JPH0284674A - Automatic document feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically feed a continuous document besides a normal cut document by measuring the carrying length of a document during carrying, stopping the document at the prescribed length and performing exposing operation. CONSTITUTION:Pinch rollers 121 and 122 are used as resist members of the leading trailing edges of the document, and at first, the leading edge document is resist-processed in a continuous document mode. Then, the width of the document is detected by sensors SE3-SE5, and a document feeding distance is calculated by a first CPU 201. When a manual mode is set, the feeding distance is set manually. When the feeding distance of the document is set, the document is fed by measuring the feeding distance, with the aid of a pulse count from the sensor SE7 and stops when the count reaches at the fixed value, and an exposing operation is performed. Therefore, a long continuous document can be automatically fed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an automatic document feeder attached to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and particularly to a control mechanism for document feed.

[Prior Art] In recent years, automatic document feeders (hereinafter referred to as ADF) have been used to reduce the time required for exchanging originals among the time required for copying, and to omit the troublesome effort of exchanging originals.

) have been developed and put into practical use.

[Problem 1 to be solved by the invention However, various ADFs that have been conventionally provided are A4
, BS, etc. are cut to the appropriate size and transported one by one onto the document table glass (platen). Continuous slip paper used for computer output, etc., and roll used for various automatic recording and measuring machines. It cannot be used with continuous paper such as paper that does not fit on the platen glass.

For those dealing with continuous paper, US patent specification cylinder 4.33
4.764, this is -set 6-
The document is transported only by the roller, and cut paper documents cannot be automatically fed.

Therefore, when copying continuous paper, it is necessary to cut the original to an appropriate size or replace the original by an operator, which is complicated.

[Means for Solving the Problems 1] In order to solve the above problems, the ADF according to the present invention includes:
Measurement of the conveyance length of the original during transport in an ADF that stops the fed document at a predetermined position on the original platen glass and allows the original to be ejected from the original platen glass after the exposure operation is completed. It is characterized by having a control means for stopping at a predetermined length and performing an exposure operation.

[Function] In the above configuration, the cut paper manuscript that is usually used is
Like a normal ADF, it stops the original at a predetermined position on the original platen glass and ejects the original from the original platen glass after the exposure operation is completed, and is a continuous form used for computer output, etc. In the case of continuous paper such as paper, a predetermined length of the document is fed onto the document table glass, and after the exposure operation is completed, the document is transported again for the predetermined length. Therefore, the -sheet original is copied several times, and even long continuous paper originals can be automatically fed.

[Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic document feeder (ADF) according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This ADF is installed on the top surface of the copying machine main body (1), and first, an outline of the copying machine will be explained.

[Schematic structure and operation of copying machine] In FIG. 1, a photosensitive drum (10) is located approximately at the center of the copying machine main body (1) at a constant circumferential speed (
V) so that it can be rotated. Around this photoreceptor drum (lO), there are a main eraser (ll), an electrostatic charger (12), a sub-eraser (13), a magnetic brush type developing device (14), a transfer charger (15),
A sheet separation charger (16) and a blade type cleaning device (17) are arranged in this order. The photoreceptor drum (10) has a well-known photoreceptor layer provided on its surface.
With rotation in the direction of arrow (a), for each copy,
Main eraser (11), charger (12),
The sub-eraser (13) removes static electricity, charges, and eliminates static electricity from unnecessary parts, and the optical system (20) exposes the image, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface is converted into a toner image by the developing device (14). Ru.

The optical system (20) is installed below the document platen glass (19) so that the document image can be scanned, and the exposure lamp (21)
, first mirror (22), second mirror (23), third mirror (24), projection lens (25), fourth mirror (26)
).

The exposure lamp (21) and the first mirror (22) are physically blocked, and the peripheral speed (■) of the photoreceptor drum (1θ)
(constant regardless of magnification or variable magnification) vs. (V/m
: m is the copying magnification) in the direction of arrow (b). The second mirror (23) and the third mirror (24) are integrally formed into a block and are movable in the direction of arrow (b) at a speed of (V/2n+). Note that when changing the copy magnification, the lens (25) moves on the optical axis, and the fourth mirror (26) moves and swings to correct the optical path.

Copy paper is stored in a fixed automatic paper feed cassette (30) and a removable automatic paper feed cassette (35) provided on the left side of the copying machine main body (1).
31) and (36) are selectively rotated to feed sheets one by one. Further, the upper surface of the cassette (30) is a manual paper feeding section (32) from which copy sheets can be fed one by one. Copy paper fed from the tray (30) and its manual paper feed section (32) passes through a pair of conveyance rollers (33) and a pair of timing rollers (32).
40), the copy paper fed from the cassette (35) is directly transported to the timing roller (40),
Wait here for -1 minute. For copy paper, use a timing roller (40
) is sent to the transfer section in synchronization with the image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum (lO), and the image is transferred to the photoreceptor drum (lO).
10), the toner image is transferred by the corona discharge of the transfer charger (15), and the toner image is separated from the photoconductor drum (10) by the alternating current corona discharge of the separation charger (16) and the strength of the sheet itself. Ru. Thereafter, the copy paper is sent to a fixing device (42) by a conveyor belt (41), where the toner image is fixed, and then ejected from a pair of ejection rollers (43).

On the other hand, after the photosensitive drum (10) has been transferred, residual toner and charges are removed from the surface by a cleaning device (17) and a main eraser (11), and the photosensitive drum (10) is ready for the next copying process.

[Copy paper size detection 1 There are micro switches (SWI) to (SW3) in the paper feed section.
), (SW4), (SW5) ~ (SW7), (SW8
) is installed. Switch (SWI) ~ (SW3)
, (SW5) to (SW7) are turned on and off in accordance with the position of the copy paper width direction regulating plate, etc., and are turned on.

Based on the 3-bit code depending on the off combination,
Vertical to the size and feeding direction of the copy paper set in the cassettes (35) and (30).

Horizontal direction J: Detect whether it is installed.

