JPS63287868A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent mis-copying by changing over a copying operation to a one-sheet feed mode of originals and executing the copying operation with a copying device body when the length in the conveying direction of a 1st sheet of an original is larger than half the length of the entire exposing region. CONSTITUTION:This copying device is provided with an automatic original conveyor 100 which selects the two-sheets feed mode of the originals, photosensors SE2, SE3, SE5 which are the means for detecting the sizes of the originals, and a control means (2nd CPU) 202 which changes over the copying operation to the one-sheet feed mode and executes the copying operation with the copying device body when the length in the conveying direction of the 1st sheet of the original detected by the photosensors SE2, SE3, SE5 is larger than half the length of the entire exposing region. The original of the size with which an image cut or void arises in two-sheets feeding is automatically copied in the one sheet mode only. The mis-copying is thus surely prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a copying apparatus equipped with an automatic document feeder capable of feeding, stopping, and ejecting documents onto a platen.

In recent years, automatic document feeders (ADF )
Various types of copying machines have been developed and put into practical use. If this type of ADF is a way to reduce the indirect costs (time and effort) related to copying, the direct costs (consumables such as copy paper and toner) can be reduced by converting two originals into one copy paper on both sides. There are methods such as double-sided copying, in which two originals are copied onto one side of copy paper the size of one original (two-original single-sided copying), and the like. In the former case, double-sided copying requires only one sheet of copy paper, but requires two sheets of toner. On the other hand, the latter one-sided copying of two originals is economical since only one sheet of copy paper and toner is required. Furthermore, by combining the two, it is possible to copy four originals onto both sides of one sheet of copy paper, which is extremely economical.

By the way, various ADFs that have been provided so far are
The originals are conveyed one by one onto the platen glass, and in order to make single-sided copies of two originals, the operator must line up the originals one by one on the glass platen, which does not improve the time and effort required. .

As a measure to improve these issues, ADFs that can feed two originals in parallel in the transport direction onto the document table glass are proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 60-2942, No. 60-84945, and No. 60-8494. It is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 93462.

However, in copiers equipped with these ADFs, when the two-sheet feeding mode of the original is selected, the length of the first original in the transport direction is the entire exposure area [one part of the area where the original image can be scanned by the optical system]. If it is larger than /2, when two originals are placed side by side on the original platen glass, the total length of the original may be larger than the total exposure area, and in that case, what kind of copying magnification should be used? Even with this setting, two sheets of original images cannot fit on one sheet of copy paper, resulting in erroneous copies with cut-off images.

Therefore, regarding the size of the manuscript,
As disclosed in Publication No. 62, there are first sizes such as A4 landscape, B5 landscape, letter size landscape, and A5 in which two sheets can be placed on the platen glass, and longitudinal sizes such as A4 portrait and B5 portrait. a second size placed in alignment with the document conveyance direction;
Sizes such as A3, B4, legal size, and leisure size that allow only one sheet to be placed on the platen glass.
It is known that an operator can select on an operation panel.

However, it is cumbersome for the operator to input the document size one by one, and it is not possible to reliably prevent copying errors due to carelessness.

Moreover, if A4 landscape and A3 portrait documents are mixed, one set of two A4 landscape documents should be reduced and copied onto 11 sheets of A4 portrait paper, and Please only submit one manuscript [
You may want to make a reduced copy on 11 A4 sheets of copy paper. It is an object of the present invention to satisfy such demands and to reliably prevent copy errors due to image cuts.

In order to solve the above problems, the copying apparatus according to the present invention has the following features: (i) JjX document feeding feeding section The two documents sent out are placed at a predetermined position on the platen in the conveying direction. A copying apparatus equipped with an automatic document feeder that is stopped in parallel with the document feeder and that is capable of ejecting the document from the platen after the exposure operation is completed, the copying device comprising: (i) means for selecting a two-sheet feeding mode for the document; , (i)
(iv) a means for detecting the size of the yX document, and (iv) a length in the conveyance direction of the first document detected by the detection means during execution in the two-sheet feed mode is less than 1/2 of the total exposure area; The present invention is characterized by comprising: a control means for switching to a single-sheet feeding mode for a document and executing a copying operation in the main body of the copying apparatus when the document is large.

In the above configuration, when executing in 2-sheet feeding mode, 1
The size of the first and second document is automatically detected, and
If the length of the first document in the conveying direction is larger than 1/2 of the total exposure area, the mode is switched to the single document feed mode and the copying operation is executed in the main body of the copying apparatus. As a result, large-sized originals that would cause image cuts or blank spaces when feeding two sheets can be automatically copied using only one sheet, and erroneous copying can be reliably prevented.

Embodiments of a copying apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Schematic structure and operation of copying machine] In Fig. 1, the copying machine main body (1) is installed on a paper refeeding path box (60), with a paper feeding section on the left side and a duplex/combining unit (70) on the right side. ) and sorter (90) have been installed.

A photoreceptor drum (10
) is installed so that it can be rotated in the direction of arrow (a) at a constant circumferential speed (V). Around this photoreceptor drum (10), there is a main eraser (11) and a charger (12).
), sub-eraser (13), magnetic brush developing device (
14), transfer charger (15), sheet separation charger (16), blade type cleaning device (17)
are arranged sequentially. The photosensitive drum (10) has a well-known photosensitive layer on its surface, and as it rotates in the direction of arrow (a), a main eraser (11
), the charger (12) and the sub-eraser (13) remove static electricity, charges, and unnecessary parts, and the optical system (20)
The electrostatic latent image formed on the surface is converted into a toner image by a developing device (14).

The optical system (20) is installed below the document table glass (19) so that the document image can be scanned, and includes an exposure lamp (21),
It consists of a first mirror (22), a second mirror (23), a third mirror (24), a projection lens (25), and a fourth mirror (26). The exposure lamp (21) and the first mirror (22) are integrally formed into a block, and the photoreceptor drum (
10) It is possible to move in the direction of the arrow (b) at a speed of (V/m: m is the copying magnification) with respect to the circumferential speed (V) (constant regardless of whether the magnification is the same or variable magnification). The second mirror (23) and the third mirror (24) are integrally formed into a block and are movable in the direction of arrow (b) at a speed of (V/2m). Note that when changing the copy magnification, the lens (25) moves on the optical axis, and the fourth mirror (26) moves and swings to correct the optical path.

Copy paper is stored in a fixed automatic paper feed cell (30) installed on the left side of the copying machine main body (1) and a removable automatic paper feed cassette (35). By selectively rotating the rollers (31) and (36), sheets are fed one by one. Further, the upper surface of the cassette (30) is a manual paper feeding section (32) from which copy sheets can be fed one by one. Copy paper fed from the cassette (30) and its manual paper feed section (32) is conveyed through a pair of conveyance rollers (33) to a pair of timing rollers (40), and the copy paper fed from the cassette (35) is The paper is conveyed directly to the timing roller (40), where it is temporarily put on standby. For copy paper, use timing rollers (4
0), the toner is sent to the transfer section in synchronization with the image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum (10), is brought into close contact with the photoreceptor drum (10), and is transferred by the corona discharge of the transfer charger (15). The image is transferred and the separate charger (16)
The sheet is separated from the photoreceptor drum (10) by the alternating current corona discharge and the strength of the sheet itself. Thereafter, the copy paper is sucked onto a conveyor belt (41) equipped with an air suction means (42) and sent to a fixing device (43), where the toner image is fixed, and then discharged from a pair of discharge rollers (44). be done.

On the other hand, the toner and charge remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum (10) after the transfer are removed by a cleaning device (17) and a main eraser (11), and the photosensitive drum (10) is ready for the next copying process.

[Detection of copy paper size] Micro switches (SWl) to (SW4) are installed in the paper feed section.
).

(sws), (sws) ~ (sws), (swxo
> is set and teed.

SW (SWI) ~ (SW4), (SW6) ~
(SW9) is turned on and off according to the position of the copy paper width direction regulating plate, etc., and the cassettes (35) and (30) are turned on and off based on the 4-bit code corresponding to the combination of on and off.
) is the size of the copy paper loaded in the machine and the length of the paper in the paper feed direction.

Detects which direction it is installed horizontally.

The sizes that can be copied with this copying machine, that is, the sizes of copy paper that can be set in each cassette (30) and (35), are, for example, [A3], [A4], [A5], and [A6].

[B11. [B11. [B6, [A4], [A
5].

[For B11, vertical or horizontal can be selected. Further, the switches (SWl) to (SW4) also detect attachment and detachment of the cassette (35). Table 1 below shows an example of a code table for switches (SWI) to (SW4).

In this table 1, the on state of the switch is represented by l''O4, and the off state is represented as "1", and when all the switches are off, it means that the cassette (35) is not installed in the paper feed section. In addition, the switch of the current group (SW6) ~
(SW9) also performs similar detection.

