JP2005145623A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of shortening a feeding interval. <P>SOLUTION: On a device main body 410 equipped with an image forming portion 411 forming an image on a sheet, a plurality of sheet feeding portions 110 to 112 having sheet storing means A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3 for storing sheets are additionally provided. Different kinds of sheets are stored in the sheet storing means A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3 of the plurality of sheet feeding portions 110 to 112. When the different kinds of sheets are fed in the predetermined order, a storing position of the different kinds of sheets is changed to a position shortening the interval between the fed sheets. When the storing position of the sheets is not changed, combination of the sheet storing means A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3 which shortens the interval between the fed sheets without changing the storing position of the sheets is selected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus in which a plurality of sheet feeding units having sheet storage means for storing sheets in an image forming apparatus main body are added.

  In recent years, the POD (Print On Demand) market is rapidly expanding, and due to the rapid expansion of the POD market, in the image forming apparatus, the capacity of the sheet storage unit that stores sheets to be fed to the image forming unit is increased. It is strongly desired. Therefore, in order to increase the capacity of such a sheet storage unit, for example, there is one in which a sheet feeding unit including a plurality of sheet feeding trays is added to the image forming apparatus main body (see Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a conventional image forming apparatus having a plurality of such sheet feeding units. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 1000 denotes an image forming apparatus, 1001 denotes an image forming apparatus main body, and 1110 to 1112 denote image forming. The sheet feeding unit includes a plurality of, for example, three sheet storage units A1 to A3, B1 to B3, and C1 to C3 that are detachably added to the apparatus main body 1001.

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus 1000 to which such sheet feeding units 1110 to 1112 are added, a job for forming an image on a plurality of types of sheets may be designated. ˜A3, B1 to B3, and C1 to C3. When a job for forming an image on a plurality of types of sheets is designated, the designated sheets are sequentially fed from the sheet feeding cassettes A1 to A3, B1 to B3, and C1 to C3 to the image forming unit 1002. Yes.

  Here, when the sheets are fed in this way, the sheets used for shortening the time until the first output are the sheet feeding cassettes A1 to A3, B1 to B3, and C1 to C3 closest to the image forming apparatus main body 1001. It is controlled to send out in order.

  For example, as shown in the figure, sheets x are stored in the sheet feeding cassettes A1, A2, and C3, and different types of sheets y that are longer in the transport direction than the sheet x are stored in the remaining sheet feeding cassettes. When forming images on sheets x and y in the order of sheet x → sheet y → sheet x, for example, a sheet feeding cassette A1 provided in the sheet feeding unit 1110 closest to the image forming apparatus main body 1001 and From A3, the sheet x and the sheet y are sent out in the order of the sheet feeding cassette A1, the sheet feeding cassette A3, and the sheet feeding cassette A1.

Special table 2001-506212 gazette

  However, in such a conventional image forming apparatus in which a plurality of sheet feeding units are added, control is performed such that the sheets x and y are fed in the order of the sheet feeding cassette A1, the sheet feeding cassette A3, and the sheet feeding cassette A1. In this case, since the sheets x and y are fed from the common transport path R, the third sheet x is fed from the sheet feeding cassette A1 until the second sheet y is removed from the sheet feeding unit 1110. It becomes impossible to send.

  In such a case, as shown in FIG. 10, the feeding timing of the second and third sheets, that is, the sheet feeding that selectively drives a pickup roller (not shown) provided in the sheet feeding cassette A3. After the clutch (sheet feeding CL-A3) is turned on, the timing for turning on the sheet feeding clutch (sheet feeding CL-A1) that selectively drives the pickup roller provided in the sheet feeding cassette A1 becomes longer. There is a problem that the interval becomes long.

  Similarly, when a large number of jobs are performed, if paper cassettes are frequently switched in the same transport path, the feeding delay time accumulates and the job end time is extended, so that in the POD market, It becomes an important issue.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of such a current situation, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of shortening a feeding interval.

  The present invention includes an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a plurality of sheet feeding units that are added to the image forming unit and include sheet storing means for storing the sheet. In the above, when different types of sheets are stored in the sheet storage means of the plurality of sheet feeding units and the different types of sheets are fed in a predetermined order, the storage positions of the different types of sheets are fed. It is possible to change the storage position so that the interval between sheets to be shortened becomes shorter.