The sizes that can be copied with this copying machine, that is, the sizes of copy paper that can be set in each cassette (30) and (35) are as follows:
For example, [A3], [A4], [B11°[B11], and for [A4] and [B11, vertical or horizontal can be selected. Further, the switches (SWI) to (SW3) also detect the attachment and detachment of the cassette (35). Table 1 below shows an example of a code table for switches (SWI) to (SW3).

Note that the same detection is performed for the current set of switches (SW5) to (SW7).

Micro switch (SW4) installed in each paper feed section
, (SW8) are each a cassette (35).

The presence or absence of copy paper in (30) is directly detected.

Table 1. Detection of copy paper size [Configuration and operation of automatic document feeder (ADF)] ADF
(100) is generally composed of a document feeding section (110), a document conveying section (120), and a document discharging section (130).
The whole can be opened upwards using the back as a fulcrum. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, this ADF (100) is set on the platen glass (19) and automatically reads cut paper originals one by one or continuous paper originals as explained below. In addition to manually transporting the document and setting it at a predetermined position on the document table glass (19), the operator can lift the document upward and place it on the document table glass (19) to perform copying. Open/close the ADF (100) using the switch (P
SW) (see FIG. 5) is detected by I, and the control of the ADF (too) and the copying machine main body (1) are related to each other by this detection signal.

The document feeding section (110) includes a document tray (Ill), a pickup roller (112), a forward rotation roller (113) for handling documents, and a reverse rotation roller (114) provided with a clutch (not shown). A reversing roller lenoid (not shown), a feeding motor (not shown) that drives each roller (112), (113), and (114), and a document detection sensor (
SEI). The original tray (111) is
It has a slide plate (not shown) for positioning the width direction of s. Place the original with the image side facing down.
l) This condition is detected by the sensor (SEI). The pickup roller (112) is movable up and down, and is normally waiting at the top. When a document is set on the document tray (111), the sensor (SEI) is turned on, and the ADF start switch (SSW) (see Figure 5) is turned on by the operator, the pickup roller (111) is turned on.
12) descends and presses against the upper surface of the document, and rotates to feed the document.

The forward rotation roller (113) rotates in the document feeding direction, and the reverse rotation roller (113) rotates in the document feeding direction.
The reversing roller (114) is provided with a clutch (not shown), and the clutch is controlled by a reversing roller renoid. The reverse roller lenoid is set to R in the document feeding mode, and is always off in the continuous paper mode.

That is, the reversing roller (l l 4) is driven to rotate in the original return direction when handling cut paper originals, and follows the normal rotation roller when handling continuous paper originals.

The document transport section (120) includes a pinch roller (121).

(122) and its drive mode (123) (see FIG. 2), a conveyor belt 1-(125) and its drive motor (not shown), and document detection sensors (SF3) to (SF3). ing.

The conveyor belt (125) is a support roller (126a).

(126b) in an endless manner, and can be driven to rotate in the direction of arrow (c) while in contact with the document table glass (19) with a press roller (127).

The original is transferred to the original platen glass (19) by the rotation of the pinch rollers (121) and (122) and the rotation of the transport bell h (125).
transported upwards.

The document ejection section (130) includes an ejection roller (131).

(132), (133), (134), surrounding guide plate, discharge tray (135), and each roller (131)
-(+34) drive motors (not shown) and a document detection sensor (SF3).

When the optical system (20) completes image exposure scanning for the number of copies and a document exchange signal is output from the copying machine main body (1), the conveyor belt (125) is driven to rotate in the normal direction, and
The rollers (131) to (134) are driven to rotate, and the original is ejected from the original platen glass (19) to the ejection tray (135).

[Operation of the ADF in cut paper original mode 1 In this embodiment, the ADF (100) sets the cut paper W and stack one sheet at a predetermined position on the document table glass (19), exposes the image, and scans it. A regular cut paper original mode is ejected, and a fixed amount of continuous paper such as rolled thermal paper often used for facsimiles, computer output paper, etc. is set on the document table glass (19), and the image is exposed and scanned. Continuous paper original mode can be selected.

When the cut paper document mode is selected, the clutch provided on the reversing roller (114) is connected by the action of the reversing roller renoid, and the driving force of the feeding motor is transmitted to the reversing roller (114), and the pickup is performed as described above. roller(
112), both rollers (113) and (114) are rotated, and only the upper document is rotated by the normal rotation roller (l).
The original is fed into the original transport section (120) by the rotation of 13), and the lower original is returned to the original tray (111) by the rotation of the reversing roller (11'4).

W. When the leading edge of the document sent out from the document feeding section (110) is detected by the sensor (SF3), the pickup roller (112) is moved with a slight time delay.

The rotation of the forward and reverse rotation rollers (113) and (114) is stopped, and the leading edge of the document is held by the pinch roller (121).

(122) and forms a loop on the upstream side thereof. This corrects the skew of the original.

Furthermore, the original is conveyed onto the original platen glass (19) by the rotation of pinch rollers (121) and (122) and the rotation of the conveyor belt (125). Stopping of the document is controlled by setting a timer when the trailing edge of the document is detected by the sensor (SF3), and stopping the rotation of the conveyor belt (125) when the timer expires. With this, the original is stopped at a predetermined position on the original platen glass (19).

Here, a copying operation start signal is output from the ADF (100) to the copying machine main body (1), and the copying operation is started in the copying machine main body (1). When the optical system (20) completes image exposure scanning for the set number of sheets, the copying machine main body (
1) outputs a document exchange signal to the ADF (100). The conveyor belt (125) is rotationally driven by this signal, and the original is ejected.

By the way, as shown in Fig. 2, the length of the original is determined by the disc (1) fixed to the spindle (121a) of the pinch roller (121).
24) is measured using a pulse signal from a sensor (SF3) based on the rotation. That is, the output of the sensor (S E 7) is logically ORed with the sensor (S E 2) that detects the passage of the original and the drive output of the pinch roller (121), and is output to the second CP.
A document length signal is obtained by counting the number of pulses inputted to U (202) (see FIG. 5) while the document passes through a sensor (SF3).

