JPH0481775A - Document exposure device with automatic document conveyance device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To minimize the flawing, jamming, breakage, etc., of a document due to circulation by performing image formation only by single or double circulation when there are two documents at the time of taking copies by using a circulation type automatic document conveyance device. CONSTITUTION:The circulation type automatic document conveyance device A has a paper feed control means A5 which switches a 1st document feed mode A1 wherein documents are fed to an exposure position, sheet by sheet, and a 2nd document feed mode A2 wherein two adjacent documents are fed to the exposure position, a document quantity decision means A3 which decides the number of documents stacked on a document platen, and a document size detecting means A4 which detects the feed-directional length of the documents. When there are two documents, the image formation is performed by only single or double circulation. Consequently, the flawing, jamming, breakage, etc., of documents due to the circulation are minimized and no document is recirculated, so the time required for copying is therefore shortened, the forming speed of copies is increased, and the reliability of the image formation is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a document exposure device with an automatic document feeder of an image forming apparatus having a document reading function and an image recording function. The present invention relates to an original exposure device with an automatic document feeder of an image forming apparatus that is equipped with an automatic document feeder (RDF) capable of providing a desired number of copies.

[Prior art] Conventionally, originals on a document tray (original stacking table) are fed sheet by sheet from the last page to an exposure position for image reading (image reading position), and after the original is exposed and read, the original is Generally known is an image forming apparatus that combines a circulation-type automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as RDF) configured to return documents to the same document tray and a recording device such as a copying machine.

In such a conventional device, when forming multiple copies of images using RDF, recording paper sorting is performed when the device (sorter) is not connected and the number of originals is other than one. Copies were obtained by circulating the desired number of copies.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, circulating the original not only increases the possibility that the original will be damaged or damaged, or even damaged due to paper jams, etc. The long sheet path must be conveyed many times, which increases the time required to convey the document.

In view of the above-mentioned points, an object of the present invention is to form a plurality of copies using RDF, when the number of original sheets is two, by just one or two circulations of the original. An object of the present invention is to provide a document exposure device with an automatic document conveyance device that can obtain copies.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention automatically feeds a plurality of sheet originals stacked on a document stacking table one by one to an exposure position, and after the exposure of the originals is completed, the In an original document exposure device equipped with a circulation type automatic document feeder that ejects originals to return them to the original stacking table, a first original feeding mode in which originals are fed one by one to the exposure position, and a first original feeding mode in which the originals are fed to the exposure position one by one, and the originals are exposed to the exposure position. a paper feed control means for switching between a second document feeding mode in which two documents are fed side by side at a position, a document number determining means for determining the number of document sheets stacked on the stacking table, and a document feed direction length of the document; an exposure means for exposing an image of the document at the image exposure position; a mode input means for inputting an image forming mode of the document exposed by the exposure means; and a mode input means for inputting an image forming mode of the document exposed by the exposure means; and a determination output from the document number determining device, a detection output from the document size detecting device, and the mode input when the output from the frequency setting device is two or more times. The present invention is characterized by comprising a selection means for selectively selecting either the first document feeding mode or the second document feeding mode based on the image forming mode from the device.

Further, as one form of the present invention, the second document feeding mode is a mode in which a sheet feeding operation is performed in which the documents are lined up at the exposure position without gaps.

Furthermore, as another aspect of the present invention, the second document feeding mode is a mode in which a sheet feeding operation is performed in which documents are lined up at a predetermined interval at the exposure position.

[Function] In the present invention, when creating a plurality of copies using the R leaf, if there are two originals, image formation can be performed with only one or two circulations. So,
Damage to originals, paper jams, damage, etc. due to circulation can be minimized, and since originals are not recirculated, the time required for copying is shortened accordingly, and the speed of creating copies (productivity) is also improved. and improve the reliability of image formation.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

σ Basic Structure FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. In the same figure, A holds multiple sheet originals stacked on the original stacking table.
This is a circulation-type automatic document conveying device that automatically feeds the document sheet by sheet to the exposure position and, after exposure of the document, discharges the document to be returned to the document stacking table. This automatic document feeder A has a first document feeding mode A1 in which documents are fed one by one to the exposure position, and a second document feeding mode A2 in which two documents are fed side by side to the exposure position. a paper feed control means A5 that switches between the two document sheets, and a document number determination means A3 that determines the number of document sheets stacked on the document stacking table.
and document size detection means A4 for detecting the length of the document in the feeding direction.

B is an image forming apparatus main body, and this image forming apparatus main body B
is an exposure means B1 that exposes an image of a document at an exposure position;
, a mode input means B3 for inputting the image forming mode of the original to be exposed by the exposure means B1, and a number setting means B4 for setting the number of exposures.

C is a selection means, and when the output from the number of times setting means B4 is two or more, the selection means C selects between the determination output from the document number determination means A3 and the detection output from the document size detection means A4. , selectively selects either the first document feeding mode A1 or the second document feeding mode A2 via the paper feeding control device A5 based on the image forming mode inputted from the mode input device B3. do.

As a preferable example, the selection means C is the document number determination means A3.
When the determined output is that the number of originals is two, the second original feeding mode A1 is selected, and when the number of originals is other than two, the first original feeding mode A2 is selected and image formation is performed.

Figure 2 shows the internal structure of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 100 is the main body of the copying machine, 200 is a pedestal having a double-sided processing function for turning over the recording medium (paper) during double-sided recording, and a multi-recording function for recording multiple times on the same recording medium, and 300 is a pedestal. is a circulating document feeder (hereinafter referred to as RDF) that automatically feeds documents, and each of these 200 to 300 devices can be used in any combination with the main body 100.

