JPH0417865B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a sheet sorting function. Conventionally, in a copying machine to which a sorter can be connected,
When a plurality of sorters are connected, there is an inconvenience that the sheets are not smoothly conveyed to the storage bins of the sorters due to factors such as the sheet conveyance interval, the conveyance speed, and the switching time of the sheet conveyance path within the copying apparatus. Also, the length of the conveyance path from the sheet discharge port of the copying machine main body to the last storage bin of the first sorter is longer than the length of the conveyance path from the sheet discharge port of the copying machine main body to the first bin of the second sorter. In this case, if the sheets are discharged continuously, the next sheet will be stored in the first bin of the second sorter before the next sheet is stored in the last bin of the first sorter, so , it may happen that a sheet to be stored in the last storage bin of the first sorter jams after the sheets are stored in the second sorter. In this case, the sheets ejected after the jammed sheet are normally stored, making subsequent jam recovery complicated. Further, although the operator also removes the jammed sheet, he or she may be at a loss as to what to do with the sheets ejected after the jammed sheet. The present invention has been made in view of the above points.
After feeding the sheet to be stored in the last storage bin of the storage section, the feeding timing of the next sheet is delayed to smoothly convey the sheet to each storage section. . That is, the present invention includes feeding means 9 and 35 for feeding sheets one by one, image forming means 1 to 8 etc. for forming images on the sheets fed by the feeding means, and ejecting the sheets on which images have been formed. and first and second storage sections 10 each having a plurality of storage bins for storing sheets ejected from the ejection section. The length of the conveyance path to the storage bin is longer than the length of the conveyance path from the discharge section to the first storage bin of the second storage section. means for detecting 69a;
69b, and a switching means 7 for switching whether to guide the sheet to the first storage section or the second storage section.
7, a switching control means for controlling the switching means so that after storing a sheet in the last storage bin of the first storage section, the next sheet is stored in the second storage bin;
When the CPU and the switching means are switched to the first storage section side, after the sheet to be stored in the last storage bin of the first storage section is fed by the feeding means, the above-mentioned detection is performed. Feeding control means that delays the feeding timing of the next sheet to be stored in the second storage section until the means detects this sheet.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having a CPU. The present invention can be applied to transfer sheets, those using a distribution sorter for original sheets, facsimile machines, printers, etc. This will be explained below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an example of a copying machine to which the present invention is applicable. In this example, 1
The example is a copying machine that continuously creates a large number of secondary electrostatic latent images from one primary electrostatic latent image. This is a copying machine that is equipped with a separate sorter outlet so that it can use a reduction mechanism and a sorter, and for high-speed, large-volume copying, the amount of paper that can be stored in the paper feed section is 50% smaller than that of a normal copying machine. It had a deck about twice as large as a conventional one, and also had a regular cassette, making it possible to feed paper mainly from the former. In addition, when copying a specified number of copies for each original,
In order to eliminate the trouble of distributing copies into predetermined numbers after copying, a so-called sorter is used in a copying machine, which automatically performs the distributing work. A variable magnification mechanism is also used to reduce the original image into three stages to obtain a copy machine. In the figure, 1 is a photosensitive screen (for example, detailed in Japanese Patent No. 19455 published in 1975), 2 is a primary corona discharger that uniformly charges screen 1 to +, and 3 is an original image of the charged charge on screen 1. 4 is a lamp for exposing the original; 5 is a document table on which the original is placed; 6 is a modulating corona for forming a secondary electrostatic latent image. 7 is an insulated drum; 8 is a developer that applies toner to the secondary latent image; 9 is a roller that feeds the transfer paper 10; 11 is a DC corona discharger that transfers the toner to the paper; 12 is a transfer A conveyor belt 13 is for discharging the paper, a fixing roller 13 is for fixing the toner, 14 is a tray, 18 is a sorter for distributing the transfer paper, and 20 is a bin shelf in the sorter. The document on the document table 5 is subjected to slit exposure while moving the lamp 4 and mirror 15.
A primary electrostatic latent image is formed on a rotating, so-called three-layer screen 1 which is electrically charged and exposed simultaneously with a secondary discharger. The primary latent image modulates the ions in the modulation discharger 6 to form a secondary electrostatic latent image on the surface of the insulating drum 7, and the developing device 8 develops the secondary image with toner. The toner image is transferred by the charger 11 to the transfer paper 10 fed from the cassette 52 or the lift deck 53, the paper 10 is conveyed, the toner image is fixed by the heat roller fixing device 13, and the toner image is transferred to the sorter 18 or the tray 14. Discharge. Even after forming the secondary latent image, the primary latent image does not disappear, so screen 1
is further rotated to continuously form a secondary latent image by the charger 6, and the transfer paper is sent one after another to the transfer section, and transfer, fixing, and ejection are repeated a preset number of times. When repeating secondary latent images from one primary latent image to make a number of copies that exceeds the maximum number of copies that can be formed, the repeat operation of secondary latent image formation is interrupted and the primary latent image is automatically formed again. fix. In addition, 16 is a lamp for discharging the screen for forming a high-contrast primary electrostatic latent image and for removing the primary afterimage after copying is completed, and 17-
1 is a cleaning blade section for removing residual toner from the insulating drum 7; 17-2 is an AC corona discharger for removing residual charge from the insulating drum 7; Note that the paper fed by the paper feed roller 9 stops at the position of the register roller 35. Thereafter, by operating the register roller 35 at a predetermined timing based on a registration signal from the switch 83, the paper is conveyed toward the transfer section so as to match the toner image on the drum. With this device, the secondary latent image can be repeatedly formed independently of the primary latent image formation, so the rotational speed of the screen and insulating drums can be made twice as fast as when the primary latent image is formed, after the secondary latent image is formed and transferred. . In FIG. 1-1, 84 to 85 indicate the optical system 4,
A Hall element 15 is provided on a reciprocating path for exposure scanning and is turned on when a magnet provided on the first mirror 15 (mirror from the lamp) passes or arrives at that location. 84 is a home position signal indicating the start of exposure or the optical system stop position when turned on; 85 is a reversal signal for turning off the lamp 4 and moving the optical system backwards when the exposure is completed; and 86 is for operating the registration roller 35. Generates a registration signal for This signal is stored in memory as a position signal from the exposure start position 84 and output during the secondary process. 81 generates a position signal DHP for stopping the screen drum 1;
82 is a rotary switch that is operated by a cam installed in the cam, and 82 is a rotary switch that has a photointerrupter that detects the disc and the disc hole in order to generate a clock pulse KCL (1 clock/1°) synchronized with the rotation of the screen drum 1. The CPU (FIG. 3), which is an encoder, counts KCL to determine various process timings and also outputs check pulses for jam detection. 86 to 88 are Hall elements that detect the position of the lens 59 for reduction of the original by 1x, 0.7x, and 0.6x, respectively.
With HIC, it is turned on by the passage of a magnet that is linked to lens movement. FIG. 2 shows the operating section and display panel of the apparatus shown in FIG. SW in the figure is the process load of the copying machine, the main switch for turning on the power to the control circuit, 21
is the copy start key, 22 is the copy number setting key,
23-1 is a set number display, and 23-2 is a copy completion number display, each digit being displayed by a 7-segment LED. However, 23-1 is the diagnostic mode display, 2
3-2 displays error mode. 24 is a tray, 25 is a sorter selection key, and the key itself lights up when the key is turned on to indicate whether the storage section is a sorter or a tray. 26 and 27 are cassette selection keys and deck selection keys. When the key is turned on, it lights up to display the selection, and then the cassette,
The paper size in the deck is also displayed by 32. Keys 28-1 to 28-3 are used to select shades of light and dark, medium, and light.When the keys are turned on, the keys themselves light up to indicate that. 29 is a stop key for interrupting the copy operation; 30
-1 to 30-3 are keys for specifying magnification, each of which is set to 1x, 0.76x, and 0.65x, and the corresponding location on the display 31 is lit. Note that the cassette stage designation and the variable size specification are independent of each other, and variable size copying is possible regardless of the paper size of the cassette. Stop key 29
When turned on, the sequence mode similar to that in which copying of the set number is completed is reached. When a tray is selected, the belt 19 in FIG. 1 moves so that the paper is ejected from the first ejection roller 50, as shown by the solid line. When the sorter 18 is selected, the belt 19 is set so that the paper is discharged from the second discharge roller 51 as shown by the dotted line. The deck 53 can store 2,000 to 3,000 sheets of paper, and the cassette 52 can store 500 to 1,000 sheets of paper. The paper sent to the sorter 18 is carried by a constantly rotating roller 55 or by a belt 55 and sent to a bin. Guide pawls a to k are provided for each bin 20, and each time the detector 68 detects a paper, the guide pawls are activated in order to direct the paper toward the bin and store it in each bin. That is, by operating the solenoid _SL2 using the key 25, the discharge port is set on the sorter 18 side as shown by the dotted line. After this setting, copy key 2 is pressed for a specified period of time (30 seconds).
