JP2001163458A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of accurately detecting a paper residual quantity and capable of feeding paper from a desired paper feeding cassette when performing an automatic transfer paper selecting function (APS). SOLUTION: This image forming device is provided with an operation means for calculating a paper residual quantity initial value on the basis of a paper feeding cassette factor decided with every paper feeding cassette 41 and calculating a paper residual quantity value on the basis of a paper kind factor according to moving time and an each transfer paper housing number of a tray arranged in a paper feeding cassette 41. A precedence order setting means is provided for setting order of precedence for performing an APS in the paper feeding cassette 41 whose object is set on the APS.

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 suitable for a copying machine or a multifunction machine having a paper feed cassette.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional image forming apparatus, an apparatus for forming an image on transfer paper supplied from a paper feed cassette has been provided. More specifically, a copying machine that places or supplies an original on a platen glass and copies an image such as a character string or a pattern drawn on the original or a combination thereof onto the transfer paper, or a word processor of a personal computer, for example. A printer that prints the same image created above on transfer paper,
Further, a facsimile or the like that prints an image similar to the above transmitted through a communication line or the like is recognized as an image forming apparatus.

In such an image forming apparatus, the presence of the paper feed cassette makes it possible to prepare a plurality of transfer papers in the paper feed cassette in advance. It is not necessary to supply the image, and it is also possible to form the image continuously on a relatively large amount of transfer paper. Further, an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of paper feed cassettes are provided has already been provided. In this case, various types of transfer paper having various paper types and sizes are prepared in advance in each paper feed cassette. It is possible.

Incidentally, among the above-mentioned paper feed cassettes, there has been proposed a paper feed cassette provided with a photosensor and a microswitch (hereinafter referred to as a detection sensor) for detecting the presence or absence of transfer paper. According to the image forming apparatus provided with the detection sensor and the like, the presence or absence of the transfer paper in the paper supply cassette is detected, and when the transfer paper runs out, it is possible to immediately notify the user to that effect,
Smooth operation of the image forming apparatus can be achieved. Also,
By providing a plurality of such detection sensors in the paper feed cassette, it is possible to detect the "thickness" of the transfer paper at several levels, and based on the detected thickness of the transfer paper, In detail, an image forming apparatus that attempts to know the “remaining amount” of transfer paper has also been proposed.

[0005] Further, with respect to the above-described image forming apparatus, particularly, the paper feed cassette of the image forming apparatus, there have conventionally been provided ones to which functions generally called "APS" and "ATS" are added. APS (Auto Paper Selectio)
n) is a function for automatically searching and selecting a transfer paper size corresponding to the size of a document to be copied or the like. ATS (Auto Tray Switching) is, for example, a function for transferring a certain paper cassette. This is a function in which when paper is exhausted, paper feed is automatically switched to a paper feed cassette loaded with transfer paper of the same size as the transfer paper. These functions do not require the user to make settings relating to the operating environment, such as selection of transfer paper, when copying or the like, and contribute to improved operability.

[0006]

However, the means for detecting the remaining amount of paper by providing the above-described detection sensor or the like cannot avoid the increase in cost associated with the provision of the sensor. was there. In particular, if the detection step is to be subdivided to know the paper "remaining amount", as described above, it is necessary to provide a plurality of detection sensors for detecting the remaining amount, It is necessary to complicate the mechanical configuration, which is disadvantageous in cost.

In some cases, the detection of the remaining amount of paper is performed only when the operation of the image forming apparatus is started, for example. In such a case, copying and printing are performed thereafter. It was not possible to know the exact amount of paper remaining that changed with time.

Further, each of the plurality of paper cassettes includes
As described above, there are cases where various types of transfer paper of various paper types and sizes are loaded. In such a case, it is not possible to know an accurate remaining amount of paper by using the same detecting means, for example, between a paper cassette loaded with thick paper and a paper cassette loaded with thin paper. That is, when detecting the remaining amount of paper based on the "thickness" of the paper as in the above example,
Since the thickness is naturally different between the thick paper and the thin paper, it cannot be known by the same detection method.

Hereinafter, such a problem relating to the detection of the remaining amount of paper is referred to as a first problem in the present invention.

The conventional APS or AT described above
S (hereinafter abbreviated as APS) has the following problems. That is, in the function such as the APS, conventionally, only the setting of “whether or not to perform the function” can be performed for each of the plurality of sheet cassettes. In such a case, when realizing the functions such as the APS, for example, when transfer papers of the same size are set in two paper cassettes, when copying an original of the same size, the same as above is performed. The apparatus basically determines which of the two paper feed cassettes supplies the transfer paper. This is because, as described above, only the so-called “target setting” is possible, and “from which paper cassette” is performed.
This is because the user has not been given the option. Therefore, copying on transfer paper (for example, backing paper) that does not always meet the user's intention may be performed. In the following, the problems related to such APS, etc.
This is referred to as a second problem in the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described first problem, and has as its object to detect the remaining amount of paper in a paper cassette without providing a detection sensor or the like. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of accurately detecting the remaining amount of paper in consideration of the amount of paper reduction due to the execution of copying and printing, the difference in paper type, and the like.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described second problem, and has as its object to select a paper feed cassette when performing an automatic transfer paper selecting function. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus with improved operability by setting the settings arbitrarily selected by a user.

In short, the present invention seeks to provide an image forming apparatus having a paper feed cassette, the operability of which is improved.

[0014]

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.

That is, regarding the first problem,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes at least one sheet feeding unit in which a tray capable of stacking and placing a plurality of transfer sheets for forming an image is provided. Tray elevating means for elevating the tray until the transfer paper stacked thereon comes into contact with a delivery roller; tray elevating start detecting means for detecting the start of elevating the tray; and the transfer paper stacked on the tray A tray upper limit detecting means for detecting a point at which the tray comes into contact with the delivery roller, and a tray moving time from the start of the tray rising detected by the tray rising start detecting means to the stop of the tray rising detected by the tray upper limit detecting means. Is determined for each sheet feeding unit according to the tray moving time and the number of sheets that can be stored in the sheet feeding unit for the transfer sheet. Calculating means for calculating a transfer sheet remaining initial value on the tray based on the paper feed unit coefficient, it is characterized in that it has a.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus according to the first aspect.
In the apparatus described above, the paper feeding unit coefficient is defined as a set of a and b for each paper feeding unit, and when the tray moving time is t and the storable number is Cap, the transfer paper remaining The amount initial value E is obtained as E = Cap- (ta) / b.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus according to the first aspect.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the calculating unit is configured to perform transfer from the initial value of the remaining amount of transfer paper, a paper type coefficient determined according to the type of the transfer paper, and the number of transfer papers transmitted from the paper supply unit. It is characterized in that a remaining paper value is calculated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect.
In the apparatus, the paper type coefficient is c and the transfer paper number is n, and the transfer paper remaining amount value F is obtained as F = E−c · n.

