JPH0454950B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a paper feed control device for a copying machine, and more specifically, in a copying machine having a plurality of paper feed sections, a specific size of copy paper is specified and copy paper of the specified size is loaded. The present invention relates to a paper feed control device that preferentially selects a paper feed section that is currently in use. Conventional technology Conventionally, in a copier having multiple paper feed units, a specific paper feed unit is selected preferentially when the control mode of the copier is set to the standard state when the power is turned on or when auto-reset is performed. The method was adopted. Although this method has the advantage of being relatively easy to control, the user must always check whether the desired size of copy paper is set in the selected paper source. There was the inconvenience of having to perform copying from there. That is,
In this method, the paper source is selected preferentially, and the size of paper loaded there can be arbitrary, so even if the control mode is set to standard, the paper source selected In the end, the user had to check the size of the copy paper loaded in the machine. Therefore, in order to eliminate this inconvenience,
Measures have been taken such as warning the user to load copy paper of a specific size into the priority paper feed section through displays, etc., and mechanically regulating the sizes that can be set for each paper feed section. However, users should be careful about the fact that in recent copying machines, where sizes can be easily changed using a mechanism such as a paper feed cassette, accidents such as loading errors or forgetting to return are unavoidable, and mechanical The method of regulating the loading size had the disadvantage of impairing the versatility of copying machines. For this reason, it is possible to set the copy paper size to be selected preferentially and store it in the storage section, so that when the power is turned on or an auto-reset is performed, the paper feed section loaded with the copy paper of the priority size is set. A method has been proposed in which paper is selected in order of priority, but this method does not work when copy paper of the set highest priority size is not loaded, or when the paper is empty even if the corresponding cassette is installed. It has the disadvantage that it is practically useless, and if it is empty, it is difficult to determine which paper cassette in the paper feed section is empty, making it even more inconvenient for the user. It was hot. Purpose The present invention has been made with attention to the above points, and it is preferable to prioritize the paper feed unit loaded with a specific type of copy paper stored in the storage means when the power is turned on or when auto-clearing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper feed control device that eliminates the drawbacks of the conventional paper feed control described above by improving the procedure for selecting a copy paper of the priority size and determining whether copy paper of the priority size is loaded. It is. Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of a copying machine according to the present invention. A photoreceptor drum 1 that can be rotated counterclockwise is arranged approximately in the center of the copying machine body, and around it are an eraser lamp 2, a charging charger 3, a developing device 4, a transfer charger 5, and a separation charger 6. , a cleaning device 7, are provided. The photoreceptor drum 1 is provided with a photoreceptor layer on its surface, and this photoreceptor is uniformly charged by passing through the eraser lamp 2 and the charging charger 3, and receives image exposure from the optical system 10 to form a photoreceptor on its surface. An electrostatic latent image is formed. The optical system 10 is installed below the original glass 16 so as to be able to scan the original image, and is composed of a light source 17, movable mirrors 11, 12, and 13, a lens 14, and a mirror 15. The light source and the movable mirror 11 are set at (v/m) (however,
m: copying magnification), and the movable mirrors 12 and 13 are driven to move leftward at a speed of (v/2 m). The electrostatic latent image is developed by the next-stage developing device 4, and the toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor is transferred to a transfer charger onto copy paper that is conveyed by a timing roller 24 or the like in synchronization with this image forming operation. Transcribed by 5. The copy paper after the transfer is separated from the photoreceptor surface by a separation charger 6 and conveyed, and then transferred to a fixing device 8.
After the image is fixed by the printer, it is discharged onto the tray 9. On the other hand, the toner and charge remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the transfer are removed by the cleaning device 7 and the erase lamp 2, and the photosensitive drum 1 is ready for the next copying process. Copy paper is stored in a removable cassette 2 in the main body of the copier.
0a, 22a, first and second paper feed sections 20,
22 and a paper feed table 250 which also serves as a copying machine installation stand. Each paper feed section 2
0, 22, 30, 32 paper feed rollers 21, 23,
31 and 33 are selectively driven to feed into the machine. In addition, the cassettes 20a, 22a
Many paper feeding mechanisms using cassettes and the like in the paper feeding table 250 have already been proposed or provided, and the specific mechanisms themselves are not directly related to the present invention, so a description thereof will be omitted. . FIG. 2 shows a specific example of a mechanism for identifying the size of loaded copy paper in the first paper feed section 20. As shown in FIG. Note that the copy paper size identification mechanism will be described for the first paper feed section 20, but the second, third, fourth paper feed sections 22,
30 and 32 are also provided with substantially similar mechanisms. In the first paper feed section 20, switches 100, 101, 10 for outputting a size signal are installed on the copying machine main body side near the front end of the mounting position of the cassette 20a.
2 and 103 are disposed parallel to the cassette front end surface 20a-1 and at positions where they can be actuated by the cassette front end surface 20a-1. Then, the switches 100, 101,
In the part facing 102 and 103, there is a cassette 2.
0a is attached to the main body of the copying machine to form a cord part c for turning each switch on and off in a predetermined combination. Identify the size of the copy paper you are using. The cord portion c is associated with a control means described later so that, for example, when the concave portion faces the switch, the switch is not pressed and outputs “1”. It is possible to identify 2 ⁴ = 16 different sizes using the uneven pattern. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 2, the switches 103, 1
Look at 02, 101, 100 in order and output 0010. Note that the signal 1111 indicates that none of the switches have been pressed, and it is treated as if no cassette is attached to the paper feed section. In addition, as a means for coating and identifying the size of copy paper, there is a method using a magnet provided in a cassette, as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 132350/1983 (Japanese Patent Application No. 35450/1983). Alternatively, an optical mark consisting of a black and white pattern may be provided on the cassette, and this may be read by a photo sensor. The second, third, and fourth paper feed sections 22, 30, and 32 also have size identification mechanisms similar to those described above, and switches 104 to 107, 200 to 203, and 204, respectively.
~207. Furthermore, each paper feed section 20, 22, 30, 32 has
A so-called paper empty detection means is provided for detecting when the copy sheets held in the cassettes 20a, 22a, 30a, and 32a are exhausted. Regarding this paper empty detection means, for example, one that uses a light emitting element and a light receiving element arranged above and below the cassette to detect an empty state when the light receiving element detects light, or one that detects an empty state when the light receiving element detects light, or a method that detects an empty paper when the light receiving element detects light. Many methods have been proposed or provided, such as one in which the actuator of a switch is exposed to a hole or notch provided in a member, and an empty state is detected by switching the switch.
It will not be explained in detail here, but the switch ES1,
ES2, ES3, and ES4 are only shown, and in the following description, it is assumed that each switch is empty when it is off. Copying machine and paper feed tray 250 configured as above
are associated with a microcomputer system that controls each operation, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The first CPU 300 controls the operation of the copying machine, and includes operation keys such as a numeric keypad 301, a print key PS clear key CS, a priority size setting key 50, etc. on the operation panel of the copying machine (not shown), and an optical system 1.
0, a normal position switch 51 that detects the normal position, a timing switch 52 that outputs an operation signal for the timing roller 24, and copy paper size detection switches 100 to 10 in the above-mentioned first and second paper feeding sections.
7 and a group of detection switches such as empty detection switches ES1 and ES2, and further connected to a decoder 30.
3, and numeric keypad 30 in normal mode.
It is connected to a display device 302 that displays the numerical value input by 1 as the number of copies. Further, the first CPU 300 outputs operation control signals for each mode, clutch, charger, etc. in the copying machine, controls the above-mentioned image forming sequence, and also controls the operation of the battery-backed-up RAM 304 and paper feed tray 250. The two CPUs 400 are also connected via a bus line. The second CPU 400 operates the copy paper size detection switches 200 to 2 in the third and fourth paper feeding sections described above.
07, the empty detection switches ES3 and ES4 are connected, and a drive control signal for the paper feed rollers 31 and 33 of the third and fourth paper feed units is output. The first CPU 300 executes paper feed unit selection control and copying operation control shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 8 while exchanging signals with the second CPU 400. The control will be described below. explain. Incidentally, FIG. 9 is a time chart of the copying operation. FIG. 4 is a flowchart generally showing the flow of control in the first CPU 300. Step #1 indicates a CPU initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on. Step #2 is a subroutine that initializes the control state of the copying machine, and its details are shown in Figures 5a and 5a.
Shown in b. The initial settings executed in step #2 are variables that have been programmed in advance as standard conditions, such as displaying the number of copies to be "1," copying magnification to "equal magnification," and setting the light intensity of the exposure lamp to "standard." Read item data from ROM
In the present invention, the initial setting data regarding the "priority copy paper size" can be preset by the user or the like. This priority copy paper size preset is processed in the subroutine of step #5, the details of which are shown in FIG. In step #3, an internal timer is set to keep the processing time of the entire routine constant regardless of the processing content within the CPU. Step #4 shows a process of reading the on/off states of the various switch inputs shown in FIG. The read input state of the switch is used in the processing of the following steps. Switch inputs read into the second CPU 400 are transmitted to the first CPU 300 by interrupt. Steps #6 and #7 indicate the off-edge of various key (switch) inputs, that is, when the switch is opened after being closed, the auto-reset timer is set. This indicates that when the auto-reset timer completes, an initial setting (standardization) routine similar to step #2 above is executed. The auto-reset timer is also set in synchronization with the stop of the main motor upon completion of the copying operation in the copying operation control subroutine #10 shown in detail in FIG. Therefore,
The processing in steps #8 and #9 ensures that the control state of the copying machine is automatically initialized (auto-reset) if no operation is performed for a certain period of time after a key operation or after the end of a copying operation. It shows.
Although the auto-reset timer is not specifically shown in the flow chart, it is cleared if a key (switch) is input during counting, and is not set during a copying operation. In steps #11, #12, #13, step #3
The process waits for the internal timer set in step #3 to complete, and if the motor is being driven, waits for the output of a motor pulse that is synchronized with the drive, and returns to step #3. As a result, while the motor is driving, the processing by the CPU and the copying machine operation are synchronized, and when the motor is not driving, each of the above steps is looped at a constant cycle determined by the internal timer. is executed. FIGS. 5a and 5b show an initial setting routine executed upon power-on or upon completion of the auto-reset timer described above. Steps #201 and #202 indicate the process of setting the number of copies to be set to "1" and setting the copy magnification to "same size". In step #203, the content of the size memory that stores the priority copy paper size, which will be described later, is read, and if it is blank, that is, the priority size is not set, the process proceeds to step #213 regardless of whether a cassette is installed or the copy paper size, etc. 1 paper feed section 20 is selected, and if it is not blank, the process proceeds to step #204. The size code is RAM3 shown in Figure 3.
It is stored in 04. In steps #204 to #207, first, the size code of the cassette installed in the first paper feed section 20, 22 of the copying machine main body (read in step #4 in Fig. 4) and the stored size code are input. Compare the
If the codes match, the presence or absence of copy paper in the cassette 20a is determined based on the state of the switch ES1, and if it is empty, the same process is executed for the next second paper feed section 22. Through this process, if it is determined that copy paper of the stored size is loaded, the paper feed section is selected in step #213. Note that if copy paper cassettes of the same size are installed in the first and second paper feed sections, if both are empty and match the priority size, the first and second paper cassettes will be loaded.
Paper feed section 20 is selected preferentially. If the size codes of the cassettes loaded in the first and second paper feed sections 20 and 22 do not match the stored priority size code, or if they match but are empty, the process advances to step #208. In step #208, the paper feed tray 250 is connected,
It is determined whether the paper can be fed or not, and if not, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG. 5b. When the paper feed tray 250 is connected, the same process as the first and second paper feed units 20 and 22 described above is executed for the third and fourth paper feed units 30 and 32, and the copy paper of the priority size is If it is found, the paper feed section in which the copy paper is loaded is selected in step #213. If no copy paper of the priority size is found in steps #209 to #212, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG. 5b. The process shown in FIG. 5b is the same as the process shown in FIG. 5a except that the cassette is empty. That is,
In the process shown in FIG. 5a, even if a cassette matching the priority size is found, if the cassette is empty, another paper feeding section is searched, and the paper feeding section whose cassette is empty is not selected. On the other hand, the process shown in FIG. 5b is executed when the corresponding copy paper is not found in the process shown in FIG. If found, select that paper source in step #219. If the corresponding cassette is not loaded in any of the paper feed units, the first paper feed unit 20 is selected and the process is terminated. In the above process, when any paper feeding section is selected, the selected paper feeding section may be displayed by a paper feeding section display device shown at 305 in FIG. 3. As a display, a configuration may be used in which a number of light emitting elements corresponding to the number of paper feed sections are provided on the operation panel, and the light emitting elements are lit in correspondence with each paper feed section. At this time, if the cassette installed in the selected paper feed section is empty, an empty display shown at 306 in FIG. 3 may be activated together with the display of the paper feed section. For the display, a light emitting element for empty display may be provided on the operation panel, and the light emitting element may be turned on when the paper is empty, or the display on the paper feed section may be made to blink. Furthermore, when the first paper feed section 20 is selected (step #216 or #218NO) when no cassette set as the priority size is installed in any of the paper feed sections, 307 is shown in FIG. ``No priority size cassette'' may be displayed. This allows you to check if the set size cassette is not installed, or if the priority size is not memorized and the first
If the paper feed section 20 is selected (step #203YES) or if the first paper feed section 20 is selected because a cassette of the priority size is attached to the first paper feed section 20 (step #205) or step #214YES), and it is possible to notify the user of a situation in which the preferred size is not selected even though the preferred size has been set. FIG. 6 shows details of the priority size setting routine executed in step #5. This routine shows an example of processing for arbitrarily setting the size of copy paper to be preferentially selected in the initial setting routine executed in steps #2 and #9 described above. Block 1 is a priority size setting request switch 50
The process related to the operation is shown below. When the operation of the priority size setting request switch 50 is detected in step #501, the setting mode flag is determined in step #502. If the flag is "0", the process proceeds to step #503, and if the flag is "1", the process proceeds to step #503. Proceed to step #504. The priority size setting request switch 50 is operated by, for example, a key on an operation panel. Step #503 shows the process when entering the priority size setting mode, and sets the setting mode flag to “1”.
Then, "P" (ⓓ) is displayed on the 10th place display section 302a (see FIG. 3) of the display device 302, and the 1st place display section 302b is blanked to become ready for setting the priority size. Step #504 shows the process when the priority size setting mode is canceled (when returning to the normal mode), the setting mode flag is set to "0", and the display contents of the first place display section 302b of the display device 302 are changed.
It is stored in the RAM 304 as a priority size code, and the 10th place display section 302a is blank and the 1st place display section 302b is set to "1". The "1" displayed on the display device 302 at this time is "1" as the standard setting value for the number of copies. As described above, the RAM 304 is powered by a battery, and the stored priority size code is retained until a new priority size setting mode is executed. Block 2 shows processing related to the operation of the numeric keypad 301. When the numeric keypad 301 is operated, if the setting mode flag is "0", the input is treated as the normal number of copies, and the numerical values are displayed on the display device 302 in the order of input. When the setting mode flag is “1”, the numeric keypad input is from step #508.
Processed by #511. In step #508, subsequent processing is distinguished between when "1" is generally displayed on the first place display section 302b when a key is input, and when a blank or other numerical value is displayed. This is useful when specifying the preferred size, for example as shown in Table 1.
Since decimal numbers "0" to "13" are allowed to be input, if "1" is generally displayed, then if "0" to "3" are input next, each will be accepted. For convenience, "10" to "13" are A in hexadecimal,
This is to control so that B, C, and D are displayed, and in other cases, the input numerical value is simply displayed on the first place display section 302b. Therefore, the first place display section 302
Even if a value other than "1" is entered in b, it can be easily changed by operating the numeric keypad.

[Table] Note that the process in step #510 is performed on the first place display section 3.
When “1” is displayed in 02b, “0”
This means that values other than ``3'' are not accepted, but in this embodiment, ``4'' may also be accepted in step #510. Further, the characters "b" and "d" in step #511 are displayed in lowercase letters for convenience since a general-purpose 7-segment display device is used for display. The binary code shown in Table 1 corresponds to the size discrimination code provided on the cassette attached to each paper feed section, and this binary code is stored in the RAM 304. Furthermore, the three types of destinations shown in this table are selected depending on the destination of the product, such as Japan, America, Europe, etc., and are selected depending on the destination of the product, such as Japan, America, Europe, etc. It is selected by switching an appropriate switch. A specific example of the processing of block 1 and block 2 is as follows. For example, when setting "A4 vertical" (decimal code "5") as the priority size,

[Table] becomes. Also, when setting "A4 horizontal" (decimal code "11",

[Table] becomes. Block 3 in FIG. 6 shows the processing when the clear key CS is operated. When the clear key CS is operated, the display on the display device 302 returns to "1" in the normal mode, and returns to "P" and "(blank)", which are the preparation states, in the setting mode. FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically showing the processing in the second CPU 400. Here, the third and fourth paper feed units 30 and 32 are controlled while communicating with the first CPU 300 by interrupt. No.