When SL 1 is not turned on or other keys are not turned on, SL ₂ is automatically deactivated and the discharge port is returned to the tray 14 side. Also, when the power switch SW is turned on, or when the ejection port is set to the sorter side and left for 30 seconds after copying is completed, the ejection port is automatically set on the tray 14 in the same way. Therefore, normal copying operations can be performed quickly without worrying about the ejection port. When one of the keys 28-1 to 28-3 is turned on, the amount of current supplied to the exposure lamp 4 is set to an amount corresponding to the specified density. However, if the copy key 21 is not turned on or any other key is not turned on within 30 seconds thereafter, the light intensity will automatically return to the same level as that set with the key 28-2. When the key 26 is turned on, only the paper feed roller 9 on the cassette 52 side is set to be operable.
27 is turned on, the roller 9 on the deck 53 side is set to be operable. However, if this roller is left alone for 30 seconds, it will return to the paper feed roller set of the deck 53 that stores A4 size sheets, which are frequently used. When the variable magnification keys 30-1 to 30-3 are turned on, the position of the lens system installed in the optical axis of the image reflected by the lamp 4 and the mirror 15 are moved left and right using a motor and a solenoid in order to obtain a predetermined magnification image. and set it in place. But this also then 30
If it is left unattended for a second, it returns to the same magnification position as specified by pressing the key 30-1. Also, after repeatedly pressing the key 22 and setting the number of copies, the process returns to one copy in the same manner. After setting various condition modes in this way, the standard mode is returned to when 30 seconds have elapsed since the last setting operation. Further, 40 is a jam position indicator which displays the location where a paper jam occurs when a paper jam occurs in the apparatus, and blinks to indicate the path corresponding to the jam detection sensor according to the operation of the jam detection sensor to be described later. 42,4
1 are indicators indicating the occurrence of a paper jam, respectively, indicating a paper jam inside the sorter shown in FIG. 1-2 and inside the main body shown in FIG. 1-1. At the same time, the display 23-1,
The display contents of 23-2 are automatically changed. 48 is an indicator indicating toner shortage or developer replenishment;
44 is a display that indicates that there is no paper in the selected paper feed section; 43 is a display that indicates when it is necessary to contact a service person in the event of an abnormality in the apparatus; 46 is a key counter for calculating the copying fee. The indicator 47 indicates that the copy is missing, and the wait indicator 47 indicates that the apparatus is incapable of copying, that is, is in preparation. FIG. 3 shows a control circuit constituting an embodiment using a 4-bit parallel processing microcomputer.
The ROM shown in the figure has a program for displaying key input data, a program for setting standard mode, a program for reset operation, an error diagnosis program, and a program for sequence control of copying process operations in a prearranged order, and is installed at each address and the address is set. This is a read-only memory whose contents can be retrieved each time the data is read, and uses μPD454 manufactured by Nichiden. The above program is shown in the flow chart below.
RAM is a read/write memory that stores copy number data, error data, data for process sequence control, etc. It is a memory that stores a set of binary codes, and details are shown in Figures 7-1 and 7-2. The company's technology consists of multiple sets of flip-flops, an arbitrary set is selected by an address designation signal, and data can be written to or read from multiple flip-flops among them. Use μPD462. In FIG. 7-1, addresses of memories and their areas are shown, for example, in the X'043' format. The last 1 digit number indicates the column, the 2 digit number indicates the row, and the 3 digit number indicates the memory chip. Here, X'043' is an area for storing data on variable magnification, and this data contributes to designation of lens magnification and display operation of the display 31. or
X'033' is an area for storing data specified by the magnification key, and the binary data of X'033' and X'043' is 0000 when the image is the same size, and 1000 when it is 0.7 times the image.
X′062′ is when there is no paper in the specified paper source.
This is an area that stores 1000. Below, each data area follows Figure 6-1. Numerical data to be displayed on the segment displays 23-1 and 23-2 is stored in the SET and COPY areas, and key-input data is temporarily stored in X'018' and X'01C'. WA(O) is a 3-digit working register,
This is to run the timer to return the copy mode to standard mode, and WA(1) to WA(7)
are registers that contribute to storing other data. Table 2 shows the relationship between key input and stored data.

【table】

[Table] When there is no KEY input, F or 0000 is stored. In FIG. 3, I/O 100 to I/ON are input/output devices that input data input signals from paperless keys, keys, etc., and generate signals for driving solenoids and the like. No. 4-1~
Figure 4-11 shows I/O and its peripheral circuits.
I/O100 to I/OB00 are well-known circuits including latch circuits and gate circuits, and μPD752 is used here.
Furthermore, I/O100~B00 are respectively address X'100'~
For example, if address X'100' is designated, I/O100 (Figure 4-1) will be selected. In I/OB00 in Figure 4-11, the output port _O1 is connected to the drive circuit of the motor M1 that rotates the screen drum 1 and the insulating drum 7 via a DC driver, and the output port O2 is connected to the drive circuit of the motor M1 that rotates the screen drum ₁ and the insulating drum 7, and _O2 is connected to a high voltage transformer. Also, _O3 is the input port connected to the clutch that drives the paper feed roller and registration roller, and _I0 is the rotary encoder 82 that is the basis of the timing operation of the transformer and clutch.
The clock pulse CLK from is connected to the input via the line receiver (input interface). or,
A switch SW ₁ linked to the main switch SW is input connected to the input port I ₂ to contribute to determining the on/off state of the SW. Further, port _I3 is connected to a circuit of a thermistor _Th1 that detects the temperature of the fixing heater, and contributes to determining wait time up. In the I/O 200 of FIG. 4-2, O ₀ and O ₂ are connected to the variable magnification motor M ₃ and the outlet switching motor M ₂ , respectively.
Connected through an input circuit similar to M ₁ , O ₁ , O ₃
is connected to each magnification solenoid SL ₁ and outlet solenoid SL ₂ through the same input circuit as CL ₁ , and I ₁
~ I ₃ is the Hall element HIC installed in the lens system path.
It is connected to RD ₁ , RD ₆ , RD ₇ (eg, 0.6, 0.7 times) like the input B boat and contributes to the magnification set. In the I/O 300 in Figure 4-3, I ₀ and I ₁ are connected as described above to the TP and SP (tray, sorter) of the Hall element HIC provided at the exit to determine whether the output is a tray or a sorter, and Contributes to the set. O ₀
~ _O3 is the lamp _L1 ~ _L3 (medium, dark,
Light) Lamps for variable magnification display L _0.6 , L _0.7 , L _1.0 (0.6
(x, 0.7x, 1x). In the I/O 400 in Figure 4-4, O ₀ to _{O 3} are lamps L _S , L _T , L _D , for indicating the paper feed port and exit display.
Connected to L _P and L _C (each sorter, tray, deck, paperless, cassette). I ₀ is a switch that detects the insertion of a key counter that counts the total number of copies.
Connected to KCNT. I ₁ and I ₂ are connected to a well-known optical sensor 60 and a micro switch 61 for detecting no paper in the cassette or deck. Figure 4-1 shows a KEY&DISPIAY I/O port 100 for receiving input signals from each key into the computer and driving a segment display.
It is. In the figure, MAT is a well-known matrix circuit whose intersections are energized when the key is turned on, T ₀ to _{T 5} are digit selections of the displays 23-1 and 23-2, and time-division scan signals for scanning the matrix circuit.
KR ₀ to KR ₃ are ports for inputting matrix signals caused by key-on, and 100 to 107 are transistor driver circuits as shown in the figure. M.A.T.
In , "0", "1"..., "9" are numerical keys,
CL is the clear key, COPY is the copy start key,
1.0, 0.6, 0.7 are magnification keys, dark, medium, light are gray keys, DEC, CAS, SP, TP are deck, cassette,
Sorter and tray specification key. This device is a well-known device having a buffer register for key entry, a shift register for storing display data, a digit signal generator for displaying display data in a time-division manner, etc., and a μPD757 is used here. Signals from each motor circuit and disconnection detection circuit are input to the I port of the I/O 500 in FIG. 4-5.