  According to the present invention, when different types of sheets are stored in the sheet storage means of the plurality of sheet feeding units added to the apparatus main body and different types of sheets are fed in a predetermined order, the types are different. By changing the sheet storage position to a position where the interval between fed sheets is shortened, the feeding interval can be shortened, and productivity can be improved.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a printer which is an example of an image forming apparatus having a plurality of sheet feeding units according to the best mode for carrying out the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 400 denotes a printer. The printer 400 includes a printer main body 410, a scanner 407 arranged above the printer main body 410, and a plurality of the present embodiments attached (added) to the printer main body 410. In this embodiment, the sheet feeding unit 110 includes three sheet feeding units 110 to 112.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the scanner 407 for reading a document uses a document feeder (DF) 302 to emit light from light sources 303 and 304 such as halogen lamps or fluorescent lamps that illuminate the document. It includes a carriage 314 provided with reflectors 305 and 306 and a mirror 307 that collects light on a document (not shown) placed on a glass plate 301, and a carriage 315 provided with mirrors 308 and 309, and an original image Is read, the entire surface of the document is scanned by moving the carriage 314 in the direction of the arrow at a speed V and the carriage 315 in the direction of the arrow V / 2 while the light sources 303 and 304 are turned on.

  The light scanned on the document in this manner is reflected by the mirrors 307 to 309 and then focused on the CCD 316 by the lens 310. Thereafter, the document image read by the CCD 316 is converted into an electrical signal by the image processing unit 312. It is converted and transmitted to the exposure means described later.

  In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes an operation unit provided on the upper surface of the printer main body 410, 311 denotes a substrate on which a CCD 316 is mounted, and 313 denotes an interface (I / F) unit with another IPU or the like. In the present embodiment, the document feeder (DF) 302 is provided, but a mirror pressure plate may be mounted instead of the document feeder 302.

  The printer main body 410 includes an image forming unit 411 that forms an image on a sheet, a sheet conveying device 412 that conveys a sheet fed from the sheet feeding units 110 to 112 to the image forming unit 411, and a sheet formed on the sheet. And a fixing unit 334 for fixing the printed image.

  Here, the image forming unit 411 rotates in the rotation direction around the photosensitive drums 342 to 345 which are image bearing members that carry toner images of four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. , And charging means 321, 324, 327, and 330 that uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum, and irradiate a laser beam based on image information to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. Image forming units 317 to 320 each having exposure means 210 to 213 configured by LED arrays and developing means 322, 325, 328, and 331 for developing toner images by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image. It is comprised by.

  The developing units 322, 325, 328, and 331 are adjacent to toner storage portions 322a, 325a, 328a, and 331a that store toners of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively, and are not shown. It comprises sleeves 345 to 348 and the like that are driven to rotate by a portion and perform development by applying a developing bias voltage from a developing bias power source (not shown).

  Further, inside the transfer conveyance belt 333 which is an endless sheet conveyance member for conveying a sheet to be described later, transfer rollers 323, 326, 329, which sandwich the transfer conveyance belt 333 together with the four photosensitive drums 342 to 345, 332 are provided together.

  Here, the transfer rollers 323, 326, 329, 332 are connected to a transfer bias power source (not shown), and transfer bias is applied to the sheet from the transfer rollers 323, 326, 329, 332 via the transfer conveyance belt 333. It has come to be. By applying the transfer bias in this way, the color toner images on the photosensitive drums 342 to 345 are sequentially transferred onto the sheet conveyed while being in contact with the photosensitive drums 342 to 345 by the transfer conveying belt 333. A multicolor image is formed.

  The sheet conveying device 412 is a driving roller 348a, driven rollers 348b to 348d, and is stretched and supported by these rollers 348a to 348d, and is disposed as a sheet carrier disposed so as to face all the photosensitive drums 342 to 345. The transfer conveyance belt 333 is provided. Here, the transfer conveying belt 333 electrostatically attracts the sheet to the outer peripheral surface facing the photosensitive drums 342 to 345 and circulates and moves by the driving roller 348a so that the sheet contacts the photosensitive drums 342 to 345. It is like that. Then, the sheet is conveyed to a transfer position corresponding to each of the photosensitive drums 342 to 345 by being electrostatically attracted to the transfer conveying belt 333 that circulates in this manner, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum is transferred. .