The image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect is the first aspect.
5. The apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the calculating unit detects the transfer paper remaining amount initial value or the transfer paper remaining amount value by dividing it into a plurality of levels of paper remaining amount, and detects the paper remaining amount. A display means for displaying the remaining amount level is provided.

[0020] The image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention provides the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect.
In the above-described apparatus, the paper remaining amount level is determined for each paper feeding unit according to the number of sheets that can be stored in the paper feeding unit.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the remaining paper level is detected by a combination with a remaining paper detecting unit.

[0022] The image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect is the first aspect.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the transfer paper remaining amount initial value or the transfer paper remaining amount value even when the power supply of the apparatus main body is turned off. I do.

Further, regarding the second problem, claim 9
The image forming apparatus described above includes at least two or more sheet feeding units capable of stacking transfer sheets on which an image is formed, a transfer sheet size detecting unit attached to the sheet feeding unit, and a document size for detecting a size of the document. Detecting means, which automatically searches for a transfer sheet having a size matching the size of the document or the sheet feeding means loaded with the transfer sheet, and outputs an image related to the document to the transfer sheet. In an image forming apparatus having an automatic transfer paper selecting function for performing image formation, a target setting means for setting, for each of the paper feeding means, whether or not to be the search target when performing the automatic transfer paper selecting function Priority setting means for setting the priority of execution of the automatic transfer paper selecting function among the paper feeding means set by the target setting means; and setting by the target setting means and the priority setting means. And storage means for storing information, and is characterized in that it has.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the storage unit is set as the search target when the automatic transfer paper selection function is performed. In the case where the setting is made to be excluded from the target by the target setting unit, the priority order of each of the sheet feeding units assigned the priority order after the sheet feeding unit is set up and stored. It is characterized by the following.

In the image forming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to the ninth or tenth aspect, the storage unit is not set as a search target when the automatic transfer paper selecting function is performed. In the case where the setting of the sheet feeding unit is performed by the target setting unit, the priority order of the sheet feeding unit is set and stored after the priority order of the preset sheet feeding unit. .

[0026]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a copying apparatus (image forming apparatus) according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the copying apparatus includes an image reading unit 1.
0, image writing section 20, image forming section 30, transfer paper transport section 4
0, a transfer paper discharge unit 50, and a transfer paper reversing unit 60.

The image reading section 10 is a section for reading a character string or a picture described in the original S as optical information by irradiating light from a light source, and converting this into electrical information.

The original S is placed directly on the platen glass 11 such that the original surface Sf (the surface on which the image is formed) faces the surface of the platen glass (original glass) 11. The light source 12 projects light onto the placed document surface Sf. The light reaching the document surface Sf becomes light (information) including the image information, is reflected by the surface, and reaches the mirror 13. Note that the light source 12 and the mirror 13 are
It is configured to be movable along the surface of the platen glass 11 so as to scan the entirety of f.

Further, the copying apparatus according to the present embodiment has an automatic double-sided document conveying section (RAD) as an automatic document feeding means.
F) 100 is provided. The document S can be fed onto the platen glass 11A from here. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic double-sided document feeder 100
01, a single sheet is separated and sent out by feeding rollers 100a and 100b, which are fed through a roller 100c to a platen glass 11 group.
A. Platen glass 11
Below A, a fixed light source 12A and a mirror 13A are installed. With these configurations, the document surface Sf of the plurality of document S groups can be read continuously, as described above.

In addition to the above, in the configuration of the automatic double-sided document feeder 100 and the platen glass 11A shown in FIG.
It is also possible to read both sides of the document S. In this case, the document S is once sent out to the right in the drawing by the reversing roller 102, and one surface thereof is read by the light source 12A. When the reading is completed, the reversing roller 102 is turned over and the document S is moved to the left in the drawing. While being conveyed, it is wound up by the roller 100c so that the other surface of the document S faces the platen glass 11A surface. It should be noted that the light source 12
The document S read by A is sequentially stacked on the paper discharge tray 103.

In the image reading section 10, a document size detecting means for automatically detecting the document size is provided. This corresponds to a plurality of optical document size sensors 18 provided below the platen glass 11 and a RADF document size detection unit (not shown). The former is a document size detecting means used when directly placing a document on the platen glass 11 described above, and the latter is a document size detecting means used when using the automatic double-sided document transport unit 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the optical document size sensor 18 includes sensors 18 ₁ and 18 ₂ for detecting the size of the document in the main scanning direction which is the vertical direction in the figure, ie, the document width.
Sub-scanning direction document size to be the horizontal direction in the figure, i.e. composed of sensors 18 _3, 18 ₄ for detecting the original length. Each of the sensors 18 _1, ..., 18 ₄ is composed of a pair of the light emitting element (not shown) and a light receiving element. Here, if a document S of a certain size is placed on the platen glass 11, the light from the light emitting elements of the _four sensors 18 ₁ ,. One kind of combination relationship related to the light detection occurs between the case where the document S is completely detected even when the document S is placed. Based on the presence or absence of such an optical detection, sensors 18 _1, ..., by examining 18 ₄ combinations of the size of document S will be detected automatically.

The RADF document size detection unit includes a side regulating plate provided on the document table 101 and a time sensor (not shown) for measuring a document passage time in the sub-scanning direction.
It is composed of The size of the document S is determined by detecting the position of the document S when the side regulating plate is in close contact with the side of the document S group placed on the document table 101 (document width detection).
Is calculated from the document passing time measured by the time sensor and the transport speed (document length detection), thereby automatically detecting the document length.

The optical document size sensor 18 and the RA
The size of the document S automatically detected by the DF document size detection unit is used when the APS function described later is executed. The optical information on the document surface Sf read by the light source 12 or 12A as described above is hereinafter referred to as mirror 1
The reflection is repeated at 4 ₁ , 14 ₂ or 15 ₁ , 15 ₂ , and reaches the CCD imaging device 17 via the imaging optical system 16. CCD
The imaging device 17 has a photoelectric surface (not shown) in which a plurality of pixels having a photoelectric conversion function are two-dimensionally arranged.
Optical information including image information of the document surface Sf is received by the plurality of pixels, and is converted into electrical information.

The image writing section 20 irradiates (writes) a laser beam modulated on the basis of the electric information obtained as described above onto a photosensitive drum 31 to be described later, and places it on the photosensitive drum 31. This is a part where an electrostatic latent image is formed.