Also, a micro switch (SW5) is provided in each paper feed section.

(SWIO) are cassettes (35) and (30
) directly detects the presence or absence of copy paper.

[See below: Table 1 [Mechanism and paper feed for double-sided/composite copying] The duplex/composite unit 1-(70) consists of a first switching claw (71), a second switching claw (72), discharge roller (73).

(74), conveyance rollers (75), (76), guide plates located around them and forming a conveyance path, and a paper refeeding device (80).
A sorter (90) is installed.

The paper refeeding device (80) is a removable paper refeeding cassette (81).
) and is used for both storing and refeeding sheets, a pickup roller (85), a storage roller (86) that contacts and rotates driven by the roller (85), and a feeding roller (87).
, and a Sabaki roller (88). The paper refeed cassette (81) includes a bottom plate (82) that is rotatable about the rear end (82a), and the bottom plate (82) can be rotated from the dotted line position to the solid line position by a push-up mechanism (not shown). It is.

The paper refeeding path box (60) has a conveyor roller pair (61)
.

(62), (63) and guide plates located around them to form a seat passage. The sheet sent out from the unit (70) is conveyed through one pair of conveyance ports (61), (62), and (63), and then passed through the guide plates (48) and (49) of the copying machine body (1). , and are conveyed to the timing roller pair (40).

Paper passing modes in the duplex/combining unit (70) include a discharge mode, a duplex copying mode, and a composite copying mode, and the paper passing mode in each mode is a switching claw (71>).

It is changed by switching the position of (72).

That is, in the ejection mode, the switching claw (71) is set to the position shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1, and the copy paper is ejected to the sorter bin (91). When in double-sided copy mode, the switching claw (71)
(72) is set at the solid line position, and the copy paper that has been copied on one side is fed into the paper refeed cassette (81) as described above. In the composite copy mode, the switching claw (72) is set to the dotted line position, and the copy paper that has been copied on one side is immediately conveyed to the paper refeed path box (60).

[Automatic document feeder (ADF) configuration and operation code A D
F (100) is generally composed of a document feeding section (110), a document conveying section (120), and a document discharging section (130), and can be opened upward as a whole with the rear as a fulcrum. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 1, this A D F (100) is set on the document platen glass (19), and the document is read one by one or two documents in succession as explained below. In addition to automatically transporting the document and setting it in a predetermined position on the document glass (19), the operator can lift the document upward and place it on the document glass (19) to perform copying. . The opening and closing of the ADF (100) is detected by a switch (PSW) (see FIG. 7), and the control of the ADF (100) and the copying machine main body (1) are related to each other based on this detection signal.

The document feeding section (110) includes a document tray (111), a pickup roller (112), a forward rotation roller (113) and a reverse rotation roller (114) for handling documents, and each roller (112), (113). , (114), and a document detection sensor (SEI).
It is equipped with. The document tray (111) has a slide plate (not shown) that positions the document in the width direction. The original is set on the original tray (111) with the image side facing down, and this state can be detected by a sensor (SEI).

The pickup roller (112) is movable up and down, and is normally waiting at the top. The original is in the original tray (111)
When the sensor (SEL) is set in , feeds the top layer original by rotating.

The forward rotation roller (113) rotates in the document feeding direction, and the reverse rotation roller (113) rotates in the document feeding direction.
114) can be rotationally driven in the document return direction, and as mentioned above, together with the pickup roller (112), both rollers (
113) and (114) are rotationally driven, and only the upper original is sent to the original transport unit (120) by the rotation of the forward rotation roller (113), and the lower original is sent to the original by the rotation of the reverse rotation roller (113).
14), the document is returned to the document tray (111).

The document transport section (120) has pinch rollers (121), (
122) and its drive motor (123) (see FIG. 2), a conveyance belt (125) and its drive motor (not shown), and document detection sensors (SE2) and (SE3).

The conveyor belt (125) has support rollers (126a), (
12sb) stretched in an endless manner, with a presser roller (
127) in contact with the original platen glass (19),
It can be driven forward and backward in the direction of arrow (c).

That is, when the sensor (SE2) detects the leading edge of the document sent out from the document feeding section (110), the rotation of the pickup roller (112), forward/reverse rollers (113), and (114) starts with a slight time delay. The document is stopped, and the leading edge of the document contacts the nip portion of the pinch rollers (121) and (122), forming a loop on the upstream side thereof. With this,
The skew of the original is corrected.

Furthermore, the original is placed on pinch rollers (121) and (122).
The document is conveyed onto the document table glass (19) by the rotation of the document and the normal rotation of the conveyor bell 1-(125) in the direction of arrow (c). Stopping of the document is controlled by setting a timer when the trailing edge of the document is detected by the sensor (SE2), and stopping normal rotation of the conveyor belt (125) when the timer expires. With this, the original is stopped at a predetermined position on the original platen glass (19).

Here, from A D F (100) to the copying machine body (1)
A copying operation start signal is output to the copying machine main body (1).
The copy operation starts. and the optical system (20)
When the image exposure scanning for the set number of sheets is completed, a document exchange signal is output from the copying machine main body (1) to the ADF (100). At this signal, the conveyor belt (125
) is driven forward in the direction of arrow (e), and the original is ejected.

By the way, as shown in Fig. 2, the length of the original is determined by the disc (1) fixed to the spindle (121a) of the pinch roller (121).
24) is measured using a pulse signal from a sensor (SE5) based on the rotation. That is, the output of the sensor (SE5) is sent to the sensor (SE2) that detects the passage of the original and the pinch roller (1).
21) and input it to the second microcomputer (202) (see Figure 7), and count the number of pulses while the original passes through the sensor (SE2). , the manuscript is getting a long signal.

Further, the width of the document is detected and classified by the sensor (SE3). In this example, this sensor (SE3) is [A
4 ], [B 5 ] is detected (on) when the document is fed horizontally, and is set at a position where it is not detected (off) when the document is fed vertically. As a result, it is not possible to determine the document length using only the document length signal [A4, [A5].
], [B4, [B6], etc. and whether they are vertical or horizontal are identified.

The document ejection section (130) has an ejection roller (131), <1
32) and (133), (134), the surrounding guide plate, the discharge tray (135), and each roller (131) to
(134) drive motor (not shown) and a document detection sensor (SE4).

When the optical system (20) completes image exposure scanning for the number of copies and a document exchange signal is output from the copying machine main body (1), the conveyor belt (125) is driven to rotate in the normal direction, and
The rollers (131) to (134) are driven to rotate, and the original is ejected from the original platen glass (19) to the ejection tray (135). The document ejecting operation is stopped after a certain period of time from the document trailing edge detection signal from the sensor (SE4), that is, when the document is accommodated on the discharge tray (135).

Furthermore, when the sensor (SE, 4) generates a document trailing edge detection signal, the presence or absence of a document on the document tray (111) is determined based on the signal from the sensor (SEL), and if a document is set, , repeat the above-mentioned document feeding, stopping, and ejecting operations.

[Operation in 2-sheet original feeding mode] In this embodiment, A D F (100) feeds 1 original.
Place the sheets one by one in the specified position on the document table glass (19),
In addition to the normal single-sheet feeding mode in which the image is exposed and scanned and then ejected, two originals are successively fed onto the original platen glass (19) and set in series at a predetermined position.
It is possible to select a two-sheet feed mode in which the image is ejected after exposure scanning is completed.

(i) [Document Feeding Operation] Below, the document feeding operation when the two-sheet feeding mode is selected will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3a to 31.

The 2-sheet feed mode is selected, and the ADF start switch (
When SSW) is turned on, the originals fully stacked on the original tray (111) are fed from the top layer original (Dl) by rotation of the pickup roller (112), and as described above, the originals stacked on the original tray (111) are fed from the top layer original (Dl) to the forward/reverse roller (113). , (114) and sent out from the feeding section (110) (see Fig. 3a).

The leading edge of the first document (Dl) sent out in this manner comes into contact with the nip portion of the pinch rollers (121) and (122), and forms a loop on the upstream side thereof (see FIG. 3b).

Hereinafter, this process will be referred to as tip resist process.

Next, the pinch rollers (121>, (122) are driven to rotate, and the conveyor belt (125) is driven to rotate forward in the direction of the arrow (C), so that the original is transferred to the original platen glass (19).
) (see Figure 3C).

After that, the rear end of the document (Dl) is moved to the pinch roller (121).
.

(122), pinch roller (121),
(122) and conveyor bell)-(125) are stopped (see Figure 3d).

Next, the conveyor belt (125) is reversely driven in the direction of the arrow (C'), and the rear end of the document (Dl) is moved to the pinch roller (121).
.

Stop it in contact with the nip part of (122) (
(See Figure 3e). Hereinafter, this process will be referred to as trailing edge registration process.

