JPS63287869A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve ease of use by executing a function for automatic setting of an optimum copying paper size and/or function for automatic setting of an optimum magnification in accordance with the size of one original detected during execution of a two-sheets feed mode. CONSTITUTION:This copying device is provided with an automatic original conveyor 100 which selects the two-sheets feed mode of the originals, photosensors SE2, SE3, SE5 which are the means for detecting the sizes of the originals, and control means (1st, 2nd CPUs) 201, 202 which execute the function for automatic setting of the optimum copying paper size and/or the function for automatic setting of the optimum magnification in accordance with the size of at least one original detected by the photosensors SE2, SE3, SE5 during the execution of the two-sheets feed mode. The original size is discriminated by the 2nd CPU 202 and the optimum copying paper size is computed by the 1st CPU 201. These functions are thereby sufficiently and effectively utilized in the two-sheets feed mode and the mis-copying to generate an image cut and void is surely prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field 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.

Conventional technology and its history In recent years, automatic document feeders (hereinafter referred to as ADF) have been developed to shorten the time required for exchanging originals among the time required for copying, and to omit the troublesome effort of exchanging originals.
Various types of copying machines have been developed and 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 (two-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 two originals is economical since only one sheet of copy paper and toner is required. Furthermore, by combining the two, it is possible to copy four originals on 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.

In addition, in recent years, copying machines have introduced automatic optimal copying, which automatically selects copy paper of a size that allows the original image to be formed without image loss when the operator specifies the original size and copying magnification. Equipped with a paper size setting function and an automatic optimum magnification setting function that, when the copy paper size and original size are specified by the operator, the original image is formed on the selected size of copy paper without image tearing. There are many things. However, in the conventional two-sheet feeding mode, these functions are not fully utilized.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the copying apparatus according to the present invention has the following features: (1) Two originals fed from the original feeding section are moved to a predetermined position on the platen in the transport direction. juxtaposed and stopped, and
A copying machine equipped with an automatic document feeder capable of ejecting a document from a platen after completion of an exposure operation, the copying device comprising: (6) means for selecting a two-sheet feed mode for documents; and (i)
means for detecting the size of a document, and (■) an automatic optimum copy paper size setting function and/or an automatic optimum magnification based on at least one document size detected by the detection means when executed in two-sheet feeding mode; The present invention is characterized by comprising a control means for executing a setting function.

In the above configuration, when running in 2-sheet feed mode, 1
The sizes of the first and second originals are automatically detected, and the automatic optimum copy paper size setting function and/or automatic optimum magnification setting function can be executed based on the size of at least one of the originals. In this way, each of the above-mentioned functions can be fully utilized in the two-sheet feed mode, and copy mistakes that would result in image cuts or blank spaces can be reliably prevented.

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
), the charger (12) and the sub-eraser (13) remove static electricity, charges, and unnecessary parts, and the optical system (20)
The electrostatic latent image formed on the surface is converted 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 consists of a first mirror (22), a second mirror (23), a third mirror (24), a projection lens (25), and a fourth mirror (26). The exposure lamp (21) and the first mirror (22) are integrally formed into a block, and the photoreceptor 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 formed into a block and are movable in the direction of arrow (b) at a speed of (V/2m). 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 fully 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), and one of the paper feed rollers (
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. The copy paper fed from the cassette <30) and its manual paper feed section (32) passes through a pair of conveyance rollers (33) and a pair of timing rollers (
40), and the copy paper fed from the cassette (35) is directly transported to the timing roller ruff 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).
The toner image is transferred by the corona discharge of the transfer charge ~ (15), and separated from the photoconductor drum <10> by the alternating current corona discharge of the separation charger (16) and the strength of the sheet itself. be done. Thereafter, the copy paper is sucked onto a conveyor belt (41) equipped with an air suction means (42) and transferred to a fixing bag. (43>), the toner image is fixed, and the toner image is discharged from a pair of discharge rollers (44).

On the other hand, after the photosensitive drum (10) 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 (10) is ready for the next copying process.

[Detection of copy paper size] There is a micro switch (SWI) ~ (S$J) in the paper feed section.
4).

(SW5>, (SW6) ~ (sw9), (sen10
) is installed.

SWIN f (SWI) ~ (SW4), (SW6) ~
(SW9) is turned on and off according to the position of the copy paper width direction regulating plate, etc., and the cassettes (35) and (30) are turned on and off based on the 4-bit code corresponding to the combination of on and off.
) is the size of the copy paper loaded in the machine and the length of the paper in the paper feed direction.

Detects which direction it is installed horizontally.

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

[B4], [B5ko, [B6], [A4], [A
5].

[For B11, vertical or horizontal can be selected. Further, the switches (SWI) to (SW4) also detect attachment and detachment of the cassette (35). Table 1 below shows an example of a code table for switches (SWI) to (SW4).

In Table 1, the switch on is "rO" and the switch off is "rO".
1'', and when all the switches are off, it means that the cassette (35) is not installed in the paper feed section. In addition, the switches of the current set (SW6) ~ (
SW9) also performs similar detection.

Also, a micro switch (SW5) is provided in each paper feed section.

(Sken 10) are cassettes (35) and (30
) directly detects the presence or absence of copy paper.

[Table 1] [Mechanism and sheet feeding for double-sided/composite copying] 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).
), the pickup roller (85) is used for both sheet storage and re-feeding, a storage roller (86) that contacts and rotates driven by the roller (85), a feeding roller (87),
Equipped with Sabaki roller (88). Paper refeed 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), and passed through the guide plates (48), (49) of the copying machine main body (1). 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 is changed by switching the position of (72).

That is, in the ejection mode, the switching claw (71) is set to the dotted line position in FIG. 1, and the copy paper can be ejected to the sorter bin (91). When in double-sided copy mode, the switching claw (71)
(72) is set at the solid line position, and the copy paper that has been copied on 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 on one side is immediately conveyed to the paper refeed path box (60).

