DE2062600A1 - Electrophotographic copier - Google Patents

Description

PATENT LAWYERS '

DIPL.-ING. MARTIN LICHT ZUOZDUU

DR. REINHOLD SCHMIDT

DIPL-WIRTSCH.-ING. HANSMANN

DIPL.-PKYS. SEB. HERRMANN

Munich 2 December 18, 1970

THERESIENSTRASSE 33

/ vL

ADDHESSOGRAPH-MULTIGRAPH CORPORATION MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS, 1800 TiEST CENTRAL ROAD, V. St. A.

Electrophotographic copier

The present invention relates generally to copier machines and, more particularly, to very high speed copiers working electrostatic copier.

The following steps are required to make electrostatic copies of an original or original: Applying a uniform electrostatic charge in the dark to a photoconductive surface, selective discharge of the charged surface by exposure to one composed of light and shadow Pattern corresponding to the original to be copied, with a latent electrostatic image being created, and the visualization of the latent image through the use of finely divided electroscopic particles. The latent image can be direct on photoconductive copier sheet or other surface from which

109829/1604

then a visible image is transferred onto a flat sheet.

A large number of copier machines are available for carrying out the method explained above. In many copier machines in which the latent image is developed directly on a photoconductive copy sheet liquid developer used. The copy sheet must be moistened for application of the electroscopic particles and then be dried again in an electric heater in the copier to remove the moisture to expel or evaporate from the leaf and create a dry copy.

While this development technique is satisfactory, it takes a lot of time and therefore limits the number of in copies that can be made at a certain time interval. Furthermore, a lot of thermal energy is required to dry the wet copies. This requires a considerable consumption of electrical energy and thus an expensive power supply for the copier.

Other copier machines use dry toner or image powder instead of a liquid developer. In in this case, a heater is usually required to heat the copy sheet, to melt the toner brings and thereby ensures good adhesion of the toner to the copy. Such heaters require a lot of electrical power Energy to generate the heat required to melt and fix the toner. It is also a warm-up time necessary to bring the heating device to the temperature necessary for the production of the copies. Once the heater has been heated up, it must at least remain warmed up a little so that further copies can be made can be produced without additional waiting time.

109829/1604

-y-

In addition, many of the electrostatic copying machines available today have the photoconductive surface of the copy sheets by exposure to an incandescent lamp light source dischargeon. The GlUhlarapenllichtquellen ensure a good exposure of the photoloitondon surface, The copy sheet nut maple in Bolichtboroich still stohon and gonügond lango bolichtot wordon, un dio photoloitondo Ohorfläche ausroichond ontladon to be able to. Dios raised don’t spend on zoiting for the ear-studing of Kopion yet woitor.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to oino verbossorto copier to create dio with high Speed botriobon wordon can. Dio copier should not drive the usual mains voltage (220 or 115 V) wordon can. Furthermore, the copying machine should have a large capacity and photoconductive recording material use coated with zinc oxide or the like. The copier should be equipped with a xenon flap Light source for illuminating an original, a high-speed developing device to apply electroscopic toner particles to the exposed recording material and a fixing device to fix the toner on the recording material simply by applying pressure, so that as many copies as possible are made within a short time can be.

A preferred embodiment of the copier machine according to the invention consists of a housing with a generally

109829/1604

my flat top. At one end in the housing there is a lighting device under a raised one Part of the top, which has a transparent glass plate. A fully hinged cover is attached Provided at the top, so that pages from books or bound documents and also originals in sheet form can be copied easily and precisely on the glass plate.

Form two Xeuon lamps under the glass plate in the housing the light source. The xenon lamps are located in a specially designed lighting device for generation of a reflected image that is fed to an exposure station via an optical system. The optical system consists of a mirror arrangement and a lens arrangement. The exposure station is arranged vertically in the housing. Since the xenon lamps deliver high-intensity light, the exposure station only takes in a fraction of the time Performing an activity that is required when using a normal incandescent light source. The copy sheet needs also not to be stopped in the exposure station during exposure, which is when using an incandescent light source Condition is.

The exposure station is one of the stations along the processing path of a copy sheet in the copier arranged stations. First, the copy sheet is part of the supply roll made of photoconductive paper. The paper is preferably coated with zinc oxide. The roller is rotatably mounted in the housing. The paper is from the roll via a series of guide rolls to a cutting device guided. Furthermore, the paper runs past a movable sensor that measures the length of a copy sheet chooses.

A charging station with a corona charging device is after the cutter and before the

109829/1604

Exposure station provided. So the sheet is charged before exposure. During the uninterrupted As it is transported through the exposure station, the cut copy sheet is selectively unloaded.

The copy sheet is transported from the exposure station to the developer station. The developer station exists in a preferred embodiment of the invention from a high-speed deviocating device of the dry magnetic brush type, with electroscopic Toner particles are transferred to the exposed areas of the copy sheet via a brush. Be on it pointed out that, of course, other types of developer devices, such as spray developers or cascade developers, can be used if so desired.

The developer station is immediately followed by the fixing station with a fixing device which has the effect that the electroscopic toner particles that have been applied to the copy sheet in the developer station with the Sheet are permanently and firmly connected. The fixing device includes a pressing device which is without use of thermal energy only by exerting a uniform pressure on the copy the toner particles firmly and permanently connects with the paper. The pressing device ensures that the toner is fixed very quickly. Since no warming like is necessary with conventional heat fixing devices, energy consumption is also low. The copier according to the invention can therefore with the usual AC voltage (220 or 115 V).

In addition to the devices described so far, there are also sensors and associated circuits in the copier intended to detect jams or congestion.

109829/1604

With their help, jams of the copy paper are displayed during the copying process. There are also interlocking safety switches provided at various points in the housing of the copier to facilitate the operation of the device interrupted if the housing doors are open, the devices of the device do not work normally, etc.

