, it is possible to reliably prevent the image from being cut off when copying in the two-sheet feeding mode, and the usability is improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 19 show embodiments of a copying apparatus according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is an internal configuration diagram as a copying system, FIG. 2 (5g is a perspective view with a part of the ADF cut away, Figures 3a to 3i are operation explanatory diagrams showing the document feeding process, Figures 4a to 4c are operation explanatory diagrams showing an example of the document ejection process, and Figures 5a to 5c are operation explanatory diagrams showing an example of the document ejection process. 6 is a plan view of the operation panel, FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the control circuit, and FIGS. 8 to 19 are flowcharts showing control procedures. 20dl!!J is an operation explanatory diagram showing the document feeding process in a modified example of the registration means. (1) Copying machine main body, (100) Automatic document feeder (ADF), ( 110)...Original feeding unit, (1
11)...Document tray, (112)...Pickup roller, (120)...Document transport unit, (121),
(122)...pinch roller, (125)...transport belt, (129)...-gate, (130)...
Document output section, (135)...Ejection tray, (159)
...Feeding mode selection key, (SEI) ~ (SE4)
... Photosensor for document detection, (SE5) ... Photosensor for pulse counting.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. It is possible to stop two originals fed from the original feeding unit in parallel in the transport direction at a predetermined position on the platen, and to eject the originals from the platen after the exposure operation is completed. A copying apparatus equipped with an automatic document feeder having the following features: means for selecting a two-sheet feed mode for a document; means for detecting the size of the document; A control means for prohibiting the copying operation in the main body of the copying apparatus when at least one of the detected sizes of the first and second originals is larger than 1/2 of the total exposure area. Characteristic copying device.