A8 main body (100) In the main body 100, 101 is a platen glass on which the original is placed, 103 is an illumination lamp (exposure lamp) that illuminates the original, and 105, 107, and 109 are scanning mirrors (scanning mirrors) that change the optical path of the original. mirror), 111
113 is a lens having focusing and variable magnification functions, and 113 is a fourth reflection mirror (scanning mirror) that deflects the optical path. 11
5 is an optical system motor that drives the optical system, 117.119
, 121 are sensors, respectively.

131 is a photosensitive drum, 133 is a main motor that drives the photosensitive drum 131, 135 is a high voltage unit, 137 is a blank exposure unit, 139 is a developer, 140 is a developing roller, 141 is a transfer charger, 143 is a separation charger, and 145 is a cleaning device.

151 is the upper cassette, 153 is the lower cassette, 171
1 is a manual paper feed slot, 155 and 157 are paper feed rollers, 1
59 is a registration roller. Further, 161 is a conveyor belt that conveys the recording paper on which an image has been recorded to the fixing side, 163 is a fixing device that fixes the conveyed recording paper by thermocompression bonding, and 1
67 is a sensor used for double-sided recording.

The surface of the photosensitive drum 131 described above is made of a seamless photoconductor using a photoconductor and an electric conductor. 133, the rotation starts in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

Next, when the predetermined rotation control and potential control processing (preprocessing) of the drum 131 are completed, the original placed on the platen glass 101 is illuminated by the illumination lamp 103 that is integrated with the first scanning mirror 105, The reflected light from the original passes through the first scanning mirror 105, the second scanning mirror 107, the third scanning mirror 109, the lens 111, and the fourth scanning mirror 113, and forms an image on the drum 131.

The drum 131 is corona charged by a high pressure unit 135. After that, the image illuminated by the illumination lamp 103 (
The original image) is exposed to slit light, and an electrostatic image is formed on the drum 131 using the known Carlson method.

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

That is, the transfer paper in the upper cassette 151 or the lower cassette 153, or the transfer paper inserted into the manual paper feed slot 171, is fed into the main unit by the paper feed roller 155 or 157, and is accurately processed by the registration roller 159. The latent image is sent toward the photosensitive drum 131 with timing, and the leading edge of the latent image and the leading edge of the transfer paper are aligned. Thereafter, the transfer paper passes between the transfer charger 141 and the drum 131, so that the toner image on the drum 131 is transferred onto the transfer paper. After this transfer is completed, the transfer paper is transferred to the drum 13.
1 by the separation charger 143, and the conveyor belt 1
61 to the fixing device 163 where it is fixed by pressure and heating, and then the main body 10 is transferred to the main body 10 by the discharge roller 165.
Ejected outside of 0.

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

B. Bedicle (200) The Bedicle 200 is a deck 201 that can be separated from the main body 100 and can store 2,000 sheets of transfer paper.
and an intermediate tray 203 for double-sided copying. Further, the lifter 205 of the deck 201, which can accommodate 2,000 sheets, is raised according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always comes into contact with the paper feed roller 207.

Further, 211 is a paper ejection flapper that switches the path between the duplex recording side or multiplex recording side and the ejection side path; and 213
, 215 is a conveyance path of a conveyor belt, 217 is an intermediate tray weight for holding down the transfer paper, and the transfer paper that has passed through the paper ejection flapper 211 and the conveyance paths 213 and 215 is turned over and stored in the intermediate tray 203 for double-sided copying. be done. 219
22 is a multiplex flapper that connects the paths for double-sided recording and multiplex recording, and is disposed between the conveyance paths 213 and 215, and rotates upward to guide the transfer paper to the multiplex recording conveyance path 221.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a multiple paper discharge sensor that detects the end of the transfer paper passing through the multiple flapper 219. A paper feed roller 225 feeds the transfer paper to the drum 131 through a path 227. 2
Reference numeral 29 is a discharge roller that discharges the transfer paper to the outside of the machine.

During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiplex recording (multiple overlapping copying), first raise the paper ejection flapper 211 of the main body 100 upwards and move the copied transfer paper to the conveyance path 21 of the pedicle 200.
3 and 215 to be stored in the intermediate tray 203. At this time, the multiplex flapper 219 is lowered during double-sided recording, and the multiplex flapper 219 is raised during multiplex recording. This intermediate tray 203 can store up to 99 sheets of copy paper, for example.

The transfer paper stored in the intermediate tray 203 is held down by the intermediate tray weight 217.

During the next back-side recording or multiplex recording, the transfer paper stored in the intermediate tray 203 is fed one sheet at a time from the bottom by the action of the paper feed roller 225 and the weight 217.
Registration roller 159 of main body 100 via path 227
be led to.

C. RDF (Recirculating Document Feeder) FIG. 3 shows the detailed internal configuration of the RDF 300 shown in FIG. 2. In the RDF300, 305 is a stacking tray on which the document bundle S is set. First, when a single-sided document is used, by driving the separation motor M301, the half-moon roller 307, the separation roller 309, and the separation conveyance belt 310 are used to remove the lowest part of the document bundle. The sheet original is separated one by one from the original sheet, and by driving the belt motor M302, the registration roller 321 and the full-surface feed belt 303 transport the original to the exposure position on the platen glass 101 through path steps ~■, and then stop. and starts the copying operation.

After copying is completed, the original on the platen glass 101 is moved to the large transport roller 31 by driving the transport motor M302.
5, the sheet is sent to path V via path (3), and then returned to the upper surface of document bundle S by sheet discharge roller 317.

Reference numeral 306 is a recycling lever that detects one cycle of the original.It is placed on the top of the stack of originals at the start of original feeding, and when the originals are sequentially fed and the rear end of the final original passes through the recycling lever 306, it falls due to its own weight. Recycle sensor R
3, one cycle of the original is detected.

Next, in the case of double-sided originals, as mentioned above, the original is once guided through the bath, from
20 in the direction of the broken line in FIG.
After conveying the original onto 01, it is stopped. In other words, the rotation of the large conveyance roller 315 causes the original to be reversed along the paths (1) to (2) to (2).

Also, pass the document bundle S one by one ■〜■〜m〜■■〜Vl
The number of originals can also be counted by conveying the originals until one cycle is detected by the recycle lever 306.

FIG. 4 shows the appearance of the RDF 300 as viewed from above the document tray. In the figure, reference numeral 329 is a movable wall for aligning and setting the document stack S on the document table 305, and moves several times in a direction perpendicular to the document conveyance direction to align and press the side edges of the document stack S. It is.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the arrangement of the operation panel provided on the main body 100 described above. The operation panel has a key group 600 and a display group 700 as described below.

D. Key group (600) In FIG. 5, 601 is an asterisk (*) key, which is used by the operator (user) to set modes such as binding substitution settings and document frame eraser size settings. .

606 is an all reset key, which is pressed to return to the standard mode. Reference numeral 602 is a preheating key, which is pressed to put the machine of the main body 100 into a preheating state and to cancel the preheating state. This key 602 is also pressed when returning from the auto-shutoff state to the standard mode.

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

A clear/stop key 604 functions as a clear key during standby and as a stop key during copy recording. This clear key is pressed to cancel the set number of copies. It is also used to cancel * (asterisk) mode. Also, press the stop key to interrupt continuous copying. The copying operation stops after the copying at the time when the button is pressed is completed.

Numeric keys 603 are pressed to set the number of copies. It is also used to set the * (asterisk) mode. A memory key 619 allows the user to register frequently used modes. Here M1~
M4 can be registered in 4 ways.

Copy density keys 611 and 612 are pressed when manually adjusting the copy density. 613 is the AE key,
Press this button to automatically adjust the copy density according to the density of the original, or to cancel AE (automatic density adjustment) and switch to manual density adjustment. A cassette selection key 607 is pressed to select the upper cassette 151, the middle cassette 153, and the lower paper deck 201. Further, when a document is placed on the RDF 300, APS (automatic paper selection) can be selected using this key 607.

When APS is selected, a cassette containing transfer paper of the same size as the original is automatically selected.

Reference numeral 610 is a same size key, which is pressed to make a same size (original size) copy. Reference numeral 616 is an auto-magnification key, which is pressed to automatically reduce or enlarge the original image according to the specified transfer paper size. 617 and 618 are zoom keys, which are pressed to specify any magnification between 64% and 142%. 608 and 609 are fixed size scaling keys, which are pressed when specifying reduction or enlargement of the fixed size.

Reference numeral 626 is a single-sided/duplex mode key, which is pressed to make a double-sided copy from an original or a single-sided copy from an original. 625 is a binding margin key, which can create a binding margin of a specified length on the left side of the copy paper.

624 is a photo key, which is pressed when copying a photo original. Reference numeral 623 is a multiple key, which is pressed when creating (combining) an image from two originals on the same side of transfer paper.

(Hereinafter referred to as margin) 620 is a document frame erase key, which the user presses to erase the frame of a standard size document.The size of the document at that time is set using the asterisk key 601.

Reference numeral 621 is a sheet frame erase key, which is pressed to erase the frame of the document according to the cassette size.

622 is a page continuous copying key, which allows you to copy the left and right pages of a manuscript.
Press this when making copies on separate sheets.

Reference numeral 614 is a paper ejection method (stable, sort, group) selection key, and if a stapler that can staple the recorded paper in a stable manner is connected, the stable mode and sort mode can be selected or canceled, and the sorting mode can be selected. If a tray (sorter) is connected, you can select or cancel sort mode and group mode.

Reference numeral 615 is a paper folding selection key, which allows selection and cancellation of two folding, which folds a recorded sheet of A3 or B4 size into a Z-shaped cross section, and half-folding, which folds it in half.

Reference numeral 650 is a key that enables a selection operation between a first mode in which the bins are moved to the initial setting position (sort/home position) before sheet storage starts, and a second mode in which the bins are not moved. .

E. Display group (700) In Fig. 5, 701 is an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display that displays information regarding copying.For example, 5 x 7 dots form one character, and a message of 40 characters can be displayed. and fixed magnification keys 608 , 609 ,
The copy magnification set using the same size key 61O and zoom keys 617 and 618 can be displayed. The display 701 is a transflective liquid crystal display and has a backlight of two colors.The green backlight is normally lit, and the orange backlight is lit when an abnormality occurs or copying is not possible.

Reference numeral 706 denotes an equal magnification display, which lights up when equal magnification is selected. Reference numeral 703 is a color developer indicator, which lights up when a sepia developer is set. A copy number display 702 displays the number of copies or a self-diagnosis code. 70
5 is a used cassette indicator, and upper cassette 1511
Displays whether either the middle cassette 153 or the lower deck 201 is selected. Reference numeral 704 denotes an AE indicator, which lights up when AE (automatic concentration adjustment) is selected using the AE key 613. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheating indicator, which is a two-color LED of green and orange, which lights green when ready (copy possible) and lights orange when wait (copy not possible).

A double-sided copy indicator 708 lights up when either double-sided copying from a double-sided original or double-sided copying from a single-sided original is selected.

When using RDF300 in standard mode, the number of copies is 1, density: AE mode, automatic paper selection,
The setting changes from a single-sided original to a single-sided copy at the same size. RDF3
In the standard mode when 00 is not used, the number of copies is 1, density: manual mode, same size, and single-sided copying from a single-sided original. The difference between when the RDF 300 is used and when it is not used is determined by whether or not a document is set on the RDF 300.

Further, 710 is a document lamp, which lights up when the power switch is turned on.

F1 main body control device (800) The right block in FIG. 6 is the control device 80 of the embodiment in FIG.
0 shows an example of the circuit configuration. In FIG. 6, 801 is a central processing unit (CPU) that performs overall arithmetic control for carrying out the present invention, and uses, for example, a microcomputer V50 manufactured by NEC (NEC ■). Reference numeral 803 denotes a read-only memory (ROM) in which a control procedure (control program) as shown in FIG. 7 according to the present invention is stored in advance.
It is. (: PL1801 controls each component device connected via the bus according to the control procedure stored in this ROM803. Random access 805 is the main storage device used for storing input data and as a working storage area, etc.) Memory (RAM).

807 is an interface (Ilo) that outputs a control signal from the CPU 801 to a load such as the main motor 133;
09 inputs input signals from the image tip sensor 121, etc., and sends it to the CPU.
Interface to send to 801, 811 is key group 600
This is an interface for controlling input/output between the display group 700 and the display group 700. These interfaces 807, 8
09 and 811 use, for example, an input/output circuit board μPD8255 manufactured by NEC.

Furthermore, a known communication 1/F (for example μP
D8251) 813 is connected, and this communication I/
F813 further includes communication I/F903 on the RDF300 side.
The control data necessary for mutual control of the copying machine main body 100 and the RDF 300 is transmitted and received through sequential communication.

The data sent from the copying machine main body 100 to the RDF 300 includes a paper feed signal that prompts the feeding of the original loaded on the RDF 3 (10), a paper ejection signal that prompts the ejection of the original on the platen glass 101, and a signal for feeding and ejecting the original. This is the paper feed/discharge mode that determines the paper format.

G, R Leaf Control Device (900) The left block in FIG. 6 shows the rotation configuration of the control device (900) of the circulating automatic document feeder (RDF) 300 of this embodiment. This control circuit 900 includes ROM, RAM
One-chip microcomputer (CPU) with built-in
) 901, and the input ports Il to ■4 of this microcomputer 901 are equipped with various sensors R.
Signals 3,5301, 5302, and 5303 are manually input.

Also, the output port 0 of this microcomputer 901
1 to 011 are connected to various loads via drivers D1 to Dll, and further exchange control data with the copying main body 100 via a communication I/F 903. The data transmitted from the RDF 200 to the copying machine main body 100 is a paper feeding completion signal indicating that the feeding of the original onto the platen glass 101 is complete.

Ω1J i.e. 1 operation Next, the flow of the entire control procedure in the embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

A. Special mode First, set the original on RDF300 with 5TEPIOI, and press the number key (numeric keypad) from the operation panel with 5TEP102.
Set the number of copies by 603, same < 5TEP10
Set the single-sided mode using the mode key 626 in step 2, and
When the copy start key 605 is pressed in the TEP 103, processing starts. Control device 8 of copying machine main body 100
The CPU 801 of No. 00 transmits a single-sided mode paper feeding command to the RDF 300 (STEP 104). RDF30
In response to this single-sided mode paper feeding command, the CPU 901 of the control device 900 of No. 0 performs separation processing and paper binding processing, which will be described later in FIGS. 12 and 13, and stops the original at the exposure position on the platen glass 101. .

cpugot waits for this document to complete feeding (STEP
105) Make the copying machine perform the above-mentioned normal image forming process (copy process 1) for image formation (STEP 1)
06), the manuscript at this time is the final manuscript (STEP
107) , and if the copying of the set number of copies described above has been completed (STEPIIO), the copying process is terminated.5TE
P119), Send the document ejection command (STEP12)
0).

However, when there is only one original, the original is held on the platen glass and copied until the set number of copies have been completed. In response to this document discharge command, the CPU 901 of the RDF 300 performs a document discharge process, which will be described later in FIG.
The CPU 801 on the main body side ends all image forming processing (STEP 121).

5If the original is not the final one in TEP 107, the CPU 801 of the copying machine sends a replacement command to the RDF 300 (
STEP 108). In response to this exchange command, RDF300
performs the exchange process. The main body side CP [1801 waits for the replacement process (STEP 109), and returns to 5TEP 106 to repeat the image forming process.

In addition, if image formation for the set number of copies is not completed in 5TEPIIO, it is determined whether the number of originals is 2 (STEPIII), and if the determination is negative, 5TEP
Returning to step 104, the above-described normal image formation is further repeated.

If the judgment of 5TEPIII is positive, 5TEpH
Proceed to step 2 to enter control, which is the gist of the present invention. i.e. 5
In TEP 112, it is determined based on the sensor output whether the original size is such that two sheets can be placed on the platen glass 101 (B5, A4 size). Here, in the case of a negative determination, the process returns to 5TEP 104 and the above-described normal image forming process is repeated; however, in the case of an affirmative determination, the copying machine main body 104
(7) CPU801 to RDF300 to CPU901
A two-sheet mode paper feed command is issued to (STEpH3)
). In response to this two-sheet mode paper feeding command, RDF300
The document feeding process is performed in the two-page document loading mode as shown in FIGS. 8(A) and (B), and the two documents are placed on the platen glass 101 as shown in FIGS. 9(A) and (B). Place as shown.

The CPU 801 of the copying machine main body 100 waits for this paper feeding to be completed (STEP 114), and performs image forming processing (copy processing 2) as described later in FIG. 1O (STEP 115).
), when the image formation for the set number of copies is completed (STEP 1
16) To end the copying process, 5TEP117) sends a document discharge command (STEP118). RDF30
The CPU 901 of No. 0 performs a document ejecting process in response to this document ejecting command, and the main body CPU 801 ends all image forming processing (STEP 121).

As mentioned above, in single-sided mode and with small size original 2
In the case of a set number of copies, in this embodiment, two documents can be arranged on the platen glass 101 at the same time and copied without having to repeatedly feed and discharge the documents by circulation for a set number of copies. In this way, since the document for copying multiple copies is not recirculated, the time required to convey the document can be significantly reduced, and as a result, the time required for copying can also be reduced. moreover,
4, which allows you to circulate the original only once when copying.
Regardless of the set number of copies, the document separation process can be kept to a minimum of two times, including the number of times for determining the number of document sheets (one time), and as a result, document damage, damage, and even paper jams can be reduced. It is possible to minimize the possibility of this occurring.

Further, when the set mode is, for example, a mode in which a single-sided copy is made from a double-sided original, the above-mentioned two-sheet placement is not performed even if there are two originals.

B. Copy processing 2: Modified AB scan 1 5TE in Figure 7
Copy processing 2 at pH 5 is a modification of the known process called AB scan (Bage copying), and the operation of the optical system is as shown by the arrow in Figure 9 (B), and the shaded area in the figure Exposure is performed, and as a result, original B in the same figure
, and then the image is formed on the document in this order. The operation of the optical system will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 1O.

First, at 5tep15-1, the optical system starts forward scanning, and when the image tip is detected by the image tip sensor 112 (
step 15-2), perform a blank scan of the A document portion (step 15-3). Thereafter, the B original is exposed to form an image (step 15-4). After that, the optical system motor is stopped (step 15-5), backscan is started (steps 15-6), and the optical system is returned to its home position (step 15-7.15).
-8.15-9.15-10).

After that, start the forward scan (step 15)
-11) When the tip of the image is reached (step 15-12)
, A document is exposed to form an image (step 1)
5-13). Next, the optical system is returned to its home position (step 15-14.15-15.15).
-16.15-17°15-18.15-19), the process ends (step 15-20).

C. RDF 2-sheet loading process 1 Next, an example of the 2-sheet loading process of the RDF 300 performed in accordance with the 2-sheet loading mode paper feed command sent from the copier main body 100 to the RDF 300 at 5TEP113 in the flowchart of FIG. will be explained based on the flowchart in FIG.

The RDF 300 receives the two-sheet mode paper feeding command, and first starts from the lowest document of the document stack S on the document tray 305 corresponding to the documents A and B in FIG. After performing separation processing (step) and paper feeding processing (step 2), which will be described later in FIG.
01 to the exposure position.

After that, another sheet of document A is separated (step 3),
A pre-feeding process is performed (step 4), and the documents are transported to a position where the gap between documents B and A is eliminated as shown in FIG. By doing this (step 5), as shown in FIG.
Place it in the upper exposure position. Thereafter, it waits for a document discharge command from the copying machine main body 100 (step 6), and when the document discharge command is received, it executes the document discharge process (step 6).
p7), this process ends (step 8). below,
Separation processing, paper feeding processing, pre-feeding processing, movement processing, and paper ejection processing will be explained.

D. RDF separation processing The separation processing of 5tepl and 5step3 in Fig. 11 is performed as follows.
This will be explained based on the flowchart in FIG.

In the separation process (stePl), if the first document is the first document (stepl-1), the recycle motor RM of the recycle lever 306 for detecting the separation of the document bundle S is activated.
is turned on, and the separation motor M is turned on to separate the document bundle S.
301 is turned on (step 3), and at the same time, alignment of the document bundle S in the width direction is performed (jogging processing, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 17, is started (step 5)).

After that, when the jogging process is finished (step-
7) Turn on the stopper solenoid 5TPSL in order to lower the paper feed stopper 311 so as to separate only the lowest document of the document stack S, 5tepl-9), advance the document into the sheet path ■, Registration sensor 5302
When detects the leading edge of the document (step 11), it starts speed control to drive the separation motor M301 at a low speed, and starts the separation loop timer in 5 steps.
l-13), after this set time ends (step l-15)
), turn off the separation motor M301 (step-1
7).

As a result, the document is moved at low speed by the registration rollers 321a and 321a.
Since the tip is abutted against the nip portion of the document 21b, damage to the tip of the document can be prevented and collision noise can be reduced, and the document stops after a predetermined amount of loop has been formed. Furthermore, even if skew occurs during separation, this loop serves to correct the skew. In addition, if the document is the second or subsequent sheet at 5tepl-1, the separation motor M301
Turn on (step 2) and proceed to step 5 step 11.

E. RDF Paper Feeding Process The paper feeding process in step 2 of FIG. 11 will be explained based on the flowchart of FIG. 13.

In the paper feeding process (step 2), the registration roller 3
21a, 321b and the full-surface feed belt 303, and the belt motor M302 is turned on in normal rotation in order to transport the document from the sheet path (2) to the sheet path (H).
2-1) At the same time, belt clock interrupter PI3
02 (step 2-2) starts a size check counter (not shown) that counts based on a clock signal inputted from 02 (not shown), starts measuring the document size, and at the same time starts the registration process shown in FIG. 18, which will be described later. (step 2-3).

After that, the document is transported and its leading edge is placed at the registration sensor 5.
At the same time as passing step 302 (step 2-4), stop the size check counter mentioned above (step 2-5).
), the document size is determined in the size check subroutine shown in FIG. 19 based on the counter data (step 2-6). Furthermore, when the registration process started above is completed, the paper feeding process is completed (
step 2-7).

F, RDF pre-feeding and pre-processing paper processing 1 The pre-feeding process of step 4 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 1 will be explained based on FIG.

In the pre-feeding process (step 4), first, the joint clutch INTCL (not shown) is turned on (
step 4-1), connect the separating section and the registration roller to enable the separation roller 309, separation conveyance belt 310, and registration roller 321, and turn on the separation motor M301 (step 4-2), at the same time, the pre-feed timer in the CPU 901 is activated. (step 4-3). The pre-feed timer drives the separation motor M301 for the time specified by this timer to transport the document A from the nip of the registration roller 321 to the exposure reference position as shown in FIG. 9(A). It is set to do so. When the pre-feed timer ends (Step 4-4), immediately turn off the separation motor M301 (Step 4-5).
, the pre-feeding process ends (step 4-6).

G, R Leaf Movement Process The movement process in step 5 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 will be explained based on FIG. 15.

In the movement process (step 5), first, turn on the belt motor M302 for normal rotation (step 5-1).
, waits for the registration sensor 5302 to detect the trailing edge of the document A (step 5-2). Registration sensor 530
2 detects the trailing edge, similarly to the paper feeding process described above, the registration counter RGCN (not shown) is activated (step 5-3), and at the same time, the speed control of the belt motor M302 described above is started (step 5-4). This speed control continues until the registration counter RGCN ends (st
ep5-5). When the registration counter RGCN finishes, turn off the belt motor M302 (5step 5-5)
, Furthermore, turn on the electromagnetic brake BK (step 5-
7) The document is conveyed to the position shown in FIG. 9(B) and the movement process is completed (step 5-81°H, RDF paper ejection process The paper ejection process performed at 5TEP7 in the flowchart shown in FIG. This will be explained based on the flowchart in FIG.

In the paper ejection process (step 7), the platen glass 1
The document on 01 is ejected (turn on the belt motor M302 in reverse 5step 7-1), and when the leading edge of the document is detected by the ejection sensor 5303 (step 7-2), turn on the transport motor M303 (step ?-). 3). Therefore, when the document is transported from the sheet bus IV to the sheet bus IV and the trailing edge of the document is detected by the paper ejection sensor 5303 (step 7-4), the speed limit of the transport motor M303 is started to align the paper ejection. The transport counter FCI (not shown), which controls the timing of
ep7-5).

After the count of the conveyance counter FCI is completed, a counter FC2 (not shown) that determines the distance for discharging the document onto the document table 305 is started while controlling the speed thereafter (step 7-7). Continue speed control until counter FC2 finishes counting (steps 7-8)
), when this is completed (step 7-9), the conveyance motor M303 is turned off (step 7-10), and an interval is taken until the document falls onto the document stacking table 305.

(The following is a margin) Next, start the ejected document fall timer ORG-DWN-TM (not shown) (step 7-11), and after the timer setting time expires (step 7-12), start the ejected document fall timer ORG-DWN-TM (not shown). At the same time as turning on the jogging solenoid JOGSL so as to push out the movable walls 329a and 329b in Fig. 4, a timer EJCT-JO determines how long the jogging solenoid JOGSL is pressed.
Start G-TM (not shown) (step 7-
15), after the timer setting time ends (step 7-17)
), turn off the jogging solenoid JOGSL (st
Ep? -19), ends the paper ejection process.

(2) Jogging Process The flow of the jogging process at step 5 tepl-5 in FIG. 12 will be explained according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 17.

In the jogging process (SUBI), a counter JOG"CN (not shown) that determines the number of times of jogging is first initialized, and the movable wall 32 of the width regulating member shown in FIG.
At the same time as turning on the jogging solenoid JOGSL for pushing out parts 9a and 329b, a timer JOG-TM (not shown) that can be set arbitrarily is started (SU
BI-3). When this timer JOG-TM completes the set time (SUBI-5), the movable walls 329a and 329b should be returned to their initial states (turn off the solenoid JOGSL,
Start the timer JOG-TM in the same way as above (S
UBI-7). When the set time of this timer ends, increase the number of times you jog (SUBI-9) until the reciprocating movement of the movable walls 329a and 329b is completed 3 times (SUBI-9).
UBI-11), 5UB1. Return to -3 and repeat the process. As a result, the document bundle S is aligned in the width direction,
It can prevent skewing, horizontal registration, etc.

J. Resist process 1st about the resist process in step 2-3 in Figure 13
This will be explained based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, when the trailing edge of the document is detected by the registration sensor 5302 (SOB2-1), the document is placed on the platen glass 10.
Registration counter R for stopping at a predetermined position on 1
Start GCN (not shown) (StJB2
-3). This registration counter RGCN is counted by a signal from a belt clock interrupter (not shown), and is configured to ensure that the document feeding amount and the count value match. Next, in order to accurately stop the document at the stop position on the platen glass 101, low speed control of the belt motor M302 is started, and the registration counter R is started.
The control should continue until the GCN count ends.5
When the count ends, the output of the belt motor M302 is turned off (UB2-5), and the electromagnetic brake BK is turned on to stop the document at a predetermined position (SOB2-6).

K. Size Check Processing The size check subroutine of step 5 2-6 in FIG. 13 will be explained based on the flowchart in FIG. 19.

In this size check subroutine, the size check counter data described in FIG.
Registration sensor 53 from the nip position of 21a and 321b
The true document size is the one corrected by adding the distance up to 02 (SOB3-1). At this time, the document is being conveyed by the registration rollers 321a, 321b and the full-surface feed belt 303, and the amount of feed thereof and the count value by the belt clock incrementer reliably match. After that, B5, A4, A4R, B based on the corrected size data.
4, determine the size of A3, etc. (SOB 3-2 to 5U
B3-11).

L, the RDF exchange processing vehicle executes the document exchange process of the RDF 300 in accordance with the document exchange command sent from the copying machine main body 100 to the RDF 300 in flowchart 5TEP108 of FIG.
This will be explained based on the flowchart shown in the figure.

When the RDF 300 receives the exchange command, it performs the above-mentioned separation process on the next original from the original tray 305 as shown in FIG. Processing (16th
(see Figure 13) (step 10), and at the same time, the document waiting on the sheet bus (2) is fed (see Figure 13) (step 8). As a result, this document is conveyed in the order of the sheet path ■→■ and is stopped at the exposure position on the platen glass 101.

As a result, a new original is placed at the exposure position on the platen glass 101, replacing the copied original.

Second 11 of the present invention As another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. An example of placing sheets is shown below. This is 5TEpH3 in the flowchart in Figure 7.
The command from the copying machine main body 100 to the RDF 300 is changed to 2-sheet loading mode 2, the RDF 300 is requested to feed paper with the above-described predetermined paper spacing, and the copying machine main body 100 itself also performs copy processing 3, which will be described later. This is achieved by executing.

The above-described embodiment will be described below based on the flowchart of FIG. 21.

5TEP123 from the copying machine main body 100 to RDF3
Two-sheet loading mode 2 is transmitted as a paper feeding command to 00.

After that, wait for the paper feeding to be completed (STEP 124), and then
In Figure 3, execute copy processing 3 (described later) (STEP 125).
), images are formed on original A and original B as shown in FIG. 22, and the process ends. All other control operations are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, so detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

B' copy processing 3: modified AB scan 2 5T in Figure 21
Copy processing 3 of EP125 is also a modification of the known process called AB scan (page copying), and the operation of the optical system is as shown by the arrow in Fig. 22 (B), and the shaded area in the figure Exposure is performed, and as a result, original A in the same figure
→ Image formation is performed in the order of document B. The operation of the optical system and image formation will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, in step 25-10, the optical system starts forward scanning, and when the image edge sensor detects the image edge of original A (step 25-11), image formation of original A is performed (step 25-12).

After that, the speed of the optical system is sufficiently reduced, and in the meantime, the next transfer paper is brought to the predetermined position for image formation (step 25-13), and then from the paper gap between the A original and the B original. Then, perform an empty scan for a length 10 mm shorter (5step 25-14), increase the speed of the optical system to the specified value again (step 25-15), and when the image of the B original is reached (step 25-16), the image of the B original is scanned. Formation is performed (step 25-17).

At this time, the paper distance d between the original A and the original B shown in FIGS. 21(A) and 21(B) has been sent in advance from the RDF 300 to the copying machine main body 100 by data communication.

After that, the optical system is returned to its home position (step 25-18.25-19.25-20.25).
-21°25-22.25-23), the process ends (step 25-24).

C'RDF 2-sheet loading process 2 Document 2 on the RDF 300 is carried out in accordance with the 2-sheet loading mode 2 paper feeding command sent from the copier main body 100 to the RDF 300 at 5TEP213 in the flowchart of FIG.
Sheet loading process 2 will be explained based on the flowchart of FIG. 24.

The RDF 300 receives the two-sheet mode 2 paper feed command, and first, the document corresponding to document B in FIG. The separation process (step 201) and the paper feeding process shown in FIG. 13 are performed (step 202), and the document B is conveyed to the exposure position on the platen glass 101.

After that, the other document A is also subjected to the above separation process (st).
ep203) Perform the above paper feeding process (step20
4) As shown in FIG. 22(B), two originals are placed next to each other at the exposure position on the platen glass 101 so that a predetermined distance between originals A and B is maintained.

After that, it waits for a document discharge command from the copying machine main body 100 (step 205), and when the document discharge command is received,
Execute the document ejection process and eject the A document 5step 2
06) Then, eject the B original (step 207).
), the process ends (step 208).

12 Furthermore, as another embodiment of the present invention, the method of ejecting two originals from the platen glass 101 is changed,
An example will be shown in which the pages are stacked face down on the document tray by discharging two documents inverted.

This is 5step 7 and 5te of the flowchart in Figure 11.
This is realized by performing the process shown in FIG. 26, which will be described later, called document reversal before p8. Hereinafter, the second
This will be explained based on the flowchart in FIG.

C″RDF 2-sheet loading process 3 The 2-sheet original loading process 3 by the RDF 300 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG.

First, the separation process (step 301) shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 and the paper feeding process are performed from the bottom document of the document stack S on the document tray 305, which corresponds to documents A and B in FIG. 8(B). (step 302), and transports the original B to the exposure position on the platen glass 101.

After that, another sheet of original A is subjected to the separation process (st) shown in FIG.
ep303) Perform the pre-feeding process shown in Figure 14 (st
ep304), as shown in FIG. 8(A), the document B and the document A are transported to a position where the paper gap is eliminated, and then the document is moved by the full-surface feed belt 303 (
Step 305) As shown in FIG. 8(B), two originals are placed next to each other at the exposure position on the platen glass 101.

Thereafter, it waits for a document discharge command from the copying machine main body 100 (step 306), and upon receiving the document discharge command, it first performs the reversing process shown in FIG. 26, which will be described later, to reverse the front and back sides of the document A. After (step 307), the document A is ejected by the ejecting process shown in FIG. 16 (step 308),
Similarly, document B is also subjected to inversion processing (step 309) and paper ejection processing (step 310), and this processing is completed (
step 311). The reversal process in steps 307 and 309 will be described below.

M, R leaf reversal process The document reversal process of the RDF 300 performed in steps 5 307 and 5 309 of FIG. 25 will be explained based on the flowchart of FIG. 26.

First, in order to form a document reversal path (sheet bus IV-V), the flapper solenoid FSL is driven.
Move the flapper 320 to the dotted line position in Fig. 3 in 5 steps.
307-0), then the belt motor M302 is driven in the reverse direction (step 307-1), and the document is conveyed in the direction of the sheet bus -IV.

After that, when the leading edge of the document is detected by the paper ejection sensor 5303 (step 307-2), the transport motor M30
3 in the normal rotation direction (step 307-3) to prepare for document reception, and at the same time, the transport motor M303,
A reversal counter TCI (not shown) that determines the timing for low-speed control of the belt motor M302 is started (step 307-4). Next, after waiting for the counter TC1 to end (step 307-5), low speed control of the belt motor M302 and conveyance motor M303 is started (step 307-6307-7). After that, when the leading edge of the document is detected by the registration sensor 5302 (step 307-8), the reversal loop counter TC2
(not shown) (step 307-9), wait for the counter TC2 to end (step 307-1)
0) Turn off the driving of the belt motor M302 and conveyance motor M303 (step 307-11).

At this time, the initial value of the inversion counter TC1 is the sensor 530
The distance from M302 to sensor 5302 is about 10+nm shorter than the distance from M302 to sensor 5302, and both belt and conveyor motors M302 and M
By performing the 2O3 low speed control from that position, the document can be sufficiently decelerated before colliding with the registration rollers 321. As a result, the original is moved to the registration roller 32 at low speed.
Since the tip of the document can be brought into contact with the nip section of No. 1, it is possible to prevent damage to the rear edge of the document and reduce collision noise.Furthermore, it is possible to stop the document after a predetermined amount of loops have been formed, so it is possible to avoid tilting when reversing. Even if a row occurs, it acts to correct this skew.

After that, in step 307-12, a stability timer TTI (not shown) is started to stabilize the above loop. After waiting for the timer TTI to end (step 307-13), the belt motor M30
2 and the conveyance motor M303 so that the document is fed at a constant speed (step 307-14), and while the document is being fed from the sheet bus V to ■, the registration process shown in FIG. 18 is started. (step 307-15). Next, when the sensor 5302 detects the trailing edge of the document (
step 307-16), turns off the drive of the transport motor M303 (step 307-17), waits for the end of the registration process (step 307-18), and ends the reversal process (step 307-19).

Note that if the configuration is such that three originals can be placed on the platen glass, the original feed will be set so that if there are three originals set on the RDF, three originals will be placed, and if there are two originals, two originals will be placed. A similar effect can be obtained by controlling the feed and exposure scanning.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, when creating a plurality of copies using RDF, if there are two originals, image formation can be performed with only one or two circulations. This makes it possible to minimize damage to originals, paper jams, damage, etc. due to circulation.Furthermore, since originals are not recirculated, the time required for copying is shortened accordingly. This has the effect of improving the speed of creating objects (productivity) and improving the reliability of image formation.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is the RDF of FIG. 4 is a plan view of the document tray portion of the RDF shown in FIG. 3 viewed from above; FIG. 5 is the operation panel of the copying device shown in FIG. 2. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the control device of the main body of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and the control device of the R leaf, and FIG. A flowchart showing the control procedure of RDF sorting, Figures 8 (A) and (B) are for RDF manuscript 2.
9(A) and 9(B) are a plan view and a conceptual diagram showing the operation of the copying apparatus main body in copy processing 2; FIGS. 1O to 20 are respectively A flowchart showing in detail the control operation executed by the RDF control device, FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the other implementation side 1 of the present invention, and FIGS. 22(A) and (B) are the other embodiments described above. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing details of the control operation of the copying process 3 of the 5TEP 125 in FIG. 25 and 26 are flowcharts showing the operation procedure of the RDF two-sheet document placement process 2 in the second embodiment, and FIGS. 25 and 26 respectively show details of the control operations executed by the RDF control device in the other embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 100...Copying machine main body, 101...Platen glass (original reading position),...
Pedestal, ... automatic document feeder (RDF), ... document placement table, ... main body control device, ... R leaf control device. Real J-Koiide L/) 1 bottle - 1 bottle of ice 7th ward 1st
Diagram RDF Karakusu 2 The movement of Kumiri Σ Control ceremony diagram Figure 8 11 Figure S + ep2 I-Kagukito U [ RDF paper feeding subject matter, flow chart 13th figure 5 tep 4: Fi paper feeding Engo! Kakari, Ton's 70 1'r Yard Fig. 15 1 ep 7 Month To # ni & Jue 1 v4 7 building 1 construction Fig. 17 S'' B2 1/, ・Su 1 J construction diagram RDF exchange Fig. 20 Fupipuri, 3 movements Breast 1 Plane and egg Fig. 2
Figure 2 RDF Tatsunawa 2nd Grade 111 Jun 2's Flow Night Figure 24

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1) A cycle in which a plurality of sheet originals stacked on a document stacking table are automatically fed one by one to an exposure position, and after the exposure of the originals is completed, the originals are ejected to be returned to the document stacking table. In a document exposure device equipped with a type of automatic document feeder, a first document feeding mode feeds documents one by one to the exposure position, and a second document feed mode feeds two documents side by side to the exposure position. a document feed control means for switching between the document feed modes; a document number determining means for determining the number of document sheets stacked on the stacking table; and a document size detecting means for detecting the length of the document in the feeding direction; an exposure means for exposing an image of a document at an exposure position; a mode input means for inputting an image forming mode of the document to be exposed by the exposure means; and a number setting means for setting the number of times of exposure; When the output from the means is twice or more, a determination output from the document number determination means and a detection output from the document size detection means;
Based on the image forming mode from the mode input means,
A document exposure apparatus with an automatic document feeder, comprising a selection means for selectively selecting either the first document feeding mode or the second document feeding mode. 2) The document exposure apparatus with an automatic document feeder according to claim 1, wherein the second document feeding mode is a mode in which a document is fed so that the documents are lined up at the exposure position without gaps. 3) The document exposure apparatus with an automatic document feeder according to claim 1, wherein the second document feeding mode is a mode in which a sheet feeding operation is performed to line up the documents at the exposure position at a predetermined interval.