JPS6392533A - Automatic original feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To form a blank part which is generated when the number of sheets of originals is of an odd number on the last page by setting an initially fed original i.e., the original of the last page on the second position when the number of housed original is discriminated to be of an odd number and carrying out copying not by means of a composite mode. CONSTITUTION:When a copy mode is of a composite second mode, it is checked whether the number of original sheets set on a original tray 32 is of an odd number. And, when it is an odd number, since an original OR1 to be finally copied is only one sheet, the left side of a copying paper COPY1 becomes a blank sheet resulting in an unsightly copy. Therefore, arrangement is made so that the copy of the original comes to the left side on the copying paper and the blank sheet part comes to the right side. And, at the time of the odd number of the original sheets, the clutch of a pinch roller 38 is connected and a conveying belt 39 is driven at a low speed, and the original is conveyed to the B (second) position on an original table 25 and an even number page flag is set. When copying is over, the conveying belt 39 is driven at a high speed and the original OR1 is conveyed to a discharge part, while setting a timer for adjusting the timing for feeding the next original OR2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] This invention relates to an automatic document feeder for use with a copying machine.

[Conventional technology]

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

In this device, the document is fed sequentially to the feed tray, but first, it is stopped by the pinch roller on the entrance side, and then moved to a predetermined position on the document table by the pinch roller and the conveyor belt that operate in response to the feed signal. transported. Then, in response to the end of exposure, the document is conveyed again by the conveyor belt and ejected, and the next document is conveyed.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

Although the above-mentioned conventional automatic document feeder automates the handling of documents and performs copying operations efficiently, in order to store a large number of copies and save on the number of copies, it is necessary to transfer two documents onto one sheet of paper. It has not been possible to respond to a request for copying a document on a document table because the stopping position of the document conveyed onto the document table is fixedly determined.

To deal with this problem, when placing a document on the document table using the automatic document feeder, if the document is an odd-numbered document, it is placed in the first position on the document table, and if the document is an odd-numbered document, it is placed in the first position on the document table, and even-numbered documents are At the same time, the document conveying means is controlled to set the original at the second position on the original table, and the original set at the first position on the original table is copied to the first position on the copy paper. , the original set in the second position on the document table is placed in the first position first.
The present applicant has proposed that the problem can be solved by linking a copying machine with a composite mode that copies a copy image to a second position adjacent to a first position on a copy sheet on which a copy image is formed. (See Application No. 61-217954).

To explain this with reference to FIG. 1, in the figure, an automatic document feeder (ADF) is shown, and originals ORI and OR2 are placed on the original tray 32 with the side to be copied facing the original tray 32. The documents are sequentially fed from the top original, that is, from OR2, to the front of the pinch roller path by a feeding means consisting of feeding rollers. When a command to convey the document to the document table is output from the microprocessor that controls the operation of the ADF, the two documents are conveyed toward the document table by a conveying means consisting of a pinch roller and a conveyor belt. Ru. For the first (odd-numbered) document, that is, the two-page document, the second page document OR2 is transported. When the trailing edge is detected by the sensor 37, this detection signal is counted and judged by the counter of the microprocessor that constitutes the odd-even judgment means for the original, and it is determined that it is the odd-numbered sheet, and the original is fed a certain distance 11. Stop and set to position A in the same figure. In this state, exposure is performed and a copy is made, but the copy paper becomes as shown in the same figure, half of which is blank. Since the composite copy mode of the copying machine is selected, this copy paper is stored in the paper re-feed tray. When the required number of copies have been copied, for the second (even-numbered) document, that is, the two-page document, the first page document ORI is fed;
, it is determined that this is an even numbered sheet, and the total distance of the fixed distance 11 and the width of the document 2 (J1 + 12
) after being conveyed, it is stopped and set at position B in the figure.

In this state, exposure is performed and copies are made, but the second page of the original is first copied onto the paper stored in the re-feed tray, so it is shown as C0PY 2 in the same figure. The result is an odd number of pages on - sheets of copy paper,
Even-numbered pages of the original are copied.

By the way, when feeding originals using the automatic document feeder described above, there is no problem if the number of originals is an even number, but if the number of originals is an odd number, the last original to be copied,
In other words, since the first sheet is an odd-numbered sheet, O
This corresponds to R2 and is set at the position of the original platen. Then, since there is no original to be transported after that, the copy is C0 in the same figure.
The format is PY 1, and the margins are on the first page, making it look unsightly. This invention aims to solve the above problems.

[Means for solving problems]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to transport the first document to the position shown in FIG. 1B when the number of documents fed by the automatic document feeder is an odd number.
This function controls the conveyance of originals so that copies are made without depending on the composition mode, and for subsequent originals, the set position on the document table is changed depending on the odd-numbered or even-numbered originals being fed. There is a document feeding means that feeds the last page of a plurality of documents stored in the document storage section one by one to the document transport section, and a document feeding means that feeds the documents one by one from the last page of a plurality of documents stored in the document storage section; A document conveying means for conveying the document to a predetermined position, a number-odd/even identification means for determining whether the number of document sheets stored in the document storage section is an odd number or an even number, and a document feed means for determining whether the document fed by the document feeding means is an odd numbered document. When the number of originals is determined to be an even number by the odd-even judgment means and the number-odd-even identification means, the first original fed to the original transport unit is placed on the original table. If the document is identified as an odd number, it is conveyed to the second position on the document table, and the second and subsequent documents fed to the document conveyance unit are determined to be an odd number by an odd-even judgment means. When it is determined that the document is the first sheet, the document is conveyed to a first position on the document table, and when it is determined that it is an even numbered sheet, the document conveying means is controlled so that the document is conveyed to a second position on the document table. It is characterized by being equipped with a conveyance control means.

[For production]

When it is determined that the number of originals stored in the original storage section of the automatic original feeding device is an odd number, the original to be fed first, that is, the last page of the original, is set to the position shown in FIG. 1B.

Copying can be performed regardless of the composition mode. As a result, the blank space that occurs when the number of original sheets is an odd number can be formed on the last page of the copy instead of on the first page.

〔Example〕

Examples of the present invention will be described below.

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

In the figure, 1 is the main body of the copying machine, 2 is the scanning optical system, 3 is the photosensitive drum, 4 is the developing device, 5 is the first paper feed table, and 6 is the second paper feed table.
The paper feed trays 7, 8 are paper feed rollers 9, 10, which feed copy sheets one by one on the first and second paper feed trays, respectively.
11 is a conveyance roller that conveys the copy paper to the transfer position; 12
13 is a conveyance path, 13 is a conveyance belt for the copy paper onto which the toner image has been transferred, 14 and 15 are a pair of fixing rollers, and 69 is an eraser.

Further, 16 is a conveying path for the fixed copy paper, 17 is a switching claw for switching whether to eject the copy paper or conveying it to the re-feeding tray, 18 is a conveying path to the re-feeding tray, and 19 is a copying The conveyance path switching claw is used to change the orientation of the paper between the front and back sides when making double-sided copies and when making composite copies. In this case, the purpose is to switch the paper to be transported to the re-feeding tray via the reversing transport path 21.

2 is a paper refeeding tray, n is a feeding roller for feeding the copy paper on the paper refeeding tray, and 24 is a guide plate for the paper refeeding tray, which is set at an appropriate position according to the size of the paper. In addition, these guide plates 23 and 24 retract the paper feed roller n upwards when a number of copies corresponding to a predetermined number of copies manually operated by a key are stored, and move the copy paper below the feed roller. , has a function to enable paper feeding. The document feeder is an automatic document feeder and is installed on the document table δ of the copying machine 1. Its configuration will be explained later. Also, Seki is a known sorter.

Next, the automatic document feeder (ADF) will be explained based on FIG. 3. 31 is a document feeding unit, 32 is a document tray,
33 is a feeding roller; 34 and 35 are separation rollers that separate and feed originals one by one; concave portions are separation sensors that detect whether or not originals are reliably fed one by one; An entrance sensor 39 detects when the trailing edge of the original passes in order to control the stopping position of the original. Reference numeral 39 is a conveyor belt for conveying the original, and is installed between a drive roller 40 and a tension roller 41. 42 is a roller that presses the conveyor belt against the document table. Reference numeral 45 denotes a document discharge section, 46 a document discharge guide, 47 and 48 guide rollers, and 49 a paper discharge tray for receiving the document after exposure. It should be noted that the holder is a paper ejection sensor that detects the trailing edge of the ejected document.

Figure 4 shows the operation panel of the ADF, including a print key 73, a border erase key 72 for requesting erasing of the border between two originals, and a composite 2nd mode key for selecting the composite 2nd mode as the copy mode. 71, APS mode that automatically selects copy paper suitable for the original size;
Mode k that selects the copy magnification according to the selected paper size
An automatic setting mode selection key 70 for selecting either MS, or a mode MUL for manually selecting the copy magnification and copy paper, and a lamp 6 for displaying these modes.
5-1゜65-2, 65-3, 65-4, 65-
5 is provided. Note that there are two types of composition modes: a first composition mode and a second composition mode. The second compositing mode is a copying mode according to the present invention in which two originals successively supplied in a copying system linked with an ADF are copied onto one copy sheet.

