JP4552675B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image of a job including a plurality of units.

  For example, it is known that the fixing state or the like changes depending on the paper thickness, and the operator designates the paper type (for example, paper thickness), and controls the fixing temperature according to the designated paper type. Has been proposed. However, in such an image forming apparatus, when a paper of a different paper type is supplied, the operator does not change (forgets) the setting of the paper type, and a fixing temperature corresponding to a paper type different from the supplied paper type. When this control was performed, an abnormal fixing or the like was caused.

In order to remedy such problems, even if the user does not set the paper type, the surface property and thickness of the paper are detected and the fixing and transfer conditions are changed using ultrasonic waves, etc. An image forming apparatus for preventing defects has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-219856

However, although the invention described in Patent Document 1 can prevent the occurrence of fixing or transfer abnormality by changing the transfer or fixing conditions according to the detection result of the paper type of the conveyed paper,
For example, even though the operator has specified with the control panel paper feed tray for accommodating thick as used paper, in the middle of the image forming time sheet replenishment or wrong image formation start time of the previous thin paper on the paper feed tray In such a case, the supplied thin paper is detected and image formation is performed under transfer conditions corresponding to the thin paper, and the image is not formed on the thick paper intended by the operator, and the paper is wasted. There was a problem that it might end.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention provides an image with the wrong paper even if paper of a different paper type is accidentally replenished when the paper is replenished, or even if a paper of the wrong paper type is stored from the beginning. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that reduces wasteful consumption of paper due to paper differences so as not to continue forming.

  The above object can be achieved by the inventions described in the following claims.

  Note that a unit refers to a group composed of one or a plurality of sheets (a plurality of pages), and a job refers to a group composed of one or a plurality of units.

(1) A paper feed unit having a plurality of paper feed trays, each of which can accommodate different types of paper, a detection unit for detecting the type of paper to be conveyed, and an arbitrary paper type An image forming apparatus having control means for controlling image formation by feeding a job including a plurality of units composed of a plurality of paper sheets from the paper feed trays in which different paper types are respectively stored .
The control means detects the paper type of the paper of all the pages constituting the unit by the detection means at the time of image formation of each unit, the paper type information of the paper detected at the time of image formation of the previous unit, and the rear When the paper type information of the paper corresponding to the page differs from the paper type information of the paper detected at the time of image formation of this unit, image formation of the next unit is prohibited .

(2) said in the previous units all pages of the paper type information of paper detected during image formation, the paper type information of the paper of all pages detected during image formation unit after the sheet of the corresponding page The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein when the paper type information of at least one page is different, image formation of the next unit is prohibited.

  (3) The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the paper type includes at least one of a thickness and a surface property of the paper.

  (4) Any one of (1) to (3), wherein the preceding unit is a first unit of the job, and the succeeding unit is at least a second unit of the job. 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1.

  (5) After the image formation of the last unit of the job is completed, the control means clears at least the paper type information of the paper of all pages detected at the time of image formation of the previous unit (1). The image forming apparatus according to any one of to (4).

  (6) The control means clears paper type information of all sheets of paper detected at the time of image formation of the preceding unit after completion of image formation of the subsequent unit (1) to (4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above.

(7) said the control means comparing means for comparing the paper type information of all pages of the paper unit, an image of the paper type information with the unit after the all pages of paper is detected at the time of image formation of the front of the unit The paper type information of all the pages corresponding to the paper type information of the paper of all pages detected at the time of formation is compared. If the paper type information of the paper of the corresponding page is different, image formation of the next unit is performed. (1) to (6), the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6).

(8) A paper feed unit that has a plurality of paper feed trays and can store papers of different paper types in each of the paper feed trays, and a paper type setting unit that sets the paper types of all the pages constituting the unit A job including a plurality of units composed of paper of any paper type and a detecting means for detecting the paper type of the paper to be transported from the paper feed tray in which the papers of different paper types are respectively accommodated. In an image forming apparatus having a control means for controlling image formation performed by paper ,
The control unit is configured to detect the paper type of the paper of all pages constituting the unit by the detection unit during image formation of the first unit of the job, and the paper type setting of the paper of all pages. When the paper type information of the corresponding page paper differs from the paper type information of the paper of all pages constituting the unit set by the means at least one page, image formation of the second unit is prohibited. And
In addition, the control unit causes the detection unit to detect the paper type of all pages constituting the unit at the time of image formation of the unit, and detects all pages detected at the time of image formation of the nth unit including the second. If the paper type information of the corresponding page of the paper type information of the paper of the first page and the paper type information of the paper of all the pages detected at the time of image formation of the (n + 1) th unit differ at least for one page, An image forming apparatus that prohibits image formation of the next unit.