The copying machine of the invention can also process pre-cut copy sheets if so desired will. Circuitry in the apparatus shut down the feed mechanism of the copy paper roll when a pre-cut copy sheet is inserted into the machine. The single copy sheet is processed in the same way like a sheet cut from the supply roll.

In the drawings show:

1 shows the perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Pig. 2 and _: enlarged spatial excerpts from the copying device according to FIG Original receiving glass plate and the hinged cover is shown, which is used when copying Individual sheets or bound documents and the like. Use.

FIG. K shows a section along the line kk in FIG. 1,

Fig. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of the electrical circuits of the copier in a preferred one Embodiment.

1 to 3 show a high-speed electrostatic copying device 10, which consists of a base plate 12 and a housing Ik attached to it. The housing lh comprises the side walls 16 and 18 (18 not shown

109829/1604

provided) and the V _o rder- and rear walls 20 and 22 (22 not shown), the front wall 20 consists of two doors 24 and 26 is made, which can be opened and provide access to the facilities of the device.

The top 28 of the copier OK contains a raised table 30 (FIG. 3) which receives the original. The original located there is illuminated on this table 30. The table 30 consists of three vertically arranged Side parts 32, 34 and 36 (34 and 36 not shown in Fig. 3) and an inclined side part 38, The side parts carry a top part 40 which has a window or a glass plate 42 (Fig. 3) for receiving the original contains. The edge 44 of the glass plate 42 is flush with the upper edge 46 of wall portion 38 so that a book or bound document 48, as shown in Fig. 3, can be conveniently placed.

A cover 54 is located on the edge 50 of the upper part 40 attached with a hinge 52 (Fig. 3). The cover 54 serves to cover an original to be copied on the glass plate 42. This prevents light from outside affects the illumination of the original.

The cover 54 consists of the cover 56 with the Side walls 58 and 60 and the sloping wall piece 62. It also comprises an upper T / and piece 64 which the other wall parts connects. The cover 56 is so large that it can be placed over the Aufnahmetisoh 30, the Wall elements 58, 60 and 62 cover the corresponding wall elements 32, 36 and 38 of the table 30 (FIG. 2) on the sides. An opening 66 is provided in the upper wall element 64 and a flap 68 is attached. A latch mechanism 70 is used to close the flap 68 when desired.

109829/1604

Should a book or a bound document be, so as indicated by the reference number 48, are copied, then the flap 68 is closed and the cover with Help the hinge 52 open, then place the book on the glass plate with the other half of the book over it the inclined wall element 38 lies. The cover 56 can now be closed over the book 48, being ensured is that no light from outside can have a disruptive effect.

When a single sheet original 72 is to be copied, the cover 56 is placed over the Table 30 placed and the flap 68, as shown in Fig. 2, opened. Then you put the sheet on the glass plate, close the flap 68, so that light from the outside can no longer hit the original, and begins the copying process. One white or reflective surface 74 that is about as large as the glass plate 42 is located on the inside 67 of the flap 68 in order to illuminate the original to be copied by reflecting the light supplied by the light source in the machine. The reflection surface is particularly useful when copying translucent or transparent originals.

Near the table 30 on top 38 of FIG ICopier is the control panel 75 for the user. The control panel 75 is best shown in Fig. of the drawings. It comprises a first control button 76 for selecting the desired copy sheet length, an exposure button 78 for changing the direction of the light source supplied energy, an on-off switch 80, a selector 82 for the number of copies, a Copy switch 84 and a lamp 86, which indicates any necessary maintenance work on the device.

109829/1604

_ Q_

2062B0Ö

The maintenance lamp 85 indicates that one of three conditions has occurred in the device which do not permit further operation. So that the user can determine which fault condition has occurred, he must open the door 24 of the device IO. As a result, a further control panel ^ O, which is shown in Fig. 1, is released. The control panel 90 contains three lamps 92, 94t and 96 with corresponding identifiers which reflect the function of the respective lamp. If the lamp 92 lights up, this means that copy paper must be inserted. The paper must be loaded before the machine can be operated again. The lamp 94 indicates that toner is to be replenished in the developing device of the apparatus. The lamp 96 indicates that a jam has occurred in the machine.

The jam detector device in the copier 10 ensures that a corresponding lamp lights up when a traffic jam or a congestion occurs. After the blockage has been removed, the machine remains at a standstill as long as until a jam reset button 98 has been pressed. The device then resumes normal operation on. The reset button is provided as a safety measure after the user has cleared a blockage the machine requires a positive action in order to bring the device back into the correct operating state bring. Another button 99 is provided. Sr is used for manual addition of toner in the development device of the device in the event that the copies show too little contrast.

Below the operating panel 90 is a Preload regulator 100 by which the user can increase the preload in the machine's developing device or

BATH ORIGINAL

109829/1604

206260Q

can humiliate. The operating devices explained above are described in detail below in the description of the operation of the device 10.

On the right-hand side of the upper part 28 of the copying device 10 (FIG. 1) is an output device 102 intended for the copies. There the finished copies are output from the machine and stacked on the tray 104. A stacking bar 106 is attached in the stacking area 104 and makes stacking the finished copies easier.

Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, the interior of the machine is shown 10 with the 3 facilities necessary for the copying process to see.

At the top left in the copier 10 is the lighting device jO with the glass plate 42 for recording of an original to be copied. There is also the cover 54, which prevents the incidence of external light but also prevents the user from the xenon light sources 108 and 110, which are used to illuminate the original used, shields. 3in lighting box 112, which is designed so that it matches the original as well as possible illuminated, is located under the plate 42 in the device 10. Sin optical cysteine, consisting of a Lens assembly 114 connected to interior 116 of the lighting box projects an image of the original for copy sheet illumination device 118, Sin mirror 120, which belongs to the optical system and is attached at an angle of approximately 45 degrees below the lens system 114 and is optically aligned with the lens system and the exposure station, is used to reflect an image of the original, projected from the lens means is used for the photosensitive copy material 119.

