JPH012959A - Automatic document circulation conveyance device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an automatic document circulation conveyance device that circulates a document along a fixed path and receives light irradiation at a predetermined position.

Prior art and its problems Conventionally, this type of automatic document circulation conveyance device has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-147762 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 59-109066.
The method described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 57-49233 is known. In this type of device, skewing of the original due to accuracy errors in the conveying means is unavoidable, and therefore, a means for detecting the amount of skew of the original is provided in the circulating conveyance path, and the skewing of the original is detected based on the detected value. It has skew correction means for correcting rows.

However, in the above-mentioned apparatus, the guide member for correcting the skew of the document is driven by a solenoid.
The problem is that it can only be controlled in terms of values, and that it is not possible to continuously and finely control the position according to the amount of skew. Moreover, to adjust for variations inherent in individual devices, it is necessary to judge skew by looking at the copied image while actually copying, or to remove the cover of the document transport section and directly check the document transport. However, this method also has problems in that it wastes toner and requires complicated labor.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the automatic document circulation conveyance device according to the present invention includes: <8) means for circulation conveyance of the document between the insertion section and the ejection section; ) a correction guide member for correcting the skew of the document being conveyed through the circulation conveyance path; (c) a stepping motor that drives the correction guide member; and (d) provided orthogonally to the circulation conveyance path. (e) means for determining the correction amount of the correction guide member based on the skew amount detected by the document skew amount detection means; f) means for controlling the stepping motor based on the correction value determined by the determining means; (g) means for detecting that the correction guide member is at a predetermined reference position; (h) the aforementioned means for positioning the correction guide member to the reference position prior to the start of the copying operation according to the fixed position detection means; (i) an adjustment mode in which only circular conveyance of the original is performed without involving the copying operation; (j) the adjustment mode; means for selectively setting the mode;
) a first error detection means for detecting a detection timing difference of the document detection sensor when executing the adjustment mode; and 1) detecting a difference between the position of the correction guide member and the reference position when executing the adjustment mode. (m) a second error detection means for detecting a difference; (m) the first error detection means; (n) means for setting the adjustment amount of the correction guide member based on the detected value of the second error detection means; (n) setting the correction guide member to the reference based on the adjustment amount set by the adjustment amount setting means; It is characterized by comprising: an adjusting means for moving from the position to the initial position;

In the structure described above, first, in the case of a multi-f
The amount of skew is detected by the document skew amount detection means every time the document is circulated, and the stepping motor is controlled based on the detected value to drive the guide member for correction.In other words, by using the stepping motor The position of the correction guide member is continuously and finely controlled according to the amount of skew.

On the other hand, it is possible to execute an adjustment mode in which only the document is circulated without any copying operation, and by executing this adjustment mode, the detection timing difference of the document detection sensor that constitutes the skew amount detection means, and the correction based on the difference in the detection timing of the document detection sensor that constitutes the skew amount detection means can be executed. The deviation of the guide member from the reference position can be detected, the adjustment amount of the correction guide member can be set based on these detected values, and the correction guide member is moved to the initial position based on this adjustment amount. In this way, adjustments corresponding to variations in the individual devices themselves can be made automatically without any copying operation.

Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic document circulation conveyance apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, this embodiment is installed in the upper part of the main body of the copying machine.
), document transport rollers (2) to (7), skew correction means (30>), and document discharge tray (8).

A document conveyance roller (10) is located below the document conveyance roller (2).
) is installed so that it can approach and separate, and a stopper (11) is installed so as to be rotatable about a support shaft (12) integrally with the document transport roller (10). Conveyance roller (1
0) and the stopper (11) are driven by a solenoid (SLI), and normally the conveyance roller (10) is separated from the conveyance roller (2) and the stopper (11) is 1(A) has entered the document conveyance path. On the other hand, when the solenoid (SLI) is turned on, the conveyance roller (10) comes into contact with the conveyance roller (2),
The stopper (11) is retracted from the document conveyance path and becomes ready to convey the document.

Each of the conveyance rollers (2) to (6) and (7) can be rotationally driven in a counterclockwise direction and a clockwise direction by a conveyance motor (Ml), and driven rollers (k) and (3b), respectively.
).

<4a), (4b), (5a), (5b), (6
a), <6b), and (7a). The conveyance rollers (4), (5) have switching claws (15), (17) for switching the circulation conveyance path, and guide plates (16), (
18), and the conveyance roller (3) is provided with a switching claw (19) for switching between circulating and discharging the document, and a correction guide plate (31) for correcting skew, which will be described in detail below.

Each switching claw (15), (17), <19) is a solenoid (SL2).

At (SL3) and (SL4), it is possible to move forward and backward into the document transport path.

That is, when the switching claw (15) is also entered in a state where the switching claw (19) is allowed to enter the conveyance path, the document is circulated and transported between the transport rollers (3) and (4), and then the switching claw ( 17
) enters, it is cyclically conveyed between conveyance rollers (3) and (5), and when the switching claws (15) and (17) are retracted, it is cyclically conveyed between conveyance rollers <3) and (6). On the other hand, when the switching claw (19) is retracted from the conveyance path, the document is discharged from the conveyance roller (7) onto the discharge tray 8).

