JPH0238949B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that includes a plurality of paper feed sections for sheet-like image carriers and a plurality of storage sections for sheet-like image carriers on which images have been formed.

Conventionally, a paper machine has a plurality of storage sections, such as a tray and a sorter, and a plurality of paper feeding sections, for example, a cassette for feeding A4 sheets and a cassette for feeding B4 sheets, and the desired storage section can be selected by key operation. There is also known a copying apparatus in which copying can be performed by selecting each paper feed section.

However, in such a device, if the previous operator selects the desired paper feed section and storage section, copies, and then leaves it as it is, the next operator can select the selected paper source and storage section, and then leave it as is. There were cases where I started copying without checking the copy, and ended up making unnecessary copies.

From this point of view, a standard paper feeding section and a standard storage section are provided among multiple paper feeding sections and multiple storage sections, and a timer is activated after image formation using the non-standard paper feeding section and storage section is completed. An apparatus has been proposed that automatically selects a standard paper feed section or a standard storage section after a certain period of time has elapsed.

However, in such a device, if the next operator attempts to copy while the timer is counting, the standard paper source and standard storage section may be changed in some cases while the desired storage section and paper source are being selected. I had a problem with switching.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to prevent the inconvenience of an operator accidentally forming an image in the previous mode, and to form an image that can simplify the operation. The goal is to provide equipment.

That is, in the present invention, there are a plurality of paper feeding sections for feeding a sheet-like image carrier to an image forming section and a plurality of storage sections for receiving and storing the sheet-like image carrier on which an image has been formed, each of which has a standard section and a plurality of storage sections. In an image forming apparatus including a non-standard section, an input means for inputting a selection signal for selecting one of the plurality of paper feed sections or one of the plurality of storage sections; storage means that retains a selection signal for one of the paper feed sections or storage sections that has been selected and is released from holding by inputting a selection signal for selecting the other paper feed section or storage section; Display means for displaying the selected paper feed section or the selected storage section;
A timed operation is started based on the input operation of a selection signal for selecting a non-standard paper feed section or a non-standard storage section by the input means, and image formation by the selected non-standard paper feed section or non-standard storage section. a timer means for starting a timed operation based on the end of the operation; and a timer means for starting a timed operation based on the timed operation of the timer means, and when the inputting means does not perform an input operation or image formation is not started during the timed operation of the timer means, a specific standard paper feed is determined by a timed completion signal of the timer means. means for storing a selection signal for selecting a paper feed section and a specific standard storage section in the storage means, and causing the display means to display a display indicating the standard paper feed section and the standard storage section; means for resetting the timer means to restart the timed operation when the input means is operated to select a non-standard paper feed section or a non-standard storage section; The apparatus further comprises means for prohibiting the start of the timed operation of the timer means even if the input means is operated to select a non-standard storage section, and for starting the timed operation of the timer means after the image forming operation is completed. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus having the following characteristics.

The present invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an electronic copying machine to which the present invention can be applied. In the figure, 1 is a mesh-like photosensitive drum having a transparent insulating layer, a photoconductive layer, and a conductive layer from the surface (for example, detailed in Published Patent No. 19455 of 1975), 2
is the primary charger, 3 is the secondary charger, 4 is the lamp, 5
is a document table, 6 is a modulation charger, 7 is an insulated drum, 8
9A is a developing device, 9A is a roller that feeds A4 size transfer paper 10A, 9B is a roller that feeds B4 size 10B transfer paper, 11 is a transfer charger, 12 is a conveyor belt, 13 is a fixing roller, 14 is a tray, 18 is a sorter, 20 is 10 bins, 52A is 10 transfer paper
The cassette 52B supplies the transfer paper 10B. The document on the document table 5 is subjected to slit exposure using the lamp 4 while moving the mirror 15, and the rotating photosensitive drum 1, which has been charged in advance by the primary charger 2, is subjected to secondary charging by the secondary charger 3 at the same time as this exposure. The image is illuminated to form a primary electrostatic latent image. A secondary electrostatic latent image is formed from the primary latent image on the surface of an insulating drum 7 by a modulation charger 6, and the secondary image is developed by a developer 8. The toner image is transferred by the charger 1 onto the transfer paper 10A or 10B fed from the paper feed cassette 52A or 52B, and the transfer paper 10A or 10B is conveyed.
The toner image is fixed by a heat roller fixing device 13 and discharged onto a sorter 18 or a tray 14. Since the primary latent image does not disappear even after the secondary latent image is formed, the photosensitive drum 1 is further rotated and the charger 6 continuously charges the image.
After forming the secondary latent image, the transfer paper 10 is sent one after another to the transfer section, and transfer, fixing, and ejection are continued.

Note that 16 is a lamp for removing charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, and 17 is a cleaning section for removing toner from the surface of the insulating drum 7.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the operation display panel of the apparatus shown in FIG. In the figure, 21 is a copy start button, 22 is a setting key for the number of copies, 23 is a set number of copies display,
PBT is the tray selection key, PBS is the sorter selection key, 26 is the display indicating whether the current storage is a sorter or tray, PBA is the A4 size cassette selection key, PBB
is a B4 size cassette selection key, and 28 is its display.

When the tray 14 is selected as the storage section, the conveyance belt 19 shown in FIG. When the sorter 18 is selected as the storage section, the belt 19 is set at the position indicated by the solid line, and the transfer paper 10 is discharged from the second discharge roller 51 and stored in the sorter. or,
When A4 size is selected, the main paper cassette 5
If there is A4 size transfer paper in 2A, it will be specified. Reference numeral 52B is a sub-cassette, and when the main cassette runs out of paper, if there is paper of the same size as the main cassette 52A, the drive of the paper feed roller 9 is automatically switched and paper is fed from the sub-cassette 52B. . The main cassette 52A can store 2,000 to 3,000 sheets of paper, and the sub cassette 52 can store 500 to 1,000 sheets.
The paper sent to the sorter 18 is carried by the constantly rotating belt 55 and sent to the pins. Guide claw a~
i is provided for each pin, and each time the detectors 61 and 62 detect a paper, the guide claws are operated in order to store the paper in each pin in the direction of the pin.

Next, switching control between the tray and the sorter, which are storage units, will be described in detail. FIG. 3 shows a switching control circuit for the tray and sorter, and FIG. 4 shows a timing chart for each part. SL1 is the tray sorter switching solenoid, K1, K2 and K3
is a relay, LT is a tray use indicator lamp, LS is a sorter use indicator lamp, Q1 is a unijunction transistor (hereinafter referred to as UJT), CPY is a copy signal, EC1 is the terminal voltage of capacitor C1, ER5 is the terminal voltage of resistor R5 , SK2 indicates an input signal to the coil S of K2, and SSL indicates an input signal to the solenoid SL1. The key to select the tray as the storage section is PBT, and the key to select the sorter is
When key PBT is pressed in PBS, latching relay K
Voltage is applied to coil S of No. 2, and contact K2-1 becomes a
connected to the side. Even if relay K2 is no longer energized, it remains in this state because it is a latching relay. When contact K2-1 is connected to the a side, the exit position indicator lamp LT lights up, and the indicator 2 in Fig. 2
6 to notify the user. At the same time, current flows through solenoid SL1, activating solenoid SL1. The electromagnetic plunger 63 pulls the lever 64, and the pair of upper and lower conveyor belts 19 move to the position indicated by the dotted line, that is, to the tray side paper discharge exit. Sorter selection key PBS
When is pressed, voltage is applied to the coil R of the relay K2, which connects the contact K2-1 to b, and the exit position indicator lamp LS lights up to notify the user, and at the same time, the solenoid SL1 is de-energized, so that the plunger 63 is also released, the lever 64 is extended, and the conveyor belt 19 moves to the position indicated by the solid line, that is, to the sorter side paper discharge exit.

Next, we will describe the operation of the control circuit when the sorter 18 is selected as the storage section. When the copy button 21 is pressed at time T1 in FIG. 4 and the copy signal CPR reaches the "1" level, the relay K1 is turned on and the contact K1-1 The normally closed contact of the relay K2 is opened and the relay K2 does not operate even if the PBS or PBT keys are pressed, creating a so-called switching prohibited state. At the same time, contact K1-2 is closed to stop charging capacitor C1. When the copying is completed at time T2, the copy signal CPY becomes "0" level, relay K1 is turned off, and the contact K1-1 is turned off.
is closed, the prohibited state is released, and switching becomes possible. At the same time, the contact K1-2 is opened and charging of the capacitor C1 is started via the resistors R2 and R3. A charging circuit consisting of resistors R2, R3 and capacitor C1 is connected to the emitter of UJTQ1, and when the open circuit voltage ratio of UJTQ1 is η, the voltage of capacitor C1 reaches 24×η [V], that is, time T ₃ In UJTQ1, the resistance between the base and emitter becomes low, and the charge of capacitor C1 is discharged through resistor R5, and a voltage is generated across resistor R5. This is a well-known oscillation circuit, and the oscillation period of this oscillation circuit can be adjusted by a variable resistor R2, but here it is selected to be about 30 seconds to 60 seconds. The oscillation output of this oscillation circuit is the voltage across resistor R5.
ER5, and its output is amplified by transistors Q2 and Q4 and input to coil S of relay K2.
In other words, the coil S of relay K2 is at copy end time T ₂
It is excited at time T ₃ 30 seconds to 60 seconds later,
Since the contact K2-1 is switched to the a side, the solenoid
SL1 is excited, the electromagnetic plunger 63 is operated, and the conveyor belt 10 moves to the position indicated by the dotted line toward the tray 14. However, if the key PBS is pressed between time T ₂ and T ₃ , the relay K3 is turned on, which causes the contact K3-1 to close only when the key PBS is pressed, discharging the capacitor C1, so that the belt 19 is If the copy button 21 is pressed at time _T5 while remaining in the position indicated by the solid line, the paper will be discharged to the sorter 18 side.

Next, after the conveyor belt 19 moves to the tray 14 side, if the key PBS is pressed at time T ₆ and the copy button 21 is not pressed during the time interval of 30 seconds to 60 seconds, the oscillation circuit is activated again. Oscillation is generated at _T7 , amplified by transistors Q2 and Q4, and the coil S of relay K2 is energized, contact K2-1 is connected to the a side, so solenoid SL1 is energized, electromagnetic plunger 63 is activated, and it is transported to the tray 14 side. The belt is set.

Here, the operation immediately after the power switch is turned on will be described. Immediately after turning on, it is unclear whether the contact K2-1 of the relay K2 is on the a side or the b side. So the resistance R
Using a time constant circuit of 9, R10 and capacitor C2, transistor Q3 is operated immediately after the power is turned on, and a pulse with a certain width is applied to coil S of relay K2 to set contact K2-1 to the a side. Immediately after the power is turned on, the charge on the capacitor C2 is 0, so it is charged by the resistors R9 and R10. Until this charging is completed, transistor Q3 operates and R
Transistor Q4 is activated via 7. The collector current of transistor Q4 flows through coil S of relay K2. As a result, the contact K2-1 is connected to the a side, the solenoid SL1 is energized, the electromagnetic plunger 63 is operated, and the conveyor belt is set on the tray side.

Incidentally, the belt may be set after a certain period of time after the power is turned on.

Further, in this embodiment, a paper ejection outlet is provided for each storage section, but it is also possible to keep the paper ejection exit constant and switch only the storage section by moving it.

Further, in this embodiment, the switched mode is set to the relay side, but the user is free to choose which mode to set.

Next, switching of the paper feed cassette will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 5 is a control circuit diagram for switching the paper feed cassette.It differs from Figure 3 in that the area surrounded by a broken line and the selection keys are PBT, PBS, PBA, PBB.
The only difference is that
Objects that function similarly to those shown in the figure have two identical symbols. FIG. 6 shows signal waveform diagrams of each part. PBA is a push button key for specifying A4 size cassette, PBB is a push button key for specifying B4 cassette,
21 is the copy button, LA is the A4 cassette usage indicator lamp, LB is the B4 cassette usage indicator lamp, K1
is a relay that holds the copy signal CPY, K2 is a latching relay, and relays K1 and K2
Select A4 cassette indication solenoid SLA or B4 cassette indication solenoid SLB. EC1 is the terminal voltage of the capacitor C1, ER5 is the terminal voltage of the resistor R5, SK2 is the pulse input signal to the coil S of the relay K2, SA is the pulse input signal to the solenoid SLA, and SB is the pulse input to the solenoid SLB. The signals are shown respectively.

