JPS59121066A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate waste and to improve operating efficiency by connecting plural image processors which are independently usable, and continuing the operation of the normal unit on the down stream in the conveyance direction in view of the disabled unit when any of the unit is disabled. CONSTITUTION:The connecting part on a paper discharging side of one device A and the connecting part 2 on a paper feeding side of the other device B are connected. A copying process is started in the device B in the 2nd stage by the rise of the detection signal (spurious paper feed signal C12) from a sensor 8 for detectng the paper discharge of the device A in the 1st stage and therefore the inptting of said signal C12 during the time when an optical system begins to retreat until the revolution of a main motor and resist roller 9 stop is the condition for continuous copying. Accordingly, the data of the number of sheets copied continuously are not required to inform to the copying device succeeding the second stage. More specifically, if abnormality arises in the stage of performing image recording by connecting the plural devices, the recording operation is continued with the succeeding devices on the down stream of the device in which the abnormality arises and the recording operation thereof is continued. The operation is stopped after processing for paper discharging upon completion of all the image recording on the entire recording paper carried into the device prior to generation of the abnormality.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Field The present invention relates to an image processing device having a copying function such as a copying machine or a facsimile machine. This allows advanced image processing functions to be easily obtained.

Prior Art Conventionally, for example, when editing multiple manuscripts to create one new manuscript, one or more devices are used to edit one sheet of recording paper several times. Text or drawings had to be superimposed. For this reason, conventional devices require complicated copying operations to compensate for the overlapping, such as pressing the copy operation button many times, taking out the recording paper after copying, and reinserting the recording paper from the manual feed section. The copying operation had to be performed manually by the operator. Furthermore, when performing multicolor printing, there was no other method other than using an expensive color copying device. However, by preparing multiple relatively inexpensive single-color copying machines,
Multi-color printing is possible by changing the color of each developer in each device, and by preparing the manuscript separately for each color and performing the same work as 1] Dual editing. However, in this case as well, there is a problem in that the operator has to perform extremely complicated copying operations, similar to the above.

On the other hand, in order to avoid such troublesome work, inputting multiple originals is possible using a general color copying machine with a three-color superimposition system, which is equipped with a function that allows editing within one copying machine. A copying machine is equipped with a control device that sequentially superimposes image information on a photosensitive drum or a storage device, stores it once, and then transfers it onto recording paper at once, or an optical system that transfers multiple originals. A copying device is equipped with a function to edit the image on the photosensitive drum and create a latent image on the photosensitive drum at once. Copying devices equipped with a control device that controls the image formation by superimposing images on images have been proposed, but all of them have the problem of increasing the size of the copying device and significantly increasing the price. there were.

In this way, the total price of multiple copying machines with only simple functions and one copying machine with advanced functions as mentioned above
In the current situation where the price of a copying machine is almost the same, it would be possible to perform the editing work and multicolor printing described above by connecting multiple inexpensive copying devices with simple connection mechanisms, which would eliminate the complicated process. It eliminates the conventional hassle of having to perform copying operations, and it is also cheaper than conventional advanced copying devices, and each device can be used independently as needed. , it is thought that it will improve even if it is used repeatedly.

However, if an abnormality such as a paper jam occurs while copying in such a connected state, it is necessary to stop each connected copying device appropriately for safety. Since a normal copy is being made on the recording paper in a downstream device located downstream from the copying device, there is a problem in that it is extremely wasteful to discharge the recording paper as a paper jam.

Purpose of the Invention In view of the above-mentioned points, the present invention, when an abnormality occurs in the connected state, allows the downstream device to continue the recording operation from the device that caused the abnormality, and transfers the recording paper to the conveyance section like the upstream device. By controlling the device so that it stops only after the copying process has been completed, rather than stopping the device while leaving it on the paper, the system eliminates waste and improves operational efficiency. The purpose is to provide an image processing device.