The electrical information including the image information obtained by converting the optical information relating to the original surface Sf is used to modulate a laser beam oscillated from a semiconductor laser (not shown). The laser beam modulated and oscillated based on the electric information is applied to a rotatable polygon mirror 22 whose center is connected to a drive motor 21, and the laser beam reflected therefrom passes through a reflection mirror 23. And is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 31. Here, polygon mirror 2
2 rotates while reflecting the laser beam, so that the laser beam is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 31 while being scanned in the axial direction. By this laser beam irradiation, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31 based on the electrical information.

The image forming section 30 includes the photosensitive drum 31
This portion forms an image on the transfer paper P based on the electrostatic latent image formed thereon.

As described above, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31 by irradiating the laser beam. As a prerequisite work, the entire surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is uniformly charged by the charging unit 32. Keep it. The developing unit 33 makes charged toner particles adhere to the electrostatic latent image and visualizes the toner particles. That is, a “toner image” based on the electrostatic latent image is formed. The transfer unit 34 transfers and attaches the toner particles forming the toner image to the separately supplied transfer paper P surface, and “forms an image” on the transfer paper P surface.

Thereafter, on the photosensitive drum 31, the separating section 35 separates the transfer paper P adsorbed on the photosensitive drum 31, and the cleaning section 36 remains on the photosensitive drum 31 after the transfer operation. The toner is cleaned to reveal a clean surface, so that uniform charging by the charging unit 32 and formation of an electrostatic latent image by laser beam irradiation can be performed again. On the other hand, the transfer paper P is sent to the fixing unit 38 via the transport mechanism 37. The fixing unit 38 applies heat and pressure to the transfer paper P by the heat rollers 38a and 38b to fix the transferred toner particles. Thereafter, the transfer paper P is discharged to the outside of the copying apparatus via several rollers provided in the transfer paper discharge unit 50. At this point, "copying" of the image related to the document surface Sf onto the transfer paper P surface is completed.

In the copying apparatus according to the present embodiment, the transfer of the toner particles from the photosensitive drum 31 to the transfer paper P (that is, image formation) is not performed on only one surface of the transfer paper P. , And can be applied to the other side. In this case, the transfer paper P after the one-sided copy is conveyed to the transfer paper reversing unit 60. The guide section 61 switches the transfer path of the transfer sheet P between the transfer sheet reversing section 60 and the transfer sheet discharge section 50. When the guide unit 61 is switched to convey the transfer sheet P downward in the drawing, the transfer sheet P is carried out to the reversing unit 63 via the reversing roller 62. Next, in a state where the transfer paper P is sent out to the reversing unit 63 by a predetermined amount, the reversing roller 62 is reversed, and the transfer paper P is transported to the reversal transport path 64. Thereafter, the transfer paper P passes through the path 64 and reaches the upstream side of the photosensitive drum 31 again. At this time, the surface of the transfer paper P facing the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is different from the surface transferred before passing through the transfer paper reversing unit 60. In general, when an image is actually formed on the inverted transfer paper P, new image information is written on the photosensitive drum 31 by the image writing unit 20.

The transfer paper transport section 40 is a section for transporting the transfer paper P to the above-described image forming section 30, especially to the photosensitive drum 31 thereof.

The transfer paper P is supplied to a tray (bottom plate) 42 (see FIG. 1) provided in each of a plurality of stepped sheet feed cassettes 41 (two sheet feed cassettes 41 ₁ and 41 _{2 in} the figure). 5
Through FIG. 7). For each of these sheet cassettes 41, for example, the first sheet cassette 41 ₁ is A3R, and the second sheet cassette 41 ₂ is A4R.
Etc., or made to correspond to different transfer sheet P in size, also, the first sheet feeding A4 size cardboard cassette 41 _1, such as thin paper of the ₂ second paper feed cassette 41 the same size, another kind of paper It is possible to store them in correspondence with each other. In such a state, if a size and a paper type relating to the transfer paper P are specified at the time of copying, the transfer paper P is fed out from the corresponding paper feed cassette in accordance with the specification, and a plurality of transport rollers and the like shown in FIG. Depending on the configuration, the transfer paper P is conveyed toward the image forming unit 30.

Although FIG. 1 shows the case where two paper cassettes are provided, the number of paper cassettes that can be provided in the present invention is not limited in principle.
That is, any number of paper cassettes may be provided. Also,
As shown in FIG. 1, a manual tray 41 </ b> H is provided or a large amount of transfer paper P is stored in advance as a means for feeding the transfer paper P in addition to the paper feed cassette 41 having the above-described configuration. Paper feeder (not shown)
T) may be provided. According to the former,
It is possible to cope with a case where image formation on special transfer paper, OHP or the like is specially performed, and in the latter case, continuous image formation on a large amount of transfer paper P can be performed.

A transfer paper size detecting means 410 as shown in FIG. 3, for example, is provided in the paper feed cassette 41. In this figure, transfer paper size detecting means 4
Reference numeral 10 denotes a schematic configuration including side regulation plates 411a and 411b and a rear end regulation plate 412 as elements directly touching the transfer paper P.

Each of the side regulating plates 411a and 411b is configured to be movable so as to sandwich both sides thereof according to the size of the transfer paper P placed in the paper feed cassette 41. . More specifically, as shown in the figure, racks 413a and 413b provided so as to protrude from the respective surfaces of the two side regulating plates 411a and 411b toward the inside of the paper feed cassette 41, and mesh with these racks. Pinion 4
14 and one side regulating plate 411a (or 41).
When 1b) is moved inward into the paper feed cassette 41, the other side regulating plate 411b (or 411a) is similarly moved. Then, the rack 413a
Alternatively, the width of the transfer paper P, that is, the width of the transfer paper P, is detected by the width detection member 415 attached to move in accordance with the operation of 413b and the detection sensor 415S provided on the apparatus main body side. On the other hand, the rear end regulating plate 4
Numeral 12 is inserted and fixed in the insertion hole 416 corresponding to the rear end position according to the size of the transfer paper P placed in the paper feed cassette 41. A plurality of insertion holes 416 are formed at the bottom of the sheet cassette 41 in accordance with various sizes of the transfer sheet P. The insertion of the paper feed cassette 41 into the main body of the copying apparatus is performed in a direction indicated by an arrow X in FIG. 3, and at this time, the rear end regulating plate 412 has a side portion 412a perpendicular thereto. Length detecting member 417 which is three-layered in the direction
a, 417b and 417c are pushed upward in the figure, and accordingly, the detection sensor 417
A combination of the detection states related to ON / OFF of aS, 417bS, and 417cS is generated.