  Note that the suction charger 346 is a pair of the suction charger 346 and the driven roller 348 d that charges the sheet and causes the transfer conveyance belt 333 to suck the sheet. Reference numeral 347 denotes a leading edge detection sensor that detects the leading edge of the sheet on the transfer conveyance belt 333. A detection signal of the leading edge detection sensor 347 is sent to the scanner 407, and the image forming unit 411 (the exposure unit 210 of the image forming unit 411). To 213) is used as a sub-scanning synchronization signal when YMCK electrical signals (video signals) are sent. Reference numeral 350 denotes a peeling charger that prevents image disturbance due to peeling discharge when the sheet is separated from the transfer conveyance belt 333.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sheet feeding units 110 to 112 include sheet feeding cassettes A1 to A3, B1 to B3, and C1 to C3 that store sheets. In the present embodiment, the sheet feeding units 110 to 112 have the same structure and are detachably connected. Accordingly, sheets can be arbitrarily stored in any of the sheet feeding cassettes A1 to A3, B1 to B3, and C1 to C3. In the present embodiment, the description is made with the configuration in which three sheet feeding units are connected. However, the number of sheet feeding units can be increased or decreased, and the mounting order can be changed as necessary. Is possible. Note that reference numerals 336 and 337 shown in FIG. 2 denote registration roller pairs that convey the sheet fed from the sheet feeding units 110 to 112 in synchronization with the image forming operation.

  Next, an image forming operation of the printer 400 configured as described above will be described.

  First, in the scanner 407, while the light sources 303 and 304 are turned on, the carriages 314 and 315 are moved in the direction of the arrow to scan the entire surface of the document. The light scanned on the original in this way is reflected by the mirrors 307 to 309 and then focused on the CCD 316 by the lens 310. Thereafter, the original image read by the CCD 316 is converted into an YMCK electrical image by the image processing unit 312. It is converted into a signal and transmitted to the exposure means 210-213.

  At this time, the YMCK image signal generated by the image processing unit 312 has a distance between the leading edge detection sensor 347 and the image forming units 317 to 320 by delay processing based on the sheet leading edge detection signal from the leading edge detection sensor 347, respectively. By adjusting the difference, it is transmitted to the exposure means 210-213 at a predetermined timing.

  Next, a predetermined timing is applied to the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 342 to 345 uniformly charged by the charging units 321, 324, 327, and 330 from the exposure units 210 to 213 according to a detection signal from the tip detection sensor 347. When the laser beam corresponding to the image information is sequentially scanned, a latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum, and the latent image is further developed by the developing means 322, 325, 328, 331, thereby the photosensitive drum. Four color toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan and black are formed on the surface.

  On the other hand, the sheets stored in the paper feed cassettes A1 to A3, B1 to B3, and C1 to C3 in parallel with the toner image forming operation are conveyed by the registration roller pairs 336 and 337 in synchronization with the image forming operation. The Thereafter, the toner is charged by the adsorption charger 346 and is attracted to the transfer conveyance belt 333, and is conveyed by the transfer conveyance belt 333 to the respective transfer portions where the photosensitive drums 342 to 345 and the transfer conveyance belt 333 are in pressure contact with each other. The

  Next, with respect to the sheet conveyed to the transfer unit in this manner, the photosensitive drums 342 to 322 are arranged by the action of the transfer rollers 323, 326, 329, and 332 that are arranged in each transfer unit and to which a voltage having a reverse polarity to the toner is applied. Each color toner image on 345 is sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the sheet. Then, the sheet on which the four color toner images are transferred in this manner is discharged by the charge removing charger 349 and then separated from the transfer conveyance belt 333. Thereafter, the toner adsorption force is compensated to prevent image distortion. For this purpose, the toner is charged by the pre-fixing charger 352 and then conveyed to the fixing unit 334.