[Configuration and operation of automatic document feeder (ADF)] A D
F (100) is generally a document feeding section (110);
It is composed of a document transport section (120) and a document discharge section (130), and can be opened upward as a whole with the back as a fulcrum. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 1, this A D F (100) is set on the document platen glass (19), and the document is read one by one or two documents in succession as explained below. In addition to automatically transporting the document and setting it in a predetermined position on the document glass (19), the operator can lift the document upward and place it on the document glass (19) to perform copying. . The opening and closing of the ADF (100) is detected by a switch (PSW) (see FIG. 7), and the control of the ADF (100) and the copying machine main body (1) are related to each other based on this detection signal.

The document feeding section (110) includes a document tray (111), a pickup roller (112), a forward rotation roller (113) and a reverse rotation roller (114) for handling documents, and each roller (112), (113). , (114>) and a document detection sensor (SEI').
). The document tray (111) has a slide plate (not shown) that positions the document in the width direction. A document is set on a document tray (111) with its 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 (SEL) is set in , feeds the top layer original by rotating.

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), the document is returned to the document tray (111).

The document transport section (120) has pinch rollers (121), (
122) and its drive motor (123) (see FIG. 2), a conveyance belt (125) and its drive motor (not shown), and document detection sensors (SE2) and (SE3).

The conveyor belt (125) has support rollers (126a), (
126b) in an endless manner, and the pressure roller (
127) in contact with the original platen glass (19),
It can be driven forward and backward in the direction of arrow (e).

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 corrects 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 document and the normal 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 is stopped at a predetermined position on the original platen 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 (e), 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 is detected by a sensor (SE3) and classified into nine categories. In this example, this sensor (SE3) is [A
4], [BS] is set in a position where it is detected (on) when the document is fed in a horizontal orientation, and is not detected (off) when it is fed in a vertical orientation. As a result, [A 4 ], [A 5 co, [
B4], [B6], etc., and whether they are vertical or horizontal are identified.

The document ejection section (130) has ejection rollers (131), (1
32) and (133), <134), the surrounding guide plate and discharge tray (135), and each roller (131) to
(134) drive motor (not shown) and a document detection sensor (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 document ejecting operation is stopped after a certain period of time from the document trailing edge detection signal from the sensor (SE4), that is, when the document is accommodated on the discharge tray (135).

Furthermore, when a document trailing edge detection signal from the sensor (SE4) is generated, the presence or absence of a document on the document tray (111) is determined based on the signal from the sensor (SEI), and if a document is set, the Repeat the document feeding, stopping, and ejecting operations.

[Operation in 2-sheet original feeding mode] In this embodiment, A D F (100) feeds 1 original.
Place the sheets one by one in the specified position on the document table glass (19),
In addition to the normal single-sheet feeding mode that ejects the exposure scanning diameter of the image, two originals are successively fed onto the original platen glass (19) and set in series at a predetermined position.
It is possible to select a two-sheet feed mode in which the image is ejected after exposure scanning is completed.

(i) Original Feeding Operation The original feeding operation when the two-sheet feeding mode is selected will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3a to 31.

2-sheet feed mode can be selected, ADF start switch <
When SS'rl) 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 stacked on the original tray (111) are fed from the top layer original (Dl), 113), (114)
It is sent out from the feeding section (110) (see Figure 3a).

The leading edge of the first document (Dl) sent out in this manner comes into contact with the nip portion of the pinch rollers (121) and (122), and forms a loop on the upstream side thereof (see FIG. 3b).

Hereinafter, this process will be referred to as tip resist 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 document (Dl) is moved to the pinch roller (121).
.

(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 the arrow (C'), and the rear end of the document (Dl) is moved to the pinch roller (121).
.

Stop it in contact with the nip part of (122) (
(See Figure 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 (D2) is transferred from the document tray (111).
) and performs the tip resist processing (see FIG. 3g). With this, two manuscripts (D
i), (D2) are pinch rollers (121), (12
In step 2), the rear end and the leading end are continuously arranged side by side with the resist cleared.

In this state, the pinch rollers (121), (122) and the conveyor belt (125) are driven in normal rotation, and the original (Di),
(D2) is simultaneously conveyed onto the document table glass (19) (see Fig. 3h). The rear end of the second document (D2) is at a predetermined position on the document table glass (19), that is, the optical system (20)
When the exposure start position is reached, the pinch roller (121
), (122) and the rotational drive of the conveyor belt (125) are stopped (see FIG. 31). With this, two manuscripts (
Di) and (D2) are set at a predetermined position on the document table glass (19) in a state where they are successively lined up in series in the conveyance 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, so if the second original is ejected in this state, the leading edge of the second original will be the same as the first. 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 left between the two.

Specifically, the transport bell (125) is driven to rotate in the normal direction in response to the original exchange signal, and the ejection rollers (131) to (134) are driven to rotate in the normal direction.
) (see Figure 4a). With this, the manuscript (
Di ), (D2) 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
l) is subsequently conveyed by ejection rollers (131) to (134), and the second original (D2) is transferred to the original platen glass (134).
9) A space is left between them (see Figures 2O-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 4e), 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 conveyance speed is determined by the conveyance bell l-(125
), the speed is set higher than the original transport speed, and an appropriate space is left between the two originals.

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), resulting in 2
The sheets of originals (DI) and (D2) are discharged onto the discharge tray (135) at appropriate intervals.

Note that the upstream discharge rollers (131) and (132) may be set to the same document conveyance speed as the conveyance belt (125). In this case, the discharge roller (131), (
132) is a discharge roller (133) with a high conveyance speed;
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, one final document is fed to the sensor (SEI).
When the original empty signal is output at , the final original is processed in the single-sheet feeding mode.

