JPH0331168A - Automatic feeder for document - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To completely prevent a discharged document from interfering with a fed document and solve troubles concerning it by providing a control means for suspending the feeding of the second document from a sheet feed section when the first document is returned to the sheet feed section. CONSTITUTION:When the first document is returned to a sheet feed section, a control means 303 is operated to suspend the feeding of the second document. The returned document is returned on the second document not fed yet. When the last document is fed, the tip of the first document is prevented from colliding with its rear end or crawling under it. At lest the first document exists on the last document of the sheet feed section, the second and subsequent document are returned on the first document returned earlier to the sheet feed section, thus the second and subsequent documents are prevented from interfering with a document being fed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an automatic document feeder used in copying machines, laser beam printers, etc. After transporting the fed document to a predetermined position and exposing and reading the image,
The present invention relates to an automatic document feeder having a conveying means for returning a document placed in a paper feed section.

(Prior Art) For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-282029 discloses such an automatic document feeder. This type of device can handle a large number of documents by repeatedly circulating them one by one.
It is convenient for image formation with copying machines and laser beam printers. Generally, with the intention of speeding up processing, a document movement scanning mode is adopted in which the document is scanned for image exposure and reading while being conveyed, and the document is fed as continuously as possible from the paper feed section. The paper is sequentially subjected to exposure and reading of images, and then returned to the paper feed section.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, depending on various conditions such as the size of the original, the number of sheets set, the feeding interval, and the length of the original transport path, the timing at which the first original is returned to the paper feeding unit may vary. This may overlap with the timing when the final document is fed from the paper feed unit.

At this time, if the speed at which the document is returned to the paper feed section is set to be faster than the speed at which the document is fed from the paper feed section, the document will be returned to the rear end of the document that is being fed. The trailing edge may get stuck and the fed original or returned original may be disturbed, or the returned original may slip under the fed original and be dragged along with the fed original and fed together. For this reason, the original may jam, or the final original may be obstructed by the first original, and the image may not be properly exposed or read.

Therefore, the present invention devises the method of feeding the original, prevents the original from being fed and returned at the timing described above, and provides automatic original feeding that can solve the problems of the conventional method. The objective is to provide a device.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention includes a paper feeding section that feeds originals set in a stacked state one by one downwardly, and a paper feeding unit that feeds the originals set in a stacked state one by one, and A case is shown in which an automatic document feeder RD11 is used in the copying machine A, and is equipped with a conveying means for conveying the document to a predetermined position and then returning it on top of the document set in the paper feed section.

As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine A has a platen glass 1 on the upper surface of its main body, and a photosensitive drum 2 is provided approximately at the center of the upper part of the main body so as to be rotatable in a counterclockwise direction. Around the photoconductor drum 2, an eraser lamp 3, a charger 4, an inter-image eraser 5 consisting of an LED array, a developer 6.7, a transfer charger 8, a separation charger 9, and a blade type cleaning device W10 are installed around the photoconductor drum. They are sequentially arranged in the two rotational directions. The photoreceptor drum 2 has a photoreceptor layer provided on its surface, and after residual charges are removed by an eraser lamp 3, the photoreceptor drum 2 passes through a charger 4 and is uniformly charged.

A projection optical system 11 is provided below the platen glass 1 and exposes the image of the document on the platen glass 1 onto the charged surface of the photoreceptor drum 2. The projection optical system 11 is supported by a first slider 12 as a scanner that moves along the lower surface of the platen glass 1. In the automatic feeder, when the first document is returned to the paper feed section, the projection optical system 11 is connected to the paper feed section for the second document. The present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a control means for waiting for paper feeding from the machine.

(Function) When the first original is returned to the paper feed section, the control means is activated and waits for the second original to be fed, so that the returned original has not yet been fed. It will be returned on top of the first page of the original. Therefore, when the final document is fed, there is a 1.
Of course, it is possible to avoid the leading edge of the first sheet of original from getting stuck or going under, but there is also at least the first sheet of original above the last original in the paper feed section, and the second sheet of original Since the original is returned on top of the first original that has been returned to the paper feeding section first, it is possible to avoid the second original from interfering with the original that is being fed.

(Example) An embodiment of the present invention shown in the drawings will be described.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an exposure lamp 13, a first mirror 14, and second and third mirrors 16 supported by a second slider 15 that operate in conjunction with the first slider 12 are used. .17, and also has a projection lens 18 and a fourth mirror 19, each supported separately.

The first and second sliders 12.15 are driven by a scan motor (not shown), and include an exposure lamp 13 and a first mirror 1.
4 is moved at a speed of V/n with respect to the circumferential speed (2) of the photosensitive drum 2, and the second and third mirrors 16 and 17 are moved at a speed of V/2n. By the movement of the exposure lamp 13 and the first mirror 14, the document positioned on the platen glass 1 and in a stopped state is scanned, and the second and third mirrors 14 are scanned for the entire image.
6.17, slit exposure is performed on the photosensitive drum 2 through the projection lens 18 and the fourth mirror 19. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the entire image of the document can be formed on the photosensitive drum 2, and copying can be performed in the optical system movement scanning mode. The movement of the second and third mirrors 16 and 17 prevents the optical path length from changing due to the movement of the first mirror 14.

The projection optical system 11 also scans the original as it is conveyed over the platen glass 1 even when the exposure lamp 13 and the first mirror 14 are stopped at the position of the portion of the platen glass 1 where the image can be exposed. , slit exposure can be performed on the photoreceptor drum 2 for the entire image of the original,
Enables copying in document movement scanning mode. The document is conveyed on the platen glass 1 by an automatic document feeder RDH.

In the projection optical system 11, the projection lens 18 is further moved in the optical axis direction by a variable magnification motor (not shown) to change the projection magnification during image exposure, that is, the copy magnification. At this time, the fourth mirror 19 is slightly moved and swung to correct the conjugate length and to prevent the exposure point onto the photosensitive drum 2 from changing.

On the other hand, the scanning speed is changed by V/n as the copying magnification is changed. In the optical system moving scanning mode, the moving speeds of the exposure lamp 13 and the first mirror 14 change, whereas in the document moving scanning mode, the document conveyance speed changes to correspond to the change.

The switching position is set by moving indicators 31a and 31b provided on the sides of the platen glass 1 to the original color switching position on the platen glass 1. This set position is set when the magnets 32a and 32b provided on the indicators 31a and 31b are moved to the first slider 1 while the first slider 12 is scanning in the optical system movement scanning mode.
This is detected by the reed switch 33 on the top 2, and the developing device to be used is switched depending on the timing of this detection.

A toner replenisher 3 provided at the upper side of the main body of the copying machine A is installed in the developing device 6 that stores black developer, which consumes a large amount of toner.
It is possible to replenish toner from 4 onwards.

The copy paper used for the transfer is supplied from any one of the first paper feed section 35, second paper feed section 36, and paper re-feed section 37 provided in the lower half of the main body of the copying machine A, or from the main body side. It is fed from the manual feeding table 38. The copy paper is supplied to the first and second paper feed sections 35.
36 and the pickup roller 39 from the paper refeeding section 37.
40 and 41, respectively, and a pair of separating rollers 4
The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 2 by image exposure in steps 2.43.44 is developed with toner and made visible by passing through the developing device 6.7. When this developed toner image reaches the transfer charger 8, it is transferred onto the copying paper being fed with the leading edge aligned with the toner image. After the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 has been transferred, residual toner is removed by a cleaning device 10, and then subjected to processing by an eraser lamp 3 and a charger 4, and then subjected to exposure again.

The developing device 6 stores a black developer, and the developing device M stores a developer other than black, such as red. Either developer 6, 7 can be selected for developing the electrostatic latent image. In addition, when developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 2 in one exposure, by switching the developing device in the middle, the copy image formed on the copy paper in one pass can be changed. The color can be changed midway. This copying operation mode is called the simultaneous color mode.

By the way, in this simultaneous color mode, the colored sheets are separated one by one and then fed by the feeding roller 45. Manually fed copy paper from the manual feeding table 38 is fed by a feeding roller 46.
It will be sent as is.

The fed copy paper reaches the temporarily stopped register roller 47, and its leading edge is aligned with the nip portion to correct the skew. Thereafter, the register roller 47 is restarted at an appropriate timing, and the register timing is set to align the leading edge of the copy paper being fed with the toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum 2, and the copy paper is sent out for transfer. .

The copy paper after the transfer is separated from the photosensitive drum 2 by a separation charger 9, and then transported to a fixing device 4 by a conveyor belt 4B.
Sent to 9th. The fixing device 49 fixes the toner image transferred onto the copy paper and sends it out. The copy paper after the fixing process is transported by a transport roller 50, and is sent to a paper discharge path 52 or a re-transport path 53 depending on the position selection of a switching claw 51.

The paper discharge path 52 discharges the received copy paper to the outside of the main body by a paper discharge roller 54. The re-conveying path 53 conveys the received copy paper by a conveying roller 55, and feeds it to the re-feeding section 37 in a face-up state with the image forming surface facing upward, or in a face-down state with the image forming surface facing downward. I'm going to get into it. Copy paper fed face-up is re-fed and transferred face-down, resulting in double-sided copying.