The signal to turn off relay K ₁ from O ₀ port is
Signals for lighting the jam indicators 41 and 42 are output from the O ₁ and O ₂ ports. A circuit D for detecting the advance of paper is connected to the I port of the I/O 600 in FIG. 4-6, the I/O 700 in FIG. 4-7, and the I/O 800 in FIG. 4-8. The O port of I/O600 has a signal for lighting up the indicators 43, 46 to 48, and the O port of I/O700 has an actuation signal for clutches CL ₂ and CL ₃ for moving the optical system forward and backward. Output. I ₁ to _{I 3} of I/O 800 include sorter door switch 74, web sensor 73, O ₃ of I/O 800,
The O port of I/O 900 is connected to a high voltage circuit driver. In addition, HVTA~E are each corona discharger 2,
4th for operating 3, 6, 17-2 and 11
-11 The circuit is as shown in Figure A. The _I3 port of I/O800 and the I port of I/O900 are respectively connected to the above-mentioned high voltage circuit and input an operating state signal. I/
OA00 is the signal necessary for sequence control, DHP (signal that detected the stop position 81 of the screen drum),
OHP (signal that detected optical system stop position 84), 8
Register signal RG by 3, inverted signal by 85
Connected to each Hall element so that CBP is input. The CPU includes the above memory, one or more 4-bit registers AC, PC for specifying addresses of input/output devices, and one or more 4-bit registers A, B, C, D for storing other primary data and addresses. , overflow bitch OVF, read wise instruction block
CFT, a control unit with addition/subtraction logic control that decodes and processes data input from the data signal line.
The CT, the arithmetic circuit ALU, and the arithmetic circuit ALU have functions of data decimal correction, addition, and exclusive OR. The contents of register A (accumulator ACC) are clockwise rotation (right shift) and counterclockwise rotation (left shift).
This allows the OVF to perform a bit check. The CPU has the above circuits and is connected to the above external circuits through a plurality of lines. To summarize, the program ROM is processed by the CPU.
The content of the specified address is read into the CPU through the data signal line DB1, and the CPU
decodes this and, according to the decoded contents, processes the data in chronological order starting from power-on, sometimes within the CPU itself, and sometimes stores the data in the CPU at a specified address in RAM. or store data at a specified address in RAM.
Inputs data into the CPU, sometimes outputs data in the CPU to signal line DB3 of output unit I/OA00, inputs content on signal line DB3 into the CPU, and performs various controls. It is something. Figure 5-1 shows programs related to initial set, key entry, process sequence, and diagnostic flow that are coded in this order and are stored in the memory ROM of Figure 3.
is stored in When a sub power switch (not shown) provided inside the main body is turned on, power is applied to the control unit including the CPU, the program is read from the ROM, and processing is started (STAT). In step 1, RAM4bit, 256 words, address X'000'~
Clear all data of X′OFF′. Then, it is determined whether the main switch SW is on or not, and when it is on, step 2 is executed. This determination is based on the I/O
This is to check whether port B00 (input port _I2 in Figure 4-11) is 1 or not.The CPU specifies chip B00, takes the 4 bits of input data into the accumulator ACC, repeats the left shift, and sets 1 to the 1st bit. Step 2 is to first write necessary data to a predetermined location in the RAM in order to set the image forming conditions to the standard mode.The data contents are shown in Table 1.

【table】

【table】

[Table] Standard mode is 1x for reduction, tray for exit, and medium for copy density.
RAM data is (X′043′) is 0, (X′033′) is 0,
(X′053′) is 0, (X′042′) is 2, (X′032′) is 2
becomes. Note that (X'043') is the data at address X'043'. Regarding step 3, the number of sheets of paper collected in the deck is four times that of the cassette (approximately 2000 sheets). Therefore, frequently used paper (for example, A4 size) is collected on a deck and normally fed from the deck. Here, first,
To select the deck as the standard mode, check whether there is paper on the deck. Sense I/O 400 and check paper detector 61. If you have paper, set the data on the deck into RAM. In other words, (X'052') is set to 8 (3-1). When there is no paper in the deck, select the cassette, check the paper detector 60 to see if there is paper in the cassette, and if there is no paper, the paper out lamp 33
lights up. Therefore, set (X'062') to 8, set it to 0 if there is paper (3-3), and set X'052' to 0 if there is paper in the cassette to specify the cassette (3-2). In step 4, in order to display the copy setting counter 23-1 as 1 and the copy number counter 23-2 as 0, the hundredth place (X'03A') of the counter SET in RAM is set to 0, and the tenth place (X'03B') is set to 0. 0, first place (X'03C') is 1, hundredth place (X'04A') of counter COPY is 0, tenth place (X'04B') is 0, first place (X'04C') is 0. Set to . In step 5, the RAM is
The data set in 4 bits are simultaneously output to the I/O port. The display data (X′022′) is
(X'032') + (X'052') + (X'062') is added and output to I/O400. This lights up the paper out lamp, deck, and cassette selection indicator lamp. let In standard mode it is 6 or O ₀
~ _O3 outputs 0110 and the deck indicator lamp and tray indicator lamp light up. (X′023′) is (X′033′)
+(X′053′) and the content is (X′023′)
By outputting to the I/O300 port, you can create a 1x lamp.
Turn on the medium density lamp. Furthermore, X′02A′~
Key & key the RAM contents of X′02C′ and X′03A′ ~
Outputs to Display I/O address 100 and outputs 001 and 000 to setting counter 23-1 and copy counter 23-2, respectively.
Display. In step 6, set Key & Display I/O100 KR ₀ ~
KR ₃ Read the entered key. If no key is entered, data X′F′ (′1111′) will be entered into X′01C′ and X′018′. If there is any input, the data is 1 o'clock.
The details of this, stored in RAMX'01C' and X'018', are shown in the flowchart of Figure 6-1. This flow is based on the μPD757 specification, and each step corresponds to one step stored in the ROM. In step 7, the input data stored in step 6 is set at the necessary address in the RAM according to the contents. For example, if you turn on the key for magnification 0.7, (X'01C') is 1, so (X'033') is 8, or 0.7
Set bit 1 at . When the number key is 9, (X′018′) is 9, so (X′02B′) is
Shift to X'02A', shift (X'02C') to X'02B', and set 9 to X'02C'. At the same time as these settings are made, various modes are displayed in the same manner as in step 5. In step 8, the paper feed section set in steps 6 and 7 is determined (X'052'), that is, 0 indicates the cassette, 4 indicates the deck, and the status of the paper detectors 60 and 61 of each section is determined. Check. 60b and 61b are CdS detecting changes in the reflected light from the paper of the lamps 60a and 61a, and when there is no reflection, it is assumed that there is no paper. Then, as in step 3, the paperless lamp is turned on or off. In the following, a means a lamp and b means a light receiving element. In step 9, it is determined whether or not the positions of the lens system and mirror system correspond to the designated positions according to the reduction mode, and if they are not at the designated positions, the positions are changed (FIG. 5-2). Regarding step 16, the RAM data obtained in step 7 and the data obtained from the I port of the I/O 200 are compared. In other words, it is determined whether (X'033') and (X'043') in RAM are equal. Now specify 0.7x, and the position of the lens system is 0.7
If (X′033′) is 1000 and (X′043′) is
1000 and equal to each other. When the lens system is at the same magnification, the _I2 port of I/O200 is 0, so (X'043') is
0000, they are not equal to each other, and the lens position is changed. First, as shown in Figure 8-1, the variable magnification motor _M3
Turn on solenoid _SL3 for rotation lock and move the optical system. When the magnet attached to the lens reaches the position of sensor RD7, _I2 of I/O200 becomes 1.
Therefore, motor M ₃ and solenoid SL ₃ are turned off. Also, set the data to X'043'. In step 10, when the lens system is at the specified magnification change position, the state of the power switch SW is determined to see if the control should be restarted. This is done by sensing port _I2 of I/OB00. When SW is off, return to start and clear RAM. In step 11, it is determined whether the paper exit position is at the specified position. When the exit is not in the designated position, the exit is changed (Figure 5-2). In step 18, the RAM data (X'032') and I/
Compare with the data (X'042') from the I port of O300. When (X′032′) and (X′042′) are equal, that is, it is a tray specification, and if there is something in the tray now, (X′032′) is 0010 and (X′042′) is 0010, which are equal.
When X′042′ is a sorter of 0001, they are not equal, so the exit is changed. First, the outlet motor M ₂ and rotary lock solenoid SL ₂ are turned on to move the outlet from the sorter toward the tray. When the magnet provided on the fixed shaft approaches the rotation of the roller of the belt 19 and the tray sensor 70 turns on, the port of the I/O 300 is activated.
