JP2002060089A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of judging a recording paper as a document in a plurality of automatic document reading parts. SOLUTION: The width of a recording paper of irregular size as a document 21, i.e., the length of the recording paper of irregular size in main scanning direction is calculated based on read signals from an focusing element 43. Also, the length of the recording paper of irregular size, i.e., the length of the recording paper of irregular size in auxiliary scanning direction is calculated based on the number of steps of a stepping motor 52 and the time counted in a time period from a time when a document length sensor 25 detects the tip of the recording paper of irregular size to a time when the sensor 25 detects the rear end of the recording paper of irregular size. As a result, the recording paper size of irregular type can be judged by the plurality of automatic document reading parts (ADF).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a copier or a facsimile apparatus having a copying function provided with an automatic document reading unit (ADF) for automatically reading a plurality of documents. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a flatbed scanner (FBS) for reading a still document placed on a document placing plate and a multiple document automatic reading section (AD) for automatically reading a plurality of documents are provided.
F) and a facsimile machine with a copy function are becoming mainstream.

In the case of making a copy using an automatic reading unit for a plurality of originals, first, a regulating member for regulating the width direction of the original is adjusted to the width of the original, and the width of the original is determined based on the position of the regulating member. You. Next, when the document is placed on the document table and the start key is operated, the documents are supplied while being separated one by one. Then, the length of the document is determined based on the number of lines of the image data of the document read by the automatic document reading unit. As a result, based on the width and length of the original,
When the recording paper stored in the recording paper cassette is selected,
The read image of the document is recorded on the recording paper.

[0004]

However, recording paper sizes other than the standard size (for example, A4, B4, etc.), that is, recording paper of an irregular size are also available. For this reason,
In recent years, an image forming apparatus equipped with a recording paper cassette capable of storing recording paper of an irregular size has also appeared. However, even with such an apparatus, when recording paper of an irregular size is stored in a recording paper cassette, the irregular recording paper size is not displayed on the display unit. As a result, it has not been possible to easily determine which recording paper cassette contains what type of recording paper of an irregular size.

[0005] In addition, when selecting and copying recording paper of irregular size, if the apparatus itself does not recognize the irregular size of recording paper, it is possible to record an image at an appropriate magnification, A margin cannot be created on standard size recording paper.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of judging the size of a recording paper as a document by an automatic document reading unit. To provide.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus provided with an automatic reading section for a plurality of originals based on a signal from the automatic reading section for a plurality of originals. Control means for judging the width and length of the recording paper as a document.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the plural-document automatic reading unit includes detection means for detecting a leading edge and a trailing edge of a recording sheet as a document, and a control means. Determines the length of the recording paper as a document based on the detection signal from the detection means and the detection time of the detection signal.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the plural-document automatic reading unit includes a reading unit for reading an image of a recording sheet as a document, and the control unit. Determines the width of the recording paper as a document based on a read signal from the reading means.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is embodied in a facsimile apparatus with a copying function will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a facsimile apparatus 11 with a copying function includes a document feeding section 12, a document placing section 13,
A reading unit 14, a recording paper supply unit 15, a recording unit 16, and a recording paper discharge unit 17 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
Reference numeral 2 denotes a document table 22 on which a plurality of documents 21 can be placed, a separation roller 23 for separately feeding the documents 21 on the document table 22 one by one, and a plurality of feeding rollers for feeding the separated documents 21. 24, and a document length sensor 2 comprising a reflective photosensor or a filler sensor for detecting the leading and trailing edges of the document 21
5, a light-transmitting plate 26 through which the original 21 passes, and an original discharge tray 27 for storing the discharged original 21.

The document presence sensor 28 is disposed to face the document table 22 and outputs a detection signal when the document 21 is placed on the document table 22. The document placement unit 13 includes a transparent document placement plate 31 on which the document 21 is placed on the upper surface, and a cover 3 that is openably and closably disposed on the document placement plate 31.
2 is provided. Then, the document table 2 of the document feeding unit 12
The document tray 2 and the document discharge table 27 are disposed on the cover 32 of the document placing portion 13, and are opened and closed integrally with the cover 32. The cover open / close sensor 33 detects the open / closed state of the cover 32 and outputs a detection signal.

The reading section 14 includes a light source 37 for irradiating light on the original 21 passing on the light transmitting plate 26 or the original 21 placed on the original placing plate 31, and an optical path of light reflected from the original 21. There are provided first to third mirrors 38 to 40 to be changed, and a moving mechanism 41 (see FIG. 2) for moving the light source 37 and the first to third mirrors 38 to 40. Further, the reading unit 14 reads the image of the original 21 based on the light from the third mirror 40 and a condenser lens 42 that converges the light from the third mirror 40, and reads the image of the original 21 based on the light incident through the condenser lens 42. And an image pickup device (CCD) 43 for outputting.

As shown in FIG. 2, the moving mechanism 41 includes a pair of left and right large-diameter pulleys 44, 45, a pair of left and right small-diameter pulleys 46, 47, and a first mechanism mounted between the large-diameter pulleys 44, 45. A belt 48 and a second belt 49 mounted between the small-diameter pulleys 46 and 47 are provided. Further, the moving mechanism 41
Is a first carriage 50 connected to the first belt 48.
And the second carriage 5 connected to the second belt 49.
1 and a step motor 52.

The diameters of the large-diameter pulleys 44, 45 are twice as large as the diameters of the small-diameter pulleys 46, 47. The large-diameter pulley 44 and the small-diameter pulley 46 on the left side are integrally rotatably connected on the same axis, and are operatively connected to a step motor 52. Further, the light source 37 and the first mirror 38 are supported on the first carriage 50, and the second mirror 39 and the third mirror 40 are supported on the second carriage 51.

When the large-diameter pulleys 44 and 45 and the small-diameter pulleys 46 and 47 are rotated by the step motor 52, the first and second carriages 50 and 50 are rotated via the first and second belts 48 and 49. 51 is moved. At this time, the first carriage 50 is moved at twice the moving speed of the second carriage 51. As a result, the first and second carriages 50 and 51 move to the intermediate standby position P1, the first document reading position P2 located immediately below the light transmitting plate 26, and the document placing plate 31, as shown in FIG. And a start point P3 of the second document reading position which is located immediately below the reference end 31a.

A document automatic reading section (ADF) is constituted by the document feeding section 12 and the reading section 14, and the first and second carriages 50 and 51 are moved to the first document reading position P2. And the original 21 passing over the transparent plate 26
Is read.

Further, a flatbed scanner (FBS) is constituted by the original placing section 13 and the reading section 14, and the first and second carriages 50 and 51 are moved to the starting point P3 of the second original reading position, that is, the flatbed scanner. (FB
After being moved to the home position of S), it is moved toward the end point P4, and the image of the original 21 placed on the original placing plate 31 is read.

As shown in FIG. 1, the recording paper supply unit 15
A plurality (two in the present embodiment) of recording paper cassettes 57 accommodating recording papers 56 of a predetermined size in a stacked state are provided. Further, the recording paper supply unit 15 is provided with each recording paper cassette 57.
A paper feed roller 58 that feeds the recording paper 56 therein one by one toward the recording unit 16 and a guide plate 59 that guides the feeding of the recording paper 56 are provided. Note that recording papers 56 having different sizes are stored in the respective recording paper cassettes 57.

The recording paper cassettes 57 are provided with recording paper size sensors 60a and 60b, respectively. However, these recording paper size sensors 60a and 60b can only detect recording paper of a fixed size.
When each recording paper cassette 57 is inserted into a predetermined position, these recording paper size sensors 60a and 60b
The detection signal indicating the size of the recording paper 56 stored in each recording paper cassette 57 is output.

The recording unit 16 includes a photosensitive drum 68 having a photoconductive film on the outer peripheral surface, a charger 69 for uniformly charging the photoconductive film of the photoconductive drum 68 to a predetermined potential, and a recording device 16 on the photoconductive drum 68. An exposure unit 70 for forming an electrostatic latent image and a developing unit 71 for supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 68 and developing the electrostatic latent image are provided. Further, the recording unit 16 includes a feeding roller 72 for feeding the recording paper 56 to the photosensitive drum 68, and a toner image on the photosensitive drum 68.
The image forming apparatus includes a transfer device 73 that transfers the toner image onto the recording paper 56 from above, and a heat fixing device 74 that heats and fixes the toner image on the recording paper 56.

The recording paper discharge section 17 is provided for recording the recording paper 5.
The recording paper 56 includes a paper discharge roller 77 that discharges the recording paper 6, a guide plate 78 that guides the discharge of the recording paper 56, and a paper discharge tray 79 that stores the discharged recording paper 56. In the recording paper supply unit 15, the recording unit 16, and the recording paper discharge unit 17,
For example, the paper feed roller 58, the feed roller 72, the photosensitive drum 68, the developing device 71, the paper discharge roller 77, and the like are rotated by a rotational driving force from a step motor (not shown).

Next, the electrical configuration of the facsimile machine 11 with the copying function configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the facsimile apparatus 11 with a copy function includes an MPU 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 8
3, reading unit 14, recording paper supply unit 15, recording unit 16, operation unit 84, display unit 85, image memory 86, codec 8
7, a modem 88 and an NCU 89, and the respective units 14 to 16 and 81 to 89 are connected via a bus 90, respectively.

The MPU 81 controls the operation of each unit of the facsimile machine 11 with a copying function. The ROM 82 stores various programs necessary for the operation of the facsimile machine 11 with a copying function. The RAM 83 temporarily stores various data and the like accompanying the execution of the program. Also, R
The AM 83 stores the recording paper size as a document read by the automatic document reading unit (ADF).

The reading section 14 reads an image of the original 21 via the light transmitting plate 26 or the original placing plate 31. The reading unit 14 includes a document length sensor 25, an image sensor 43, and a step motor 52. That is, the document length sensor 2
Reference numeral 5 sends a detection signal from when the leading edge of the document 21 is detected to when the trailing edge is detected. The image sensor 43 is a document 2
1 is read, and black and white binary image data is output. The step motor 52 rotates the separation roller 23 and the plurality of feeding rollers 24.

The recording paper supply unit 15 supplies the recording paper 56 to the recording unit 16 from the recording paper cassette 57 selected according to the size of the original. The recording unit 16 is composed of, for example, an electrophotographic printer, and stores received image data and image data read by the reading unit 14 in a copy operation on a recording paper
Record above.

The operation unit 84 includes ten-keys (including * and # keys) 84a for inputting telephone numbers, fax numbers, and the like.
The abbreviated key 84b for registering the abbreviated number or transmitting from the abbreviated number, the one-touch key 84c for specifying the pre-registered FAX number with one touch, the start key 84d for starting the original reading operation, and
X) "or" copy "mode.
A display unit 85 composed of an LCD or the like displays various information such as an operation state of the facsimile machine 11 with a copying function.

The image memory 86 temporarily stores received image data and image data read by the reading unit 14. The codec 87 encodes the image data read by the reading unit 14 for transmission using the MH, MR, MMR, or the like. The codec 87 decodes (decodes) the received image data.

The modem 88 complies with ITU-T Recommendation T.30. 30 based on a facsimile transmission control procedure according to V.30. 1
7, V. 27ter, V.A. Modulation and demodulation of transmission / reception data according to 29 or the like are performed. The NCU 89 has a function of controlling connection with the telephone line L and detecting transmission and reception of a dial signal corresponding to a telephone number (including a FAX number) of a destination.

Next, a facsimile machine 11 with a copying function
The operation from reading an image of a recording sheet of an irregular size as the document 21 by the automatic document reading section (ADF) to storing the size will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that this operation is performed by the RO
It is executed under the control of the MPU 81 based on the program stored in the M82.

When a recording sheet of irregular size as the document 21 is placed on the document table 22 and the start key 84d is operated, in step S1 shown in FIG. The plurality of feed rollers 24 and the like are driven, and one recording sheet of an irregular size on the document table 22 is supplied.

In step S2, it is waited that the leading edge of the recording paper of irregular size is detected by the document length sensor 25. When the leading edge of the recording paper of irregular size is detected by the document length sensor 25, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, counting of the number of steps of the step motor 52 is started. Step S
In step 4, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the leading end of the irregular-size recording paper was detected in step S2, the image sensor 43 starts reading an image of the irregular-size recording paper. That is, the reading of the image of the irregular-size recording paper is started after a lapse of time until the leading end of the irregular-size recording paper is transferred onto the light transmitting plate 26.

In step S5, it is waited for the document length sensor 25 to detect the trailing edge of the recording paper of irregular size. When the trailing edge of the recording paper of irregular size is detected by the document length sensor 25, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the counting of the number of steps of the step motor 52 is stopped. Step S
In step 7, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the trailing edge of the irregular-size recording paper is detected in step S6, the image sensor 43 stops reading the image of the irregular-size recording paper. That is, the reading of the image of the irregular-size recording paper is stopped after a lapse of time until the rear end of the irregular-size recording paper is transferred onto the light transmitting plate 26.

In step S8, based on the read signal from the image sensor 43, the width of the recording paper of irregular size is determined.
That is, the length in the main scanning direction of the recording paper having an irregular size is calculated. In addition, from the time when the document length sensor 25 detects the leading edge of the irregular-size recording paper to the time when the trailing edge of the irregular-size recording paper is detected (Steps S2 to S5), the counted step of the step motor 52 is performed. Based on the number and the time, the length of the irregular-size recording paper, that is, the length in the sub-scanning direction of the irregular-size recording paper is calculated.

In step S9, the recording paper size of the irregular size, that is, the width and length of the recording paper of the irregular size are stored in the RAM 83. Specifically, for example, as “irregular size 1”, the width (for example, 150) and length (for example, 200) of the irregular-size recording paper, that is, the length of the irregular-size recording paper in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning The length in the direction is stored in the RAM 83. Then, the operation unit 84
When, for example, the first recording paper cassette and “irregular size 1” are associated and registered in the RAM 83, the display unit 85 displays “irregular size 1 = 150 × 20”.
"0" is displayed. As a result, an original 21 of an arbitrary size
When the start key 84d is operated with the document placed on the document table 22, appropriate image processing (setting of the left, right, top and bottom margins, and the entire image) is performed on the irregular-sized recording paper stored in the first recording paper cassette. Reduction) is performed and copied.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained. (1) Original 2 based on a read signal from image sensor 43
The width of the irregular-size recording paper as 1, ie, the length in the main scanning direction of the irregular-size recording paper is calculated. Further, based on the number of steps and the time of the step motor 52 counted from when the document length sensor 25 detects the leading end of the recording paper of the irregular size to when the trailing end of the recording paper of the irregular size is detected. The length of the recording paper of irregular size, that is, the length in the sub-scanning direction of the recording paper of irregular size is calculated. As a result, an irregular-sized recording paper size can be determined by the automatic scanning unit (ADF).

(2) In addition, the width and length of the irregular-size recording paper, that is, the length in the main scanning direction and the length in the sub-scanning direction of the irregular-size recording paper are stored in the RAM 83. As a result, if the first recording paper cassette is associated with the “irregular size 1” and registered in the RAM 83 by the operation from the operation unit 84, the “irregular size 1” can be displayed on the display unit 85. . Therefore, an original 21 of an arbitrary size is placed on the original platen 22 and the start key 8
When the user operates the button 4d, appropriate image processing (setting of left, right, top and bottom margins, reduction of the entire image) is performed on the irregular-sized recording paper accommodated in the first recording paper cassette and copied.

(3) In addition, since an irregular-size recording paper size is stored, even when a fixed-size original is copied onto irregular-size recording paper, for example, the registered irregular-size recording paper is stored. The magnification can be set appropriately based on the width and length of the recording paper, and a margin can be created appropriately.

The above embodiment can be embodied with the following modifications. In the above-described embodiment, the operation of reading an irregular recording paper size as the document 21 and storing the size is described, but the recording document of the fixed size may be used as the document 21. In this way, for example, when it is desired to know the width and length of the fixed size, the width and length of the fixed size are stored in the RAM 83. For this reason, the stored width and length of the fixed size can be displayed on the display unit 85. Therefore, the width and length of the standard size can be easily known.

In the above-described embodiment, the width and the length of the irregular-size recording paper are stored. In addition, the width and the length of the irregular-size recording paper and the irregular-size recording paper are stored. A configuration in which the left, right, top, and bottom margins of the size recording paper may also be stored. Specifically, the width and length of the irregular-size recording paper and the left, right, top, bottom, and left margins of the irregular-size recording paper are stored by an operation from the operation unit 84. With such a configuration, it is possible to reliably create margins on the left, right, up, and down.

In the above embodiment, the width and the length of the irregular-size recording paper may be displayed on the display unit 85 when the width and the length of the irregular-size recording paper are read. With this configuration, the width and length of the recording paper having the irregular size can be easily determined.

Further, technical ideas other than the claims grasped from the above embodiments and the like will be described below together with their effects. [1] In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, storage means for storing the width and length of a recording paper as a document, and recording paper storage means for storing the recording paper And an operating unit for associating the recording paper storage unit with the width and length of the recording paper as a document. According to this configuration, the recording paper size can be determined by the automatic scanning unit for plural documents, and the recording paper size can be registered in the storage unit.

[2] The image forming apparatus according to [1], further comprising: display means for displaying the width and length of a recording sheet as a document read by the plural document automatic reading unit; An image forming apparatus for displaying on a display means the width and length of a recording sheet as a document stored in a document. With this configuration, the width and length of the recording paper as the document can be easily determined.

[0047]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. According to the invention described in any one of the first to third aspects, it is possible to determine the size of the recording paper as a document by the plural document automatic reading unit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a facsimile apparatus with a copying function.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a facsimile apparatus with a copying function.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a facsimile apparatus with a copying function.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation from reading an image of a recording paper of an irregular size to storing the size.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference numeral 11 denotes a facsimile machine with a copying function as an image forming apparatus, 12 denotes a document feeder constituting an automatic reading unit for plural originals, 14 denotes a reading unit as reading means constituting an automatic reading unit for plural originals, and 25 denotes a reading unit. A document length sensor as a detecting unit to be configured; 43, an image sensor as a reading unit;
52 step motor constituting reading means; 81 MPU constituting control means; 82 RO constituting control means
M, 83: RAM constituting control means.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/107 F term (Reference) 2F065 AA12 AA23 CC00 FF02 FF04 QQ31 3F048 AA01 AB02 BA07 BB02 CA03 CC03 CC04 CC05 DA06 DB04 DB12 DC03 DC14 EA15 5C062 AA02 AA05 AB02 AB08 AB30 AB43 AC67 AF06 AF10 BA00 5C072 AA05 BA20 LA02 LA18 MB06 NA01 NA06 RA01

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a plurality of automatic document reading units; and an image forming apparatus including control means for determining a width and a length of a recording sheet as a document based on a signal from the plurality of automatic document reading units. apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the automatic scanning unit includes a detecting unit configured to detect a leading edge and a trailing edge of a recording sheet as a document, and the control unit includes a detecting unit configured to detect the detecting unit. An image forming apparatus that determines a length of a recording sheet as a document based on a signal and a detection time of the detection signal. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the automatic scanning unit includes a reading unit configured to read an image of a recording sheet as a document, and the control unit includes:
An image forming apparatus that determines a width of a recording sheet as a document based on a read signal from a reading unit.