Example Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) show an example of the configuration of an image processing apparatus (for example, a copying apparatus) according to the present invention from different directions, where l is an example of the configuration of another apparatus having a similar configuration to the present apparatus. The male connecting portions (convex portions) 3 and 4 that engage within the female connecting portion (concave portion) 2 to connect both devices are detection sensors consisting of a pair of bushing switches used to check the connection state. Yes 1 If both switches 3 and 4 are on (closed),
It is determined that both devices described above are not tilted horizontally and the connection is confirmed to be complete. Reference numeral 5 denotes a receptacle-side connector attached to the male-type connecting portion 1, which is connected to the plug-side connector 6 attached to the female-type connecting portion 2 of the other device mentioned above, to exchange data and control information between the connected devices. Perform transmission. 7 fixes the recording paper (not shown) and connects it to the male connecting part l.
The fixing roller 8 discharges the recording paper onto the upper surface of the fixing roller 7, and the paper discharge detection sensor 8 is composed of a microswitch that detects the recording paper passing through the fixing roller 7.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a state when two devices shown in FIG. 1 are used, and the paper discharge side connection section 1 of one device A is connected to the paper feed side connection section 2 of the other device B. Here, the device A on the right side of the drawing will be referred to as a front-stage device, and the device B on the left side of the drawing will be referred to as a rear-stage device. Also, 9 is a drum (not shown)
Registration rollers are used to align the leading edge of the latent image above with the leading edge of the recording paper, 10 is a paper feed cassette that connects and supplies the recording paper, and 11 is a paper feed cassette io for pulling out the recording paper one by one. A paper feed roller 10, which is a paper feed roller that feeds the paper to the registration roller 8, is housed in the female connecting portion 2.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the control unit of the device shown in FIG. 1, where 01 is a microprocessor that performs various calculation controls, a central processing unit (CPU), and a ROM (read-only memory) that stores control programs. , RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. for storing data. Q2 is an operation unit consisting of various input keys and indicators,
Q3 is various sensors that detect copying operation status f and mo, Q4 is a jam detection unit l-, Q that detects paper jam of recording paper.
5 is a connected detection unit having the detection switches 3 and 4 described above.

The input signals supplied to the microprocessor Q1 include a key signal C1 from the operation unit Q2, a detection signal C2 from various sensors Q3, a detection signal C3 from the jam detection unit Q4, and a detection signal C3 from the connection detection unit Q5. In addition to those generated within individual devices, such as the detection signal 04, there are signals to the rear jammie C5, the rear stop signal C6, the stop 1-interrupt signal C7, the copy start signal C8, the copy end signal C9, and the paper size signal CIO. There are some that are sent from other connected copying devices such as. These input signals are processed by the microprocessor Ql according to predetermined processing procedures.
Copy not allowed signal C11, pseudo paper feed signal C
12, a stop signal C13 and a jam signal C14 are sent out. The above-mentioned input/output signals and control processing within the microprocessor Ql control the connected copying operations between the plurality of copying apparatuses.

Next, with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 4, 5(a) and 5(b), FIGS. 6 and 7, and the timing chart in FIG. 8, the book shown in FIGS. An example of the operation of the device will be explained.

First, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of the operating procedure of each copying apparatus connected as shown in the second figure will be explained. Here, with this device that can be connected to multiple stages, there are four types of usage states: independent usage state, usage state where it is connected only to the downstream equipment, usage state where it is connected only to the upstream equipment, and usage state where it is connected to the upstream and downstream equipment. It is classified into usage status. Therefore, in step Sl and S2 or S12 belonging to the first procedure group (2), it is determined whether each device is connected or not and the state of the number of connected stages. At this time, if the copying device is not connected to either the preceding device or the succeeding device, a negative determination is made in steps S1 and S2, and it is determined that the device is in an independent state. Start operating as.

On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2, the leading device (for example, device A in FIG.
), and the process proceeds to step S3 belonging to the next procedure group (2). Further, if both steps S1 and SI2 result in a fixed determination, it is determined that the front stage equipment 4 and the rear stage equipment are both connected, and the process proceeds to step S13 belonging to the next procedure group (2). If step S]2 is negative, it is determined that this is the last downstream device connected only to the preceding device, and the process proceeds to step S23, which belongs to the next procedure group (2). The copying process for the six volumes R separated as described above in procedure group (2) proceeds as follows according to each state.

Step 33, 513 of the second procedure group ■. In S23, it is determined whether each copying apparatus is capable of copying. Each step S3. S13. The subroutines of S23 and S23 are shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b).

First, in a device connected to a subsequent device, step S3
Alternatively, the process jumps from S13 to the connection and copy diagnosis subroutine shown in FIG. If the connection is incomplete, a copy disable signal C1l is sent in step S32, and after the first step S33 performs a stop and connection abnormality display process, the process returns to step S31.
The connection detection signal C4 continues to be monitored until both switches 2 and 3 are turned on, that is, until the connection is complete.

At this time, the above-mentioned copy disable signal CI+ is transmitted in the form of an interrupt to all the preceding stage apparatuses, and in the event of an abnormality, all the preceding stage copying apparatuses, including the copying apparatus in which the abnormality has occurred, are stopped. Details of this stop control procedure will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the connection detection process ends with an affirmative determination in step S31, it is determined in the next subroutine of step S34 whether or not copying is possible, based on, for example, the presence or absence of toner (developer) or recording paper.

That is, in the copy diagnosis subroutine, FIG.
), it is determined whether or not copying is possible based on the detection signal C2 of the various sensors Q3 (step S35).
and 83B), if copying is not possible, send the copying impossible signal C11 in step S37 as in the case of connection diagnosis, and then in step 938 stop the copying operation and display what is abnormal, and monitor Kira. If the abnormality disappears and copying is possible, the process returns to the main routine and proceeds to the next step (step 536). On the other hand, a copying device (for example, a second
Since there is no need to carry out a connection diagnosis in the apparatus B) shown in the figure, only the processing of the above-mentioned copy diagnosis subroutine shown in FIG. 5(b) is performed in step S7.

If it is diagnosed that the copying is possible in this manner, the process proceeds to the third procedure group (2) for setting the copying operation. First, in the case of the first copying apparatus, the process advances from step S3 to 84 and waits for a copying command signal. This copy command signal is sent to the copy operation unit Ql.
This occurs when the push button is pressed or when recording paper is inserted from the manual feed section. When the copy command signal is received, in the next step S5, the copy data (copy information) necessary for copy processing such as the size of the recording paper obtained at the time of receiving the copy command signal and the time of starting copying are transmitted to all subsequent devices. . The reason why it is not necessary to transmit data regarding the number of continuous copies at this time will be explained later in the explanation of the time chart shown in FIG. 8.

Further, in the case of the copying device 6 connected to a downstream device, after receiving the above-mentioned copy data sequentially supplied from the upstream device in step S14 or S24, the copying device 6 receives the copy data sequentially supplied from the upstream device in step S15 or S25. Waits for paper feed signal CI2. This pseudo paper feed signal C12 is transmitted to the recording paper during the copying process of the upstream copying device as shown in FIG. 1 (a).
) is a signal generated from the sensor 8 at the moment it is applied to the captured paper detection sensor 8, and upon receiving this signal CI2, the subsequent copying apparatus starts the copying operation.

Next copying process step S6゜S18 of the fourth procedure group ■
Alternatively, copying is actually performed in S26.

Also, during this copying process, paper jams are constantly monitored by a jam detection routine shown in FIG. This jam detection adopts a method of counting clock pulses. First, the jam detection counter is set to zero, and when the first predetermined value n1 has been counted (step 541), the paper discharge detection sensor 8 If the recording paper is not hanging, it is determined that the recording paper is delayed (step 542), and the process proceeds to step 94B, which will be described later.
fly to Also, if the recording paper is still hanging on the Cedar 1 paper detection sensor 8 when the second predetermined value n2 has been counted since the waste paper detection sensor 8 was turned on (step 543), , it is determined that the recording paper is cotton-bound (step 544), and the process jumps to step 94B, which will be described later. However, since the double value n2 differs depending on the length of the recording paper in the transport direction, each copying machine needs to know the size of the recording paper, and therefore all subsequent copying machines The data on the size and size of the recording paper are then obtained in step S14 or S24.