While the first document (Dl) has been processed with trailing edge registration, the second document (D2) is transferred from the document tray (111).
), perform the edge registration process (see Figure 3g), so that the two originals < D
I), (D2) are pinch rollers (121), (1
At step 22), the rear end and the front end have been continuously arranged side by side in a registered state.

In this state, the pinch rollers (121), (122) and the conveyor belt (125) are driven in normal rotation, and the original (Di),
(D2) is simultaneously conveyed onto the document table glass (19) (see Fig. 3h). The rear end of the second document (D2) is at a predetermined position on the document table glass (19), that is, the optical system (20)
When the exposure start position is reached, the pinch roller (121
), (122) and the rotational drive of the conveyor belt (125) are stopped (see FIG. 31). With this, two manuscripts (
Di) and (D2) are set in a predetermined position on the original table glass (19)-H in a state where they are successively lined up in series in the conveying direction.

(i) In the two-sheet feed mode, which is more than the original ejection operation, the two originals are placed side by side without any gaps, so if the second original is ejected in this state, the leading edge of the second original will be the same as the first. You will have to push the rear end,
There is a possibility that the alignment or page alignment on the output tray (135) may be disturbed.

Therefore, in the two-sheet feed mode, two 120-page originals are ejected onto the ejection tray (135) with a gap between them.
The alignment of the documents on the discharge tray (135) is ensured. There are two methods for such document ejection processing.

In the first document ejection process, the first document is
31), (132), the conveyor belt (12)
5) Allow normal rotation to stop and place the second document on the platen glass (
19) This is a method in which the conveyor belt (125) is rotated in the normal direction again after the conveyor belt (125) is placed on standby and an appropriate distance is left between the two.

Specifically, the transport bell (125) is driven to rotate in the normal direction in response to the original exchange signal, and the ejection rollers (131) to (134) are driven to rotate in the normal direction.
) (see Figure 4a). With this, the manuscript (
Di), (D2) begin to be discharged in the direction of arrow (c),
When the leading edge of the first document (Dl) is detected by the sensor (SE4>), the forward rotation of the conveyor belt (125) is stopped (see Figure 4b).From this state, the first document (Dl) is Dl
) is subsequently conveyed by discharge rollers (131) to (134), and the second document (D2) is transferred to the document table glass (19).
), and a gap is left between them (the fourth
(See Figures 0 and 4d).

When the rear end of the first document (Dl) is detected by the sensor (SE4), the conveyor belt (125) is again driven in normal rotation (see Figure 4e), and the two documents (DI>, ( D2) are discharged onto the discharge tray (135) at appropriate intervals.

On the other hand, the second document ejection process is carried out by the ejection roller (131)
(134) The document transport speed is determined by the transport belt (125).
In this method, the document conveyance speed is set higher than the original document conveyance speed, and an appropriate distance is left between two documents.

Specifically, the transport belt <125) is driven to rotate in the normal direction by the document ejection signal, and the ejection rollers (131) to (134) are driven in the normal direction.
) (see Figure 5a). At this time, the document conveyance speed by the discharge rollers (131) to (134) is set higher than the document conveyance speed by the conveyor belt (125). As a result, the distance between the originals (Di) and (D2) gradually increases (see Figures 5b and 5C), resulting in 2
The sheets of originals (Di) and (D2) are discharged onto the discharge tray (135) with appropriate intervals.

Note that the upstream discharge rollers (131) and (132) may be set to the same document conveyance speed as the conveyance belt (125). In this case, the discharge roller (131), (
132) is a discharge roller (133) with a high conveyance speed;
When the document is conveyed in step (134), it can be configured to rotate as a result of the conveyance of the document.

[Single-sheet feeding when two-sheet feeding mode is selected] By the way, when the above-mentioned two-sheet feeding mode is selected, if the total number of original sheets is an odd number, two sheets will be fed as a set. Eventually, only one manuscript will exist. Therefore, one final document is fed to the sensor (SEI).
At! When the document empty signal is output, the final document is processed in the single-sheet feeding mode.

[Automatic optimum magnification setting function (AMS)] Next, in this copier, when the operator specifies the copy paper size and original size, the original image is transferred to the selected size of copy paper without image loss. It has an automatic optimum magnification setting function (hereinafter referred to as AMS) that automatically sets the optimum copy magnification to be formed.

When this AMS mode is selected, the second CPU (202
), the document size is determined and coded, and the first CP
It is sent to U (201). 1st CPU (201)
calculates the optimum copy magnification from the original size code and the size code of the copy paper fully loaded in the cassettes (30) and (35) selected by the operator, and makes sure that the calculated copy magnification is within the specs of the copier. If so, set the copy magnification. On the other hand, if it is outside the specifications, the operator is warned that it is impossible to set the optimum copy magnification and is prompted to manually set the copy magnification.

The original size and copy paper size in the AMS mode in the normal copying mode in which originals are transported one by one to the table 2a below, and calculations based on them.

This shows the relationship with the set copy magnification.

On the other hand, in the two-sheet feed mode in which two originals are transported as a set, copying is prohibited if the size of the second original is different from the size of the first original, as detailed below. Therefore, the sizes of the first and second originals are always the same. Therefore, the optimum copying magnification when copying is executed in the AMS mode in the two-sheet feed mode is the value obtained by dividing the length of the copy paper in the conveying direction by the length of the first document in the conveying direction. A when selecting 2-sheet feeding mode in table 2b below
The relationship between the original size, the copy paper size, and the copy magnification calculated and set based on them in MS mode is shown.

For example, the copy paper size is [A4 portrait] and the original size is [
For A4 landscape paper, the optimum copying magnification in the two-sheet feed mode can be calculated as [0,707 times], and this magnification is set. Further, if the copy paper size is [B8 portrait] and the original size is [A4 landscape], the operator is prompted to manually set the copy magnification because there is no optimal copy magnification.

In this embodiment, even if the two-sheet feed mode is selected, if the size of the first document is larger than 1/2 of the total exposure area, one-sheet feed is not performed for that document. Therefore, the AMS at this time is calculated in single sheet feed mode.

[See below for margins] [Automatic optimum copy paper size setting function (APS)] In addition, with this copier, when the operator specifies the original size and copy magnification, the original image can be formed without image cut-off. It has an automatic optimum copy paper size setting function (hereinafter referred to as APS) that automatically selects a paper feed cassette in which copy paper of a certain size is set.

When this APS mode is selected, the second CPU (202
), the document size is determined and coded, and the first CP
It is sent to U (201). 1st CPU (201)
calculates the optimal copy paper size from the original size code and the copy magnification selected by the operator, and selects the paper feed section, i.e., the cassette, which is fully loaded with copy paper of the calculated size.
30) and (35). On the other hand, which cassette (30) contains copy paper of the calculated size?

(35), or if the copy paper is outside the specifications of this copier, the operator is warned that the optimum size copy paper does not exist, and the operator is warned to manually select the paper source or manually select the copy magnification. prompts you to reconfigure.

Table 3a below shows the relationship between the original size, copying magnification, and the copy paper size that can be calculated and set based on these in the APS mode in the normal copying mode in which originals are transported one by one.

On the other hand, in the two-sheet feed mode, as explained in the AMS section above, the size of the first and second sheets is the same, so the optimal copy paper when copying in the APS mode is
The copy paper has a size that is twice the length of the first document in the transport direction multiplied by the copying magnification. Table 3b below shows the original size, copy magnification, and calculations in APS mode when two-sheet feed mode is selected.

This shows the relationship with the copy paper sizes that can be set.

For example, if the original size is [B5 portrait] and the copy magnification is [0,
816 times], the optimum copy paper size in the two-sheet feeding mode is calculated as [A4m], and the paper feed section in which A4 size paper is loaded vertically is automatically selected. Also, if the document size is [A4 landscape], [1,008] ~
Since there is no optimum copy paper size no matter which magnification between [1,430] is set, the operator is prompted to manually select the paper feed section.

In this embodiment, even if the two-sheet feeding mode is fully selected, if the size of the first document is larger than 1/2 of the total exposure area, one-sheet feeding is not performed for that document. Therefore, the APS at this time is calculated in single sheet feed mode.

[Margins below] [Relationship between original magnification and copy paper in 2-sheet feed mode] A
When operating the D F (100) in the two-sheet feeding mode and copying two original images on one side of one copy paper, the following relationship exists between the original size, copy magnification, and copy paper size. For example, when two sheets of A4 horizontally threaded originals have been conveyed, if the copy magnification is [1,000], by selecting A3 as the copy paper, the original images for two A4 sheets of horizontally threading will be transferred onto the A3 copy paper. It fits perfectly. Also, the copy magnification is [0,707
], by selecting A4 lengthwise as copy paper, the original image will fit in just the right amount. On the other hand, when A3 copy paper is selected for two sheets of A4 horizontally passed original, the copy magnification is set to [1,
000], and if A4 vertical copy paper is selected, if the copy magnification is set to [0,7071],
Similar to the above, it is possible to fit the original images of two A4 sheets of paper on one sheet of copy paper without any excess or deficiency.