[Automatic optimum magnification setting function (AMS)] Next, in this copier, when the operator specifies the copy paper size and original size, the original image is transferred to the selected size of copy paper without image loss. It has an automatic optimum magnification setting function (hereinafter referred to as AMS) that automatically sets the optimum copy magnification to be formed.

When this AMS mode is selected, the second CPU (202
), the document size is determined and coded, and the first CP
It is sent to U (201). 1st CPU (201)
calculates the optimum copy magnification from the original size code and the size code of the copy paper 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. On the other hand, if it is outside the specifications, the operator is warned that it is impossible to set the optimum copy magnification and is prompted to manually set the copy magnification.

The original size and copy paper size in the AMS mode in the normal copying mode in which originals are transported one by one to the table 2a below, and calculations based on them.

This shows the relationship with the copy magnification that can be set.

On the other hand, in the two-sheet feed mode in which two originals are transported as a set, copying is prohibited if the size of the second original is different from the size of the first original, as detailed below. Therefore, the sizes of the first and second originals are always the same. Therefore, the optimum copying magnification when copying is executed in the AMS mode in the two-sheet feed mode is the value obtained by dividing the length of the copy paper in the conveying direction by the length of the first document in the conveying direction. A when selecting 2-sheet feeding mode in table 2b below
The relationship between the original size, the copy paper size, and the copy magnification calculated and set based on them in MS mode is shown.

For example, the copy paper size is [A4 portrait] and the original size is [
For A4 landscape paper, the optimum copying magnification in the two-sheet feed mode is calculated as [0,707 times], and this magnification is set. Further, if the copy paper size is [B6 portrait] and the original size is [A4 landscape], the operator is prompted to manually set the copy magnification because there is no optimum copy magnification.

In this embodiment, even if the two-sheet feed mode is selected, if the size of the first document is larger than the total exposure area, one-sheet feed is performed for that document. AMS at this time is calculated in single-sheet feed mode.

[Margins below] [Automatic optimum copy paper size setting function (APS)] In addition, with this copier, when the operator specifies 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 and coded, and the first CP
It is sent to U (201). 1st CPU (201)
calculates the optimal copy paper size from the original size code and the copy magnification selected by the operator, and selects the paper feed section, i.e., the cassette (
30) and (35). On the other hand, which cassette (30) contains copy paper of the calculated size?

(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 3a 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, as explained in the AMS section above, the size of the first and second sheets is the same, so the optimal copy paper when copying in the APS mode is
The copy paper is sized to fit twice the length of the first document in the transport direction multiplied by the copying magnification. Table 3b below shows the original size, copy magnification, and calculations in APS mode when two-sheet feed mode is selected.

This shows the relationship with the set copy paper size.

For example, if the original size is [B5 portrait] and the copy magnification is [0,
816x], the optimum copy paper size in the two-sheet feeding mode is calculated as [A4 vertically], and the paper feed section in which A4 size sheets are loaded vertically is automatically selected. Also, if the document size is [A4 landscape], [1,008] ~
Since there is no optimum copy paper size no matter which magnification between [1,430] is set, the operator is encouraged to manually select the paper feed section.

In this embodiment, even if the two-sheet feeding mode is selected, if the size of the first document is larger than the total exposure area, one-sheet feeding cannot be performed for that document. The APS at this time is calculated in single sheet feed mode.

[Margins below] [9 magnification of original in 2-sheet feed mode, copy paper related code A
When DF (too) is operated in the two-sheet feed mode and two original images are copied onto one side of one copy paper, the following relationship exists among the original size, copy magnification, and copy paper size. For example, when two A4 documents are fed horizontally, if the copy magnification is [1,000], A3 is selected as the copy paper, and the original images for two A4 documents are transferred onto A3 copy paper. It fits perfectly. Also, the copy magnification is [0,707
] then A4t as copy paper! # By selecting Continuous, the original image will fit in just the right amount. On the other hand, A4 horizontal 2
When A3 copy paper is selected for a sheet of original, the copy magnification is set to [
1,000], and if A4g copy paper is selected, and the copy magnification is set to [0,707], the original image of two A4 sheets can be printed on one sheet. It can fit just the right amount on copy paper.

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.

[Operation Panel] In Fig. 6, the operation panel (15) of the copying machine main body (1)
0) is 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 entering numbers such as the number of copies. (153) is a clear/stop key that functions as a stop key for canceling the multifunction midway and for clearing the set numbers. (154) is an interrupt key for executing interrupt copy.

(155) sets the copy mode to normal copy, double-sided copy.

Copy mode switching key for switching to either composite copy. (156) is a magnification selection key for setting the copy magnification to a preset magnification or an arbitrary magnification. (157) is a copy paper selection key for selecting the copy paper size. (158) is the AMS.

Document size detection mode selection key for selecting either APS or manual mode. (159) is a feed mode selection key for selecting the document feed mode between one sheet feed and two sheet feed.

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) ~ (16
5) is an LE that displays the preset copy magnification
D, (166) is a normal copy, (167) is a double-sided copy, and (168) is a composite copy.L E
D. (169) is an LED that displays the copy paper size;
(170) indicates AMS mode, (171) indicates APS mode, (172) indicates manual mode, (173) indicates single sheet feed mode, (174) indicates
) is an LED that indicates the 2-sheet feed mode, and these various L
ED is one of the corresponding keys (155) to (159)
Rotates every time the switch is turned on.

[Control Circuit] FIG. 7 shows the first CPU (20
1) and a 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), microswitch (SW) installed in the paper feed section
switch matrix (20
3) is connected, and this switch matrix (20
3) and the display segment (1) via the decoder (205).
60), a matrix (204) consisting of display LEDs
is connected. Further, from the output port, on/off signals to the main motor, developing motor, etc. in the copying machine main body (1) are output. A pulse signal of the main motor is input to the terminal (B1).