In the event of a delay or accumulated jam, such as double jam, the device is stopped and a jam display is performed in steps S4B and S47, and the jam signal C14 and the copy impossible signal C are activated.
11, and the preceding stage devices are stopped one after another. Next, in step 348, the process waits for jammed paper processing to remove the jammed recording paper and jam reset for recovery of the device a, and after resetting the control circuit, the process returns to the initial state of step S1 from step S48. On the other hand, step S44
In the case of normal operation in which the discharge detection sensor 8 is turned off, the process advances to step S45, and after resetting the jam set detection counter to zero, the process returns to step S41, and the two-step procedure is repeated until the copying is completed.

If no paper jam occurs during copying, each copying device checks whether copying is possible (steps S7 and S1).
? , 828) If there is no abnormality, the process returns to step S6 and repeats the processes of steps 38 to S8 described above until it is determined that the number of copies set in step S4 has been completed in the first copying device j6 (step S8). Repeatedly, when the copying is completed, the process returns to step S4 and waits for the copying operation. In addition, if there is no abnormality in the copying apparatus in which both the front-stage device and the rear-stage device are connected, the steps from step S17 to step SI are performed.
5 and waits for the pseudo paper feed signal C12 from the next previous stage device. Every time one sheet of recording paper passes past the paper ejection detection sensor 8, the copying device J at the last stage sends out a copy end signal C8 in step S27, and this signal C8 is sequentially sent to the first copying device. . Based on this copy end signal C9, the leading device can determine how many sheets of recording paper currently exist in all the copying devices. After the device at the last stage sends the copy end signal C9, step 92
If there is no abnormality in the copy diagnosis in step S8, the process returns to step S25 and waits for the pseudo paper feed signal C12 from the previous stage device.

Next, step S33, S38 or S4? The control operation when a device stop interrupt is input will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the previous step S3
2. S3? Or, in S46, the copy prohibition signal ell is sent.
is sent to cause all the copying machines at the previous stage to also issue a stop interrupt, thereby sequentially stopping all the copying machines corresponding to the previous stage. However, if the copying operation is in progress, instead of immediately stopping it like when a paper jam occurs, the paper other than the jammed paper is transported to just before the fixing section, and at least only the recording paper transport section (not shown) is operated. (Steps S51 to S553).Furthermore, the copying devices downstream from the copying device in which the abnormality occurred continue to operate normally and the internal recording paper is ejected or placed in a safe place. Stop from. At this time, the leading copying machine waits until all other copying machines have stopped (step 557),
After adjusting the copy number display counter (not shown) provided inside the control section to an appropriate value (step 558), the process returns to the original routine and proceeds to the next step.

FIG. 8 shows the timing of control operations when copying apparatuses A and B are connected in two stages as shown in the second figure, recording sheets are fed by the cassette 10, and two sheets are continuously copied. First, in the first-stage copying machine A, after the power is turned on, the operation section Q2 is
When the operator presses the copy start button, the main motor begins to rotate, and at the same time, current is applied to the cassette paper feed solenoid to rotate the paper feed roller 11, and the cassette is loaded.
Paper is fed from 10. After a time t1 from the press of the copy start button, il! starts moving forward through an optical system (not shown) and is supplied to the optical system from a pulse generating circuit of a position detection sensor (not shown) several orders of magnitude apart! At the rising edge of the pulse, the energization to the cassette paper feed solenoid is stopped (1-), and then, at the rising edge of the second pulse, current is applied to the registration solenoid to rotate the registration roller 8 and transport the recording paper to a photosensitive drum (not shown). do.

After time t2 from the rotation start signal of registration roller 9"-
The optical system described above begins to move backward, and after a time t3, the cassette paper feed roller 11 is rotated to carry out the next recording paper.