Input 1 to _I0 to determine that the tray position has been reached. Then, motor M ₂ and solenoid SL ₂ are turned off, and data is set in RAM X'042'. Step 12 determines whether the key counter is inserted or not, and whether the device has reached a wait temperature (reaching the fixing temperature) based on the I/OB00 specification and port sense, and determines whether copying is possible. Check. When copying is possible and after changing the exit and magnification position, proceed to Step 20, which sets a 30-second standby timer, and through this routine checks for key input again, as well as the paper-out check and exit magnification position check routines. Do this. Step 13 is to determine whether or not the copy key 21 has been entered, and the corresponding RAM data in step 7 is determined. If there is no copy key input, proceed to step 14 and check whether another key is inserted (X′018′), (X′01C′)
)
Control is performed by checking whether or not is F. If there is still no evidence of any key input, proceed to step 15. If the routine up to this point is repeated approximately 300 times, that is, the steps up to this point are approximately 1000 steps and each step is approximately 10 μsec, so 30 seconds will elapse. Therefore, RAM
Store 3000 in WA(0) (step 20),
Each time step 15 is executed, this is decremented by 1 (15-
1) When it becomes 0, proceed to the initial step STAT, clear the RAM, and set the standard mode (step 2). In step 14, this
If key entry is made within 30 seconds, step 20 will be executed again.
Execute and store 30 seconds in RAM WA (3),
Perform the above subtraction routine. Details of steps 14 and 15 are shown in Figure 6-2. If the copy key is turned on during this time, the process proceeds to step 21, where the drum motor M ₁ and each high voltage transformer are turned on to start the copying operation. If a jam occurs during copying or if the paper in the deck or cassette runs out, the motor M ₁ and the high voltage transformer are turned off, but the process does not exit from step 21. Therefore, RAM
Data is held and displays such as the number of sheets remain even when the power switch is turned off. Also, even if the door is opened, the RAM data will not disappear, but various displays will disappear. At the end of each copying cycle (each time paper is fed), the counter COPY in the RAM is increased by 1, the value is displayed on the display 23-2, and the value is compared with the counter SET. If it matches, the main motor M ₁ and high voltage transformer are turned off. do. Then proceed to step 20 and set a timer of 30 seconds. The timing at which _M1 is turned off and step 21 is exited is after the last paper has passed through the paper detectors 64 and 65. Also, if the clear key is turned on when there is no jam or paper, this step 21 is skipped and step 20 is set for 30 seconds. If you do not enter the copy key or other keys after setting this for 30 seconds,
Or, when a key entry is made and the next key entry is not made, the process returns to the STAT step and returns to the standard mode.
If you turn on the copy key within this 30 seconds, copying will start from the beginning using the previous set number. It should be noted that the step key 29 is used to make a decision before step 21-4, and when the step is stopped, a routine similar to the copy count up is reached. Also step 21
-4 is performed immediately after paper feeding. What is important in this case is that, as will be explained in FIG. There is no auto-reset operation in seconds. After clearing the set number and copy number, proceed to the 30 second reset routine. If you run out of paper, replenish paper and close the door to proceed to the 30-second reset routine. In Figure 6-2, microstep 14-1
~14-4, the data of X′018′, that is, the same size, 0.7,
0.6, the input of the shading key, clear, cassette, deck, sorter, and tray key is determined, but in 14-3, the exclusive OR of the data stored in ACC and AC is taken and stored in ACC, and a match is found in F. ACC
becomes 0. Therefore, execute steps 14-5 to 14-8 to similarly determine the data of X'01C' and check the numerical keys.
Microsteps 15-1 to 15-3 are X'001' to
WA with X′003′ as a 3-digit working register
(0), this value is decremented by 1, and the decremented value is stored in WA (0) again. 15-4 to 15-6 is WA
Whether the upper digit of (0) is 0 or not, 15-7 to 15-9, 15
-10 to 15-12 are for determining whether the middle and lower digits of WA(0) are 0 or not, and returning to the start. FIG. 8-1 shows a variable magnification mechanism, in which a lens system 59 and a mirror 15 are reciprocated by rotation of a motor _M3 . Also, the positions of the lens 59 and mirror 15 are set according to the zoom specification, depending on the sensor RD1, RD7, RD6.
They move in conjunction so that a predetermined optical path length is achieved when the position is .
SL ₁ turns off when the optical system is in a predetermined position and locks it from moving. Figure 9-1 is a time chart when moving from 1x to 0.6x. When the key is turned on, the RAM
Since (X′033′) is 4 and (X′043′) is 0, I/
Set 3 (I ₀ , I ₁ = 1) to 0 of O200 and set SL ₁ ,
Turn on _M3 . I of I/O200 is Hall element RD
When it is determined that the value has become 8 (I ₃ =1) by 1, RD7, and RD6, SL ₁ and M ₃ are turned off. and
Set 4 to X'043'. FIG. 8-2 shows the exit changing mechanism, in which the belt 19 is moved up and down by the rotation of the motor _M2 .
The position of the belt 19 is determined by the sensor 7 according to the exit designation.
When either 0 or 71 is on, it moves to a predetermined exit. SL ₂ turns off when the outlet is in place and locks the outlet from movement. Figure 9-2 is a time chart when moving from the tray to the sorter. When the key is turned on, the RAM
(X'032') is different from that, so set O of I/O 200, turn on SL ₂ and M ₂ , and as described above, the signals from sensors 70 and 71 are used. SL ₂ and M ₂ are turned off and set at a predetermined exit. As described above, this embodiment displays conditions according to various key inputs, and if the process does not start within a predetermined time after the last key input, the display is cleared or the standard mode is displayed, thereby reducing image formation errors. However, rapid resumption of image quality can be expected. (Diagnosis flow L) Figure 10 shows the jam determination step 21 in Figure 5-1.
-3 is a flowchart showing details. In step 31, a jam caused by a paper jam or the like in the paper path is detected. The jam is paper sensors 62 to 6 in the copying machine shown in Figure 1.
7. Whether or not the paper reaches the paper sensors 68 and 69 of the sorter at the appropriate time is determined by sensing the sensors at a predetermined timing. Each sensor outputs a signal 1 when a well-known optical detector detects paper. Reference numerals 62 and 63 are sensors for the paper feeding section, 64 and 65 are sensors for the conveyance section, and 66 and 67 are sensors for the discharge section. 62
Two sets of lamps and light-receiving elements are provided at a predetermined distance apart from each other at right angles to the direction in which the paper travels, and are used to check for skewed paper and stop feeding. still,
The paper detection signals of the sensors 62 to 65 are _J1 to _J5 , the signals of the exit sensors 66 and 67 are Jt, and the signal of the other sensor 62' for Js skew detection is _J1 '. When 62', 62-69 do not sense paper at a predetermined time, it is determined that there is a jam, and the process proceeds to step 32, where it is checked whether the reset button 100 in the main body is turned on to release the jam. Since the machine remains jammed even after removing the cause of the jam, the reset button 100 releases the jam. When the reset button is on, the process advances to step 33, and the sensors 62 to 69 are scanned again to confirm whether there is still paper left. If paper remains on any of the sensors (step 34), an error flag is set in the RAM as an error mode, and F-P indicating jam diagnostic mode is displayed on the segment display 23-1 for setting the number of copies. (Step 35). In steps 33 to 35, the paper is checked and displayed in order of location from the sensor 62. When the sensors 62 and 63 detect paper, the copy count segment display 23-2 alternately displays E-1 and E-2. This routine is shown in Figures 11-1 and 11-2.
This corresponds to steps 11-5 to 11-7 in FIG. 12. This routine sets data in the area of RAM corresponding to the sensor where paper remains, and scans and displays that area while the error flag is set. When the paper is removed, the same key input as in step 6 of FIG. 5-1 becomes possible (step 36), and when the copy key is turned on, the number of copies and the number of sets are compared in step 21-4, and the process moves on to a re-copying operation. Then finish copying the rest. When the copy key is not turned on,
When the clear key is turned on, the process proceeds to step 20, standby set, and data entered by the key can be stored in the RAM. In other words, the previously stored scaling data, numerical data, etc. are canceled and new data can be set. However, while the SW is on and the clear key is not turned on, data changes and process mode data auto-reset are not possible. However, when the SW is turned off, the process returns to step STAT in Figure 5-1, clears the RAM, and waits. In this way, even if the jam is reset after a jam occurs, there is no need to clear a large number of image forming condition modes, and all are held, so there is no need to take the trouble of resetting the conditions. (Diagnostic Flow 2) Figures 11-1 and 11-2 are diagnostic flows between steps 11 and 12 in Figure 5-1. i.e. power supply
After switching on the SW, it detects whether paper remains in the paper sensor in the paper path and displays it, detects a disconnection of the thermistor for temperature control of the fuser and displays it, and also detects whether the side plate of the sorter is closed. It is possible to avoid an increase in trouble by displaying the information so that it is possible to start copying after checking in advance the parts that are not usually checked. Furthermore, among these, if an error occurs in something that is not used for normal copying, it is possible to make the copy possible without removing the cause of the error. At step 11-1 in the figure, the paper sensors 62 to 6 are
7 is scanned and sensed, and the data of each sensor is stored in a register. First, it is determined whether or not there is paper in the sensor 62, and if there is paper, data is set in X081 of the RAM, and an error flag is set in X080 (11-3). Next, the presence or absence of paper is determined by the sensor 62' and the same operation is performed (11-4). The same process is also performed for the sensors 63 to 65. Also, the presence of paper is detected by the tray-side discharge detection sensor 66 and the sorter-side discharge detection sensor 67, and error data and error flags are set. After that, the operational amplifier OP ₁ outputs 1 due to the disconnection of the thermistor.
