JPH01192648A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable both side/composite copying and improve usability by feeding sheets of copying paper having an area twice a defied size and cutting the copying paper in half in front of an image fixing portion at the time of detecting the exhaustion of copying paper of the defined size. CONSTITUTION:Normally, a sheet of copying paper with a selected defined size (e.g., A4 size) is fed to an upper paper feeding portion 20 to form an image. When the sheet of A4-size copying paper is exhausted, it is immediately detected whether a sheet of copying paper having an area (e.g., A3 size) twice the area thereof is charged in a lower paper feeding portion 24 by means of copying- paper size detecting sensors SE7-SE10 and, when one is charged, the sheet of A3 size copying paper is fed. In this case, the sheet of A3 size copying paper is cut in its center by means of a cutter 47 on the upper course side of a transferring portion and an image is formed on the front-half copying paper. The rear-half copying paper may be left without forming the image. The following sheet of paper on which no image is formed is housed in any of an intermediate tray 41, a non-sort tray 51, or a sort bin 52.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] Gold produced in “Mashajogo”! The present invention relates to a copying apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a laser beam printer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Generally, in a copying apparatus, a copy sheet of a size corresponding to an original image is manually or automatically selected and fed to a transfer section. In this case, when the paper feed section runs out of copy paper of a predetermined size (empty), the copying device itself will stop. If the copy paper is loaded in another paper feed section, it is efficient to feed copy paper with twice the area and divide it into two with a cutter as appropriate.

By the way, if the copy paper is cut after the image is fixed, the copy paper will shrink due to the heat generated during fixing, making it extremely difficult to cut the copy paper with accurate dimensions. Further, it is conceivable that an image is formed on the first half of the cut copy paper, and sometimes an image is formed on the second half of the cut copy paper, and sometimes an image is not formed on the cut copy paper.

If an image is not to be formed, if this non-image forming subsequent paper is passed through and stored in the paper output tray or sorter together with the image forming paper, the image forming paper and the non-image forming paper must be sorted later. It's complicated. Particularly, when distributing to the pins of a sorter, the order of dispensing becomes out of order. Therefore, if the copying machine is equipped with an intermediate tray that temporarily stores copy paper for the purpose of refeeding copy paper for double-sided/composite copying, then the non-imaging subsequent paper is stored in this intermediate tray. This way, image-forming paper and non-image-forming paper will not be mixed up. However, in all cases, if the non-image forming subsequent paper is stored in the intermediate tray, a problem arises in that the intermediate tray cannot be used for duplex/composite copying, which is the original purpose.

Means for Solving the Problems Therefore, a copying apparatus according to the present invention includes: (a) a copying machine main body; (b) a sorter having a plurality of pins for distributing and storing copy sheets discharged from the copying machine main body; (c) a cutting means installed on the upstream side in the direction of the copy paper conveying device of the timing roller pair that feeds the copy paper to the image transfer section in the copying machine main body; and (d) installed on the paper feeding section of the copying machine main body. (e) empty detection means for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper in the paper feed section; (f) refeeding the copy paper fed from the paper feed section to the image transfer section; (g) When the empty detection means detects that the copy paper of a predetermined size is empty, the intermediate tray temporarily stores the empty copy paper.
feeding copy paper having twice the area, operating the cutting means to cut the fed copy paper at the center in the conveying direction;
(i) a first control means for forming an image on at least the front half of the copy paper; (h) a second control means for storing the cut half of the copy paper in the intermediate tray without forming an image; a third control means for storing the cut second half of the copy paper in a non-sort tray or a sorting pin not used for distribution without forming an image; and (j) the second control means or the third control means. The present invention is characterized by comprising means for selecting to preferentially operate one of the following.

Function In the configuration described above, copy paper of a selected predetermined size is normally fed and an image is formed. When copy paper of this predetermined size becomes empty, the size detection means immediately detects whether or not copy paper with an area twice that size is loaded in another paper feed section, and if it is loaded, the size is doubled. Feed the area copy paper. In this case, the fed copy paper is cut at the center in the conveyance direction by a cutting means on the upstream side of the transfer section.

An image is formed on the cut front half of the copy paper. The second half of the copy paper may be controlled to form an image, or it may not be necessary to form an image.Especially when copying paper with double area when copying the last sheet with multi-fubi. Once the paper is fully fed, there is no need to form an image on the subsequent paper that is not cut. For reading paper after non-image formation, there is an intermediate tray 12 or a non-sort tray.

Stored in one of the sorting pins not used for distribution. The storage location is designated by the operator Is-Y by operating the priority storage selection means. For example, normally it is selected to preferentially store non-image forming subsequent paper in the intermediate tray, and when performing double-sided/composite copying, non-imaging subsequent paper is stored in the non-sort tray or sorting pins that are not used for distribution. Priority storage is selected.

Inukando [Configuration of Copying Apparatus] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an embodiment of the copying apparatus according to the present invention, in which an image reading device (3
0) and automatic document feeder (90), and a sorter (
50) has been installed.

A photoreceptor drum (2) is installed approximately in the center of the copying machine body (1) so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow (Jl), and around it are a charger (3) and an inter-image/machine end eraser (4). )
, developing device (5a), (5b), transfer charge + (6
).

A copy paper separation charger (7), a residual toner cleaning device (8), and a residual charge eraser lamp (9) are provided. As the photosensitive drum (2) rotates in the direction of arrow (a), the charger (3)
, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the image by exposure scanning of the image from the laser beam optical system (10), which will be described below. ) or (5b) to form a toner image.