Here, "combination" means that the length detecting member 417a, which moves depending on which of the plurality of insertion holes 416 the rear end regulating plate 412 is inserted or fixed,
417b and 417c are configured to cause differences. Specifically, the length detecting member 417
For example, by providing a projection p as shown in a different position for each of the a, 417b and 417c, the side portion 412a of the rear end regulating plate 412 inserted into one insertion hole 416 is provided. The combination of the length detection members 417a, 417b, and 417c that abuts (ie, moves) on the surface may be changed, and thus a combination of the detection conditions related to the detection sensors 417aS, 417bS, and 417cS may be generated. .

After all, the width related to the transfer paper P by the above various components related to the side regulating plates 411a and 411b, and the width related to the transfer paper P by the above various components related to the rear end regulating plate 412. The length is automatically detected only by setting the transfer paper P. The sheet cassette 41 having such a function may be generally called a “universal cassette”.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic views showing a detailed configuration example of a main part of the transfer paper transport section 40 centering around the paper feed cassette 41. FIG. Are drawn out of the copying machine main body, and FIG. 5 shows a state where the insertion is completed. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a main part configuration along line AA in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a main part configuration along line BB in FIG.

The configuration around the paper feed cassette 41 shown in these figures includes a transfer paper transport mechanism system 43, a tray push-up mechanism system (tray elevating means) 44, and a tray push-up control mechanism system 45.
Are roughly divided into three systems. The transfer paper transport mechanism system 43 includes a delivery roller 431 as a main configuration.
1 is a system for separating the transfer papers P stacked and placed on the tray 42 one by one and sequentially transporting them to the image forming unit 30. The tray push-up mechanism system 44 is a system for pushing up the tray 42 in the paper feed cassette 41 so that the transfer paper P surface comes into contact with the delivery roller 431. The tray lifting mechanism system 45 enables the transfer paper transport mechanism system 43 and the tray lifting mechanism system 44 to cooperate with each other, and includes an upper limit detection unit for the tray 42 and the like.

More specifically, the delivery roller 431 of the transfer paper transport mechanism 43 is formed coaxially and integrally with the driven shaft 432 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the like. The rotational power is transmitted from the formed transport roller 433 and drive shaft 434. The transmission of the rotational power is achieved by stretching a pulley provided at the tip of the driven shaft 432 and that of the drive shaft 434 by a timing belt 435. Note that the driven shaft 432 and the drive shaft 434 are
6 is rotatably supported, and a left extension end (not shown) of the drive shaft 434 is connected to a drive motor (not shown).

The above-mentioned delivery roller 431 and transport roller 433 have the same configuration as those shown in FIGS.
As shown in (1), a delivery roller 431 is arranged on the upstream side in the transfer paper P conveyance direction, and a conveyance roller 433 is arranged on the downstream side thereof. The transport roller 433 is further provided with a separating roller 437 that is in pressure contact with the transport roller 433, and forms a pair of squeezing rollers for the transfer sheet P.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the tray push-up mechanism system 44 has a push-up lever 441 for pushing up the tray 42 of the sheet cassette 41 in order to tilt the tray. The push-up bar 441 is integrated with the rotating shaft 442,
The rotating shaft 442 is supported by bearings on a support bracket 443 installed on a substrate 48 provided on the front and rear side plates 46 and 47 in the apparatus. One end of the rotation shaft 442 has a clutch 444
Is provided.

The clutch 444 includes a driven plate 444a fixed to the rotation shaft 442 and a driving plate 444 engaged with the driven plate 444a.
b. A compression spring 445 is fitted into the rotation shaft 442 in the vicinity of the driven plate 444a, and the compression spring 445 constantly urges the rotation shaft 442 and the driven plate 444a rightward, that is, with the driven plate 444a. The driving plate 444b is held in a state of being separated from the driving plate 444b.

Also, the driving plate 444b has the structure shown in FIGS.
As shown in the figure, the push-up drive shaft 446 is connected. A drive motor (not shown) for rotationally driving the push-up drive shaft 446 at a left extension end thereof (not shown) in the drawing.
Are connected. The connection between the drive plate 444b and the push-up drive shaft 446 is established by a guide groove 446a formed in the latter.
The guide pin 447 is screwed into the
The driving plate 444b is supported so as to be slidable in the axial direction while restricting the rotation of the driving plate 444b. The driving plate 444b is also constantly urged rightward by the action of the compression spring 448, but does not engage with the driven plate 444a, and is kept at a separated position.

Next, the tray lifting operation control mechanism system 45
A leaf spring 450 is provided in contact with the upper surface of a support frame 436 that rotatably houses and supports the driven shaft 432 and the drive shaft 434, and an operation plate 451 is provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the support frame 436. The support frame 436 is constantly urged downward by a plate spring 450.

On the other hand, on the lower surface of the operation plate 451, the sheet cassette 41 is pulled out from the apparatus main body (FIG. 4).
, A distal end portion 45 of an operating lever 453 supported on the side plate 46 via a mounting bracket 452 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction.
3a is in contact. The operation plate 451 and the tip 453a
Is caused by the tip 453a being urged in the counterclockwise direction in the figure by a torsion spring 454 provided at a support point of the operating bracket 452 of the operating lever 453.

With such a configuration, the sheet feeding cassette 41
Is pulled out, the urging force of the torsion spring 454 is opposed to the urging force of the leaf spring 450, and the operating plate 4
51, the support frame 436, the delivery roller 431, and the transport roller 433 are lifted upward and supported at a "stop position".

When the sheet cassette 41 is inserted into the apparatus main body (FIG. 5), the projection 455 provided on the back of the sheet cassette 41 presses the bent portion 453b of the operating lever 453 to push the bent portion 453b. The lever is rotated clockwise, and a step 456 similarly formed on the back of the paper feed cassette 41 abuts against a driven plate 444 a of the clutch 444, which opposes the urging force of a compression spring 445 in the figure. Move to the left. As a result, the driven plate 444a is engaged with the driving plate 444b, and in this case, the driving plate 444b is also held in a state where the driving plate 444b is loaded leftward in the figure against the urging force of the compression spring 448.

A light-shielding plate 457 is provided on the back of the paper feed cassette 41. This is the paper cassette 41
The photo sensor 457S provided below the side plate 46 is turned ON / OFF in a state where the photo sensor 457S is pulled out or inserted into the apparatus main body. Here, when the photo sensor 457S is turned off,
A control signal for starting the drive motor connected to the push-up drive shaft 446, that is, the drive motor for raising the tray 42 is issued. Here, the light shielding plate 457 and the photo sensor 45
7S is a tray rising start detecting means described later (see FIG. 8).
It constitutes.

