JP2697840B2 - Copier - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying apparatus which is connected to a document feeder or a copy sheet processing apparatus to form a copying system.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, document feeder and copy sheet processing device (sorter)
In some cases, such a system is connected to a copying machine to form a copying system.

In such a copying system, after the total number of originals is counted by the original feeding device, a copying operation according to the counting result is started, or after the completion of the copying operation, the copy sheet binding device performs the binding processing of the copy sheets. By doing so, we are trying to realize more advanced functions.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

In the conventional copying system, the copying machine was operating when the document feeder and the copy sheet processing machine were operating, so there was no confusion for the user. Since only the document feeding operation is performed for a while even though the operation is not performed, the user who does not know that it is for counting the number of documents is
There is a possibility that the user presses the stop key assuming that the copying system has failed. Further, in a state where the binding operation is set by the copy sheet processing apparatus, if the user does not know the fact or forgets to set it and tries to remove the copy sheet after the copying operation itself is completed, the binding operation fails. Could be

〔Purpose〕

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to allow a user to perform a processing operation in a document feeder performed before the start of a copying operation or a processing operation in a copy sheet processing device performed after the end of a copying operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a copying apparatus capable of preventing a user from being mistaken for a system failure and preventing an erroneous operation by a user.

〔Example〕

Next, FIG. 1 shows the internal configuration of an embodiment of the image recording apparatus of the present invention. In this figure, 100 is a main body having an image reading function and an image recording function, 200 is a double-side processing function of turning a recording medium (paper) upside down at the time of double-sided recording, and multiplexing which performs multiple recordings on the same recording medium. A pedestal having a recording function, 300 is a circulating document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as RDF) for automatically feeding a document, 450 is a sorting device having a binding function (hereinafter, referred to as a staple sorter),
These devices 200 to 500 can be freely combined and used for the main body 100.

A. Main unit (100) In the main unit 100, 101 is a platen glass on which an original is placed, 103 is an illumination lamp (exposure lamp) for illuminating the original, 1
Reference numerals 05, 107 and 109 denote scanning reflection mirrors (scanning mirrors) for changing the optical path of the reflected light of the document, 111 denotes a lens having focusing and zooming functions, and 113 denotes a fourth reflection mirror (scanning mirror) for changing the optical path. . Reference numeral 115 denotes an optical system motor that drives the optical system, and 117, 119, and 121 denote sensors.

131 is a photosensitive drum, 133 is a main motor for driving the photosensitive drum 131, 135 is a high-pressure unit, 137 is a blank exposure unit, 139 is a developing unit, 140 is a developing roller, 141 is a transfer charger, 143 is a separation charger, and 145 is a cleaning device.

151 is an upper cassette, 153 is a lower cassette, 171 is a manual paper feed port, 155 and 157 are paper feed rollers, and 159 is a registration roller. A conveyance belt 161 conveys the recording paper on which the image is recorded to the fixing side, a fixing device 163 for fixing the toner image to the conveyed recording paper by thermocompression, and a reference numeral 167 denotes a sensor used for double-sided recording. .

The surface of the photosensitive drum 131 is made of a photoconductor and a seamless photosensitive member using a conductor. The drum 131 is rotatably supported by a shaft, and operates in response to pressing of a copy start key described later. The rotation is started by the motor 133 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Next, when the predetermined rotation control and potential control processing (preprocessing) of the drum 131 is completed, the original placed on the original platen glass 101 is illuminated by the illumination lamp 103 integrated with the first scanning mirror 105, The reflected light of the original is supplied to a first scanning mirror 105, a second scanning mirror 107, a third scanning mirror 109, a lens 111, and a fourth scanning mirror 11
The image is formed on the drum 131 via 3.

The drum 131 is corona-charged by the high-pressure unit 135. Thereafter, the image (original image) irradiated by the illumination lamp 103 is subjected to slit exposure, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the drum 131 by a known Carlson method.

Next, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 131 is developed by the developing roller 140 of the developing device 139 and visualized as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred onto transfer paper by the transfer charger 141 as described later. .

That is, the upper cassette 151 or the lower cassette 153
The transfer paper in the printer or the transfer paper set in the manual paper feed port 171 is fed into the main body by the paper feed rollers 155 or 157, and is sent in the direction of the photosensitive drum 131 at an accurate timing by the registration rollers 159. The leading edge of the image coincides with the leading edge of the transfer paper. Thereafter, the transfer paper passes between the transfer charger 141 and the drum 131, and
The upper toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper. After completion of the transfer, the transfer paper is separated from the drum 131 by the separation charger 143, guided to the fixing device 163 by the transport belt 161 and fixed by pressure and heat, and then discharged out of the main body 100 by the discharge roller 165. Is done.