2nd CPU (202) (7) Input port
D F (100) open/close detection switch (PSW)
, ADF start switch (SSW), sensors (SEL) to (SE4) that detect the conveyance of the original, and a sensor (SSW) that detects the rotation of the pinch roller motor (123).
E5) is connected. The output port has a pickup roller (112), a forward/reverse roller (113), (
feeding motor that drives the conveyor belt (125)
Conveyance motor that drives the pickup roller (112)
Solenoid that moves up and down, discharge roller (131) ~ (
134), etc. are connected to the discharge motor. A pulse signal of the transport motor is input to the terminal (B2).

In addition, a clock terminal (SCK) for data sampling and output of the first CPU (201), an interrupt output terminal
PCO), data output terminal (SOUI) and data input terminal (SIN) are the clock input terminal (SCK) and interrupt input terminal (INT) of the second CPU (202).
, data input terminal (SIN) and data output terminal (SIN)
OUT).

[Control Procedure] 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 as r1. is set to

Mode flag (Fl): This is to indicate the document feeding mode in ADF (100).It is set with the feeding mode selection key (159), and when it is '0', it indicates the single sheet feeding mode, and ' 1 indicates the 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 ADF (100). When it is "0", it indicates one sheet. , "1. indicates two sheets. Even if the two-sheet feeding mode is selected, if the total number of original sheets is an odd number, rO is given when the final original is transported." Note that this flag (F2>) is set by the feed number signal from the second CPU (202).

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 rO, the calculation is instructed to perform one-sheet feeding, and when rl'', the calculation is instructed to perform two-sheet feeding.

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),
Executes processing to store the copy paper size set in the cassette (30), <35) in internal RAM, copy mode setting processing using the copy mode switching key (155), and magnification setting processing using the magnification selection key (156). do.

Step (S4) is a subroutine for document feed mode switching processing, in which A D is selected using the feed mode selection key (159).
F (100) Execute 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 “I
If it is reset to ``0'', the process moves to step (S8), and if it is set to ``1'', the process proceeds to step (S7), where the actual copying operation is performed. The subroutine is executed and the process moves to Ste/Knob (S8). In step (S8), data transmission and reception with the second CPU (202) is processed. This Ste Nobu (
The signals communicated in the first CPU (S8) include the first CPU (2
The signals transmitted from 01) to the second CPU (202) include a =40- copying operation signal, a document feed mode signal, and a document exchange signal when image exposure scanning for a set number of sheets is completed. Second
CPU (202) to first CPU (201)
The signals sent to
This signal is set to 11'' when an original is loaded into the original tray (111) when the original is not in operation, and is reset to O'' when the last original is ejected.

Set completion signal: A signal that is output when the original is conveyed and stopped at a predetermined position on the original platen glass (19).

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

Code signal of document size detected in (SE5).

Feed sheet number signal: A signal indicating the number of original sheets that have actually been fed onto the document table glass (19).

Prohibition signal: A signal that is output when the size of the fed original is incompatible with 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 one routine is used to count the various timers that appear in each subroutine. That is, the end of counting for each type of timer 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 copy flag (FO) is set to "
If it is set to 1, that is, if copying is in progress, the process returns to the main routine.

If it is reset to "0", it is determined in step (Sll) whether the feed mode selection switch (159) is on-edge. If it is not on-edge, the process returns to the main routine, and if it is on-edge, it is determined in step (512) whether the mode flag (Fl) is 10. If the mode flag (Fl) is reset to "0", that is, if the single-sheet feeding mode is set at this point, step (
513), the mode flag (Fl) is set to "1", that is, the two-sheet feed 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 "1.", then step (512) determines that the mode flag (Fl) is set to "1.
514) resets the mode flag (Fl) to "0",
That is, the mode is set to one-sheet feed mode.

Figures 10a and 10b show the main routine steps (
The subroutine of copy start processing executed in step S5> is shown. Here, processing in APS mode and AMS mode is also executed.

First, in step (520), the ADF mode signal is set to "1".
It is determined whether or not, and if it is set to "1", that is,
If copying using A D F (100) is selected [see step (5123), step (52
In step 1), it is determined whether or not the document prohibition signal has not been output completely. If the document prohibition signal is not output, step (
In S22), it is determined whether a set completion signal is output. If this set completion signal is not output, it will remain on standby, and if it is output, that is, if the original is set at a predetermined position on the document table glass (19) [step (5170)].

(5212)], and in step (527) it is determined whether the mode flag (Fl) is "rl". mode flag (
If Fl) has been reset to ``0.'', step (53
0), the calculation flag (F20) is reset to "0." and the process moves to step (532). If the mode flag (Fl) is set to "1", the feed flag (F2) is set in step (528). It is determined whether it is "0" or not, and if it is set to "1", the calculation flag (F
20) is set to "1" and the process moves to step (532). If the feed flag (F2) is reset to "0", that is, if it is the first document, step (529)
Then, it is determined whether the original size is larger than half of the total exposure area [the area where the original image can be scanned by the optical system (20)]. If it is greater than half, the calculation flag (F20) is reset to "0" in step (530), and if it is less than half, the calculation flag (F20) is set to "1" in step (531).

That is, in this embodiment, even if the two-sheet feed mode is selected, if the size of the first sheet is larger than the total exposure area, the
Because the switch is to sheet feeding [step (5188),
(5190), (5191)], APS, AM
Both S and S perform calculations for feeding one sheet.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the 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.

In the step (520), the ADF mode signal power 410''
If it is determined that the
After confirming that the copy flag (FO) has been reset to "0" in step 3), it is determined in step (524) whether the print switch (151) is on-edge. If the print switch (151) is turned on, the copy flag (FO) is set 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 "O", that is, if the APS mode is selected in the single sheet feeding mode, the table 3 is
The optimum copy paper size calculation based on a is executed, and the process moves to step (536).

Further, if the calculation flag (F20) is set to "1", that is, if the APS mode is fully selected in the two-sheet feeding mode, the optimum copy paper size based on the table 3b is determined in step (S35). Execute the operation ■,
The process moves to step (S36).