109829/1604

SAD ORfGINAL

iIi! u-% jet! ¹¹ ;.:;:;

The sensitized copy material 119 passes through the exposure device 118.

A roll 120 of sensitized copy material 119 is in a container 122 on a spindle 123 in the upper right corner of the device 10, as in FIG Fig. 4 shown. The copy material 119 runs from the roll in bin 122 over feed rollers 124 and 126 lengthways the path 127 through the cutting device 128, in which a rotating cutting device 130 is located. The cutter 130 is used to sever lengths of copy material from roll 120.

Below the cutting station 128 are two guide rollers 132 and 134, which the sensitized Move copy material 119 through charging station I36. The charger I36 includes a Double corona charger 138 »which sensitized the Copy material charges as it passes through and prior to selective discharge in exposure station 118.

A sensitized copy sheet 121 is after it is from The copy material roll has been separated, is conveyed through the exposure station 118 by means of belt 140. the Belts 140 are moved counterclockwise around rollers 144 and 146. A vacuum device 148 behind it Moving belt 140 provides a reduction in pressure on the surface of the belts in the exposure station 118. The separated copy sheet 121 is therefore held flat on the belt 140 during exposure and without stopping during the conveyance through the exposure station 118 exposed.

109829/1604

When the exposed copy sheet leaves the exposure device 118, its direction is determined with the aid of the belt device 150 changed. It then goes to the developer facility 152 in the copier 10. The belt means 150 includes belt members ± 51, which one have coated surface made of non-conductive material. The charged surface of the copy sheet can therefore elements come into contact with the surfaces of the Ri without destroying the image on the copy sheet or is scattered. In the developer station 152 there is a very fast working magnetic brush developer device 15 ^, which copy sheets with a Can develop speeds of around 15 to 18 meters per minute. Transport rollers 156 and 158 convey the exposed Copy sheet through the developer device, where toner particles are applied to the charged areas »

After the toner particles have been applied to the exposed copy sheet in the developer 152, the developed copy sheet passes through the fixing device I60. The fixing device 160 contains a highly effective, Extremely fast fixing device 162, which only uses pressure (no heat) to fix the still loose toner particles on the charged surfaces of the copy paper are used. The fuser contains two rollers I63 and I65, which are attached so that that they run against each other with relatively high pressure. The pressure is applied with the help of a coil spring I67. A developed copy sheet 121 is fed between the rollers, the pressure exerted there causing the Toner particles are bonded very quickly and permanently to the surface of the copy sheet.

The use of such a toner fixing device has a very important impact on speed with

109829 / 160A

of copies being made. Since no heat is required, the device consumes very little energy and can can therefore be operated with the usual mains voltage.

After passing through the pixel device 162 in FIG Fusing station 16O is the finished copy through the guide elements 164 and 166 to the Sinfädelstelle 168 of two endless ones Transport belt 170 and 172 brought. The conveyor belts run around corresponding rollers 174, 176, 178 and 180. The finished copy is pulled between the transport belts and up in the direction of arrow 182 to exit 184 of the Dispensing station 102 where the copies are deposited on surface 104 on top 28 of copier 10 will.

It should be noted that the copy material on the copy path 127 through the copy machine 10 with a is always transported from one station to another at a slightly higher speed. This continued slight increase The speed prevents the paper from wrinkling or warping as it moves from one to the other Treatment facility. A single drive motor 185 drives the rollers and belts used to transport the copy material. To change the speeds in the part described, gear units (not shown) intended. The belts 140, belt assembly 150, and belts 170 and 172 are constantly moved. the However, feed rollers 124, 126, 132 and 134 are thru controlled the circuit described below.

In the copying machine 10 sensors are provided for monitoring along the copying path. They ensure a flawless and effective operation of the device.

BATH ORIGINAL

109829/1604

- Ik -

Immediately in front of the transport rollers 124t and 126 above the cutter 128 where the leading edge of the sensitized Copy paper 119 is normally located, there is a sensor 186 which detects the presence of copy material indicates j is the paper available on the Holle 120 used up, then the sensor 186 causes the lamp (Fig. 1) and the lamp 86 (Fig. 2) to illuminate. Further be all facilities in the copier are halted until the paper has been replenished.

Below the charging device I36 is a Copy sheet length sensor 188. The feeler 188 can be manually located on a perpendicular path 190 nearby of the exposure device 118 can be moved with the aid of an adjusting knob 76. The positioning of the sensor determines the length of the copy sheet 121 cut from the roll 120. This process is detailed below explained.

The length sensor 188 serves another purpose. When the key 8k (FIG. 2) is pressed, the copying process is initiated, the copying paper being transported from its normal position along the copying path. At the beginning of the copying process, however, an operational safety timer circuit is also activated to determine congestion. The timer circuit, which will be explained in more detail below, specifies a specific time interval once it has been energized. This time interval is sufficient for the transport of copy paper * from the normal position to the sensor. 188. The front edge of the copy paper is considered. If the paper reaches the sensor 188 before the end of the preset time interval of the timer circuit, then the copying process proceeds normally. On the other hand, if the copy paper is held up for some reason so that it

109829/1604 bad original

sensor 108 cannot be reached in time and the specified time interval expires, then a jam is displayed on the lamp 86 and the lamp 96 and the copying devices automatically switched off in the copier. Since the feeler 188 to the normal position of the front Tape of the copy paper 119 to be moved or away from it can, the default time interval of the timer circuit has been chosen to be sufficiently large so that the copy material the Probe 188 in good time even at the furthest point can reach. This ensures normal transport of the copy material and a blind condensation alarm avoided.

Along copy path 127 and near the exit the exposure device 118 is an exposure sensor 192. The sensor 192 is used to monitor the movement of the leading edge of a severed, charged copy sheet 121 that passes through the copy paper path 127 is used. After determining the leading edge of a copy sheet 121 the original is illuminated and the copy sheet is exposed. The exposure of the copy paper happens during through exposure station 118.

In addition to triggering the exposure of the copy sheet, a second multi-stage jam test circuit is activated. The cumulative default time interval of the jam checking circuit is selected to be sufficiently large so that an exposed copy sheet, which leaves the exposure station, through the developing device 152 and the fixing device l6o run and get to the output conveyor belts 170 and 172 in time. Located at the exit of the fixing device a sensor 194. If the copy paper runs from the exposure station through the developer device and the fuser device and it reaches the sensor 194 before the expiry the default time interval of the congestion check circuit, the

109829/1604

Activated when the paper passed the sensor 192 is then this circuit is interrupted and the paper is fed to the belts 170 and 172 on. Reaches the copy paper on the other hand, for whatever reason (congestion or the like), the sensor 194 within the default time interval not in time, then a congestion signal is generated and the transport rollers and copying devices stop working interrupted.

Does the finished copy 121 have the feeler 194 with it Security happens, then it is output at the output 184 from the device and at the top 28 on the Stacked face 104.

The sensing and timing circuits are described in connection with FIG. 5 of the drawings which is a preferred one shows electrical circuit for a copying machine according to the invention explained.

The lower right part of the circuit diagram shows the input connections 200 and 202, which each have a corresponding fuse 204 and 206 with a 220 volt or 220 volt fuse. 115 volt T / echselstromquelle (not shown) can be connected to the energy supply.

Multiple lock switches 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 are provided to ensure that the facilities the copier are in the correct position before starting up. Assign all facilities the copier enters a normal operating condition and the outer doors of the apparatus are closed, then the switches mentioned above are also closed so that current can flow via lines 220 and 222.

109829/1604

BAD ORlGiNAL

The contacts 80a and 80b of a 3in-off switch 80 (FIG. ?.) Are connected between the lines 220 and 222. Briefly actuating the switch 80 causes the normally open contacts 80a to be closed and the relay K1 to be energized via the normally closed contact 80b and the normally closed contacts K2a of the switching relay K2. The relay K2 is explained in more detail below. By energizing the relay Kl, the contacts KIa and KIb are closed, and current flows through the transformer 224 to the low-voltage power supply 226. A hold circuit via the contact KIa and the contact 80b keeps the relay Kl in the energized state, so that current continues to the energy supply 226 can flow. A further brief actuation of the switch 80 causes the normally closed contacts 80b to open and the machine to be switched off.

The power supply devices are connected to the power lines 220 and 222 231 for the xenon lamps are connected via lines 228 and 23o. The energy supply directions 231 supply power to lamps 108 and 110 (FIG. 4) during exposure. Two with line 23o connected interlock switches 232 and 234 ensure that that the ülnergieversorgungseinrichtungen 231 are in the correct Zuotand are located before they are supplied with electricity.

I3 an energy supply device 236 for the corona charging devices 130 (Fig. 4) is connected to lines 220 and 222 via a relay contact X4a dos corona control relay K4 connected. In addition, the motor 185 (Fig. 4), the transport rollers and conveyor belts (Fig. 4) for the copy material drives, connected to the heating lines 220 and 222. Likewise, a device 238 is coupled to the power line 220, around a preload to the deviocating device 152 (FIg, 4) to be able to deliver.

109829/1604 bath

3s it should be noted that the low-voltage. ! power supply 226, which is supplied via the transformer 224 is fed, operating voltages on the order of plus 5 volts and plus 27 volts to various points in the Copier machine circuits via standard filter circuits (not shown) supplies.

The copy machine circuits include a copy button 84 (Fig. 2) for initiating the copying process. at the production of individual copies must this key 84 for each copy to be made. When making many copies from an original, the selector switch 82 (Fig. 2) is set to the number of copies desired and the down-counting counter 240 (Fig. 5) goes behind the production of each copy back by one counting step. To initiate the copying process for each copy during the A gate device 242 (FIG. 5) with the gate circuits Gl and G2 is provided for multicopy operation. This 3 facility is explained in more detail below.

Upon actuation of the ISin-Aus-Sehalters 80 to the supply of power to the circuits in the duplicator, the television old timer 244 and the default become Timer 245 (shown as blocks in Pig. 5) is supplied with power via the energy supply device 226. The timer circuits contain the switching elements which are customary and known in the art. The timers 244 and 245 begin immediately after the default time has elapsed. The default time interval of the preset timer is about 0.6 seconds. During this short period of time will be the logic circuits in the device in the normal state set and made clear for operation. The control register 246 for the copy paper transport is also used brought to the normal state, whereupon the transistor

109020/1604

Driver stage 248 of the transport brake actuated. The register 246 contains the gate circuits TCl and TC2. the Driver stage 248 energizes the copier material brense 25o, whereby the copy paper roll 12o (Fig. 4) is no longer moved. The control and driver circuit 252 for the Kopierlanpe supplies the Kopierlanpe 256 with energy via the line 254, indicating that the device is ready to receive a copy command. Circuit 252 includes gates G3 and G4 and transistor 253.

If no copy command is sent to the duplicator within approximately 25 seconds, then the timer 244 energizes the remote switching relay K2 via line 258. The time interval corresponds to 25 seconds the default time interval of the remote switching timer 244. By energizing the relay K2, the contacts K2a are in the hold circuit opened for the relay Kl and the relay Kl is no longer excited as a result. The consequence of this is that the contacts KIa and KIb are also opened, whereupon no more power from the AC power source to the power supply facility 226 and flows to the circuits in the copier machine. Should the machine be back in operation are set, then the switch 80 must be operated again.

If a copy command becomes the copy device before the default time interval of the remote switch timer 244 has expired given what the key 84 must be pressed, then the copier creates in the manner described below Make a copy of an original that is on table 30 (Fig. 3) on top of the duplicator lies.

109829/1604

When key 84 is pressed, a pulse flows to input 2βΟ of gate G5. The output of gate G5 reaches the RC circuit SCl as a position pulse to Input 262 of gate G6. The Go gate delivers one Impulse to input 264 of gate G7. A pulse at output 266 of gate G7 flows over line 268 to the master gate register 27o. Register 27o contains gates TGi and TG-2 and is itself part of the timer circuit 272 (indicated by broken lines). Register 270 changes to Beginning of the expiration of the default time interval of the timer part 274 of the circuit its states. Thereupon the Gate G8 emits a pulse at output 278. Gate G8 is in fact connected to register 270 via line 276. The pulse flowing out of the RC circuit RC2 has a pulse width of about 80 microseconds and overflows line 280 to input 282 of gate G9. This pulse arrives at output 284 of gate G9 via the line 286 to the AND gate GlO. An output of the gate G10 changes the state of the on the way via the line 288 Transport control register 246. A signal resulting from this brings the driver circuit via line 290 for the transport brake into the non-conductive state and releases the transport brake 250 for the copy material roll. The change in the state of the register 246 also causes the driver transistor 294 for the Transport coupling becomes conductive and the roller requirement coupling 296 on the basis of the signal on line 297 with the transport of copy paper from roll 120 (Fig. 4) begins.

The gate GIO also supplies an operation signal to the xenon and corona control register 300 via line 298, which contains the gate circuits XCl and XC2. Changing the state of register 300 does three things. First is a signal from the output 302 of the gate

109829/1604 _BAD original

Via the gate GIl and the line 304 to the input 306 of the Gate G12 of the corona control circuit 307 is supplied. The output of gate G12 operates the transistor relay driver circuit 308, which then energizes relay K4 via line 310. By actuating the relay K4 the contacts K4a closed and the corona energy supply device 236 put into operation. Second will be a Signal from output 312 of gate XC2 via line 314 sent to gate GI3. The output of the gate GI3 flows via line 316 to the input of gate G4 in FIG Driver circuit 252 for the copy lamp. The copy lamp 256 is thereby extinguished, which is the current creation a copy. Third is from output 312 of the gate XC2 is supplied with a signal to input 313 of gate G14 and the output of gate G14 flows over the line 3I8 to the xenon control transistor circuit 320, wherein the Line 322 di? Charging of the xenon energy supply device 231 is initiated.

When the control register 246 for the copy material transport changes its state and the transport of copy paper starts from reel 120 (Fig. 4) then becomes simultaneous a timer mechanism or a congestion checker 324 excited for reasons of operational safety. Excitation occurs on line 326 from the output of the transistor driver circuit 248 ago. The congestion checker 324 has ensure that the copy paper from roll 120 reaches paper length sensor 188 without jamming. That The default time interval of the congestion checker 324 is like this selected large that the copy paper transported at normal speed the length sensor 188 on the copy paper path 127 (Pig. 4) can reach in time even in the most distant position.

109829/1604 bath

If the copy paper jams in the device on the Away from its normal resting position at the entrance to the cutting device 130 (Fig. 4) to the length sensor, then the Device stopped to prevent further jams. If the default time interval of the congestion check circuit 324 is running, Before the copy paper reaches the length sensor 188, an impulse flows via the line 328 to the inputs 329 and 331 of gate GI5. The length sensor 188 preferably includes a photoelectric sensitive device or the like. The output signal flowing through the line 330 of gate G15 causes the status of the congestion detector register to be changed 332, which contains the gates JD1 and JD2. An output from gate JDi on the lines 33 ^ and 336 causes the disturbance detector circuit 338, which contains the gate GI6 and the transistor driver circuit 340, activates the maintenance lamp 86, and that the transistor driver circuit 342 via line 343 die Stauungslaape 96 (Figo 1) lights up and normally non-energized, manually operable congestion reset relay K3 energized.

The output signal of the gate G 16 flows through the Line 344 also to the input of the gate G12 and to the inputs 348 and 350 of the gate GI7, which in turn has the line 351 to the input of the gate TCl of the transport control register 246 is connected. The signals flowing over the last-mentioned lines interrupt the feed of copy paper from roll 120, insert the Reset transport control register 246 and thus activate brake 250 and feed clutch 296 deactivate. Furthermore, the energy supply device is activated by these signals 236 switched off for the corona charger. If a jam has been cleared, then it must the manually operated reset button 98 is reset

109829/1604 BAD original

■ '" ^f ί ^! ■""■" ^: " ^Γί ■ - · ■"■' - ■ I ■ ''"" ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ "- ■ ■■■■■■ · ■ ■ · ■ - '■■ - ■■■■ ->".,« :: «. '"..I,: ..?:, · ,,« :: -J.

will. This operates the salaries 98a (FIG. 5) and the Helais K3 reset again. This reset must be performed before the facilities in the duplicating machine resume operation can.

If there is no jam and the copy paper reaches the correspondingly positioned one from the roll 120 Length sensor 188 before the expiry of the congestion check circuit 324 given time interval (i.e. the leading edge of the copy paper is measured by the length sensor 188 detected in time), then a pulse overflows the line 352. The pulse reaches the length sensor circuit 354 and is there via input 356 of gate G18 recorded. The gate G18 then supplies an output signal via line 357 to gate G18b. 3in impulse des Gate G19b on line 358 flows to the input of gate Gi9. The gate G19 sends an output signal the line 36Ο to gate G17, which the transport control register 246 is reset by a signal on line 351 to the input of gate TG1. This will make the feed coupling 296 released and the brake 250 activated. Simultaneously with the setting of the feed of copy paper by the inches 124 and 126 (Fig. 4) (20 milliseconds later) the output signal of the gate GI9 overflows line 364 to gate G20 of the cutting control circuit 366 (indicated with broken lines). Bas output signal of the flowing via line 368 to gate G2i Gate G20 causes an output pulse on line 370 which renders transistor driver circuit 372 conductive and so that the working magnet 374 of the cutting device is in operation. The cutter 128 (FIG. 4) is shown in Rotational movement offset and separates a copy sheet 121 (Fig. 4) a certain length from the copy paper roll 120. In addition to the

109820/1604

Activation of the cutting device deactivates the timing device of the congestion checking circuit 324, then no congestion is incorrectly displayed. The signal that resets the congestion check circuit is transmitted via the Line 326 from transistor driver circuit 248 of FIG Transportbrense transferred here. ! During the operations described above, the default time interval of the guide gate timer circuit runs 274 further.

"When the copy paper through the corona charging station I36 wanders, then it is charged. The facility I36 was put into operation at the beginning of the copying process. The copy sheet 121, which has now been separated, is constantly with the aid of the running conveyor belts 140 ziui sensor 192 conveyed on (Fig. 4). The sensor 192 causes the exposure of the copy sheet, when it travels through the Beliclitungsstation 118. According to the time that elapses from the cutting of the copy sheet 121 from the roll 120 to the reaching of the sensor 192, the guide gate timer circuit 274 is deactivated and the routing gate register 270 is reset.

The default time interval of the guide gate timer circuit 274 changes depending on the selected length of the copy sheet, i.e. depending on the position of the length filler 188. However, the default time interval is in any case greater than the time that normally elapses until the copy paper arrives at the length sensor 188. For a copy sheet length of less than about 30 cn, the default time interval is about 1.2 seconds. For one Copy sheet length of more than about 30 cn is the default time interval about 1.8 seconds. The time interval is selected with the aid of the selector button 76 (Fig. 2) for the copy sheet length. With the axis of the manually operated button 76 is a guide gate switch 36s

1 00829/1604 bad origsmal

tied together. When choosing a length of less than about 30 cm the switch 362 is in that shown in FIG Position. If you choose a length of more than 30 cn, the Switch device 373 moved up to contact 375. Either a remote control circuit is required for the two settings 377 or 379 are incorporated into the guide gate timer circuit 274 via line 381, which changes the default time interval accordingly. The default time intervals are chosen so that a certain distance remains between successive copy sheets and one Overlap on the processing path in the duplicating device according to this invention during the Multi-copy operation is avoided. This operating mode is explained in more detail below.

Tear off the leading edge of the torn copy sheet 121 (Fig. 4) reaches the exposure sensor 192, then this sensor sends a signal via line 376 to the input 378 of the first of a series of gate circuits G22a, G22b, G22c, G22d and G26 included in the exposure sensor circuit 380 are included. A signal emitted at the output 382 of the gate G26 resets the register 300, as a result of which via the xenon flip control circuit 320 and the Line 384 ignites the Xenon Flange power supply and the copy sheet passing through the exposure station 118 is exposed to confusion. At the same time because of the reset of register 300 a signal via line 386 to gate GI1 and from there via line 304 to input 306 of the gate G12 in the corona control attitude 307 sent. This signal causes the deactivation of the relay K4 and the shutdown of the corona control circuit 236 and the charging device 138 (Figure 4). In addition, a signal via the gate GI3 ensures that the copier 2556 lights up, indicating to the user of the device that

109829/1604

another copy can be produced. Simultaneously with the Copy larape 256 is the remote switch timer 242 via the Line 388 activated and the default time interval begins to expire.

The leg "push" by the copy sheet 121 from exposure sensor 192 generated pulse also causes a pulse at output 393 of gate G?, 2. This pulse flows over the Line 395 to gate G23. The gate G23 then delivers an output on line 390 to the input of a plurality of congestion checking circuits 592, 394 and 396. Each of these congestion checking circuits contains a register as also shown in validation circuit 39o. The register exists from the gate circuits JCl, and JC2 and from a timer circuit, such as indicated by the reference numeral 398. the Status check circuits 392 and 394 are for simplicity rendered as blocks to avoid duplication. The pulse flowing via line 390 sets the register (not shown) of the congestion check circuit 392 and initiates the timer circuit. The congestion checking circuits 392, 39 ^ and 396 work one after the other in the congestion test for the copy sheets on the T / eg between the exposure sensor I90 and the sensor 194 at the output of the fixing device (Fig. 4 and Fig. 5)

After the congestion check circuit has expired the timer interval 392 the associated register is reset and the register of the congestion checking circuit 394 is set. The timer interval of test circuit 394 also runs again, with the register of test circuit 396 being set. The provision Several quality test circuits that work one after the other allow the monitoring of several closely successive ones Copy sheets in the processing path between sensor 192 and sensor 194.

109829/1604 bad original

If there is a jam between the sensors 192 and 194 on, then the test circuit 396 provides a signal via the Line 400 to gate JB2 of register 332. The state this register is changed by turning the Staulanpe 96 into Operation set and the manually resettable relay K3 energized. At the same time, the fault runoff is via the gate Gi6 86 to light up, whereby the occurrence of a jam is indicated. Sin signal on line 3 ^ 4 to input 348 of the gate Gl? and therefore to the transport control agency 246 interrupts the further feeding of copy paper from roll 120 because Brense 250 activates and the feed clutch 296 is deactivated.

If no jam occurs and the sheet safely reaches the sensor 194, then the sensor 194 delivers a signal via line 402 to 3 inputs 404 and 406 of gate G27. This signal activates summing circuit 408, which then via the line 409 the Sunmierungszänler 410 puts into operation. The counter 410 calculates the number of copies made in the reproduction apparatus 10 and can therefore be used for cost calculation and the like will.

During the conveyance of the copy sheet 121 from the exposure sensor 192, to the sensor 194 at the output of the fixing device the copy sheet is developed in the developer station (Fig. 4). For this purpose a toner powder is applied the electrostatic image generated in the exposure station 118 is applied to the copy sheet and in the fuser I60 (FIG. 4) is firmly connected to the sheet 121 by the application of pressure with the aid of the printing device 162.

Boin reaching the sensor 194, the leading edge of the copy sheet 121 of the revolving conveyor rails 170 and

109829/1604

recorded. The copy sheet is held between the belts brought up to the output station 102 of the copier and stacked on top of device 10 (Fig. 4).

The remote switching timer that started earlier has been, "expires" if the machine 10 is not given another copy command, and switches the device Io in the manner described above.

Shall multiple copies of an original in the copier then the user of the machine selects the number using selector switch 82 (FIG. 2) the copies you want. The copying process is started in the same way as for the production of a single one Copy, and the first copy is also made in the manner described above. If only a single copy is required, then a blocking signal flows from gate G28 to gates Gl and G2 for multicopy operation. The gate is G28 connected to the routing gate register 270. No signals can therefore be transmitted to gates Gl and G2, and thus no signals only a single copy can be made. In the case of multi-copy operation, however, the down-counting counter is used set to a count greater than zero. Furthermore, the multicopy switch 412 is automatically turned into a Brought state in which its device 414 comes into contact with the contact 416, Ss is therefore every time if the control gate G20 for the cutting device is activated, an impulse via the line 418 to the input of the Gate G29 of the control circuit 420 for the down counting operation. The transistor driver stage 422 of this The control circuit operates the down-counting counter 240 via the line 424. The actuation of the counter 240 causes that a signal via line 426 and via switch 412 to the input of gate G2 of the multicopy

BATH ORIGINAL

109829/1604

Gate circuits 242 flows. The gate G2 sends a signal over the line 428 to the input of the gate G25, whereby the blocking state is canceled and the gate G25 is activated for the multi-copy operation. This process is ongoing until the counting down counter reaches the counting state zero. If this is the case, then the lock state becomes restored and the switch 412 returned to its normal position.

During the multicopy operation, the xenon and u: id corona control register 300 remains in the set state and the copy lamp remains does not light up during the production of the desired number of copies, that is used to ignite the xenon flanpen energy supply device required signal is supplied by gate G23, irin when a copy sheet is detected by the light sensor 192. This signal flows via line 413 to the input of the gate G14, which ignites the Zenonlanpen-Snergieversorgungseinrichtung via the line 318 and the circuit 320, the remote switching timer 242 also does not "expire" until the corona control circuit is turned off. The timer is controlled via line 388 by this control circuit.

The lifting of the sporr condition on the copy line causes a pulse to be generated when the guide gate timer circuit 274 "times out". The one about the Line 430 Inpuls flowing to gate G28 ensures that an Inpulse goes to gate Gl of the multi-copy activation gate circuits got. The gate Gl in turn generates a copy pulse which is sent via the line 432 to the input 433 ues gate G6 flows and the routing gate register 270 is reset. The timer circuit 274 then begins to run again. This process is repeated at

10982Ö / 16CU

of each copy to be made, Ibis produces the last of them has been.

As mentioned above, the distance between the copy sheets in the multicopy mode is determined by the preset time interval the guide gate timer circuit 274 is determined. That Default time interval can be set in accordance with the selector switch 76 for the copy sheet length. For relatively long sheets (larger than about 30 cn), from the guide gate switch on approximately every 1.8 seconds Copy pulse generated until the last copy has been made. For copy sheet lengths of less than about 30 cn a copy pulse is delivered approximately every 1.2 seconds. Since the transport rack is reset, and the feeder to interrupt copying material when the copying material reaches the length sensor, which occurs before the "expiry" of the guide gate timer is the case (i.e. the default time interval is larger), a safety margin is established between the successive copies reached and it there is no overlap in the copy sheets.

The copier according to the 3rfindung can both pre-cut copy sheets or offset templates as also process copy paper from roll 120. If pre-cut copy sheets are to be processed, then the flap 197 for the manual Singabe (Fig. 1, 2 and 4) is opened in the direction of the arrow (Fig. 4), so that the pre-cut sheets are entered into the chute 199 and thus introduced into the processing path of the device IO can be. When the flap 197 is opened, the switch contacts 434 and 436 (FIG. 5) are actuated and the cutting device 374 decommissioned. Over the line 438 the copy switch is also deactivated, so that accidental activation of this switch does not

BATH ORIGINAL

109829/1604

speaking operations in öer device IO triggers.

When the pre-cut sheet is fed into the tray 199 has been, then the manually operated bypass switch 201 ensures that a signal from gate GlOa via line 440 to input 442 of gate XC2 of the xenon and corona control register 300 is transmitted and the television old timer 244 is deactivated. Bas register changes its state, whereby the xenon flip power supply device 231 charges device 236. In this way For example, the precut sheet can be loaded and the copier 256 is turned off. Register 300 remains set until the leading edge of the precut sheet reaches exposure sensor 192. Before will the sheet as it passes through the charging station I36 (Fig. 4) charged.

When the leading edge of the sheet reaches the sensor 192, the xenon and corona control register 300 changes its position State, with the corona device 236 switched off and the Xenon Flange energy supply device ignites, The pre-cut copy sheet is thereby exposed via the optical system II3 (Fig. 4), and the copy sheet 256 leuclitet. The remote switch timer 242 also begins the expiration of its default time interval. The jam detection circuits 392, 394 and 396 are activated via line 390 and ensure safe and trouble-free operation The copy sheet is conveyed from the exposure station 118 to the sensor 194 (FIG. 4). Monitoring this Operations occur in exactly the same manner as in connection with one cut from roll 120 above Copy sheet described.