The image reading device (30) includes a scanner (31) having an exposure lamp (32), a lens array (33), and an image sensor (34). By moving at a constant speed in the direction of arrow (b), the image sensor (34) optically reads and photoelectrically converts the image of the original placed face down on the original table glass (39). The read data is processed into a print signal by the image processing unit (36) and sent to the buffer memory (37).
) (see Figure 4).

The laser beam optical system (10) blinks a semiconductor laser through an LD drive circuit based on the print signal from the buffer memory, and flashes a polygon mirror (10) through a lens system.
A mirror <12) that reflects the laser beam scanned by 11);
(13) and (14) are irradiated onto the photosensitive drum (2) to form an electrostatic latent image.

The automatic document feeder (90) is well known in itself.
The document placed on the document tray (91) is fed by the paper feed roller (
92), the sheets are fed one by one, and set at a predetermined position on the document table glass (39) by rotation of the conveyor belt (93).

After reading the original image by the image reading device (30), the original is transferred to the reversing path (
94) and onto the discharge tray (95).

Note that this automatic document conveyance device (90) is equipped with a conveyor belt (90).
It is also possible to lift the part 3) and manually set the original on the original table glass (39).

On the other hand, copy paper is stored in a cassette-type top paper section (20) and a bottom picture paper section (24), and one of the paper feed rollers (21) and (25) is selectively driven to rotate. The paper is fed one by one. The fed copy paper is transferred to intermediate roller pairs (23a), (23b), (23c),
(23d) to a pair of timing rollers (26), where it waits for a while, and then sent to a transfer section in synchronization with the image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum (2), where it is transferred to a transfer charger. The toner image is completely transferred by the corona discharge (6), and is separated from the photoreceptor drum (2) by the alternating current corona discharge of the separation charger (7) and the stiffness of the white paper body. Thereafter, the copy paper is sent to a fixing device (28) via a conveyor belt (27), where the toner image is heat-fixed, and then ejected from a pair of ejection rollers (29) to a sorter (50).

The upper and lower paper feed sections (20) and (24) are provided with copy paper size detection sensors (SE3) to (SE6), (SE7) to
(SEIO) is installed to detect the presence or absence of copy paper and the size of the loaded copy paper.

After the transfer, the surface of the photoreceptor drum (2) is completely cleaned of residual toner by the cleaning device (8), and then the surface of the photoreceptor drum (2) is heated with an eraser lamp (
In step 9), residual charges are erased and the sheet is prepared for the next copying process.

Further, a paper refeeding device (40) having an intermediate tray (41) is built into the copying machine main body (1) in order to perform double-sided copying or composite copying. The discharge roller pair (29)
A switching claw (42) is installed just in front of the machine, and this switching claw (42) is normally set at the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 to guide the copy sheets to the sorter (50). When the duplex/composite copying mode is selected and a single-sided copy sheet is conveyed, the switching claw (42) is switched to the dotted line position and guides the copy sheet to the paper refeeding device (40). At this time, in the double-sided copy mode, the copy paper is stored on the intermediate tray (41) through the conveyance path (43) with the image forming surface facing upward. In composite copy mode, copy paper is placed in the intermediate tray (4
1) It can be stored directly from the rear end with the image forming surface facing down. The switching claw (44) is for switching this storage form.

Note that, in order to simplify the explanation, only double-sided copying will be explained below.

There is a paper refeed roller (45) at the tip of the intermediate tray (41>).
is installed, and the copy paper stored on the intermediate tray (41) is re-fed to the transfer section through the intermediate roller pair (23e) and the like by the rotation of the re-feed roller (45). Also, inside the paper refeeding device (40), there is an empty sensor (SE2 <5EI) for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper and a full sensor (SE2) for detecting that the copy paper is full.
) is installed.

Additionally, a copy paper cutter (47) is installed in the paper feed path of the copying machine main body (1). The ivy (47) is located upstream of the pair of timing rollers (26) in the copy paper conveyance direction, and is controlled so as to cut the copy paper being conveyed at the center in the conveyance direction. As will be described in detail below, in this embodiment, when a double-area copy paper is fed, the cutter (47) is allowed to operate and cuts the copy paper in half.

The cut front half of the copy paper can be transported as it is, and the image can be formed on it.

If the second half of the copy paper is also in the multi-copy mode, it is fed into the transfer section from the timing roller pair 26) during the next copy operation, and an image is formed thereon. When the final copy in multi-copy mode is completed or in single-copy mode, the second half of the copy sheets may be passed through as blank sheets and ejected to the sorter (50), but in this embodiment, they are not re-fed. Since the paper device (40) is built-in, the second half of the non-image-forming copy paper is stored on the intermediate tray (41).

In order to perform the above paper passing, a switching claw (48) is installed immediately after the cutter (47). This switching claw (48
) is normally set at the solid line position in FIG. 1, and guides the copy paper to the timing roller pair (26). When storing the non-imaging copy paper in the latter half into the intermediate tray (41), the switching claw (48) is switched to the dotted line position, and the copy paper is transferred to the intermediate tray (41) through the latter half of the double-sided conveyance path (43). 4
1) Guide upward. In this way, by storing the cut, non-image-forming subsequent paper in the intermediate tray (41), copy paper can be re-fed from there, which has the effect of increasing the number of paper feed units by one. becomes.