Next, its operation will be explained. First, operate the key 71 on the operation panel of the copying machine to select the second composition mode, and then operate the key 70 to select the automatic setting mode.
Select either AMS or MUL. Also,
The original is placed face down on the original tray 32 of the ADF, and prepared to be fed starting from the last page at the top of the original.

When the print key 73 on the operation panel is pressed to start the copying operation, the top original in the original OR on the original tray 32 is sent out by the feeding roller, and the separation roller 35
The documents are separated one by one, and the first (odd-numbered) document is ORed.
2 is sent out as far as the pinch roller. When it is time to send out the document by known timing adjustment means, the pinch roller blades rotate to send the document OR2 under the conveyor belt 39. The conveyor belt 39 is moved in the direction of arrow a by a drive roller 40, and holds the original OR2 by frictional force in the direction of arrow a.
Transport in the direction of.

A pulse generating disk (not shown) is attached to the motor shaft that drives the pinch roller blades, and it counts the passage of a predetermined amount of time after the trailing edge of the document is detected by the entrance sensor 37, and determines whether the trailing edge of the document is the reference point. After passing the point P, the pinch roller stops, the conveyor belt 39 is stopped, and the conveyor belt is further moved in the opposite direction (in the direction of the arrow) by a predetermined amount determined from the time counted by the previous timer and the amount of movement. Place the rear end at the reference point P on the document table 5.
(In FIG. 1, the position is a distance 11 from the entrance sensor 37).

The document is placed at a predetermined first position on the document table 5 (position A in FIG.
), the ADF instructs the main body of the copying machine to perform a series of copying operations including exposure, development, and fixing. A scanning optical system 2 scans a document and forms an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor drum 3. The electrostatic latent image is developed and transferred onto a copy sheet fed from the paper feed tray 5 or 6 via the conveyance rollers 9, 10.degree. 11 and the conveyance path 12. The copy paper on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed by a conveyor belt 13 to fixing rollers 14 and 15, and the toner image is fixed on the copy paper. The above is the copying process of a normal copying machine, and although the explanation is omitted here, it goes without saying that the copying machine includes components such as a charger, a transfer device, a static eliminator, and a cleaner, which are known in the art.

The copy paper that has been fixed is discharged from the fixing rollers 14 and 15, but since the second composite mode is selected as the copy mode, the switching claw 17 provided in the middle of the conveyance path
is switching the conveyance path 16 toward the paper refeed tray. Therefore, the copy paper enters the transport path 18.

At the exit of the conveyance path 18, there is a switching claw for transporting the paper to the reversing conveyance path 21 for reversing the front and back sides of the paper in the case of double-sided copy mode, or directly to the paper refeed tray in the case of the first or second composition mode. 19, and in this explanation, the second combining mode is selected as the copy mode, so the switching claw 1
Reference numeral 9 indicates that the copy paper is switched in the direction in which it directly enters the re-feed tray. The carried-in copy paper is stored at a predetermined position on the paper re-feed tray by guide plates n and 24. In this way, the copying operation is repeated for the set number of copies, and the copying of the first (odd-numbered) document is completed.

The feeding roller n of the paper re-feeding tray is retracted upward, and the copy paper on the paper re-feeding tray is moved leftward by the third tooth of the guide plate n, 24 and set at the paper feeding position. Then, the feeding roller n descends to complete preparations for feeding the second document as a copy sheet for copying onto the blank area of the copy sheet on which the first document was previously copied.

When the ADF receives a copy completion signal for the first (odd-numbered) document output from the copying machine, the ADF begins a document exchange operation. First, the conveyor belt 39 moves in the direction of arrow a in FIG.
6 and guide rollers 47 and 48, and is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 49. At this time, the discharge sensor 44 detects discharge. Then, the next document is sent out by the feed roller.

This time, since it is the second (even-numbered) document, the timer that starts counting after the trailing edge of the document is detected by the entrance sensor 37 points the trailing edge of the document to the reference point P on the document table (in Fig. The document width 12
The document is stopped by a distance corresponding to , at a position on the left side in FIG.

The document is placed at a predetermined second position on the document table 5 (position B in FIG.
), the ADF instructs the main body of the copying machine to perform a series of copying operations including exposure, development, and fixing. A scanning optical system 2 scans the original and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum. In this case, the optical system 2 performs a full scan that scans the entire surface of the document table, so the first document on the photoreceptor drum is
Dirt on the surface of the ADF's conveyor belt 39 is also formed as an electrostatic latent image in the area corresponding to the position, so this area is erased by lighting an eraser lamp. When doing so, a line image may be formed at the boundary between the first (odd-numbered) document and the second (even-numbered) document, so make sure to widen the width to be erased with the eraser lamp. The electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum is developed,
The toner image is transferred to the copy paper in the re-feed tray fed by the feed roller n, that is, to the blank portion of the paper on which the first document has been previously copied.

The copy paper on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed by the conveyor belt 13 to fixing rows 214 and 15, and the toner image is fixed onto the copy paper. The fused copy paper is ejected, but the second
Since the processing is for the even-numbered document, the switching claw 17 switches the conveyance path 16 to the discharge direction toward the sorter father.

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

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

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

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control circuit that controls the ADF and the copying machine, and shows only the portions related to the second combining mode, which is the copying mode provided in the ADF of the present invention.

Both the ADF and the copier are equipped with a microprocessor for control.
AD by a program running on a microprocessor
F. The functional operation of the copying machine is controlled.

First, to explain from the ADF side, the mark is the ADF control CPU, and its input port ■1 has a print key 72.1.
2 has automatic setting mode AP S/AMS/MU
L selection key 70. A signal from the synthesis second mode selection key 71 is inputted to I3, and a signal from the border erase key 72 is inputted to I3. Input port I5. Inlet sensors 37.I6 each detect the document feeding state. Signals SEN・IN and SEN・OUT of the discharge sensor 44 are input. Also,
From output capo) 01.02.03, a high speed drive signal HI, a low speed drive signal LO, and a forward/reverse switching signal are output to the conveyor belt drive motor control circuit 62.

63 is a conveyor belt drive motor whose speed and rotation direction are controlled by a conveyor belt drive motor control circuit 62.
Pulses from a pulse generator provided on the motor shaft are input to the input port IP of the ADF control CPU 60 via the control circuit 62. In addition, the output port 04 of the ADF control CPU 60 sends to the drive circuit 64 the 0N10FF signal of the clutch that transmits power to the pinch roller, the brake operation signal, and the automatic setting mode AP S / AMS / MUL that is manually operated by the key. A signal for displaying and displaying the second synthesis mode is output, and the clutch and brake are operated, the display lamp on the display section 65 is displayed, etc.

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

Ic and Id include a detection signal 5EN-OR from a sensor that detects whether the document size and position is A4 landscape or B5 landscape, etc., and a paper size signal 5E stored in the copying machine's paper feed tray and paper feed cassette.
N-PA, scanning end detection signal SEN' of scanning optical system 2
SC, and a detection signal SE of the rotational angular position of the photoreceptor drum.
N-DM is input. Further, the output capacitors Oa and Ob output a scanning optical system drive signal and a forward/reverse switching signal to the scanning optical system drive motor control circuit. Reference numeral 67 denotes a scanning optical system drive motor, which is controlled to stop and rotate in forward and reverse directions by the control circuit, and receives pulses from a pulse generator provided on the motor shaft through the control circuit 67 to the input port of the CPU 61 for controlling the copying machine. Enter - and Is. Further, an output port Oc of the copying machine control CPU 61 outputs an in-slump 690 lighting control signal to the drive circuit section.

Various control signals are exchanged between the ADF control CPU 60 and the copying machine control CPU 61, and from 05.06.07.08, the original size signal 0R8Z and copy start signal CPST , an even page signal EVPG indicating that the document is an even page;
The 00M2 signal indicating the second combining mode is output, and the input signals of the copying machine control CPU 61 are input (Ie, If, Ig,
It is input to Ih. Also, the output of the copying machine control CPU 61) Od.

A copy paper size signal PASZ and a copy completion signal CPFN are output from Oe, and the input port E7 of the ADF control CPU 60 is output. It is input to step 8.

Next, the ADF control CPU 60. Copy machine control CPU 61
The control process executed in will be explained with reference to flowcharts from FIG. 6 to FIG. 12.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ADF main routine. When the power is turned on, initialization such as clearing the memory and resetting the flags is performed (step Sl). Next, an internal timer for managing the operation of the main routine is set (step S2). Processes signals input from various sensors and output signals such as drive motor operation commands (
Step 83).

Check whether ADF is used (step S4) e AD
If F is used, mode setting is performed to set necessary flags, etc. according to the input signal of the mode input as the copy mode, for example, normal mode, composite mode, etc. (step 85). Feeding of the original is started, and the original is fed to the pinch roller and stopped (step S6).

Check whether the copy mode is the second composition mode (step S
7) If it is not the second synthesis mode, the process proceeds to step 811, executes the transport mode 1 subroutine, which will be explained in detail later, and proceeds to step 812. Further, in the case of the second composition mode, the process advances to step S8, and it is checked whether a flag indicating that the original is an even page is set.

If the flag indicating that the original is an even page is set, the transport mode 2 subroutine (step S9
) and proceeds to step S12.

If the above flag is not set, the transport mode 1 subroutine (step 5lO) is fully executed, and the process proceeds to step 312.

The document size is detected manually or by detecting the fed document using a sensor (step 512), waits for the internal timer to end (step 513), and returns to step S2 to proceed to the next cycle of processing. .

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

Next, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, step S10゜31
The subroutines of transport mode 1 and transport mode 2 shown as S1 and S9 will be explained.

First, the transport mode 1 subroutine will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b). A feeding counter (not shown) or the like is used to check whether or not this is the first document to be conveyed (step 821), and if it is not the first document, the process moves to step S30. If it is the first sheet, it is checked whether the entrance sensor 37 has detected the leading edge of the original (step 522), and when it has been detected, it is checked whether the feeding of the original to the pinch roller entrance has been completed (step 523). ). When the document feeding is completed, the process advances to step S24. Step S22
．． If the judgment result is negative in SZ3, the process returns to the main routine.

In step $24, it is checked whether the number of originals set on the original tray is an odd number. This is because if the number of originals is an odd number, only one original will be copied at the end.
The left side of the copy paper will be blank (shown as C0PY 1 in Figure 1), which does not look good. This determination is made so that the copy of the original is placed on the left side of the page, and the blank page is placed on the right side.

Note that whether the number of originals set in the original tray is an odd number or an even number can also be input from an input means for inputting the number of originals (not shown), such as a key switch on the operation panel.
It is also possible to input from a separately provided document number counting means.

As a result of the determination in step S24, if the number of originals is an odd number, the clutch of the pinch roller is turned on, and the conveyor belt 39 is turned on.
is driven at low speed to convey the original to position B on the original platen 5 (see FIG. 1), and an even page flag is set (steps S25, S26, and 527). Also, step S24
As a result of the judgment, if the number of sheets is not an odd number, the clutch of the pinch roller is turned on, and the conveyor belt is driven at high speed to convey the document to position A on the document table 5 (see Fig. 1) (step 5).
28,529).

Proceeding to step S30, it is checked whether copying is complete. If copying is finished, the conveyance belt 39 is driven at high speed to convey the document to the discharge section 45, and a timer TM3 is set to adjust the timing for feeding the next document (step S
31.532). If copying is not completed, step S3
1, S32 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, it is checked whether the timer TM3 has finished counting, and if it has not finished, the process moves to step S41, but if it has finished, the process moves to step S34, and it is checked whether all the documents in the document tray 32 are in the feeding mode. If it is the feeding method, the process proceeds to step S35, where it is checked whether the discharge sensor 44 of the document discharge section has detected the trailing edge of the document, and if it has detected the trailing edge of the document, the document is completely stored in the paper discharge tray 49. The timing adjustment timer TM6 is set (step 536), and it is checked whether the timer TM6 has finished counting (step 537). If the timing has finished counting, the conveyor belt 39 is stopped and the process returns to the main routine (step 538). If the discharge sensor 44 of the document discharge section does not detect the trailing edge of the document in step S35, step S36 is omitted, and if the timer TM6 has not finished counting in step S37, step S38 is omitted.

If the document is not completely fed in step S34, the process proceeds to step S40, where the clutch of the pinch roller is turned on and the document is conveyed. Check whether the trailing edge of the transported document is detected by the entrance sensor 37 (step 541);
When detected, a timer TM7 for timing adjustment is set so that the conveyance belt 39 conveys the document to a predetermined position on the document table 5 (step 542). If no original is detected, step S42 is omitted.

Proceeding to step S43, it is checked whether the timer TM7 has finished counting. If the time measurement has not ended, the process moves to step S50, but if the time measurement has ended, the conveyance belt 39 is stopped, the clutch of the pinch roller is turned off, and the brake is turned on to stop the document conveyance drive section (steps S44 to 846), and the document A document feed flag is set to feed the next document from the tray 32 to the pinch roller (step 547). Furthermore, a timing adjustment timer T is used to move the conveyor belt 39 in the opposite direction to the normal position (the position where the trailing edge of the original coincides with point P) for the original that has come out and stopped somewhat ahead of the normal position.
M8 is set, and a copy start flag is set (step S48.549).

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

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

If the timer TM8 has not finished counting time in step S50, steps 851 to S54 are omitted and the process moves to step 356, and in step S56, the timer T
If the time measurement of M9 has not finished, steps 857 to S
59 is omitted and the routine immediately returns to the king routine.

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

First, the end of copying is checked (step 861), and if copying is completed, the conveyor belt 39 is driven at low speed to transport the original to the discharge section 45, and the timer TM3 adjusts the timing for feeding the next original. is set (steps 862 and 863).

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

Since the first document stops at position A in Figure 11, the document is positioned at the reference point P, but normally this position is the edge of the document table (original glass), and the positioning member is used to position the document at the reference point P. It is possible to set it from high speed drive.

On the other hand, when stopping the document at position B, the stopping position varies depending on the size and it is difficult to provide a positioning member, so the document is driven at low speed to improve the accuracy of the position at which the transported document is stopped. In the example, the high speed drive is 1
000 m1sec, and low speed drive is 200 m7sec.

If copying is not completed in step S61, step 862. S63 is omitted. The process advances to step S64, and it is checked whether or not the timer TM3 has finished counting, and if it has ended, the process proceeds to step 865, and it is checked whether all the documents in the document tray have been fed. If the document has been fed, it is checked whether the discharge sensor 44 of the document discharge section has detected the trailing edge of the document (step 866). When the trailing edge of the document is detected, the timer TM6 for timing adjustment until the document is completely stored in the paper ejection tray 49 is set (step S67), and the timer check is completed (step S868), and the timer TM6 is checked. If so, the conveyor belt 39 is stopped, the even page flag is reset, the odd page flag is set, and the process returns to the main routine (step 869. S70. S71).
). If the discharge sensor 44 of the document discharge section does not detect the trailing edge of the document in step S66, step 867 is omitted;
Further, if the timer TM6 has not finished counting in step 868, step S69 is omitted.

If it is determined in step 865 that the original has not been completely fed, the process proceeds to step S72, where the clutch of the pinch roller is turned on and the original is fed. Check whether the trailing edge of the fed document is detected by the entrance sensor 37 (step 537);
When detected, a timer TM4 for timing adjustment is set so that the conveyance belt 39 conveys the document to a predetermined position on the document table (step 574). This timer TM4 varies depending on the size of the document. If no original is detected, step 874 is omitted.

Proceeding to step 875, it is checked whether timer TM4 has finished counting. If the timing has not finished, the process moves to step 382, but if the timing has finished, the conveyor belt 39 is stopped, the clutch of the pinch roller is turned off, the brake is turned on, and the document conveyance drive section is stopped (steps 876 to 578). Timer TM for timing adjustment to turn off the brake
5, the copy start flag is set, and the document feed flag is set (steps 879 to 581).

Check whether timer TM5 has finished counting (step 582), and when finished, turn off the brake, reset the copy start flag, reset the even page flag, and set the odd page flag (steps 883 to 886), and return to the main routine. If the timer TM5 has not finished counting in step 882, the process immediately returns to the main routine.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an outline of the main routine of the copying machine. When the power is turned on, initialization such as clearing the memory and resetting the flags is performed (step 8101).
. Next, an internal timer for managing the operation of the main routine is set (step 8102).

Signals input from the paper feed cassette and other various sensors and output signals such as operation commands for various drive systems are processed (step 8103).

Next, set the copy mode (step 8104).
). Here, a case will be described in which the second synthesis mode and the automatic setting mode are set using the keys 71 and 70 on the operation panel. Details of the automatic setting mode will be explained later. Once the copy magnification is determined in automatic setting mode,
In accordance with this, the scanning optical system 2 is moved to set a predetermined copy magnification (step 5105), and the guide plate n of the re-feed tray is moved in accordance with the copy paper size selected in the automatic setting mode.

Sae is set (step 5106).

Check whether the copy mode is the compositing second mode (step 5)
107), and in the case of the second synthesis mode, performs a synthesis preliminary operation (step 8108). This is the setting of the conveyance path switching claw 17 to add the paper refeed tray, and the tray guide plate n, 2.
This is used to perform settings such as 4.

Step 5108 is omitted when the mode is not the second synthesis mode.

It is checked whether the copy start signal CPST output from the ADF is ON (step 5109), and if it is ON, a series of copying operations begins. That is, copying processes such as feeding copy paper, charging the photoconductor, developing, transferring, and erasing static electricity, scanning and exposing the document by the scanning optical system, and forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor during the second mode of composition. Among them, operations such as erasing of margins and boundaries, switching of the transport path associated with the second compositing mode, feeding of paper from the paper re-feeding tray, and ejection of copy paper are controlled (steps 8110 to 5116).

After waiting for the internal timer to finish counting (step 5117), the process returns to step 5102 to proceed to the next cycle.

If the copy start signal is not ON in step 5109, the copying operation is not started and the process moves to step 5117.

Next, step 5104 in the flowchart of FIG.
Among the copy modes set in step 1, the automatic setting mode will be explained based on the flowcharts in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b). Note that although the description here is based on an A4 size document, this is just an example and is not limited to this.

First, it is checked whether the mode is the second synthesis mode (step 5121).
), if it is not in the second composition mode, it returns to the main routine, but in the second composition mode, it checks whether the document is an odd page (
Step 5122), if it is not an odd numbered page, move to step 32, set the width of the document scanned by the scanning optical system to A3 size, which corresponds to the entire surface of the document table, set erase mode 2 (step 5133), and main routine. I'm back busy. The erase mode will be explained in detail later.

As a result of the determination in step 5122, if the page is an odd number, the process proceeds to step 5123, where it is checked whether the size of the document is A4 landscape. This is checked using an ADF sensor (not shown).

If the layout is not A4 horizontally, a decision will be made on whether to use other dimensions, for example, B5 horizontally, but if the size is possible for the second mode of composition, the flowchart will be the same as the flowchart that will be explained from now on, and the copy to be used will be Since the only difference is the paper size etc., the explanation will be omitted.

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

When in APS mode, check the copy magnification entered manually using a separate key, and when the copy magnification is 0.816, select A3 portrait as the copy paper, and when the copy magnification is 0.816, select B4 portrait as the paper, and when the copy magnification is 0. .707, A4 portrait is selected as the paper (steps 3125 to 5129). Next, it is checked whether the selected paper is present in the paper feed tray or paper cassette, and if there is no paper, a warning is displayed and the process returns to the main routine (steps 5130 and 5131).

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

If it is determined in step 5124 that it is not the APS mode, the process moves to step 8141K (FIG. 10(b)), and it is checked whether the mode is AMS mode or not. The AMS mode is a mode selected by inputting from the keys on the operation panel, and is a mode in which the copying magnification is automatically selected according to the copying paper size, which is input manually using the keys. In AMS mode, the copy magnification is selected according to the copy paper size entered manually using the key, but if the original is A4 landscape, but the paper size is A3 portrait, the copy magnification is set to i.
,oo, if the paper size is A4 portrait, copy magnification is 0.70
7. If the paper size is B4 portrait, select a copy magnification of 0.816 (steps 8142 to 5146). It is checked whether the set magnification range can be set (step S18), and if it is not settable, a warning is processed and the process returns to the main routine (step 5148), but if it is settable, it is checked in step S154.
Step 515, set the width of the document scanned by the optical system to A4 width, and set erase mode 1 (step 515).
5) Return to the main routine.

In this way, in the second composite mode, it is possible to select a magnification that is 1/2 of the compatible magnification selected in normal AMS, that is, a magnification equivalent to half of the copy paper, and make a composite copy of two originals. shall be.

If it is determined in step 5141 that it is not AMS, the process moves to step 5151. This is to select the paper size and copy magnification in manual mode, and in the explanation of this example, A4 portrait is selected as the paper size and the copy magnification is 0.70.
7 is selected (steps 5151, 8152).

Check whether there is A4 size paper in the paper feed tray or paper cassette (step 5153), and if there is, step 5
Moving on to 154. If there is no paper, a warning is processed and the process returns to the main routine (step 5156).

If there is paper selected in step 5130, the process also moves to step 5154.

Regarding erase mode 1 and erase mode 2 shown as steps 8155 and 5133 in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), FIG. 11(a) and
This will be explained based on the flowchart in (b).

FIG. 11(a) is a flowchart showing erase mode 1. First, when copying is performed in composite mode, a line may appear at the boundary between two originals, and a request to erase this line is input from the operation key 72. Check whether it is done (
Step 5161 ). If there is no request, it immediately returns to the original routine, but if there is a request, a timer T checks the set copy magnification and determines the erase width according to the copy magnification.
Sets a flag requesting that a predetermined time be set to 1. That is, when the copy magnification is 1.00, set flag A, when the copy magnification is 0.816, set flag B, and when the copy magnification is 0.707, set flag C. (Steps 8162 to 5166) , return to the original routine.