Next, in step (536), the step (534)
Alternatively, in (535) it is determined whether there is a cassette loaded with copy paper of the calculated size. If there is a corresponding cassette, select and set the corresponding cassette in step (537), set the copy flag (FO) to "1" in step (548), and return to the main routine.If there is no corresponding cassette, proceed to step (538). It outputs that no copy paper of the optimum size is loaded in any of the cassettes, and warns the Oopaque by appropriate display means (for example, display segment (160)).

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 the mode flag (Fl) is set to 11, that is, if the mode is one-sheet feeding mode, the process moves to step (541). For example, in step (540), it is determined whether the selected copy sheet is vertically threaded.

If it is vertically threaded, the process moves to step (541>), and if it is horizontally threaded, a prohibition display is output at step (549) and the start of the copying operation is prohibited.This is because in the two-sheet feeding mode, if the copy paper is Therefore, regardless of the size of the two originals conveyed onto the original platen glass (19) (in this embodiment, it is limited to originals of the same size), the images of the two juxtaposed originals are This is because it is impossible to set a copying magnification that will fit all of the data onto a horizontally threaded copy paper.If copying is prohibited in this way, the operator must reselect the copy paper to be a vertically threaded copy paper. Good.

Next, in step (541), it is determined whether the AMS mode is selected, and if it is not selected, the copy flag (FO) is set to rl in step (548), and the process returns to the main routine. If the AMS mode is selected, the calculation flag (F20) is set to “
It is determined whether the result is "O" or not. The calculation flag (F20) is “0.
If it has been reset to , then in step (543) the process of optimum magnification calculation (2) based on the table 2a is executed, and the process moves to step (545'). Calculation flag (F20)
If it is set to "1", in step (544), the process of optimum magnification calculation (2) based on the table 2b is executed, and the process moves to step (S45).

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)
Set the magnification calculated in step (548), set the copy flag (FO") to "1." and return to the main routine. If there is no corresponding magnification, proceed to step (547).
), and 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 "1" in steps (525) and (548), the copying process in step (S8) is started. In addition,
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 that can be 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 CP TJ (201).

ADF operation 7-17g (F3): A D F (1
00) is in operation, and the r1. is set to

ADF feeding flag (F4>: ADF (100
) is used to indicate that the document is being fed, and is set to "r1" from the start of document feeding until it is stopped at a predetermined position on the document table glass (19).

Lead edge registration flag (F5): Place the original on the tray (111)
) to the leading edge registration position, and is set to "1." from the start of feeding the first and second documents until the leading edge registration process is completed. .

Tip registration start flag (F6): Indicates the timing to start tip registration processing.
r1 from the start of feeding the first and second originals until the feeding motor and pickup roller (112) start up.
is set to

Waiting flag (F7): This is to indicate that the document is waiting at the leading edge registration position, and is set to "1" from the completion of leading edge registration processing until the resumption of feeding onto the document table glass (19). be done.

Set completion flag (F8): This is to indicate that the original fed from the original tray (111) is set in the specified position on the original platen glass (19), and ejection starts when feeding is completed. It is set to 11'' until then.

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

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

Returning to the routine, in step (5101) 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) detects the non-on edge of the ADF start switch (SSw) and executes processing to 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". The mode flag (Fl> is “0”
If it has been reset to .degree., that is, if it is in the single-sheet feed 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 normal 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 (st06), the mode flag (Fl) is set to “
If it is determined that the original is set at 1°, that is, if the two-sheet feeding mode has been 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 (su2). If the feed flag (F2) is reset to "rO", execute the subroutine of the step (sllo),
The process moves to step (5112).

In step (5112), data transmission and reception with the first CPU (201) is processed. 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 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.
Check whether the ADF operation flag (F3) is reset to "0" in step 1) or not, and check whether the document tray (
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, a copy operation is performed.

If it is confirmed that the ADF is not operating and that the original is set on the tray (111), step (5)
123) sets the ADF mode signal to rl.

Next, in step (5124), wait for the ADF start switch (SSW) to turn on, 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".
'', and in step (5127) set the leading edge registration flag (F5) and leading edge registration start flag (F6) to rl. Next, in step (5128), it is determined whether the mode flag (Fl) is rl, and it is set to ``1''.
”, the feed flag (F2) is set to “1” in step (5129), and if it is reset to “0”, the feed flag (F2) is set in step (5130).
is reset to r□, and this subroutine ends.

FIG. 13 shows a subroutine for edge registration processing executed in step (5104) of the main routine of the second CPU (202).

First, in step (5140), the tip registration flag (F
5) is "11" or not, and if it has been reset to "10", it immediately returns to the main routine, and if it has been set to "1", the tip registration start flag (F6) is set to "1" in step (5141>). ”.If this flag (F6) is reset to r□, step (
5144), and if it has been set to "1", turn on the feed motor and pickup solenoid in step (5142>).This causes the pickup roller (112
) comes into pressure contact with the top surface of the document and rotates, and the forward/reverse rollers (113) and (114> also start rotating, and only one document in the top layer is sent out from the tray (111) (see Figure 3a). .Subsequently, in step (5143), the tip registration start flag (F6) is reset to "rO".
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)
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 pinch rollers (121) and (122) and forms a loop. Therefore, in step (5146), wait for the count end of this tip registration timer, turn off the feed motor and pickup solenoid in step (5147), and then turn off the feed motor and pickup solenoid in step (5148).
) to reset the tip registration flag (F5) to "0", and step (5149) to reset the standby flag (F7) to "1".
, 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 ( (See Figure 3b).

FIG. 14 shows a subroutine for document size detection processing executed in step (5105) of the main routine of the second CPU (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 transport direction is detected by pulse counting by the sensor (SE5), and the length of the original in the width direction is detected. The document size is determined based on the combination of on and off of the sensor (SE3) that detects the size of the document.