The copy paper fed face-down is re-fed and transferred face-up, resulting in a composite copy.

On the other hand, automatic document feeder? &RDH has a cover-type case 61 that covers the platen glass 1 on the top surface of the main body of the copying machine A, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. This case 6
1, an original storage unit 63 that stores originals OD in a stack and sends them out one by one by a paper feeding means 62; A circulation conveyance path 64 is provided for returning the document OD from the platen glass 1 to the document storage section 63.

The case 61 is removably connected to one side of the upper surface of the main body of the copying machine A by a hinge connecting part, and has a sorting pad 69 that presses into contact with the upper part of the hinge series 1-. The OD is sent between a feeding roller 68 and a sorting pad 69 by a pickup roller 66. At this time, the upper document OD is placed on the handling pad 6.
9 , and only the lowest document, which is conveyed by the feed roller 68 , is fed forward.

The front handling piece 67 and the handling pad 69 are attached to a lever 71. The lever 71 presses the sorting pad 69 against the feeding roller 68 and becomes stable due to its downward movement due to its own weight around the shaft 70 and the bias of the pressure spring 72. In this state, the pre-separation piece 67 is placed at a predetermined height position immediately behind the pickup roller 66.

Note that the pre-cleaning piece 67 may be fixed to the main body.

A document stopper 111 is provided in front of the front handling piece 67 to once receive and align set documents at a predetermined position.
It can be switched between an active position and a non-active position by swinging around 12. This switching is performed by a solenoid (not shown) or the like, and is kept in a non-operating position while the original OD is being fed.

Further, the platen glass 1 can be opened and closed by moving up and down around the active part of the pick. This allows it to be handled and copied in the same way as a normal document cover.

The document storage section 63 is formed as a concave portion on the upper surface of the case 61, as shown in FIGS. Can be stored in a stacked state. The paper feeding means 62 includes a pickup roller 66 that faces the tip of the bottom plate 65 of the document storage section 63 from below so as to be substantially flush with it.
and a pre-handling piece 67 facing directly above the pickup roller 66 leaving a gap for feeding out the document. As a result, the stacked documents OD are sequentially sent out from the bottom layer by the pickup roller 66 while being subjected to positional regulation and feeding restrictions by the pre-separation piece 67 except for the lower layer documents. Therefore, it is avoided that a large number of stacked originals OD are sent out at once from the original storage section 63, and the next handling becomes easier.

The paper feeding means 62 also includes a feeding roller 68 located immediately after the big unroller 66, and a document presser 113 provided above the up-up roller 66 to press the document set thereon and help transport the document. ing. The document presser 113 is pivotally supported by a shaft 114, and is swung by a solenoid (not shown) to switch between an active position and a non-active position, and is kept in the active position while the original OD is being fed. Furthermore, a pickup roller 66 and a document presser 1
A document stopper 115 is provided at a position upstream in the conveying direction from the point of action of sheet feeding and conveying by 13.

The return document stoppers 115 are a pair of left and right supports that are idly rotated by a shaft 116, and operate by protruding downward from the window 134b of the upper guide 134, as shown in FIG.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, it is retracted upward and becomes inactive. A stopper lifting piece 601 is fixed to the shaft 116. The stopper lifting piece 601 faces the sideways passive piece 115a of each return original stopper 115, and in the counterclockwise rotated position in FIG. However, at the position rotated clockwise in FIG. 5, it moves away from the opposing passive piece 115a and returns to release the lifting of the document stopper 115. For this reason, each return document stopper 115 becomes free from each other on the shaft 116, and moves downward until it is received by the previous document OD set as shown in FIG. Therefore, even if the original OD is wavy or partially lifted, each return original stopper 115 reliably abuts on the original OD and will not float. Therefore, the returned document OD that is being returned is brought into contact with and stopped by any of the return document stoppers 115 without being submerged, and no skew occurs.

Since an elastic pad 115b made of rubber or the like is attached to the front surface of the tip of each return document stopper 115, it is possible to easily make contact with the document OD and more reliably prevent the return document OD from slipping through.

Furthermore, even though the return original stopper 115 presses the set original OD and exerts transport resistance on it, the point of application of the pressing is that the original OD receives the paper feeding and transporting force from the pickup roller 66. Can be detected repeatedly.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the circulation conveyance path 64 is located between the platen glass 1 and a curved conveyance path 81 on the feeding side that guides the document OD fed from the paper feeding means 62 onto the platen glass 1. A straight conveyance path 82 formed on the platen glass 1 is continuous with a curved conveyance path 83 on the return side for returning the original OD on the platen glass 1 to the document storage section 63. The curved conveyance path 81 on the feeding side is provided with a timing roller 84 that is slightly faster than the feeding roller 68 at its starting end, and a pair of pinch rollers 85 at its rear end. The timing roller 84 is stopped for a certain period of time when the original OD is sent from the paper feeding means 62, and is driven after waiting for the leading edge of the original OD to come into pressure contact with the nip portion and align with the original OD. skew can be corrected. After the timing roller 84 starts driving and receives the original OD, the timing roller 84 takes out the original OD from the paper feeding means 62 and sends it to the curved conveyance path 81 via the pinch roller pair 85. At this time, since the feed roller 68 is an internal one-way clutch and is located upstream of the river fish in the paper feeding direction, the resistance acts to stop the document OD about to be fed by its paper feeding conveyance force. do. Therefore, even though it works to extend the document OD, it is possible to prevent the document from escaping from the paper feed conveyance or causing wrinkles, and to prevent the document from creasing or jamming during the document OD feed conveyance. However, it does not cause any inconvenience such as poor paper feeding.

The shaft 116 is provided with a spring 603 that holds the stopper 115 in a non-acting position via a lever 602, and a spring 603 that holds the stopper 115 in a non-acting position.
A solenoid 604 is actuated against the solenoid 03 to be in the active position. The stopper 115 is normally set to the non-operating position so as not to interfere with setting or replacing the original OD, and is set to the operative position each time the paper is fed, so that the stopper 115 returns the original OD onto the set original OD as shown in Fig. 5. The set original OD is received at an intermediate position so that the set original OD and the returned original OD can be distinguished. As a result, when the original 00 is completely fed, the encoder rotates idly and rotates by using a simple sensor 153 that is kicked by the original 00.

By setting the pinch roller pair 85 at the same speed as or slightly slower than the timing roller 84, it is possible to prevent a change in the transport speed of the original OD when the original OD passes through the timing roller 84.

Therefore, even if copying is performed in the document movement scanning mode, variations in conveyance speed will not affect the copied image. On the other hand, a relief 605 is provided in the conveyance path to prevent slack in the document OD due to the speed difference between the rollers 84 and 85.

The straight conveyance path 82 is formed by the platen glass 1 and a conveyance belt 86 provided so as to be in pressure contact with the upper surface of the platen glass 1.

The conveyance heald 86 is stretched under the bottom plate 65 of the document storage section 63 by a driving roller 87 and a driven roller 88 driven by a motor (not shown), and is brought into pressure contact with the platen glass l by a backup roller 89 in the middle. As a result, the conveyor belt 86 can receive the original 00 fed from the curved conveyance path 81 via the pinch roller pair 85 onto the platen glass l, and can also receive the original OD received onto the platen glass 1 on the return side. curved conveyance path 83
can be sent to.

Similar to the relationship between the pinch roller 85 and the timing roller 84, the speed of the conveyance heald 86 is set to be the same or slightly slower than that of the pinch roller 85 on the upstream side in the conveyance direction. Therefore, the original OD transported over the platen glass 1 by the transport belt 86 has a constant speed, which is particularly advantageous for copying in the original movement scanning mode.

A document scale 91 is provided at a position away from the platen glass 1 in the straight conveyance path 82 in the return direction. The rear end of the document scale 91 is pivotally supported on the main body of the copying machine A by a shaft 92, and the front end surface is in a normal position lower than the platen glass 1 by driving means such as a solenoid (not shown), and in a normal position where the front end surface is higher than the platen glass 1. The posture is controlled to a stopper position. This manuscript scale 9
1 is placed in the normal position, it scoops up the document OD sent out from the platen glass 1 and guides it to the curved conveyance path 83 on the return side. At the stopper position, the pulley 19 101 has a discharge port 102 at the upper part of its front surface and is provided with a pair of discharge rollers 103. Rear end guide unit 10
1 also has an L-shaped guide wall 104 below the outlet 102. As a result, the trailing edge guide unit 101 receives the trailing edge of the document OD discharged from the discharge port 102 on the L-shaped guide wall 104, and moves from the receiving position toward the paper feed means 62, thereby moving the document OD to the document stopper. 111 and can be aligned at a predetermined position. In particular, since the lower end piece 104a of the L-shaped guide wall 104 receives the rear end of the returned document ODO from below, the guide wall 104 and the bottom plate 6 of the document storage section 63 move while the guide wall 104 pushes the document OD.
5 can be prevented from getting in between.