FIG. 11(b) is a flowchart showing erase mode 2. In this erase mode, the original to be copied is in the second position (position B in FIG. 1), so the front half of the original platen is To prevent dirt on the photosensitive drum from appearing as an electrostatic latent image and being transferred again onto the already copied image on the copy paper, erase only the front half, that is, the A4 size width of the paper. There is a need to. Therefore, if a boundary erase request is not input from the operation key 72, a request flag is set to erase in A4 size width (step 5177). The other part, that is, the part that checks the copy magnification and sets a flag requesting the setting of a predetermined time to a timer according to the copy magnification (step 8).
172 to 5176) are the same as erase mode 1.

Next, of the erase control shown as step 5113 in the flowchart of FIG. 9, a portion related to the erase mode described above will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b).

First, it is checked from the rotation angle signal SEN-DM of the photoreceptor drum whether or not the leading edge of the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum has come under the eraser (step 8181).
If it is not below the eraser, the process moves to step 5190, but if it is below the eraser, the process moves to step 5182.
Check the 4-width erase request flag (step 518)
2). If the erase request flag is set, the erase lamp 69 is turned on (step 8183). If the erase request flag is not set, the process moves to step 5184 and the timer request flag is checked (step 8184). If the timer request flag is not set, the process immediately moves to step 5190, but if the timer request flag is set, it is checked whether the flag is A or B, and the corresponding time is set in the timer T□ to measure the time. Start. (Steps 8185-5189). That is, set the following time.

(1) When flag A is T1 = (TAA) (2) When flag B is T = (T8-B) (3) When flag C is T□ = (To-C) Kokote TA: Copy magnification of A4 size Time required to scan at the same size TB: Time required to scan an A4 size at a copy magnification of 0.816 TO: Time required to scan an A4 size at a copy magnification of 0.70'7 A, B, C: Constants. This value is determined according to each copying magnification and represents the time equivalent to 1/2 of the boundary erase width.

The program proceeds to step 5190, and checks whether the timer T1 has finished counting. If the timer has finished counting, this means that the time has come to start erasing the boundary, so the erase lamp 69 is turned on (step 8191').

This step is omitted if the timer has not finished counting.

Proceeding to step 5192, it is checked from the rotation angle signal of the photoreceptor drum, etc. whether the trailing edge of the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum has come below the eraser.

If it is not below the eraser, the process moves to step 5203, but if it is below the eraser, the A4 width erase request flag is checked (step 5193). If the erase request flag is not set, the process moves to step 5202, and the erase lamp 69 is turned on. If it is set, it is checked whether the timer request flag is set, and if it is not set, the process moves to step 5201.
Turn off the erase lamp 69. Further, when the timer request flag is set, it is checked whether the flag is A, B, or C, and the corresponding time is set in the timer T2 to start timing (steps 8195 to 5199).

That is, set the following time. This time extends the erase width by a length corresponding to A, B, and C.

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

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

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

If the scanning is not completed, step 5206 is omitted and the process returns to the main routine.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the present invention feeds a document so that two consecutive pages out of a plurality of documents can be automatically copied onto a single sheet of copy paper. When the number of original sheets to be copied is an odd number, the feeding of the original is controlled so that there is no blank space at the beginning of the copy, so two consecutive pages of the original can be copied neatly on one sheet of copy paper. can do.

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[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the automatic document feeder of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the main structure of a copying machine suitable for installing and using the automatic document feeder of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the main structure of the automatic document feeder, and FIG. The figure is a front view of the operation panel of the automatic document feeder, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the control circuit that controls the automatic document feeder and the copying machine, and FIGS. 6 to 12 are the automatic document feeder and the control circuit. 2 is a flowchart of a control process executed by a CPU that controls the operation of a copying machine. 30 = automatic document feeder, 32: document tray, 37: population sensor, 38: pinch roller, 39: conveyor belt, 2
5=Original table, ORI, OR2: Original, C0PYI, C
0PY2: Copy. OPY 2 Figure 1 Figure 9 Figure 11 (a)

Claims (1)

[Claims] A document feeding means that feeds the last page of a plurality of documents stored in the document storage section one by one to the document transport section; A document conveying means to be conveyed, a number-odd/even identification means for identifying whether the number of originals stored in the document storage section is an odd number or an even number, and a document feeding means that determines whether the number of originals fed by the document feeding means is an odd number or an even number. When the number of originals is determined to be an even number by the odd-even judgment means and the number-odd-even identification means, the first original fed to the original transport unit is moved to the first position on the original table. If it is identified as an odd number of sheets, it is transported to the second sheet on the document table.
position, and when the second and subsequent documents fed to the document transport unit are determined to be odd-numbered sheets by the odd-even judgment means, they are transported to the first position on the document table, and the even-numbered sheets are An automatic document feeder comprising: a conveyance control means for controlling the document conveyance means to convey the document to a second position on the document table when it is determined that the document is a document feeder.