Further, the width of the document is detected and classified by sensors (SF3) to (SF5). Table 2 below shows sensors (SF3) to (S
F5) shows the classification of document widths.

Note that when the sensor detects a document, it is "ON", and when the sensor does not detect a document, it is expressed as "OF".

When the optical system (20) completes image exposure scanning for the number of copies and a document exchange signal is output from the copying machine main body (1), the conveyor belt (125) is driven to rotate in the normal direction, and
The rollers (131) to (134) are driven to rotate, and the original is ejected from the original platen glass (19) to the ejection tray (135).

The document ejecting operation is stopped after a certain period of time from the document trailing edge detection signal from the sensor (SF3), that is, when the document is accommodated on the discharge tray (135).

Also, when the sensor (SF3) generates a document trailing edge detection signal, the presence or absence of a document on the document tray (l l l) is determined based on the signal from the sensor (SEI), and if a document is set, , repeat the above-mentioned document feeding, stopping, and ejecting operations.

[ADF operation in continuous paper original mode] When continuous paper original mode is selected, due to the action of the reversing roller lenoid,
Reversing roller (114) +:: The provided clutch is separated, and the reversing roller rotates following the normal rotating roller. Therefore, no excessive force is applied to the document, and even when thermal paper is used, problems such as blackening of the leading edge do not occur.

The operation when the continuous paper document mode is selected will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3e and 4a. Figures 4a to 4C are drawings showing the types of paper for the manuscript, where Figure 4a shows a continuous paper manuscript, and DI-Dn is
When copying, the edge of the original, ie, the copied I; becomes the page break position of the paper. Further, E is a writing section of the manuscript.

The leading edge (DI) of the document is sent out from the document feeding section (110) by a pickup roller (112) (see FIG. 3a), and forward and reverse rotation rollers (113).

When detected by the sensor (SF3) through (114), skew correction is performed in the same way as for cut sheets (see FIG. 3b).

Here, a conveyance timer is set, and when the leading edge (Dl) of the document reaches the exposure position on the document platen glass (19) (see Figure 3c), the timer ends and the sensor (SF3) starts pulse counting. , the original platen glass (19) is conveyed by a length (el) to a predetermined position (see FIG. 3d). Stopping of the document is controlled by counting the pulses of the sensor (SF3), and when a set value is reached, stopping each motor of the transport motor, feed motor, and pinch roller motor.

Here, a copying operation start signal is output from the ADF (100) to the copying machine main body (1), and the copying operation is started in the copying machine main body (1). When the optical system (20) completes image exposure scanning for a set number of sheets, a document exchange signal is output from the copying machine main body (1) to the ADF (100). The conveyor belt (125) is rotationally driven by this signal, and the leading edge (D2) of the next document is placed on the document table glass (125).
9) It is transported to a predetermined position above (see Figure 3e).

Also, at this time, the presence or absence of the remaining originals is checked by the original transport unit (120).
) is determined based on the signal of the document detection sensor (SF3),
If there is no document, after the exposure operation, the document detection sensor (SF3) in the document discharge section detects the trailing edge of the document and then stops after a certain period of time has elapsed.

Here, stopping the document will be explained in more detail. The document is conveyed using a sensor (SF3) based on the rotation of a disc (124) fixed to the spindle (121a) of the Vincilla (121), which was also used to measure the length of the above-mentioned Kak II JK manuscript.
It is controlled based on pulse signals from. The sensor (SF
The pulse signal 3) is counted by the second CPU (202) (see Figure 5), and when it reaches a predetermined value, the pulse signal is counted by the second CPU (202) (see Figure 5).
U (202) stops the feeding, pinch roller drive, and discharge motors. Note that the method for determining the predetermined value here will be described later.

[Automatic optimum magnification setting function (AMS)] Next, when the copy paper size is specified by the operator, this copying machine automatically sets the optimum magnification so that the original image is formed on the copy paper of the selected size without image cut-off. Automatic optimum magnification setting function (hereinafter referred to as AM) that automatically sets the copy magnification
(denoted as S).

When this AMS mode is selected, the second CPU (202
), the document size is determined and coded, and the 1st cPU
(201). The first cPU (20+) is the original size code and the cassette (3) selected by the operator.
Calculate the optimum copy magnification from the size code of the copy paper set in 0) and (35), and if the calculated copy magnification is within the settable range of the copier or within the specifications and description, set the copy magnification. do. On the other hand, if it is outside the specifications, the operator is warned that it is impossible to set the optimum copy magnification and is prompted to manually set the copy magnification.

Table 3 below shows the relationship between the original size and copy paper size in the AMS mode in the normal mode for copying cut paper originals, and the copying magnification calculated and set based on them.

Further, Table 4 shows the relationship between the document width and copy paper size, the document conveyance distance calculated and set based on them, and the copy magnification in AMS mode, which is a mode for copying continuous paper documents.

Table 3. Cut paper original AMS Main unit settable magnification range 0.640 to 1.430 (M indicates manual) Table 4. Continuous paper original AMS Lower stage; Original transport distance (middle: +u) Main unit setting +-+1 power magnification range 0.640 to 1.430
(M indicates manual) [Automatic optimum copy paper size setting function (APS)] In addition, with this copier, when the copy magnification is specified by the operator, the original image is set to the size that can be formed without image cut-off. It has an automatic optimum copy paper size setting function (hereinafter referred to as APS) that automatically selects the paper feed cassette in which copy paper is set.

When this APS mode is selected, the second CPU (202
), the document size is determined and coded, and the 1st cPU
(201). The first CPU (201) calculates the optimum copy paper size from the original size code and the copy magnification selected by the operator, and copies the copy paper of the calculated size from the paper feed section, that is, the cassette ( 30
), (35). On the other hand, if copy paper of the calculated size is not set in any of the cassettes (30) and (35), or if the copy paper does not meet the specifications of this copying machine, it means that copy paper of the optimum size does not exist. Warns the operator and prompts him to manually select the paper source or manually reset the copy magnification.

AP in normal mode for copying cut sheets as shown in Table 5 below
The relationship between the document size, copy magnification, and copy paper size calculated and set based on them in S mode is shown.