Further, the L-shaped guide wall 104 of the rear end guide unit 101
The rising surface 104b is a high friction coefficient surface with a satin finish or minute irregularities. As a result, the L-shaped guide wall 104 returns and pushes the original OD, but due to the frictional resistance between the original 00 and the bottom plate 65, the rear end of the original ODO curves along the rising surface of the L-shaped guide wall 104 into the curved conveyance path 83. The leading edge of the original OD sent to the side is received by the front end surface and positioned at a predetermined printing position on the platen glass 1.

This positioning is necessary when the scanning mode is an optical system movement scanning mode, an entire surface simultaneous exposure method, or an entire surface simultaneous exposure method, but is not necessary in the document movement scanning mode.

The curved conveyance path 83 on the return side has a large diameter conveyance roller 93 in the middle.
The driven rollers 94 and 95 are brought into pressure contact with the upper and lower sides of the side peripheral surface of the transport roller 93, and the document OD sent into the curved transport path 83 from above the platen glass l is moved to the side of the transport roller 93. The document is conveyed while being curved along the circumferential surface and returned to the document storage section 63 from the rear end.

At the rear end of the document storage section 63, the rear end of the document OD to be stacked and stored is guided and the document OD is moved to the return document stopper 115.
A rear end guide unit 101 is provided. The rear end guide unit 01 is the document OD inside the document storage section 63.
It can be moved back and forth depending on its size. This is to prevent the rear end guide unit 20 104b from sliding upward and to surely push the original OD to the original stopper 111 and position it at a predetermined position.

The rear end guide unit 101 includes a cover 10 made of synthetic resin.
5, document receiving holes 106a and 106b are adjacent to each other in the front and back between the L-shaped guide wall 104 and the rear wall of the cover 105, and there is a document ejection path 106 that opens widely downward. The document discharge path 106 has a tapered shape that narrows toward the discharge port 102, and guides the document OD received from the document receiving opening 106a toward the discharge roller pair 103, and is discharged from the discharge port 102 by the discharge roller pair 103. so that The document receiving holes 106a and 106b are the document discharge path 106.
The lower half of the building is divided into two by a partition wall into the front and back.

On the other hand, the bottom plate 65 of the document storage section 63 is provided with document feed ports 65a to 65d at various positions depending on the size of the document OD, and a common auxiliary conveyance path 121 for these ports is provided on the bottom plate 65.
It is provided along the bottom of 5.

Furthermore, a return conveyance path 122 reverses the original OD sent out from the curved conveyance path 83 and sends it back to the straight conveyance path 82.
Also provided.

The sent document OD from the curved conveyance path 83 is transferred to the auxiliary conveyance path 12.
Switching claw 1 is used to sort between 1 and return conveyance path 122.
This is done by selecting the position in step 07.

Note that the rear end guide unit 01 can be stably moved by being guided by the inner surface of the document storage section 63, and is automatically moved to the document discharge position according to the selected copy paper size by the driving means shown in FIG. After all the documents have been returned, the document is temporarily advanced to a predetermined push-out position for feeding the next document.

Further, when the feeding of the original is completed, it is returned to the home position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, which is the most retracted position where it does not interfere with setting or replacing the original OD.

Here, as shown in FIG. 15, the document discharge position is determined by the distance α between the return document stopper 115, which sends the document OD, and the rising surface 104b of the L-shaped guide wall 104, and the detected document size β. It is assumed that the position has a margin of T compared to the above. This is because the ejected return document OD is sent to the return document stopper 115 and the L-shaped guide wall 10
The rising edge of 4 is 3. The opening 106a or 106b is the document feed port 65a.
-65d, the position of the rear end guide unit 01 can be further adjusted according to the document size within a range where the two sides are not deviated from each other. Therefore, the difference between JIS standard A column and B column, other millimeter sizes,
It can accommodate different inch sizes, as well as cross-through and fir-through.

As shown in FIG. 3a, the receiving port 10 is used for each document size.
6a, 106b and document feed ports 65a to 65d are shown in combination-U.

In FIG. 3a, feed ports 1 to 4 correspond to document feed ports 65d to 65a, respectively, the left side of the receiving port refers to the document receiving port 106a, and the right side of the receiving port refers to the document receiving port 106b. Also, Y means to send the document with the long side of the document perpendicular to the document transport direction, while T
means that the document is sent with the short side of the document perpendicular to the document conveyance direction.

For example, when transporting a B5T original, the trailing edge surface 10
This is because it can be comfortably settled between 4b and 4b.

Further, the protruding piece 104a that receives the rear end of the returned original ODO has a length l of 1 or more, so that the rear end of the returned original OD can be reliably received. Furthermore, the rear end guide unit 101 is positioned so that the tip of the protruding piece 104a has a margin of δ with respect to the rear end of the previously set original ODO positioned by the original stopper 111.

The original pushing position is the position where the original OD is pushed out to the original stopper 111 and reset as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. The distance between is α
Therefore, there is a margin of T for the document size β. This causes the original OD to be returned to the original stopper 111.
The paper is extruded to a certain extent, but this is done so that it does not become excessive and damage the original.

The rear end guide unit 01 has a document feed port 6 formed in the bottom plate 65 of the document storage section 63 at each position according to the document size.
A document receiving eye 106a or 106b is made to face any one of 5a to 65d. Original Receiver 4 The receiving opening 106b of the document unit 101 faces the sending opening 2 as shown in FIG. 3a. Furthermore, when transporting an A4T original after transporting an 85T original, the rear end guide unit 101 moves to the position indicated by the broken line so that the receiving port 106a of the rear end guide unit 101 faces the delivery port 2. . In this way, by providing not only four types of sending ports but also two types of receiving ports, the automatic document feeder of the present invention can respond to both large and slight differences in document size. . Ejection port and trailing edge guide unit 1 used for this document size
The combinations with the 01 receiving port are shown in the table below.

The document feed ports 65a, 65b, and 65c are provided with document scooping plates 131a, 131b, and 131 that also serve as lids.
c is provided, and the document scooping plate of the document sending port facing the document receiving opening 106a is opened downward and faces the auxiliary conveyance path 121. As a result, the original OD sent out from the curved conveyance path 83 is sent to the auxiliary conveyance path 121,
A document sending port 65 where the document receiving eye 106a faces the document receiving port 65
When reaching any one of a to 65c, the original scooping plate 13
The document is scooped up by one of the documents 18 to 131c and guided to the document discharge path 106. When the document receiving eye 106a faces the document sending port 65d, each document scooping plate 1
318 to 131c are raised, and the original OD fed into the auxiliary conveyance path 121 directly reaches the original delivery port 65d and is guided to the original delivery path 106.

Each document scooping plate 131a of the sending ports 65a to 65c corresponds to each position of the rear end guide unit 01 =
The opening/closing mechanism of 131c will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 6, each of the original scooping plates 131a and 131c has a frame 702 fixed to a shaft 701 that pivotally supports them, and a driven roller 703 is pivotally supported on the frame 702. On the other hand, the rear end guide unit 101 is moved by driving the lower edge of the rear side wall 101a of the rear end guide unit 101 by =27 which faces each of the driven rollers 703. Motor 717 and timing belt 71
8 is connected via a transmission mechanism 720 and a sliding mechanism 721, and a rear end guide unit 101 is connected to the downstream side of the sliding mechanism 721.
A position detection pulse disk 722 is provided. As a result, the rotation of the motor 717 is transmitted to the timing belt 718 via the transmission mechanism 720 and the sliding mechanism 721. As mentioned above, since the automatic document feeder is handled in the same way as a normal document cover, foreign objects such as books may be loaded in the document storage section 63. At this time, the rear end guide unit 101 is driven. This foreign material may then cause a load. Further, since the rear end guide unit 01 largely protrudes from the upper surface of the automatic document feeder RDII, it may be subjected to a load during driving by an operator or the like. At this time, it is possible to avoid damage to the drive mechanism or rear end guide unit 101 due to slipping in the sliding mechanism 721 due to the load.

Here, the pulse disk 722 is the downstream cam 7 of the sliding mechanism 721.
04, and the driven roller 703 of one of the document scooping plates 1018 to 131c corresponding to the position of the rear end guide unit 01 moves downwardly protruding edge 704a of cam 704.
is pressed down, and the corresponding document scooping plate is opened.

Note that on the back side of the rear end guide unit l-101, as shown in FIG. It is movably supported and guided by being fixed to. A roller 715 is provided on a shaft 714 protruding from the front side wall 101b of the rear end guide unit 101 to assist in movement. By receiving the rollers 715 on the rails 716 inside the case 61, movement resistance can be reduced, and dirt caused by the rollers 715 coming into contact with the bottom plate of the case 61 can be avoided.

The connecting plate 711 is also connected by a metal fitting 719 to a timing belt 71B connected to a drive motor 717, and the timing belt 718 is located on the 8 side of the motor 717 to correspond to the actual movement of the rear end guide unit l-101. The occurrence of slippage and the amount of slippage can be detected based on the difference in drive amount of motor 717. Therefore, it is possible to issue a warning or stop the drive based on this detection. Further, by detecting the amount of slippage, the current position of the rear end guide unit 101 can be known, and after the slippage is eliminated, the rear end guide unit 101 can be corrected to an appropriate position. However, in this embodiment, the rear end guide unit 101 is temporarily returned to its home position. To return to the home position, connect plate 71
The sensor 722 detects the first protruding piece 711a.