Check (Figure 4-11) (11-5). When it is 1, set the data to X091 of RAM and set it to X080.
Set the error flag to . Similarly, the sensor 73b for detecting the disappearance of the cleaner web in the cleaning section is checked, and if no web is detected.
Store data in RAM and set error flag (11-6). When a sorter is selected as the exit, it is checked whether the side plate of the sorter is open by turning off the door switch 74 (11-7). Thereafter, the jam detection sensor 68 provided at the sorter entrance and the sensor 69 provided on the sorter tray sense whether there is paper (11-9) and store the paper in the RAM. Then, the set state of the error flag in the RAM is sensed, and when the error flag is set, the error mode is displayed on the segment displays 23-1 and 23-2 as described above.
(11-10). This step is the first
This step is similar to step 35 in FIG. 0, and details will be described later. Then repeat these routines. If the error flag is not set, or if the flag is cleared by removing the paper on the sensor, the segment indicator 23
-1 and 23-2 display the SET of RAM, the number of copy sets stored in the COPY area, and the number of completed copies, and the process exits to step 12. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 72 is a web that is previously cleaned on the insulating drum 7 and is wound in the direction of the arrow. 73 is a well-known optical sensor that detects the end of the web and informs that there is no web, and its output is I/
Input to _I2 of O800. Also, 74 is a micro switch that turns on when the side plate of the sorter (opens and closes to take out paper) is completely closed, and its output is I/O800.
is input into _I3 . Further, 68 is a well-known optical sensor for detecting whether paper is jammed near the sorter entrance, and ₆₉ is a well-known optical sensor for detecting whether paper is jammed at each sorter. ,
Input to _I0 of I/O800. Jam detection paper detection sensors 62 to 67 in the copying machine path are I/
The thermistor disconnection detection signal is input to I ₀ to _{I 3} of O700 and I/O 600, and I ₃ of I/O 500. The signals from each of the above sensors serve as conditions for error display control as described above. Also, if the sorter door or sorter jam sensor detects an abnormality and displays an error message, if you switch the exit to the tray, the sorter-related error display will disappear, the remaining number of copies will be displayed, and copying will be possible. . Furthermore, even if the sorter door is open and an error message is displayed, when the door is closed, the error message and copy value display are switched. (Error Display) Next, the error display operation (step 35) will be explained with reference to FIG. The key and display chip μPD757 used in I/O100 is 4 bits as shown in Table 3.
This is the relationship between hexadecimal code input and segment display.

【table】

[Table] Also, the relationship between error contents and segment display is as follows: 23-1,
23-2 is displayed as FP, E-1. Here, F on the display 23-1 means that the diagnostic program is being executed, and P on the right digit means that the diagnostic mode is jammed. When the diagnostic mode is standby, 〓 is displayed. E on the display 23-2 means an error symbol displayed when an abnormality is detected, and the digit 1 to the right of the blank indicates the location of the abnormality. 23-1 and 23-2 are displayed simultaneously. Therefore, E corresponds to the paper sensors 62 to 69.
-1 to E-8, web check sensor 73, sorter switch 74, and thermistor disconnection check sensor, E-9, E10, and E11 are displayed. If an abnormality occurs in multiple locations during jam or standby, for example, during standby, the sensor 63
When the sensor 73 detects paper or the sensor 73 detects the absence of cleaner web, the display 23-1 displays F-0, and the display 23-2 alternately displays E-2 and E-9. This operation will be explained using RAM with reference to FIGS. 7 and 12. When proceeding to the error display, the CPU performs the following step processing. In step 35-1, write the hex code XA to RAM address X ₀ D3.
(BCD1010). When this is decoded by the I/O 100, it becomes E as a 7-segment display, and when this is output (displayed), it means that there is an abnormality in the diagnostic result. In step 35-2, set hex code XF to X _0D4.
(BCD1111). This is KEY&
Decoded by DisplayI/O100 and becomes blank. Next, X081 is specified as the RAM address and the process proceeds to step 35-3. In step 35-3, if the content of the RAM address specified in the previous step is 0, D ₀
Jump to specified RAM address +1
In other words, in the case of X081, it becomes X082 and the lower part of the address
Until the 4bit value becomes hexadecimal XA (BCD1010)
Repeat Step 35-3. Here, if a value other than 0 is set at the specified address in RAM, the mode in which an abnormality was discovered as a result of the diagnosis in the previous step will be displayed.
The lower value of that address, i.e. 2 for X082
is set to X0 _D 5, and data from X0 _D 5 to X0 _D 0 is sequentially output and displayed on I/O 100. and about 1
Hold that display for a second, go to D0, and then read RAM in the same way.
Repeat until the lower part of the specified address becomes hexadecimal XA (BCD1010). In other words, the display at steps 35-2 and 35-3 is to sequentially display the error modes set at RAM addresses X081 to X089 at intervals of one second. For example, when there is paper in the sensor 62 in standby diagnostic mode, the I/
O100 digit switching timing signal T ₀ , T ₁ , T ₂ ,
The display data is F, -, O, corresponding to T ₃ , T ₄ , T ₅ .
E, blank, set to 1. Steps 35-4 to 35-6 are the same as 35-2.
RAM address X090 to X099, X0 _A 0 to X0 _A
9. Display error mode data set in X0 _B 0 to X0 _B 9 and X0 _C 0 to X0 _C 9 in sequence at 1 second intervals. Note that diagnostic data in a key diagnostic mode, which will be described later, is stored in X0 _A 1 to X0 _C 9. This scanning and display is performed during the next key diagnosis mode. In this way, displays that perform specific displays, such as segment displays, are used to display diagnostic operations after standby or jam, and to display abnormality detection due to diagnosis, so it is possible to determine when diagnostic operations are being performed using fewer indicators. It is possible to warn what the consequences will be, and the device operating section can be simplified. (Diagnosis flow 3) In the normal standby state, the numeric key 22 and clear key C are used to set and clear the number of copies, respectively, and the display 23
-1 and 23-2 respectively display the number of copies to be set and the number of copies to be completed. However, in this embodiment, a diagnostic step 100 is provided between step 1 and step 2 in FIG. 5-1. Therefore, while the diagnostic program is running, the keys and numeric display become command switches and indicators with other functions. power switch
When the SW is turned on, step 1 is executed according to the standby program shown in FIG. 5-1, and then the diagnostic program 100 is executed. This diagnostic program can also be selectively executed using a diagnostic key (not shown). The diagnostic program is the 13th
As shown in the figure, first in step 101, the error memory is cleared. This is shown in Figure 7-1 B.
Addresses in RAM X′080′~X′089′, X′090′～
X′099′, X′0 _A 0′～X′0 _A 9′, X′0 _B 0′～X′0 _B 9′,
X′0 _c
Set 0000 (hereinafter referred to as 0) in 0' to _X'0c9 '.
Additionally memory addresses for storing and displaying diagnostic modes.
Clear X'0 _D 0' to X'0 _D 5', that is, set them to 0. At step 102, it is displayed that the diagnostic program has started. First, X′0 _D 0′, X′0 _D 1′, X′0 _D
2′ respectively, hexadecimal number X′B′ (binary coded decimal code
1011 in BCD), X′E′ (also 1110), X′F′ (also
1111), then X′0 _D 3′, X′0 _D 4′ X′0 _D 5′
Set 8 (1000) to each. And Key&
Display I/O100 sequentially from X′0 _D 5′ to X′0 _D 0′
Output from CPU. The port I/O 100 decodes the 4 bits of the input data and displays the following on each of the display devices 23-1 and 23-2 according to the above code. In other words, at timing T ₀ , T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ , T ₄ , T ₅ , the display 23
-1 is F, -, blank, 23-2 is 〓, 〓, 〓
Display. Here, F at timing _T0 means the start of execution of the diagnostic program. Since the diagnosis mode has not yet been selected in step 102, the display is left blank, that is, there is no display, at timing _T2 . In addition, at _T3 to _T5 , the diagnosis results are originally displayed, but in step 102,
For now, 〓, 〓, 〓 will be displayed as no error. In step 103, it is determined whether an error has occurred or not, depending on whether an error flag is set. When an error occurs, a value other than 0, for example 1, is set to RAM address X'080' (if it is 0, there is no error)
(described later), the error mode is displayed. However, when this routine is executed for the first time, X'080' is 0, so it is not displayed, and X'0 _D 5' to X'0 _D 0' are displayed in the same way as step 102, and then step 104 is executed. Hejump. At step 104, the CPU is Key & Display I/O100.