The sorter (50) has a non-sort tray (51) on the upper stage,
Below that, a plurality of sorting pins (52) (10 in this embodiment) are provided at predetermined intervals. A gate roller pair (57) is provided on the inlet side of each sorting pin (52) so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and the gate roller pair (57) descends every step and is sandwiched between an endless belt (58) and a retractable tape (not shown). The copy sheets are discharged one by one to the sorting pin (52).

That is, in the non-sort mode, the copy paper sent out from the pair of discharge rollers (29) of the copying machine main body (1) passes through the pair of conveyor rollers (53a) and (53b), and then is sent to the pair of conveyor rollers (53).
5a) and (55b) onto the non-sort tray (51). In the sorting mode, copy sheets are conveyed from a pair of conveying rollers (56) to a pair of gate rollers (57) and distributed to each sorting pin (52). In order to carry out the above paper passing, a switching claw (5
4) is installed.

Figure 2 shows the operation panel (6) provided on the main body (1) of the copying machine.
0), the print key (61) to start the copy operation, the clear/stop key (63) to stop the copy operation or cancel the set number, and the number of copies (
Numeric keypad (64) for setting the number of copies (number of copies), 7-segment display (65) for displaying the number of copies, copying machine status, etc., paper selection key (66) and its display L E D
(67), (68), a priority storage selection key (for selecting whether to store the non-imaging subsequent paper cut as described above in the intermediate tray (41) or the sorter (50);
69) and its display L E D (70), (71),
Double-sided copy selection key (72) and its display L E D (7
3), composite copy selection key (72') and its display LED (
73'), and an LED (74) for displaying and warning that the intermediate tray (41) is full of copy sheets.

Note that these keys and LEDs are on the operation panel (60).
In addition, there are a copy magnification setting key, a copy density setting key, etc., but these are omitted.

FIG. 3 shows the control circuit of this copying apparatus, in which the first CPU (8
1) is a microcomputer for controlling the main body of the copying machine (1), and the second CPU (82) is an image reading device (
30) Microcomputer for controlling the third
CPU (83) is a microcomputer for controlling the sorter (50).

The first CPU (81) has internal switches such as keys (61) provided on the operation panel (60) and various sensors (SE
A switch matrix consisting of I) to (SEIO), etc.
84) is connected, and the display section (65) and display LED (6
7) etc. are this matrix (84), decoder (85)
) are connected through. Further, a main motor, a developing motor, a resist clutch, etc. are connected to the output terminal.

An image processing unit (36) and a motor (38) are connected to the second CPU (82), an output signal from the image sensor (34) is input to the image processing unit (36), and a laser beam optical system ( The image printing signal is output to the printer head section 10).

The third CPU (83) is connected to a solenoid for a switching claw (54), a conveyance motor, and the like.

[Copying Operation] Now, the outline of the copying operation performed by the copying apparatus having the above configuration will be explained.

Here, the description will be made on the assumption that the top picture paper section (20) is fully loaded with A4 size copy paper, and the bottom picture paper section (24>) is loaded with A3 size copy paper.

For example, when performing multi-copying on an A4 size document at the same size, first, A4 size copy paper is fed from the overprint paper section (20) and a normal copying operation is performed. When the A4 size copy paper becomes empty during this copying operation, A3 size copy paper is fed from the sketch paper section (24). When the center of this copy paper reaches the cutting position of the cutter (47), the cutter (47) operates to cut two copies (
Cut into 2 A4 size sheets). Specifically, a timer is started at the rising edge of a timing signal that rotationally drives the timing roller pair (26), and the intermediate roller pair (23d) etc. are stopped when the center of the A3 size copy paper reaches the cutting position. , perform the cut.

Therefore, the cut front half is the timing roller pair (2
At step 6), the image is transported as it is, and the image is transferred and fixed. The subsequent paper that has been cut is held by a pair of intermediate rollers (23d) and waits just in front of the cutter (47).

After this, there are two cases: cases in which an image is formed on the waiting succeeding paper, and cases in which an image is not formed. In the former case, it is sufficient to process the paper as being fed from the intermediate roller pair (23d), and in the latter case, it is sufficient to process the paper as being fed from the intermediate roller pair (23d).This will be explained below with reference to the flowchart. In the control procedure, the former is the first embodiment and the latter is the second embodiment.
This will be explained as an example. Note that even in the former case where the copy process is performed on the standby succeeding paper, the copy process is not performed on the standby succeeding paper after the last sheet has been copied in the single copy mode or the multi-copy mode.

In the former case, the first half of the cut copy paper is subjected to normal copying processing, and if multi-fuppy is not completed, the subsequent paper is fed from the intermediate roller pair (23d) without being fed from the paper feed unit. Paper is fed, and normal copy processing is then executed. Once the final copy is completed in single copy mode or multi-copy mode, copy processing is not performed on subsequent sheets of paper. At the same time as the clutch is turned on to convey the succeeding paper, the switching claw (48) is moved to the dotted line position in FIG. 1, and the succeeding paper is stored on the intermediate tray (41). However, in this embodiment, since a sorter (50) is also attached, subsequent sheets of non-image-formed paper may be passed through and stored in the sorter (50).

In this case, if the operation mode of the copying machine is non-sort mode, the non-image-forming subsequent paper is stored in one of the sort pins (52), and if it is in sort mode, the non-sort tray (51) or the unused sort pin at that time is stored. (52). The priority storage selection key (72) is used to select in advance which of the intermediate tray (41) or the sorter (50) to store the non-image forming subsequent paper.