109829/1604

As explained above, the copier 10 is also Equipped with a detector 444, the absence of Copy paper and is actuated by a corresponding sensor 186 (Figs. 4 and 5). The sensor 186 delivers a signal on line 446 to gate POl of paper detector circuit 444. An output of gate POi brings transistor driver circuit 448 into the conductive state. Circuit 448 then sets Lanpe 92 in Operation indicating the lack of paper. The signal on line 446 also flows to input 450 of the gate Gl6 of the disturbance detection circuit 338, which in the above described way the maintenance flap 86 on the top of the copier can light up. In addition to the Lamps an output of gate Gi6 flows over line 344 and sets the xenon and corona control registers 300 back so that the Ziorona device 236 and the Xenon power supply device 231 not active can be. The transport register 246 is also reset, thereby preventing the feed clutch 296 sets the roller 120 in motion, etc. The copier 256 remains switched off and the copy switch 84 is blocked, so that it cannot be operated.

In the developer station 152 (FIG. 4) there is a Sensor 452, envious of the lack of toner or the exhaustion of the toner genic, l / i rc! detected the lack of toner, a signal then flows over line 454 to gate G16, whereupon the copier machine is switched off, and in the manner described above in connection with the paper detector 444. In addition, the maintenance lamp 86 lights up and the lanpe 94 indicating the lack of toner.

There is also one in the developer station 152 Device, "which the proportions of toner powder and carrier

1098 2 9/1604 bath

keeps particles in a constant ratio. It should danit an optimal copy image blackening can be achieved. This facility is not shown here and is not described. 3 a detailed description of such an arrangement can be found in U.D.A. Patent 3,399,652.

The invention provides a copier for making copies of an original at a relatively high speed (about 15 to 18 meters per minute). The use of Zenon-Lanpen for the exposure of the original as the copy sheets are exposed on their way through the exposure station and the application of pressure to fix the toner particles afterwards makes it possible to produce a copy without any standstill. Due to the application of pressure instead Wämeenergie to fix the toner particles on the surface of the copy sheet, the device can nit the usual shore power supply. In addition, there is no need for an advance warning when making copies.

109829/1604

Claims (8)

- 3h - PATENT CLAIMS ίΐ) Electrophotographic copying device for producing copies of an original onto sensitized recording material, characterized by; a device for receiving a copy to be copied Originals with a lighting device containing a gas discharge light source for illuminating the original, a copy material storage device with a roll of copy material, a copy material conveying route along which the Copy material runs off the roll, one spaced along the copy material conveying route arranged by the copy material storage device » charging station for applying electrostatic charge on the copy material, one along the copy material conveying path between the copy material storage device and the charging station arranged separating station with separating organs for separating predetermined copy material lengths from the on the Roll of copy material, one along the copy material conveying route after the Loading station arranged exposure station for exposing the copy material, an optical system for projecting an original resting on the original receiving means onto the Exposure station for the purpose of exposing the charged copy material, one along the copy material conveyor after the Exposure station arranged developer station with a high speed magnetic brush developer for applying electroscopic developing powder to the exposed copy material, 109829/1604 _BAD original a fixing station arranged after the developer station with a pressing device for permanent fixing the electroscopic developer powder on the exposed copy material, a transport device for transporting the Copy material from the copy material roll in the copy material storage station along the aforementioned stations essentially without stopping, and a control device for actuating the exposure device, the charging device, the separating device, the developing device and the fixing device. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport device is transport means for conveying of copy material from the roll through the separation and charging station in the direction of the exposure station, independently of these transport means working transport means for transporting the copy material through the Exposure station and independently of the two aforementioned transport means working transport means to Transporting the copy material through the developing and fusing station, 3 · Device according to claim i, characterized in that the pressing device at the fixing station has two Pressure that are in close engagement with one another Has rollers, between which the developed copy material lengths are transported through, the Toner particles are fixed on the copy material by pressure exerted by the rollers. 4, device according to claim 1, characterized by a Housing with a generally flat top, along 109829/1604 one end of which the lighting station is arranged, while the copy material supply station is located at that of the lighting station opposite end of the housing is located directly below the top, and further characterized in that in the center of the housing a vertical section of the copy material conveying path runs along which the copy material is transported downwards and at its lower end the exposure station is provided for projecting an image of the original resting on the transparent plate onto the Exposure station for the purpose of exposing the copy material transported through the exposure station optical system between the lighting station and the Exposure station is arranged, after the exposure station a section extending obliquely upward in the housing the copy material conveying path is provided along which the developer and fuser stations are arranged and another portion of the copy material conveying path extends upwardly along the copy material supply station extends over the finished copies leaving the pixing station to those directly above the copy material supply station lying part of the top can be transported and stacked there. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that that each section of the copy material conveyor route is assigned a corresponding copy material transport device is. 6. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the lighting station on the top of the device is arranged raised and the raised part a flat surface for receiving the transparent plate 109829/1604 and has an inclined surface connecting the flat surface and the top of the device, the lighting station a cover pivotally attached to the lifted flat surface and between a Open position in which the raised part is exposed, and a closed position in which the raised part can be pivoted Part is covered and no light can escape from the lighting station 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized daduroh, that the cover is hinged by means of a hinge Has door that is movable between an open position and a closed position, while the Cover is in the closed position on the flat surface, and the opening reveals the transparent plate. 8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a control device is provided which the nit Lighting device equipped with gas discharge flaps when the copy material arrives at the exposure station Exposure of the original sets in action and thereby an image of the original on the via the optical system transferred separated length of copy material and this thereby is exposed while it is being transported through the exposure station. 109829/1604 Blank page