  The fixing unit 334 is heated and pressed to fix the unfixed toner image on the sheet as a full-color permanent image. Thereafter, the sheet on which the unfixed toner image is fixed as a full-color permanent image is discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 335. The residual toner that could not be transferred is collected in the cleaner unit 360 by the cleaner blade 361.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 109 denotes a registration clutch (registration CL) for selectively transmitting driving from a driving unit (not shown) to the registration roller pairs 336 and 337, and 114 denotes upper and lower positions of the three sheet feeding units 110 to 112. A pre-registration sensor 113 that detects the passage of the sheet S and 113 is a pre-registration clutch that selectively transmits driving from a driving unit (not shown) to the pre-registration roller pair 6. (Pre-registration CL) and 115 are sheet feeding clutches (sheet feeding CL) for selectively transmitting driving from a driving unit (not shown) to the pickup roller 4 and the retard roller pair 5.

  Reference numeral 401 denotes a control device provided in the printer main body 401. The control device 401 controls the image forming operation of the printer 400 and turns on and off the clutches 109, 113, 114, and 115 at a predetermined timing. Thus, the sheet S described above is conveyed.

  By the way, in the printer 400 configured as described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the sheet x is set in A1, A2, and C3, and the sheet y is set in the remaining paper feed cassettes. In this state, the sheet x When performing a job of forming an image in the order of sheet y → sheet x, feeding control is performed in the order of the sheet cassette A1, the sheet cassette A3, and the sheet cassette A1 in order to shorten the time until the first output. Then, since both the sheets x and y are fed from the same transport path R, the third sheet x is fed from the sheet feeding cassette A1 until the second sheet y comes out of the sheet feeding unit 110. Can not do. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10 described above, the feeding interval becomes longer at the feeding timing of the second and third sheets.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, whether or not there is a combination that increases the productivity further than the current sheet cassette arrangement according to the input job, that is, a combination that shortens the interval between fed sheets. If it is determined that there is a combination that increases productivity, the combination is displayed.

  In addition, the user can select whether or not to execute it, and if the user selects a combination that increases productivity, the combination that increases productivity is displayed, and the user feeds paper according to this display. By changing the cassette configuration, an increase in the feeding interval is prevented.

  On the other hand, if the user chooses not to make a combination that increases productivity, the current paper cassette configuration will increase the feeding efficiency according to the input job, and the feeding efficiency will be higher than before. The feeding interval is shortened.

  In other words, when feeding different types of sheets x and y in a predetermined order, the storage position of the different types of sheets x and y is changed to a position where the interval between the fed sheets is shortened. When the storage positions of the sheets x and y are not changed, by selecting a combination of the paper feed cassettes that shortens the interval between the sheets to be fed without changing the storage positions of the sheets x and y, The feeding interval is shortened.

  Next, the storage position change display operation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the sheet storage position is changed by changing the mounting position of the sheet feeding cassette.

  First, when a job for forming an image on a plurality of types of sheets is designated, the control device 401 provided in the printer main body 410 functions as a determination unit, and determines whether there is a combination that can shorten the feeding interval. . In the present embodiment, this determination is based on the fact that the paper feed cassette storing the sheet x having a large number of sheets to be fed is located farther from the printer main body 410 than the paper feeding cassette storing the sheet y having a small number of sheets to be fed. Depending on whether or not.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the printer main body is more than a sheet feeding unit having a sheet feeding cassette storing sheets y having a small number of feeding sheets as a sheet feeding cassette storing sheets x having a large number of feeding sheets. Whether or not there is a sheet stored in the sheet feeding unit located far from 410 is determined.

  If it is determined that there is a combination that can shorten the feeding interval in the state as shown in FIG. 9 (Y in S100), for example, the paper cassette A1 and the paper feeding cassette A1 are fed from the state shown in FIG. When it is determined that the paper feeding interval can be shortened by replacing the paper cassette B1 and making the state as shown in FIG. 1, that is, by replacing the paper feeding cassette between the sheet feeding portions. As shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 101 in the operation unit 100, which is a display means, displays whether or not to replace the paper cassette with high productivity, that is, a replacement selection display “feed efficiency”. "Do you want to improve?" Is displayed (S101).

  Here, when the user presses the yes key 102, which is a selection means for selecting replacement of the paper cassette, that is, when replacement of the paper cassettes A1 and B1 is selected (Y in S102), FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the replacement contents of the paper feed cassettes A1 and B1 are displayed. Specifically, a display is performed so that the sheet feeding cassette A1 mounted on the sheet feeding unit 110 and the sheet feeding cassette B1 mounted on the sheet feeding unit 111 are interchanged (S103). After the replacement work is performed according to this display, when the user presses the completion key 103 indicating the completion of the replacement work, as shown in FIG. 6B, an indication that the replacement work has been completed, and a paper feed cassette Displays the configuration after the change.

  Thereafter, the job is started. At this time, as shown in FIG. 1, the sheet x is set in the sheet cassette A1 and the sheet x is set in the sheet cassette B1, and the sheet x → sheet y → sheet. When the x job is performed, the feeding control is performed in the order of the sheet cassette B1 → the sheet cassette A1 → the sheet cassette B1.

  Here, when the sheets x and y are conveyed in such an order, the conveyance paths are different. That is, the sheet x is conveyed through the conveyance path R2, and the sheet y is conveyed through the conveyance path R1. Then, by separating the transport paths R1 and R2, the first sheet x is fed after the first sheet x is fed as shown in the timing chart of the sheet transport operation shown in FIG. The timing for turning on the sheet feeding clutch (sheet feeding CL-B1) for selectively transmitting the drive from the driving unit to the pickup roller 4 and the retard roller pair 5 of the sheet feeding cassette B1 to feed x is the first sheet And the timing at which the second sheet y can be inserted between the third sheet x and the third sheet x.

  The timing at which the sheet feeding clutch (sheet feeding CL-A1) for selectively transmitting the drive from the driving unit to the pickup roller 4 and the retard roller pair 5 of the sheet feeding cassette A1 is turned on is the second sheet y. The timing is such that it can be inserted between the first and third sheets x.

  In other words, since the transport paths R1 and R2 are separated, the sheet x feeding timing needs only to be fed by the amount that can insert the second sheet y, so that the conventional transport path using the same transport path is used. The feeding interval can be shortened compared to the feeding control.

  On the other hand, when the user presses the no key 104 which is another selection means in the state where the replacement selection display is displayed on the display unit 101 as shown in FIG. 5, that is, when the user does not select replacement of the paper cassette. (N in S102), the paper feed cassette is re-selected efficiently in the current paper feed cassette configuration (S104).

  In this case, the sheet feeding cassette for performing the job of sheet x → sheet y → sheet x is a sheet feeding cassette with a small number of sheets to be fed installed in a sheet feeding unit close to the printer main body 401, and feeding Since the sheet x having a large number of sheets is a sheet feeding cassette mounted in a sheet feeding unit far from the printer main body 401, feeding control is performed in the order of sheet feeding cassette C3 → sheet feeding cassette B1 → sheet feeding cassette C3 shown in FIG. Is done.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, as compared with the feeding from the paper feeding cassette B1 indicated by the broken line, the feeding path from the first paper feeding cassette C3 to the printer main body 410 becomes longer (time β). Although the completion time of the job is longer than when the paper cassette replacement operation is performed (time γ1 <γ2), the feeding interval is the same as that in FIG. Since it is only necessary to feed the sheet with a space that can be inserted, the interval of the sheet feeding clutch C3 is a time α, and when feeding is performed in the order of the sheet feeding cassette A1 → the sheet feeding cassette A3 → the sheet feeding cassette A1. As a result, the feeding interval can be shortened, and the production efficiency can be increased.

  Here, for example, when the arrangement of the paper feeding cassettes is as shown in FIG. 1, the paper feeding cassette B1 can be used instead of the paper feeding cassette C3, but the transport direction is more than that of the paper feeding cassette B1. If a problem such as a jam occurs when the upstream paper feed cassette C3 is used, the influence of the malfunction is reduced by changing the paper feed cassette from the paper feed cassette C3 to the paper feed cassette B1. Is preferable.

  In this way, when feeding different types of sheets in a predetermined order, the feeding interval is changed by changing the storage position of the different types of sheets to a position where the interval between the fed sheets is shortened. Can be shortened, and productivity can be improved. In addition, if the sheet storage position is not changed, it is possible to produce the product without burden on the user by selecting a combination of paper feed cassettes that shortens the interval between fed sheets without changing the sheet storage position. Can improve sex.

  In the description so far, the display unit 101 for displaying the paper feed cassettes A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, the yes key 102, the no key 104, and the like is displayed on the operation unit 100 provided in the printer main body 410. Although the case of displaying has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be displayed on a personal computer screen connected via a network controller (not shown).

  Furthermore, in this description, the two types of sheets x and y have been described. Even if there are three or more types, the same type of sheet is fed with an interval at which different types of sheets can be inserted. If it is made, the same effect can be acquired.

  In the present embodiment, the sheet feeding units 110 to 112 have the same structure, which enables the paper feed cassettes A1 to A3, B1 to B3, and C1 to C3 to be replaced (replaced). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the structure is different, the same effect can be obtained by replacing the sheets.

1 is a schematic diagram of a printer as an example of an image forming apparatus including a plurality of sheet feeding units according to the best mode for carrying out the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer main body of the printer. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the plurality of sheet feeding units. 6 is a flowchart for explaining sheet feeding operations of the plurality of sheet feeding units. The figure which shows the replacement selection display in the display part in the operation part provided in the said printer main body. The figure which shows the display in the display part in the said operation part. 6 is a timing chart for explaining a sheet feeding operation when the paper feeding cassette of the printer is replaced. 6 is a timing chart for explaining a sheet feeding operation when a combination of sheet feeding cassettes that shortens the sheet interval of the printer is selected. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a printer as an example of an image forming apparatus including a plurality of conventional sheet feeding units. 9 is a timing chart for explaining sheet feeding operation of the conventional plurality of sheet feeding units.

Explanation of symbols

100 operation unit 101 display unit 102 yes key 104 no key 109 cash register CL
110 Sheet feeding unit 111 Sheet feeding unit 112 Sheet feeding unit 113 Pre-registration CL
141 Pre-registration sensor 115 Paper feed CL
400 Printer 401 Control Device 410 Printer Main Body 411 Image Forming Unit

Claims (9)

In an image forming apparatus including an apparatus main body including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a plurality of sheet feeding units that are added to the apparatus main body and have a sheet storage unit that stores the sheet.
When different types of sheets are stored in the sheet storage means of the plurality of sheet feeding units and the different types of sheets are fed in a predetermined order, the storage positions of the different types of sheets are fed. An image forming apparatus characterized in that it can be changed to a storage position such that the interval between sheets is shortened.   A determination unit that determines the presence or absence of a storage position of a sheet in which the interval between sheets fed from each sheet storage unit is shortened, and a sheet in which the interval between sheets fed from each sheet storage unit is shortened by the determination unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that is operated when it is determined that the storage position is present, and that selects whether to change the storage position of the sheet.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a display unit that displays the changed storage position of the sheet when the change of the storage position of the sheet is selected by the operation of the selection unit.   The plurality of sheet feeding sections are detachably mounted with the sheet storing means, respectively, and the change of the sheet storing position is performed by switching between the sheet feeding sections of the sheet storing means. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 3.   When the different types of sheets are inserted between the same type of sheets, the same type of sheets are fed with a feeding interval so that the different types of sheets can be inserted. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1.   When sheets of the same type are stored in a plurality of sheet storage means, if the change of the sheet storage position is not selected by the operation of the selection means, the sheets are fed in a predetermined order without changing the sheet storage position. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a combination of sheet storage units that shortens the interval between sheets to be fed is selected.   A combination of sheet storage means that shortens the interval between sheets fed in a predetermined order, so that the storage position of the type of sheet that is fed less than the storage position of the type of sheet that is fed more 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is a combination close to the apparatus main body.   A combination of sheet storage means that shortens the interval between sheets fed in a predetermined order, a sheet storage means that stores a type of sheet that is fed in a large number, and a type of sheet that is fed in a small number of sheets A combination with sheet storage means provided in a sheet feeding section closer to the apparatus body than a sheet feeding section provided with sheet storage means for storing and storing a large number of types of sheets to be fed The image forming apparatus according to claim 6. When inserting a sheet of a type with a small number of sheets to be fed between types of sheets with a large number of sheets to be fed, the number of sheets to be fed is between the sheets of a type with a large number of sheets to be fed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus performs feeding with a feeding interval such that a small number of types of sheets can be inserted.

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