When switching from double-sided original mode to reverse side copying, the switching claw 107
is switched to the upper position. As a result, the curved conveyance path 8
The original document OD sent out from 3 is guided to a return conveyance path 122. At this time, the conveyance belt 86 is driven in the reverse direction to guide the reversed original 00 from the return conveyance path 122 onto the platen glass 1 again and position it at a predetermined position.

Guides 13 provided on both sides of the tip side of the document storage section 63
2. One guide 133 of 133 is movable, and the document 0
The mouth is pressed against the guide 132 on the fixed side.

The size of the document OD in the width direction is detected depending on the position of the guide 133 when the guide 133 is pressed.

Note that the document receiving opening formed by both guides 132 and 133 is designed to be wider on the front side in order to facilitate receiving the document.

Further, the upper guide 134 on the leading end side of the case 61 has an inclined guide surface 1348 that restricts and guides the leading end of the document OD inserted into the document storage section 63 so that it faces the pickup roller 66 with an appropriate height.

A conveyance roller 135 is provided in a portion of the curved conveyance path 83 and the return conveyance path 121 closer to the straight conveyance path 82,
An appropriate number of conveyance rollers 136 are also provided in the middle of the auxiliary conveyance path 121.

The driven roller 88 on which the conveyor belt 86 is stretched is the seventh
As shown in the figure, a slide plate 751 movably supported by a frame 753 inside the case 61 prevents the shaft 1 document Oo from jamming or from advancing improperly.

A finisher 141 is installed at the paper ejection port 140 of the main body of the copying machine A.
is provided. The finisher 141 is a paper ejection port 140
It has a discharge passage 143 for discharging copy sheets discharged from the paper to a paper discharge tray 142, and a stack conveyance passage 145 that branches off from the middle of the discharge passage 143 and leads to a stack section 144. Copy sheets discharged into a discharge path 143 are selectively guided to a discharge tray 142 or a stack section 144.

The paper discharge tray 142 sequentially receives and stacks the copy sheets after copying, which are sequentially discharged. This gap-manuscript OD
When copying is performed continuously, the stacked copy sheets P become a group of copy sheets P1, P2, as shown in FIG. 8(a). When copying a multi-page original one by one is performed continuously, the stacked copy sheets P are stacked copy sheets Pl', P2' - in a sorted state in which the pages are aligned as shown in FIG. 8(b). --------.

Note that the paper ejection tray 142 is used for each copy paper group P1, P2-...-
The conveyor belt 86 is maintained in a tensioned state by the bias of the spring 752. The slide plate 751 has a bearing 754 fitted thereto that is inserted into the L-shaped guide hole 7 of the frame 753.
53a, and its own L-shaped guide hole 751a is guided by the bin 755 on the frame 753, making it slidable. On the other hand, the V-shaped guide plate 756 provided at the continuous portion of the curved conveyance path 83 and the return conveyance path 84 with the straight conveyance path 82 has attachment pieces 756a provided on both sides thereof attached to the bins 757.75B on the frame 753. Hole 756b
It is possible to move back and forth by fitting the two. and mounting piece 756
A is brought into contact with the slide plate 751 and moved by the bias of a spring 759 applied between the pin 757 and the bottle 757. Therefore, even if the end position of the conveyor belt 86 is displaced due to the dancer action of the driven roller 88, the guide plate 75
6 follows this, and the distance S between it and the conveyor belt 86 is kept constant. As a result, the document OD enters the curved conveyance path 83 from the straight conveyance path 82 and the return conveyance path 12
2 to the straight conveyance path 82, and by shifting laterally to receive the originals 32, Pi', P2', etc., each group of copy sheets Pl( Pl'), P2(
P2'), P3 (P3'), -... in Figure 8(c)
It is possible to receive the items in a misaligned state as shown in the figure, making it easier to sort them.

The automatic document feeder RDI+ is used to feed documents sequentially.
It is possible to use a so-called two-in-one mode in which two copies are placed side by side and used for simultaneous copying.

For this purpose, a branch path 81a is formed immediately after the register roller 84 of the curved conveyance path 81, branching toward the downstream side. Then, the document OD sent out earlier from the document storage section 63 is temporarily stopped so that its rear end is located between the branch point of the branch path 81a and the pinch roller pair 85, as shown in FIG. Then, the conveyor belt 86 is reversed so that the rear end of the previous document 00 is at a position away from the pinch roller pair 85 by a distance equal to or less than the distance between the timing roller 84 and the pinch roller pair 85. Use the branch path 81a to send it backwards as shown by the broken line.

Next, the next document OD is fed to the timing roller 84 as shown in FIG.

Thereafter, both original documents OD are conveyed simultaneously and sent onto the platen glass 1. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the originals 0[) are positioned in contact with the original scale 91 and subjected to exposure.

At this time, two originals O are fed onto the platen glass 1.
The interval between D can be adjusted by the amount of backward feeding of the previous document OD, and in some cases, there may be no interval. However, even if there is a slight gap, the original document 00 can be sent and the gap disappears.

The two originals OD that have been used for copying are returned to the original storage unit 63 in the same way as the one-sheet original, but if this is done, the trailing edge of the original OD that was ejected first will be kicked by the leading edge of the original OD that will be ejected next. There have been cases where such a situation occurs, and the re-storing condition becomes poor, or the next original OD is hidden below the previous original OD, and the storage order is out of order. Therefore, by setting the conveyance speed of the ejection roller 103 faster than the reversing roller 93 or the like immediately upstream thereof, the next original OD is held in the ejection roller 103 from the time when the previous original OD is held in the ejection path 103. The ejection speed of the previous original 00 is made faster than that of the next original OD until the original OD is received. This will cause the previous manuscript OD
Since the document OD is ejected with a large distance from the next document OD, the above-mentioned problem is avoided.

The stack unit 144 sequentially receives and stacks the copied sheets that are sequentially discharged. As described above, the stacked copy sheets are grouped or sorted depending on the copy mode. The stack part 144 is the first
As shown in the figure, a stamper 146 and a stapler 147 are installed.

These stamper 146 and stapler 147 are operated in accordance with selection when a group or a set of copied sheets are stacked to perform predetermined stamping and binding. Each time these stamping and binding operations are completed, the stack section 144 releases the copy paper and discharges it from the discharge port 14B.

The automatic document feeder RDI+ is used as follows.

5. It is desirable to first move the receiving opening of the document storage section 63 and the movable guide 133 to the maximum size position, and then store a predetermined number of documents OD in the document storage section 63 in a stacked manner. This is the rear edge guide unit 1 for stacking and storing originals OD.
This is because 01 and the movable guide 133 do not get in the way.

However, since the rear end position of the rear end force ip"id 101 is set as the home position, the trouble of manually moving it can be saved.

To stack and store the originals OD, hold the rear end of the originals OD group in your hand and move the front end of the originals OD group forward so that it slides under the upper guide 134 so that it comes into contact with the original stopper 111 of the paper feeding means 62. (Figure 12)
. This allows the document OD group to be positioned at approximately a predetermined paper feeding position by the document stopper 111. At this time, if the pickup roller 66 is left in a free state, the original
The insertion of group D can be performed smoothly. If the print switch is operated in this state, the pickup roller 66 and the feeding roller 68 are driven. As a result, the six lowest originals OD of the stacked originals OD group are sent out. When the delivered document OD reaches the timing roller 84, the leading edge is aligned with the nip portion of the timing roller 84 and skew is prevented since it has not been driven yet. Thereafter, the original OD is conveyed along the curved conveyance path 81 by the delivery roller 84 which starts to be driven. A sensor 152 is provided just before the timing roller 84 on this curved conveyance path 81 to measure the drive timing and the like.

Further, the paper passing width size of the document OD is detected based on the position of the movable guide 133, and the paper passing direction size is detected by counting the time while the sensor 155 provided in the middle of the curved conveyance path 81 detects the paper passing document OD. Ru. Since the document ODO size is limited, the paper passing width size can also be detected by determining whether or not a sensor provided at an appropriate position in the width direction of the conveyance path detects the document OD.

The size of the original OD is detected using these rain detection data, and the corresponding copy paper size can be automatically selected.

The original document OD conveyed through the curved conveyance path 81 is conveyed to the straight conveyance path 82 on the platen glass 1 by the pinch roller pair 85 and the conveyance belt 86 driven simultaneously with the delivery roller 84 . (13th
figure). When using the optical scanning method, the document stopper 91
is placed in the upper movement position, and the document 0 being conveyed to it is placed in the upper movement position.
[1 comes into contact.

As a result, the original OD is stopped at a predetermined printing position on the platen glass 1. Further, by aligning the leading edge of the original OD with the original stopper 91, the skew of the original OD is corrected.

On the other hand, the rear end guide unit 101 is moved forward as shown in FIG. 14 according to the size of the document OD in the paper passing direction.

Immediately after the document on contacts the document stopper 91 in an aligned state, the driving of the conveyor belt 86 is stopped, and in this state, printing is performed by exposure using the optical system moving scanning method. If the document scale 91 has been lowered or lowered before or after the printing is finished, and if the conveyor belt 86 is driven 9 on the condition that the printing is finished, the paper feeding means 6 should be moved at an appropriate time before or after the printing is finished.
2 operates again to send out one document OD, which is the lowest layer, from the document storage section 63. Thereafter, the original OD is printed in the same way as the previous time and then returned to the original storage unit 63 again.