Therefore, by using A D F (100) and copying in two-sheet feed mode, it is possible to create two original images on one sheet of copy paper, saving time on copy paper and copying time. Leads to savings. Furthermore, if the double-sided copy mode is used in combination, original images for four sheets can be created on the front and back sides of one sheet of copy paper. Furthermore, if the copying machine body (1) is equipped with a book division function, that is, a function that exposes and scans the image of a book document one side at a time, it is possible to use the two-sheet feed mode, book division function mode, and double-sided copy mode together. , it is possible to form images of two originals on the front and back sides of one sheet of copy paper. These copying modes further save copying paper and copying time.

[Operation panel] In Fig. 6, the operation panel (15) of the copying machine main body (1) is
0) is equipped with keys, display means, etc., which will be explained below. Each key has an internal switch that is turned on by pressing it.

(151) is a print key for starting the copying operation. (152) is a numeric keypad for entering numbers such as the number of copies. (153) is a clear/stop key that functions as a stop key for canceling the multifunction midway and for clearing the set numbers. (154) is an interrupt key for executing interrupt copy.

For (155), the copy mode is normal copy, double-sided copy.

Copy mode switching key for switching to either composite copy. (156) is a magnification selection key for setting the copy magnification to a preset magnification or an arbitrary magnification. (157) is a copy paper selection key for selecting the copy paper size. (158) is the AMS.

Document size detection mode selection key for selecting either APS or manual mode. (159) is a feed mode selection key for selecting the document feed mode between one sheet feed and two sheet feed.

The operation panel (150) further includes display means described below.

(160) is a 4-digit display section that displays the number of copies, etc. (161) is a 4-digit display segment that displays the copy magnification set manually. (162) ~ (16
5) is an LE that displays the preset copy magnification
D. (166) is the LED that indicates normal copy, (167) is double-sided copy, and (168) is display composite copy.
. (169) is an LED that displays the copy paper size, (1
70) is AMS mode, (171) is APS mode, (
172) indicates the manual mode, respectively.
D, (173) is single sheet feed mode, (174) is 2
The LED indicating the sheet feeding mode and these various LEDs are rotated every time the corresponding keys (155) to (159) are turned on.

[Control Circuit] FIG. 7 shows the first CPU (20
1) and a second CPU that controls A D F (100)
(202) shows the input/output configuration of CPU (201).
, (202) are connected to each other for synchronization.

The input/output ports of the first CPU (201) are equipped with various key switches (151) to (1) on the operation panel (150).
159), microswitch (SW) installed in the paper feed section
Switch matrix (20) including I) ~ (SWIO) etc.
3) is connected, and this switch matrix (20
3) and the display segment (1) via the decoder (205).
60), a matrix (204) consisting of display LEDs
is connected. Further, the output boat outputs on/off signals to the main motor, developing motor, etc. in the copying machine main body (1). A pulse signal of the main motor is input to the terminal (B1).

The input port of the second CPU (202) has an ADF
(100) Open/close detection switch (PSW), A
The D F start switch (SSW), the sensors (SEI) to (SE4) that detect the conveyance of the document, and the sensor (SE5) that detects the rotation of the pinch roller motor (123) are disconnected. The output port has a pickup roller (
112), forward/reverse rotation roller (113), (114>(
114> feeding motor and conveyor belt (125)
Conveyance motor that drives the pickup roller (112)
Solenoid that moves up and down the discharge roller (131) ~ (
134), etc. are connected to the discharge motor. The pulse signal of the transport motor can be input to the terminal (B2).

In addition, a clock terminal (SCK) for data sampling and output of the first CPU (201), and an interrupt output terminal (
PCO), data output terminal (5OUI') and data input terminal (SIN) are connected to the second CPU (202).
clock input terminal (SCK), interrupt input terminal (I
NI), is connected to the data input terminal (SUN) and the data output terminal (soUT).

[Control Procedure] Hereinafter, the control procedure of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 19.

FIG. 8 shows the first CPU (20
1) shows the main routine.

When the first CPU (201) is reset and the program starts, first, in step (Sl), the internal RAM is cleared, various registers are initialized, and initial settings are made to put each device into the initial mode.

Here, the flags used in the following routine will be explained in advance.

Copy flag (FO): This is used to indicate that the copying machine is in operation, and is set to "1" from the completion of the copy start process until the end of the copy process.

Mode flag (Fl): This is to indicate the document feeding mode in ADF (100). It is set with the feeding mode selection key (159), and when it is "0", it indicates the single sheet feeding mode, and " 1” indicates two-sheet feed mode.

Feed flag (F2): This is to indicate the number of originals actually fed onto the original platen glass (19) at A D F (100), and indicates one sheet when "rO". 11” indicates that there are two pieces. Even if the two-sheet feeding mode is selected, if the total number of originals is an odd number, the final original is transported at r□. Note that this flag (F2>) can be set by the number-of-sheets-to-feed signal from the second CPU (202).

Calculation flag (F20): AP S mode, AM
It is used when calculating copy paper selection and copy magnification settings in S mode, and is set according to the document feed mode and the actual number of sheets to be sent. That is, when it is ``0'', it instructs calculation with one sheet feed, and when it is '1'', it instructs calculation with two sheet feed.

Returning to the routine, in step (B2) the first CPU (2
Set the main timer of 01). This main timer determines the time required for one routine of this main routine, and its value is set in advance in step (Sl).

Next, the subroutines shown in steps (B3) to (B5) are sequentially called. Step (B3) is a subroutine for manual key processing, including input processing from the numeric keypad (152),
Copy paper size set in the cassettes (30) and (35) is stored in internal RAM, copy mode is set using the copy mode switching key (155), and magnification is set using the magnification selection key (156). Execute. Step (B4) is a subroutine for switching the document feeding mode.
9) is executed to set the document feeding mode of A D F (100). Step (B5) is a subroutine for copy start processing, which processes the start of a copy operation.

Next, in step (B6), the copy flag (FO) is set to 11.
”, and if it has been reset to ``0'', the process moves to step (B8), and if it has been completely set to ``1'', a subroutine for copying processing that performs the actual copying operation is executed in step (S7). Execute and move to step (B8). In step (B8), data transmission and reception with the second CPU (202) is processed. This step (58)
C' is the signal to be communicated, -C is the first CPU (2
The signals transmitted from the CPU 01) to the second CPU (202) include a copying operation signal, a document feed mode signal, and a document exchange signal when image exposure scanning for a set number of sheets is completed. From the second CPU (202) to the first CPU (
The signals sent to ADF (10
This signal is set to "1" when a document is loaded into the document tray (111) when the document tray (111) is not in operation, and is reset to r□ when the last document is ejected.

Set completion signal: A signal that is output when the original is conveyed and stopped at a predetermined position on the original platen glass (19).

Original size signal: A D F (100) sensor (
SE3).

The code signal of the original size detected in (SE5).

Feed number signal: A signal indicating the number of originals actually fed onto the original platen glass (19).

Prohibition signal: A signal that is output when the size of the fed original is incompatible with copying.

When the processing in each of the above subroutines is completed, the process waits for the main timer to finish counting in step (S9), and then returns to step (S2). The time length of one routine is used to count the various timers that appear in each subroutine. That is, the end of counting for each type of timer is determined based on how many times this one routine has been repeated.

FIG. 9 shows a subroutine for document feeding mode switching processing that can be executed in step (S4) of the main routine.

First, in step (sty) the copy flag (FO) is set to "
If it is set to 'IJ', that is, if a copying operation is in progress, the process returns to the main routine.

If it has been reset to "0", it is determined in step (511) whether the feed mode selection switch (159) is on-edge. If it is not on-edge, the process returns to the main routine, and if it is on-edge, it is determined in step (512) whether the mode flag (Fl) is r□. If the mode flag (Fl) is reset to "0.", that is, if the single-sheet feeding mode is set at this point, step (
513) to set the mode flag (Fl) to "rl",
That is, the two-sheet feed mode is set and the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if it is determined in step (512) that the mode flag (Fl) is set to "1", step (
514) resets the mode flag (Fl) to r□,
That is, the mode is set to one-sheet feed mode.

10a and 10b show a subroutine for copy start processing executed in step (S5) of the main routine. Here, processing in APS mode and AMS mode is also executed.

First, in step (520), the ADF mode signal is set to "1.
It is determined whether or not, and if it is set to "1", that is,
If copying using A D F (100) is selected [see step (5123)], step (52
In step 1'), it is determined whether or not the document prohibition signal has not been output completely. If the document prohibition signal has not been output, it is determined in step (522) whether or not a set completion signal has been output. If this set completion signal is not output, it will remain on standby, and if it is output, that is, if the original is set at a predetermined position on the document table glass (19) [step (5170)].

(5212) Refer to step (S27) to determine whether the mode flag (Fl) is 11. mode flag (
If Fl) is reset to "0", step (53
0), the calculation flag (F20) is reset to "o" and the process moves to step (532). If the mode flag (Fl) is set to "1", it is determined in step (528) whether the feed flag (F2) is "0" or not; if it is set to "1", step (531) is performed. with calculation flag (F
20) is set to "1" and the process moves to step (S32). If the feed flag (F2) is reset to "O", that is, if it is the first document, step (529)
Then, it is determined whether the original size is larger than half of the total exposure area [the area where the original image can be scanned by the optical system (20)]. If it is greater than half, the calculation flag (F20) is reset to 10'' in step (530), and if it is less than half, the calculation flag (F20) is set to 11'' in step (531).

That is, in this embodiment, even if the two-sheet feed mode is selected, if the size of the first sheet is larger than the total exposure area, the
Because the switch is to sheet feeding [step (5188),
(5190), (5191)], APS, AM
Both S and S perform calculations for feeding one sheet.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (521) that the original prohibition signal is output [see step (5206)]
In step (526), a prohibition display is output to prohibit the start of the copying operation.

If it is determined in step (520) that the ADF mode signal has been reset to 10'', step (523) is performed.
), check that the copy flag (FO) has been reset to "OJ", and then determine whether or not the print switch (151) is on-edge in step 7 (524). ) is a one-way lottery, the copy flag (FO) is set in step (525).
11" and return to the main routine.

Next, in step (532) it is determined whether or not the APS mode is selected, and if it is selected, step (53
In step 3), it is determined whether the calculation flag (F20) is "0" or not. If the calculation flag (F20) is reset to "0", that is, if the APS mode is selected in the single sheet feed mode, the optimum copy paper size based on the table 3a is determined in step (534). Execute the operation ■,
Move to Ste Knob (S36).

Further, if the calculation flag (F20) is set to "1", that is, if the APS mode is selected in the two-sheet feed mode, the optimum copy paper size based on the table 3b is determined in step (535). Execute the operation ■,
The process moves to step (536).

Next, in step (536), the step (534)
Alternatively, in (535) it is determined whether there is a cassette loaded with copy paper of the calculated size. If there is, the corresponding cassette is selected and set in step (537), the copy flag (FO) is set to "1" in step (548), and the process returns to the main routine. If the corresponding cassette is not found (then in step (538), a message indicating that no copy paper of the optimum size is loaded in any cassette is output, and an appropriate display means [for example, display segment (160)]
Warn Oopaek by.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (532) that the APS mode is not selected, it is determined in step (539) whether the mode flag (Fl) is "1."

If it is reset to "0", that is, single sheet feed mode 4
If it is a hood, the process moves to step (541). If the mode flag (Fl) is set to ``1,''
If it is the sheet feeding mode, it is determined in step (540) whether or not the selected copy sheet is vertically threaded.

If it is vertical printing, the process moves to step (541), and if horizontal printing, a prohibition display is output in step (549) to prohibit the start of the copying operation. This means that in the two-sheet feed mode, if the copy paper is passed horizontally, no matter what size the two originals conveyed onto the original platen glass (19) are (in this example, they are the same size originals). This is due to the fact that it is impossible to set a copying magnification that will completely fit two side-by-side original images onto a side-by-side copy sheet (although this is limited). Incidentally, if the copying operation is prohibited in this way, the operator can simply select the copy paper to be threaded vertically.

Next, in step (541), it is determined whether or not the AMS mode has been selected. If not, in step (548>), the copy flag (FO) is set to "IJ" and the process returns to the main routine. is selected, the calculation flag (F20) is set to “
0". The calculation flag (F20) is rO,
If it has been reset to , then in step (543) the process of optimum magnification calculation (2) based on the table 2a is executed, and the process moves to step (S45). If the calculation flag (F20) is set to "1", then in step (544) the process of optimum magnification calculation (2) based on the table 2b is executed, and the process moves to step (545).

Next, in step (545), the step (543)
Alternatively, it is determined whether the copy magnification calculated in (S44) is within the specifications of the machine. If there is, step (S46)
Set the calculated magnification in , set the copy flag (FO) to "1" with the Ste knob (548>, and return to the main routine. If there is no corresponding magnification, step S47
), and outputs that the corresponding magnification does not exist, and warns the Oopaque by an appropriate display means [for example, display segment (160)].

As described above, by setting the copy flag (FO) to "1" in steps (525) and (548), the copying process in step (S8) is started. In addition,
Copying processing and control of APS mode and AMS mode are well known, and their explanation will be omitted.

Figure 11 shows the second CP that controls A D F (100).
The main routine of U (202) is shown.

When the second CPU (202) is reset and the program starts, first, step (5100)
Clears the internal RAM, initializes various registers, etc., and performs initial settings to put each device into the initial mode.

Here, the flags that can be used in the following routine will be explained in advance.

Copy flag (FO), mode flag (Fl), feed flag (F2): The above flags are the same as those used in the control of the first CPU (201).

ADF operation flag (F3): ADF (100
) is in operation, and is set to ``1.'' from when document feeding starts until the final document is ejected.

ADF feeding flag (F4): ADF (100
) is used to indicate that the original is being fed, and is set to l''1'' from when the original is started until it is stopped at a predetermined position on the original table glass (19).

Leading edge registration flag (F5): JK manuscript in tray (1
11) to the leading edge registration position, and can be set to ``r1'' from the start of feeding the first and second documents until the leading edge registration process is completed.

Tip registration start flag (F6): Indicates the timing to start tip registration processing.
"1" from the start of feeding the first and second documents until the feeding motor and pickup roller (112) start up.
is set to

Waiting flag (F7): This is to indicate that the document is waiting at the leading edge registration position, and can be set to 11" from the completion of leading edge registration processing until the feeding resumes onto the document table glass (19). .

Set completion flag (F8): [This is to indicate that the document fed from the document tray (111) is set in the specified position on the document glass (19), and is ejected after feeding is completed. It is set to "1" until the start.

Ejection flag (F9): This flag is used to indicate that the document is being ejected from the document table glass (19) to the ejection tray (135), and r1. is set to

Original flag (FIO): Indicates whether the original being fed in the two-sheet feeding mode is the first or second sheet. When it is "0", it is the first sheet, and when it is 1" 1” indicates that it is the second sheet.

Returning to the routine, in step <5101) the second CPU
(202) Set the main timer. This main timer determines the time required for one routine of this main routine, and its value is set in advance in step (5100).

Next, in step (5102) it is determined whether or not the mode is ADF mode. If NO, the process moves to step (5112), and if YES, steps (5103) to (5105)
) are called in sequence. Step (5
103) detects the non-on edge of the ADF start switch (SSw) and executes processing to start the operation of the ADF (100). In step <5104), the original is transferred from the original tray (111) to the pinch roller (121).
The leading edge registration process is executed to send the image to the leading edge registration position (122). Step <5105) executes a process of detecting the size of the document sent out from the document tray (111).

Next, in step <5106), it is determined whether the mode flag (Fl) is "1". Mode flag (Fl) is 10
'', that is, if it is the one-sheet feeding mode, the subroutines of steps (5107) and (5110) are called, and the process moves to step (5112). Step (5107) executes a process of feeding and setting normal originals one by one onto the original platen glass (19). Step (5110) executes a process of ejecting one document onto the ejection tray (135).

In the step (5106), the mode flag (Fl) is set to “
If it is determined that the original is set in the IJ, that is, if the two-sheet feeding mode is selected, the subroutine of step (5108) feeds and sets the original two sheets at a time onto the original platen glass (19). Execute. And step (
5109), it is determined whether the feed flag (F2) is "1" or not, and if it is set to "1", the step (Sill
) subroutine to output two originals to the output tray (135).
Then, the process moves to step (5112). If the feed flag (F2) is reset to "O", the subroutine of step (5110) is executed and the process moves to step (5112).

In step (5112), data transmission and reception with the first CPU (201) is processed. The signals communicated here are the same as those explained in the process of step (S8).

When the processing in each of the above subroutines is completed, the process waits for the main timer to finish counting in step (5113), and then returns to step (5101). This long time of one routine is used to count the various timers that appear in each subroutine.

FIG. 12 shows a subroutine for ADF start processing executed in step (5103) of the main routine of the second CPU (202).