On the other hand, the operation plate 451 is also provided with a light-shielding plate 458, which turns on / off the photosensor 458S provided above the side plate 46. The light blocking plate 458 turns off the photosensor 458S because, as described above, when the paper feed cassette 41 is inserted into the apparatus main body, the operating lever 453 rotates clockwise and is supported by the tip 453a. This is because the operation plate 451 is lowered by the urging force of the leaf spring 450. Here, the photo sensor 458
When S is turned off, a control signal for stopping the drive motor for raising the tray 42 is issued. That is, the light shielding plate 458 and the photosensor 458S constitute a tray upper limit detecting unit (see FIG. 8) described later.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of the first feature (corresponding to the first problem) of the present invention with respect to the copying apparatus having the above configuration.

First, an example of an electrical device configuration according to the first feature will be described with reference to FIG. The various mechanisms and the like in the image reading unit 10, the image writing unit 20, the image forming unit 30, the transfer sheet transport unit 40, and the transfer sheet reversing unit 60 are as follows.
As shown in FIG. 8, it is controlled and controlled by a central control means C. Among them, in particular, as to the first feature according to the present invention, tray rising start detecting means 81, tray upper limit detecting means 82, time measuring means 83,
It comprises a computing means 84, a first storage means 85, and an operation / display unit 86.

Of these, tray rising start detecting means 81
As described above, the light-shielding plate 457 and the photosensor 457S provided on the back surface of the paper feed cassette 41 and the light-shielding plate 458 and the photosensor 458S provided on the operation plate 451 substantially correspond to each other. Correspondingly.

The time measuring means 83 is provided with a rising time (tray movement) from the start of the rise of the tray 42 detected by the tray rise start detecting means 81 to the stop of the rise detected by the tray upper limit detecting means 82. Time) t
Is to measure.

The calculating means 84 calculates the value of each of the sheet cassettes 41 from the measured rise time t and the sheet cassette coefficients a1, b1, a2 and b2 described later stored in the first storage means 85. The paper remaining amount initial value E is calculated.
The calculating means 84 calculates the remaining paper value F for each of the paper cassettes 41 from the initial paper remaining value E and a paper type coefficient c stored in the first storage means 85, which will be described later.
Here, as the first storage means 85, specifically, for example, a nonvolatile RAM or the like may be applied.

The operation section / display section 86 is used by the user to transmit the start and stop of copying and the like, the setting of the operating environment, etc. to the central control means C. This is for transmitting the operating environment and the like to the user. As the operation unit / display unit 86, specifically, a well-known panel touch type or the like that simultaneously realizes both functions of operation and display may be adopted.

The operation according to the first feature of the present embodiment will be described below in accordance with a specific working procedure example. Since the first feature has the purpose of accurately detecting the remaining amount of paper in the paper feed cassette 41, the following description mainly describes the vicinity of the paper feed cassette 41,
The description of the operation of the remaining configuration will be omitted. In the following, as the paper feed cassette 41, 41 ₁ ,
Description will be made assuming that _three of 41 ₂ and 41 ₃ are provided.

First, each paper feed cassette 41 ₁ , 41 ₂ ,
The 41 _3, as described above, advance so as to stack or loading by distinguishing transfer sheet P to be different sizes or Kamishu. For example, three paper feed cassettes 41 ₁ , 41 ₂ , 41 ₃
In sheet cassette 41 A4 size plain paper _1, the paper feed cassette 41 for ₂ plain paper A3 size, the paper feed cassette 41 ₃ and the like to set each A4 size cardboard, a.

After the stacking and placing of the transfer papers P on the tray 42 of these paper feed cassettes 41 outside the copying machine are completed, the paper feed cassettes 41 are moved by the guide of the copying machine main body. It is inserted and mounted by sliding in the horizontal direction to a storage position between the transport mechanism system 44 and the tray lifting mechanism system 45.

When the paper feed cassette 41 is inserted, the projection 455 provided on the back surface rotates the operating lever 453 clockwise, and as a result, the operating plate 451 is lowered by the urging force of the leaf spring 450, and The light shielding plate 457 turns off the photo sensor 457S and starts the drive motor of the push-up drive shaft 446. At the same time, the step portion 456 on the back surface of the paper feed cassette 41 moves the driven plate 444a of the clutch 444 to the left in the drawing and engages it with the drive plate 444b.
From the above, the tray 42 in the sheet cassette 41 is
The lifting lever 4 together with the transfer paper P placed thereon
41, while the delivery roller 431 and the transport roller 4 are moved so as to face the upward movement.
33 moves downward. Eventually, the delivery roller 431 comes into contact with the upper surface of the transfer paper P, and the entire tray 42
The light-shielding plate 458 is located at a position
Turns off the photosensor 458S. When the photo sensor 458S is turned off, the drive motor stops, and the lifting of the tray 42 stops.

When the lifting of the tray 42 is stopped, the upper surface of the transfer paper P is in contact with the delivery roller 431. Here, when a document is introduced onto the platen glass 11 or 11a and a copy command is issued, the timing belt 43 is rotated with the rotation of the drive shaft 434 and the carry-out roller 433.
5, the driven shaft 432 and the delivery roller 431 rotate, and the friction between the delivery roller 431 and the transfer paper P causes
The transfer paper P is separated one by one and the image forming unit 30
(That is, the photosensitive drum 31).

In the present embodiment, the sheet cassette 4 is fed through the above-mentioned mechanical action or in parallel with the action.
Calculation of paper remaining amount initial value E for 1 ₁ , 41 ₂ , 41 ₃
Display, and the remaining paper value F according to the number of sheets fed thereafter.
Is calculated and displayed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, in calculating the paper remaining amount initial value E, as shown in step S1 of FIG. 9, the start of raising the tray 42 by the above-described lifting lever 441 is detected by the tray raising start detecting means 81, and then the rising is started. The rising time t until the tray stop is detected by the tray upper limit detecting means 82 is measured by the time measuring means 83.

The sheet cassette 4 based on the rising time t
In the calculation relating to the paper remaining amount initial value E in 1, when the remaining amount is large, a larger power is required for the drive motor, and the rising time t becomes longer. Is based on the property that the

In the present embodiment, the sheet cassette coefficients a1, b1, a2, and b2 shown in Table 1 below are set according to the number of transfer sheets P that can be stored in the sheet cassette 41.
This is introduced in order to obtain the paper remaining amount initial value E.