In this way, when the last of the previous stacked unit documents OI) is sent out, the empty sensor 153 falls and detects this (FIG. 16).

The final copied original OD is also discharged to the original storage section 63 and the first
The state shown in Figure 6 will be obtained.

The movement of the document OD at this time is as shown in FIG. 23, and by scanning each document OD a plurality of times, copy paper groups P1 to P5 in the grouping state shown in FIG. 24 are obtained.

In the sorting mode, as shown in FIG. 16, the returned original OD is repeatedly fed and used for copying until the set number of copies have been completed. Prior to this paper re-feeding, the trailing edge guide unit 1-101 is advanced by a predetermined amount from the position shown in FIG. 16 to the document pushing position. With this, the returned original OD
■Restarts the 7-type guide movement and activates the curved conveyance path 83 on the return side. At the same time, the rear end guide unit 1
The discharge roller pair 103 of No. 01 is also driven.

The print I and subsequent original OD on the platen glass 1 are ejected from the curved conveyance path 83 through the auxiliary conveyance path 121, the document delivery port 65d, the document receiving opening 106a, and the document discharge path 106 in the illustrated example by driving the conveyance belt 86. roller vs 10
Transported to 3. The document is then discharged from the discharge port 102 to the document storage section 63 by the discharge roller pair 103 (FIG. 15). The pair of discharge rollers 103 are stepped and can create longitudinal waves in the conveyance direction in the document OD to be discharged, thereby imparting straightness to the discharged document OD.

At this time, the auxiliary feed wheel 10B having an elastic feed blade 108a made of urethane or the like provided immediately before the paper feeding means 62 of the document storage section 63 is being driven, and the returned documents are stacked and stored in the document storage section 63 first. Since an elastic feeding action is exerted on the OD, the document can be more reliably fed to the predetermined position where it contacts the return document stopper 115.

When the original OD on the platen glass 1 is printed, its rear end is pushed by the wall 104 and sent to the paper feeding position where it abuts the original stopper 111 and is reset.

Next, the trailing edge guide unit 01 is moved back a little as shown in FIG. 17, and waits at the document discharge position where it receives the trailing edge of the returned document OD. At the same time, the document stopper 111 is moved down to the non-operating position, and the document presser 113 is moved down to the operating position. Also, the document presser 113 is attached to the rear end guide unit l-
It is preferable to start the downward movement from the time when the document 101 is retreated from the document pushing position to the document discharging position. From that point on, the original OD is picked up by the pickup roller 66 and the original presser 13.
3, when the rear guide unit 101 is retracted, the lower part of the original 00 is moved by the movement of the L-shaped guide wall 104 that receives the rear end of the original 01. It is possible to avoid situations where the entire system is pulled back.

Paper is re-feeded in the reset state. When copying for the set number of copies is completed, the rear end guide unit 10I moves to the 22nd
The document is returned to the most retracted Baume position in the figure, and the original OD
Make it convenient to take out and replace.

Next, the case of document movement scanning mode will be explained. In this mode, as in the case of the optical system movement scanning mode, the operation starts from setting the original OD to the state where the paper can be fed as shown in Figs. 101 movement is performed.

However, the document scale 91 continues to move downward, and the document OD is not positioned on the platen glass 1.

Subsequently, the bottom original OD after the size detection is ejected to the original storage section 63 as shown in FIG. 15, and then all the remaining originals OD set in the original storage section 63 are sequentially and continuously fed. As shown in FIG. 16, the document is discharged to the document storage section 63. With this operation, the number of set originals OD is counted. This count corresponds to the fact that the copy paper is fed before the original OD is fed in order to increase the speed of copying multiple sheets. In other words, if paper is fed in advance, the final document cannot be determined unless the number of documents set in OD is unknown.

On the other hand, when the final document OD is fed from the document storage section 63, depending on various conditions such as the document size, the number of document sets, the paper feeding cycle and conveyance speed for sequentially feeding and returning the document, and the conveyance distance, The timing may coincide with the timing at which the first original OD that has been fed earlier is ejected to the original document storage section 63 by being returned. In this case, if the ejection speed of the original OD is faster than the feeding speed of the original OD, the original OD will return to the bottom of the original 00 that is being fed, and the returned original OD will disappear.
The document OD may be carried along with the fed document 00, or the document OD may return to the trailing edge of the fed document and the leading edge of the document OD may be caught, disrupting the storage condition.

In order to avoid these problems, in this embodiment, after the first document OD is discharged to the document storage section 63, the second and subsequent documents OD are fed.

Specifically, in the document movement scanning mode, the document OD is circulated in order to count the number of document sheets first, so that when the copying of the final document is completed, the copy paper that is put out first is ejected without being copied and is wasted. By detecting the number of originals OD, it is possible to prevent unnecessary paper feeding.

The returned originals OD after the number of originals has been detected are reset to the paper feeding position as shown in FIG. 17, and then the originals OD are re-fed in order from the lowest original OD. When the fed document OD passes through the exposure position 1ffiEX shown in FIG. 18, image exposure is performed in the document movement scanning mode and the document is copied. After all the originals OD have been copied and returned to the original storage section 63 as shown in FIG.
The trailing edge guide unit 101 moves forward once from the position shown in FIG. 19, sets the original OD at the paper feeding position shown in FIG. 20, and then returns to the original position shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. After the copying of the set number of bones is completed in this manner as shown in FIG. 21, the machine is returned to the home position (FIG. 22).

The movement of the document OD at this time is as shown in FIG. 25, and by repeating the copying of each document one by one for the set number of sheets, the copy paper group P1° in the sorting state is created as shown in FIG.
, P2'', r'3' ----- are obtained. 4 The above process is always performed when transporting. However, since the number of originals is known when panning, that is, when copying, there is a problem with original 00 depending on its size. The above processing is performed when the number of sheets is 4 or less.

Next, the operation panel of copying machine A will be explained.

In the operation panel 201 shown in FIG. 27, the first operation area AI? 1 includes operation keys and a first mode for selecting the first group of modes that can be realized by devising the control of the main standard equipment among the various modes that can be executed in the copier A.
Indicator lights corresponding to the group modes are arranged, and in the second operation area AR2, operation key indicator lights for selecting the second group mode executed using additional equipment are arranged.

In addition, the third operation area ^R3 includes a print key 202 for starting a copying operation and operation keys, for example, a 7-segment LED, which are means for setting copying conditions when copying in various modes. Numerical display device 203 capable of displaying numerical values of digits, each 1.2...9
．． Numeric keys 210 to 219 corresponding to the numerical value 0, an interrupt key 220 for specifying interrupt copying, a clear/stop key 221, a paper selection key 222 for specifying copy paper in paper feed cassettes inserted in multiple stages by size.
, up and down keys 223 and 224 for changing and specifying the copy image density step by step, paper feed section 35 and 36
An automatic paper selection mode (8PS) for automatically selecting a magnification, an automatic magnification selection mode (AMS) for automatically selecting a magnification, and a manual mode for manually selecting a magnification are provided.

In addition, in the operation area ED adjacent to the first operation area API,
Setting keys and indicator lights related to the editor copy mode that can be executed when the optional editor sheet and pen-type input device (not shown) are installed are located, and if this operation is not performed, the sliding door By covering it with Z, the operation panel 201 can be visually simplified.

Also, at the right end of the figure, by pressing any one of the mower upward designation keys 241 to 244 using an IC card that stores data such as the mode and copying conditions, the first group It is possible to select one mode or specify a function in one mode.

The row designation key 231 is used to designate the leftmost column of the diagram in which pictograms corresponding to the Anamo zoom copy mode, non-copy mode, and book copy mode are drawn, one for each day of the base, in order from the top. , the column designation key 232 is operated to select one of the binding 1 copy mode, binding 2 copy mode, frame empty mode, punch hole erase mode, and the margin value of each mode. Spelling 2
The copy mode is suitable for copying on both sides of copy paper, but when duplex copying is performed using only standard equipment, the operator manually turns the copy paper upside down.

Column designation keys 233 and 234 are operation keys for selecting enlarged copy mode or reduced copy mode, respectively, and when these modes are selected, row designation key 2
A data reading key IC is provided for selecting one of four preset magnifications and setting conditions by pressing any one of 41 to 244.

FIG. 28 shows the first operation area ^R in the operation panel 201.
FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged view showing the arrangement relationship in FIG.

As shown in the figure, in the first operation area ^R1, a matrix arrangement method is adopted in order to enable more selections with a smaller number of operation keys and to simplify hardware such as wiring.

That is, pictograms corresponding to each mode of the first group or characters indicating functions that can be specified in each mode are arranged in a grid pattern, and column designation keys 231 to 236 are provided at the bottom of each column in principle. One row is provided for each row, and row designation keys 241 to 244 are provided at the right end of each row. Further, above the line specification key 241, line specification keys 241 to
In order to display that it is waiting for input from H.244,
[! A selection input indicator light 245 using a D or a miniature ball is provided.