In addition, a photo sensor (P
si>, (PS2>, (fS3), (P54a
), (PS4b), and (F'S5) are installed. The sensor (Psi) is for detecting the inserted document, the sensor (PS2) is for determining the timing to temporarily stop the document, and the sensor (PS3) is for starting a timer to detect the length of the document. This is to determine the timing. Sensor (PS4a), (P
S4b) is for determining the timing for operating the switching claw (19) and detecting the amount of skew of the document.
It is installed in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction between the conveyance rollers (3) and (4) in the upper conveyance path (see Figure 3), and the leading edge of the conveyed document is detected by a sensor (PS4a), (PS
The amount of skew is detected based on the timing difference detected in step 4b). At this time, the sensor (PS4a), (P
S4b) installation positions may vary due to dip switches (5W1) to (SW4) (6th
(see figure).

The document skew correction means (30) moves a correction guide plate (31) provided along the axial direction of the transport roller (3) to a vertical axis (32) at the center of the transport path, as shown in FIG. It is arranged to be rotatable on a horizontal plane using the fulcrum as a fulcrum, and the rotation angle between and is controlled by a stepping motor (M2). The output pinion (33> of the stepping motor (M2) meshes with teeth formed on the outer periphery of the disc (34),
) A rod (35) provided at one end of the correction guide plate (31) is inserted through the elongated hole (34a). The photosensor (PS6) is used to detect the predetermined reference position of the correction guide plate (31), and the reference position is adjusted with dip switches (SW5) to (SW8) (see Figure 6). There is.

Therefore, based on the amount of skew detected by the sensors (PS4a) and (PS4b), the stepping motor <M2>
By rotating the correction guide plate (3) in either the forward or reverse direction, the correction guide plate (3) is
1) rotates about a vertical axis (32) as a fulcrum. The amount of rotation of the correction guide plate (31) is determined by stopping the driving of the stepping motor (M2) at a position corresponding to the amount of skew according to the number of pulses applied to the stepping motor (M2). As a result, when the original document that has been circulated is passed through the correction guide plate (31), its skew is corrected and returned to the normal state. Note that the details of such skew correction control will be explained later with reference to a flowchart.

On the other hand, a dip switch (SW9) is installed in the operation section for service personnel in this automatic document feeder.

This dip switch (SW9) is a selection switch for executing an adjustment mode in which only circulation of the document is carried out without any copying operation.The details of the adjustment mode will be explained later with reference to a flowchart.

Next, the general structure of the copying machine main body will be explained.

The photosensitive drum (40) can be driven to rotate in the direction of arrow (a), and well-known image forming elements such as a charger and a developing device (not shown) are arranged around the photosensitive drum (40). The optical system (41) includes an exposure lamp (42) and a mirror (43).
, (44), (45), a lens (46), and a mirror (47), and the transport roller (3), (
4> Light is applied to the document being conveyed on the glass (14) installed in between, and the reflected light is slit-exposed onto the photoreceptor drum (40).

Two types of copy paper (50) and (51) are set in roll form, and one of them is selectively fed, and a cutter (52) and a pair of timing rollers (53) are driven by a solenoid (SL5). ) to the transfer section (40a). The copy paper on which the image has been transferred in the transfer section (40a) is conveyed as shown by the dotted chain line (B) in FIG. (55) It is discharged upward. Further, a copy paper detection sensor (PS7) is installed immediately before the timing roller pair (53).

Figure 5 shows the operation panel, (60) is the copy start key, (61) to 70) are the numeric keys for setting the number of copies, <71) is the interrupt key, (72> is the clear/stop key, (73) is a display for instructing settings of dip switches (SWI) to (SW8) during adjustment processing;
This is a display section for displaying the number of copies and trouble codes such as paper jams. (74) and (75) are image density up/down keys, and (76) is a group of display LEDs.

FIG. 6 shows a control circuit. A switch matrix (80) is connected to a microcomputer (CPU) for controlling the operation of the automatic document circulation conveyance device as well as the main body of the copying machine, and a display section (73) shows this matrix <80>,
It is connected to (CPU) via a decoder (81). In addition, the output terminal of (CPU) is connected to the transport motor (Ml).
, solenoids (SLI) to (SL4) are connected thereto, and a stepping motor (M2) for skew correction is connected via a driver (83). The encoder (82) of the transport motor (Ml) and the photo sensor (PS6) are connected to the input terminal of the (CPU).

Note that the description of the control circuit of the copying machine main body will be omitted.

Here, the operation of the automatic document circulation conveyance device having the above configuration will be schematically explained together with the operation of the main body of the copying machine.

The main body of the copying machine starts a copying operation when a sensor (Psi) detects that a document is inserted from a guide plate (1).