[0076]

[Table 1]

As shown in Table 1, when the sheet cassette 41 capable of storing 500 sheets is used, the sheet cassette coefficients a2 and b2
Are used when a sheet cassette 41 capable of storing 1000 sheets is used. The sheet cassette coefficients a1 and b1, a2 and b2 are stored in the first storage unit 85 in advance.

As described above, the initial value E of the remaining amount of paper is calculated by the following formula for the respective paper feed cassettes 41 in the calculating means 84 by the introduced rise time t and the paper feed cassette coefficients a1 and a2, b1 and b2. (Step S2 in FIG. 9).

E = 500− (t−a2) / b2 In the case of a 1000 sheet storage cassette E = 1000− (t−a1) / b1 It is naturally possible to use the sheet cassette 41 having a storable number of sheets other than that shown in the above, and the paper remaining amount initial value E can be obtained in exactly the same manner as described above. However, in such a case, appropriate values for the sheet cassette coefficients a and b (general type) should be determined each time in accordance with the sheet cassette which becomes the new number of sheets that can be stored. Is preferably stored in the first storage means 85 and used.

The remaining paper initial value E obtained in this manner
Thereafter, the remaining amount of paper F, which is reduced each time copying is performed, is also accurately obtained for each paper feed cassette 41.

Here, a paper type coefficient c shown in Table 2 below according to the paper type of the transfer paper P is introduced.

[0082]

[Table 2]

The paper type coefficient c is also stored in the first storage means 85 in advance.

Based on the paper type coefficient c and the number of copies to be performed, n, a theoretical remaining paper value F is obtained by the following formula in the calculating means 84 (step S in FIG. 9).
3).

F = E−c × n From this equation, the remaining paper value F is reduced by a larger value each time copying is performed, when the transfer paper P is thick paper, and smaller when the transfer paper P is thin paper. Will be.

More specifically, when the paper type (and size) of the transfer paper P to be copied is designated by the operation via the operation unit / display unit 86, the designated paper type is, for example, "A4 plain paper". sometimes, the paper feed from the paper feed cassette 41 _one tray 42 if Nottore to the example described above is started. In this case, the paper type coefficient c is determined to be 1, and each time copying of one transfer sheet P is performed or each time paper is fed,
The subtraction process is performed on the remaining amount of paper one by one.

Similarly, the designation of the paper type is “thick paper 1”.
When the paper type coefficient c is 1.5,
The remaining paper value is decremented by one for each paper feed, but is subtracted by two once for every two paper feeds. When the paper type coefficient c is 2 (designating thick paper 2), the paper remaining amount value is set to 2 for each paper feed.
When the paper type coefficient c is 0.85 (thin paper is specified), the paper remaining amount value is decremented by one for each paper feed, but three out of 20 paper feeds are performed. Is not performed.

The remaining paper value F obtained as described above is
As can be seen from the above equation, since it is a theoretical one including a numerical value after the decimal point, when actually displaying this, first, the calculating means 84 indicates the amount of the remaining paper value F in the following manner. The operation is divided into five levels (remaining amount of paper) as shown in Table 3 and the operation unit / display unit 86 performs the display based on the detected level as shown in step S4 in FIG. .

[0089]

[Table 3]

As shown in Table 3, the sheet feeding cassette 41
The detection level and display contents are different according to the number of sheets that can be stored.

Note that in Table 3, "P1" and "P
“2” indicates that the paper feed cassette 41 in the present embodiment.
And a photo sensor (paper remaining amount detecting means) specially provided in the printer. When the paper remaining amount becomes extremely small, the detection is performed by the photo sensors P1 and P2 just in case. Indicates that it is supposed to do so. As a result, it is possible to more reliably detect the remaining amount of paper. However, as described above, the photosensors P1 and P2 have the meaning of “specially provided in the present embodiment”, and are not essential components in the present invention. . That is, even an embodiment without the photosensors P1 and P2 is within the scope of the present invention.

As described above, according to the copying apparatus of the present embodiment, the remaining amount of paper for each copy can be accurately known for each paper feed cassette 41 while taking into account the designation of the paper type. .

According to the above-described embodiment, for example, at a certain point in time when an appropriate amount of transfer paper P has been consumed in each of the paper feed cassettes 41, the unique paper remaining amount value F for each of the paper feed cassettes 41 is determined. It is fixed. At this time, in the copying apparatus of the present embodiment, the main power supply is O
When set to FF, the unique remaining paper value F for each of the paper feed cassettes 41 is stored in the first storage means 85 shown in FIG. And later
When the main power is turned on, the unique paper remaining value F before the main power is turned off is set to “initial value (different from the initial paper remaining value E)”.
And the calculation of the remaining paper value F by the above equation is performed again.

By storing the remaining paper value F immediately before the main power is turned off, the continuity of the operation of turning the main power off and on is maintained. It can be provided for the convenience of the user.

By the way, the stored paper remaining value F is
When the paper feed cassette 41 is pulled out of the apparatus main body and reinserted and mounted again for replenishment of the transfer paper P or the like, the above operation of raising the tray 42 is repeated and erased, and the initial paper remaining amount is set. E is newly set. In other words, it means that the unique paper remaining amount value F is held in the first storage means 85 until the new paper remaining amount initial value E is set in this way.

In the following, a second feature (corresponding to the second problem) according to the present invention will be described. The second feature relates to the setting of a target for the automatic transfer paper selection function (APS (Auto Paper Selection)) or the automatic tray switching function (ATS (Auto Tray Switching)) of the paper feed cassette 41, or the execution method thereof. Things.

Here, as described briefly in the section of the prior art, the APS is an APS of the present embodiment provided with a plurality of paper feed cassettes 41 loaded with transfer papers P on which images are to be formed. In a copying apparatus or the like, a transfer paper size detecting means provided in the paper feed cassette 41 and a document size detecting means for detecting the size of the document S are provided. And means for forming an image of the document S on the transfer paper P.

ATS means a certain paper cassette 41.
When the transfer paper P is completely consumed, the transfer paper P
Means for automatically searching for and selecting the paper feed cassette 41 loaded with the transfer paper P having the same size as that described above, and automatically executing the paper feed from the paper feed cassette 41.

In order to realize such a function, in the present embodiment, the “document size detecting means” is specifically described.
The above-mentioned optical original size sensor 18 (see FIG. 2) or the RADF size detecting section, and the above-mentioned transfer paper size detecting means 410 as shown in FIG. Applicable. Further, what specifically realizes the above “image formation” is the image forming unit 30. Further, the central control means C, which will be described later, is responsible for realizing the functions relating to the search and selection. Such a configuration example is the “automatic transfer paper selection function” in the claims, which should be understood in the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electrical device configuration relating to the second feature. The central control means C and the operation section / display section 86 in this figure are the same as those in FIG. The central control means C includes, in particular, a target setting means 91 for setting the paper feed cassette 41 to be subjected to APS or ATS, in conjunction with or separately from the configuration shown in FIG. And a priority setting means 92 for setting the execution priority of APS or ATS in the sheet cassette 41 set as the target.