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 is not a rising edge, the process moves to step (5152), and if it is a rising edge, the pulse count of the sensor (SE5) is started in step (5151), and the process moves to step (5152). When the off-edge of the sensor (SE2) is confirmed in step (5152), the pulse count of the sensor (SE5) is stopped in step (5153), and the pulse count of the sensor (SE5) is stopped in step (5154).
In step (5155), the document size is calculated using the pulse count number and the on/off signal of the sensor (SE3).
Outputs the original size signal and ends this subroutine.

FIG. 15 shows a 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 set to 11", and if it is reset to "ro", the main routine is immediately returned to. If it is set to "IJ", that is, when the ADF start switch <5SW is turned on, step ( 5161) and the standby flag (F
7) is "1" or not. If the standby flag (F7) is reset to ``10'', the process moves to step (5166), and if it is set to ``1'', that is, the leading edge of the original is pinch roller (121), (122) -c' If it is registered, it is determined in step (5162) whether or not the discharge flag (F9) is "O". Emission flag (F9
> is already set to "1", step (516
4), and if it is reset to "O", turn on the transport motor in step (5163), and then turn on the transport motor in step (516).
In step 4), the pinch roller motor (123) is turned on, and in step (5165), the standby flag (F7) is reset to "0", and the process moves to step (5166). With this, feeding of the original from the leading edge registration position onto the original platen glass (19) is resumed.

In step (5166), it is determined whether the sensor (SE2) 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 trailing edge of the document is connected to the sensor (S).
E2) until reaching the exposure start position on the document platen glass (19). 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 sets the set completion flag (F) in step (5171).
Set 8) to 11. 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),
74) and set the tip registration start flag (F6> to 11).
In step (5175), the ADF feeding flag (F4) is reset to 10'', and this subroutine ends. 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 "r□" and this subroutine ends.

Figures 16a and 16b show the 2 steps executed in step (5108) of the main routine of the second CPU (202).
The subroutine of document feeding process (■) in sheet feeding mode is shown. In this subroutine, the size of the first original and the second original are the same size, and the first original is the entire exposure area [half of the area where the original image can be scanned by the optical system (20)]. Only when the sizes are as follows, the two-sheet feeding process is executed. When other originals are fed, for example, if the first original is larger than half of the total exposure area, only that original is fed by switching to single-sheet feed Moro 0-1. . However, if the first and second originals are not the same size, copying will be prohibited and
Eject those two originals.

Mass, Step (5180) Determines whether the A D F feeding flag (F4) is "1" or not. If it is reset to '0', immediately returns to the main routine and returns to '1. If the ADF start switch (SS
W) is turned on, it is determined whether the document flag (FIO) is "0." in step (5181).
FIO) is set to "1", that is, if the document to be fed from now on is the second sheet, step <5201
), and if it has been reset to "ro", that is, if the document to be fed from now on is the first sheet, step (51
82), it is determined whether the standby flag (F7) is 11. If the standby flag (F7) is reset to r , it is determined in step (5183) whether the discharge flag (F9) is "10" or not. Emission flag (F9
) is set to "1", it means that one set of originals is already being ejected and the conveyance motor is turned on, so the process moves to step (5185), and when it is reset to "0", step (5184) is set. ), the conveyance motor is turned on, the pinch roller motor (123) is turned on in step (5185), the standby flag (F7) is reset to r□ in step (5186), and the process moves to step (5187). As a result, the feeding of the first original from the leading edge registration position onto the original platen glass (19) is resumed (see FIG. 3c).

In step (5187), it is determined whether the sensor (SE2) is off-edge, and if it is not off-edge, step (5187) is performed.
193), and if it is off-edge, proceed to step (51).
In step 88), it is determined whether the document size is less than half 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, the two originals are placed on the original table glass (19
) The size when juxtaposed on the paper needs to be smaller than the exposure area determined by the copy paper size and copy magnification. At the same time, it is necessary that the two originals have the same size and that each original has a size that is less than half of the total exposure area. For example, if the copy paper is A3g: continuous and the copy magnification is 1x, the exposure area is 420 mm, and the original is a size less than half of that, 210 mm, in the transport direction (A4 landscape, B5 landscape, A5 landscape, It must be A5 (portrait).

Therefore, if it is determined in step (5188) that the original size is larger than half of the total exposure area, when the second original is fed, the two original images cannot fit on the copy paper. Therefore, the document flag (FIO) is set to "1" in step (5190), and the document flag (FIO) is set to "1" in step (5191).
The feed flag (F2) is reset to "0" in step (5209). That is, if the size of the first document is larger than half of the total exposure area, only that document is switched to the single-sheet feed mode. If the original size is less than half of the total exposure area, it is determined in step (5189) whether the sensor (SEI) is on or not. If it is not on, that is, if the second original is on the tray (111 ) and if the first document being fed at this time is the final document, it will be processed as the 263rd first document from now on, so step (5190)
In step (5191), the document flag (FIO) is set to "1", and in step (5191), the feed flag (F2) is reset to "0", and the process moves to step (5209).

If the sensor (SEI) 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). Next, step (5195)
Turn on the transport motor in reverse. As a result, the first original is 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 "1." to prepare the leading edge registration process for the second document. At the same time, in step (5197), a reversal timer is set, and the process moves to step (5198). It is set to the time from when it is fed until the rear end comes into contact with the nip portion of the pinch rollers (121) and (122) and 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. "1." Now, the rear edge of the first document should be placed on the pinch roller (1).
21) and (122) and waits in a registered state.

Next, in step (5201), the standby flag (F7) is set to 1.
1”. It is determined whether or not the leading edge registration process of the second document is completed, and the standby flag (F
7) is reset to "0", step (520
4), and if it is set to ``1.'', that is, if the subroutine of step (5104) has been executed and the leading edge registration process for the second document has been completed, ``[
Refer to step (5149). In step (5202), turn on the conveyance motor and pinch roller motor (123), and in step (5203) set the standby flag (F7) to "0".
and 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) is performed.
210), and if the document is off-edge, that is, at the time when the trailing edge of the second document passes the sensor (SE2), the size of the second document is changed to the size of the first document in step (5205). Determine whether it is the same as or not. If they are not the same size, they are not suitable for copying, so a prohibition signal is output to the first CPU (201) in step (5206), and the ADF feeding flag (F4) is reset to "0." in step (5207). , the discharge flag (F9) in step (5208)
is set to "1" to instruct document ejection and return to the main routine. 1st. If the second original is the same size, a stop timer is set in step (5209), and a stop timer is set in step (5209).
5210). This stop timer is the same as the one set in step (5167) above.

Therefore, in step (5210), wait for the stop timer to finish counting, and in step (5211), turn off the conveyance motor and pinch roller motor (123), and in step (5210), turn off the conveyance motor and pinch roller motor (123).
212) The original setting completion signal is sent to the first CPU (20
1), set the set completion flag (F8) to "1" in step (5213>), and then in step (5214)
The original flag (FIO) is reset to "rO". The two originals are now lined up in the transport direction and placed on the original glass (19).
) is fed to the predetermined position above (3rd
(See Figure 1).

Next, in step (5215), it is determined whether the sensor (SEL) is on or not. In order to pre-process the tip resist as
In step 216), the tip registration flag (F5) and the tip registration start flag (F6) are set to "1.", and step (S217) is reset to "ADF feed flag (F4)" to end this subroutine. , if the sensor (SEI) is off, that is, if the tray (11
If there are no more manuscripts in step 1), step (5217)
-r A D F feeding flag (F4) is reset to 1o'' and this subroutine ends.

FIG. 17 shows a subroutine of document ejection processing (1) in single-sheet feeding, which is executed in step (SILO) of the main routine of the second CPU (202). This process is executed when the single-sheet feeding mode is selected, or when the last of odd-numbered originals is fed even if the two-sheet feeding mode is selected, or when the first original is fed. If it is determined that the image is inappropriate for copying in the two-sheet feeding mode [step <5188], the answer is NO.

First, in step (5220) the discharge flag (F9) is set to r.
l.

Determine whether or not. The discharge flag (F9) is set on the copying machine body (
When the image exposure scan for the number of copies of the original in 1) is completed and the original exchange signal is output, it is set to ``1.'' Therefore, if the ejection flag (F9) remains reset to rO4, it is immediately Return to the main routine, and if it is set to ``1.'', it is determined in step (5221) whether the set completion flag (F8) is ``1.''.If the set completion flag (F8) has been reset to r□, If so, the process moves to step (S224), and if it has been set to '1'', the transport motor and ejection motor are turned on in step (5222), and the set completion flag (F8) is turned on in step (5223).
is reset to "o" 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). If step (
5225) sets the ejection timer, and step (522
6). This ejection timer starts when the rear edge of the document is detected by the sensor (SE4) and then the ejection roller (133)
, (134) has been set to the time until it is turned off. Therefore, in step (S226), 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 standby flag (Fl) is set to “
It is determined whether or not it is 0 yo, that is, whether or not the next document is waiting at the leading edge registration position. The standby flag (Fl) is “1”
”, the ADF feeding flag (F4) is set to “
1'' and proceeds to step (5233).

If the standby flag (Fl) is reset to r□,
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 10'', and in step (5231), the ADF mode signal is set to r.
It is reset to □j and output to the first CPU (201), and the process moves to step (5233).

In step (5233), the discharge flag (F9) is set to "0".
, and in step (5234) set the mode flag (
Determine whether the mode flag (Fl) is “1.
) has been reset to "O", that is, if the mode is one-sheet feed mode, the process returns to the main routine. If the mode flag (Fl) is fully set to "1", that is, 2
If it is the sheet feed mode, the feed flag (F2) is set to "1" in step (5235) and the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 18 shows a subroutine of document ejection processing (2) in two-sheet feeding, which is executed in step (Sill) of the main routine of the second CPU (202). In this subroutine, when the document is ejected, the first document is moved to the ejection roller (131).
, (132), the conveyor belt (125)
), the drive of the second document is temporarily stopped on the document table glass (19), and after creating an appropriate space between the two documents, the conveyor belt (125) is rotated again. The two documents are discharged onto the discharge tray (135) in good alignment.

Specifically, steps (5240) to (5243) are the same as steps (5220) to (5223),
Ejection flag (F9) and set completion flag (F8) are r
The discharge process is started when it is set to l, (
(See Figure 4a). Then, in step (5244), it is determined whether the sensor (SE4) is on-edge. Sensor (
If SE4) is not on-edge, step (5247)
If the on edge is 71-, the document flag (
FIO) is 10''. Manuscript flag (FI
O) has been reset to "0", that is, if the document whose leading edge was detected by the sensor (SE4) in step (5224) is the first document, the transport motor is turned on in step (5246). It is turned off and the process moves to step (5247). As a result, the second original is placed on standby on the original table glass (19), and only the first original is ejected (see Figures 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, it is determined in step (524g) whether or not the original flag (FIO) is "rl". The original flag (FIO) is “0”
”, that is, step (5247
), if the document whose trailing edge is detected by the sensor (SE4) is the first document, the transport motor is turned on in step (5250), and the document flag (FIO) is set in step (5251).
) to 11'' and return to the main routine. As a result, the ejection of the second original document waiting on the original table glass (19) is restarted (see FIG. 4e).

On the other hand, in the step (5248), the original flag (FIO
) is set to 11'', that is,
If the document whose trailing edge was detected by the sensor (SE4) in step (S247) is the second document, step (52
49) to set the discharge timer and step (5252>
to move to.

Steps (S252) to (5257) are the same as steps (S226) to (5231), and the ejection motor is turned off when the ejection timer finishes counting [step (5257)].
252), YES, step (5253)], execute the feeding process for the next document [step <5254), No. 1 step (5258)], and if the last document has been ejected, execute the end process [ Step (5254
), YES, step (5255) ~ (S257)
]. In step (5259), set the discharge flag (
F9) is reset to r□, and in step (5260), the original flag (FIO) is reset to ro'', and this subroutine ends.

FIG. 19 shows another subroutine of document ejection processing (2) in two-sheet feeding, which is executed in step (Sill) of the main routine of the second CPU (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 transport speed by the ejection rollers (131) to (134) is set higher than the document transport speed by the transport bell (125), and the distance between the first and second document is It gradually opens (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 (FI) is set in step (5275).
O) is "1" or not. Original flag (FIO)
is reset to 0°, that is, the step (S
If the document whose trailing edge was detected by the sensor (SE4) in step 274) is the first document, the document flag (FIO) is set to "rl" 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) is 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 (S252) 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), (5286) Ko.

[Principal parts of the embodiment] In the above configuration, the size of the first and/or second document is automatically detected when the document is fed [see Figure 14], and the size of the detected document is based on and set the calculation flag (F20).

In the reset state, it is instructed whether to feed one sheet or two sheets, and A
PS and AMS are controlled [FIG. 10b, steps (S33), (535), (S36) and steps (542), (543), (544).

By the way, if the length of the first document in the conveyance direction is larger than the total exposure area, [FIG. 16a, step (518)]
8), switch to single-sheet feeding mode for only that original. That is, the original flag (FIO) is set to "1" and the feed flag (F2) is set to r□.

[Same figure, step (5190), <519
1>], feed only one original onto the original platen glass (19) [FIG. 16b, step (5209) and subsequent steps. Therefore, even if the two-sheet feeding mode is selected, if there is a risk of image cutoff, single-sheet feeding will be performed, and APS and AMS will also be automatically switched to single-sheet feeding calculations. [Figure 10a, step (527)~]
(531)]. With this, if there are a mixture of vertical and horizontal originals, and the original whose length in the transport direction is larger than the total exposure area is fed as the first sheet, only one sheet will need to be copied. , it is possible to reliably prevent copying errors due to inadvertent image cuts.

Note that in this embodiment, copying is executed in the two-sheet feeding mode only when the first and second originals are the same size, and APS and AMS are based on the size of the first original. Calculated. Of course, calculations may be performed based on the size of the second document, but it is better to use the first document as a reference because the calculations can be performed early and the movement of the lens (25) according to the magnification can be completed quickly. This can eliminate lost time.

[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, a gate (129) ) can also be used. In this case, the gate <129> is a pinch roller (121),
(122) is installed on the downstream side in the feeding direction so as to be able to move forward and backward 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 (SSW) is turned on, the pinch roller (121) 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 picked up by forward/reverse rollers (113) and (114), and the leading edge is The tip passes between the pinch rollers (121) and (122) and comes into contact with the gate (129), where the tip resist processing is performed (see FIG. 20a). Then the gate (
129) is retracted from the feeding path, the pinch roller (121) is brought into pressure contact with the lower roller (122) and is driven to rotate, and the conveyor belt <125> is also driven to rotate normally. In this way, the document (Dl) can be fed until the trailing edge passes through the gate (129) (see FIG. 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 belt (125) shows the arrow (C゛)
The document (Dl) is reversely driven in the direction shown in FIG. With the trailing edge registration process applied to the first document (Dl) in this manner, the second document (Dl) on the document tray (111) is fed,
Perform tip resist processing. With this, two manuscripts (D
i) and (Dl) are continuously arranged in parallel 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).
The conveyor belt (12
5) is also driven in normal rotation, and the originals (Di) and (Dl) are simultaneously fed onto the original table glass (19) (see Fig. 20d). Then, 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
), (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). A method may also be used in which a stopper is provided and the document is switched back. In other words, the document is once fed until it overruns a predetermined position, and then the conveyor belt (
125> and switch back to position the rear end of the document in contact with the stepped portion 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 80 one-by-one 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, it is also possible to adopt a method in which the document conveyance belt (125) is divided into two parts in the conveyance direction. 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. It is possible to discharge two original documents onto the discharge tray (135) with good alignment.

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, when executing in the two-sheet feeding mode, an automatic optimum copy paper size setting function and/or
Or, since the automatic optimum magnification setting function can be executed,
Even when copying in the two-sheet feeding mode, each of the above-mentioned functions can be fully utilized, eliminating the trouble of selecting the copy paper size and setting the copy magnification by the operator, and improving usability.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 19 show embodiments of a copying apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 1 is an internal configuration diagram as a copying system, and FIG.
The figure is a perspective view with a part of the ADF cut away, Figures 3a to 3.
Figure 1 is an operation explanatory diagram showing the document feeding process, Figures 4a to 4
Fig. e is an operation explanatory diagram showing one example of the document ejection process, and Figs. 5a to 5C are operation explanatory diagrams showing other examples of the original ejection process.
FIG. 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. FIGS. 20a to 20d are operation explanatory diagrams showing document feeding processing in a modified example of the registration means. (1) Copying machine main body, (100) Automatic document feeder (ADF), (110) Original feeding section, (1
11)...Document tray, (112)...Pickup roller, (120)...Document transport unit, <121)
, (122)...pinch roller, (125)...
Conveyor belt, (129)...Gate, (130)...
・Document output section, (135)...Ejection tray, (157
)...Copy paper selection key, (159)...Feeding mode selection key, (SEI) to (SE4)...Photo sensor for document detection, (SE5)...Photo sensor 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 copying apparatus comprising: control means for executing an automatic optimum copy paper size setting function and/or an automatic optimum magnification setting function based on the detected at least one document size.