Further, Table 6 shows the relationship between the document width and copy magnification, and the document conveyance distance and copy magnification calculated and set based on the document width and copy magnification in the APS mode in which a continuous paper document is copied.

Table 5. Cut paper manuscript APS (M indicates manual) Table 6. Continuous paper original APS Upper row: Copy magnification Lower row: Original transport distance (Unit: HOME) (M indicates manual) [Operation panel] In Fig. 5, the operation panel (+5) of the copying machine main body (1)
0) is equipped with keys, display means, etc., which will be explained below. Each key has an internal switch that is turned on by pressing it.

(+51) is the print key to start the copying operation. (152) is the numeric keypad to enter the number of copies, etc. The numeric keypad (153) is used as a stop key to cancel multi-copying midway, and also to enter the number. The Kunaa/stop key (154) has the role of clearing, and the interrupt key (155) is used to execute interrupt copying.The magnification selection key (155) is used to set the copy magnification to a preset magnification or an arbitrary magnification. 156) is a copy paper selection key for selecting the copy paper size. (157) is the AMS
, APS or manual mode; Original document size detection mode selection key (158) is a feed mode selection key operation panel for selecting whether the original is cut paper or continuous paper. (150) further includes display means as described below.

(160) is a 4-digit display segment that displays the number of copies, etc. (161) is a 4-digit display segment that displays the copy magnification set manually.

(162) to (165) are LEDs that display the preset copy magnification, (166) is a normal copy (1
67) is a double-sided copy (168) is an LED that displays composite copy, (169) is an LED that displays copy paper size, (170) is AMS mode, (171) is A
PS mode, (172) is an LED that displays manual mode, (173) is cut paper original mode, (
174) is an LED that displays the continuous paper document mode, and these various LEDs are connected to the corresponding keys (155) to (15).
8) Rotate every time the ON operation is performed.

[Control circuit 1 Figure 6 shows the 10th PU (20
1) and the second CPU that controls p, DF (100)
The input/output configuration of (202) is shown, and the CPU (201), (
202) are connected to each other for synchronization.

The input/output port of the +th CPU (201) is connected to various key switches (151) to (1) on the operation panel (150).
58), microswitch (SWI) installed in the paper feed section
) to (SW8), etc. switch matrix (203)
is connected, and this switch matrix (230)
and a display segment (160) via a decoder (205).
), a matrix (204) consisting of display LEDs is connected.

Further, the output boat outputs on/off signals to the main motor, developing motor, etc. in the copying machine main body (1).

A pulse signal of the main motor is input to the terminal (Bl).

The input port of the second CPU (202) has an ADF (10
0) open/close detection switch (PSW), ADF start switch (SSJ/), sensor (SEI) to (SF3) that detects conveyance of K document, pinch roller motor (123
) is connected to a sensor (SF7) that detects the rotation of the motor. The output port has a pickup roller (112), a feed motor that drives the forward/reverse rotation rollers (113) and (114), a conveyance motor that drives the conveyor belt (125), a solenoid that moves the pickup roller (112) up and down, and a reverse rotation roller. Solenoid discharge rollers (131) to (13) that control a clutch (not shown) attached to the roller (114)
4) is connected to the ejection motor that drives the motor.

A pulse signal of the transport motor is input to the terminal (B2).

Also, a clock terminal (SCK) for data sampling and output of the first cPU (201), an interrupt output terminal (pc
o) The data output terminal (SOUT) and data input terminal (SIN) are the clock input terminal (SCK), interrupt input terminal (INT), data input terminal (SIN) and data output terminal (SOUT) of the second CPU (202). )It is connected to the.

[Control Procedure] Hereinafter, the control procedure of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 17.

Figure 7 shows the first cPU (2) that controls the copying machine main body (1).
0+) main routine is shown.

When the first cPU (201) is reset and the program starts, the internal R
Performs initial settings to clear AM, initialize various registers, etc., and put each device into initial mode.

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

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

Mode flag (Fl): This is to indicate the document feeding mode in the ADF (100). It is set with the feeding mode selection key (159). When rOJ, it indicates the cut paper document mode, and when it is "1", it indicates the cut paper document mode. Indicates continuous paper document mode.

Returning to the routine, in step (B2) the first CPU (2
Set the main timer of 01). This main timer determines the time required for one routine of this main routine, and its value is set in advance in step (Sl).

Next, the subroutines shown in steps (B3) to (B5) are sequentially called. Step (B3) is a subroutine for manual key processing, including input processing from the numeric keypad (152),
The process of storing the copy paper size set in the cassettes (30) and (35) in the internal RAM, the magnification selection key (1)
55) is executed. Step (B4
) is a subroutine for switching the original feeding mode, and the feeding mode selection key (158) 4: ADF (100)
(1) Execute the fJK document feed mode setting process. Step (B5) is a subroutine for copy start processing.
Handles the initiation of copy operations.

Next, in step (B6), the copy flag (FO) is set to “l”.
”, and if it is reset to “0”, the process moves to step (B8), and if it is set to “l”, the process goes to step (S7), where a subroutine for copying processing is executed to carry out the actual copying operation. Execute and move to step (B8). In step (B8), data transmission and reception with the second CPU (202) is processed. Among the signals communicated in this step (B8), the signals sent from the 1st cPU (201) to the 20th PU (202) include a copying operation signal, an original feed mode signal, and an image exposure scan for the set number of sheets. There is a document exchange signal when the process is completed, and a document transport distance signal when in continuous paper document mode. 2nd CPU (
The signals sent from the first cPU (202) to the first cPU (201) include the ADF mode signal: during copying operation and the ADF (
100) is not in operation, the document tray (l l l
) is set to rlJ when *m is loaded, and is reset to "0" when the final document is ejected.

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

Original size signal: ADF (100) sensor (SE3
) to (SE5) and code signals of the document size detected at (SE7).

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

FIG. 8 shows a subroutine for document feed mode switching processing executed in step (S4) of the main routine.