The target setting means 91 is provided for each of the sheet cassettes 41.
About APS or ATS (hereinafter referred to as APS etc.)
This is for setting whether or not it is related to the implementation target. Further, the priority order setting means 92 is for the user to set the order of execution when the APS or the like is actually executed in the sheet cassette 41 corresponding to the execution target setting. The target setting unit 91 and the priority setting unit 92 may be configured as a part of the operation unit / display unit 86 as conceptually indicated by the dotted line in FIG.

The second storage means 93 stores setting information by the object setting means 91 and the priority order setting means 92. In addition, the second storage unit 93 stores the respective feed papers based on the size information of the transfer paper P detected by the transfer paper size detection unit 410 (see FIG. 3) provided in each of the above-described paper feed cassettes 41. The size of the transfer paper P stored in each of the paper cassettes 41 is stored. This may be provided as the same as the first storage means 85 in FIG. 8 in terms of configuration, or may be provided separately.
Specifically, similarly to the first storage unit 85, for example, it may be constituted by a nonvolatile RAM or the like.

In the present embodiment, based on the above configuration example, the settings relating to the APS and the like relating to the paper feed cassette 41 and the execution thereof are carried out in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, as shown in step T1 in FIG.
The user, for each of the plurality of paper feed cassettes 41,
For each of them, the setting of “whether or not to be a target” of the function related to the APS or the like is performed through the target setting unit 91 (target setting), and this is stored in the second storage unit 93.
With this setting, when performing the APS or the like, when searching for the transfer paper P size that matches the document size, the search is performed from the set paper feed cassette 41.

Next, as shown in step T2 in FIG.
With respect to the sheet cassette 41 set as the target, an execution priority order such as APS is set through the priority order setting means 92, and this is stored in the second storage means 93. For example, now, the APS for the paper feed cassettes 41 ₁ , 41 ₂ and 41 ₃
As shown in FIG. 12, in the three paper feed cassettes, the first priority of the APS and other functions is the paper feed tray 41 ₁ , and the second priority is the paper feed cassette 41. _3, the same 3-position and the paper feed cassette 41 _2, it is sufficient to set each. FIG. 12 shows the operation unit
This is also a display example related to the above-described priority order setting on the display unit 86.

When the above settings are completed, the document S is introduced onto the platen glass 11 as shown in step T3 in FIG. 11, and copying is actually started. Now, as a specific example, the target setting as described above (the paper feed cassettes 41 ₁ , 41
1 ₂ , 41 ₃ ) and priority setting (priorities are 41 ₁ , 4
1 _3, 41 ₂ order) is made, and the paper feed cassette 41 ₁ and 41 ₂ shall plain paper "A4 size" is laminated and placed relates original S A4 size, A
Consider a case where copying using the PS function is performed.

First, on the platen glass 11, the original surface S
The content (image information) of f is read by the image reading unit 10, and the size of the document S is simultaneously detected by the above-described optical document size sensor 18 (see FIG. 2). When performing continuous copying of the document S group using the automatic double-sided document transport unit 100, the RADF
The document size is detected by the document size detection unit.

Then, the central control means C executes the APS function based on the detected size (A4) of the document S, and as shown in step T4 in FIG. 11, a transfer having a size matching the size. The search for the paper feed cassette 41 on which the paper P is placed is started. In the present example, target settings are made for the paper feed cassettes 41 ₁ , 41 ₂ , and 41 ₃ , and A4 size transfer paper P is fed to the paper feed cassette 41 _1.
And that arranged on the 41 _2, from being stored in the second storage means 93, the central control means C, first, APS execution subject is the paper feed cassette 41 _1, ..., confirmed to be 41 ₃ Among these, it is temporarily determined that the transfer paper P is fed from the paper feed cassettes 41 ₁ and 41 ₂ .

Next, as shown in step T5 in FIG. 11, the central control means C refers to the second storage means 93 for the determined priority order of the sheet cassette 41. Here, the paper feed cassette 41 ₁ is ranked first and the paper feed cassette 41 ₂ is ranked third.
Since was position, in this case, the central control unit C determines the paper feed running from the paper feed cassette 41 _1.

[0110] After, based on the determination, and starts feeding actually from the paper feed cassette 41 ₁ by the transfer-sheet conveying unit 40, which image forming unit 30 (or the photosensitive drum 3
1), and the image forming unit 30
The image information of f is formed on the transferred transfer paper P (see step T6 in FIG. 11).

As described above, in the copying apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the APS or the like is performed, the priorities of the sheet feeding cassettes 41 are determined in advance, so that the sheet feeding cassette 41 desired by the user is determined. Can be executed. In this regard, conventionally, when APS or the like is performed in an environment in which a plurality of paper feed cassettes 41 on which transfer papers P of the same size are placed are present, the transfer paper P is fed from any of the paper feed cassettes 41. Whether or not the paper is printed is different from the fact that it is basically left to the discretion of the copying apparatus. That is, according to the present copying apparatus, there is no possibility that the sheet is fed from the sheet cassette 41 which is not desired by the user, and the desired copying can be performed at any time, and the operability is improved. You can see that there is.

Incidentally, it goes without saying that such a method can be applied to the case where the ATS function is implemented.

In the copying apparatus of the present embodiment, according to the above example, the APS setting for the sheet cassettes 41 ₁ , 41 ₂ and 41 ₃ for which the APS is set, for example, the sheet cassette 41 ₃ is set. It is also possible to cancel by using the target setting means 91. In this case, regarding the handling of the priority order with respect to the sheet cassette 41, in the present embodiment, it is immovable that the sheet cassette 41 ₁ has the _first priority.
For ₂ incremented by one its priority automatically reconfigures the "second priority", the second storage means so 93
Is to be remembered. By doing this,
The user does not need to perform complicated setting operations for canceling the APS setting, and the operability of the apparatus is improved.

In the copying apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the APS is not set for a certain paper cassette and a new APS target is set for the APS, the priority of the paper cassette is determined as follows. Immediately after setting the target, it shall be placed at the last place. For example, following the example described above, by performing the paper feed cassette 41 ₃ again targeting of APS embodiment, the priority of the sheet feeding cassette 41 ₃ is the 3-position, eventually setting the three sheet feeding cassettes 41 The priority order is 41 ₁ , 4
A 1 _2, 41 _3.