After the transfer, the drum 131 continues to rotate, and the surface thereof is cleaned by a cleaning device 145 including a cleaning roller and an elastic blade.

B. Pedestal (200) The pedestal 200 is detachable from the main body 100, and has a deck 201 and a double-sided copy intermediate tray 203 capable of storing 2,000 sheets of transfer paper. Also, its 2,0
The lifter 205 of the deck 201 capable of storing 00 sheets
It rises according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always comes into contact with 7.

Also, reference numeral 211 denotes a discharge flapper for switching the path between the double-side recording side or multiple recording side and the discharge side path, 213 and 215 the conveyance paths of the conveyance belt, and 217 an intermediate tray weight for holding the transfer paper. 211, and transport paths 213,215
The transfer paper that has passed through is turned over, and an intermediate tray for duplex copying
Stored in 203. Reference numeral 219 denotes a multiplex flapper for switching the path between double-sided recording and multiplex recording. The flapper 219 is disposed between the conveyance paths 213 and 215 and guides the transfer paper to the multiplex recording conveyance path 221 by rotating upward. A multi-discharge sensor 223 detects the end of the transfer paper passing through the multi-flapper 219. Reference numeral 225 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the drum 131 through the path 227. Reference numeral 229 denotes a discharge roller for discharging the transfer paper outside the apparatus.

At the time of double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiple recording (multiplexed copying), first, the discharge flapper 211 of the main body 100 is raised upward, and the copied transfer paper is stored in the intermediate tray 203 via the conveyance paths 213 and 215 of the pedestal 200. I do. At this time, the multiple flapper 219 is lowered during double-sided recording, and the multiple flapper 219 is raised during multiple recording. The intermediate tray 203 can store, for example, up to 99 copy sheets. The transfer paper stored in the intermediate tray 203 is pressed by the intermediate tray weight 217.

At the time of the next backside recording or multiplex recording, the transfer paper stored in the intermediate tray 203 is transferred from the bottom of the main body 100 via the path 227 by the action of the sheet feeding roller 225 and the weight 217 one by one from below. It is guided to the roller 159.

C. RDF (Circulating Document Feeding Device) (300) In the RDF 300, reference numeral 301 denotes a stacking tray for setting a document bundle 302. First, when a single-sided document is used, a half-moon roller 304 and a separation roller 303 start from the bottom of the document bundle. The sheet is separated one by one, transported by the transport roller 305 and the entire belt 306 to the exposure position of the platen glass 101 via paths I to II, and the copying operation is started. After the copying is completed, the sheet is sent to the path V by the large conveying roller 307 via the path III, and is returned to the upper surface of the original bundle 302 again by the sheet discharging roller 308. Reference numeral 309 denotes a recycle lever for detecting one cycle of the document. The recycle lever is placed on the upper portion of the document bundle at the start of document feeding, the documents are sequentially fed, and the trailing edge of the final document drops by its own weight when it passes through the recycle lever 309. This makes it possible to detect one cycle of the document.

Next, when a two-sided original is used, the original is once guided from paths I and II to III as described above, and the leading end of the original is guided to path IV by switching the rotatable switching flapper 310. Through the entire belt 306 with the platen glass 10
Stop after transporting up. In other words, the document is reversed by the route of the paths III to IV to II by the large conveying roller 307.

By transporting the document bundle 302 one by one through the paths I to II to III to IV to VI until the recycle lever 309 detects the circulation, the number of documents can be counted.

D. Staple sorter (sorting device with binding function) (45
0) The staple sorter (450) has multiple trays,
Sorting is performed, and then stapling is performed for each sorted document. The copied sheet is the paper ejection roller (229)
From the staple sorter
Then, in the staple mode, the paper is discharged from the discharge roller 405 to each bin 411 via the path 403. Then, for example, in the sort mode, the bin is raised by the bin shift motor (413) each time a sheet is discharged to each bin, and collation is performed. After the collation, the staple unit (41
5), the sheets in each bin are stapled.

FIG. 2 shows an example of an arrangement configuration of an operation panel provided on the main body 100 described above. The operation panel has a key group as described below.
600 and a display group 700.

