JPS6370864A - Electrophotographic copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To execute an appropriate maintenance which does not depend on a human experience, even against parts whose abrasion state is different by the using method of a user, by dividing the abrasion state into plural stages and weighting them, at the time of counting in a second counting means. CONSTITUTION:An electrophotographic copying machine is provided with two ore more feed paper means for feeding the paper to a photosensitive drum, and a counting means for dividing the length into plural stages in accordance with the length of the paper which is fed, giving a prescribed weight to each stage and counting it, whenever the paper feeding is executed by the paper feeding means. In such a way, it is possible to realize an electrophotographic copying machine which is capable of executing appropriately the maintenance of parts whose abrasion state is different in accordance with the using method of a user, without depending on the human experience.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] (Industrial application field) The present invention relates to maintenance of electrophotographic copying machines.

(Prior Art) In maintenance of an electrophotographic copying machine, consumable parts among the parts of the electrophotographic copying machine are replaced with new parts every predetermined service life.

Parts whose number of uses and number of copies are the same (for example,
The number of times a part has been used (photoreceptor drum, cleaning blade, developer) can be determined by looking at the number of copies per copy counter, so whether or not a part should be replaced depends on whether the number of copies per copy has reached a predetermined value. can be easily determined.

An electrophotographic copying machine that can make copies with paper of multiple sizes has a number-of-copies counter corresponding to the copy size, and a copy counter corresponding to the cassette size, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-59548, for example. Select and increment.

Also, in general, the copy number counter does not count miscopies, but if a miscopy counter is equipped (
For example, JP-A No. 58-219570, JP-A-Sho 5
8-219571), the number of effective uses can be obtained.

In addition, in order to facilitate maintenance, Shinoya (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 61-88279), which displays the usage status of each part that needs to be replaced on the display, making it easy to check the expiration date, makes it easier to maintain the electrophotographic copying machine. ), and there is also one that automatically becomes unusable after a certain expiration date (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-88280).

Incidentally, parts such as a paper feed roller and a document conveyance belt of an automatic document conveyance device have different number of uses depending on how the user uses them. For such parts, the expiration date cannot be determined only by the count value of the copy number counter. conventionally,
The service technician would visually check the wear and tear of the roller and, based on his experience, would replace it if he determined that it was about to become dangerous.

Therefore, in another application, the present applicant has disclosed an electrophotographic copying machine that provides a counting means for each part whose number of uses cannot be counted with a copy counter, and maintains the parts whose number of uses varies depending on the user's usage method. It has become possible to perform this process appropriately without relying on human experience.

(Problem to be solved by the invention) Some parts (for example, the paper feed roller,
photoreceptor drums, cleaner blades, sorter paper feed rollers, automatic document feeder rollers, etc.).

If the number of times such parts are used can be measured by taking into account the degree of wear, parts can be managed more appropriately.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic copying machine that can properly maintain parts that wear out differently depending on how the user uses the machine, without relying on human experience.

(Means for Solving the Problems) An electrophotographic copying machine according to the present invention includes two or more paper feeding means for feeding vapor to a photoreceptor drum, and a paper feeder that feeds vapor each time the paper feeding means performs paper feeding. The present invention is characterized by comprising a counting means that divides the length of the vapor into a plurality of stages depending on the length of the vapor to be papered, and counts each stage with a predetermined weight.

(Function) In counting by the second counting means, the degree of wear is divided into a plurality of stages and weighted.

(Example) Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail in the following order with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(a) Configuration of the copying machine, (b) Operation panel, (c) Configuration of the control unit of the copying machine, (d) PM counter and its display, (e) Operation of the copying machine main body, (f) Operation of the ADF, (g) Operation of sorter (a) Structure of copying machine FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of an electrophotographic copying machine according to the present invention. This electrophotographic copying machine includes a copying machine main body 1, a table 700 on which the copying machine main body is placed, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 300 installed as an option, a three-stage paper feeding unit 1000, and a sorter 500.

The copying mechanism of the summer copying machine body l is the same as that of a conventional electrophotographic copying machine. A photoreceptor drum 2 that can be rotated in a counterclockwise direction is disposed in the center of the copying machine main body 1, and a main eraser lamp 3, a main eraser lamp 3,
A sub charger 4, a sub eraser lamp 5, a main charger 6, a developing device 7, a transfer charger 8, a transfer paper separation charger 9, a blade type cleaner device 10, and the like are arranged in this order. The photoreceptor drum 2 is a drum provided with a photoreceptor (for example, selenium) on its surface, and for each copy, it is irradiated with light by an eraser lamp 3.5, charged by passing through a charger 4.6, and then charged. , receives image exposure from the optical system described next. Motor M
1 drives the photosensitive drum 2 and the like.

The optical system is installed below the document table glass 11 so that the document image can be scanned. The optical system includes a light source 12, a first mirror 13, a second mirror 14, a third mirror 15, and a projection lens 1.
6 and a fourth mirror 17. The original image is line 1
As shown at 8, the light passes through each mirror 13, 14, 15, 17 and reaches the photosensitive drum 2. Fixed position switch SW5
00 is provided to detect whether the optical system is at a predetermined position during scanning. An automatic exposure sensor 19 is attached above the projection lens 16, and the intensity of the reflected light from the mirror 15 is measured to detect the original density. The magnification is set by moving the projection lens 16 in the optical axis direction using a motor M4.