First, in step (S10), it is determined whether the copy flag (FO) is "0" or not, and if it is set to "l",
That is, if a copying operation is in progress, the process returns to the main routine. "0
'', it is determined in step (Sll) whether the feed mode selection switch (159) has changed from the off state to the on state (hereinafter referred to as on-edge).

If it is not on-edge, the process returns to the main routine, and if it is on-edge, the mode flag (F
l) is "0" or not. Mode flag (Fl
) is set to "0", that is, if the cut paper document mode is set at this point, step (
In S13), the mode flag (Fl) is set to "l", that is, the continuous paper original mode is set.

On the other hand, in the step (s12), the mode flag (Fl
) is set to "l", the mode flag (Fl) is reset to "0" in step (514), that is, the cut paper original mode is set.

FIG. 9 shows a subroutine for copy start processing executed in step (S5) of the main routine.

First, in step (S20), the ADF mode signal is set to NJ.
If it is set to "N", that is, A
If copying using DF (100) is selected [see step (3123)], it is determined in step (321) whether or not a document size signal is output. If the original size signal is output, step (S22
) to determine the original size selection mode, and select APS or A.
If it is the MS mode, the copy magnification or copy paper size is calculated in step (S23), and if it is a continuous paper document, the document conveyance distance is calculated, and the calculation result is determined in step (S24). If the calculation result is within the specifications of the copying machine, it is determined in step (S25) whether the mode flag (Fl) is NJ. If the mode flag (Fl) is "0", that is, a cut paper original, the process moves to step (S27), and if the mode flag is "l", that is, continuous paper original mode, the document is transported in step (326). After outputting the distance signal,
The process moves to step (S27). In step (S27), it is determined whether a set completion signal is output.

If this set completion signal is not output, it will remain on standby, and if it is output, that is, when the original is set at a predetermined position on the document table glass (19) [step (5190)].

(see s232)] and sets the copy flag (FO) to rlJ in step (329).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (S24) that the calculation result is outside the specifications, a prohibition display is output in step (S28) to prohibit the start of the copying operation.

If the document size signal is not output in step (S21), or if it is determined that the manual mode is in step (S22), the process waits for a set completion signal to be output in step (S27), and then proceeds to step (S29). Transition.

In the step (S20), the ADF mode signal is set to "0".
If it is determined that the
After confirming that the copy flag (FO) has been reset to "0" in step 30), it is determined in step S31 whether or not the print switch (151) is on-edge.

If the print switch (151) is turned on, the copy flag (FO) is set to "l" in step (S29).

By setting the copy flag (FO) to "l" as described above, the copying process in step (S8) is started. Note that the control of copying processing is well known, and its explanation will be omitted.

Figure 1θ shows the 20th P[J
(202) shows the main routine.

When the second CPU (202) is reset and the program starts, first, in step (S100), the internal RAM is cleared, various registers are initialized, and initial settings are made to put each device into the initial mode.

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

Copy flag (FO), mode flag (Fl): The above flags are the same as those used in controlling the first cPU (201).

Feed flag (F2): Indicates the ADF (too) document transport operation mode, and in the case of a continuous paper document, is set to NJ from the start of feeding until the sensor (SE2) detects the trailing edge of the document.

ADF operation flag (F3): Indicates that the ADF (100) is in operation, and is set at rlJ from the start of document feeding until the final document is ejected.

ADF feeding flag (F4): This is to indicate that the ADF (100) is feeding the leading edge of the original, and stops at a predetermined position on the original platen glass (19) after the original feeding starts. It is set to "l" until the In the case of a continuous paper document, after the document stops at the leading edge of the document or at a predetermined position on the document table glass (19), rlJ is not set until all copies of the continuous paper document are completed.

Leading edge registration flag (F5): Original to tray (lit)
This is to indicate that the leading edge registration process is in progress to send the paper from the AD to the leading edge registration position.
Like the F feed flag (F4), it is reset to "0" after the leading edge of continuous paper is set at the registration position.

Leading edge registration start flag (F6): This is to indicate the timing to start the leading edge registration process, and it is used to indicate the timing to start the leading edge registration process.
2) is set to "1" until it rises. A.D.
F feeding flag (F4) and tip registration flag (F5)
Similarly, in the continuous paper document mode, after the feed motor and pickup roller (112) start up, they are reset to "0".

Waiting flag (F7): This flag indicates that the document is waiting at the leading edge registration position. In cut paper document mode, this flag is flagged from the completion of leading edge registration processing until the resumption of feeding onto the document table glass (19). NJ, and in continuous paper original mode, the leading edge of the continuous paper original is set at the registration position,
Alternatively, the original is set at a predetermined position on the original platen glass (19) from the time when the original stops until the original exchange signal is received.

Set complete flag (F8): In the cut paper original mode, this flag is used to indicate that the original fed from the original tray (lit) is set at a predetermined position on the original platen glass (19). This is set to rlJ from the end of feeding until the start of discharge. In the continuous paper document mode, this flag is not used because it is also used as the standby flag (F7).

Ejection flag (F9): This is to indicate that the document is being ejected from the document glass (19) to the ejection tray (135), from the generation of the original exchange signal to the completion of ejection in cut paper document mode. , in the continuous paper original mode, it is set to "l" until the next original is set.

Returning to the routine, in step (S l 01) the second C
Set the main timer of PU (202).

This main timer determines the time required for one routine of this main routine, and its value is set in advance in steps (S
100).

Next, in step (S l 02), it is determined whether or not the mode is ADF mode. If NO, the process moves to step (S112), and if YES, the process proceeds to steps (S103) and (S103).
The subroutines shown in l04) are sequentially called. Step (S103) is the ADF start switch (SSW)
) on-edge is detected and the operation of the ADF (100) is started. Step (S104)
transfer the original from the original tray (l l l) to the pinch roller (
121).

The leading edge registration process is executed to send the image to the leading edge registration position (122).