Furthermore, there is a limit to the number of sheets that can be stored in the intermediate tray (41). Therefore, a full sensor (S
When detecting that E2) has reached the storage limit, L E
D (74) is turned on to issue a warning and storage in the intermediate tray (41) is stopped. In this case, the non-image forming subsequent paper is passed to the sorter (50) and stored. Note that if a sorter is not attached, subsequent copy operations will be prohibited.

Furthermore, when the intermediate tray (41) becomes full with non-image forming subsequent sheets, a refeeding operation for the non-image forming read sheet is started from the intermediate tray (41). This paper refeeding continues until the empty sensor (SEI) provided in the intermediate tray (41>) detects that the paper is empty.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, double-sided/composite copying is possible. Therefore, when performing a copy operation by combining the duplex/composite copy mode and the double-area copy paper feeding mode, the intermediate tray (41) will contain paper for duplex/composite copying. , the non-image forming subsequent paper is passed to the sorter (50) and stored therein.

[Control Procedure, First Embodiment] The control procedure of the first CPU (81) as a first embodiment will now be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 to 12. In addition, the 2nd and 3rd CP
The control procedures of U(82) and U(83) are well known for this type of image reading device and sorter, and therefore the explanation thereof will be omitted. Further, the control procedure for the automatic document feeder (90) will also be omitted.

FIG. 5 shows the main routine of the first CPU (81).

When the first CPU (81) is reset and the program starts, step (Sl) clears the random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM), initializes various registers, and initializes each device to the initial mode. Make settings. Subsequently, in step (Sl), an internal timer is started.

The internal timer determines the time required for one cycle of this main routine and also serves as a reference for the timers used in each subroutine, and its value is set in advance in step (Sl).

In step (S3), a key manual subroutine is executed. Here, inputs from various keys on the operation panel (60) are determined. Note that details are omitted.

In step (S4), a double-sided copy selection subroutine is executed. Here, it is determined whether double-sided copying has been selected in response to the ON operation of the selection key (72), and the copy mode is set. Note that although composite copying is also possible in this embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

In step (S5), a copy paper selection subroutine is executed. Here, the paper feed unit (20) <24) to which the copy paper is to be fed is selected in response to the ON operation of the selection key (66).

In step (S6), a priority storage selection subroutine is executed. Here, depending on the ON operation of the selection key (69), the intermediate tray (41) or the sorter (50) is selected as the storage location for the non-image forming subsequent paper.

In step (S7), a subroutine for starting copying is performed, that is, conditions for starting the copying operation are set by turning on the print key (61).

In step (S8), a copy operation subroutine is executed. Here, the actual copy processing operation is executed.

After sequentially calling each of the above subroutines, step (
At step S9), wait for the internal timer to end, and then proceed to step S9).
Return to >.

Here, various flags used in the following subroutines will be explained.

Copy start flag (FO): Starts the copy operation, steps (542), (582)
"'C" I J is set.

Paper flag (Fl): A flag for cutting the fed double area copy paper, and is set to rl in step (5108).

Paper feed flag (F2): This is a flag to display that the succeeding sheet of the cut double-area copy sheet is waiting in front of the timing roller pair (26).
573), it is set to "1".

Double-sided flag (F3): This is a flag for indicating that copy paper on which a single-sided image has been formed is stored on the intermediate tray (41), and is set to "1" in step (5135).

When this double-sided flag (F3) is set to "1", the copy paper on which one side has been copied is re-fed from the intermediate tray (41) for copying on the back side.

Double-sided selection flag (F18): A flag for indicating that double-sided copying has been selected, and is set to 11'' in step (514).

Paper refeeding flag (F22): A flag to display that the non-imaging subsequent paper has been stored on the intermediate tray (41) to the permissible limit, and is used in steps (590), (5110),
(5141) sets it to 11. When this paper refeed flag (F22) is set to 11'', the non-image forming subsequent paper is re-fed from the intermediate tray (41).

Sorter flag (F30): A flag for displaying the priority storage location for non-imaging subsequent paper, set to 1 in step (533).
1'' and is reset to r□ in step (534). "When it is set to 1., the sorter (
50), and when it is reset to "0", it displays that the intermediate tray (41) is to be stored preferentially.

FIG. 6 shows a double-sided copy selection subroutine executed in step (S4) of the main routine.

First, in step (510), confirm that copying is not in progress, and then in step (Sit), press the double-sided copy selection key (
72) is on-edge. If the key (72) is on-edge, step (512) turns on the LED
It is determined whether or not (73) is turned on. At this time, if the LED (73) is on, step (513)
) to turn off L E D (73) and double-sided selection flag (
Reset F18) to 10'' and press L E D (73).
If the LED (73) is turned off, step (514)
) and set the double-sided selection flag (F18) to "1".

FIG. 7 shows a copy paper selection subroutine executed in step (S5) of the main routine.

First, in step (520), confirm that copying is not in progress, and then in step (521), press the paper selection key (66).
) is on-edge. If the key (66) is on-edge, step (522) turns on the LED (67).
Determine whether or not it is turned on. At this time, L E
If D (67) is turned on, step (523)
Turn on the LED (68) and turn off the LED (67) to select the sketch paper section (24). In addition, LED (6
7) is turned off, in step (524)
Turn on D (67) and turn off L E D (68) to select the overprint paper section (20).

FIG. 8 shows the priority storage selection subroutine executed in step (S6) of the main routine.

First, in step (530), confirm that the copy operation is not in progress, and then in step (531), press the priority storage selection key (
69) is on-edge. If the key (69) is on-edge, step (532) turns on the LED
(70) is turned on. At this time, if L E D (70) is turned off, in step (533) the LED (71) is turned on and L E
Turn off D (70) and set the sorter flag (F30)
If the LED (70) has been turned off, turn on the LED (70) and turn off the LED (71) in step (534), and set the sorter flag (F30) to "0." ”.