Note that the motor M3 drives the optical system. When the copying magnification is n, the light source 12 and the first mirror 13 are rotated by the motor M3 (v/ n) to the left, and at the same time, the second mirror 14 and the third mirror 1
5 moves to the left at a speed of (v/2n). Along with this movement, the image is exposed from the fourth mirror 17 onto the photosensitive drum 2 in a slit shape.

On the left side of the copying machine body 1, an automatic paper feed cassette 20 is installed at the upper paper feed port, a three-stage paper feed unit 1000 is installed at the lower paper feed port, and a manual paper feed section 21 is installed at the top. The three-stage paper feed unit 1000 is installed as an option instead of the second automatic paper feed cassette that is set in the lower paper feed port as a standard equipment. Copy sheets in the automatic paper feed cassette 20 or the manual paper feed section 21 are selectively fed into the copying machine main body 1 by respective paper feed rollers 22, 23, passed through each pair of transport rollers 24, 25, and pressed. It is conveyed to the timing roller 26 in the shaped part and temporarily waits there. Note that the paper feed roller 30 is used for feeding paper at the lower paper feed port.

During transfer, the copy paper fed by the timing roller 26 comes into close contact with the photoreceptor drum 2 in the transfer section, and the toner image is transferred by the corona discharge of the transfer charger 8, and then the toner image is transferred by the corona discharge of the separation charger 9 and the transfer. The paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 2 by its own stiffness. Subsequently, the copy paper is conveyed to the right as the belt 27 rotates clockwise while being sucked onto a conveyor belt 27 equipped with an air suction means (not shown). Next, the toner image is melted and fixed by passing through a fixing device 28. Then, it passes through a pair of discharge rollers 29 and is discharged to a sorter 500 outside the copying machine main body l.

Paper size detection switch 401~404.405~
Reference numeral 408 denotes microswitches arranged in parallel at the upper and lower paper feed ports, and detects whether the copy paper is placed vertically or horizontally with respect to the size of the copy paper in the cassette and the paper feeding direction. The sizes that can be copied, that is, the sizes of copy paper that can be set in each paper feed section, are, for example, [A3, A41. [A
5], [B4].

[B5], and vertical and horizontal orientations can be selected for [A4] and [B5]. In addition, switches 401 to 404.4
05 to 408 also detect the attachment and detachment of the cassette, which means that the presence or absence of copy paper at the paper feed port is indirectly detected. Then, the size and setting direction of the copy paper are detected by a 4-bit code corresponding to the ON/OFF combination of switches 401 to 404 and 405 to 408, and is detected by the RAM 213 of the CPU 1 of the control circuit (see Fig. 6). It will be outdated.

An example of a code table for switches 401 to 404 is shown in the table below. This table indicates that the switch is on as [0] and that it is off as [+]. If all the switches are off, it means that the cassette 20 is not installed in the paper feed section, that is, copy paper is The absence of this will be detected.

Among the sensors attached to the copying machine main body l, a manual feed door detection switch 410 detects whether the manual feed door 21a constituting the manual paper feed section 21 is closed. The manual feed door 21a is kept closed when not in use. sensor S
E1. SE2 is a paper detection switch of the manual paper feed section 21.

A three-stage paper feed unit 1000 with the following margins is movably supported on a rail 1040, and cassettes 1010, 1020° and 1030 can be set in the upper, middle, and lower three stages of paper feed ports, respectively. Docking detection switch 1002
detects whether the three-stage paper feeding unit) 1000 is connected to the copying machine main body 1 or not. The motor M5 drives the paper feeding system of the three-stage paper feeding unit) 1000. Paper size detection switches 1011- are shown together.
1014.1021-1024.103! 1034 detects the paper size of the upper, middle, and lower paper feed ports, respectively, and also switches 1015 and 1 for setting one type of paper.
016.1025, 1026.1035 and 1036 are
These are switches that set the paper type for the upper, middle, and lower paper feed ports, respectively. Paper feed clutch 1017.102
7.1037 connects the transport rollers 1018, 1028, and 1038 corresponding to the selected cassette to the drive system when any one of the corresponding cassettes is selected, and transfers paper of the specified size to the copying machine. Supplied to the main body 1 side.

In the ADF 300, a sensor 310 detects whether a document is fed, and a sensor 311 detects whether a document is present in the document tray 304.

A motor 301 rotates a document conveyance belt 305 of the ADF, and a motor 302 feeds a document from a document tray 304.

The reversing unit 330 is connected to the ADF 300 and
The document fed to the F300 is taken in by operating the switching wind 331, and is reversed by the reversing motor 303. Note that the paper sensor 312 detects the passage of the original.

The sorter 500 is connected to the copying machine main body l, and has a receiving portion 520 and a plurality of vertical bins 531, 531, .
It consists of a bin assembly 530 having a bin assembly 530, a feeding section 540 including an endless belt 541 vertically movable along the bin assembly 530, and a non-sorting feeding section 550. Sorter 500 is driven by a sorter motor 501. In addition, switching between the non-sorting and sorting paper paths can be performed by operating a solenoid with the paper path switching type 503.
Perform this by changing the position of.