Next, in step (s105), the mode flag (Fl)
It is determined whether or not is rlJ. If the mode flag (F l) is reset to "0", that is, if it is the cut paper original mode, step (S106), (S I O7)
and cs i i l), and the process moves to step (S l 12). Step (S l
Step 06) executes the process of detecting the size of the document sent out from the document tray (111), and executes the process of detecting the size of the document sent out from the document tray (111),
o 7. ) executes the process of feeding and setting ordinary cut paper originals one by one onto the original platen glass (19). Step (Sitl) executes a process of ejecting one document onto the ejection tray (135).

In the step (S l 05), the mode flag (Fl)
If it is determined that is set to NJ, that is, if the continuous paper original mode is selected, step (S108
), it is determined whether the feed flag (F2) is "1" or not. If the feed flag is set to "l", that is, if the document sensor (SF3) detects the document (step (S)
234)), the subroutine of step (S109) executes processing to detect the size of the original, and in step (SllO) the unexposed portion of the original is placed on the original platen glass (19).
Execute the process to set it in the specified position above, and follow step (
Move to S l l 2).

In the step (S108), the feed flag (F2) is set to “O”.
”, that is, when it is detected that there is no subsequent document, step (S l l l
), the process of ejecting the document to the ejection tray (135) is executed.

In step (S l 12), the first cPU (201)
Processes the sending and receiving of data between. The signals communicated here are the same as those explained in the process of step (S8).

When the processing in each of the above subroutines is completed, the process waits for the main timer to finish counting in step (S113), and then returns to step (S101).

The time length of this l routine is used to count the various timers that appear in each subroutine.

FIG. 11 shows a subroutine of ADF start processing executed in step (S103) of the main routine of the second CPU (202).

First, in step (Sl, 20), copy flag (FO) is set.
is reset to "0" in step (S1
In step 21), it is determined whether the ADF operation flag (F3) is reset to "0", and in step (Sl 22), it is determined whether the sensor (SEL) on the document tray (111) is on, and either If both are YES, the process returns to the main routine immediately, and if both are YES, copying operation, AD
When it is confirmed that the F operation is not in progress and that the original is set on the tray (l l 1), step (S1
23) sets the ADF mode signal to "1".

Next, in step (S124), wait for the ADF start switch (SSW) to turn on, and then proceed to step (S124).
25), set the ADF operation flag (F3) to NJ,
In step (S126), the ADF feeding flag (F4) is set to "1", and in step (3127), the leading edge registration flag (F5) and the leading edge registration start flag CF,
6) is set to Nj. Next, step (3128
) to determine whether the mode flag (Fl) is "1" or not, and
If it is set to "1", the feed flag (F2) is set to "l" in step (S l 29), and if it is reset to "0", the feed flag (F2) is set in step (s l 30). It is reset to "0" and this subroutine ends.

FIG. 12 shows the tip registration geography subroutine executed in step (S104) of the main routine of the second CPU (202).

First, in step (S l 40), it is determined whether the tip registration flag (F5) is "rl" or not. If it is reset to "0", the process returns to the main routine immediately, and if it is set to "1", the process returns to step In (S141), it is determined whether the leading edge registration start flag (F6) is "1". If this flag (F6) is reset to "0", the process moves to step (S146), and if it is set to "1", the feeding motor and the pickup solenoid are turned on in step (S142). Furthermore, step (S143)
It is determined whether the mode flag (Fl) is "0" or not. If this flag (Fl) is "0", that is, in the cut paper document mode, the reversing roller renoid is turned on in step (Sl44), the reversing roller (114) is driven in the reverse direction, and step (Sl44) is performed. 45). With this,
The pickup roller (112) rotates as it comes into pressure contact with the top surface of the document, and the forward and reverse rotation rollers (113) and (114)
The document also starts rotating, and only one document in the top layer is placed in the tray (11).
1) (see Figure 3a).

On the other hand, the mode flag (F
If it is determined that 1) is "1", that is, continuous paper original mode, the process moves to step (S 1 45).

Next, in step (S'145), the tip registration start flag (F6) is reset to "0", and step (S'145) is performed.
46).

In step (3146), it is determined whether the sensor (S E 2) is on-edge or not. If the sensor (S E 2) is on-edge, the process moves to step (3148), and if it is on-edge, the process moves to step (3148).
At S147), the leading edge registration timer is set, and the process moves to step (S148).

This leading edge registration timer detects the leading edge of the document detected by the sensor (S E 2) by the pinch roller (121).

(122) is set to the time required to contact the nip portion and form a loop. Therefore, step (S l
In step 48), it is determined whether or not the leading edge registration timer has finished counting. If the count has not ended, this subroutine is ended, and when the end of the count is detected, the process moves to step (S 1 49). Step (3149
), (5150) to turn the reversing roller (11) in cut paper mode.
4) is being driven in reverse, it is cut and the step (
In step S151), the feed motor and pickup solenoid are turned off, and in step (S152), the tip registration flag (F5) is reset to "0".
In step 3), the standby flag (Fl) is set to IN, and this subroutine ends. With this, the tray (I l l)
The leading edge of the original sent from the pinch roller (121)
, (122), the skew is corrected, and the third
(see figure b).

FIG. 13 shows a subroutine for document size detection processing in the cut paper document mode, which is executed in step (S l 06) of the main routine of the second CPU (202). This subroutine is executed while the original is being fed from the leading edge registration position to a predetermined position on the original platen glass (19), and the width of the original is determined by the combination of ON and OFF of sensors (SF3) to (SE5). For details, refer to Table 2), the length of the document in the conveyance direction is detected by pulse counting by a sensor (SF3).

Here, first in step (S l 60) it is determined whether the pinch roller motor (123) has started up.

This pinch roller motor (123) follows the steps below (
It is turned on in step S184). If it is not a rising edge, the process moves to step (S l 62), and if it is a rising edge, the pulse count of the sensor (SF3) is started in step (S 161), and the process moves to step (s l 62). When the off-edge of the sensor (SF3) is confirmed in step (S162), the pulse count of the sensor (SF3) is stopped in step (S I 63), and the pulse count of the sensor (SF3) is stopped in steps (S I 64) to (S I 66). S
It is determined whether F3) to (SF3) are on or off, and the width of the document is detected according to Table 2 in steps (S167) to (s170), and the process moves to step (S171).

In step (S17], ), the pulse count number and sensor (
The document size is calculated using the ON and OFF signals of SF3) to (SF3), the document size signal is output in step (S172), and this subroutine ends.

FIG. 14 shows a subroutine of document feeding process (2) in the cut sheet document mode, which is executed in step (S107) of the main routine of the second CPU (202).

First, in step (3180), the ADF feeding flag (F4
) is set to "1", and if it is set to "0", the main routine is returned immediately; if it is set to "1", that is, the ADF start switch (SSW) is turned on. Then, in step (S l 81), it is determined whether the standby flag (F7) is "l" or not. Standby flag (F7
) is reset to “0”, step (S l
86), and if it is set to NJ, that is, if the leading edge of the document is registered with the pinch rollers (121) and (122), the discharge flag (F9) is set to "0".

If the discharge flag (F9) has already been set to rlJ, the process moves to step (Sl84), and if it has been reset to "0", the conveyance motor is turned on in step (Sl83), and the process moves to step (Sl84). Turn on the pinch roller motor (123) in step (S84), reset the standby flag (F7) to "0" in step (Sl85), and start the process in step (s
l 86). With this, feeding of the original from the leading edge registration position onto the original platen glass (19) is resumed.

In step (S l 86), it is determined whether the sensor (S E 2) is off-edge or not. If it is not off-edge, the process moves to step (S l 88), and if it is off-edge, a stop timer is set in step (S l 87). and moves to step (5188). This stop timer starts after the trailing edge of the document passes the sensor (SF3) and then the document platen glass (
19) It is set to the time required to reach the exposure start position above. Therefore, in step (S l 88), wait for the end of the count of this stop timer, and then proceed to step (S l 8
In step 9), the pinch roller motor (123) and the conveyance motor are turned off, in step (S l 90), an original setting completion signal is output to the first CPU (201), and in step (519)
1) sets the set completion flag (F8) to "l". This means that the original has been fed and stopped at a predetermined position on the original platen glass (19).

Next, in step (S l92), it is determined whether the sensor (SEI) is on or not. If it is on, that is, if the next original is on the tray (ill), the original is placed in the leading edge register in advance. In order to process, the tip registration flag (F5) is set to "1" in step (S193), and the tip registration start flag (F6) is set in step (S194).
is set to "l", and in step (S l 95)
The F feeding flag (F4) is reset to "0" and this subroutine ends. Further, the step (S l 9
If the sensor (SEI) is off in step 2), that is, if there is no original in the tray (l l l), the ADF feeding flag (F4) is set to [0] in step (S l 95).
to end this subroutine.

FIG. 15 shows a subroutine for document size detection processing in the continuous paper document mode, which is executed in step (SIO9) of the main routine of the second CPU (202). In this subroutine, a sensor (SE
3) to (SF3). The result is output as a signal in step (S210). When using AMS or APS, the first cP that received this signal
U (201) refers to Table 4 or Table 6 to determine the distance from the document conveyance path. Then it needs to be executed immediately.

Here, first, in step (5200), it is determined whether the pinch roller motor (123) has started up. If it does not rise, it moves to step (S202), and if it does not rise, it starts a conveyance timer in step (S201) and moves to step (S2!I2). This conveyance timer is connected to the pinch roller (121) when the leading edge of the document
, from the registration position of (122) to the original platen glass (19).
) is set to the time required to reach the exposure start position above (see Fig. 3c).

Next, in step (S202), wait for the conveyance timer to end, in steps (S203) to C5205), determine whether the sensors (SF3) to (SE5) are on or off, and in steps (S206) to In (S209), the width of the document is detected according to Table 2. In step (S210), a document size signal is output, and this subroutine ends.

FIG. 16 shows the subroutine of document feeding process (2) in the continuous paper mode, which is executed in step (S l l O) of the main routine of the second CPU (202).

First, in step (S220), the ADF feeding flag (F
4) is "l" or the discharge flag (F9) is rN, that is, whether or not the document is being transported. If ADF feed 7 lag is set to "1" here,
While feeding the leading edge of a continuous paper document, the ejection flag (F9) is
”, it means that the feeding process for documents other than the leading edge of continuous paper documents is being executed. If the ADF feeding flag (F4) and discharge flag (F9) are both reset to "0", the main routine is returned immediately and the ADF
If either the F feeding flag (F4) or the discharge 7 lag (F9) is set to NJ, the process moves to step (S221).

Next, in step (S221), it is determined whether or not the standby flag is "l", and if it is set to "1", step (S221) is performed.
In step S222), the pinch roller, conveyance, and discharge motors are turned on, and in step S223, the standby flag (F7) is set to "0". With this, feeding of the original is started.

Next, in step (S224), the ADF feeding flag (F4
) is "0", and if it is reset to "0", the process moves to step (S229), and if it is set in NJ, that is, the document being transported is at the leading edge of the continuous paper. If there is, this subroutine is finished, and when this subroutine is executed again, the end of the transport timer is waited for in step (S226), and the ADF feeding flag (F4) is reset to "0" in step (S227). , step (S22
After setting the discharge flag (F9) to "l" in step 8), the process moves to step (S229). Ste Nobu (s 2
29) starts pulse counting of the sensor (S E 7). That is, here, if the Wc document to be transported is not the leading edge of a continuous paper original, it is transported only the set distance by the pulse count of the sensor (SF3), and if it is the leading edge, the leading edge of the original starts exposure from the registration position. Wait until the sensor (SF3) reaches the position and start counting the pulses of the sensor (SF3).

In step (S230), it is determined whether the pulse count of the sensor (SF3) is greater than or equal to a set value.

If the pulse count value is less than the set value, this subroutine ends immediately, and when the set value is reached, step (52
In step 31), the pinch roller, conveyance, and discharge motors are turned off to stop conveyance of the document.

In step (S232), a document setting completion signal is output, and in step (S233), it is determined whether or not the sensor blind (SF3) is on. If the sensor (SF3) is on, that is, if there is a subsequent document, step (S235)
If the sensor (S E 2) is off, the feed flag (F2) is reset to "0" in step (s 234), and then the process moves to step cs 235).