First, in step (5120), check whether the copy flag (FO) has been reset to "0."
In step 1), check whether the ADF operation flag (F3) has been reset to 0. In step (5122), check whether the ADF operation flag (F3) is
111) Determine whether the upper sensor (SEL') is on or not. If either one is NO, return to the main routine immediately; if both are YES, that is, copy operation.

If it is confirmed that the ADF is not operating and that the original is completely set on the tray (111), step (5)
123) sets the ADF mode signal to "1".

Next, in step (5124), wait for the ADF start switch (SSW) to turn on, and then in step (5125)
) sets the ADF operation flag (F3) to "1", and in step (5126) sets the ADF feeding flag (F4) to "1".
．． In step (5127), the leading edge registration flag (F5) and the leading edge registration start flag (F6) are set to "1". Next, in step (512B), it is determined whether the mode flag (Fl) is "rl", and the mode flag (Fl) is "rl".
If it is set to "1", the feed flag (F2) is set to "1" in step (5129), and if it is reset to "0", the feed flag (F2) is reset to "10" in step (5130). End this subroutine.

FIG. 13 shows a subroutine for edge registration processing executed in step (5104) of the main routine of the second CPU (202).

First, in step (5140), the tip registration flag (F
5) is "1" or not, and if it is reset to '0', the main routine is returned immediately, and if it is set to 'rl', the tip registration start flag (F6) is set to '1' in step (5141). 1”. If this flag (F6) has been reset to "0", step <
5144), and if it is set to '1', the feed motor and pickup solenoid are turned on in step (5142). With this, the pickup roller (112
) comes into pressure contact with the top surface of the document and rotates, and the forward/reverse rollers (113) and (114) also start rotating, and only one document in the top layer is sent out from the tray (111) (see Figure 3a). . Next, in step (5143), the tip registration start flag (F6) is reset to r□,
The process moves to step (5144>).

In step (5144>, it is determined whether the sensor (SE2) is on-edge or not, and if it is not on-edge, step (5144)
146), and if it becomes on-edge, proceed to step (51).
Step 45) sets the tip registration timer, and step (5)
146). This leading edge registration timer is set to the time until the leading edge of the document detected by the sensor (SE2) contacts the nip portion of the pinch rollers (121) and (122) and forms a loop. Therefore, in step (5146), wait for the count end of this tip registration timer, turn off the feed motor and pickup solenoid in step (5147), and then turn off the feed motor and pickup solenoid in step (5148).
) to reset the tip registration flag (F5) to "o", and step (5149) to set the standby flag (Fl) to "1".
, and end this subroutine.

As a result, the leading edge of the document sent out from the tray (111) comes into contact with the nip portion of the pinch rollers (121) and (122), corrects the skew, and waits while forming a loop on the upstream side ( (See Figure 3b).

FIG. 14 shows a subroutine for document size detection processing executed in step (5105) of the main routine of the second CPU (202). This subroutine is executed while the original is being fed from the leading edge registration position to a predetermined position on the original platen glass (19), and the length of the original in the conveying direction is detected by pulse counting by the sensor (SF5), and the length of the original in the width direction is detected. The document size is determined based on the combination of on and off of the sensor (SF3) that detects the size of the document.

Here, first in step (5150) it is determined whether the pinch roller motor (123) has started up.

This pinch roller motor (123) follows the steps below.
5164). If it is not a rising edge, the process moves to step (5152), and if it is a rising edge, the pulse count of the sensor (SF5) is started in step (5151), and the process moves to step (5152). When the off-edge of the sensor (SF3) is confirmed in step (5152), the pulse count of the sensor (SF5) is stopped in step (5153), and the pulse count of the sensor (SF5) is stopped in step (5154).
In step (5155), the document size is calculated using the pulse count number and the ON/OFF signal of the sensor (SF3).
Outputs the original size signal and ends this subroutine.

FIG. 15 shows a subroutine of document feeding process (2) in the single sheet feeding mode, which is executed in step (5107) of the main routine of the second CPU (202).

First, in step (5160), the ADF feeding flag (F4
> is "1" or not, and if it has been reset to OJ, it immediately returns to the main routine, and if it has been set to '1., that is, when the ADF start switch <SSW> is turned on, At step (5161), the standby flag (F
7) is ``1.'' If the standby flag (F7) is reset to ``0'', step ゛(5166
), and if it is set to "1", that is, if the leading edge of the document is registered with the pinch rollers (121) and (122), the discharge flag (F9) is set to "10" in step (5162). Determine whether or not. Emission flag (F9
) is already set to "1.", step (516
4), and if it has been reset to "0", turn on the transport motor in step (5163), and then turn on the transport motor in step (516).
In step 4), the pinch roller motor (123) is turned on, and in step (5165), the standby flag (F7) is reset to "0", and the process moves to step (5166). With this, feeding of the original from the leading edge registration position onto the original platen glass (19) is resumed.

In step (5166), it is determined whether the sensor ('5E2) is off-edge or not, and if it is not off-edge, step (5166) is performed.
5168), and if it is off-edge, proceed to step (5168).
Step 167) sets the stop timer, and step 5168
). This stop timer is activated when the rear edge of the document is detected (
SF3) until reaching the exposure start position on the document platen glass (19). Therefore, in step (516B), wait for the stop timer to finish counting, and in step (5169), turn off the pinch roller motor (123) and the conveyance motor, and in step (517B), turn off the pinch roller motor (123) and the conveyance motor.
0), the original setting completion signal is sent to the first CPU (201).
, and in step (5171) set the set completion flag (
Set F8) to 11. This means that the original has been fed and stopped at a predetermined position on the original platen glass (19).

Next, in step (5172), it is determined whether the sensor (SEI) is on or not, and if it is on, that is, if the next document is on the tray (111), the leading edge registration process is performed on that document in advance. To do this, set the tip registration flag (F5) to "1" in step (5173), and then
74) and set the tip registration start flag (F6) to 11.
In step (5175), the ADF feeding flag (F4) is reset to 0'', and this subroutine ends. Further, in the step (s172), the sensor (SE
If L) is off, that is, if there is no original in the tray (111), the ADF feeding flag (F4) is reset to "0" in step (st75), and this subroutine is ended.

Figures 16a and 16b show the second CPU (202)
The subroutine of document feeding process (2) in the two-sheet feeding mode is executed in step (5108) of the main routine of FIG. In this subroutine, the size of the first original and the second original are the same size, and the first original is half of the total exposure area [the area where the original image can be scanned by the optical system (20)]. Only when the sizes are as follows, the two-sheet feeding process is executed. When other originals are fed, for example, if the first original has a size larger than half of the total exposure area, only that original is switched to the single-sheet feeding mode and fed. However, if the first and second originals are not the same size, the copying operation is prohibited and the two originals are ejected.

First, in step (5180), the ADF feeding flag (F4
) is rl, and if it is reset to "0", it immediately returns to the main routine; if it is set to "1", that is, when the ADF start switch (SSW) is turned on, In step (5181), the original flag (F
IO) is "O". Original flag (FIO
) is set to "1", that is, the document to be fed from now on is the second sheet, the process moves to step (5201), and if it is reset to "O", that is, the document to be fed from now on If the document to be processed is the first, step (5182)
It is determined whether the standby flag (F7) is rl. If the standby flag (F7) is reset to "rO", the process moves to step (5187), and if it is set to "1", that is, if the leading edge registration process for the first document is completed, In step (5183), the discharge flag (F9
) is rO''. Emission flag (F9) is 1
1", one set of originals is already being ejected and the transport motor is turned on, so step (51) is set.
85), and when it is reset to 70'', the transport motor is turned on in step (5184), the pinch roller motor (123) is turned on in step (5185), and the standby flag (F7) is turned on in step (5186). ``0''
and moves to step (5187). As a result, the feeding of the first original from the leading edge registration position onto the original platen glass (19) is resumed (see FIG. 3c).

In step (5187), it is determined whether the sensor (SE2) is off-edge, and if it is not off-edge, step (5187) is performed.
193), and if it is off-edge, proceed to step (51).
In step 88), it is determined whether the document size is less than half the total exposure area. The desired copy form in the two-sheet feed mode is to form images of two originals on one sheet of copy paper, as described above. Therefore, place two originals on the original table glass (19).
The size when juxtaposed on top must be smaller than the exposure area determined by the copy paper size and copy magnification. At the same time, the two originals must be the same size, and each original must be less than half the total exposure area.For example, if the copy paper is A3 lengthwise and the copy magnification is equal to , the exposure area is 420 mm, and the document needs to have a size (A4 landscape, B5 landscape, A5 landscape, A5 portrait) that is half of that, 21 On+m, in length in the transport direction.

Therefore, if it is determined in step (518g) that the original size is larger than half of the total exposure area, when the second original is fed, the two original images cannot fit on the copy paper. Therefore, in step (5190), the original flag (FIO) is set to 11'', and in step (5191)
The feed flag (F2) is reset to "rO" and the process moves to step (5209). That is, if the size of the first document is larger than half of the total exposure area, only that document is switched to the single-sheet feed mode. If the document size is less than half of the total exposure area, it is determined in step (5189) whether the sensor (SEI') is on or not. If it is not on, that is, the second document is in the tray ( 111) If the first document that is not on the top and is being fed at this time is the final document, it will be processed as the 264 first document from now on, so step (5190)
The original flag (Flo) is set to "1" at step (5191), the feed flag (F2) is reset to "O" at step (5191), and the flow proceeds to step (5209).

If the sensor (SEI') is on in the step (5189), that is, the second document is placed in the tray (111).
If so, a switchback timer is set in step (5192). This switchback timer is set to the time from when the trailing edge of the first document is detected by the sensor (SE2) until it completely passes through the nip portion of the pinch rollers (121) and (122).

Next, in step (5193), it is determined whether or not the count of the switchback timer has ended.
) to turn off the conveyance motor and pinch roller motor (123) (see Figure 3d). Next, step (5195)
Turn on the transport motor in reverse. As a result, the first original is fed backwards toward the pinch rollers (121) and (122). Then, in step (5196), the tip registration flag (F5) and the tip registration start flag (F6)
) to "1" to prepare the leading edge registration process for the second document. At the same time, a reversal timer is set in step (5197), and the process moves to step (5198). The reverse rotation timer is set to the time from when the document is fed backward until the trailing edge comes into contact with the nip portion of the pinch rollers (121) and (122) and the trailing edge registration is completed.

Therefore, in step (5198), wait for the count of the reverse rotation timer to end, in step (5199), turn off the reverse rotation of the transport motor, and in step (5200), set the document flag (FIO) in order to process the second document. Set to "1". With this, the trailing edge of the first document is attached to the pinch roller (1
21) and (122) and waits in a registered state.

Next, in step (5201), the standby flag (F7) is set to "
1”. It is determined whether or not the leading edge registration process of the second document is completed, and the standby flag (F
If 7) has been reset to 10, step (520)
4), if it is set to '1', that is, if the subroutine of step (s104) has been executed and the leading edge registration process for the second document has been completed, [
Refer to step (5149). In step (5202), turn on the conveyance motor and pinch roller motor (123), and in step (5203) set the standby flag (F7) to "0".
and moves to step (5204).

In this way, the first and second originals are successively fed onto the original table glass (19) (see Figures 3g and 3h).

In step (5204), it is determined whether the sensor (SE2) is off-edge, and if it is not off-edge, step (S
21o), and if it is an off-edge, that is, at the time when the trailing edge of the second document passes the sensor (SE2), the size of the second document becomes the size of the first document in step (5205). Determine whether it is the same as or not. If they are not the same size, they are not suitable for copying, so a prohibition signal is output to the first CPU (201) in step <5206), and the ADF feeding flag (F4) is reset to "0" in step (5207). , the discharge flag (F9) in step (5208)
is set to rl, instructs to eject the original, and returns to the main routine. 1st. If the second g documents have the same size, a stop timer is set in step (5209), and the process moves to step (5210). This stop timer is the same as the one set in step (5167) above.

Therefore, in step (5210), wait for the stop timer to finish counting, and in step (5211), turn off the conveyance motor and pinch roller motor (123), and in step (5210), turn off the conveyance motor and pinch roller motor (123).
212) sends the original setting completion signal to the first CPU (212).
1), set the set completion flag (F8) to "1" in step (5213), and then in step (5214)
to reset the original flag (Flo) to "0." Now, the two originals are lined up in the transport direction and placed on the original platen glass (19).
) is fed to the predetermined position above (3rd
(See Figure 1).

Next, in step (5215), it is determined whether the sensor (SEI) is on or not. In order to pre-process the tip resist as shown in FIG.
At step 16), the leading end registration flag (F5) and leading end register start flag (F6) are set to "11", and at step (5217), the ADF feeding flag (F4) is reset to "O", and this subroutine is ended. Also, if the sensor (SEI) is off, that is, the tray (111)
If there is no manuscript left in step (5217)
D F Feeding 7 Rough (F4) wo' 0, ni')
Set and exit this subroutine.

FIG. 17 shows a subroutine of document ejection processing (1) in one-sheet feeding, which is executed in step (5110) of the main routine of the second CPU (202). This process can only be executed when single sheet feed mode is selected or when 2 sheets feed mode is selected.
If the last original of an odd number of originals is fed even if sheet feeding mode is selected, or if the first original is determined to be unsuitable for copying in two-sheet feeding mode [step ( 5188) is NO.

First, the discharge flag (F9) is set to 1 in step (5220).
1”. The discharge flag (F9) is set to 11'' when the copying machine main body (1) completes image exposure scanning for the number of copies of the original and the original exchange signal is output. Therefore, if the discharge flag (F9) remains reset to "0.", the main routine is immediately returned and the discharge flag (F9) is reset to "1.
”, it is determined in step (5221) whether or not the set completion flag (F8) is “1”. If the set completion flag (F8) is reset to "O", the process moves to step (5224), and if it is set to '1', the transport motor and discharge motor are turned on in step (5222), and step (5223) is set. ) to set the set completion flag (F
8) is reset to 10'' and the process moves to step (S224). With this, the original set on the original table glass (19) starts to be ejected.

In step (5224), it is determined whether the sensor (SE4) is off-edge, that is, whether the trailing edge of the document has passed the sensor (SE4), and if it is not off-edge, step (
5226), and if it is off-edge, Ste Knob (
5225) sets the ejection timer, and step (522
6). This ejection timer starts when the rear edge of the document is detected by the sensor (SE4) and then the ejection roller (133)
(134) is set to the time until cutting.

Therefore, in step (5226), the ejection timer waits for the ejection timer to finish counting, and then in step (S227), the ejection motor is turned off. With this, the original has been completely discharged onto the discharge tray (135).

Next, in step (5228), the standby flag (F7) is set to r
In other words, it is determined whether the next document is waiting at the leading edge registration position. The standby flag (F7) is “1”
．． If it is set, the ADF feed flag (F4) is set to "
1'' and proceeds to step (5233).

If the standby flag (F7) is reset to 0.
That is, if the document ejected at this time is the final document, the transport motor is turned off in step (5229), and step (5229) is performed.
5230), the ADF operation flag (F3) is reset to "0", and step (5231) sets the ADF mode signal to "0".
0'' and output to the first CPU (201), and the process moves to step (5233).

In step (5233), the discharge flag (F9) is set to r□,
, and in step (5234) set the mode flag (
It is determined whether Fl) is "1" or not. Mode flag (Fl
) has been reset to "0", that is, if the mode is one-sheet feed mode, the process returns to the main routine. If the mode flag (Fl) is set to ``rl'', that is, 2
If it is the sheet feed mode, the feed flag (F2) is set to "1" in step <5235) and the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 18 shows a subroutine of document ejection processing (2) in two-sheet feed, which is executed in step (Sill) of the main routine of the second CPU (202). In this subroutine, when the document is ejected, the first document is transferred to the ejection roller (131),
(132), the drive of the conveyor belt (125) is temporarily stopped and the second document is transferred to the document glass (132).
9) After the two originals are temporarily placed on standby and an appropriate distance is left between them, the conveyor belt (125) is rotated again and the two originals are placed on the ejection tray (135) in a well-aligned manner. It can be drained completely.

Specifically, steps (5240) to (5243) are the same as steps (5220) to (5223),
The discharge flag (F9) and set completion flag (F8) are “
Ejection processing starts when it is set to 1 (
(See Figure 4a). Then, in step (5244), it is determined whether the sensor (SE4) is on-edge. Sensor (
If SE4) is not on-edge, step (5247)
If it is an off-second edge, the document flag (
FIO) is "0". Manuscript flag (FI
If O) is reset to "rO", that is, if the document whose leading edge was detected by the sensor (SE4) in step (5224) is the first document, the transport motor is turned off in step (5246). Then, the process moves to step (5247).The second original is then placed on standby on the original platen glass (19), and only the first original is ejected (see Figures 4b to 4d). ).

In step (5247), it is determined whether the sensor (SE4) is off-edge. If the sensor (SE4> is off-edge), the process moves to step (5252), and if it is off-edge, it is determined in step (5248) whether or not the document flag (FIO) is "11".The document flag (FIO) is "0".
”, that is, step (5247
), if the document whose trailing edge is detected by the sensor (SE4) is the first document, the transport motor is turned on in step (5250), and the document flag (FIO) is set in step (5251).
) to "1" and return to the main routine. As a result, the ejection of the second document that has been waiting on the document table glass (19) is restarted (see No. 4e[1!J).

On the other hand, in the step (5248), the original flag (FIO
) is set to "1", that is,
If the document whose trailing edge was detected by the sensor (SE4) in step (5247) is the second document, step (5247)
Set the discharge timer in step 49) and proceed to step (5252)
to move to.

Steps (5252) to (5257) are the step (
5226) to (5231), the ejection motor is turned off when the ejection timer finishes counting [step (S2
52), YES in step (5253) ], whether to execute the feeding process for the next document [NO in step (S254)
O1 step (5258) ], if the final document has been ejected, execute end processing [step (5254)
YES, steps (S255) to (5257). Next, in step (S259), the discharge flag (F9) is set to "
In step (5260), the document flag (FIO) is reset to r□, y, and this subroutine ends.

FIG. 19 shows another subroutine of document ejection processing (2) in two-sheet feeding, which is executed in step (Sill) of the main routine of the second CPU (202).

In this subroutine, the discharge rollers (131) to (134)
) is set higher than the original transport speed by the transport belt (125), and the two originals are discharged onto the discharge tray (135) in good alignment with an appropriate interval between them.

Specifically, steps (5270) to (5273) are the same as steps (5240) to (5243) and (5220).
) to (5223), and the discharge flag (F9),
The discharge process is started when the set completion flag (F8) is set to "1". In this case, the ejection roller (
The document conveyance speed by the conveyance belt (131) to (134) is set higher than the document conveyance speed by the conveyor belt (125), and the gap between the first document and the second document gradually opens (the (See Figures 5a and 5b).

Next, in step (5274) it is determined whether the sensor (SE4) is off-edge. If the sensor (SE4) is not off-edge, the process moves to step (5278), and if it is off-edge, the document flag (FI) is set in step (5275).
Determine whether or not O) is “1.” Original flag (FIO)
is reset to "0", that is, step (5
If the document whose trailing edge was detected by the sensor (SE4) in step 274) is the first document, the document flag (FIO) is set to "1" in step (5277) and the process returns to the main routine.

This subroutine is called again and step (527
If it is determined in step 5) that the original flag (FIO) is set to 11, that is, step (5274)
If the document whose trailing edge is detected by the sensor (SE4) is the second document, a discharge timer is set in step (5276).

The following steps (5278) to (5286) are the same as the above steps (S252) to (5260), and the ejection motor is turned off when the ejection timer finishes counting [YES in step (S27B), step (S279)]. , start feeding the next document and end this subroutine [No in step (5280), step (5284)]
) ~ (5286) ], if the final document is to be ejected, execute the end process and end this subroutine [YES in step <5280), step (5281) ~
(S283).

(5285), (5286) Ko.

[Main part of the embodiment] In the above configuration, the sizes of the first and second originals are automatically detected when the original is fed in the two-sheet feeding mode.
If the length of the first document in the transport direction is larger than 1/2 of the total exposure area [No in step (slss) in FIG. 16a], only that document is switched to single-sheet feed mode. . That is, the document flag (Flo) is set to "1" and the feed flag (F2) is reset to "0" [steps (5190) and (5191) in the same figure.
E. Feed only one original onto the original platen glass (19) [FIG. 16b, after step (5209)]. With this, if there is a mixture of vertical and horizontal originals and originals, and the length in the transport direction is larger than 1/2 of the total exposure area, it will be automatically fed as the first sheet. If the image is copied only with a single digit, it is certain that a mistake in the copy due to the image being cut off due to carelessness will be retained.

Moreover, if the second document is not the same size as the first document [No in step (5205) in FIG. 16b],
From then on, copying operations are prohibited [see step (5206) in the same figure].
], the fed original is ejected from the original table glass (19) [see step (5207) in the same figure.
(5208) ]. Such control also reliably prevents erroneous copying, which would inadvertently cause image cuts or blank spaces in the two-sheet feed mode.

[Other Examples] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be variously modified within the scope of the gist.

For example, in the above embodiment, pinch rollers (121) and (122) were used as means for registering the leading and trailing edges of the document, but as shown in FIGS. 20a to 20d, the gate <129 ) can also be used. In this case, the gate (129) is a pinch roller (121),
(122) is installed on the downstream side in the feeding direction so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the feeding path, and the upper pinch roller (121) can move toward and away from the lower pinch roller (122).

In this case, when the two-sheet feeding mode is selected and the ADF start switch (SSW) is turned on, the pinch roller (121) first separates from the lower roller (122) and the gate (129) enter the road. The originals stacked on the original tray (111) are fed from the topmost original (Dl) by the rotation of the pickup roller (112), and are separated by the forward/reverse rollers (113) and <114), and the leading edge is The tip passes between the pinch rollers (121) and (122) and comes into contact with the gate (129), where the tip resist processing is performed (see FIG. 20a). Then the gate (
129) is retracted from the feeding path, the pinch roller (121) is brought into pressure contact with the lower roller (122) and is driven to rotate, and the conveyor belt (4125) is also driven to rotate in the forward direction. In this way, the document (Dl) is fed until the trailing edge passes through the gate (129) (see FIG. 20b).

Next, the gate (129) enters the feeding path, and
The pinch roller (121) separates from the lower roller (122). At the same time, the conveyor belt (125) is indicated by the arrow (C')
The document (Dl) is reversely driven in the direction shown in FIG. With the trailing edge registration process applied to the first document (Dl) in this manner, the second document (D2) on the document tray (111) is fed,
Perform tip resist processing. With this, two manuscripts (D
i) and (D2) are arranged side by side in a continuous image with the trailing end and leading end being registered at the gate (129).

From this state, the gate (129) is retracted from the feeding path, and the pinch roller (121) is moved to the lower roller (12).
The conveyor belt (12
5) is also driven in normal rotation, and the originals (Di) and (D2) are simultaneously fed onto the original table glass (19) (see Fig. 20d). When the rear end of the second document (D2) reaches a predetermined position on the document table glass (19), that is, the exposure start position by the optical system (20), the pinch roller (121)
, (122) and the rotational drive of the conveyor belt (125) are stopped.

On the other hand, as for the process of setting the original in a predetermined position, control was shown in which the feeding is stopped using a timer based on the trailing edge detection signal of the original by the sensor (SE2). A method may also be used in which a stopper is provided and the document is switched back. In other words, the document is once fed until it overruns a predetermined position, and then the conveyor belt (
125) is reversed and switched back to position the rear end of the document in contact with the stepped portion or stopper.

In addition, in the present invention, two originals are placed on the original table glass (1
9> In addition to the above-mentioned means, various means may be employed for juxtaposition on the top. For example, in the sorting section when feeding originals, a so-called lag feeding method may be adopted in which the second original is also fed after the first original. Alternatively, move the document transport belt (125) two times in the transport direction.
It is also possible to adopt a method of dividing and installing. In this case, when ejecting the original, the timing of the ejection drive of the conveyor belt that holds the second original may be delayed, or the ejection speed may be set to be slow, thereby creating an appropriate space between the original and the first original. The output tray (13
5) It is possible to discharge above.

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, when the length of the first document in the conveying direction is larger than 1/2 of the total exposure area when executing in the two-sheet feeding mode, The system switches to the single-sheet feeding mode of the original and executes the copying operation on the copying machine itself, so even when copying in the two-sheet feeding mode, only large-sized originals can be copied using one original. It is possible to reliably prevent copying mistakes due to image cuts,
Improved usability.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 19 show an embodiment of a copying apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 1 is an internal configuration diagram as a copying system, and FIG.
The figure is a perspective view with a part of the ADF cut away, Figures 3a to 3.
Figure 1 is an operation explanatory diagram showing the document feeding process, Figures 4a to 4
Figure e is an operation explanatory diagram showing one example of the document ejection process, and Figures 5a to 5c are operation explanatory diagrams showing other examples of the document ejection process.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the operation panel, FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the control circuit, and FIGS. 8 to 19 are flowcharts showing control procedures. FIGS. 20a to 20d are operation explanatory diagrams showing document feeding processing in a modified example of the registration means. (1) Copying machine main body, (100) Automatic document feeder (ADF), (110) Original feeding section, (1
11)...Document tray, (112)...Pickup roller, (120)...Document transport unit, <121),
(122)...pinch roller, (125)...conveyor belt, (129)...gate, (130)...
Document output section, (135)...Ejection tray, (157)
. . . Copy paper selection key, (159) . . . Feed mode selection key, (SEI) to (SE4) .

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. It is possible to stop two originals fed from the original feeding unit in parallel in the transport direction at a predetermined position on the platen, and to eject the originals from the platen after the exposure operation is completed. A copying apparatus equipped with an automatic document feeder having the following features: means for selecting a two-sheet feed mode for a document; means for detecting the size of the document; The length of the detected first document in the transport direction is 1/2 of the total exposure area
A copying apparatus comprising: control means for switching to a single document feed mode and causing the copying apparatus main body to perform a copying operation when the size is larger than .