That is, when a document is inserted along the guide plate (1) and its leading edge is detected by the sensor (Psi), the solenoid (SLI) is turned on and the conveyance roller (10) is pressed against the conveyance roller (2). At the same time, the stopper (11) is retracted from the conveyance path, the document is conveyed in the direction of the arrow, and when the leading edge of the document is detected by the sensor (PS2), the rotation of each conveyance roller is temporarily stopped.At this time, One of the preselected rolls of copy paper (50), (51) is fed,
When the leading edge is detected by the sensor (PS7), paper feeding can be temporarily stopped.

In this way, when both the original and the copy paper are waiting at a predetermined position, the original is conveyed, is irradiated with light from the optical system (41) on the glass (14), and the original image is transferred to the photoreceptor drum ( 40> as an electrostatic latent image, and is converted into a toner image by a developing device (not shown).

When a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the leading edge of the document was detected by the sensor (PS3), the timing roller pair (53) is driven, and the copy paper is transferred to the transfer section (40a) in synchronization with the toner image.
), and the cutter (52) operates at a timing corresponding to the length of the document to cut the copy paper.

Next, the operation of the automatic document circulation conveyance device will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG. 7 and subsequent figures.

FIG. 7 shows the main routine of the microcomputer (CPU).

When the (CPU) is reset and the program starts, the random access memory (
Clears RAM), initializes various registers, and performs initial settings to put each device in its initial mode. Next, in step (Sl), it is determined whether the dip switch (SW9) for service personnel is off. If the dip switch (SW9) is off, steps (S3) to (S
The subroutine 7) is sequentially called to execute document conveyance processing and skew correction processing that accompany normal copying operations. If the dip switch (SW9) is turned on, the step <
ss) and (54) to (S6) are sequentially called to carry out circulation conveyance processing of the document without copying operation, and execute an adjustment mode for adjusting the initial position of the correction guide plate (31).

In either mode, when the processing of each subroutine is completed, the process waits for the routine timer to end in step (S9), and then returns to step (Sl). The routine timer determines the time required for the main routine, and its value is set at the initial setting of step (Sl) and serves as a reference for the timer used in each subroutine.

Further, when an interrupt request is received from the CPU, the pulse counter is incremented in step (510). This is done based on a signal from the encoder (82) of the transport motor (Ml), and the distance or position of the original transported can be detected by the value of this pulse counter.

FIG. 8 shows a copy start check subroutine that can be executed in step (S3) of the main routine. This subroutine checks the start state of the copy operation and starts the copy operation when the conditions are met.

First, in step (550), the state counter (SCI) for start check is checked, and the following steps are executed according to the count value.

If the state counter (SCI) is "0", it is determined in step (551) whether the sensor (Psi) is on. If it is on, step (552) will take 0.5se.
The timer (TA) of c is set, the state counter (SCI') is incremented in step (553), and the process returns to the main routine.

In step (553) the state counter (SCI)
is incremented and set to 1'', it is determined in step (554) whether the sensor (Psi) is on or not. If it is on, the timer (Psi) is set in step (555).
After waiting for the end of TA), the transport motor (Ml) is turned on in step (556) to start transporting the document, and then in step (556)
57), the state counter for skew check (SC2
) and the state counter (SC3) for returning the guide plate to 1". Next, in step (55B>), the state counter (SC1) is incremented and the process returns to the main routine. Note that the sensor (Psi) If it is not turned on, the determination in step (554) is No, and the state counter (SCI) is set to “0” in step (S59).
” and return to the main routine.

In the step (558), the state counter (SCI
) is incremented and set to '2'', it is determined in step (560) whether the sensor (Psi) is turned off, and if it is turned off, that is, the trailing edge of the document is If it passes, the state counter (SCI>) is reset to "0" in step (561), and this subroutine is ended.

Figures 9a and 9b show the steps (S4) of the main routine.
) shows the original skew check subroutine executed at step ). In this subroutine, the amount of skew of the document is detected, and the number of steps and rotation direction of the stepping motor (M2) are determined based on the detected amount of skew.

First, in step (570), the state counter (SC2) for skew check is checked, and the following steps are executed according to the count value. If the state counter (SC2) is "0", the process immediately returns to the main routine without performing any processing.

In the step (557), the state counter (SC2
) is set to '1', it is determined whether the sensor (PS3) is off in step (571), and if it is off, the state counter (SC2') is incremented in step (572), and the main Return to routine.

When the state counter (SC2) is incremented and set to "2" in step (572), step 7
At block (573), it is determined whether the sensor (PS3') is turned on. If the sensor (PS3) is turned on, i.e.
When the leading edge of the document reaches the sensor (PS3), step (
574) increments the state counter (SC2) and returns to the main routine.