FIG. 9 shows a copy start subroutine executed in step (S7) of the main routine.

First, in step (540), confirm that copying is not in progress, and then in step (541), press the print key (61).
) is on-edge. If it is on-edge, in step (542) set the copy start flag (FO) to "
1" and terminate this subroutine.

FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c show a copy operation subroutine executed in step (S8) of the main routine.

First, in step (550), the copy start flag (FO) is set.
It is determined whether r
If set to 1, turn on the main motor, developing motor, charger, and transfer charger in step (551), reset the copy start flag (FO) to ``OJ'', and set the timer (TA). .

Next, in step (552), the double-sided flag (F3) is set to 10.
In step (553), it is determined whether the paper feed flag (F2) has been reset to "0". Both Y in steps (552) and (553)
If it is determined to be ES, that is, if the single-sided copied copy paper is not re-fed from the intermediate tray (41) and the subsequent paper is not waiting at the intermediate roller pair (23d), step (554) is executed.
) to execute the paper source selection subroutine, and step (5)
60). Here, as detailed below, copy paper for copying is divided into overprint paper section (20) and underprint paper section (20).
A timer (TBI), (TB2), (T
Set B3).

If the determination in step (553) is No, that is,
When the cut succeeding paper is waiting at the intermediate roller pair (23d), the roller clutch is turned on in step (555) to feed the succeeding paper, and the paper feed flag (F2) is set to rO.
, a timer (τB4>) is set, and the process moves to step (560).

If the determination in step (552) is NO, that is,
For double-sided copying, place copy paper that has been copied on one side in the intermediate tray (
41), the clutch of the paper refeed roller (45) is turned on in step (556), and the timer (τ
B3) is set and the process moves to step (560).

Next, in step (560), when the judgment end timing of the timer (1”A) is confirmed, step (56
In step 1), each paper feed roller (21), (24) and paper refeed roller (45) are activated, and in step (562), the judgment end timing of the timer (TBl) to (IB4>) is set. If confirmed, step (563
), the scan signal for causing the scanner (31) to scan is set to "1". As a result, the original image read by the image sensor (34) is exposed and scanned onto the photosensitive drum (2) by the laser beam optical system (10). Further, when it is confirmed in step (564) that the timing signal is set to rl, step (
565), the clutch of the timing roller pair (26) is turned on, and the timers (TC) and ('IG) are set.

In steps (566) to (569), when a double-area copy sheet is fed, a process is performed in which the copy sheet is cut at the center in the conveyance direction. That is, if it is determined in step (566) that the paper flag (Fl) is set to 11'', then in step (567) it is confirmed that the timer (TG) has finished judging, and in step (56g') the roller is The clutch is turned off to stop the rotation of the intermediate roller pair (23d), etc. Then, in step (569), the cutter (
47) to cut the copy paper, and step (57)
0). As mentioned above, the timer (TG) counts the time until the center of the double-area copy sheet reaches the cutting position. In addition, paper flag (Fl)
is reset to "0", step (5) is executed immediately.
70).

In step (570), it is determined whether or not it is the judgment end timing of the timer (TC). If NO, the process moves to step (574), and if YES, step (571)
) to turn off the charger and timing roller clutch, and reset the scan signal to r'0''. moreover,
In step (572), the paper flag (Fl) is rl,
After confirming that the settings are complete, proceed to step (57).
In step 3), the paper feed flag (F2) is set to rl, and the paper flag (Fl) is reset to l″0'', and the process moves to step <574).

In step (574), it is determined whether the return signal for ending reading of the original image is set to "1",
'0. If it is set to rl, the process moves to step (595), and if it is set to rl, it is determined in step (575) whether the multi-copy is finished.

If the multi-copy is not completed yet, proceed to step (58).
0), it is determined whether the double-sided selection flag (Fl8) is set to "1". If the double-sided selection flag (Fl8) is set to "1", that is, if double-sided copying is to be performed, the switching claw (42) is set in step (581).
) is turned on and set to the dotted line position in FIG. 1, and the timer (TI) is set. This is the transcription.

The single-sided image-formed copy paper after fixing is stored on the intermediate tray (41). Subsequently, in step (582), the copy start flag (FO) is set to "1". This makes it possible to perform the copy process on the subsequent sheet of double area cut as described above. Further, when duplex copying is performed, when it is confirmed in step (595) that the timer (TI) has finished judging, the switching claw (42) is turned off in step (596) to return to the solid line position.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (575) that the multi-copy is completed, a subroutine for double-sided storage is executed in step (585). This subroutine executes processing for storing the subsequent paper waiting on the intermediate roller pair (23d) onto the intermediate tray (41) after the multi-copy is completed, and will be described in detail below.

Next, in step (586), it is determined whether the home position signal output when the scanner (31) returns to the home position is set to "1", and "If it is reset to 0. Move to step (595) and select “1”
If set, the developing motor and transfer charger are turned off and a timer (TD) is set in step (587).

Furthermore, the sorter flag (F30) is set in step (588).
is reset to "0". If the sorter flag (F30) has been set to "1", that is, if the non-image forming subsequent paper is to be stored preferentially in the sorter (50), the process moves to step (591). If it has been reset to "O", that is,
When preferentially storing non-image-forming subsequent paper in the intermediate tray (41), the intermediate tray full sensor (S
E2) is turned on and off to determine whether the number of sheets stored on the intermediate tray (41) exceeds the permissible number. If the full sensor (SE2) is off, that is, if the storage limit has not been reached, the process moves to step (595), and the subsequent non-image forming paper can be stored in the intermediate tray (41). If the full sensor (SE2) is on and the storage limit has been reached, the paper refeed flag (F22) is set to "1" in step (590), and the process moves to step (591).