In the case of sorting paper passing, the pair of ejection rollers 29 of 1 of the copying machine main body
The sheets discharged from the bins are received by the receiving section 520, passed through the conveying section 550, and sent out from the discharging section 540 to one bin 531.

When the sheet is detected by the paper sensor 512 provided at the delivery port of the delivery unit 540 and it is confirmed that the sheet has been completely delivered, the sort bin change motor 502 is driven, and the delivery unit 540 moves to the next bin 531. The bin 531 moves to face the entrance of the bin 531, and sends out the similarly conveyed sheets to the next bin 531. In this way, the bins 531,
531° . . . When the distribution is completed, the delivery unit 540 returns to the starting position facing the topmost bin 531 and waits for distributing sheets to the next document.

In the case of non-sort paper passing, the sheets are sent from the receiving section 520 to the tray 551 via the non-sheet sending section 550. A paper sensor 511 detects paper passing through the non-sort path.

Incidentally, the copying operation of the copying machine having the above configuration and the functions of each element are well known, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

The operation panel is shown in the margin (b) below.The operation panel is shown in FIGS. 3(a) and (b). The operation panel is provided with keys indicated by the following reference numbers.

50: Print button to start copying. 51-6
0: Numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, etc.

61: Interrupt key for interrupt copying. 62: Clear
Stop key (functions as a stop key to stop multi-copying and also doubles as a key to clear settings). 6
3: Automatic exposure selection/cancellation key. 64: Exposure amount down key during manual exposure.

65: Exposure amount up key during manual exposure. 66: Paper feed selection key. 67-70: Same size, fixed reduction 2 steps,
Each copy magnification selection key has one fixed magnification. 71 Nikopi 1 Magnification up key that increases the magnification in steps. 7
2: Magnification down key to decrease the copy magnification in steps. 73: Count display request key for sequentially calling the PM count display. 74: All reset key to initialize copy mode. 77: Zoom magnification input key. 78 to 81: Zoom magnification select keys for selecting a total of four zoom magnifications selectively set in advance. 84: Double-sided original key.

As clearly shown in FIG. 4, the display section 100 using a fluorescent display tube performs displays indicated by the following reference numerals.

101: 3-digit display segment for displaying the number of copies, etc. 108: Interrupt copying in progress display. 113: Exposure mode (automatic exposure or manual pressure display. 114: Exposure amount step display. 115: Waste toner full display. 116:) Toner empty display. 117: Color toner display. 118:
Copy magnification display.

120: Paper size display.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the operation panel further includes:
It has indicator LEDs indicated by the reference numbers below.

123: Monitor display. 130: Overprint paper selection display L
ED0131: Sketch paper selection display LED0132-1
35: Magnification key selection display LED.

138: Zoom input selection display LED.

139-142: Zoom magnification key selection display LED0
184: Double-sided original key display.

FIG. 5 shows the operation panel of the sorter 500.

The mode select key 580 is a key for setting either a sort mode or a non-sort mode, and a sort mode display LED 581 or a non-sort mode display LED 582 (lit) corresponds to the setting.

(c) Structure of the control section of the copying machine FIG. 6 shows the CPUut (
201) is shown. IC202~205,2
07 to 209 are ICs for input/output expansion. IC20
2 to 205 are used as human-powered ICs, and CP
It is connected to the UI by a data line. Also, 1G202
205 are respectively controlled by the CPU 1 via the decoder 206. Various keys, displays, etc. shown in the figure are connected to the input terminal. IC207~2
09 is used as an output IC, and a control board is connected to the CPUI via a decoder 211. In addition to the various parts shown in the figure, the output terminal is equipped with a fluorescent display tube +00 and an LED matrix 21O (display L).
ED 120~125.130~145) are connected,
Each is controlled by the CPU via a decoder 212. The RAM 213 is connected to the CPUI and is backed up by a battery. The bus 214 is connected to other CPUs (CPU2, CPU3, .
This is a communication line for connecting with the CPU 4). C.P.U.I.
transmits to the light control circuit 215, as data, a value selected from among the exposure values of 9 steps during manual exposure, and a value that is the center of the automatic exposure during automatic exposure.

FIG. 7 shows the input/output configuration of the CPU 2 that controls the optical system. The input/output port of CPU2 is the scan motor M3.
and a zoom lens control circuit 217 that controls a motor M4 that moves the projection lens 16. Further, signals are inputted from the fixed position switches S to v500 of the optical system and a switch 5W501 that generates a timing signal for rotating the timing roller 26 at the same magnification. Further, the CPU 2 communicates with the CPU via the bus 214.
Communicate with I.

FIG. 8 shows the input/output configuration of the CPU 3 that controls the ADF 300. The CPU 3 outputs signals to a conveyance belt motor 301 and a paper feed motor 302, and receives signals from a document feed sensor 310 and a document detection sensor 311. Further, the CPU 3 communicates with the CPU via the bus 214.
communicate with.

FIG. 9 shows an ICI that controls the three-stage paper feeding unit 1000.
The input/output configuration of The input/output ports of the ICI are connected to the upper, middle, and lower paper feed clutches +017.1027.1037. Further, like the CPUI, the ICI is connected to various sensors and the like shown in the figure (some of which are indicated by reference numbers) via input/output expansion ICs 221 and 222.