F. Key Group (600) In FIG. 2, reference numeral 601 denotes an asterisk (*) key, which is used when an operator (user) is in a setting mode such as setting a binding margin amount or setting a size for erasing a document frame. .
Reference numeral 606 denotes an all reset key, which is pressed to return to the standard mode. Reference numeral 602 denotes a preheating key, which is pressed when the machine of the main body 100 is set to the preheating state and when the preheating state is released. This key 602 is also pressed when returning from the auto-shutter-off state to the standard mode.

605 is a copy start key (copy start key),
Press to start copying.

A clear / stop key 604 has a function of a clear key during standby (standby), when the additional device is not operating, a key for stopping operation of the additional device when the additional device is operating during standby, and a stop key during copy recording. . This clear key is
Press to cancel the set number of copies. Also used to cancel * (asterisk) mode. The stop key is pressed to interrupt continuous copying. After the copying at the time of pressing is completed, the copying operation is stopped.

A numeric keypad 603 is pressed to set the number of copies. Also used to set * (asterisk) mode. A memory key 619 is used to register a mode frequently used by the user. Here, M1 ~ M2 4
You can register on the street.

Reference numerals 611 and 612 denote copy density keys, which are pressed when the copy density is manually adjusted. 613 is an AE key for automatically adjusting the copy density according to the density of the original, or
Press to cancel AE (automatic density adjustment) and switch the density adjustment to manual (manual). Reference numeral 607 denotes a cassette selection key, which is pressed to select the upper cassette 151, the middle cassette 153, and the lower paper deck 201. Also, RDF300
When the original is loaded on the
(Automatic paper cassette selection) can be selected. When APS is selected, a cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected.

Reference numeral 610 denotes a 1: 1 key, which is pressed when making a 1: 1 (original) copy. An automatic scaling key 616 is pressed when automatically reducing or enlarging the image of the document according to the designated size of the transfer paper. 617 and 618 are zoom keys, 64
Press to specify any magnification between ~ 142%. Reference numerals 608 and 609 are fixed-size scaling keys, which are pressed when designating reduction / enlargement of the fixed-size.

A double-sided key 626 is pressed to make a two-sided copy from a one-sided original, a two-sided copy from a two-sided original, or a one-sided copy from a two-sided original. A binding margin key 625 can create a binding margin of a designated length on the left side of the transfer paper. A photo key 624 is pressed when copying a photo document. 623
Is a multiplex key, which is pressed when an image is created (combined) on the same side of the transfer paper from two originals.

Reference numeral 620 denotes a document frame erase key, which is pressed when the user erases a frame of a standard size document, and the size of the document at that time is set by an asterisk key 601.

Reference numeral 621 denotes a sheet frame erasing key, which is pressed when erasing a document frame in accordance with the size of a cassette.

Reference numeral 622 denotes a continuous page copy key, and the left and right pages of the document are
Press to copy each sheet separately.

Reference numeral 614 denotes a discharge method (staple, sort, group) selection key, which can select or cancel a staple mode or a sort mode. When a sorting tray (sorter) is connected, a sort mode or a group mode can be selected. Can be released.

A paper folding selection key 615 allows selection and cancellation of Z-folding, which folds A3 or B4 size recorded paper into a Z-shaped cross section, and half-folding, which folds A3 or B4 size recorded paper in half.

G. Display Group (700) In FIG. 3, reference numeral 701 denotes an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display for displaying information relating to copying. For example, one character is formed by 5 × 7 dots, and a 40-character message is displayed. The copy magnification set by the fixed-size scaling keys 608 and 609, the same-size key 610, and the zoom keys 617 and 618 can be displayed.

The display also displays the APC operation contents other than the operation of the main body, and displays the APC operation stop input means. This display 701 is a transflective liquid crystal,
Two colors are used for the backlight, and the green backlight is normally lit, and the orange backlight is lit when there is an abnormality or when copying is impossible.

Reference numeral 706 denotes an equal-magnification display, which lights when the equal-magnification is selected. Reference numeral 703 denotes a color developing device display, which lights when the sepia developing device is set. A copy number display 702 displays the copy number or a self-diagnosis code. Reference numeral 705 denotes a used cassette display, which indicates which of the upper cassette 151, the middle cassette 153, and the lower deck 201 is selected.

Reference numeral 704 denotes an AE display, which lights when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected with the AE key 613. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheating indicator, which lights up in a preheating state. When in the auto-shutter-off state, this indicator flashes. 707 is a ready / weight indicator, two-color LE for green and orange
In the case of D, green lights when ready (when copying is possible), and orange when waiting (when copying is impossible).

Reference numeral 708 denotes a double-sided copy display which is turned on when one of double-sided copying from a double-sided original and double-sided copying from a single-sided original is selected.

When the RDF300 is used in the standard mode, the setting is one copy, density AE mode, auto paper selection, same size, and one-sided original to one-sided copy. In the standard mode when the RDF300 is not used, the number of copies is one, the density manual mode,
One-sided original to one-sided copy is set. RDF3
The difference between when 00 is used and when it is not used is determined by whether or not a document is set in the RDF 300.

A power lamp 710 is turned on when the power switch is turned on.

Next, the asterisk mode will be described (Table 1). First, each time the asterisk key 601 is pressed, menu messages in the asterisk mode are sequentially displayed on the message display 701. Asterisk mode
There are 10 types, copy mode storage, binding margin setting, document frame erasing size setting, automatic scaling setting, original loading, auto clear setting, charger cleaning, date and time setting, display mode Settings and the document auto count mode can be set.

To remember the copy mode, first use the asterisk key
Before pressing 601, a copy mode to be stored such as the number of copies and density is set. Then asterisk key 60
By pressing 1 and then the memory key 619 and pressing the asterisk key 601 again, the preset copy mode is stored. This copy mode can be called by pressing the memory key 619.

To set the binding margin, first set the asterisk key 601
Press, enter the number indicated in the section on setting the binding margin width of the menu using the numeric keypad 604, and press the asterisk key 601 to enter the binding margin width setting mode. When the number of the desired margin width is input using the numeric keypad 604 according to the message and the asterisk key 601 is pressed, the margin width is set. When creating the binding margin, the width set here is used.

To set the original frame erasing size, first, the mode is set to the original frame erasing setting mode using the asterisk key 601 and the numeric keypad 604 in the same manner as the setting of the binding margin width. Then, the desired size is displayed on the message display 701 using the designated zoom keys 617 and 618.
Asterisk key 60 when desired size is displayed
Press 1 to register the size.

In order to automatically set the magnification, first, an asterisk key 601 and a numeric keypad 604 are used to enter an automatic magnification setting mode in the same manner as the setting of the binding margin width. Follow the instructions on the message to set the original size and the desired size
Input with 601 and numeric keypad 604. Expand from two values /
The scaling factor of the reduction is calculated and set.

When it is desired to mix different document sizes, the user first enters the mixed document setting mode using the asterisk key 601 and the numeric keypad 604 in the same manner as the setting of the margin width. Therefore, whether to mix the originals or to prohibit the mixed loading is input and set by the designated key.

To set the time to automatically return to the standard mode (auto clear) or stop the auto clear function when no operation is performed after copying or key operation, first set the binding margin Using the asterisk key 601 and the numeric keypad 604 in the same manner as the setting, the mode of the automatic clear setting is entered. Specify desired time with numeric keypad,
Or enter the number to be disabled and press the asterisk key
Press 601 to set.

In order to perform cleaning of the charger, the asterisk key 601 and the numeric keypad 604 are used to enter the charger cleaning mode, similarly to the setting of the binding margin width. When the designated key is pressed, cleaning of the charger is started.

To set the date and time, enter the date and time setting mode using the asterisk key 601 and numeric keypad 604 in the same manner as the binding margin setting. Here, the date and time are input by the input method designated using the numeric keypad 604 and the asterisk key 601, and when the asterisk key 601 is finally pressed, the input date and time are set.

To set the cover mode, the user first enters the cover mode setting mode using the asterisk key 601 and the numeric keypad 604 in the same manner as the setting of the binding margin width. By the specified key,
Select the mode to copy to the cover and the mode to put the cover not to copy, and press the asterisk key 601 to
Set that mode. The set cover mode is cleared by pressing the reset key 606, an auto clear function, and turning off the power.

To set the document auto count mode, first set the asterisk key 601 and numeric keypad 604 in the same way as the binding margin setting.
To enter the document auto count mode setting mode.
The document auto-count mode is a mode for automatically counting the number of documents set in the RDF. Here, whether to count automatically or not is set by inputting a designated key.

H. Control Device (800) FIG. 3 shows an example of a circuit configuration diagram of the control device 800. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 801 denotes a central processing unit (CPU) for performing arithmetic control for executing the present invention, for example, using a micro computer V50 manufactured by NEC (NEC Corporation). 803
Is a read-only memory (ROM) in which a control procedure (control program) as shown in FIG. 4 or 5 according to the present invention is stored in advance, and the CPU 801 is connected via a bus in accordance with control means stored in the ROM. It controls each connected component device. Reference numeral 805 denotes a random access memory (RAM) which is a main storage device used for storing input data, a work storage area, and the like.