In steps (591), (592), and (593), even if priority storage is performed on the sorter (50) or priority storage is selected on the intermediate tray (41), the intermediate tray (41) is full and the storage is not completed. If it is not possible, a process for storing the non-imaged subsequent paper into the sorter (50) is executed.

That is, in step (591) it is determined whether a mode (sorting or grouping) using the sorter (50) is being executed, and if it is in use, step (59) is executed.
In step 2), it is designated to store the non-image forming subsequent paper in the non-sort tray (51), and the process moves to step (595).

If it is not in use, remove the sort pin (5) in step (593).
One of 2) [Actually, it is the top sorting pin (52)]
Specify to store the file in , and move to step (595). Specifically, a driving solenoid of a switching claw (54) in the sorter (50) can be turned on and off to switch the path.

After the multi-copy is completed, step (597
), when it is confirmed that the timer (TD) has finished judging, the main motor is turned off in step (59g), and this subroutine ends.

FIG. 11 shows a subroutine for paper feed section selection that can be executed in step (554).

Here, first, in step (5100), the presence or absence of copy paper (non-imaging paper that is not fully housed) in the hanging tray (41) is determined by turning on and off the intermediate tray empty sensor (SEI). When it is determined that the empty sensor (SEI) is on and empty, the step (Slot
), the paper refeed flag (F22) is reset to "0.", and paper refeed from the intermediate tray (41) is prohibited.

Next, in step (5102), the paper refeed flag (F22) is set.
is reset to "0" or not, step (51
In step 03), it is determined whether the intermediate tray full sensor (SE2) is turned off, and in step (5104), it is determined whether the copy paper in the selected paper feed section (20) or (24) is empty. . If the paper refeeding flag (F22) is set to "1", the paper refeeding unit is selected in step (5112) to execute paper refeeding from the intermediate tray (41), and step (5115) Move to. Further, if the intermediate tray full sensor (SE2) is turned on and the intermediate tray (41) is full of copy sheets, step (511)
0), set the paper refeed flag (F22) to 1"1",
In step (Sill), select the paper refeeding section to execute paper refeeding from the intermediate tray (41), and in step (
5115).

On the other hand, if there is copy paper remaining in the preselected paper feed section (20) or (24), the paper feed section (20) or (24)
Step (5115) to execute paper feeding from
Move to. Further, if there is no copy paper in the preselected paper feed section (20) or (24), step (5105)
) to reselect another paper source (24) or (20), and in step (5106) select that paper source (24) or (20) again.
In step (5107), it is determined whether the fully loaded copy paper is set vertically, and whether the copy paper has an area twice as large as the copy paper that has been fully loaded in step (5107). do. If both are determined to be YES, the paper feed section (24) or (2) loaded with copy paper of double area.
Step (510
In step 8), the paper plug (Fl) is set to "1" and the process moves to step (5115). Said step (510
6).

<5107), if the determination is No, copy paper empty is displayed in step (5109). This display may be displayed, for example, by printing the print key (6) on the operation panel (60).
1) or the display unit (65).

Next, steps (5115), (5117), (5
In step 119), it is determined which paper feeding section or paper refeeding section has been selected. If the overprint paper portion is selected, the clutch of the overprint paper roller (21) is turned on in step (5116), and a timer (TBI) is set. If the sketch paper section is selected, the clutch of the sketch paper roller (25) is turned on in step (511B>) and the timer (TB2) is set.

If the paper refeeding section is selected, step (5120
) to turn on the clutch of the paper refeed roller (45) and set the timer (TBS).

FIG. 12 shows the double-sided storage subroutine executed in step (585).

Here, first, if it is determined in step (5130) that the paper refeed flag (F22) is set to "1."
In step (5131), the flag (F22) is reset to "0". Also, if it is determined in step (5132) that the double-sided flag (F3) is set to "1",
In step (5133), the flag (F3) is reset to "0".

Next, in step (5134), the double-sided selection flag (FlB
) is set to rl.

If it is set to "1", that is, if double-sided copying is selected, the double-sided selection flag (
While resetting the double-sided flag (Flg) to "0",
3) is set to "1". At the same time, the timer (TI) is set and the switching claw (42) is turned on to enable the single-sided image-formed copy paper to be guided onto the intermediate tray (41). The timer (TT-) counts the time the copy paper passes through the switching pawl (42), and
When it is confirmed in 6) that the timer (TI) has finished judging, the switching claw (42) is turned off in step (5137) to return to the solid line position.

Next, in step (513g), the paper feed flag (F2) is set to r.
l.

Determine whether it is set to . If it is set to '0.', that is, if the cut subsequent paper is not waiting at the intermediate roller pair (23d), the process immediately moves to step (5145>).If it is set to '14, that is, If the cut post-reading paper is waiting, it is determined in step (5139) whether the sorter flag (F30) has been reset to r□.

If the sorter flag (F30) is set to 11'' and preferential storage to the sorter (50) is selected, step (
5134) to turn on the roller clutch and set the paper feed flag (F
2) Reset to rO, and set the timer (TH). That is, the subsequent sheet is started to pass while the switching claw (48) is set at the solid line position. Therefore, subsequent sheets are discharged to the sorter (50) without being imaged. The discharge location is determined in steps (592) and (593).