When the state counter (SC2) is incremented and set to "3" in step (574), it is determined in step (575) whether the sensor (PSda) is on. If it is turned on, the pulse current of the encoder (82) at that time is stored in the memory (A) in step (576).
Then, in step (577), the state counter (SC2) is set to "4'" and the process returns to the main routine.Also, if the sensor (PSda) is off, the sensor (PS4b) is turned off in step (578). Determine whether it is on or not. If it is on, in step <579), the pulse count value of the encoder (82) at that time is corrected by the adjustment amount explained below, and the value is stored in memo 1B), and the value is stored in memo 1B). (580) sets the state counter (SC2) to “
Set it to 5° and return to the main routine. That is, in step 575, it is determined whether the leading edge of the document reaches the sensor (PSda) or the sensor (PS4b) first.

(578) and stores the pulse count value at that time in the memory (A) and memory (B).

At this time, the memory (B) has a dip switch (SWI).
) to (SW4) can store the adjusted values.

This process will be explained with reference to Figure 9c below.

The leading edge of the document reaches the sensor (PSda) first, and the state counter (SC2) is set to "
4″, the sensor (
After confirming that PS4b) is turned on, proceed to step (
In step (582), the same correction value as in step (579) is stored in the memory (B), and in step (583), the correction value is stored in the memory (B).
Store the difference between B) and (A) in Memo 1 B). Also,
The leading edge of the document reaches the sensor (PS4b) first, and the state counter (SC2) becomes “
When set to 5'1, in step (598) it is confirmed that the sensor (PSda) is turned on, and in step (599) the current pulse count value is stored in memory (
In step 7 (583), the difference between memories (B) and (A) is stored in memory (C) as described above.

Next, in step (589), the guide plate table is checked, and the table (TI) shown in FIG. T2) and (T3) are set and stored in the memory (D).The table check subroutine here will be explained below with reference to FIG.

Next, in step (590), the position memory and memory (D)
If the position memory is equal to or larger than the memory (D), the stepping motor (M
The rotational direction flag 2) is reset to "0", and in step (592) the difference between the position memory and memory (D) is set as the number of steps for driving the stepping motor (M2). If the position memory is smaller than the memory (D), the rotation direction flag is set to "1" in step <593).
In step (594), the difference between the memory (D) and the position memory is set as the number of steps. With this, you can use the stepping motor (M2) that matches the amount of skew of the original.
rotation direction and rotating plate, i.e. correction guide plate <31>
The slope of is set.

Next, in step (595), the memory (D) is stored in the position memory, and the value in the position memory is updated for the next correction. Then, in step (596), the state counter (SC4) for guide plate correction is set to 1'''.
In step (597), the state counter (SC2) used in this subroutine is set to "1", and this subroutine is ended.

FIG. 9c shows a subroutine for processing the adjustment amount of the memory (B), which is executed in steps (579) and (S82).

First, in step (5105) the dip switch (SW
4) is on or not, and if it is on, in step (5106), the pulse control toy of the encoder (82) is directly set by the adjustment amount (SWI) to (SW3) (Fig. 16). (see table (T4)) and store it in memory (B). Deep switch (S
If ν4) is turned off, the same adjustment amount is subtracted from the pulse count value in step (5107), and the result is stored in the memory (B). The adjustment amount shown in the table (T4>) is set in advance in the adjustment mode described below.

FIG. 10 shows a subroutine for checking the guide plate position table executed in step (589).

This subroutine is shown in the table (Tl) shown in FIG.
, (T2), (T3).

That is, the skew values detected by the sensors (PS4a) and (PS4b) are, so to speak, absolute values, and the actual correction amount by the guide plate (31) varies depending on the size of the document. Therefore, tables (TI), (T2), and (T3) are used to store the value of memo 1 (C), which stores the skew amount, in the memory (D) as the correction amount according to the size of the original. Convert.

The table (T1) corresponds to the A1 version, the table (T2) corresponds to the A2 version, and the table (T3) corresponds to the A3 version. As is clear from each table, when the value of memory C) is "0", there is no oblique movement, so the correction amount is "0".

Furthermore, as the document size decreases, the amount of correction also decreases proportionally.

Specifically, in step (5100) the document size is A1.
Determine whether or not. If it is A1, step (Slot)
Then, the correction data is read out from the table (T1) according to the value in the memory (C) and stored in the memo 1 (D), and the process returns to the main routine. If it is determined No in step (stoo>), it is determined in step (5102) whether the document size is A2 or not. If it is A2, the table (T2) is moved using the Ste knob (5103) according to the value in memory (C). The correction data is read out and stored in the memory (D>), and the process returns to the main routine.Furthermore, if the determination is NO in step (5102), it is determined that the size is A3 or less, and the process returns to step (510).
In step 4), the correction data is read out from the table (T3) according to the value in memo 1 (C) and stored in the memory (D), and the process returns to the main routine.

Figures 11a and 11b show the main routine steps (
The subroutine for returning the guide plate to the reference position executed in step S5) is shown. In this subroutine, processing is performed to return the guide plate (31) to the reference position at the time of copy start.

First, in step (5110), the state counter (SC3) for returning the guide plate is checked, and the following steps are executed according to the count value. If the state counter (SC3) is "O", the process immediately returns to the main routine without performing any processing.