Any one of each column specification key 231 to 236 8 You can choose one of them.

Note that the column designation keys 235 and 236 are both operation keys related to the zoom function to arbitrarily select the magnification in the enlarged copy mode or reduced copy mode, and are used to select the magnification setting means and to store and read the magnification. Operated when making selections.

At the upper left of the pictographs or displayed characters arranged in the first operation area AR1, the lights of the LEDs 251 to 269, which are backlights, can be directly seen, as indicated by circles. These LEDs 251 to 269 blink while the corresponding mode or function is being operated, and when the operation is completed, the one corresponding to the selected mode or function is lit and the others are turned off.

Now, the procedure for selecting the book copy mode, which is one of the standard modes, by operation in the first operation area ARI will be explained.

First, in the initial state of the copying machine A, the print key 202 is lit in green. If you press the column designation key 231 now, the three LE0251-253 in the leftmost column will flash in green, the selection input indicator 245 will flash to prompt you to press the row designation keys 241-244, and the print key will flash. 2
02 lights up in red.

When the row designation key 243 is pressed to select the book copy mode, only the LED 253 corresponding to the book copy mode lights up in green among the blinking 1, 1 ED 25] to 253, and the others turn off.

This completes the operation for selecting the book copy mode, and the print key 202 lights up in green again.

Thereafter, when the print 1 key 202 is turned on, copying in the book copy mode is started, and two scans are performed with different lighting times of the exposure lamp 13 and different scan lengths.

FIG. 29 shows the second operation area AR in the operation panel 201.
FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view showing the arrangement relationship in FIG.

The second operation area ΔR2 is an operation v for selecting a mode related to additional equipment installed especially for the convenience of copying work with a large number of sheets, and selecting various functions provided for the additional equipment.
There are 4 areas.

1 However, the selection area that can be operated is limited depending on the installation status of additional equipment. For example, when selecting the sorting method in ■, when a sorter (not shown) is installed as an additional equipment, you can select one of non-sort mode, sort mode, or grooving mode, or select sort mode or grooving mode without a sorter installed. In addition, when the paper processing mechanism is installed, the final processing mode (■) can be selected: no processing mode, Stellar pull mode where several sheets are closed with Stellar pull metal fittings, stamp mode where stamps are stamped, You can select either , or Stellar Stamp mode.

In the document selection area 261ζ, options for the RDH mode using the automatic document feeder RDH are arranged. However, as described above, this document selection section 261 is regarded as a selection area for the format of the document, so even though the book copy mode can be executed as a standard feature, the book copy mode can also be selected within this section. In the operation area AR2, additional equipment is installed to automate a series of copying operations, from placing the original to tidying up the copy paper after copying, and to improve work efficiency especially when copying a large number of sheets, namely an automatic document feeder. RDI+, paper refeed section 37,
A mode that can be executed when a sorter (not shown) and finisher 141 are attached is selected.

In this second operation area AR2, the arrangement of pictograms representing options is devised so as to follow the flow of thought of an operator who is making preparations for a copying operation.

In other words, ■ What is the format of the manuscript? ■ How should the copy image be laid out on the copy paper? ■ How should the copy paper be sorted after copying? ■ How should the copy paper be final processed? There are four selection sections, namely, the original selection section 261, the layout selection section 262, and the sorting section, so that the selection operation can be performed step by step in the order of ■→■→■→■ (such as binding several sheets at a time or folding in half). In the figure, a selection section 263 and a paper processing selection section 264 are arranged in order from the left.

2 It is now possible to do so.

That is, in the manuscript selection area 261, pictographs are arranged to indicate one-sided manuscripts, double-sided manuscripts, book manuscripts, and two-in-one manuscripts, which are provided as options.At the upper left of each pictograph, there are symbols indicated by circles. The LED backlight is directly visible. I and ED27, which together with each pictogram constitute each manuscript display area.
1 to 274 light up when the corresponding option is selected by pressing the rotation 2 original selection key 281 provided below the original selection section 261.

Two-in-one originals refers to a set of adjacent originals that are handled in two-in-one mode.

When a single-sided original, double-sided original, or two-in-one original is selected as the original by operating the original selection section 261, the automatic document feeder RDI+ automatically feeds, transports, and flips the original. Due to its bulk, it is assumed that the automatic document feeder R11!1 will not be used, and the empty sensor 153 will cause the automatic document feeder R11!
Copying in the book copy mode is not executed when the setting of the original OD is confirmed.

In the layout selection section 262, the layout selection key 2
Pictograms and LEDs 275 to 277 corresponding to the selectable single-sided copy mode, double-sided copy mode, and composite copy mode are arranged by the operation 82, and the method of using the paper refeeding section 37 is selected.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for the copying machine.

The operation panel 20 is connected to the input buffers 307 to 310 controlled by the first CPU 301 via the decoder 314.
The operation keys arranged in 1 and the sensors and switches provided in each part are connected, and the output huffs 7311 to 313 controlled via the decoder 315 include a main motor (not shown), a developing motor 1.2, Various clutches, transfer charger 8, charging charger 4, and display matrix circuit 318 for lighting various indicator lights on operation panel 201 are connected.

First, the operation of the first cPL 1301 will be explained.

FIG. 31 shows the main routine of main control by the first CPIJ 301. 1. When the CPU 301 is reset and the program starts, step #1 clears the RAM, initializes the microcomputer such as setting various registers, and performs initial settings to bring the main body of the copy mA to its initial state. conduct.

Next, in step #2, an internal timer built in the first CPIJ 301 and whose value is set by initial setting is started. Subsequent subroutines from steps #3 to #7 are sequentially called, and when the processing in all subroutines is completed, one routine is ended by waiting for the end of the internal timer in step #8, and the process returns to step #2.

Note that step #3 includes automatic selection, original selection, layout selection, second group mode setting, sorter mode selection, simultaneous color mode selection, and finishing mode selection by the finisher 141. Note that 316 is a decoder,
Reference numeral 330 indicates each RAM backed up by a battery.

This first CPU 301 communicates with the second CPU 302 and third CPυ 303 through a communication line 319.

The second CPU 302 controls the operation of the projection optical system 11, and includes a scan morph control circuit 305, a projection lens 1
A variable power lens control circuit 306 for moving the lens 8, a fixed position switch 161, a timing switch 401 for generating a register timing signal for rotating the register roller 47, and the like are connected.

The third CPU 303 controls the automatic document feeder RDI+, and outputs control signals to each of the transport motor 501, paper feed motor 502, and reversing motor 503, and outputs control signals to each of the automatic document feeder 1? Signals from various sensors 152, 153, 154, and 155 provided in the DH are input.

Below, regarding the main operation control of each box 1, 2nd, and 3rd CPII, processing corresponding to 6 operations is performed based on the flowchart 1 shown in FIG. 31 and below. Further, in step #4, a process is performed to determine the scanning mode, which is the optical system moving operation mode or the document moving scanning mode.

Copy operation processing is performed in step #5, other processing is performed in step #6, and second and third CPIJ 3 are processed in step #7.
Communication with 02.303 takes place.

FIG. 32 shows a scanning mode determination processing subroutine. In this routine, the scanning mode is preferentially selected between the optical system moving scanning mode and the document moving scanning mode' in relation to other mode settings. First, in step #131, it is determined whether the mode is sorting mode. If the sorting mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step #132 and the optical system movement scanning mode is selected preferentially. This is because the optical system movement scanning mode is suitable when not in the sorting mode.

Also, even in sorting mode, if the number of copies is 1, in simultaneous color mode, in enlarged copy mode, in automatic magnification selection mode, in book original mode 1, in double-sided copy mode, If there is,
The optical system moving scanning mode is selected because copying in the original moving scanning mode is not suitable, difficult, or impossible in both the double-sided copy mode, the composite copying mode, and the manual feeding mode (steps #133 to 133). 142
).

33 to 36 show the copying operation subroutine. In this routine, as shown in FIG. 37, first, in step #151, it is determined whether or not the print key 202 is on-edge. If there is an on-edge and the sensor 153 is on, the document movement scanning mode processing subroutine is called (steps #152 and #153).

The document movement scanning mode processing subroutine is shown in FIG. In this routine, it is first determined whether the mode is document movement scanning mode (step #205). If so, move the exposure lamp 13 and the first to third mirrors 14, 16, and 17 of the projection optical system 11 to the document movement scanning mode position and fix them, and fix the document scale 91 to the downward movement position (step # 2069. If there is no conformity, set the copy start flag to "1", and if the back side copy flag is "1", leave it as is and set it to "0".
If so, set the front copy flag to "1" and proceed to step #166 in FIG. 34 (steps #157 to #15).
9).

Further, if the print key 202 is not turned on at step #151, the process moves to step #160.