On the other hand, if the sorter flag (F30) is reset to "O" and preferential storage to the intermediate tray (41) is selected, the intermediate tray full sensor (SE
2), it is determined whether the intermediate tray (41) is full or not. When the full sensor (SE2) is turned on and determined to be full, the LED (74) is turned on in step (5141).
) is turned on to issue a warning, the paper refeed flag (F22) is set to rl, and the process moves to the aforementioned step (5144). As a result, the non-image-forming subsequent paper is discharged to the sorter (50), and thereafter, the paper is re-fed from the intermediate tray (41).

Further, if the full sensor (SE2) is off and can be stored in the intermediate tray (41), step (51)
42), it is determined whether the double-sided flag (F3) has been reset to rO. This double-sided flag (F3) is “1”
．． If it is fully set, it is double-sided copying, so step (5144) is executed and the subsequent non-image forming paper is transferred to the sorter (50).
Store it in. If the duplex flag (F3) has been reset to "0.", the intermediate tray (
41), turn on the switching claw (48) in step (5143) and set it to the horizontal line position.

Then, step (5144) is processed to store the non-image forming subsequent paper onto the intermediate tray (41), and step (5145) is processed.
), when it is confirmed that the judgment of the timer (TH) has ended, in step (5146) the roller clutch is turned off and the switching pawl (48) is turned off to return to the solid line position.

[Control procedure, second embodiment] Next, Tweet 13avi about the control procedure as the second embodiment of the first CPU (81)! J, Figure 13b, 13th
This will be explained with reference to Fig. C and Fig. 14. In this embodiment, an image is not formed on a post-reading sheet that has been cut and is waiting. Note that the control procedure here is as shown in Figures 5 to 1 above.
The control procedure is basically the same as the control procedure shown in FIG. 2, and only the different points, that is, the subroutines for copying operations and duplex storage will be explained.

FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c show a copy operation subroutine executed in step (S8) of the main routine.

Steps (550) to (553) of starting the copy operation
) is the same as the control procedure in FIG. 10a, but here the paper feed flag (F2) is not used because an image is not formed on the subsequent paper that has been cut. Therefore, step (S5
If it is determined in step 2) that the double-sided flag (F3) has been reset to "O4," a subroutine for selecting a paper feed section is executed in step (554).

The paper feeding process in steps (560) to (565), the cutting process of double area copy paper in steps (566) to (569), and the process until the end of image scanning in steps (570) to (573) are The control procedure is the same as that shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b.

Next, when it is determined that the return signal is set to "1", a subroutine for double-sided storage is executed in step (585), and then it is determined in step (575) whether or not multi-copying is completed. The reason why the double-sided storage subroutine in step (585) is processed before step (575) is that when a double-area copy paper is fed, the following paper is not imaged each time, and the intermediate tray (4 ) or sorter (50).

By the way, if the multicoder and - have not finished yet, the copy start flag (FO) is set to 11 in step (582).
and moves to step (5208). When the multi-copy is completed, if it is determined in step (5200) that the paper refeed flag (F22') is set to "1", the flag (F22) is set to "1" in step (5201).
Reset to OJ. Further, if it is determined in step (5202) that the double-sided flag (F3) is set to "1", the flag (F3) is set to I'' in step (5203).
0. Reset to .

Next, in step (5204), the double-sided selection flag (Fl8
) is set to 1.

If it is set to "1", that is, if double-sided copying is selected, the double-sided selection flag (
While resetting the double-sided flag (Flg) to "O",
Set 3) to 11. And step (520
In step 6), it is determined whether the home position signal has been set to 1"1", and if it has been set to "1", the developing motor and transfer charger are turned off in step (5207), and the timer (TD) is turned off.
Set.

Next, when the judgment end timing of the timer (TH) is confirmed in step <5208) [the timer (II) is set in step (5237) described below],
In step (5209), the roller clutch is turned off and the switching pawl (42) is turned off. As a result, the imaged copy paper is discharged to the sorter (50), while the non-imaged subsequent paper is stored in the intermediate tray (41) or the sorter (50).

Then, when the judgment end timing of the timer (TD) is confirmed in step (5210), step (S2t
At step t), the main motor is turned off and this subroutine ends.

FIG. 14 shows the double-sided storage subroutine executed in step (585).

First, in step (5220), the double-sided selection flag (Fl8
) is set to "1".

1, double-sided copying is selected, so in step (5221) the switching claw (42) is turned on to enable the single-sided image-formed copy paper to be guided onto the intermediate tray (41). Set the timer (TI).Step <
When it is confirmed in step (5222) that the timer (TI) has finished judging, the switching claw (42) is turned off in step (5223) to return to the solid line position.

Next, in step (5224), the paper flag (Fl) is
is set to "1". The paper flag (Fl) indicates that double area copy paper has been fed as described above, and if it is reset to "rO", this subroutine is immediately terminated.

If this paper flag (Fl) is set to "11", that is, if the cut subsequent paper is waiting, the sorter flag (F30) is set to "0" in step (5225).
Determine whether it has been reset to . Sorter flag (F30) is 11. If priority storage in the sorter (50) is selected, the roller clutch is turned on in step (5231), and the subsequent non-image forming paper is transferred to the sorter (50).
). If the sorter flag (F30) is reset to "OJ" and priority storage in the intermediate tray (41) is selected, in step (5226) the intermediate tray full sensor (SEA) is turned on and off to store the intermediate tray (41). It is determined whether the full sensor (SE2) is turned on and it is determined that the full sensor is full.In step (5227), the L
Turn on E D (74) to issue a warning, set the paper refeed flag (F22) to "1", and proceed to step (523).
Move to 1). With this, the non-imaging subsequent paper is transferred to the sorter (5
0) and is then stored in the intermediate tray (41
) to refeed paper.