In the step (557), the state counter (SC3
) is set to "1", a predetermined initial phase is output in order to drive the stepping motor (M2) in step (5112), and the number of steps is set to "1" in step (5113). do. Then step (
In step 5114), it is determined whether the sensor (PS6) for detecting the reference position of the disk (34) is on or not, and if it is on, the rotation direction flag is set to 10 in step (5115). and reset the state counter (SC) using the steno knob (5116).
3) and return to the main routine. If the sensor (PS6) is off, the rotation direction flag is set to 11'' in step (5117), and the rotation direction flag is set to 11'' in step (5117).
In step 8), the state counter (SC3) is set to 311 and the process returns to the main routine.

State counter (SC3) in step (5116)
is incremented and set to "2", the stepper motor (M2) is driven in step <5119), and as explained in FIG. , step (512
0), it is determined whether the sensor (PS6) is on. If the sensor (PS6) remains on, step (512
In 1), the number of steps is set to "1" and the rotation is set in the same direction. Such rotational driving of the stepping motor (M2) is continued until the sensor (PS6) is turned off, and the number of steps is set to "1" and rotation in the same direction. If it is determined NO in step (
5122) to set the rotation direction flag to 11. is set, the state counter (SC3) is incremented in step (5123), and the process returns to the main routine.

When the sensor (PS6) is off, the state counter (SC3)
) is set to “3” 5 [step (5118)
.

(5123)], in step (5124), the stepping motor (M2) is driven, and if return skip is performed, it is determined in step (5125) whether or not the sensor (PS6) is off. If the sensor (PS6) remains off, the step number is set to "1" in step (5126), and rotation in the same direction is set. Sensor (PS6)
is turned on and it is determined No in step (5125), the rotation direction flag is reset to 10'' in step (5127), and a 5On+sec tie-7 (IB) is started in step <5128). And step (
5129), the state counter (SC3) is incremented and the process returns to the main routine.

State counter (SC3) in step (5129)
is incremented and set to "4", in step (5130) it waits for the timer (TB) to end, and in step (5131) it is determined whether or not the sensor (PS6) is off. If it is off, step (5132) shows the stiff switch (SW5) in Fig. 16.
Set the value set in ~(5w8) to the number of steps,
State counter (SC3) in step (5133)
Increment and return to the main routine. The adjustment amount shown in the table (TB) can be set in advance in the adjustment mode described below. On the other hand, the sensor (PS6
) is on, the number of steps is set to "1" in step (5134), the stepper motor (M2) drive process is executed in step (5135), and if return skip is performed, the 50m5ec timer is set in step (5136). 7
(TB) and return to the main routine.

State counter (SC3) in step (5133)
is incremented and set to 511,
In step (5170), the stepping motor (M2) is driven by the number of steps set in step (5132), and when the return skip is performed, step (
5171) starts the 100m5ec timer (TC), and step (5172) starts the state counter (
SC3) is incremented and the process returns to the main routine.

State counter (SC3) in step (5172)
is incremented and set to '6', wait for the timer (TC) to end in step (5173) and set the state counter (SC3) to '6' in step (5174).
Reset to 0 Next, in step (5175), the position memory is set to the initial position, and this subroutine is ended.

With the above control, the guide plate (31) is stopped at the edge where the sensor (PS6) turns from on to off, and returns to the reference position.

Figures 12a and 12b show a guide plate correction drive subroutine that can be executed in step (S6) of the main routine. In this subroutine, the guide plate (31) is moved by the amount of correction determined in the subroutine of step (S4).
drive.

First, in step (5140), the state counter (SC4) for guide plate correction is checked, and the following steps are executed according to the count value. If the state counter (SC4) is "0", the process immediately returns to the main routine without performing any processing.

In the step (596), the state counter (SC4
) is set to 1'', it is determined in step (5141) whether the step number is ``0''. If it is ``0'', the state counter (SC4) is set in step (5142>).
This subroutine is ended by resetting the value to "0" and returning to the main routine.If the step number is not 0°', the state counter (S
C4) and return to the main routine.

State counter (SC4) in step (5143)
is incremented and set to "2", in step (5144) the stepping motor (M2) is driven by a predetermined number of steps, and when the return is skipped, the rotation direction flag is set to "1" in step (5145).
Determine whether or not. If “1”, step (5146
) to set the number of steps to “2” and step (5147
), the state counter (SC4) is incremented and the process returns to the main routine. If the rotation direction flag is r□j and it is determined NO in the step (5145), the start of 100m5ec tie-7 (TC) is allowed in the step (5148), and the state counter (SC4) is set as " in the step (5149). 5” and return to the main routine.

State counter (SC4) in step (5147)
When it is incremented and set to "3", in step (5150), the stepping motor (M2) is driven by the number of steps set in step (5146), and when the return skip is performed, the stepper motor (M2) is driven by the number of steps set in step (5146).
At step 151), the rotation direction flag is reset to I'0'', and at step (5152), the number of steps is set to '2''.

Then, in step (5153), the state counter (
SC4) is incremented and the process returns to the main routine.