If there is no input that accepts the input data, that is, the input of the key 22, the process returns to step 103 and repeats 104. When a key input occurs, the contents are decoded, and when the key is the clear key C, the diagnostic program is terminated, jumps to END, and returns to the power ON of the standby program (Figure 5-1). When the key is one of the numbers 0 to 9 on the numeric key 22, proceed to the next step to select the desired diagnostic mode.
Proceed to 105. If the key is a designated key for the cassette stage, etc., the process returns to step 103, executes step 104 again, and continues the display. It also has numeric keys or clear key input. When several keys are input, the process goes to step 105.
Similar to 101, clear the data at each memory address in RAM. In step 106, the input numeric key switch value is decoded and the value is set to X'0 _D 2' in the RAM. For example, when key 1 is on, it is set to X'0 _D 2', and X' Set 0 to 0D3 _' to _X'0D5 '. At step 107, set Key & Display I/O100 to X′0 _D
5′ to X′0 _D 0′ are output sequentially to display devices 23-1, 23
-2 displays the following. timing
Indicator 123 when T ₀ , T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ , T ₄ , T ₅
is F, -, 1, 124 is 〓, 〓, 〓. Here, at T ₂ , a display indicating the diagnosis mode (here motor diagnosis) selected by the operator is made, and at T ₃ , T ₄ , and T ₅ , 〓 indicates that the diagnosis is being executed. . Next, various diagnostic modes and their diagnostic control will be explained. (Mode display F-L) This is a diagnostic mode that determines whether RAMX'0 _D 2' is set to 0.
This is a mode in which all the displays shown in Figure) are turned on and the operator visually determines whether there is any damage or deterioration in each display. This is done by turning on all the display outputs of the I/Os shown in FIGS. 4-1 to 4-12. (Mode display F-1) This mode is performed by determining whether 1 is set in X'0 _D 2', and is a mode for automatically diagnosing whether there are any abnormalities in the various motors. main motor
An example of checking _M1 is shown in Figure 14-1. That is, X′ _B
It outputs 0000 to 00, turns off _M1 , and after delaying the timer for a certain period of time, inputs 4 bits of X'500'.
Determine whether I ₀ of X'500' is 1 or 0, and if it is 1, X'0 _B 1',
Set X'080' to 1 and set the _M1 address data error flag. After outputting 0001 to X′ _B 00′, turning on M ₁ and delaying the timer for a certain period of time,
Input 4 bits of X'500'. When I ₀ of X'500' is 0, X'0 _B 1' and X'080' are set to 1, and _M1 is turned off. Next, optical system motor M ₃ and exit motor M ₂
Diagnose in the same way, and if there is an abnormality, set the relevant data and set the error flag. Diagnosis of various motors according to the flowchart of FIG. 14-1 is performed by the A circuit of the I/O output section of FIG. 4-11. First, when the motor _M1 is off, the triax TA for the motor switch remains off, and the output signal of the photocoupler phc connected to both ends of the triax is at logic level 0. However, if the triac TA and its trigger circuit are abnormal and are always on, the output signal of the photocoupler PHC becomes 1. This can be determined by the program steps described above to determine an abnormality. Also motor M ₁
If the triac TA is not turned on when TA is turned on, the output of the photocoupler, which is normally 1 level, becomes 0, so abnormality can be determined in the same way. In this way, various motors M ₁ , M ₂ , M ₄ ,
M ₃ , Fan motor FM1 to prevent temperature rise inside the machine,
A similar detection circuit is provided for FM2 and FM3 to perform diagnostic operations. Then, when an error occurs, the address in the RAM corresponding to each motor is X′0 _B.
Set a value other than 0 to 1' to X'0 _B9 '. At the same time, an error flag (X'080') is set. (Mode display F-〓) This is the RAM set by turning on key 2.
This is a mode for diagnosing various high-voltage transformers, and the flowchart for diagnosis is the same as for motor diagnosis.
M ₁ is replaced with HVTA, B, C, D, F, G, etc., and diagnosis is performed in the same manner sequentially. Further, the circuit outputs a logic level 1 when a high voltage output is output from the high voltage output detection terminal of the high voltage transformer, as shown in B of the output section of Fig. 4-11. This is judged and a high voltage error is displayed. (Mode display F-〓) This is done by determining 3 of X'0 _D 2' set by key 3, and is a mode for determining abnormality of sensors 62 to 69 for detecting various jams. be. An example of diagnosis of the sensor 62 is shown in FIG. 14-2.
That is, first input 4 bits of I/O port X'600', determine whether _I0 of X'600' is 1 or 0, and if it is 1,
Set 1 (0001) to X'081' and X'080'. Next, when _I0 of X'600' is 0, output 1000 to X'500', turn on relay _K1 , turn off lamp 62a, input 4 bits of X'600', and set X' I ₀ of 600′ is 1
If it is 0, set 1 to X'081'X'080'. Similarly, other jam sensors are diagnosed and memory operations are performed. Diagnosis of the jam detection sensor according to the flowchart of FIG. 14-2 is performed by the D circuit of the input section shown in FIGS. 4-6 to 4-8. Normally, the lamp for CDS irradiation is on and the input to the I/O is 0, but if the lamp is disconnected or there is a paper jam and unprocessed paper remains, the input to the I/O will be 0. 1 and an abnormality can be detected. In addition, when diagnosing CDS destruction or an abnormality in the input interface part in the opposite case to the above, turn off the CDS irradiation lamp, turn on relay _K1 , stop irradiating light to the CDS, and perform the opposite judgment to the above. . If the above diagnosis results in an abnormality, set 1 to RAM addresses X'081' to X'089' corresponding to each sensor,
Set the error flag (X'080'). (Mode display F-〓) This is due to turning on the key 4, and the detection sensors 44 to 50 at various positions (optical system, exit, etc.)
This is the mode for making a diagnosis. If the result is abnormal, address X′0 _A of RAM corresponding to each sensor
Set 1 to 3' to X'0 _A 9' and set the error flag (X'080'
)
Set. Figure 14-4 shows a flowchart for this purpose. That is, first, the main motor _M1 is turned on to prepare for reciprocating movement of the optical system. Then, the sensor 84 determines whether the optical system is stopped, and if it is not, a double-acting clutch is activated to return the optical system to its original state.
Turn on CL ₂ and check again after a predetermined timer (maximum search time). If 1 is still not detected in the sensor 84, an error flag and error data 3 of the sensor 84 are set in the RAM. After that, or when the sensor 84 is normal, the reverse clutch _CL2 is turned off and the forward clutch _CL1 is turned on.
Similarly, it is determined whether the sensor 83 is turned on (whether the signal RG is 1) after a predetermined timer period. When an error occurs, an error flag and error data 5 are stored in RAM. Similarly, check the sensor 85.
Store data in RAM. When this is completed, the main motor M1 is turned off, the variable magnification motor _M3 is turned on, and it is detected whether the sensor 86 ( _RD1 ) is 1 or not. Here, the sensor is always in the sensor detection state during the time that would normally take, and if the optical system is not detected within that time, an error flag and error data are set. Here, the time limit is determined by repeatedly executing this time-up determination routine a predetermined number of times. This method is the same as step 15 in Figure 5-1. Similarly, the states of the sensors 87 and 88 are checked and the variable magnification motor _M3 is turned off. After that, or when the variable power sensor is normal, the status of the exit sensors 70 and 71 is checked. First, the presence or absence of a tray is detected by the tray sensor 70, and when the tray is present, the outlet _M2 is turned on and the sorter sensor 71 is checked to be on. If it is not on, it is assumed to be abnormal and RAM processing is performed. When the tray sensor 70 is off, the sorter sensor 71 is checked. 71
When is 1, turn on clutch SL ₂ and turn on the exit motor.
Change the direction of rotation of M ₂ , turn on M ₂ , and raise the belt. If the tray sensor 70 is not turned on after a predetermined period of time, it is assumed that the tray sensor 70 is abnormal and the same RAM processing as described above is performed. Tray sensor 70, sorter sensor 7
When 1 is off, it is assumed that both sensors are abnormal.
RAM processing is performed, M ₂ and SL ₂ are turned off, and the process returns to the main diagnostic flow shown in FIG. Then in Figure 13
Proceed to display step 103. Note that the timer operation shown in the figure can be performed within the CPU and is well known and will not be described in detail. (Mode display F-〓) This is done based on the ON of key 5, and the clock pulse generator 82 synchronized with the rotation of the drum.