Here, it is determined whether the original position signal is on. If it is not on, the process directly proceeds to step #166 in FIG. 34. If it is on, it is manual selection only if paper selection is not set to either automatic paper selection mode or automatic magnification selection mode, and the process advances to step #156. If any mode is set, size selection processing is performed in the set mode. Then, in the automatic magnification selection mode, the process continues after that processing, and in the automatic paper selection mode, the process proceeds to step #156 only when the search size unset flag is not "1" after that processing, and the process proceeds to step #156 only when the search size unset flag is "1". If so, automatic paper selection is not possible (#207). Also, if it is not in the original moving scanning mode, the exposure lamp 13 and the first to third mirrors 14, 16, and 17 of the projection optical system 11 are moved to the home position to return to the optical system moving scanning mode ((Step #2
0B).

After setting the state of the projection optical system 11 according to the scanning mode in this way, the process returns to the copying operation subroutine, turns on the start signal of the automatic document feeder RDH in step #154, and then steps #166 in the flowchart of FIG. to move to.

If the print key 202 is turned on and there is no original in the original storage section 63 in step #152, it can be said that the original is a hand-placed original without using the automatic document feeder RDII, so the optical system is set to the moving scanning mode, and the exposure lamp 13, 1st~
The home position of the third mirror 14, 16, 17 is moved (step #155).

Next, it is determined whether the copy paper size of the selected paper source is incompatible (step #156), and if it is non-conforming, the process directly proceeds to step #166 in Figure 34. Proceed to step #166 in the diagram (steps #161 to #167
).

At step #166 in FIG. 34, the copy start flag is set to “
1". Only if it is "1", the main motor, developing motor, exposure lamp 13, charger 4, and transfer charger 8 in the main body of the copying machine A are turned on to set the copying start state and copying is started. Set the flag to “0”
” and set the paper feed timer T^ and TB,
In the case of double-sided copying, one of the clutches of the pickup rollers 39, 40, 41 and the manual feed roller 46 of the paper feed units 35 to 37 is turned on depending on the state of the flag, the selection of the paper feed unit, or the presence or absence of manual feed. Paper feeding is started (steps #167 to #173). Then, when the paper feed timer TA ends, the pickup rollers 39, 40, 4
1 and manual feed conveyance roller 46 clutches are turned off.
Finish feeding the sheet (steps #174, #177
).

Subsequently, steps #18 to #187 in FIG. 35 are executed. Here, when the paper feed timer TH ends, the scan signal is turned on to set the optical system movement scanning mode, when the register signal is turned on, the clutch of the register roller 47 is turned on, and when the transfer end timer TC is turned on, the clutch of the register roller 47, the exposure lamp 13, and the charger are turned on. 4 and the scan signal is turned off in sequence, completing one image exposure and the transfer of the image formed thereby.

Subsequently, in step #191 of FIG. 36, it is determined whether the return signal of the projection optical system is on. If it is "1", the front side copy of the set number of sheets has been completed when the continuous copying is completed and the front side copy flag -1 is determined, and the front side copy flag is set to ``0'' and the back side copy flag is set to 1, and the back side copy operation is started. (Steps #192 to #
195).

If the front copy flag is not 1" in step #193, set the copy start flag to 1" and move the first slider 12
returns to the home position and there is no on-edge detected by the fixed position switch 161. If there is no on-edge detected by the fixed position switch 161, the document control routine, document size detection routine, load detection routine, and other processing subroutines (steps #305 to #307 )
sequentially, wait for the internal timer to finish, and step #
Return to step 302 (step #308).

If the document movement scanning mode is selected in step #303, the control subroutine (step #309) for the document to be panned in that mode is called, and then step #30
Move to 6a. Also, in step #304, two-in
In one mode, two-in-one original control subroutine (step #310) and two-in-one original control subroutine (step #310)
One original size detection subroutine (step #311)
After sequentially calling , the process moves to step #306a.

Also, if there is an interrupt request from the first CPU 301, communication with the first CPII 301 is performed (step #3
12).

Here, the load detection routine in FIG. 38 will be explained using FIG. 38a.

If there is no on-edge, an unfinished front side copy is performed, and if there is an on-edge, it is determined that the copying is complete, and the developing motor and transfer charger 8 are turned off, and the operation end timer TD is set (steps #196 to #198).

Further, if the continuous copying has not been completed, the copying start flag is set to "" to continue the copying operation (steps #192 and #199).

On the other hand, if the return signal is not on in step #191 and the document conveyance end signal is on, the operation end timer TD is set to indicate that copying has ended (step #200,
#201).

Next, when timer TD expires, the main motor is turned off, all operations of copying machine A are stopped, and the results up to now are output (
Steps #202, #204).

FIG. 38 shows a flowchart showing the main routine controlled by the third CPU 303.

After performing initial settings, setting and starting the internal timer (steps #301 and #302), step #30
3. In step #304, it is determined whether the mode is document movement scanning mode or two-in-one document mode 64--If the state counter is 0 in step #701, the drive source for the rear end guide unit 101 is set in step #702. Check whether motor 717 is rotating. If the drive motor 717 is rotating, the pulse disk 72
In order to set the time during which pulses are counted by step #2, the timer TV is set to 1 in step #703, and the state counter is set to 1 in step #704. If the drive motor 717 is not rotating, the process returns as is.

If the state indicator is 1 in step #705, it is checked in step #706 whether timer TV has ended. If timer TV has ended, the state counter is set to 2 in step #707. If the timer TY has not expired, the pulse disk 7 is activated in step #708.
After counting up the pulse count number by 22, the process returns.

If the state counter is 2, it is checked in step #709 whether the number of pulses counted by the pulse disk 722 is below a certain value. If it is below a certain value, it is checked in step #710 whether the drive motor 717 is rotating. While the drive motor 717 is rotating, even though the rear end guide unit 01 is being driven by the motor, some kind of load is applied and the sliding mechanism is slipping, so the number of pulses is less than a certain value. This means that it is not counted. Therefore, in order to avoid the load on the rear end guide unit 101, step #7
Step #11 stops the drive motor 717, and step #712
The buzzer will sound as a warning. If the count number is not below a certain value in step #709, and step #710
If the drive motor 717 is not rotating, it means that there is no load on the rear end guide unit 101, so in step #713 the state counter is set to 0,
Return.

FIGS. 39 to 41 show flowcharts of the panning document control processing subroutine.

In this routine, the state counter is 7. If the state counter is 10, the conveyor belt motor is rotated forward, the document discharge timer TN is started, and the state counter is set to 1d (steps #561 to #564).
.

If the state counter is 1d, wait for the timer TN to end and set the state counter to 2 (step #571).
~#573).

If the state counter is 2, the state counter is set to 3 when the document storage section 63 is empty.
If it is not empty, the blank feeding of the original and the counting of the number of originals are continued, and the counting of the number of originals is ended (steps #581 to #585).

If the state counter is 3, if the number of originals is 4 or less, the state counter is set to 4, and if the number of originals is 4 or less, the state counter is set to 5. Change (Step #59
1 to #594).

When the state counter is 4, a panning shot of the first original is executed, and a jump operation is executed in each state according to the ejection of the first original. Step #52
1 and the state counter is 0, the sensor 153 of the document storage section 63 is on, and the automatic document feeder RDH
The state counter is set to 1 only when the start signal is on.

If the state counter is 1, the conveyance belt motor is turned on in normal rotation, the document feed motor is turned on, and the document holding solenoid is turned on, and then the state counter is set to 18 (step #5).
31~#533).

When the state counter is 18, the document feeding process and accompanying document size detection process are performed, and the state counter is set to 1b on the condition that the document is positioned on the platen glass 1 and the document normal position signal is turned on. (Steps #541 to #544 and #306).

When the state counter is 1b, the trailing edge guide unit 101 is advanced to the document ejection position according to the document size, and when this is completed, the state counter is set to 1c (step #
551 to #554).

8. Wait for completion and set the state counter to 5 (steps #601 to #604).

If the state counter is 5, panning is repeated until the document storage section 63 becomes empty, and the number of copies is incremented to set the state counter to 6 (
Steps #611 to #615). Therefore, processing in this state is performed from the second document for four or less originals, and is performed for all of the five or more originals.

If the state counter is 6, the state counter is set to 7 as the ejection of the last document is completed (steps #621 to #623).

When the state counter is 7, the rear end guide unit 101 is retreated to the home position when the set number of copies have been completed, and the state counter is set to 11.
If the set number of copies has not been completed, the state counter is set to 8 (steps #631 to #634).

If the state counter is 8, the document push-out amount timer A is set, the rear end guide unit 101 is advanced to the push-out position, and the state counter is set to 9 (steps #641 to #644).

When the state counter is 9, the trailing edge guide unit 101 is stopped at the document pushing position by the end of timer A, and the backing amount timer B to the document ejecting position is set to move the trailing edge guide unit 101 to the document ejecting position. make them retreat. Also, turn on the document presser solenoid and press the document presser 113.
to prevent the document from being pulled back into the trailing edge guide unit 101. Then, the state counter is set to 10 (steps #651 to #657).

If the state counter is 10, the trailing end guide unit 01 is stopped at the document ejection position upon expiration of timer B, and the document holding solenoid is turned off to set the state counter to 3 (steps #661 to #664). This restarts the next paper feed.

When the state counter is 11, the sensor 722 moves to the home position I of the rear end guide unit 101.
7) Allow the next paper feed to occur.

Next, in step #408, it is determined whether the double-sided original signal is on. If it is on, call the document feed processing subroutine (step #409), and if it is not on, call the document feed reversal processing subroutine (step #410).
).