State counter (SC4) in step (5153)
When it is incremented and set to "4", in step (5154), the stepping motor (M2) is driven by the number of steps set in step <5152), and when the return is skipped, step (5154) is executed.
155) starts the 100m5ec timer (IC). Furthermore, in step (5156), the state counter (SC4) is incremented and the process returns to the main routine.

The state counter (SC4) performs the step (514
9>, when it is set to "5" in (5156), it waits for the timer (IC) to end in step (5157) and starts the state counter (SC4) in step (5158).
is reset to "0" and the processing in this subroutine is ended.

With the above control, the movement of the guide plate (31) is stopped so that the rotation direction flag is reset to 10'', and the timer (TC) is held for 100m5ec, causing damage caused by vibration of the stepping motor (M2). Shadow U is eliminated.

FIG. 13 shows a subroutine for driving the stepping motor (M2).

First, in step (5160), it is determined whether the step number is "0" or not, and if it is "O", the process immediately returns to skip. If it is not "0", the step number is decremented in step 7 (5161), and it is determined whether the rotation direction flag is 101 in step (5162). "If it is OJ, shift the phase to the right and return to the main routine. If the rotation direction flag is "1.", shift the phase to the left,
Return to main routine.

On the other hand, the length of the original is detected by a combination of a sensor (PS3) etc. and a timer, and the length of the original is detected by a combination of a sensor (PS3) etc. and a timer. ,(3
) to (6>), the skew is corrected as described above, and the copies are circulated for the number of copies, and are finally discharged from the conveyance roller (7) onto the document ejection tray (8).Such conveyance is carried out by a solenoid ( SL2), (SL3), and (SL4) are turned on and off, but the details are omitted.

As described above, in this embodiment, correction is made based on the amount of skew that has been detected by the sensors (PS4a) and (PS4b) that function as document skew amount detection means, and that is adapted to the sizes of w and H. Determine the value [Figures 9a, 9b, 1
By processing the drive of the stepping motor (M2), the guide plate (31) is moved [see Figures 12a, 12b, and 13]. Correct the skew. In this case, the number of steps of the stepping motor (M2) is controlled by the amount of displacement without correction, and the position of the guide plate (31) is continuously and finely controlled.

Next, the subroutine of the adjustment process executed in step (S8) of the main routine will be described with reference to FIGS. 14a to 14e. As explained in FIG. 7, this subroutine is executed when the service engineer turns on the switch (SW9), and in the adjustment mode this step (S8
) following steps <54), (55).

(S6) is executed sequentially. Note that the copying operation cannot be completed in the copying machine itself.

First, in step (5200), the state counter (SC5) for adjustment is checked, and the following steps are executed according to this count value.

If the state counter (SC5) is "0", the check counter is reset to "0" in step (5201), and the memory (D) is cleared in step (5202).
0'' and state state in step (5203).
The counter (SC5) is incremented and the process returns to the main routine.

State counter (SC5) in step (5203)
Once set to "1", it is determined in step (5204) whether the sensor (Psi) is turned on. When the sensor (Psi) is turned on, that is, when the leading edge of the document is detected by the sensor (Psi), a timer (TA) is started in step (5205), and a state counter (SC5) is started in step (5206). Increment and return to the main routine.

State counter (SC5) in step (5206)
is incremented and set to 2", it is determined in step (5207) whether the sensor (Psi) is on or not. If the sensor (Psi) is on, the timer (TA") is incremented in step (5208). ), the transport motor (Ml) is turned on in step <5209> to start transporting the document, and in step (5210) the state
Increment the counter (SC5) and return to the main routine. Note that if the sensor (Psi) is not turned on, NO is determined in step (5207), and the state counter (SC5) is set to "0" in step (5211).
” and return to the main routine.

State counter (SC5) at step (5210)
When is incremented and set to "3", it is determined in step <5212) whether the sensor (PS4a) is on. If it turns on, store the current pulse count of the encoder (82) in the memory (A) in step (5213), and store the state in step (5214>).
Set the counter (SC5) to "4" and return to the main routine. Further, if the sensor (PS4a) is off, it is determined in step (5215) whether the sensor (PS4b) is on. If it is turned on, the pulse count value of the encoder (82) at that time is stored in the memory (B) in step (5216), and the state counter (SC5) is set to "5" in step (5217) and the main Return to the routine.Also, sensor (PS4a), (PS4b
) If both are off, return to the main routine.

In other words, the leading edge of the document is connected to the sensor (PS4a) or the sensor (P
Step (521
2), (5215) is determined, and the pulse count value at that time is stored in the memory (A) and memory (B).

When the leading edge of the document reaches the sensor (PS4a) first and the state counter (SC5) is set to "4" in step (5214), the sensor (PS4b) is turned on in step (5218). After checking, in step (5219), the pulse count value at that time is stored in memory (B), and in step (5220), the pulse count value at that time is stored in memory (B).
B).

Store the difference between (A) in memory (C). Then, in step (5221), the value of memory (C) is added to memory (D).

Also, if the leading edge of the document reaches the sensor (PS4b) first, the state counter (SC) is counted in step (5217).
5) can be set to "5", step (5229)
After confirming that the sensor (P54a) is turned on,
Step (5220) stores the current pulse count value in the memory (A) at step rev (5230).
At (5221), the difference between memories (B) and (A) is stored in memory (C) and added to memory (D), as described above.

Next, in step <5222), the check counter is set to “
2". If not "2", step (5
The check counter is incremented in step (527), the state counter (SC5) is set to "1" in step (5228), and the process returns to the main routine.

When the check counter is fully set to 2'', the value of the memo (D) is set to 1/3 and stored in the memory (E) in step (5223), and the value in the memory (E) is stored in step (5224).
), the correction display data according to the table (T6) shown in FIG. 17a is determined. Next, in step (5225), this correction data is displayed on the display section <73), and in step (5226), the state counter (S
C5) is incremented to "6" and the process returns to the main routine.

That is, in the adjustment mode of this embodiment, the document is circulated three times to sample the on-timing of the sensors (PS4a) and (PS4b), and the on-timing of the sensors (PS4a) and (PS4b) are sampled accordingly.
), (PS4b) correction data is displayed. Based on the data that has been displayed here, the service person selects the dip switch <SW according to the table (T7) shown in FIG. 17b.
I) - (SW4) are set to on or off.

State counter (SC5) at step (5226)
When the check counter is incremented and set to "6", the check counter is reset to "0" in step (5231), and the state counter (
SC5) is incremented and the process returns to the main routine.

State counter (SC5) at step (5232)
When is incremented and set to "7", it is determined in step (5233) whether the sensor (Psi) is on. If it is turned on, it is set to 0 in step (5234).
Set a 5 sec timer (TA) and proceed to step (52
35), the state counter (SC5) is incremented and the process returns to the main routine.

In step (S235), the state counter (SC5)
When it is incremented and set to "8", it is determined in step (5236) whether the sensor (Psi) is on or not. If it is on, wait for the timer (TA) to end in step (5237), turn on the transport motor (Ml) in step (5238) to start transporting the document, and start the document transport for skew check in step (5239). Set the state counter (SC2) and the state counter (SC3) for returning the guide plate to "1".Next, step (
At step 5240), the solenoid (SL4) is turned on to ensure circulation of the document, and at step (5241), the state counter (SC5) is incremented, and the process returns to the main routine. Note that if the sensor (Psi) is not turned on, NO is determined in step (5236), and step (5236) is determined as NO.
At step 242), the state counter (SCI) is set to "7"' and the process returns to the main routine.

In the step (5241), the state counter (SC
5) is incremented and set to “9”,
In step (5243), the sensor (PS3) is turned on and the counter is incremented. Next, step (52
At step 45), it is determined whether the check counter is ``20'' or not. If it is not ``20'', the state counter (SC5) is incremented at step (5248) and the process returns to the main routine. Here, the state counter (SC5
) is incremented and set to “10”,
After confirming that the sensor (PS3) is turned off in step (5250), the state is changed in step (5251).
The counter (SC5) is incremented to "9".

These steps are repeated until step (5245)
When it is determined that the check counter has been set to "20" degrees, the solenoid (SL) is activated in step (5246).
4> Turn off and prepare to eject the original.

Then, in step (5247), the state counter (
SC5) is set to '11'' and the process returns to the main routine. That is, in the adjustment mode of this embodiment, the original is circulated 20 times to correct the skew.

State counter (SC5) at step (5247)
is set to "11", the check counter is set to "8" in step (5252), and the check counter is set to "8" in step (5252).
53) to set the number of steps of the stepping motor (M2).
Set it to 1. Next, in step (5254) it is determined whether the sensor (PS6) that detects the reference position of the disc (34) is on or not, and if it is on, the rotation direction flag is reset to "O4" in step <5255). , step (52
56), the state counter (SC5) is incremented and the process returns to the main routine. If the sensor (Psi) is off, the rotation direction flag is set to 1 in step (5257).
1” and set the state using the Ste knob (5258).
Set the counter (SC5) to “13” and return to the main route.
Return to Chin.

State counter (SC5) at step (5256)
is incremented and set to "12", the stepper motor (M2) is driven in step (5259), and as explained in FIG. Step 7 (526
0), it is determined whether the sensor (PS6) is on. If the sensor (PS6) remains on, then ST.

In step (5261), the number of steps is set to "1", and rotation in the same direction is set.Next, in step (5262), the check counter is decremented, and the process returns to the main routine.

This rotational drive of the stepping motor (M2) continues until the sensor (PS6) is turned off, and step (52) continues.
60), the rotation direction flag is set to 11'' in step (5263), and step (526) is determined.
In step 4), the state counter (SC5) is incremented and the process returns to the main routine.

When the sensor (PS6) is off, the state counter (SC5)
) is set to "13', [step (5258)
.