In step (S235), set the standby flag (F7) to "l"
, and in step (s236) the discharge flag (F
9) to "0" and end this subroutine.

FIG. 17 shows a subroutine for document discharge processing in the cut sheet document mode, which is executed in step (S111) of the main routine of the second CPU (202). This process is executed when the cut paper original mode is selected or when the final original is fed even if the continuous paper original mode is selected.

First, in step (S240) the discharge flag (F9) is set to N.
Determine whether or not j. The discharge flag (F9) is set to "1" when the copying machine main body (1) completes image exposure scanning for the number of copies of the original and the original exchange signal is output. Therefore, if the discharge flag (F9) remains reset to "0", the main routine is returned immediately, and if it is set to NJ, it is determined in step (S241) whether the set completion flag (F8) is NJ or not. . If the set completion flag (F8) is reset to "10", the process moves to step (S244), and if it is set to "l", the conveyance motor and discharge motor are turned on in step (S242), and the process proceeds to step (S244). 243) to set the set completion flag (F8
) is reset to "0" and the process moves to step (S244). With this, the original set on the original table glass (19) starts to be ejected.

In step (S244), it is determined whether the sensor (SF3) is off-edge, that is, whether the trailing edge of the document has passed the sensor (SF3), and if it is not off-edge, step (
If it is an off-edge, the process moves to step (S246).
Set the discharge timer in step S245), and proceed to step (32).
46). This ejection timer starts when the rear edge of the document is detected by the sensor (SF3) and then the ejection roller (133)
.

(134) is set to the time until cutting. Therefore, in step (S246), the ejection timer finishes counting, and then in step (S247), the ejection motor is turned off. The document is now discharged onto the discharge tray (135).

Next, in step (S248), it is determined whether the standby flag (F7) is "0", that is, whether the next document is waiting at the leading edge registration position. The standby flag (F7) is “
1, the ADF feeding flag (F4) is set in step (S252) to execute the feeding process.
is set to "l" and the process moves to step (S253). If the standby flag (F7) is reset to "0", that is, if the document ejected at this time is the final document, the transport motor is turned off in step (S249), and the ADF is turned off in step (S250). Set the operation flag (F3) to “0”
", and in step (5251), the ADF mode signal is reset to "0" and output to the first CPU (201), and the process moves to step (S253).

In step (S253), the discharge flag (F9) is set to "0".
” and return to the main routine.

[Main parts of the embodiment] In the above configuration, the pinch rollers (121), (1
22) are used as the leading and trailing edge registration members of the original, and when the continuous paper original mode is selected, the leading edge registration process of the original is first performed [FIG. 12, step (
S I O4) subroutine], then the sensor (S
Detect the width of the document using F3) to (SF5) [15th
Refer to the subroutine of step (SI O9) in FIG.

Here, if it is AMS or APS mode, the first CPU
In step (201), the document conveyance distance is calculated by calculation, and if the mode is manual mode, the conveyance distance is manually set.

When the conveyance distance of the document is set, the conveyance distance is measured by the pulse count of the sensor (SF3), and then the document is conveyed.
When the set value is reached, it stops and the exposure operation is performed [Fig. 16, subroutine of step (SIIO) and step (S
112)].

Here, when the sensor (SF3) detects the end of the document, after the exposure operation is completed, the ejection geography is performed [Section 17, step (
Refer to subroutine S l l 1)].

With this, the continuous paper original can be placed in a fixed amount at a time on the original platen glass (1
9) It will be transported upwards and subjected to exposure copying processing.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments,
Various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist.

For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, in the continuous paper mode, the reversing roller (114) is inoperative, or when it is activated, the double-stitched original as shown in FIG. 4c is copied in two sheets. It also becomes possible.

Conventionally, in order to copy such an original document into two sheets, complicated control was performed on the copying machine main body side, but by installing the automatic feeding device according to the present invention, this can be done easily.

Further, in the above embodiment, the stop position of continuous documents is determined by a sensor (S
Although the determination is made using the pulse signal in E7), it may be controlled by a timer, or by adding a mark to the document and detecting this mark by a sensor.

Furthermore, in recent years, many types of facsimile machines have been commercialized that use thermal paper rolls because they can easily be made smaller and lower in price. , the frictional resistance of the paper surface is large. Therefore,
If this was automatically fed as a document, problems such as double feeding and blackening due to friction of the sorting device occurred. Normally, facsimile machines cut the document according to its size, but this is not possible. By using the automatic feeding device according to the invention, the above problems are also solved.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above description, the document fed from the document feeding unit is stopped at a predetermined position on the document table glass, and
In an automatic document feeder capable of ejecting a document from a document table glass after completion of an exposure operation, the control means includes means for measuring the length of the document being conveyed, stops the document at a predetermined length, and performs an exposure operation. In addition to regular cut-paper originals, continuous paper originals used for computer output etc. can also be automatically fed.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 16 show an automatic document feeder (A) according to the present invention.
DF), FIG. 1 is an internal configuration diagram as a copying system, FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the ADF, and FIGS. 3a to 3e show document feeding processing. The operation explanatory diagrams, FIGS. 4a to 4C, are plan views showing the types of manuscripts;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the operation panel, FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the control circuit, and FIGS. 7 to 17 are flowcharts showing control procedures. (100)...Automatic document feeder (ADF), (10
)...Document feeding unit, (II)...Document tray (12)...Pickup roller, (20)...Document transport unit, (121), (122)...Pinch roller, ( 25)
...Conveyor belt, (129)...Gate, (130)...Document discharge section, (SEI) to (SF3)...Document detection photosensor. Patent applicant: Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. $4. b@ Figure 4b Figure 4c Figure 1872 Figure 15

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) During transport in an automatic document feeder that stops the original fed from the original document feeder at a predetermined position on the original glass platen, and is capable of ejecting the original from the original glass platen after the exposure operation is completed. What is claimed is: 1. An automatic document feeder comprising: means for measuring the conveyance length of a document; control means for stopping the document at a predetermined length; and controlling means for performing an exposure operation.