It is of course possible to directly change the setting of the priority once set by using the priority setting means 92.

In the above embodiment, the description has been made mainly with the copier as the image forming apparatus in mind.
The present invention is not limited to this mode. That is, a printer attached to a personal computer or the like, a facsimile, or the like is assumed as the image forming apparatus, and embodiments conceived thereby are also within the scope of the present invention. Further, a so-called “multifunction machine” having the functions of a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile is naturally within the scope of the present invention.

Further, in the above embodiment, the information on the document surface Sf converted into the electrical information is directly sent from the image reading unit 10 to the image writing unit 20.
In some cases, an image processing unit is provided between them, and various types of image processing such as density conversion, filter processing, scaling processing, and γ correction are performed on the information on the document surface Sf converted into the electric information. It may be.

[0118]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the remaining amount of paper can be detected more accurately. More specifically, the detection of the remaining amount of paper in accordance with the number of transfer sheets that can be stored by the paper supply unit and the detection of the remaining amount of transfer paper that decreases each time the paper is executed are performed while taking into account the difference in paper type. be able to.

Even when the power of the apparatus main body is turned off, the remaining amount of transfer paper until immediately before the power is turned off is stored in the storage means. It can be used as an initial value, and continuity of operation is maintained.

According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, A
Since the PS or the ATS can be implemented, the operability of the image forming apparatus can be further improved.

Further, in the storage means, the setting information relating to the target setting or the priority order setting is stored for each paper feed cassette, so that the paper feed cassette selection time when performing APS or ATS is greatly reduced. It is possible to reduce the number of operations, thereby enabling quick operation response.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an optical document size sensor provided in an image reading unit of the copying apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a transfer paper size detecting means provided in a paper feed cassette of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing details of a main part of a transfer paper transport unit of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1, particularly showing a state in which a paper feed cassette is pulled out with respect to the apparatus main body.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a state in which the sheet cassette in FIG. 4 is mounted on the apparatus main body.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a copying apparatus according to a first feature of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the apparatus according to the first feature of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a copying apparatus according to a second feature of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an apparatus operation example according to the second feature of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the priority setting of APS execution of a paper feed cassette appears on the operation unit / display unit in the second feature of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 image reading section 18 optical document size sensor (document size detecting means) 20 image writing section 30 image forming section 40 transfer paper transport section 41 paper feeding cassette (paper feeding means) 457 light-shielding plate (tray rise start detecting means) 457S Photo sensor (tray rising start detecting means) 458 Light-shielding plate (tray upper limit detecting means) 458S Photo sensor (tray upper limit detecting means) 50 Transfer paper discharge section 60 Transfer paper reversing section 81 Tray rising start detecting means 82 Tray upper limit detecting means 83 Time measuring means 84 Computing means 85 First storage means (Storage means) 86 Operation section / display section 91 Target setting means 92 Priority setting means 93 Second storage means (Storage means)

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Jun Yokobori 2970 Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo In-house (72) Inventor Yoshihisa Kamata 2970 Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo In-house Konica Incorporated (72) Inventor Chikatsu Suzuki Tokyo 2970 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi Konica Stock Company In-house (72) Inventor Yoshinari Kitahara 2970 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo In-house Konica Stock Company In-house (72) Inventor Takaaki Sakai 2970 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Konica Stock Company In-house F-term ( Reference) 2H027 DA21 DA38 DB09 DC18 DC19 DE07 EE08 FB13 FB14 FC02 3F343 FA02 FB02 HB03 HD18 KB03 KB20 LC04 MA02 MA10 MA24 MA32 MA44 MC28

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising at least one sheet feeding means provided therein with a tray on which a plurality of transfer papers on which an image is formed can be stacked and placed, wherein the tray stacked on the tray is provided. Tray elevating means for elevating the tray until the transfer paper comes into contact with the sending roller; tray elevating start detecting means for detecting the start of the rise of the tray; and the transfer paper stacked on the tray coming into contact with the sending roller. Tray upper limit detecting means for detecting a time point when the tray has been lifted, and a time measuring means for measuring a tray moving time from the start of raising the tray detected by the tray rising start detecting means to the stop of raising the tray detected by the tray upper limit detecting means. And a sheet feeding unit coefficient determined for each sheet feeding unit according to the tray moving time and the number of sheets that can be stored in the sheet feeding unit for the transfer sheet. Image forming apparatus characterized by having a calculating means for calculating a transfer sheet remaining initial value on the tray are. 2. The paper feeding means coefficient is set to a for each paper feeding means.
And b, and when the tray moving time is t and the storable number is Cap, the transfer paper remaining amount initial value E is obtained as E = Cap- (ta) / b. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The transfer paper remaining amount based on the transfer paper remaining amount initial value, a paper type coefficient determined according to the type of the transfer paper, and the number of transfer papers sent from the paper supply unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the value is calculated. 4. The transfer paper remaining value F is determined as F = E−c · n, where c is the paper type coefficient and n is the number of transfer papers. Image forming apparatus. 5. The display means for detecting the transfer paper remaining amount initial value or the transfer paper remaining amount value by dividing the paper remaining amount level into a plurality of levels and displaying the paper remaining amount level. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the remaining paper level is determined for each paper feed unit according to the number of sheets that can be stored in the paper feed unit. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the remaining paper level is detected by a combination with a remaining paper detecting unit. 8. Even when the power of the apparatus main body is off,
8. A storage unit for storing the transfer paper remaining amount initial value or the transfer paper remaining amount value.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. 9. A transfer sheet size detecting means provided with at least two or more sheet feeding means capable of stacking a transfer sheet on which an image is formed, and a document size detecting means for detecting a size of a document. Automatically searching for a transfer sheet having a size matching the size of the document or the sheet feeding means loaded with the transfer sheet, and forming an image of the document on the transfer sheet. In an image forming apparatus having an automatic transfer paper selecting function for performing, the target setting means for setting, for each of the paper feeding means, whether or not to be the search target when performing the automatic transfer paper selecting function, Priority setting means for setting the priority of execution of the automatic transfer paper selecting function among the paper feeding means set by the target setting means; and information set by the target setting means and the priority setting means. An image forming apparatus comprising: 10. The storage unit executes a setting to exclude the sheet feeding unit set as a search target from the target by the target setting unit when the automatic transfer paper selecting function is performed. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, in the case, for each of the sheet feeding units having the priority order after the sheet feeding unit, the priority order is set up and stored. 11. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the target setting unit sets the target of the sheet feeding unit that is not set as the search target when the automatic transfer sheet selection function is performed. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the priority of the sheet feeding unit is set and stored after the priority of the preset sheet feeding unit.