Furthermore, in step #411, it is determined whether scanning has been completed for the number of copies, and if it has been completed, the scan completion flag is set to "1".
” ((Step #412).

If the scan end flag is "1" in the next step #413, the process advances to step #414. If the double-sided original signal is off, set the front side flag and scan end flag to “
After setting it to "O", call the document ejection processing subroutine (
Steps #415, #416). Also step #41
If the double-sided document signal is off in step #4, check whether the front side flag is "1" in step #417, and if it is "1", call the document reversal processing subroutine (step #4418).
Deal with the back side copy, but if it is not “1”, step #4
1 is detected, the rear end guide unit 01 is stopped at the home position.

Then, the state counter is set to O, and the automatic document feeding operation ends (steps #671 to #673).

42 and 43 show flowchart 1 of the document control subroutine in FIG. 38. In this routine, first, in steps #401 and #402, there is a document in the document storage section 63 and the sensor 153 is turned on.
In addition, if the start signal of the automatic document feeder RDI+ is on, it is determined in step #403 whether the front side flag is "0" or not, and only when it is "0", the front side flag is set to "I".
, turn on the conveyor belt motor in normal rotation, turn on the document feed motor and document holding solenoid, and feed the document for front side copying (steps #4, #4).
05). If the RDI+start signal is not on in step #402, it is determined whether the document feed flag is "1" or not. If it is "1" and the second document is to be fed next, the first document is Wait until the ejection is completed, set the document feed flag to o'', and proceed to Stair 25 and beyond.

FIG. 44 shows a flowchart of the document feeding process subroutine in FIG. 42. If the sensor 152 detects the leading edge of the document on edge in step #421, the flag K is set to "1" and the paper feed end timer tJ is started (step #422).

In the next step #423, if the flag K is "1", the sensor 152 waits for the off-edge to detect the trailing edge of the document, sets the flag K to "0", and starts the document positioning timer TK (step #424, #425).

Next, when timer TJ ends, the document feed motor and document holding solenoid are turned off in steps #426 and #.
427), and when the timer TKO ends, the conveyance belt motor is turned off to complete the positioning of the document to be sent to the document scale 91, and at the same time, the document home position signal is turned on (steps #428 to #430).

FIGS. 45 and 46 show a flowchart of the document feed reversal process subroutine in FIG. 42.

If the sensor 155 is on edge in step #441, the reversal switching solenoid and reversing motor that switches the switching claw 107 to the reversing side are turned on, and the reversing paper feed end timer TL is started (steps #442 and #44
3). Next, when the timer TL ends, the document feeding motor and the document holding solenoid are turned off in step #444.
, #445), because the transport motor is rotating normally,
The sensor 154 provided between the return conveyance path 122, the curved conveyance path 83, and the straight conveyance path 82 waits for the on-edge detection of the leading edge of the document, and then sets the flag K to "1" (steps #446 to ##). 448).

If the flag K is "1", the sensor 154 waits for the off-edge to detect the trailing edge of the document, and then turns on the conveyance belt motor in reverse (steps #449 to #452).

Next, since the conveyor belt motor is in reverse rotation, the sensor 154 moves from the curved conveyance path 83 to the return conveyance path 121.
Waiting for the on-edge to detect the leading edge of the original again after passing through the process, positioning the original during reversal 5 3 , #474). When the timer TN expires, it is assumed that the document has been ejected, and the conveyor belt motor is turned off (step #476).

FIGS. 48 and 49 show a flowchart of the document reversal processing subroutine in FIG. 43. Step #48
1, if the scan end flag is "1", return the scan end flag to "0", turn on the reversal switching solenoid, turn on the conveyor belt motor for forward rotation, turn on the reversal motor, and turn on the reverse rotation motor to move the Send out the original once (steps #482 to #484).

Next, since the transport motor is rotating normally, the flag J is set to "1" after the sensor 154 is turned on (steps #485 to #487). and flag J is 1
”, wait for off-edge of sensor 154 and set flag J.
is set to "0" and the conveyor belt motor is rotated in reverse (steps #488 to #491).

Subsequently, since the conveyor belt motor is in reverse rotation, the in TM is started, which waits for the sensor 154 to turn on the knob again (steps #453 to #455). Then, when the timer TH ends, the reversal switching solenoid, conveyance belt motor, and reversing motor are turned off, the reversal of the original is completed, the reversed original is stopped at a predetermined position on the platen glass 1, and the original position signal is turned on. (Step #4
56~#460).

Note that the reversed original can also be positioned by overrunning the original scale 91 and then switching the conveyor belt motor to normal rotation to send the reversed original to the original scale 91.

FIG. 47 shows a flowchart of the document discharge processing subroutine in FIG. 43. If the sensor 153 is on in step #471, the document feed flag is set to "1" so that the next document is fed (step #472);
If the sensor 153 is not turned on, it means that there are no originals left in the original storage section 63, and the conveyor belt motor is rotated in the normal direction to eject the original on the platen glass 1, and at the same time, the original ejection end timer TN is started (step #476 starts the inversion document positioning timer TO (steps #492 to #494).

When the timer TO ends, the front flag is set to "0", the reversal switching solenoid, conveyance belt motor, and reversing motor are turned off, the reversed original is positioned at a predetermined position on the platen glass 1, and the original position signal is turned on. (Ste Nobu #495-#499).

FIG. 50 shows a flowchart of the document size detection processing subroutine in the main flow of FIG. 38. The document size detection in this routine is executed in a normal document mode other than two-in-one. But sensor 15
5 detects the leading edge of the original and the trailing edge of the original using the count of the timer TP from the on-edge to the off-edge, and the determined size is set as the original size (steps #501 to #516).

In addition, Figure 51 shows the automatic document feeder! It shows an operation time chart of the main components of RDH.

Note that in this embodiment, the conveyance speed of the conveyance roller 135 and the like on the downstream side of the conveyance belt 86 is not slowed down relative to the conveyance heald 86, but the conveyance speed of the conveyance roller 135 etc. on the downstream side of the conveyance belt 86 is not slowed down by setting the position of the image scanning point in the document movement scanning mode. 135 acts on the document at the image scanning point, it is preferable that the conveying roller 135 also has a slower conveying speed than the conveying belt 86 on the upstream side.

(Effects of the Invention) According to the present invention, the control means operates when the first original is returned to the paper feeding unit and waits for the second original to be fed, so that the original to be returned is not yet fed. It will be returned on top of the second page of the original that was not printed.

Therefore, when the final original is fed, it is possible to avoid the leading edge of the first original from hitting the trailing edge or getting under the trailing edge. The first original exists, and the second and subsequent originals are returned on top of the first original that was returned to the paper feed section, so if the second and subsequent originals are being fed, It is also possible to avoid engaging with the manuscript. Therefore, no matter what the conditions are, the ejected original does not interact with the fed original at all, and the trouble caused by this is eliminated.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram showing a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of main parts, Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of an automatic document feeder, and Fig. 3a. 4 and 5 are perspective views showing the operating state of the return document stopper, and FIG. 7th perspective view showing the related structure of the edge guide unit and the original scooping plate;
The figure is a perspective view showing the related structure of the conveyor belt and the following conveyor guide, Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of sorting, and Figures 9 to 11 are two-in-one operations in an automatic document feeder. 12 to 22 are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the circulating automatic document feeder in each document scanning mode, and FIGS. 23 and 24 are optical system movement scanning Figures 25 and 26 are perspective views showing the movement of the original in the original movement scanning mode and the resulting state of the copies obtained in the grooving mode. 27 to 29 are enlarged plan views showing the whole and part of the operation panel of the copying machine, FIG. 30 is a block diagram of the control circuit, and FIG. A flowchart showing the control operation main routine of the first CPU, FIG. 32 shows the scanning mode determination process, FIGS. 33 to 36 show the subroutines of the copying operation process, and FIG. 37 shows the original of FIG. 33. 38 is a flowchart showing the control operation main routine of the second CPU; FIG. 38a is a flowchart showing the load detection routine of FIG. 38; FIGS. 42 and 43 are flowcharts showing the document control processing subroutine, FIG. 44 is a flowchart of the document feeding processing subroutine, and FIGS. 45 and 46 show the document feeding subroutine. Flowchart of the paper reversal processing subroutine, FIG. 47 is a flowchart of the document discharge processing subroutine, FIGS. 48 and 49 are flowcharts of the document reversal processing subroutine, and FIG. 50 is a flowchart of the document size detection processing subroutine in the main flow of FIG. 38. FIG. 51 is an operation time chart of the main components of the automatic document feeder RDI+. Circulating automatic document feeder Paper feeding means Document storage section Circulating conveyance path Pick up roller Rear end guide unit Ejection roller 3rd CPU

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A paper feed unit that feeds originals set in a stack one by one from below, and a paper feed unit that transports the fed originals to a predetermined position and then places them on top of the originals set in the paper feed unit. The automatic document feeder is equipped with a conveying means for returning a document, characterized in that the automatic document feeder is provided with a control means for waiting for the second document to be fed from the paper feed section when the first document is returned to the paper feed section. automatic document feeder.