This is the mode for diagnosing. Figure 14-3 shows the diagnostic flow. First, output 0001 to X' _B 00', turn on the main motor M ₁ , input the output of the clock pulse generator and the 4 bits of CP read port X' _B 00', and input I ₀ of X' _B 00'. Judgment (No. 4-1
A input circuit in Figure 1). The timer operation is executed whether KCP is 0 or 1, and then KCP is determined again. Note that this timer is set to one cycle or more of the clock pulse. First, if KCP is 0, then determine whether it is 1 or not, and if it is 1 first, then determine whether it is 0 or not, and when it is 1 or 0, it is considered normal and M ₁ is turned off. . However, if they remain 0 and 1, then X′0 _A 1′,
Set to X′080′. In other words, if there is no change in the output of the clock pulse, it is determined that there is an abnormality. (Mode display F-) This mode is activated by turning on the key 6, and is a mode for diagnosing the stop position detection sensor 51 of the screen drum. Diagnosis is made in the same manner as in mode 5 above, and in the case of an abnormality, a number other than 0 (for example, 1) is set in X'0 _A 2' of the RAM, and an error flag X'080' is set. Although the determination up to mode 6 by turning on keys 0 to 6 has been described above, it is also possible to execute various other diagnostic modes by using keys 7-9, cassette keys, etc. For example, problems with paper feeding, registration clutch CL ₁ , forward and reverse clutches CL ₂ , CL ₃ ,
Disconnection of heater in fixing roller 13, exposure lamp 4
It is possible to check for disconnections and set each error flag and data in memory. After setting the flag and data as described above, the steps for determining the error flag and displaying the error mode are performed.
Proceed to 103. In step 103 from the second time onwards, as a result of the diagnosis in step 107, if an error is found, the error flag (X'080') is set, so the display method of the error mode (as shown in Fig. 12) is set. This is displayed, and the display contents are switched sequentially when there are multiple errors. Furthermore, if there is no error as a result of diagnosis, the error mode is not displayed. Data 8 is displayed in X'0 _D 3' to X'0 _D 5'.
(BCD1000) and change X′0 _D 5′ to X′0 _D 0′.
Display through Key & Display I/O100. That is, for example, when diagnosing a motor, timings T ₀ , T ₁ ,
Corresponding to T ₂ , T ₃ , T ₄ , and T ₅ , the display 23-1 displays F,−, 1, and the display 23-2 displays 〓, 〓, 〓, 〓. By executing the above program, the numeric keys 0 to 9 used to set the number of copies in the normal standby routine, and the clear key used to clear them, will be used to select the diagnostic mode and select the diagnostic mode in the diagnostic routine. Since it has the function of instructing the end of the diagnostic routine, it contributes to cost reduction and simplification of the operating section. In addition, the displays 23-1 and 23-2 used to set the number of copies and display the number of completed copies in the normal standby routine and copy routine display the diagnosis mode and the diagnosis result, respectively. Contributes to lower cost and simplification of the display unit. In addition, multiple loads can be diagnosed with a single key input, making the operation less cumbersome. Further, since the diagnostic results are repeatedly displayed in sequence on one display, warnings can be emphasized. In addition, in devices that are not normally used for copying, such as sorters and ADFs (automatic feeding and automatic ejection of originals onto the surface of the platen 5), in the event of an error in a sensor, load, etc., it is possible to copy without clearing the error. Therefore, it is possible to rank the error targets, making the operation easier. Incidentally, FIGS. 15-1 and 15-2 show the micro flow of FIG. 13 when the μCOM ₄ is used.
FIG. 15-1 shows the key input processing step 104 and error memory clearing step 105 in FIG. 13, and FIG. 15-2 shows the key numeric decoding step 106 and diagnostic mode selection step 107. WR(6) here
is the data of X′018′ in RAM, and WA(2) is the second data in RAM.
This is working register data. The details are omitted as they are clear from the diagram and the μCOM ₄ system. (Copyability Control by Error Rank) After the error display routine shown in FIG. 11-2, the following steps shown in FIG. 16 can be carried out. Check the exit mode memory (X'032') in RAM, and if sorter mode is selected, proceed to steps 11-13.
If in tray mode, jump to DO (repeat the above routine (11-12)) Step 11-
13 reads the key data input to Key & Display I/O100. Next, check the RAM address
Jump to -16 (11-14). If it is not cleared, proceed to step 11-15, and check address X'01c'. If X'B', that is, a tray key input, proceed to step 11-16; if not, jump to DO, and repeat the above routine. (11−15). step
In 11−16, exit mode memory in RAM (X′032′)
The contents of 1 to 2 are changed from sorter mode to tray mode. After that, it jumps to DO and executes the above routine again, but if the error is related to the sorter, the next routine execution will not check for sorter errors, so errors will be displayed at 23-1 and 23-2. to switch to normal number display. As can be seen from the above, in this diagnostic program, if an error occurs when the copying machine cannot definitively perform a copying operation, the program cannot be exited and the copying machine cannot be operated until the error is removed. to lock. However, if an error occurs in an attached device such as a sorter, the copying machine can be operated by reselecting the tray.
In that case, escape by inputting the clear key and escape by pressing the mode change key are used together to make the operation easier. (Diagnostic Selection Control) If the above-mentioned post-jam diagnostic flow 1 and diagnostic flow 2 during standby are enabled to operate at all times, this may be inconvenient during test runs and the like. FIG. 17 shows a flow for this purpose, and diagnostic kill switches X and Y (not shown) are provided in the case, and the diagnosis can be disabled until the switches are turned off. Further, regarding the initial diagnosis flow 3, a key switch Z is similarly provided so that it is executed only when necessary, and the diagnosis routine is entered only when the key is turned on.
These switches X and Y are connected to the remaining inputs of the aforementioned I/O ports, and the key Z is connected to the remaining matrix intersection of the key I/O. And by making some program changes, the diagnosis can be killed.
You can control your choices. Also, as shown in Figure 18, when the CPU starts running, that is, when the CPU is powered up, the 12 bits of the address bus data are set so that the data specifying the address where the diagnostic flow 2 of the ROM is stored is output from the address path AB. Then, the subswitch can perform immediate diagnosis. In this case, the sub-switch provides sensor power to at least the paper sensor and the like. Note that at the beginning of the diagnostic flow in Figures 10 and 13 (first
By providing a step before step 33 in Figure 5-1 to determine whether the main switch is off as shown in step 10 in Figure 5-1 and returning to STAT, the diagnostic flow can be exited by turning off the switch. (Sorter bin reset control) In Fig. 1-2, 75 is a sensor (hereinafter referred to as sorter home position sensor) for detecting that the first sorter bin is ready to store paper therein;
Reference numeral 76 denotes a paper conveyance path 77 which is a paper conveyance aid for directing the traveling direction of the copy paper that has passed through the conveyance path 76 in the direction of the arrow X in the figure toward the bottom of the sorter and conveying it vertically (in the direction of the arrow Y in the figure). It is a member. Copy paper discharged from the sorter side discharge port of the copying device in the figure passes through a conveyance path 76 in the direction of arrow It passes through one of them and is stored in the pin 20. In this case, the bin in which the copy paper is to be stored is selected by moving the claws indicated by a, b, c, . . . up and down by a cam (not shown). In other words, the pawl at the position where the cam is stopped changes the traveling direction of the copy paper from the direction of arrow Y in the figure to the left direction, passes through the respective bin entrance rollers, and is stored in the bin. In a sorter that operates as described above, the number of bins from which to start storing the copy paper sent from the copying device depends on the state of the copying device.
Each is desired differently. In a normal copying operation, the first sheet of copy paper that is a copy of the original is stored in the top row of pins a, which is positioned by the sorter home position, and then the second, third, etc. are stored in the lower row (in the direction of the arrow Y). ) are sequentially stored in the bins corresponding to b, c, d, etc. depending on the movement of the cam. Therefore, it is usually necessary to return the sorter cam to the home position 75 before copying begins.
In other words, before the diagnosis flow 2 in Figure 5-1, the 19th
Insert the control flowchart in the figure. During the flowchart, if the sorter mode is selected and the sorter home position signal is not generating a yes signal, a sorter bin skip-on signal is sent to the sorter to set the cam to the sorter home position 75. In this case the sorter control circuit (not shown)
When the sorter bin skip ON signal is input, the cam moves continuously until it reaches the sorter home position 75, and when it reaches the sorter home position 75, the cam is stopped there, and the copying machine is sent to the sorter home position. Send a signal of presence. The copying machine then turns off the sorter bin skip signal. Therefore, when the copying operation is performed normally, the first sheet of copy paper is always stored in the bin starting from the top. However, if the copying machine and sorter cause a paper jam and the selected predetermined number of sheets has not been completed and the remaining number of sheets are to be copied,
Copying is started without checking the presence or absence of the sorter home position signal. That is, even if the first copy sheet after being jammed is stored in a bin other than the topmost bin corresponding to the sorter home position, it starts being stored in the bin where it should be stored after jamming is interrupted. However, if the operator of the copying machine cancels the continuation of copying and cancels the mode using the clear key c after jam processing, after determining whether the clear key has been input in Figure 10, the TO
Go back and reset the sorter bins to their home positions. In other words, if the operator wants to continue copying the remaining number of sheets after jamming, he or she must start from the next bin stored in the previous bin, or vice versa, to avoid page alignment errors. In this case, the next copy sheet is stored from the bin corresponding to the topmost home position by inputting the clear key. The same applies when turning on the stop key 29 to stop copying and restart it. Also, when copying is interrupted and resumed without paper, it is the same as when copying is interrupted due to jam. In the manner described above, sorter bin control that is effective for page alignment is performed. Next, feeding control when sorters are connected in multiple stages, which is a feature of the present invention, will be explained. By the way, when all the bins of the first sorter are filled, the storage is changed to the next second sorter. In this case, in this example, the main unit's paper feed signal
The counter that counts PF and displays the number of copies is
When the total number of the first sorting bin is reached, paper feeding is interrupted,
Wait for the already fed paper to be stored in the bin. During this time, the insulating drum and the screen drum are idle, and no secondary image is formed, and the static image drum is neutralized and cleaned. The screen image will not be erased. In response to a signal (described later) detecting completion of storage of the first sorter, the claw 77 is moved and secondary image formation is resumed. The total number of sorter bins is set in the memory RAM by a manual digital switch (not shown) on the main body or a digital switch automatically set by the sorter connection. The main CPU performs the above-mentioned interruption and idle rotation control according to the number. (Sorter multi-stage sequence control) Figure 20 shows that when the first and second sorters are used successively, the intermittent paper feed from the cassette or deck is stopped when the first stage sorter finishes feeding paper to the final bin. The process is temporarily interrupted and re-feeding starts when the bin storage is completed. During this interruption, the drums 1 and 7 are allowed to rotate idly. The figure shows a time chart of the signals of the device while paper feeding is interrupted and idle rotation operation is being performed. The drum home position signal (hereinafter referred to as DHP) is generated by a micro switch 81 for each rotation of the screen drum 1.
Occurs once due to The paper feed roller CL3 is turned on when 140 pulses from the DHP and drum clock pulses from the pulse generator 82 are counted, that is, when it has rotated 140 degrees, it is turned on and feeds out the paper from the paper feed section. The sorter bin entrance sensor signal PD ₂ is generated by the detector 69 each time a copy sheet fed from the copying machine passes through the bin entrance of the sorter, and sends a signal to the copying machine. The control of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 3 reads the falling edge of PD2, that is, when paper is stored in the sorter bin, the counter CNT2 of the RAM shown in FIG. 3 is incremented to count the number of completed copies.
Note that the distance from the exit of the copying machine to each bin is different for each bin, so the later the bin is inserted, the longer the distance is. Therefore, as shown in Figure 20, the count number of the corresponding drum clock signal from the DHP are different from each other. For example, the 16th photo is 250 pulses, the 17th photo is 300 pulses, etc. Further, the sorter has a drive source separate from the copying device, and the number of pulses mentioned above differs depending on the sorter used. The sorter unit switching signal SND is output from the I/OA00 port of the control section of the copying device to the sorter when the 20th copy sheet is inserted into the last bin of the first stage sorter, and the sorter stage is switched. This signal is
The number of screen drum clocks is 5 pulses. It is also possible to have a hard counter CND2 in the sorter itself to output the switching signal SND. Let's explain the operation. If the copying machine feeds the 20th sheet of paper corresponding to the end of storage in the first stage sorter when the screen drum is rotating in section A, then the timing of paper feeding in the next section B, that is,
At the timing of 140 pulses from DHP, the paper storage signal _PD2 from the sorter is still the 17th sheet, so the paper feed clutch CL3 is not turned on. This is controlled by determining whether the copy counter COPY matches the selector SMAX. Thereafter, while maintaining this state, the drums 1 and 7 of the copying device continue to rotate idly until the sensor signal PD ₂ reaches the 20th sheet. Then, when the rotation of the screen drum is in section C, the sensor signal PD ₂ for the 20th sheet is input, so the copying machine uses the counter.
It determines that CNT2 and selector SMAX match, outputs a sorter unit switching signal SND,
The sorter switches the claws 77 as shown by the dotted lines. This allows storage of the second stage via the outlet 81, bypassing the first stage. Then, when the next DHP signal is input, the idle rotation sequence mode described above is terminated and restarted at the timing of 140 pulses in the D section.
Turn on paper feed clutch CL3 and feed the 21st sheet. Here, idle rotation means that the chargers 6, 11,
With the developing device 8 inactive and the front shear gear 172 and cleaner 12 in operation, the screen drum 1 and insulating drum 7 continue to rotate to keep the potential of the drums uniform, so that the first sheet is in good condition when restarted. This makes it possible to form a good image. The selector SMAX is used to set the storage limit number of the first stage of the sorter in the memory RAM.
It is indicated by area SMAX in Figure-1. These several settings are made by turning on the MAX switch inside the machine, which the operator cannot normally touch, and then turning on the numeric keypad 22 under that condition. This is done in steps 6 and 7 of Figure 5-1. The switch MAX signal is input via I/O 400. Therefore, it is possible to switch to the second stage sorter without waiting for the first stage sorter to become full. This allows the final lower bin of the sorter to be used exclusively for storing sheets after they have been sorted. Furthermore, if the second stage sorter is absent or unavailable, it is also possible to detect this state and control to prohibit copying in the first stage or higher. It can be done by connecting a switch indicating sorter connection, or by connecting the second-stage sorter jam signal source to the input port, or by determining in advance the state of the signal source 74 as described above, which indicates trouble in the second-stage sorter, and by pressing a number key with a number greater than or equal to SMAX. This is possible by preventing the start of copying when the input is set, or by starting copying but discharging more than the limit number of sheets to the tray side. As explained above, according to the present invention, after feeding the sheet to be stored in the last storage bin of the first storage section, the feeding timing of the next sheet is delayed, so that the first storage section It is possible to prevent the sheet from being stored in the second storage section before the sheet is stored in the last storage bin, and it is possible to smoothly convey the sheet to each storage section.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1-1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 1-2 is a cross-sectional view of a sorter, and FIG.
Figure 3 is a control circuit diagram in Figure 1, Figures 4-1 to 4-11 are input/output circuit diagrams in Figure 3, Figures 5-1 and 5-2 are The figure is a control flowchart, Figures 6-1 and 6-2 are control flowcharts, and Figures 6-1 and 6-2 are control flow charts.
1 and 5-2 are detailed flowcharts, Figures 7-1 and 7-2 are the memory diagrams in Figure 3, and Figures 8-1 and 8-2 are the memory diagrams in Figure 1. The partial sectional views, Figures 9-1 and 9-2, are the operation time charts of Figures 8-1 and 8-2, Figures 10, 11-1, 11-2, and Figure 12 is another control flowchart, Figure 13, Figure 14-1~
Figure 14-4 is a control flowchart for performing diagnostic operations, Figures 15-1 and 15-2 are control flowcharts for performing diagnostic operations.
Detailed partial flowchart of Figure 3, Figure 16~
FIG. 19 is a flowchart for improved control, and FIG. 20 is a time chart of a sorter, in which 18 is a sorter, 20 is a bin, 9 is a paper feed roller, 7 is a drum, and 62b to 69b is a sheet sensor.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A feeding device that feeds sheets one by one, an image forming device that forms an image on the sheet fed by the feeding device, and a discharge section that discharges the sheet on which the image has been formed. , first and second storage sections each having a plurality of storage bins for storing sheets ejected from the ejection section, and a conveyance path from the ejection section to the last storage bin of the first storage section. a length longer than the conveyance path length from the discharge section to the first storage bin of the second storage section, further comprising means provided in the first storage section for detecting the presence or absence of sheets; a switching means for switching whether to guide the sheet to the first storage section or the second storage section; after storing the sheet in the last storage bin of the first storage section, the next sheet is transferred to the second storage bin; a switching control means for controlling the switching means so as to store in the storage section, and when the switching means is switched to the first storage section, the feeding means controls the last one of the first storage section; and a feeding control means that delays the feeding timing of the next sheet to be stored in the second storage section until the detection means detects the sheet after feeding the sheet to be stored in the storage bin. An image forming device characterized by: