GB2193950A - Automatic duplex copying machine - Google Patents

Description

GB2193950A 1 SPECIFICATION operations. This is because the copying ma

chine with the automatic document feeder is Automatic copying machine arranged first to carry out the recto copying operations successively by the set number of

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 70 copies for each original document, and then to

Field of the Invention carry out the verso copying operations by the

The present invention generally relates to an set number of copies for each original docu automatic copying machine which is arranged ment after drawing out the recto-copied copy to copy the front surface of an original docu- papers from the intermediate tray. Therefore, ment onto the front surface of a copy paper, 75 if the paper jamming or the like happens in and the reverse surface of the original docu- the verso copying operation with respect to a ment onto the reverse surface of the copy halfway original document, the copy paper paper which is copied on the front surface which should be copied with the verso of a thereof, and more particularly, to an automatic coming original document is undesirably coped duplex copying machine for copying both sur- 80 with the verso of an original document prece faces of different original documents onto dent to the coming original document, result both surfaces of copy papers successively in ing in discordance of the copied surfaces of such a manner that the front surface and the the original document and the copy paper.

reverse surface of an original document are copied correspondingly onto the front surface 85 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION and the reverse surface of a copy paper even Accordingly, an essential object of the pre- when paper jamming takes place during the sent invention is to provide an improved auto operation. matic duplex machine for copying onto both surfaces of copy papers with respect to a Description of the Prior Art 90 plurality of original documents, which is so

Generally, in order to copy onto both sides arranged that, even when paper jamming or of a copy paper, sheets of copy papers, the the like takes place in the course of copying number of which is corresponding to a predet- operation onto the reverse surfaces of copy ermined set number of copies (the set number papers with respect to a particular original of copies to be produced), are copied first on 95 document, copying with respect to the suc the front surfaces thereof temporarily stored ceeding original documents can be positively in an intermediate tray, ad then copied onto carried out in such a manner that the front the reverse surfaces thereof. In the automatic and the reverse surfaces of the original docu copying machine described above, in the case ment are copied correspondingly onto the re where copy papers happen to be jammed in 100 spect front and reverse surfaces of copy pa the corse of copying operation onto the re- pers.

verse surfaces thereof, the jammed papers are In accomplishing the abovedescribed object, removed, resulting in a difference in the num- according to the present invention, there is ber of papers. In other words, the number of provided an automatic duplex copying machine copy papers which are actually copied onto 105 which performs, during the copying operation both surfaces thereof becomes smaller than onto both surfaces of copy papers, the recto the set number of copies to be produced. copying mode and the verso copying mode. In Noting the above fact, therefore, it has been the recto copying mode, the front surface of so arranged in the prior art copying machine an original document is copied onto the front to detect the discordance or the difference in 110 surface of a copy paper which is then stored the number of copy papers copied on the in an intermediate tray. This sequence of op front surfaces from copy papers copied on the erations, namely, the recto copying operation, reverse surfaces, thereby to obtain the insuffi- is repeated for every original document by the cient number of copies generated because of set number of copies. In the verso copying an abnormal condition such as paper jamming 115 mode, after completion of the above-described during the copying operation onto the reverse recto copying mode, the reverse surface of surfaces of copy papers, etc. In short of the the original document is copied onto the re copies, copying is carried out again onto the verse surface of the copy paper stored in the cop papers by the insufficient number of intermediate tray, which copy paper is there copies. 120 after discharged. The sequence of operations, According to the above described prior art namely, the verso copying operation, is re- copying machine, however, a plurality of origi- peated every original document by the set nal documents having both surfaces printed number of copies in the verso copying mode.

should be copied onto respective both sides The automatic copying machine of the pre- of copy papers with the employment of an 125 sent invention is comprised of a first counter automatic document feeder, and if the paper which calculates the remaining number of cop jamming takes place in the verso copying op- ies yet to be produced for each original docu eration with respect to a particular original ment, a second counter which calculates the document, the recto copying operations are remaining number of supply of copy papers carried out more times than the verso copying 130 yet to be supplied from the intermediate tray 2 GB2193950A 2 during the operation in the verso copying are transferred one after another by the paper mode, and a selection means which selects discharge roller 10 to the copy processing the contents of the first counter for the con- part 2, such that the copy papers have their tent of the second counter when paper jamm- reverse surfaces copied with the reverse sur ing is brought about in the operation under 70 face of the original document. After the copy the verso copying mode. papers are fixed at the fixing part 3, they are Fig. 1 schematically, shows the structure of discharged to the paper discharge tray. The the automatic duplex copying machine accord- verso copying operation as described above is ing to a first embodiment of the present in- repeated by the set number of copies. The vention. 75 second counter YDD is set, in the same man- Referring to Fig. 1, a cassette 1 supplies ner as the first counter Y, with the set num- copy papers to a copy processing unit 2. At ber of copies every time the recto copying this time, the copying machine is set in the mode is performed for every original docu recto copying mode. The front surface of an merit. The content of the second counter YDD original document is copied onto the front sur- 80 is counted down every time a copy paper is face of a copy paper in the copy processing supplied by the paper feeding roller, such that part 2, and the copied front surface of the the remaining number of the set number of copy paper is fixed at a fixing part 3 to be copies to be produced is calculated. During conveyed to an intermediate tray 4. The afor- the copying operation in the verso copying ementioned series of operations is repeated 85 mode, the content of the first counter Y is set by the set number of copies to be produced to be the set number of copies, and at the in the recto copying mode. After the recto same time counted down by an on-signal of a copying operation is repeated for every origipaper detection sensor S1 provided before the nal -document by the set number of copies, paper discharge tray, so that the verso copy the verso copying mode is started. In entering 90 ing operation onto the copy papers in the in the verso copying mode, the copy paper termediate tray is repeated by the set number stored in the intermediate tray 4 is sent out of copies. In other words, the first counter Y by a paper feeding roller 10 to be supplied to calculates the remaining number of the set the copy processing part 2. The copy paper is number of copies also in the verso copying copied onto the reverse face thereof with the 95 mode.

reverse face of the original document in the In the case where the copy papers are not copy processing part 2 and- fixed in the fixing transferred to the copying processing part 2 part 3, and then discharged' into a paper dis- because of the paper jamming or the like dur charge tray. The sequence of operations is ing the operation in the verso copying mode, repeated by the set number of copies in the 100 the content of the first counter Y is set to be verso copying mode. A first counter Y calcu- the value of the second counter YDD. Specifi lates the remaining number of copies yet to cally, the remaining number of the set number be produced for one original document, while of copies to be produced is calculated by the a second counter YDD calculates the remain- content of the first counter Y in the verso ing number of supply of copy papers yet to 105 copying operation as in the recto copying op be supplied - from the intermediate tray for one eration. However, in the case where copying original document. is not carried out in the verso copying operExplanation will be given of the operation of ation due to the paper jamming, etc., the con- the automatic duplex copying machine having tent of the first counter isinot counted down the'above-described construction with refer- 110 because of the copy papers which are ence to Fig. 1. counted by the second counter although the hen the alltomatic copying machine is set second counter counts down when the copy ? in the recto copying mode, the copy paper papers for the verso copying operation are supplied from the cassette 1 is transferred supplied, and accordingly, if the content of the with an image onto the front surface thereof 115 first counter is set to be the value of the in the copy processing part 2, and then fixed second counter, the remaining number of the in the fixing part 3. Thereafter, the copy paper set number of copies in the verso copying is sent to be stored -in the intermediate tray 4. mode can be correctly obtained. Therefore, This copying operation in the recto copying even when the jammed copy papers are re mode is repeated for the set number of cop- 120 moved, it is regarded that the verso copying ies. In the meantime, the first counter Y is set mode is practiced, and in consequence, the with the set number of copies every time the verso copying operation with respect to the recto copying mode is practiced for each original document appears to be carried out original document. When a paper detection by the same number of copies as the recto sensor S2 generates an on-signal during the 125 copying operation.

operation in the recto copying mode, the first As described hereinabove, in the copying counter Y counts down to calculate the re- machine of the present invention, the first maining number of the set number of copies. counter Y is so arranged that. even when the In the verso copying mode, the copy papers verso copying operation is not carried out be temporarily stored in the intermediate tray 4 130 cause of the paper jamming, the correct re- 3 GB2193950A 3 maining number of the set number of copies "0", it is the time to wait for a third original is maintained, thereby to keep the right condi- document. When the third original document tion for copying of an original document onto is placed on the platform for the verso copy a copy paper. As shown in Fig. 2, for ing operation, the first counter Y is set to be example, supposing that the set number of 70 the set number 4 for the third original docu copies is 4, and copy papers copied in the ment. In the manner as described above, even recto copying mode with respect to four origi- when the paper jamming is brought about in nal documents are stored in the intermediate the verso copying operation, the automatic du tray 4, the 16 sheets of copy papers are subplex copying machine according to the present jected to the verso copying mode one by one 75 invention can be prevented from being af from the uppermost sheet. The set number of fected in the copying operation thereafter.

copies in the verso copying mode for every In the above-described arrangement of the original document which is rendered the same present invention, the content of the first as the set number of copies in the recto counter which calculates the remaining number copying mode is entered into the first counter 80 of the set number of copies for each original Y. The first counter Y counts down by the document is rendered the set number of the on-signal generated from the paper detection second counter which calculates the number sensor S1 provided before the paper dis- of supply of copy papers from the intermedi charge tray so as to calculate the remaining ate tray when a jammed copy paper cannot number of the set number of copies in the 85 be subjected to the verso copying mode. Con verso copying operation. sequently, even when the verso copying mode However,:in the case, for example, where with respect to the original document is not the copy paper represented by 0 in Fig. 2 carried out by the set number of copies due which has the front surface thereof copied to the paper jamming, the first counter Y with the front face of the fourth original docu- 90 counts the set number of copies to be pro ment is not copied on the reverse face thereof duced for one original document in the same due to the paper jamming, etc., it is so ar manner as in the case without the paper ranged that the paper jamming, etc. is de- jamming. Therefore, a plurality of original do tected, and at the same time, the content of cuments can be advantageously positively the first counter Y is set to be the content of 95 copied one by one by the set number of cop the second counter YDD. In other words, if ies in such manner that the front surface of the paper jamming is given rise to, although the original document is positively copied onto the content of the counter Y remains -3- the front surface of the copy papers, and the since the paper detection sensor S1 is not reverse surface of the original document is turned on because of the jammed copy paper 100 positively copied onto the reverse surfaces of 0, the second counter YDD counts down the copy papers, with no discordance of the while the copy papers are supplied in the surfaces to be copied between the original verso copying operation, to calculate the re- document and the copy papers.

maining number -2- of copy papers yet to be A further object of the present invention is supplied from the intermediate tray. As a re- 105 to provide an improved automatic duplex sult, the remaining number -2- in the second copying machine equipped with a sorter for counter YDD is set in the first counter Y to copying a plurality of original documents onto be---2-. This renewal of the content of the both surfaces of copy papers which copy pa first counter Y means that the first counter y pers are in turn received in layered bins, counted the copy paper which could not be 110 wherein, in spite of the paper jamming caused subjected to the verso copying operation due during the copying operation onto the reverse to the paper jamming, etc. surface of a copy paper, copying can be ef- Thus, even though the verso copying oper- fected in correct correspondence of the sur- ation with respect to the fourth original docu faces between the succeeding original docu ment is carried out by the number smaller 115 ments and the copy papers, and at the same than the set number of copies, the first coun- time, even when the duplex copied copy pa ter Y is set at that time to be the content of pers are not discharged due to the paper the second counter YDD. Accordingly, the jamming or the like, copy papers successive first counter Y can be renewed to be the re- to the jammed copy papers can be positively maining number -2- for one original docuclassified in the proper bins in accordance ment. As a result, thereafter, the verso copy- with the sorting mode and the group mode ing operation is conducted based on the con- set in a control part.

tent of the first counter Y, namely, the re- In accomplishing the abovedescribed object, maining number---2-. When the copy papers the automatic duplex copying machine accord represented -by 0 and (1) in the intermediate 125 ing to the present invention performs the tray 4 which have their front surfaces copied recto copying mode whereby the front surface with the fourth original document are finished of an original document is copied onto the with the verso copying operation, the first front surfaces of copy papers which are then counter Y shows the remaining number "0". stored in the intermediate tray, which se At this time, when the first counter Y shows 130 quence of operations is repeated for every 4 GB2193950A 4 original document by the set number of copies produced in the verso copying mode.

to be produced, and, the verso copying mode More specifically, in Fig. 6, in the operation whereby, after the above-described recto under the verso copying mode, the copy pa copying mode is completed, the reverse sur- pers temporarily stored in the intermediate face of the original document is copied onto 70 tray 4 are sequentially sent out to the copy the reverse surfaces of the copy papers processing part 2 by the paper feeding roller stored in the intermediate tray, and then the 10. In the copy processing part 2, the reverse copied copy papers are discharged, which se- face of the original document is copied onto quence of operations is repeated for every the reverse surfaces of the copy papers which original document by the set number of copies 75 are then fixed in the fixing part 3 and trans to be produced, in the duplex copying mode. ferred to the sorter 23, so as to be classified Moreover, the automatic duplex copying ma- into the layered bins 6 in accordance with the chine of the present invention is provided with sorting mode or the group mode preliminarily a selection means for selecting the sorting set in the control part (not shown). In other mode whereby the duplex-copied copy papers 80 words, in the case of the sorting mode se are put into the proper bins one by one for lected 1 the duplex-copied copy papers are en every page, and the group mode whereby the tered into the bins 6 one by one for every duplex-copied copy papers are accommodated page. On the other hand, in the case of the into proper bins for every original document group mode selected, the duplex-copied copy by the set number of copies. 85 papers are brought into the bins 6 each by - The automatic duplex copying machine fur- the set number of copies for every original ther includes a first counter for calculating the document. Meanwhile, the set number of cop remaining number of copies to be produced ies for every original document is set in the for each original document, a second counter second counter YDD before start of the recto for calculating the remaining number of supply 90 copying mode in the same manner as the first of copy papers to be supplied from the inter- counter Y. The second counter YDD counts mediate tray in the operation under the verso down before the copy papers are supplied by copying mode, and a means which sets te the paper feeding roller, thereby to calculate content of the first counter to be the content the remaining number of copies to be pro of the second counter when the paper jammduced.

ing takes place in the operation under the Furthermore, according to the automatic du- verso copying mode. Also provided in the plex copying machine, in the case where pa automatic duplex copying machine is a shift per jamming is given rise to during the oper means which sets the selected bin at the ation in the verso copying mode, the content home position in the case where the sorting 100 of the first counter is set to be the content of mode is selected, or shifts the selected bin to the second counter, and at the same time, a next step in the case where the group mode when the content of the first counter set in is selected, when the content of the second the above-described manner is zero, in other counter to which the first counter is set is words, if the remaining number of the verso zero. 105 copying operations with respect to one origi- Fig. 6 schematically shows the structure of nal document is zero, the selected bin is set the automatic duplex copying machine with a at the home position in the sorter 23 in the sorter according to a second embodiment of case of the sorting mode, or the selected bin the present invention. is shifted to a next step in the sorter 23 in Referring to Fig. 6, although the explanation 110 the case of the group mode.

of the same structure as that in Fig. 1 will be In the manner as described above, if the abbreviated here, the difference between Figs. paper jamming takes place'during the oper 6 and 1 will be described hereinbelow. When ation in the verso copying mode, and when the verso copying mode is started, the copy the verso copying operation with respect to papers stored in the intermediate tray are sup- 115 the one original document is completed plied by the paper feeding roller 10 to be (namely, when the remaining number of the forwarded to the copy processing part 2 in verso copying operations is zero), controlling which the reverse surface of the original docu- of the sorter prevents the copy papers for a ment is copied onto the reverse surfaces of next original document from being stored into the copy papers. Then, after the copy papers 120 the bin which should have received the copied onto the rear surfaces thereof are fixed jammed copy papers, and accordingly the at the fixing part 3, they are transferred to a copy papers for the respective original docu sorter 23 In the sorting unit or the sorter 23, ments are classified into the proper bins in the duplex-copied copy papers are received accordance with the sorting mode or the into proper layered bins 6 in accordance with 125 group mode.

the sorting mode or the group mode prelimi- After the verso copying operation is corn- narily arranged in a control part (not shown). pleted, a third original document is set onto The above-described sequence of operations the platform, with the first and the second is repeatedly conducted in succession for ev- counters Y and YDD being set again with the ery original by the set number of copies to be 130 set number -4- with respect to the third GB2193950A 5 original document. schematically illustrated therein.

At this time, when the sorting mode is se- The automatic duplex copying machine is lected, the selected bin 6 is set at the home comprised of a main body 21, an automatic position by the sorter 23. If the group mode original document feeder 22, a sorter 23 and is selected, the selected bin 6 is shifted to a 70 a cabinet 24. A platform 25 is provided on next step. Since the sorter 23 is not aware of the upper surface of the main body 2 1. The the generation of the paper jamming within automatic original document feeder 22 is the copying machine, the bin will not be pro- placed over the platform 25 in order to trans perly selected, without control of the sorter, fer a plurality of original documents sequenti- when one original document is changed to 75 ally to a predetermined position on the plat another, resulting in that copy papers are form 25. A photosensitive drum 26 is pro mixed up within a bin. Therefore, by control- vided in the central part within the main body, ling the sorter as above, it can be prevented constituting a copy processing part 2. At the that copy papers for the next original docu- right side of the copy processing part 2, there ment are mixed into the selected bin in which 80 is formed a paper feeding part 1 in which a the jammed papers should have been con- copy feeding tray 27 and paper cassettes 28 tained, and the copy papers following the and 29 are installed. Further, at the left side jammed papers are correctly received into the of the copy processing part 2, a paper dis respective proper bins. charge part 4 provided with a paper discharge 85 roller 30 is formed. A fixing roller 3 is placed BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS between the paper discharge part 4 and the

These and other objects and features of the copy processing part 2. Moreover, the main present invention will become apparent from body 21 of the copying machine has an oper the following description taken in conjunction ating panel (not shown) arranged on the upper with the preferred embodiments thereof with 90 surface thereof.

reference to the accompanying drawings The sorter 23 is equipped with a paper dis- throughout which like parts are designated by charge tray 31. A flapper 32 provided within like reference numerals, and in which: a paper transfer passage in the upper part of Fig. 1 is a block diagram schematically the sorter 23 introduces copy papers copied showing. the structure of an automatic duplex 95 in the copy processing part 2 in the recto copying machine according. to a first embodi- copying operation under the duplex copying ment of the present invention; mode into a passage 33 within the sorter Fig. 2 is a view showing one example of an through the paper discharge part 4. A paper intermediate tray and copy papers stored reversing part 35 is arranged in the lower part therein of the copying machine of Fig. 1; 100 of the sorter 23, and at the entrance of the Fig. 3 is a view schematically showing the paper reversing part 35 is provided a flapper structure of the copying machine of Fig. 1; 34. The flapper 34 is, although it generally Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a control part leads the copy papers into the paper reversing of the copying machine of Fig. 3; part in the duplex copying mode, arranged to Figs. 5(A) and 5(E) are flow-charts showing 105 guide the copy papers directly to a transfer the operation of the copying machine of Fig. passage 36 within the cabinet 24, without 3; passing them through the paper reversing Fig. 6 is a block diagram schematically part, in the composite copying mode. The showing the structqre of an automatic duplex main body 21 is mounted onto the cabinet copying machine with a sorting unit according 110 24. Moreover, the copying machine has an to a second embodiment of the present inven- intermediate tray 4 inside the cabinet 24. The tion; intermediate tray 4 is provided so as to tem- Fig. 7 is a view showing one example of an porarily store the copy papers transferred intermediate tray and copy papers accommo- along the transfer passage 33 within the dated therein in the copying machine of Fig. 115 sorter 23 and the transfer passage 36 in the 6; cabinet 24, to be supplied to the copy pro- Fig. 8 is a view schematically showing the cessing part 2 through a transfer passage 37.

structure of the automatic duplex copying ma- There is a paper feeding roller 10 above a chine with the sorting unit of Fig. 6; paper feeding part of the intermediate tray 4, Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a control part 120 for supplying the copy papers stored in the of the copying machine of Fig. 8; and intermediate tray 4 to the copy processing Figs. 10(A), 10(E) and 10(C) are flow-charts part 2 during the operation in the verso copy- showing the operation of the copying machine ing mode.

of Fig. 8. In the above-described copying machine, the 125 copy paper fed from any one of the paper DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS feeding tray 27, the paper feeding cassettes

First Embodiment 28 and 29 is forwarded to the photosensitive Referring to Fig. 3, the structure of an auto- drum 26 at a predetermined timing, such that matic duplex copying machine according to a a toner image on the surface of the photosen first embodiment of the present invention is 130 sitive drum 26 is transferred onto the copy 6 GB2193950A 6 paper. After the copy paper is transferred guishing the single copying mode and the du onto the front surface thereof with the toner plex copying mode, or the recto copying image, it is sent out to the fixing roller 3 to mode and the verso copying mode in the du be fixed thereat. As described above, in the plex copying mode, or the RAM 43 is utilized duplex copying mode, the copy paper the 70 for working area. Various kinds of inputting front surface of which is copied is sent into equipments are connected to 1/0 44. The op the sorter 23 by the paper discharge roller eration of CPU 41 controlseach of input and 30, through the transfer passage 33 in the output equipments which include an operating sorter 23, the paper reversing part 35, and panel 45 provided with a mode selection key, the transfer passage 36 in the cabinet 24, to 75 a print key for indicating the start of the copy be stored into the intermediate tray 4. The ing operation and a ten key, a paper detection above-described recto copying operation is sensor 47 (S2) which detects copy papers carried out when the desired number of cop- transferred to the intermediate tray in the ies which is inputted by the operating part recto copying mode, thereby to count down (not shown) is set in a counter Y provided in 80 the content of the counter Y, a paper detec the control part. After the number of copies is tion sensor 46 (S1) provided before the paper set in the counter Y, when the copied copy discharge roller 38 so as to detect the copy paper is detected by a paper detection sensor papers copied onto the reverse surfaces (S2 in Fig. 1) provided adjacent to the en- thereof to count down the content of the trance of the intermediate tray, the counter Y 85 counter Y, a sensor 48 which counts down counts down upon an on-signal of the sensor the value of the counter YDD by its detection S2, thereby to calculate the remaining number signal every time the copy paper in the inter of copies yet to be produced. The recto copy mediate tray 4 is supplied by the paper feed ing operation with respect to one original ing roller 10 in the verso copying mode, and document is repeated until the calculated value 90 a motor 49 for transporting the copy papers becomes zero. and driving the phtosensitive drum.

When the verso copying operation is Figs. 5(A) and 5(13) are flow-charts showing started, the copy papers stored in the inter- the operation of the copying machine in the mediate tray 4 are sent out one by one by duplex copying mode.

the paper feeding roller 10 at a predetermined 95 When power is supplied, the warming-up of timing in a rightwise direction, and the copy the copying machine is started in step nl papers are guided to the copy processing part (hereinafter the---stepn 1-- -will be referred only 2 through the paper transfer passage 37. as to---n 1 -). After it is detected in n2 that There at the copy processing part 2, the re- the warming-up is finished, the data for copy verse surfaces of the copy papers are copied 100 ing is inputted in n3. The copying data con in the same manner as the front surfaces tains the set number of copies desired to be thereof. produced per one original document which is The above-described verso copying oper- set in the first counter Y. Then, the flow goes ation is repeated until the counter Y in which to n4 to wait for the turning-on of a printing the desired number of copies is set before 105 switch.

start of the recto copying operation, counts When the printing switch is turned on in n4, down the number, upon receipt of an on-sig- the content of the counter Y is set in the nal from the paper detection sensor, to indi- counter YDD in n5 the value of which is de cate the calculated value zero. creased every time a copy paper is supplied On the other hand, there is further provided 110 from the intermediate tray in the operation of a counter YDD in which the desired number of the verso copying mode, and at the same copies to be produced is set before start of time an nth original document (at first n 1) the recto copying operation, and which is ar- is supplied from the automatic original docu ranged to count down the number every time ment feeder 22 (referred to as AN hereinbe the copy paper in the intermediate tray 4 is 115 low). In n6, it is detected whether the copy supplied by the paper feeding roller. If the paper is properly supplied from the paper paper jamming or the like is brought about feeding part of the interm ' ediate tray. If the during the verso copying operation, the con- paper is correctly supplied, it is judged in n7 tent of the counter Y is set to be the set whether or not it is in the verso copying number of copies set by the. counter YDD, 120 mode at the present stage. When it is judged thereby to positively continue the ver so copyin n7 that the verso copying mode is se ing operation. In the manner as described lected, the flow proceeds to n8 where the above, the verso copying operation is re- paper feeding roller 10 is driven to supply to peated by the set number of copies. ' copy paper within the intermediate tray, and Fig. 4 is a block diagram- showing the con- 125 also to decrease the value of the counter trol part in the automatic duplex copying maYDD. It is detected in n9 whether the paper is chine of Fig. 3. The control part is entirely jammed. Without the paper jamming observed controlled by the program of CPU 41. The in n9, the flow proceeds to n10 where it is controlling program is already written in ROM detected whether the copy paper is dis 42. RAM 43 is assigned with a flag for distincharged to the paper discharge tray. If the 7 GB2193950A 7 copy paper is not yet sent out to the paper goes to n21 where the content of the counter discharge tray, the flow returns back to n5, Y is kept remained, and the copying machine and the operation in the flow is returned into the operable condition. On the n5--)n6--->n7-.-n8--)n9-.,n10 is repeated. During contrary, if the paper jamming is detected to this time the copying is carried out in the 70 be caused during the operation in the verso verso copying mode. In the case where it is copying mode, the flow proceeds to n20, detected in 0 that the verso copying mode is such that the content of the counter Y is set not selected, namely, the recto copying mode to be the content of the counter YDD. In n20, is selected, copy papers are supplied from the the counter Y indicates the remaining number paper feeding cassette selected in n17. Simi- 75 of copies yet to be produced for the original larly, it is detected in ng as to the presence document, while the counter YDD indicates or absence of the paper jamming. If the paper the remaining number of copy papers to be jamming is not detected in ng, it is detected supplied from the intermediate tray in the in n10 whether the copy papers are sent out verso copying mode. Therefore, by reducing to the intermediate tray. In the case where the 80 the value of the counter YDD from the value copy papers are not sent out to the intermedi- of the counter Y, the insufficient number Yn ate tray, the flow returns to n5 for repetition of copy papers to be copied per the original of the operation in the flow document (which is generally 1, and in the n5,n6,n7---)n17,n9.nlO. If the supply of case where a plurality of copy papers are copy papers is not completed in n6, the flow 85 jammed, the number Yn becomes the number skips from n13 to ng. Then, at the stage of the jammed papers) is calculated. Simulta where the copy papers are completely sup- neously with hits, which number is the original plied, the flow proceeds to n7. If the copy document Nn to be copied is written into papers are discharged to the intermediate tray RAM 43. Thereafter, it is returned, back to or the paper discharge tray- in n 10, the coun- 90 the copying operation. Thus, when all of the ter Y in which the desired number of copies original documents are completely copied in to be produced for the original document is the verso copying mode, the value Yn calcu set is decreased in nl 1, and it is detected in lated by the counters and the number Nn of n12 whether the copying o peration is effected the original document are indicated on the dis for the set number of copies to be produced 95 play of the operating part in n16.

for the original document. When it is detected The steps n19 and n20 correspond to the in n12 that the desired number of copies have setting means for setting the content of the been produced, the original document is re- counters according to the present invention.

placed with a next one in n13, and at the Thus, in the aforementioned manner, the con same time, the number X of copies to be 100 tent of the counter Y which counts the re produced with respect to the next original maining number of copies to be produced for document is set both in the counter YDD and one original document is set to the content of the counter Y. When it is detected in n 14 the counter YDD in the case where the paper that the copying operation for the set number jamming takes place during the operation in of copies with respect to each of the original 105 the verso copying mode, resulting in failure of documents is completed, the flow goes to operation in the verso copying mode.

n15 in which it is detected' whether the origi- Accordingly, even when the paper jamming nal document is set in the verso copying is given rise to during the operation in the mode. Since it is in the recto copying mode verso copying mode, the copying machine of at first the flow goes to n22 where the copy- 110 the present invention is so adapted that the ing mode, is set to be the verso copying correct remaining number of copies to be pro mode. The operation in the verso copying duced is positively calculated by the counter mode is conducted in the same manner as Y. Therefore, when a plurality of original docu described above. After the 'verso copying ments are copied one by one to produce the mode is completed, the insufficient number of 115 set number of respective copies, the present copies, if any, with respect to respective origi- invention is advantageous in that the front nal documents is indicated in n16, thereby to face of the original document is copied onto complewthe duplex' copying operation. At the the front faces of the set number of copy same time, the copying machine is brought papers, and the reverse face of the original back into the warmipg-up condition, waiting 120 document is copied onto the reverse faces of for a coming data to be inputted. the set number of copy papers, without incon- If the paper jamming i's caused in the duplex sistency between the surfaces of the original copying operation as above, the jamming is document and of the copy papers.

detected in n9, with the flow proceeding to Moreover, after the insufficient number Yn n18. When ihe paper jamming is removed in 125 of copy papers to be copied with respect to n 18, it is detected in n 19 whether the paper the jam-detected original document is calcu jamming is caused during the operation in the lated, and at the same time the number Nn of verso copying mode. In the_ case where the this jam-detected original document is stored paper jamming is brought about in the operinto RAM 43, thereby to complete the copy ation under-the recto copying mode, the flow 130 ing operation in n20, the numbers Yn and Nn 8 GB2193950A 8 are indicated in the display part of the operat- basis of the set number of copies to be pro ing section, with such convenient result that duced with respect to one original document.

an operator of the copying machine can Furthermore, if the paper is jammed during the promptly respond to the display for recovery operation in the verso copying mode, the con after the copying operation. 70 tent of the first counter Y is set to that of the second counter YDD, and moreover, when the Second Embodiment value of the first counter Y is zero, that is, Referring to Fig. 8, the structure of an auto- when the remaining number of the verso matic duplex copying machine with a sorter copying operations for the one original docu according to a second embodiment of the prement is zero, the selected bin is set at the sent invention is schematically shown therein. home position in the sorter 23, or if the group It is to be noted here that like components mode is preliminarily selected, the selected bin as in the first embodiment of Fig. 3 are desig- is shifted to a next step.

nated by like reference numerals, the descrip- Referring to a block diagram of a control tion of which will therefore be abbreviated 80 part of the copying machine shown in Fig. 9, here. the copying machine is controlled in its en- In the copying machine according to the tirely by CPU 41. ROM 42 is preliminarily second embodiment of the present invention, stored with the controlling program for CPU a copy paper discharged out of the paper dis- 41. RAM 43 is assigned with a flag for distin charge roller 30 in the paper discharge part is 85 quishing the single copying mode and the du led to the paper transfer passage in the sort- plex copying mode, or the recto copying ing unit 23- Moreover, at the left side of the mode and the verso copying mode in the du sorter 23, 20 bins 6 are provided in layered plex copying mode, or a flag for distinguishing form. Flappers 32 and 39 are provided in the the sorting mode and the group mode. More transfer passage in the upper part of the 90 over, the RAM 43 is made use of for the sorter 23, the former flapper 32 leading the working area.

copy papers which are copied in the copy The flappers 39 and 40 are controlled, in processing part 2 in the recto copying mode accordance with the sorting mode or the under the duplex copying Mode and dis- group mode selected through the operating charged from the paper discharge part 5 to 95 panel, by a sorter driver 50 which distributes the transfer passage 33 in the sorter 23, and the copy papers into the respective bins.

the latter flapper 39 sorting the copy papers Figs. 10(A), 10(13) and 1O(C) are flow-charts into the uppermost bin and the other lower representing the operation of the copying ma bins. Each bin has a flapper 40 provided at chine of the second embodiment in the duplex the entrance thereof. The flapper 40 is pro- 100 copying mode. In Figs. 10(A), 10(13) and vided so as to transfer the copy papers into 1O(C), like steps as in the flow-charts of Figs.

the respective corresponding bins. 5(A) and 5(13) are designated by like reference The paper feeding roller 10 supplies the numerals, and the description thereof will be copy papers stored within the intermediate abbreviated here.

tray to the copy processing part 2 in the 105 In n6, it is detected whether or not the verso copying mode or in the composite copy papers are correctly supplied from the copying mode. paper feeding part. If the papers are correctly In the copying machine according to the supplied, the detection as to whether it is in second embodiment. of the present invention, the verso copying mode is carried out in n7.

the verso copying mode is started after the 110 In the case where it is detected in n7 that the recto copying mode. operation with respect to verso copying mode is not selected, that is, all of the original documents is repeated suc- the recto copying mode is selected, the flow cessively by the set number of copies to be moves to n23 where the copy papers are produced. supplied from the selected paper feeding cas- The copy papers pre sequentially received 115 sette. At first the recto copying mode is prac- into the respective bins 6 when the flappers ticed, and therefore the flow advances from 39 and 40 are controlled in accordance with n6,n7-n23 to n9. In rig it is judged whether either the sorting mode or t he group mode or not the paper jamming is observed. If the preliminarily set in the control part (not paper jamming is not detected in n9, the flow shown). tither the sorting mode or the group 120 goes to n 10. It is detected in n 10 by the mode is selected in the operating part (not paper detection sensor 47 (S2) whether the shown) before start of the copying operation. copy papers are discharged to the intermedi When the sorting mode is selected, the copy ate tray. If the copy papers are not sent out papers aria sequentially sorted into the 20 to the-intermediatee tray, the flow returns to layered bi ns for every page. On the other 125 n5, thus repeating the operation in the flow hand, when n5,n6,n7-,n23-n9,n10. When the copy the group mode is selected, the -- papers having the front sirfaces thereof cop copy papers are sorted inta the respective bins 6 by the set number for every original ied are discharged to the intermediate tray document. The sorter 23 is repeatedly con- during the operation, the content of the coun trolled in the above-described manner on the 130 ter Y in which the number of copies to be 9 GB2193950A 9 produced with respect to a predetermined the copying operation is carried out by the set original document is set is decreased in n 11. number. If the copying operation is carried out And it is detected in n 12 whether it is in the by the set number, the flow goes to n 16 verso copying mode. In the case of the recto where the original document is changed with a copying mode, the flow skips to n 15 where it 70 next original document, and the set number X is detected whether the set number of copies of copies to be produced for the next original have been completely produced. If the set document is set in the counters Y and YDD.

number of copies have been produced, the Then, after it is detected in n 17 that the flow goes to n16 in which the one original is copying mode is the verso copying mode, the exchanged with a next one, with the set num75 flow goes to n18 in which it is detected ber X for the next original document (NA) whether or not the sorting mode is selected being set in the counters Y and YDD. There- as the controlling mode for the sorter. If the after, the above-described recto copying oper- sorting mode is selected, the sorter is con ation is repeated by the set number X. trolled so that the copy paper to be stored Then, it is detected in n 17 whether it is in 80 next is accommodated in the home bin. On the verso copying mode. The flow moves to the other hand, in the case where the group n20 if in the recto copying mode. It is judged mode is selected which is judged in n24, the in n20 whether or not the set number of cop- sorter is controlled in n25 to shift the se ies have been completely produced with re- lected bin to a next step. Thus, it is detected spect to all of the original documents. In the 85 in n20 whether the copying operation by the case where the copying is completed with re- set number of copies with respect to the par spect to all of the original documents, the ticular original document in the manner as flow goes to n21 and it is detected again in above is completely done. In the affirmation, n21 whether it is in the verso copying mode, the flow proceeds to n21 where it is detected If it is detected to be in the recto copying 90 whether the particular original document is in mode, the verso copying mode is arranged in the verso copying mode. If the original docu n26, and thereafter the flow goes back to n2. ment is in the verso copying mode, the insu In n26, the recto copying mode is perfectly fficient number, if any, of copies to be pro completed, thus starting the verso copying duced for each original document is indicated mode. 95 in n22, thus completing the duplex copying When the verso copying mode is started operation. Simultaneously, the copying ma- (the verso copying mode is selected), the op- chine is returned into the warming-up condi eration is carried out in the same manner as tion, waiting for the next data to be inputted.

in the recto copying mode, namely, in the or- Further, it is detected in n30 whether the der of n2-n3-n4,n5-n6. Since it is de- 100 value of the counter Y is zero, namely, the tected in n7 that it is in the verso copying remaining number of the set number is zero.

mode, the flow proceeds to nEl. In n8, the In the case where the remaining number of paper feeding roller 10 is driven to supply one the set number is not zero, the value of the sheet of copy paper stored in the intermediate counter Y is set to that of the counter YDD, tray 4, with simultaneous decrement of the 105 and then the copying operation is continued.

content of the counter YDD. Then, the detec- When the verso copying operation is repeated tion of the paper jamming is conducted in n9. until the remaining number of the set number With no paper jamming detected in n9, it is is zero, the flow goes to n31 in which the detected in n10 whether or not the copy pa- original document N is discharged and, the pers copied onto the reverse faces thereof are 110 next original document (N-1) is supplied to discharged to the sorter 23. This detection is ADF. The set number X with respect to the carried out by the sensor S1. If the reverse original document (NA) is set in the counters face copied papers are not discharged to the Y and YDD. Moreover, it is detected in n32 sorter 23, the operation in the flow whether the controlling mode for the sorter is n5-n6-n7-n8-n9-nlO is repeated. During 115 selected to be the sorting mode. If the sorting the time, the copying operation in the verso mode is selected, the sorter is controlled to copying mode is practiced. If it is so detected be set such that the copy paper which should in n10 that the copy papers are discharged to be accommodated next is, accommodated in the sorter 23, the content of the counter Y is the home bin. On the contrary, if it is de reduced in n 11. Then, in n 12 it is detected 120 tected in n35 that the group mode is se whether the copying mode is the verso copy- lected, the sorter is controlled in n36, thereby ing rriode. In the case of the verso copying to shift the selected bin to the next step.

mode, it is detected in n13 whether the sort- After this, the copying operation with respect ing mode is selected as the_ controlling mode to the next original document, is performed.

for the sorter. The sorting mode is preiiminar- 125 When all of the original documents are corn ily set in the control part, and selected before pletely finished in the verso copying mode as start of the copying operation. In the sorting described above, the calculated value Yn and mode, the sorter 23 is controlled in n14 so the Number Nn of the original document are as to shift the selected bin to a next step. indicated in the display of the operating part.