Also, the full sensor (SE2) is off and the intermediate tray (41
), it is determined in step <5228) whether the double-sided selection flag (Fl8") has been reset to r'0. If the double-sided selection flag (F18') is "1"
”, the roller clutch is turned on in step (5231). Also, if it has been reset to "0.", the double-sided flag (F3) will be set to "0." in step (5229).
After confirming that it has been reset to "0", in step (5230) the switching pawl (48) is turned on and set to the dotted line position, and in step (5231) the roller clutch is turned on. With this, reading paper after non-image formation is done on the intermediate tray (41).
will be stored in.

Kirani, full sensor (SE2) at step (5232)
is turned on and it is determined that the intermediate tray (41) is full of stored copy sheets, the paper refeed flag (F22) is set to "1" in step (5233). Thereafter, in step (5234') it is determined whether or not the mode using the sorter (50) is being executed, and if it is in use, in step (5235) the non-image forming subsequent paper is transferred to the non-sort tray (51). ), and if the sorter is not in use, specify to store it in the sorting pin (52) in step (5236). Then, in step (5237), the vapor flag (Fl) is reset to "0.", and the timer (T
Set I() and end this subroutine.

On the other hand, if the full sensor (SE2) of the intermediate tray (41) is off, this subroutine is ended via step (5237).

[Other Embodiments] The copying apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the gist thereof.

For example, the exposure method is not limited to a laser beam method, but may also be a method of directly scanning the original image with visible light.

In addition, as in the previous embodiment, the subsequent sheet of non-image forming paper stored in the intermediate tray (41) is re-fed from the intermediate tray (41).
The paper may be re-fed not after the paper is full, but when a certain number of prints have been stored, when even one sheet has been stored, or by alternating with double-area copy paper.

Furthermore, as a storage path for the non-image-forming succeeding paper to the intermediate tray (41), in addition to guiding it to the intermediate tray (41) before the transfer section with a switching claw (48), it can also be guided through the transfer section by the switching claw. (42) may lead to the intermediate tray (41).

On the other hand, the intermediate tray does not necessarily have to be built into the main body of the copying machine. It may be configured such that the non-image forming subsequent paper is branched and stored in the intermediate tray of an externally attached paper refeeding device immediately before the sorter.

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, when a copy sheet of a predetermined size is detected to be empty, the second
Since copy paper with twice the area is fed and cut in half before the image fixing unit, copying continues even if the copy paper used for copying becomes empty, making it extremely It is efficient, and since the copy paper is cut before it shrinks in the image fixing section, it can be cut to exact dimensions. Moreover, since it is possible to preferentially select either to store the non-imaging subsequent paper in the intermediate tray, or to store it in the non-sort tray or the sorting pins that are not used for distribution, the non-imaging subsequent paper The image forming paper is not stored in the same place as the image forming paper, and double-sided/composite copying can be performed by feeding copy paper of twice the area, making it extremely convenient to use.

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] The drawings show an embodiment of the copying apparatus according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the entire configuration, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the operation panel, and FIG. 3 is a diagram of the entire control circuit. 4 is a block diagram of the control circuit of the image reading device, and FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are block diagrams of the control circuit of the image reading device.
Fig. 8, Fig. 9E, Fig. 10a, Fig. 10b, Fig. 10
Figure c, Figure 11, Figure 12 are flowcharts showing the control procedure of the first embodiment, Figure 13a, Figure 13b,
FIGS. 13C and 14 are flowcharts showing the control procedure of the second embodiment. (1)... Copying machine main body, (2)... Photosensitive drum,
(6) Transfer charger, (10)...Laser beam optical system, (20), (24)...Paper feed section, (26)...
... Timing roller pair, (28) ... Fixing device, (
30)...Image reading device, (40)...Refeeding device, (41)...Intermediate tray, (45)...Refeeding roller, (47)...Cutter, (48)... )...Switching claw, (50)...Sorter, (51)...Non-sorting tray, (52)...Sort pin, (81), (8
2), (83)...Microcomputer, (SE
3) ~ (SEIO)... Copy paper size, paper detection means.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A copying machine main body, a sorter having a plurality of pins for distributing and storing copy paper discharged from the copying machine main body, and a timing for feeding the copy paper to an image transfer section in the copying machine main body. a cutting device installed upstream of the roller pair in the direction of the copy paper conveyance device; a copy paper size detection device installed in a paper feed section of the copying machine main body; and a copy paper size detection device for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper in the paper feed section. empty detection means; an intermediate tray for temporarily storing copy paper fed from the paper feed section in order to re-feed it to the image transfer section; and an empty detection means for detecting that copy paper of a predetermined size is empty. Then, a copy sheet having an area twice that of the empty copy sheet is fed, and the cutting means is operated to cut the fed copy sheet at the center in the conveyance direction, thereby copying at least the front half. a first control means for forming an image on paper; a second control means for storing the cut second half of the copy paper in the intermediate tray without forming an image; and a second control means for storing the cut second half of the copy paper into an image. a third control means for storing in a non-sort tray or a sorting pin that is not used for dispensing without dispensing; and a means for selecting to preferentially operate either the second control means or the third control means. A copying device comprising: