JPH052533Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] (a) Industrial application field This invention has a multiplex or double-sided copying mode, and also transfers the paper copied in the first copying process to the intermediate tray when executing the multiplex or double-sided copying mode. The present invention relates to an automatic double-sided copying machine that temporarily stores the paper and then feeds the paper again to a paper feed position of a copying process section using a paper feed roller.

(b) Prior Art In general, automatic double-sided copying machines have a two-sided copying mode in which copies are made on the back side of the paper that was copied in the first copying process, and a two-sided copying mode in which copies are made on the back side of the paper that was copied in the first copying process. Some cameras are equipped with a multiple copy mode.

In such an automatic double-sided copying machine, when executing the double-sided copying mode, it is necessary to reverse the paper surface facing the photoreceptor surface between the first copying process and the second copying process. Therefore, conventional automatic double-sided copying machines are provided with a sheet reversing means for reversing the sheet copied in the first copying process. FIG. 5 shows an example of a conventional automatic double-sided copying machine equipped with a paper reversing means. As shown in the figure, this copying machine is equipped with a main conveyance path from a paper feed section to a paper discharge section, a sub-conveyance means that connects the paper discharge section and a copy process section, and a paper reversing section on the sub-conveyance path. 71 and an intermediate tray 72 are provided.
The paper reversing section of the sub-transport path takes up space, so
It is provided in the sorter 73. The paper reversing section is activated when the double-sided copy mode is selected, thereby reversing the transported paper and storing it in the intermediate tray 72. Furthermore, when multiple copying mode is selected, this paper reversing section 71 is disabled, so that the transported paper is transferred to the intermediate tray 72 without passing through the paper reversing section.
to be stored.

The paper stored in the intermediate tray 72 in this way is transferred to the paper feed roller 74 when executing the multiple copy mode.
The paper is fed one by one by the photoconductor 7 in the copying process section.
When the double-sided copying mode is executed, the paper fed by the paper feed roller 74 is conveyed so that the first copy side faces the paper 5, and the back side of the first copy side faces the photoreceptor 75 of the copying process section. It is transported as follows.

(c) Problems to be solved by the invention However, in conventional automatic duplex copying machines, when the duplex copying mode is selected, a paper reversing section that inverts the paper copied in the first copying process and stores it in the intermediate tray is required. Since the sub-conveyance path is provided with a sub-conveyance path, there is a drawback that the configuration of the sub-conveyance path becomes complicated.
Further, since the paper reversing section is provided in the sub-transport path, the entire copying machine becomes large and takes up a lot of space.

The object of this invention is to provide an automatic double-sided copying machine that can shorten the sub-conveyance path and simplify its construction, and also make the entire copying machine compact.

(d) Means for solving the problem This invention is equipped with a copying process section and an intermediate tray inside the copying machine body, and uses a multiple copying mode in which multiple copies of images are formed on the same side of paper, or When a double-sided copy mode in which a copy image is formed on the back side is selected, the paper that has passed through the copying process section is conveyed to the intermediate tray and temporarily stored, and then the paper in the intermediate tray is fed to the copying process section. In an automatic double-sided copying machine that performs multiple copies or double-sided copies by performing copying processing on paper sheets, an intermediate tray is provided below the copying process section, and this intermediate tray is connected to the a first paper conveying means that divides the paper into a first intermediate tray and a second intermediate tray and stops the paper conveyed to the intermediate tray at the first intermediate tray; a second paper conveying means for causing the paper to pass through the first intermediate tray and stopping at the second intermediate tray; a paper guide for guiding stored paper or paper stored in a second intermediate tray toward the copying process section; and a paper guide for guiding the paper in the first intermediate tray to the first intermediate tray along the paper guide. a first paper feeding means that feeds paper in the same direction as the paper feeding direction to the tray; and a first paper feeding means that feeds paper from a second intermediate tray along the paper guide in a direction opposite to the paper feeding direction to the second intermediate tray. a second paper feeding means for feeding paper to the second paper feeder; further, when multiple copying mode is selected, the first paper transporting means and the first paper feeding means are enabled; The present invention is characterized in that a means for activating the paper conveying means and the second paper feeding means is provided.

(e) Operation In the automatic double-sided copying machine according to this invention, when the multiple copying mode is selected, copying processing is performed as follows. First, during the first copying process, an image is formed on one side (front surface) of a sheet of paper, and the sheet is sent to a first intermediate tray by a first sheet conveying means and stored in the first intermediate tray. When performing multiple copying of multiple copies, this operation is repeated and a plurality of copies of paper with an image formed on one side are stored in the first intermediate tray. When another image is to be synthesized on one side (front surface) of the paper, the paper is fed out one part at a time by the first paper feeding means. At this time, the paper in the first intermediate tray is fed out in the same direction as when it was fed in, so
The front and back sides of the paper remain as they are, and when the paper passes through the copying process section, an image is formed on one side (front side).

On the other hand, when the double-sided copy mode is selected, copy processing is performed as follows. First, an image is formed on the surface of a sheet of paper during the first copying process, and the sheet of paper is conveyed by a second sheet conveying means to a second intermediate tray through a first intermediate tray.
Stop at the second intermediate tray. Since the first intermediate tray and the second intermediate tray are originally one intermediate tray, and are simply divided into two in the sheet conveyance direction, the sheet is easily conveyed to the second intermediate tray. When double-sided copying is performed for a plurality of copies, the above operation is repeated, and a plurality of copies of paper with images formed on the surface are stored in the second intermediate tray. When copying is performed on the back side of the paper, the second paper feeding means feeds the paper stored in the second intermediate tray one by one.
At this time, the paper in the second intermediate tray is fed out in the opposite direction from when it was fed into the second intermediate tray, and the front and back sides of the paper are reversed.
Therefore, when this paper passes through the copying process section, an image is formed on the back side.

(f) Embodiment FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an automatic double-sided copying machine which is an embodiment of this invention. FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the intermediate tray and paper guide of the copying machine. FIG. 1C is a partial front view showing the paper guide and its surrounding area.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a document table 12 is provided on the top surface of the copying machine main body 10, and an original cover 13 is further provided on the top surface. Further, a photoreceptor drum 21 is provided at the center of the interior of the copying machine body 10, and a main charger 22, a developing device 23, a transfer charger 24, etc. are provided around the photoreceptor drum 21, and a copying process section 20 is configured. ing. Further, a light source (not shown), a mirror 31, a lens 3
An optical device 30 consisting of two components is provided. The lens 32 moves by a predetermined length in the L or M direction depending on the set magnification.

The surface of the original placed on the original table 12 is exposed to light by the light source of the optical device. Further, the reflected light passes through a mirror 31, a lens 32, etc., and is distributed onto the surface of the photoreceptor drum 21, as shown by the dashed line in the figure. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of the document is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. In the copying process section 20, this electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by a developing device 23, and then transferred onto a sheet of paper by a transfer charger 24.

On the right side of the copy process section 20, paper cassettes 41 and 42 and paper feed rollers 43 and 44 are provided, respectively, to constitute a paper feed section 40. Further, a paper conveyance path 51 and a fixing roller 52 are provided on the left side of the copying process section 20. Further, on the left side of the fixing roller 52, a paper ejection section 50 including a paper ejection roller 53, a flapper 54, and a paper ejection tray 55 is configured.

The paper fed from the paper feed section 40 is conveyed to the copy processing section at a predetermined timing and is copied.
Further, this paper is transferred to a fixing roller 5 in a paper transport path 51.
2, the image is fixed by a fixing roller 52, and then the paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray 55 by a paper discharge roller 52.
The flapper 54 is driven when multiplex or double-sided copying mode is selected, and guides the paper discharged by the paper discharge roller 53 to a lower paper conveyance path 6, which will be described later.

At the bottom of the copying machine main body 10, box-shaped intermediate trays 2 and 3 whose tops are open from the paper discharge section side and the paper feed section side are mounted so as to face each other at the center. Furthermore, a paper guide 1 is provided between the intermediate tray 2 and the intermediate tray 3 in the front-rear direction as shown in FIG. 1B. On the other hand, below the flapper 54 of the paper discharge section 50, a paper transport roller 6 including transport rollers 6a and 6b is provided. This paper transport path 6 transports the paper guided by the flapper 54 to the intermediate tray 2.

A solenoid 9 including a spring 11 and an actuator 9a is provided below the paper guide 1, as shown in FIG. 1C.

One end of the spring 11 is fixed to the back surface of the paper guide 1, and the other end is fixed to the lower surface of the copying machine main body. The springs 11 are disposed on both sides of the paper guide, at the front and rear sides, respectively. Further, one solenoid 9 is provided at each of the front and rear positions of the paper guide 1.

When multiple copying mode is selected, the solenoid 9
is set to on. At this time, the actuator 9a protrudes upward as shown in the figure. Also, the spring 11 is in a tensioned state. Further, when the double-sided copy mode is selected, the solenoid 9 is set to OFF. As a result, the actuator 9a is lowered downward, and at the same time, the paper guide 1 is pushed downward by the tensile force of the spring.

Further, above the paper guide 1, there is provided a paper transport path 8 having a pair of transport rollers 7 at its entrance. This paper conveyance path 8 is connected to intermediate trays 2 and 3.
This is a path for conveying the paper inside from the paper guide 1 to the paper feeding position of the copying process section. On the other hand, paper feed rollers 4 and 5, which are paper feeding means, are provided above the intermediate tray 2 and the intermediate tray 3, respectively. Support arms 4b and 5b are provided on the sides of the paper guides of the paper feed rollers 4 and 5, respectively, and are swingably supported on the rotation shafts of the paper feed rollers 4 and 5. Feeding rollers 4a and 5b each having a rotatably supported shaft are provided.

The feeding roller 4 and the feeding roller 4a are enabled to be driven when the multiple copying mode is selected.
In addition, when the print key is operated, if paper that has been copied on one side is stored in the intermediate tray 2, the support arm 4
b swing downward (in the direction of arrow A), and feed roller 4.
and simultaneously rotate the feed roller 4a counterclockwise. As a result, the paper is fed into the paper transport path 8 from the left side of the paper guide 1.

Also, the paper feed roller 5 and the feed roller 5a
If the drive is enabled when the double-sided copy mode is selected and the paper that has been copied on one side is stored in the intermediate tray 3 when the print key is operated, the support arm 5b will swing downward (in the direction of arrow B) and the paper will be fed. The paper roller 5 and the feed roller 5a are simultaneously rotated clockwise. This will cause the paper to move to paper guide 1.
The paper is fed to the paper conveyance path 8 from the right side of the paper.

Next, the control section of the copying machine will be explained. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control section of the automatic double-sided copying machine.

Overall control is performed by the CPU 61.
The control program is written in the ROM 65 in advance. When the program is executed, the RAM 66 is used as a working area, etc., to which flags are assigned to distinguish between single-sided copy mode and multiple copy mode, or between multiple copy mode and double-sided copy mode in multiple copy mode. Copy data is sent to the CPU 61 from the operation panel 64 to the panel control section 63 and I/0 port 62.
Input via . This copy data includes selection codes for hyperactive copy mode and double-sided copy mode, the number of copies, and the like. On the other hand, drive data is output from the CPU 61 to the solenoid driver 68 via the I/0 port 67. The solenoid driver 68 drives the solenoid 69 based on the signal output from the I/0 port 67 when either the multiple copy mode or the double-sided copy mode is selected.
Operate the flapper 54 shown in Figure A. Among these copy modes, when the double-sided copy mode is selected, the solenoid 9 is turned off, and the actuator 9a, which pushes up the paper guide shown in FIG. 1C from below,
lower. As a result, the paper guide 1 is pushed down by the spring 11.

Further, the motor driver 100 drives the motor _M1 to rotate the conveyance rollers 6a and 6b of the paper conveyance circuit 6 based on the signal output from the I/0 port 67 when either the multiple copy mode or the double-sided copy mode is selected. let

3A and 3B are flowcharts showing the operation of the automatic double-sided copying machine. FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are front sectional views of main parts showing the operation of feeding paper from the intermediate tray when multiple copying mode and duplex copying mode are executed.

The operation of the automatic double-sided copying machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, B and 4A, B, and C.

As shown in FIG. 3A, when the power is turned on, warming-up is performed at step n1 (hereinafter step ni will simply be referred to as ni). Wait for the warming-up to finish on n2. After this, when warming-up is completed, key reading is performed and copy data is input (n3). At this time, it is determined whether the multiple copy mode has been selected (n4). When the multiple copy mode is not selected (normal single-sided copy mode), when the print key is operated, paper is fed from the paper feed section 40 and the copying process is performed (n5→n6→n7). When the copying process is completed, it is determined again whether the multiple copying mode is selected, and if the normal single-sided copying mode is selected, the solenoid SL1 is turned off.
As a result, the flapper 54 shown in FIG. 1A is turned off and the paper is sent to the paper discharge tray 55, and the single-sided copying operation is completed (n8→n9→n10).

Next, copying operations when multiple copying mode or double-sided copying mode is selected will be explained.

(1) In the case of multiple copy mode If it is determined at n8 of FIG. 3A that the multiple copy mode is selected, the process skips to n13. At n13, turn on solenoid SL1. This turns on the flapper 54 and guides the paper to the paper transport path 6. Also, at this time, the conveyance paths 6a and 6b of the paper conveyance path 6 are driven. As a result, the single-sided copied paper is transported from the paper transport path 6 to the intermediate tray 2 with its copy side facing down. At this point, it is determined again whether this copy mode is the double-sided copy mode. In the multiple copying mode, when the print key is operated (n15), the paper in the intermediate tray 2 is fed to the copying process section. FIG. 4A shows this paper feeding state.

As shown in the figure, if paper is stored in the intermediate tray 2 when the print key is operated, the support arm 4
b in the direction of arrow A to rotate the paper feed roller 4 and feed roller 4a counterclockwise at the same time. As a result, the paper in the intermediate tray is guided by the left side of the paper guide 1 and fed to the paper transport path 8. This paper is conveyed to the copying process section by conveyance rollers 7.

By feeding the paper in this manner, the copy side of the single-sided copied paper is aligned with the photoreceptor drum 21 of the copying process section.
Multiple copies are made on one side. Thereafter, the paper on which multiple copies have been made is discharged to a paper discharge tray 55 by a paper discharge roller 53. After this, it returns to n3 and waits for the key to be read.

(2) In the case of double-sided copy mode When the double-sided copy mode is selected, when it is determined in n11 of FIG. 3A that the double-sided copy mode is selected, the solenoid SL2 is turned off.
(n12). When the solenoid SL2 is turned off, the actuator 9a is housed within the solenoid body, as shown in FIG. 4B. As a result, the paper guide 1 is pushed down by the spring. When the print key is operated, first copying is performed in the same manner as the one-sided copying operation described above (n5→n6→n7). After this, it is determined whether the multiple copying mode is selected. When this double-sided copying mode is selected, the solenoid SL1 is turned on (n13) and the conveyance rollers 6a and 6b of the paper conveyance path 6 are driven, as in the case of the multiple copy mode described above. As a result, the paper on which the first copy has been made is conveyed to the intermediate tray 2 with the copy side facing down (n13). Next, the double-sided copy mode is determined again (n14). If it is determined that the double-sided copy mode is selected, the process skips to n20, and the paper feed roller 4 and the repeating roller 4a are driven. As a result, the paper in intermediate tray 2 is conveyed to intermediate tray 3 (n20).

FIG. 4B shows this state of paper conveyance.
In the same figure, when paper is conveyed, the paper feed roller 4 and the feed roller 4a rotate simultaneously in the counterclockwise direction, similar to the operation shown in FIG. 4A, and
Support arm 4b is lowered in the direction of arrow A. At this time, since the paper guide 1 is pushed down at n12, the paper is conveyed beyond the paper guide 1 into the intermediate tray 3. Next, when all the sheets are conveyed to the intermediate tray 3, the solenoid SL2 is turned on and the sheet guide 1 is pushed upward by the actuator 9a (n21→n22). When the print key is further operated, as shown in FIG. do. That is, if paper is being conveyed into the intermediate tray when the print key is operated, the paper feed roller 5 and feed roller 5a are rotated clockwise, and the support arm 5b is swung in the direction of arrow B. As a result, the paper in the intermediate tray 3 is conveyed from the trailing edge of the paper along the right side of the paper guide 1 to the paper feeding position of the copying process section 20 by the paper feeding roller 5 and the repeating roller 5a. As a result, the paper is transported in the opposite direction to the transport direction when it was stored in the intermediate tray 3, and the paper is reversed and transferred to the copying process section 2.
The photoreceptor drum 21 is conveyed with the back side of the first copy side facing it. As a result, this paper is copied on both sides by the copying process section 20. After this, this paper is ejected to the paper ejection section (n25→n26→
n27).

In this way, the automatic double-sided copying machine of this embodiment uses the transport rollers 6a and 6b of the paper transport path, the paper feed roller 4 and the paper feed means that feed the paper in the intermediate tray 2 when the multiple copy mode is selected. Since the driving of the roller 4a is enabled repeatedly, the paper that has been copied in the first copying process is conveyed from the paper discharge section 50 by a U-turn to the intermediate tray 2, and then the paper is transferred from the paper guide 1 to the copying process section. Paper is fed to the paper feeding position. Due to this paper feeding, the first copy surface faces the photosensitive drum 21, allowing multiple copies to be made.

Further, when the double-sided copying machine mode is selected, the conveyance rollers 6a, 6 of the paper conveyance path 6, which serves as a paper conveyance means for feeding paper to the intermediate tray 3, which is the second intermediate tray.
b. The paper feed roller 4 and feed roller 4a are driven to transport the paper once to the second tray, and then the paper guide 1 is lowered downward;
The paper that has been copied in the copying process section for the second time is made a U-turn from the paper discharge section 50 and is conveyed to the intermediate tray 3. Furthermore, the paper in the intermediate tray 3 is fed from the paper guide 1 to the paper feeding position of the copying process section. At this time, since the intermediate tray 3 is provided on the paper feed unit side with the paper guide as a reference, the paper is reversed by this paper feed, and the back side of the first copying machine side faces the photoreceptor drum 21, so that both sides Can make copies. Therefore, when executing the double-sided copying mode, there is an advantage that there is no need to provide a conventional sheet reversing section in the sub-transport path. Moreover, since the sub-conveyance path is short, there is an advantage that the entire copying machine can be made compact.

(g) Effect of the invention As described above, according to this invention, there is a paper transport means that transports paper to the first intermediate tray when multiple copying mode is selected, and a paper feeder that feeds the paper in the first intermediate tray. Since the means has been activated, the paper that has been copied in the first copying process makes a U-turn from the paper output unit and is conveyed to the first intermediate tray, and then the paper is transferred from the paper guide to the paper feed position of the copying process unit. Paper is fed to As a result, the first copying surface of the paper faces the photoreceptor of the copying process section, allowing multiple copies to be made.

In addition, when double-sided copying mode is selected, the paper transport means that transports the paper to the second intermediate tray and the paper feed means that feeds the paper in the second intermediate tray are enabled, so that copies are not made in the first copying process. The paper is conveyed through a U-turn from the paper discharge section to the second intermediate tray, and then the paper is fed from the paper guide to the paper feeding position of the copying process section. In this case, the second intermediate tray is provided on the paper feeding unit side of the copying machine with the paper guide as a reference, so the paper feeding means for feeding paper from the second intermediate tray is located inside the second intermediate tray. Feed paper from the trailing edge of the paper. As a result, the back side of the copy surface copied in the first copying process faces the photoreceptor of the copying process section, making double-sided copying possible.

Therefore, there is no need to provide a sheet reversing section in the sorter and take up a large space in the sub-transport path, as in the conventional case. Furthermore, the sub-conveyance path is short, and since there is no sheet reversing section, the structure is simplified, and the entire copying machine can be made more compact.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1A is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of an automatic double-sided copying machine that is an embodiment of this invention. FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the intermediate tray and paper guide of the copying machine. FIG. 1C is a partial front view showing the paper guide and its surrounding area. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control section of the copying machine. Figures 3A and 3B are flow charts showing the operation of the copying machine, and Figures 4A and 4B are flowcharts showing the operation of the copying machine.
B and C are main part front sectional views showing the operation of feeding paper from the intermediate tray when multiple copying mode and double-sided copying mode are executed. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conventional automatic double-sided copying machine. 1...Paper guide, 2...First intermediate tray,
3...Second intermediate tray, 4...Paper feed roller, 4
a... Feeding roller (paper feeding means), 5... Paper feeding roller, 5a... Feeding roller (paper feeding means),
6... Paper conveyance path, 6a, 6b... Conveyance roller (paper conveyance means), 7... Conveyance roller (paper feeding means),
20... Copying process section, 40... Paper feeding section, 50
... Paper ejection section.

Claims (1)

[Claims for Utility Model Registration] A multi-copy mode in which a copying process unit and an intermediate tray are provided in the main body of a copying machine to form multiple copies of images on the same side of paper, or copy images are formed on the front and back sides of paper. When the double-sided copy mode is selected, the paper that has passed through the copying process section is conveyed to the intermediate tray and temporarily stored, and then the paper in the intermediate tray is fed to the copying process section and the paper is subjected to copy processing. In an automatic double-sided copying machine that performs multiple copying or double-sided copying by performing a first paper conveyance means that divides the paper into an intermediate tray and stops the paper conveyed to the intermediate tray on the first intermediate tray; A second paper conveying means is provided between the first intermediate tray and the second intermediate tray to allow the paper to pass through and stop at the second intermediate tray, and the paper stored in the first intermediate tray or the second a paper guide for guiding the paper stored in the second intermediate tray toward the copying process section; and a paper guide for guiding the paper in the first intermediate tray to the first intermediate tray along the paper guide. a first paper feeding means for feeding paper in the same direction; and a second paper feeding means for feeding paper from a second intermediate tray along the paper guide in a direction opposite to the paper feeding direction to the second intermediate tray. a paper feeding means; further, when multiple copying mode is selected, the first paper transporting means and the first paper feeding means are enabled, and when double-sided copying mode is selected, the second paper transporting means and the second paper feeding means are enabled; An automatic double-sided copying machine characterized by being provided with means for activating a paper feeding means.