Thereafter, it is judged in n 15 whether or not 130 According to the second embodiment, as GB2193950A 10 described above, the content of the counter Y because of the paper jamming, etc., the first which calculates the remaining number of cop- counter calculates the set number of copies ies yet to be produced for one original docu- for the one original document in the same ment is arranged to be set to the content of manner as in the case without the paper the counter YDD in the case where the paper 70 jamming. As a result, when a plurality of origi jamming is detected during the operation in nal documents are copied one by one each by the verso copying mode, resulting in failure of the set number, there is never generated a the verso copying mode. Accordingly, even discordance between the face of the original the paper jamming during the operation in the document and that of the copy papers, such verso copying mode allows the counter Y to 75 that the front face of the original document positively calculated the correct remaining can be positively copied onto the front face of number of copies. Therefore, even when a the copy paper, and the reverse face of the plurality of original documents are copied one original document can be positively copied by one by the set number each, no undesira- onto the reverse face of the copy paper.

ble discordance between the face of the origi- 80 Furthermore, the remaining number of the nal document and that of the copy papers is set number of copies for one original docu generated. It is advantageous that the copying merit in the verso copying mode can be cor can be carried out in such manner that the rectly calculated. At the same time, since the front surface of the original document is cop- sorter can be positively controlled when the ied in corresponding manner onto the front 85 calculated value is "0", the duplex copied surface of the copy papers, and also the re- copy papers following the jammed papers can verse surface of the original document can be be advantageously put into the layered bins in copied in corresponding manner onto the re- accordance with the sorting mode or the verse surfaces of the copy papers. group mode.

Moreover in addition to the fact that the 90

Claims (2)

1. content of;he counter Y is arranged to be set CLAIMS to the content of the

   count ' er YDD in the case 1. An automatic duplex copying machine of the paper jamming in the verso copying which is arranged to carry out, for each of a mode, when the value of the counter Y be- plurality of documents, a recto copying mode comes 0, namely, the remaining number of 95 in which the recto face of a document is cop copy papers to be copied in the verso copy- ied onto the front surface of a copy paper ing mode with respect to one original docu- and the copied paper is stored in an interme ment becomes zero, the sorter is arranged to diate tray, and which is performed for a set set the selected bin at the home position if number of copies, and a verso copying mode the sorting mode is preliminarily selected, or 100 in which the verso face of the document is the sorter is arranged to shift the selected bin copied onto the reverse surface of the copy to the next step if the group Mode is se- paper stored in the intermediate tray and the lected. Therefore, owing to the above-de- copied copy paper is discharged, and which is scribed arrangement, even in the case where performed, after completion of said rector the paper jamming is brought about in the 105 copying mode, for the set number of times course of th e operation under the verso copy- wherein the machine includes a first counter ing mode, it can be prevented that the copy which calculates the remaining number of the papers for the next original document are reset number of copies for each original docu ceived in the bin into which should have been ment, a second counter which calculates the contained the jammed papers. The copy pa- 110 remaining number of copy papers to be sup pers can be properly put in the respective plied from the intermediate tray in said verso bins for each original document in accordance copying mode; and a setting means which with the sorting mode or the group mode, sets the content of said first counter to be and the copy papers subsequent to the that of said second counter when the verso jammed paper can be positively stored in their 115 copying mode miscarries by virtue of a paper respective bins. jam or otherwise.

   As is described above, according to the
2. 2. An automatic duplex copying machine present invention, the content of the first equipped with a sorter and arranged to per counter which calculates the remaining number form, when documents are to be copied onto of copies to be produced for each original 120 the corresponding front and reverse surfaces document is, in the case where the paper is of copy papers, a recto copying mode, in jammed during the operation in the verso which the recto face of an original document copying mode, and the jammed paper is not is copied onto the front surface of a copy copied in the verso copying. mode, rendered paper and the copied paper is stored in an to be the set value of the second counter 125 intermediate tray, and which is performed for which calculates the number of supply of copy a set number of copies, arid a verso copying papers from the intermediate tray. Therefore, mode, in which the verso face of the original even when the copy papers are not effected document is copied onto the reverse surface in the verso copying mode with respect to the of the respective copy paper stored in the particular original document by the set number 130 intermediate tray and the copy paper is dis- 11 GB2193950A charged, and which is performed after comple tion of said recto copying mode for the set number of times; said automatic duplex copy ing machine being provided with a selecting means for selecting the sorting mode whereby the duplex-copied copy papers are sequentially sorted into layered bins per every page, or a group mode according to which the duplex copied copy papers are sorted into said bins per every original document by the set num ber; and wherein the machine includes a first counter which calculates the remaining number of copy papers yet to be copied per each original document; a second counter which calculates the remaining number of copy pa pers yet to be supplied from the intermediate tray during the operation in the verso copying mode; a setting means which sets the content of said first counter to that of said second counter when the duplex copying mode mis carries; and another means which sets the se lected bin at a home position in the case of the sorting mode, or shifts the selected bin to a next step in the case of the group mode, if the content of the second counter is zero when the content of the first counter is set to that of the second counter.

   Published 1988 at The Patent Office, State House, 66/71 High Holborn, London WC 1 R 4.TP. Further copies may be obtained from The Patent Office, Sales Branch, St Mary Cray, Orpington, Kent BR5 3RD, Printed by Burgess & Son (Abingdon) Ltd. Con. 1/87.