Further, when the optical system continues to move backward and reaches the home position, a pulse starts to be generated from the optical system position detection sensor, and the optical system is stopped at the rising edge of the third pulse. 1
If only one copy is to be made, the main motor and registration roller can be stopped after a certain period of time. But 1
In the case of continuous copying of two sheets as in this example, the optical system is moved forward again after a time t4 after stopping the optical system, and the process of copying the second sheet is started. The copying operation for the second copy is almost the same as for the first copy, except that the main motor and registration roller are finally stopped at a time t5 after the optical system begins to move backward. Thereafter, the first-stage copying apparatus A waits for a copy operation (see step S4 in FIG. 4).

Next, the operation of the second stage (latter stage) copying apparatus B will be explained.

The copy start signal of the first stage (previous stage) copying machine A directly becomes the copy start signal of the second stage copying machine B, and the main motor of the machine B starts rotating. However, unlike the first-stage device B, the paper feed slot/roller 11 is not rotated.

In the second stage loading B, the fixing roller 7 of the first stage device A plays the role of the paper feed roller 11, so the paper feed roller 11 of the device B is always kept at a position where it does not rotate and does not come into contact with the recording paper. placed. The second-stage device B receives a signal from the paper ejection detection sensor 8 of the first-stage device A, moves its optical system forward after time t6, and starts copying.

The subsequent operation is the same as that of the first stage device B except for driving the cassette paper feed roller II. However, when finishing copying the first sheet and starting copying the second sheet, the device A in the first stage
In this case, the optical system was moved forward at a time interval of time L4.

However, since the second-stage device B starts the copying process upon the rise of the detection signal (pseudo paper feed signal Cl2) from the paper ejection detection sensor 8 of the first-stage device A, the optical system starts moving backwards and then the main A condition for continuous copying is that the pseudo paper feed signal C12 is no longer input during the time t5 when the motor and registration roller 8 stop rotating.

Therefore, there is no planet that conveys data on the number of consecutive copies to the second and subsequent copying devices.

Effects As explained above, according to the present invention, ? If an abnormality occurs while recording images by connecting U number of devices, the recording operation of the downstream device from the device that caused the abnormality will not be stopped immediately. I made it continue and stopped after completing all image recording of all the recording paper that was brought in before the error occurred and the paper ejection process.
Waste of recording paper and waste of recording operations can be greatly reduced.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1(a) and 1(b) are a perspective view of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention as seen from the fixing and paper ejection unit side and a perspective view as seen from the paper feed side, respectively, and FIG. (a) and (
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of two of the devices shown in b) connected together;
A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the J control unit; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the control operation of the control unit in FIG. 3;
5(a) and Cb) are flowcharts of the connection and copy diagnosis subroutines in the flowchart of FIG. 4, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the jam detection operation of the control unit of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5(a) and (b) and a flowchart showing an example of the operation at the time of a stop interruption in the flowchart of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation at the time of a stop interruption in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the waveform of an output signal when 1...Male type connection part (convex part), 2...#l type connection M'7FB (f'ri part)
, 3.4...Connection state detection sensor (push switcher), 5...Receptal side connector, 6...Plug side connector, 7...Fixing roller, 8...Sheet discharge detection sensor (micro switch) ), 9...
・Registration roller, lO...Paper feed cassette, 11...Paper feed roller, A...Previous stage device (first stage device), B...Later stage device (second stage device), Ql. ...Micro 7+o setter, C2...Operation unit, C3...Various sensors, C4...Jam detection unit, C5...Connection detection unit, C5...Late stage jam signal, C6...Late stage stop signal. C7...stop interrupt signal, C8...copy start signal, C8...copy end signal, C1O...paper size signal, ell...copy not possible signal, CI2...pseudo paper feed signal. C13...stop signal, C14...jam signal. Patent applicant Canon Co., Ltd. Figure 5 (b) Figure (0) Figure 6 Figure 7

Claims (1)

[Claims] When recording a predetermined image by connecting multiple units that can independently record images on a recording medium,
When any of the units becomes inoperable, the operation of the normal unit continues until the recording operation of the normal unit downstream in the transport direction from the inoperable unit is completed. Image processing device '〆I.