When the switch PBA is pressed, voltage is applied to the coil S of the latching relay K2, and the contact K2-1 becomes a.
connected to the side. (Even if K2 is no longer energized, it remains in this state because it is a latching relay.) As a result, the lamp LA lights up to notify the user. At the same time, the solenoid SLA is turned on, and the plunger 65A shown in the first figure, which is actuated by the solenoid SLA, is activated, and the lever 66A is pulled, causing the roller 9B to separate from the B4 size transfer paper 10B and come to the position shown by the dotted line. On the other hand, the plunger 65B is released and the roller 9A comes to the position indicated by the solid line, so preparations for feeding the A4 size transfer paper 10A from the cassette 52A are completed.By pressing the copy button 21, the roller 9A rotates and the A4 transfer paper is transferred. Paper 10A
is fed. Here, the rollers 9A and 9B may both rotate, or only 9A may rotate.

Also, if you press the B4 size selection key PBB, the K2-
1 is connected to the b side, the B4 indicator lamp LB lights up, and the solenoid SLB turns on, solenoid
Plunger 65B operated by SLB operates,
Lever 66B is pulled and A4 size transfer paper 10A
The roller 9A is further away and comes to the position indicated by the dotted line. On the other hand, since the plunger 65A is released and the roller 9B comes to the position indicated by the solid line, preparations for feeding the B4 size transfer paper 10B from the cassette 52B are completed, and by pressing the copy button 21, the transfer paper 10B is fed. . Next, the operation when the B4 size selection key PBB is pressed and then the copy button 21 is pressed will be described. At time T ₀ in FIG. 6, the switch PBB
When the copy button 21 is pressed at time T ₁ , copying starts in the reduction mode, the copy signal CPY becomes "1" level, the relay K1 is turned on, and the contact K is turned on.
Since 1-1 is open, relay K2 does not operate even if the key PBA is pressed. This creates a so-called switching prohibited state. Another contact K1-2 related to relay K1 is closed, so capacitor C1 is not charged. When the copying is completed at time _T2 , the copy signal becomes the "0" level, the relay K1 is turned off, the contact K1-1 is closed, the inhibited state is released, and switching becomes possible. Also, at the same time, the contact K1
-2 is opened and charging of capacitor C1 via resistors R2 and R3 is started. Resistance R2, R
3 and a capacitor C1 is connected to the emitter of a unijunction transistor (hereinafter referred to as UJT) Q1, and UJTQ
If the open circuit voltage ratio of 1 is η, then when the voltage of capacitor C1 becomes 24×η [V], that is, at time T _3.
UJTQ1 has low resistance between the pace and emitter, and the charge of capacitor C1 is discharged through resistor R5.
A voltage is generated across resistor R5. This is a well-known oscillation circuit, and the oscillation period of this oscillation circuit is determined by the variable resistor R.
The time can be adjusted according to step 2, but here it is set to about 30 seconds to 60 seconds. The oscillation output of this oscillation circuit is a voltage across resistor R5, and this output is amplified by transistors Q2 and Q4 and input to coil S of relay K2. That is, the coil S of the relay K2 is energized at time _T3 , which is 30 to 60 seconds after the copying end time _T2 , and the contact K2-1 is switched to the a side.
A4 size copy mode (hereinafter referred to as A4 mode)
Make it. However, if the copy button 21 is pressed again between times _T2 and _T3 , copying will be performed in the B4 size copy mode (hereinafter referred to as B4 mode).
Furthermore, after switching to the A4 mode, when the key PBB is pressed at time T ₄ , the relay K3 is turned on, which causes the contact K3-1 to close only when the key PBB is pressed, discharging the capacitor C1 and discharging the capacitor B4. If you press the copy button 21 at time _T5 while in the mode, you can obtain a B4 size copy.

Next, after switching to A4 mode, press the switch PBB at time T ₆ , and then
If the copy button 21 is not pressed between 30 seconds and 60 seconds, the oscillation circuit starts oscillating again at time _T7 .
Coil S of relay K2 is energized via transistors Q2 and Q4, and contact K2-1 is connected to side a.
It becomes A4 mode.

Here we will describe the operation immediately after the power switch is turned on.
Immediately after turning on, it is unclear whether the contact K2-1 of the relay K2 is on the a side or the b side. Therefore, resistance R9, R
10 and a time constant circuit of capacitor C2, operate transistor Q3 immediately after turning on the power, and apply a pulse with a certain width to coil S of relay K2.
Set to A4 mode. Immediately after power on, capacitor C2
Since the charge is 0, it is charged by resistors R9 and R10. Until this charging is completed, transistor Q3 operates, and also operates transistor Q4 via R7. The collector current of transistor Q4 flows through coil S of relay K2. This connects the contact K2-1 to the a side, turns on the solenoid SL4, and sets the A4 mode.

In this embodiment, it is set to always switch to A4 mode, but the user is free to choose which mode to switch to.

Furthermore, although this embodiment has been described as switching only the size, since the paper feed cassette is replaceable, it is of course possible to switch cassettes differentiated by the material or color of the transfer paper.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cassette was selected by operating a plunger using a solenoid to separate the rollers from the transfer paper, but it was also possible to control the rotation drive unit of each roller without separating the rollers. Therefore, it is also possible to select a cassette.

In addition, although the above explanation has been explained separately for switching the storage section and switching the paper feed section, the present invention can also switch both the storage section and the paper feed section to a normal use mode at the same time. It is also possible to switch only one circuit by operating only one circuit.

As explained above, according to this embodiment, after an image is formed using a storage section that is not normally used by a user in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, or after an image is formed using a storage section that is not normally used by a user, If an image formation instruction is not given within a certain period of time after selection, or after the power is turned on, the storage section can be automatically switched to the normally used storage section without the need for specifying the storage section.

Similarly, if the user does not issue an image formation instruction within a certain period of time after forming an image using a paper source that is not normally used, or after selecting a paper source that is not normally used, Or, immediately after turning on the power, it is possible to automatically switch to the normally used paper feeding section without having to operate the paper feeding section.

Furthermore, it is also possible to automatically switch both the storage section and the paper feed section to the normally used storage section and paper feed section at the same time.

As described above, according to the present invention, a timed operation is started by inputting a selection signal for a non-standard paper feed section or a non-standard storage section, or by the end of an image forming operation, and when the timed operation is completed, a specific standard The paper feed section and a specific standard storage section are selected, and when the selection of a non-standard paper feed section or a non-standard storage section is entered during the timed operation, the timed operation is restarted.
Even if the previous operator selected a non-standard paper feed section or a non-standard storage section and left it unattended without image formation,
Furthermore, even when an image forming operation is performed, it is possible to reduce the inconvenience of the next operator accidentally forming an image, and it is also possible to simplify the operation. Further, if a selection input for a non-standard paper feed section or a non-standard storage section is made during a timed operation, the timed operation is restarted, making it possible to extend the time.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic copying machine according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a top view of the operation display panel of the device shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a storage section switching control circuit diagram in the present invention, Fig. 4 is a signal waveform diagram of each part of the circuit in Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 6 is a diagram of a paper feed section switching control circuit according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a signal waveform diagram of each part of the circuit of FIG. 9A, 9B, 19 are rollers, 10A, 10B are transfer paper, 14 is a tray, 18 is a sorter, 12 is a conveyor belt, 20 is a bin, 21 is a copy button, 5
2A, 52B are cassettes, 63, 65A, 65B
indicates the plunger, LT, LS, LA, and LB indicate the indicator lamps, and PBT, PSS, PBA, and PBB indicate the keys.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A plurality of paper feeding units for feeding the sheet-shaped image bearing member to the image forming unit and a plurality of storage units for receiving and storing the sheet-shaped image bearing member on which the image has been formed, each of which has a standard size. In an image forming apparatus including a storage section and a non-standard section, an input means for inputting a selection signal for selecting one of the plurality of paper feed sections or one of the plurality of storage sections; and the input means. storage means that retains a selection signal for one paper feed section or storage section inputted by and is released from holding by inputting a selection signal for selecting the other paper feed section or storage section; a display means for displaying a selected paper feed section or a selected storage section based on the input means; and a timer means for starting a timed operation based on the completion of the image forming operation by the selected non-standard paper feed section or non-standard storage section; or when image formation is not to be started, a selection signal for selecting a specific standard paper feeding section and a specific standard storage section is stored in the storage means in response to a time limit completion signal from the timer means, and a selection signal for selecting a specific standard paper feeding section and a specific standard storage section is stored in the storage section, and the standard paper feeding section is displayed on the display section. means for causing a display to indicate a paper feed section or a standard storage section; and a means for resetting the timer means when the input means is operated to select a non-standard paper feed section or a non-standard storage section during a timed operation of the timer means. and means for restarting the timed operation of the timer means, even if the input means is operated to select a non-standard paper feed section or a non-standard storage section during the image forming operation; An image forming apparatus comprising: means for starting a timed operation of the timer means after the image forming operation is completed.