(5264). In step (5265), the stepping motor (M2) is driven. If the return is skipped, it is determined in step (5266) whether the sensor (PS6) is off. If the sensor (PS6) remains off, in step (5267) the number of steps is set to "1" and rotation in the same direction is set.
5268) increments the check counter and returns to the main routine. When the sensor (PS6) is turned on and it is determined No in step (5266), step (
5269) to reset the rotation direction flag to rOJ, and step (5270) to set the 50m5cac timer (TB).
Start. Next, in step (5271), the state counter (SC5) is incremented and the process returns to the main routine.

State counter (SC5) at step (5271)
When it is incremented to 14'', step (5272) waits for the timer (TB) to end, and step (5273) determines whether the sensor (PS6) is off. If it is off, the state counter (SC5) is incremented in step (5274) and the process returns to the main routine. If the sensor (PS6) is on, the step number is set to "1" in step (5275), and the check counter is decremented in step (5276). Next, in step (5277), the stepping motor (M2) is driven, and when the return ski/movement is performed, the 50m5ec timer (T
Start B) and return to the main routine.

State counter (SC5) at step (5274)
is set to 15", in step (5279), the correction display data according to the table (TB) shown in FIG. 19a is determined based on the value of the check counter, and this correction data is displayed on the display section. (73).Next, in step (5280), the state counter (SC5) is reset to "0°", and this subroutine is ended.

That is, in the adjustment mode of this embodiment, the original is circulated 20 times to sample the skew correction data, and the 19th
The correction data shown in the table (TB) in figure a is displayed. Based on the data displayed here, the service person follows the table (T9) shown in FIG. 19b.
(5w5) to (SW8) are set to on or off.

It should be noted that the automatic document circulation conveyance device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be variously modified within the scope of the gist thereof. In particular, if the (CPU) is equipped with non-volatile memory, data in the adjustment mode will not be displayed and the dip switches (SWI) to (SW8)
It is possible to set conditions without using .

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, the stepping motor is controlled based on the amount of skew that has been detected by the document skew amount detection means, and the guide member for correction is driven. Therefore, the position of the correction guide member can be continuously and finely controlled according to the amount of skew, and the skew of the document can be corrected with high precision. In addition, an adjustment mode is provided in which only the document is circulated without any copying operation, and the detection timing difference of the document detection sensor during execution in this adjustment mode is
The difference between the position of the correction guide member and the reference position is detected, and the adjustment amount of the correction guide member is set based on these differences, so the skew correction adjustment according to each device itself can be duplicated. It can be executed automatically and without any action.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The drawings show an embodiment of the automatic document circulation conveyance device according to the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the circulation conveyance path, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the circulation conveyance path and the sensor, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the skew correction means, and FIG. 5 is a plan view of the operation panel. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the control circuit, FIGS. 7 to 14e are flowcharts showing control procedures, FIG. 15 is a table for skew correction, FIGS. 16 and 17 are tables showing adjustment amounts, Figures 18a, 18b, and 19a. FIG. 19b is a table showing adjustment display data in the adjustment mode and the corresponding adjustment of the dip switch. (2) to (7)...conveyance rollers, (11)...s)
-Brim, (30)...skew correction means, (31)...
Correction guide plate, (Ml)...conveyance motor, (M2)
...Stepping motor for skew correction, (PS4a),
(PS41)) ・=(rQ Gyotei detection -y Sai'r
-Sensor, (PS6)...Photo sensor, (SWI
) ~ (SW8)...Adjustment dip switch, (SW
9)...Dip switch for adjusting mode selection. Patent Applicant Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Patent Attorney Takeshi Morishita - No. 7Lζ1 Fig. 9b Fig. 12b Fig. 13 Fig. 14e Fig. 17 Table 5 Old q Fig. Old Fig. 190 Fig. 19b

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Means for circularly conveying a document between the insertion section and the discharge section; a correction guide member for correcting skew of the document being conveyed through the circulation conveyance path; and the correction method. a stepping motor that drives a guide member; a document skew amount detection means having at least two sensors provided perpendicular to the circulation conveyance path; and a document skew amount detection means based on the skew amount detected by the document skew amount detection means. means for determining the amount of correction of the correction guide member based on the correction value determined by the determination means; means for controlling the stepping motor based on the correction value determined by the determination means; and means for determining that the correction guide member is at a predetermined reference position. means for detecting, means for positioning the correction guide member to the reference position prior to the start of a copying operation according to the fixed position detection means; an adjustment mode in which only circular conveyance of the document is performed without a copying operation; means for selectively setting a mode; first error detection means for detecting a detection timing difference of the document detection sensor when executing the adjustment mode; and a position of the correction guide member when executing the adjustment mode. second error detection means for detecting the difference between the reference position and the reference position; means for setting an adjustment amount of the correction guide member based on the detection values of the first and second error detection means; and said adjustment amount. An automatic document circulation conveyance apparatus comprising: an adjusting means for moving a correction guide member from the reference position to an initial position based on an adjustment amount set by a setting means.