Reference numeral 807 denotes an interface (I / O) for outputting a CPU 801 control signal to a load such as the main motor 133, and 809 denotes an image sensor 121.
Reference numeral 811 denotes an interface for input / output control of the key group 600 and the display group 700 by inputting an input signal such as an input signal to the CPU 801. These interfaces 807, 809, 811 are, for example, NEC input / output circuit ports μPD82.
Use 55.

The display group 700 is each of the display units shown in FIG. 2, and uses LEDs and LCDs. The key group 600 is the third
The CPU 801 knows which key has been pressed by the well-known key matrix.

Next, the actual operation will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, if the clear / stop key 604 is pressed when the copy key is turned off (S01), it is cleared (S11). Then copy key
When 707 is turned on (S02), a copy operation is started (S0).
3). At this time, "copying" and "stop at C" are displayed on the display 701 of the main body. If the clear / stop key 604 is pressed during this copy operation (S04),
The main body stops and the copy operation is stopped. (S12). Copying is completed without stopping (S05), and "Copy completed" is displayed. Next, it is determined whether the mode is the staple mode (S06). If the mode is not the staple mode, the staple unit does not operate, and a series of operations ends (S10). However, if the staple mode is determined in S06, the staple operation is immediately started (S07) and continued until the staple is completed (S09). At this time, a message "Stapling", "Stop stapling with clear / stop key" is displayed. Clear during this stapling /
When the stop key 604 is pressed, the staple sorter 450 is controlled and stops operating. At the end of stapling, “staple end” is displayed. Since stapling is displayed on the main body of the staple sorter 450, the user can monitor the operation contents of the image forming apparatus system, so that the user can use the system with ease and is very easy to use. Erroneous operation for that
Malfunction is less likely to occur.

[Other embodiments]

Another embodiment relating to the display of the operation contents of the image forming apparatus and the additional apparatus and the display of the operation stop input means of the additional apparatus will be described below.

In the image forming apparatus and the RDF (circulation type document feeding apparatus), the image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a copying machine main body) has an operation content display stage of APC and an operation stop input means. The RDF count mode will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, if the clear / stop key 604 is pressed while the RDF 300 is not operating (S20), the state is cleared (S27). Next, the manuscript is set in RDF300 (S21),
When the copy key 707 is turned on (S22), the RDF 300 starts counting the number of sheets (S23). At this time, the main unit displays “Counting” “Clear / Stop key to stop”
RDF300 is displayed. Then, the display is continued until the number counting is completed (S25). If the clear / stop key 604 is pressed during this time (S24),
The RDF 300 stops the count operation, and the main body displays "RDF count stop". After the count is completed, a copy operation is performed (S26). Since the operation is always displayed as described above, it is easy to use and the erroneous operation / malfunction is prevented.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, according to the present invention, in a copying apparatus to which a document feeding apparatus or a copy sheet processing apparatus is connected and which constitutes a copying system, the copying apparatus is performing a copying operation with the progress of processing in the copying system. The display means indicates that there is a document and that the document feeding apparatus is performing a processing operation performed before the start of the copying operation or that the copy sheet processing apparatus is performing a processing operation performed after the completion of the copying operation. The user is confused by notifying the user that the processing operation in the document feeding device performed before the start of the copying operation or the processing operation in the copy sheet processing device performed after the completion of the copying operation is performed. It is possible to prevent the erroneous operation from occurring. In addition, since the display relating to the operation of the document feeding apparatus and the copy sheet processing apparatus is displayed on the display means of the copying apparatus, the user can grasp the progress of the processing of the entire copying system without looking around.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an internal configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel unit of the apparatus of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control device of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another embodiment of the present invention. 100: Copy machine 200: Bedar 300: RDF 450: Staple sorter 600: Key group 700: Display group 800: Control unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Masanori Miyata 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-63-87454 (JP, A) JP-A-63 −44666 (JP, A) Actually open 55-77233 (JP, U)

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A copying apparatus connected to a document feeding device or a copy sheet processing device to constitute a copying system, a display means for displaying an operation related to the copying device, An indication that the copying apparatus is performing a copying operation and an indication that the document feeding apparatus is performing a processing operation performed before the start of the copying operation or a processing operation performed by the copy sheet processing apparatus after the copying operation is completed. And a control means for causing the display means to display the fact that the copying operation has been performed. 2. A copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing operation before the start of the copying operation in said document feeding apparatus is a document number counting operation. 3. A copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing operation after the copying operation in said copy sheet processing apparatus is a copying sheet binding operation.