FIG. 1O shows the input/output configuration of the CPU 4 that controls the sorter 500. The CPU 4 includes a paper sensor 511,
512 and mode select key (see Figure 5) 580
On the other hand, the signals from the
582).

(d) PM counter and its display A PM counter is provided for each part (replacement part) whose number of uses cannot be measured by the copy count counter. In this embodiment, the following nine locations are subject to PM counter settings.

Setting location Sensor body ■Upper paper feed slot (manual feed, paper feed roller 22 (including copy), step 5145) ■Lower paper feed slot (three-tier paper, includes paper feed roller 30 (copy from the unit), step 5145) Three-tier paper feed ■Third-tier upper paper feed slot Paper feed roller 1018 unit (Step 5153) ■Three-tier middle paper feed slot Paper feed roller 1028 (Step s+5
6) ■Third-stage upper paper feed slot Paper feed roller 1038 (Step 5
158) Sorter ■Non-sort Sensor 511 paper passing path (Step S 553) ■Sort
Sensor 512 Paper passage path (Step 5534) ADF
■Original paper path sensor 310(R)
(Step 5317) ■ Reversing unit Sensor 312 Paper passing path (Step 5363°) Then, counting is performed by the operation of the paper feed roller or the detection by the paper sensor, respectively, shown on the right side.

FIG. 11 shows the numbers (1 to 9) of each PM counter and the contents of the corresponding counts. Each of the 2 to 7 counters is a counter based on software (a program of CPU 1 which will be explained later), and the counting results are stored in RAM 2.
13. Incidentally, on the right side of FIG. 11, part codes for indicating the P to i counters whose contents are displayed are shown.

Paper feed roller 22゜30.10 The degree of wear varies depending on the length of the paper being fed, the number of times it is used, and the amount of time used.
18.1028.1038, the length of the paper is divided into three stages and weighted and counted (Figure 1 (a)
, see (b)). This allows for better maintenance of the service life of the parts.

Note that in this embodiment, the degree of wear was taken into account only for the above-mentioned paper feed roller, but the sorter 500 and ADF 300
If PM counters for parts such as rollers, photoreceptor drums, cleaner blades, etc., which have different levels of wear depending on how they are used, are weighted in the same way, maintenance of the parts can be performed more appropriately.

To view the value of the PM counter (see the flowchart in Figure 19), press the count display request key 73.
The part code and value (number of uses) indicating the installation location of the counter are displayed as a magnification display (4 digits) and a number display (3 digits).
It is displayed using lot.

For example, the example shown in FIG. 12 shows that the number of times the overprint paper roller (X[) of the three-stage paper feeding unit has been used is 512,345 times.

Actual display is performed in the following order. Before the count display request key 73 is pressed, the magnification and the number of sheets are displayed on the magnification display 118 and the number of sheets display 101, respectively.

When the count display request key 73 is pressed, the PM mode display is entered and the part code and contents (6 digits) of the first PM counter (paper feed slot on the main body) are displayed. When the count display request key 73 is pressed again, the part code and contents of the next PM counter (paper feed slot on the main body) are displayed. Thereafter, each time the count display request key 73 is pressed, the part code and contents of the next PM counter are displayed. When the count display request key 73 is pressed while the part code and contents of the last PM counter (ADF reversing unit) are being displayed, the original magnification and number of sheets are displayed and the process returns to the original state.

To set the PM counter value when replacing parts,
This is done as follows: First, the count display request key 73 is pressed repeatedly to display the replaced part code and count value, and then the clear key (C/S key) 6 is pressed.
Press 2. As a result, the displayed count value becomes O (see the flow in FIG. 17). However, since the value is still left in the recall memory (PM save counter) in the event of a malfunction (Step 563 in Figure 17), if another part code is cleared by mistake, the wrong part When the code count value is displayed and the interrupt key 61 is pressed, the count value before clearing is recalled and displayed (
(See the flow in Figure 18). Finally, the count value is cleared by turning off the main SW. The memory for recall in the event of an erroneous operation is also cleared (see the flow in FIG. 20).

(e) Operation of the copying machine main body Below, an outline of the contents of the program of the CPU 1 that controls the V copying machine main body 1 will be explained.

<e-1> Main Routine FIG. 13 shows a schematic flowchart of the CPUI. C
When the PUI is reset and the program starts, the first step is to clear the RAM, set various registers, etc.
Initialization is performed to initialize the PUI and set the device to the initial mode (step Sl).

Next, an internal timer that is built into the CPUI and whose value is set in advance as an initial setting is started (step S2). Next, various subroutine processing sections include cassette select key processing S3, double-sided original key processing S4,
Clear key processing S5, interrupt key processing S6, display processing S7
, copy operation S8 and power off S9 are performed in sequence. Next, data communication with CPU2°3.4 is performed (step 5
10).

When all subroutine processing is finished, wait for the end of the internal timer that was set first (step Sl'l).
, l routine and returns to step S2. The length of time of this l routine is used to count the various timers that appear in the subroutine. (The various timer values determine whether the timer ends depending on how many times this l routine is repeated.) <e-2> Cassette select key Figure 14 shows the cassette select key (66) processing routine S3. . When the cassette select key 66 is pressed, paper feed ports are sequentially selected.

When the cassette select key 66 is turned ON (step 5ll), when the overprint paper selection display LED 130 is lit, that is, the copying machine main body! When the upper paper feed port is selected (step 512), the three-stage paper feed unit 1
If 000 is present (step 5I3), the upper stage of the three-stage paper feed unit 1000 is selected (step 514), and if not, the lower paper feed port of the copying machine body l is selected (step 515).

Turn on the display LED 131 and display the LED! Erase 30 (
step 816). When the LED display 130 does not light up,
That is, when the LED I 31 is lit, if the three-stage paper feeding unit 1000 is not attached (step 521),
Select the paper feed slot on the main body (step 522), display L
The ED 130 is turned on and the display LED l 31 is turned off (step 523). If the three-stage paper feed unit) 1000 is attached, if the upper stage is the upper stage (step 524), then the middle stage is the (step 524).
Step 525), select the middle row (step 527), select the lower row (step 528), display LED 131
remains lit (step 826). Also, if you want to select the lower row, select the upper row of the copier body 1 and turn on the display LED.
130 is turned on (step 529).

Next, a bember size code change routine is called (step 517).

FIG. 15 shows the paper size code change routine.

Paper size is coded as shown in the table. If the input paper size code is '3° (
Step 531), since it is A5 vertical, the paper base is 210
mm in paper! 48, 5 +++n+ is stored in memory (step S41).

Below, if the paper size code is "4" (step 532), B5 vertical, if it is "5" (step 533)
, A4 vertically 6” (step 534), B4 vertically “7” (step 535), A3 vertically “10”
” (step 536), B5 horizontal, “l bi” (step 537), it is determined to be A4 horizontal, and the respective paper base and paper are memorized (step S42).
~47). If the code is not the above, it is determined that there is no paper (step 538).

<e-3> Double-sided original selection FIG. 16 shows the double-sided original selection routine (step S4).
) is shown. If the double-sided original key (select key) 84 is turned ON (step 551) and the selection display 84a is lit (step 552), the selection display 84 is turned on (step 552).
A is turned off (step 553), and the double-sided original signal to the CPU 3 is also turned off (step 554). If the display 84a is off (step 552), it should be turned on (step 555), and the double-sided original signal to the CPU 3 is turned on (step 556).

<e-4> Clear processing FIG. 17 shows the clear key processing routine (step S5)
shows. On edge of clear key 62 (step 56
1) When the display counter is "0", it functions as a normal copy number clearing function (step 565). on the other hand,
When the display counter is other than "0", that is, when it is displaying the value of some 2M counter (step 562), the counter value is stored in the save counter and step 5
63), and the counter itself is cleared to O (step 564).

<e-5> Interrupt key processing FIG. 18 shows the interrupt key processing routine (step S6). On edge of the interrupt key 61 (step 571),
When the display counter is "0" (step 572), it functions as a normal interrupt key. In other words, when in interrupt mode (
Step 575), and when the interrupt mode is not set (step 576), the interrupt mode is entered (step 577).

When the display counter is other than “0” (step 572),
In other words, when displaying the value of some 2M counter,
If the displayed value is “0” (step 573)
, step 574) of returning the value of the save counter that was saved in the flow of FIG.

<e-6> Display Processing FIG. 19 shows the display processing routine (step S7). When the count display request key 73 is turned on (step 581), when the display counter is "0" (
Step 582), that is, when the original magnification and number of copies are displayed, set the display counter to 1 (Step 5
83), and the number of times the upper paper feed port is used is displayed as xA 123 456, for example, as in FIG. 12 (step 584).

Also, since the magnification copy number disappears, it is stored in memory (step 585), and at the same time all other displays are turned off (step 886).

Below, the value of the display counter is 1.2. ..., 8 (step S91, 5IOI), respectively, increment the display counter by 1 in step S92゜5102.
), number of times the lower paper feed port is used, number of times the three-stage paper feed upper paper feed port is used,
Displays the number of times the three-stage paper feed upper paper feed port is used, the number of times the three-stage paper feed upper paper feed port is used, the number of times the sorter non-sort path is used, the number of times the sorter sort path is used, the number of times the ADF document feed roller is used, and the number of times the ADF reversing unit is used. (Step S93, 5
103).

(In the figure, cases where the number of display files is 2 to 7 are omitted.) Next, all other displays are turned off (step 88
6).

If the count display request key is pressed while displaying the number of times the ADF reversing unit is used (Step 5IOI)
, and at the same time set the display counter to “0” (step S
l11), the stored magnification and number of copies are restored (step 5112), and other displays are also restored (step S113).

Margin <e-7> Copying operation FIG. 1(a) shows the flow of the copying operation routine S8. When the print button 50 is turned on (step S131), if the ADF is not used (step S132)
), set the copy start flag to "B" (step S1
33). If the ADF is used (step S132), if there is a document in the document tray 304 (step S134)
, sets the ADF start signal to "BI" for the ADF 300 (step S135).

If there is no original in the original tray 304 (step 5134)
), then proceed to the next step.

Also, if the print button 50 is not ON (step S131), if the ADF is used (step 5136), and if the original position signal from the ADF 300 is "B" (step 5137), copying starts. The flag is set to "B" (step S138).

Next, a copying operation is performed. In step 5141, when the copy start flag becomes “B”, the main motor M l ,
Turn on the developing motor, turn on the charging charger, transfer charger, etc., set the copy start flag to "0",
T-A (timer A) and T-B (timer B) are set (step S+42).

Then, the paper feed roller of the selected paper feed port is operated.

That is, when the upper paper feed port of the main body is selected (step S143), the upper paper feed roller 22 is operated (step 5144), the PM counter l is specified, and the counting routine (FIG. 1(b) ) (step 5145). When the main body lower paper feed port is selected (step 5146), the lower paper feed roller 30 is operated (step 5147), PM counter 2 is designated, and the counting routine (FIG. 1(b)) is called. (Step 5148). When the three-tier paper feed unit 1000 is used as an option, the lower paper feed port of the main body is also used, so the lower paper feed roller 30 is operated (step 51).
49), designates PM counter 2 and calls the count routine (FIG. 1(h)) (step 5150).

When the upper stage of three-stage paper feeding is selected (step 5151), the upper stage of three-stage paper feeding roller l018 is activated (step 5152), PM counter 3 is designated, and the counting routine (first Figure (Call bno (
Step 5153). When the middle stage of the three-stage paper feed is selected (step 5I54), the three-stage paper feed middle stage roller 1
028 (step 5155), PM counter 4 is designated, and the count routine (FIG. 1(b)) is called (step 9156). If the above is not the case, the lower stage of the three-stage paper feed is selected, so the lower stage roller 1038 of the three-stage paper feed is operated (step 5I57), and the PM
Counter 5 is designated and the count routine (Fig. 1 (b)
)) (step 5158).

FIG. 1(b) shows the counting routine (step 5145).
．． 5I48, 5150, 5I53, 5156°5158
) shows the flow. The length of the fed paper is divided into three blocks, and each block is added with a different weight. If the paper length exceeds 365 mm (step 5221), 2 is added to the designated counter (step S222). If the vapor length does not exceed 364 mm but exceeds 257 mm (step 5223),
Add 1.5 to the specified counter (step S
224). If the paper length does not exceed 257mm,
Add 1 to the designated counter (step S22
5).

In step 5161, judge T-A, and
When it is time for -A to end, the operating paper feed roller clutch is turned off (step S162).

In step 5171, TH is judged.

When it is time for T-B to end, the scan signal is turned on (step S172).

In step 5181, when the timing signal becomes "1", a timing roller clutch (not shown) is turned on and T-C (timer C) is set (step 918).
2).

In step 5191, at the timing when TC ends, the charging, scan signal, and timing roller clutch are turned off (step 5192).

In step S201, the return signal of the optical system is “
At step S, in other words, when the return is started, it is determined whether the multi-copy portion has been completed.
202), and if not, set the copy start flag to "B" (step S203).

Then, once the scanner has left its home position, it returns and turns on the home position sensor 5W500 (step 5).
204), the developing motor and transfer are stopped, and T-D (timer D) is set (step 5205). T-
At the timing when D ends (step 5211)
, Main motor M! (step 5212)
. Then, output the results of the processing so far (step 5
215).

<e-8> Power off FIG. 20 shows the power off routine (step S9). PM counter 1 to PM counter 9 are saved and battery backed up) (step 5231), and PM save counters 1 to 9 are cleared (step S232).

Also clear other control RAM in step 5233.
), display, and drive output are turned off (step 5234).
.

(f) ADF operation Figure 21 (A) and (B) show the CP that controls the ADF 300.
A schematic flowchart of U3 is shown. When the CPU 3 is reset and the program is started, initialization of the CPU 3 such as clearing the RAM and setting of various renosurfs is performed, and initial settings are made to put the device into the initial mode (step 5301).

Next, an internal timer built into the CPU 3 and whose value is set in advance as an initial setting is started (step 5302).

Next, document size detection (step 5304) of document control (step 5303) and other processing (
The subroutines of step 5305) are sequentially called. When all subroutine processing is completed, the first set internal timer ends and the l routine ends (step 8306). The length of time of this one routine is used to count the various timers that appear in the subroutine. (The various timer values determine the end of the timer based on how many times this routine has been counted.) Also, as shown in FIG. 21(B), data communication with the CPU (step 5308) is performed by an interrupt routine, regardless of the main routine, in response to an interrupt request from the CPUI (step 53Q7).

FIG. 22 shows the document control routine (S303). When there is a document in the document tray (the document detection sensor 311 is on) (step 5311), the ADF
When the start signal becomes “l” (step 5312),
Or, when the document feed flag becomes "1" (step 53)
13) Set the document feed flag to “0” and step 5315
Proceed to. Then, when the surface flag is 0 (step 5315), the surface flag is set to 1 and step 5316
), specify the PM counter 8 and call the count routine (FIG. 1(b)) (step 5317), rotate the conveyor belt motor 301 in the normal direction, and start the document feed motor 302.
(step 5318). If the result in step S311 5313, 5315 is negative, the process immediately proceeds to step 5321.

Next, depending on whether the double-sided original signal is "0" (step 5321), the original feeding processing routine (step S
322) or the document reversal processing routine (step 53)
23). Then, when scanning of the number of sheets other than the set number is completed (step 5324), the scan end flag is set to "bi" (step 5325).

When the scan end flag is “B” (step 5331),
If the double-sided original signal is “0” (step 5332
), or if the surface flag is not “1” (step 5333), the surface flag and scan end flag are set to “0”.
"In step S33 = 1), the document discharge processing routine is performed (step S335). When the front side flag is 1,
If so (step 5333), a document reversal processing routine is performed (step 5336).

FIG. 23 shows the document feeding processing routine 5322. When a document is fed and the document feed sensor 310 is on (step 5341), the flag K is set to "B" and the timer AI is turned on.
(step 5342). This timer AI is used to stop the document feed motor 302 in order to prevent the document from feeding the previous document and then feeding the next document. A timer value is set until the arrival.

Next, when the flag K is "B" (step 5343), when the OFF edge of the document feed sensor 310 comes, that is, when the trailing edge of the document is detected (step 5344), the flag K is set to "0" and the timer A2 (Step 5)
345). The value of timer A2 is set to a value until the trailing edge of the document reaches the predetermined position of the leading edge of the document on the document glass.

When the timer Al ends (step 5351), the document feed motor 302 is stopped (step 5352). When the timer A2 ends (step 5353), the conveyor belt motor 301 is stopped (step 5354), and
Send original position signal to CPUI (step 5355)
.

FIG. 24 shows the document feeding reversal processing routine (step 53).
23''). At the ON edge of the document feed sensor 310 (step 5361), that is, when the next document is fed, the reversal switching solenoid and the reversing motor are turned on (step 8362). Also, the PM counter 9 is specified and calls the count routine (FIG. 1(b)) (step 5363).Then, the timer DI is started (
Step 5364).

The timer DI is set to the time until the fed document is fed by the drive of the conveyor belt motor.

Next, it is determined whether or not the timer DI has ended (step S365), and if it has ended, the document feed motor is stopped (step S366).

Next, while the conveyor belt motor is rotating normally (step 537
1), ONN error of paper sensor 312 (
Step 5372), that is, when the leading edge of the document comes to the reversing unit side, the flag K is set to "bi" (step S373).
. Next, when flag K is “bi” (step 5374)
, at the OFF' edge of the paper sensor 312 (step 5375), that is, when the entire trailing edge of the document has entered the reversing unit, the flag K is returned to "0" (step 9376), and the conveyor belt motor is reversed. (Step 5377). Next, during the reversal (step 5381), when the paper sensor 312 turns ON (step 5382), that is, when the original is reversed and comes out, timer D2 is started (step 5383).
). The timer D2 is set for the time from 312 until the original reaches the leading edge position of the original on the original glass. Next, at the end of timer D2 (step 5384), the reversal switching solenoid, conveyor belt motor, and reversing motor are set to 0F.
FL (steps 8385-5386), then CPU
Set the original position signal to I to 1 (step 5388)
.

FIG. 25 shows the document discharge processing routine 5335. If the document detection sensor 311 determines that there is still another document in the document tray (step 5391), the document feed flag is set to "bi" (step 5392). If there is no document, the conveyor belt motor 305 is rotated in the forward direction. timer B (step 5393) and start timer B (step 5393).
394). Timer B is set for a time period during which the document on the document glass (in the longest case) can be ejected. When timer B ends (step 5395), the conveyor belt motor 301 is stopped (step 5396).

FIG. 26 shows the document reversal processing routine (step 9336).
)' is shown. When the scan end flag becomes 1 (step 5401), the scan end flag is set to 0 (step 5402), the reversal switching clutch is turned ON, that is, the branching claw is switched to the reversing unit side (step 5403), and the PM
Increment counter 9 (step 5404)
, the conveyor belt motor rotates forward, and the reverse motor rotates
N (step 5405).

Next, while the conveyor belt motor is rotating normally (step 540
6) When the paper sensor 312 turns ON (step 5407), that is, when the leading edge of the document comes to the reversing unit side, flag J is set to 1 (step 5408). Next, when the flag is J (step 5409), the paper sensor 31
At the second OFF edge (step 5410), that is, when the entire trailing edge of the document has entered the reversing unit, the flag J is returned to O (step 5411), and the conveyor belt motor is reversed (step 5412).

Next, during the reversal (step 5421), when the paper sensor 312 turns ON (step 5422), that is, when the original is reversed and comes out, timer C is started (step 5423). Timer C is set for the time from 312 until the original reaches the leading edge position of the original on the original glass. Then, at the end of timer C (step 542
4) Set the surface flag to O (Step 5425), set the reverse switching clutch to 0FFL (Step 8426), and stop the conveyor belt motor and reverse motor (Step 54)
27), and sets the original position signal to the CPUI to 1 (step 5428).

(g) Operation of sorter FIGS. 27(A) and (B) show C
A schematic flow of PU4 is shown. When the program starts, first, initial settings are performed (step 5501).

Next, various subroutine processing, namely mode switching processing (
Step S502), sorter motor processing (step 5503), sorting processing (step 5504)
and other processing (step 5505). When all subroutine processing is finished, wait for the end of the internal timer that was set first (step S506).
, l routine and returns to step 5502.

When there is an interrupt from CPU1, communication with CPU1 is performed (
Step S507).

FIG. 28 shows the mode switching processing routine.

Mode switching 5Wh (When turned ON, at the ON edge (
At that time, if the sort mode is selected (step 5512), it switches to the non-sort mode (steps 5513, 5514), and if the non-sort mode is selected, it switches to the sort mode (steps 5515 to 5516). ).

FIG. 29 shows the sorter motor processing routine. Turn on the main unit's discharge sensor (step 5521)
That is, when a signal indicating that the leading edge of the paper has turned on the ejection sensor of the main body is received, the sorter motor is turned on (step S522). At the same time, the sorter motor stop timer SA is canceled (step S523).

Next, turn off the discharge sensor on the main unit (step 5).
524), that is, when a signal indicating that the rear end of the paper has passed through the ejection sensor of the main body is received, the timer SA is started (step S525).

Also, when the timer SA ends (step 5526), the sorter motor is turned off (step 5527).

FIG. 30 shows the sorting processing routine (step 55).
Q4) is shown. First, it is determined whether the mode is sorting mode (step 5531). If it is the sorting mode, activate the paper passing path switching wind 503 in step 5.
532), the paper passing path is switched to sorting.

Next, when the paper is output to the sorter tray (
Step S533), and increment PM counter 7 (step S5534). If the over flag is "0" (step S535), the bin number of the sorter is incremented (step S8536), and the paper ejection head is moved to the next bin. Next, when the set number of copies have been completed and are ejected to the sorter tray (step S537), the over flag is set to "0" (
Step 9538).

However, if the number of sheets set is larger than the bin of the sorter (step S539) and the bin number of the sorter is larger than the maximum bin, the over flag is set to "l" (
Step S540). In each case, the bin number is returned to l and the top bin (-soil bin) (step 5539).

Further, when the set number of sheets are copied and discharged onto the tray of the sorter (step 5542), the over flag is set to "0" (step 5543).

If it is not the sorting mode (step 5531),
The paper path switching wind 503 is not activated (step 5551).
), the paper passing path is switched to non-sorting, and when the paper is discharged to the non-sorting tray 551 (step 5553), the PM counter 6 is incremented (step 5554).

Margins below (Effects of the Invention) Appropriate maintenance can be performed without depending on human experience by taking into account the degree of wear, even for parts whose degree of wear varies depending on how the user uses them.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1(a) is a flowchart of a copy operation subroutine. FIG. 1(b) is a flowchart of the counting routine. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an electrophotographic copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are a plan view and a front view, respectively, of the operation panel of the copying machine. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a display using a fluorescent display tube. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the operation panel of the sorter. Figure 6 shows the microprocessor C that controls the main body of the copying machine.
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing human output to the PUI. Figure 7 shows the microprocessor CPU that controls the optical system.
2 is a circuit diagram showing the human output to 2. FIG. Figure 8 shows the microprocessor CPU that controls the ADF.
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing input/output to the device. FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing human output to the ICI that controls the three-stage paper feeding unit. Figure 1θ shows the microprocessor C that controls the sorter.
It is a circuit diagram showing input/output to PU4. FIG. 11 is a chart showing the PM counter and its contents. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of displaying the contents of the PM counter. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the main routine of the program that controls the main body of the copying machine. FIG. 14' is a flowchart of a subroutine for cassette select key processing. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a subroutine for changing the paper size. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a subroutine for double-sided document key processing. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a clear key processing subroutine. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a subroutine for interrupt key processing. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a display processing subroutine. FIG. 20 is a flowchart of subsyretin with the power turned off. Figures 21 (A) and (B) are automatic document feeder (ADF)
) is a flowchart of the main routine of the program of the microprocessor CPU3. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the document control subroutine. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a subroutine for document feeding processing. FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a subroutine for document feeding reversal processing. FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a subroutine for document ejection processing. FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a subroutine for document reversal processing. FIGS. 27(A) and 27(B) are flowcharts of the main routine of the program of the microprocessor CPU4 that controls the sorter. FIG. 28 is a flowchart of a subroutine of mode switching processing. FIG. 29 is a flowchart of a subroutine for sorter motor processing. FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a subroutine for sorting processing. l... Copying machine main body, 20... Main paper feed cassette, 22... Main paper feed roller, 30... Lower paper feed roller,
50...Print button, 61...Interrupt key,
62... Serves as a stop key to stop multi-copying and dual-purpose key (C/S key) to clear the set number, 66... Select key for paper feed, 73... PM count display request Key, 84...
Double-sided document key, 101...3-digit display segment for displaying number of copies, etc., 11B...Copy magnification display, 184...Double-sided document display, 300...Automatic document feeder (ADF), 310.3
12... Document detection sensor, 412... Display mode switching switch, 500... Tourer, 503...
Paper path switching wind, 511.512...Paper sensor, l000...Three stage paper feeding unit. Patent Applicant Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Representative Patent Attorney Two idiots Figure 1 (b) Figure 5 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 11 Figure 12 ) 4 straight 6 digits 13th page 16th side 7 figure 20th IE18! 191st!1st 21st! ! 11 Jing) Mei 23 Figure 25 IE 22 Figure 1 m 26 Figure 27 (A) @293 30th t! I

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) One or more paper feeding means for feeding paper to the photoreceptor drum, and each time the paper feeding means feeds paper, the length is divided into multiple stages depending on the length of the paper to be fed, 1. An electrophotographic copying machine characterized by comprising: a counting means for counting by assigning a predetermined weight to each stage.