The CPU 300 sends the size code of the cassette installed in the paper feed section and receives a paper feed start signal related to the copying operation. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of controlling the copying operation of the copying machine executed in step #10. This will be briefly explained with reference to the time chart shown in FIG. In block 10, print switch PS
When turned on, the main motor (not shown) that drives the photosensitive drum 1, the developing motor (not shown) that drives the developing device 4, and the transfer charger 5 of the charging charger 3 are operated, and a copying operation is also performed. The copy flag indicating that the motor is in operation and the motor pulse flag indicating that the motor is operating are set to "1", and the control timer T-
A, T-B are started, and the clutch of the paper feed roller of the paper feed unit selected from the first and second paper feed units is turned on. The operation of the third and fourth paper feeding sections is controlled by the second CPU. In block 11, it is determined that the timer TA has expired and the paper feed clutch is turned on. In block 12, it is determined that the timer T-B has expired, and a scan motor (not shown) for driving the scanning optical system 10 is turned on to start a scan operation. In block 13, when the switch 52 is actuated during the scan operation and a timing signal is output, processing is executed to turn on the clutch of the timing roller 24 and set the timer TC. The copy paper is conveyed by the timing roller 24 in synchronization with the image on the photosensitive drum 1. In block 14, it is determined that the timer TC has ended, and the charging, scan motor, and timing roller clutch are turned off. Note that the timer TC may be varied depending on the size of the copy paper used. In block 15, when the optical system returns to the normal position due to the return operation and the normal position switch 51 is turned on, the developing motor, transfer motor, and transfer charger 5 are turned off, and the copy flag is set to "0". , processing for setting timer T-D is executed. In block 16, it is determined that the timer TD has ended, the main motor is turned off, and the motor pulse flag is set to "0". Block 17 performs processing for various outputs. Note that the timers T-A to T-D, etc. explained in the above flowchart and time chart are counted up to "1" for one routine of processing executed within the time specified by the internal timer. It is a digital timer programmed as follows, and the time-up time is stored as numerical data. Effects As explained above, the present invention provides a copying machine in which one of a plurality of paper feed sections is selected and copy paper is sent out from the selected paper feed section to perform a copying operation. Discrimination means for detecting the type of a cassette that stores copy paper sent out from a paper section and determining the type of copy paper that can be stored in the cassette, and detecting that there is no copy paper stored in the cassette. an empty detection means, a storage means for storing a specific type of copy paper, and an auto-reset means for returning variable operation items to their standard states when the power is turned on or when the copying machine is left unused for a predetermined period of time;
When the auto-reset means executes the reset process, a cassette containing copy paper of the type stored in the storage means is searched for under the condition that the cassette is not empty, and if found, the cassette containing the cassette is searched. a first selection means for selecting a paper portion; and when the first selection means does not find a corresponding cassette, searches for a cassette containing copy paper of the stored type except for the above-mentioned condition of not being empty; , a second selection means for selecting a paper feed section having the cassette if found, and a display means for displaying the selected paper feed section and indicating that the cassette of the selected paper feed section is empty; Since the control device for a copying machine is characterized in that it is equipped with the following, a cassette corresponding to a specific type is always selected. In other words, even if a specific type of copy paper is not stored in any of the cassettes, the cassettes are searched and the paper source is selected with priority given to the type, so that copy paper of a type other than that stored in the storage means is stored. This prevents you from accidentally copying. Moreover, since it displays which paper feed section a specific type of cassette is installed in and whether it is empty, the user can easily determine the best paper feed section to replenish with copy paper. I can do it.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a sectional view showing the relationship between the paper feed stand and the copying machine, Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the mechanism for determining the cassette size, and Figure 3 is for controlling the copy machine and the paper feed stand. Circuit diagram showing the relationship between the microcomputer system and various input switches and displays, No. 4
FIG. 5 is a flowchart that generally shows the processing in the first CPU, FIGS. 5a and 5b are flowcharts that show details of the processing in the initial setting routine, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing in the second CPU, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the processing in the copying operation control routine, and FIG. 9 is a time chart of the copying machine operation. 20...First paper feeding section, 22...Second paper feeding section, 3
0...Third paper feed section, 32...Fourth paper feed section, 20
a, 22a, 30a, 32a...cassette, 10
0~103, 104~107, 200~203,
204-207...Size detection switch, ES1
~ES4...Empty detection switch, 300...
...1st CPU, 301...numeric keypad, 400...th
2CPU, 302...display section, 304...RAM,
306...Empty display.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. In a copying machine configured to select one of a plurality of paper feed units and feed copy paper from the selected paper feed unit to perform a copying operation, a discriminating means for detecting the type of a cassette that stores copy paper stored in the cassette, and determining the type of copy paper that can be stored in the cassette; and an empty detection means for detecting that the cassette has run out of copy paper. , a memory means for storing a specific type of copy paper, an auto-reset means for returning variable operation items to their standard states when the power is turned on or when the copying machine is left unused for a predetermined period of time, and a reset by the auto-reset means. When the process is executed, a cassette containing copy paper of the type stored in the storage means is searched for under the condition that the cassette is not empty, and if found, a paper feed unit containing the cassette is selected. 1
a selection means, and when the corresponding cassette is not found by the first selection means, searches for a cassette containing copy paper corresponding to the stored type except for the condition that it is not empty, and if it is found, the cassette is owned. A second selection means for selecting a paper feed unit; and a display unit for displaying the selected paper feed unit and indicating that the cassette of the selected paper feed unit is empty. A control device for a copying machine.