  (9) The control means sets the paper type information of all the sheets constituting the unit set by the paper type setting means after the image formation of the last unit of the job and the unit detected at the time of image formation of the unit. The image forming apparatus according to item (8), wherein the paper type information of all sheets of paper is cleared.

  (10) The detecting unit detects a sheet on the sheet conveying unit between a tray that stores the sheet positioned on the most downstream side in the sheet conveying direction and a transfer region that transfers the toner image to the sheet. The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), characterized in that:

  (11) An informing means for informing the state of the apparatus is provided, and when the image formation of a subsequent unit is prohibited, an abnormality is informed by the informing means (1), (2), (7 The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above.

  (12) It has an informing means for informing the state of the apparatus, and when the image formation of the second unit is prohibited, and when the image formation of the subsequent units is prohibited, the informing means The image forming apparatus according to item (8), wherein notification is performed.

  According to the inventions according to the items (1) to (4), in the image formation of a plurality of units, the (n + 1) th unit (for example, the sheet type of the sheet fed at the nth unit (for example, the first unit)) Even if the wrong paper is replenished to the second unit), the paper type of the paper fed by the nth unit and the (n + 1) th unit is compared, so that the paper type Since the image formation is stopped if they are different from each other, it is possible to prevent the wasteful use of paper by preventing erroneous image formation in a job composed of a large number of units. Make it possible.

  According to the invention according to item (2), since image formation is stopped even if one of all the pages is different in paper type, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing waste of paper and reducing environmental deterioration. Is possible.

  According to the invention according to item (3), in order to stop the image formation when the paper type is different by enabling detection of the paper type of the paper including either the thickness or the surface property of the paper. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent wastefulness and reduce environmental deterioration.

  According to the invention according to the item (4), since the image formation is stopped particularly when the paper type of the second unit is different from that of the first unit, it is possible to prevent paper waste and reduce environmental deterioration. It is possible to provide a possible image forming apparatus.

  According to the invention according to the item (5), in order to erase the paper type information of the paper fed especially in the n-th unit (for example, the first unit) of the job when the job is completed, the paper type of the front and rear units in units of jobs. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent paper waste and reduce environmental degradation.

  According to the invention according to item (7), the load of the control means is distributed and efficient control is performed by causing the comparison means to compare the paper types of the sheets fed in the nth unit and the (n + 1) th unit. It becomes possible.

According to the invention according to the item (8), in the image formation of a plurality of units, as in the item (1), for example, even if an incorrect sheet is stored when the sheet is replenished, the difference in the sheet type is detected. While stopping image formation,
For example, even when an incorrect sheet is stored from the beginning with respect to the set sheet type for each sheet feed tray, the sheet is fed with the set sheet type and the first unit for each sheet feed tray. By comparing the paper types of the paper, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing waste of paper by stopping image formation when the paper types are different and reducing environmental deterioration.

  According to the invention according to the item (9), in order to erase the paper type information of the paper fed especially in the n-th unit (for example, the first unit) of the job when the job is completed, the paper type of the front and rear units in units of jobs. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent paper waste and reduce environmental degradation.

  According to the invention according to the item (10), the detecting means for detecting the thickness and the surface type of the paper in particular includes the tray for storing the paper located on the most downstream side in the paper transport direction, and the toner image on the paper. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a detection means for each tray, and it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that has a simple structure and requires less maintenance of the detection means and at a low cost.

  According to the inventions according to the items (11) and (12), it is possible to stop the image formation and to notify the abnormality by the notification means, so that the operator can quickly notice the abnormality and the apparatus stop time can be shortened. In addition, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing waste of paper and reducing environmental deterioration.

The present invention detects even if the paper type of the paper fed from the middle of image formation is changed by mistake during image formation (paper feeding) of a job having a plurality of units composed of arbitrary paper types. To prevent the next unit from forming an image (feeding) and to keep feeding the wrong paper type.
Further, even if the paper type of the paper to be fed set by the operator is different from the paper type of the unit actually fed at the time of image formation, this is detected and notified, and image formation (feeding) of the next unit is performed. prohibits the paper), Ru der things to prevent that continue to feed the paper the wrong paper type of paper.

  First, the overall configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body 1, an automatic document feeder 2, a paper feeder D, and a sorter unit (not shown).

  The apparatus main body 1 includes an image reading device 3, a control unit C, an image forming unit 4, a paper feeding unit 5, a reverse paper discharge / refeed unit 6, a reverse conveyance unit 7, and an operation panel 8. Yes.

  The automatic document feeding unit 2 is a device that feeds documents one by one, conveys the documents to an image reading position, and discharges the document after image reading to a predetermined location.

  The plurality of documents G placed on the document table 11 are separated one by one by the document separating unit 12 and conveyed to the image reading position by the document conveying unit 13.

  The document reading position is provided below the document conveying means 13 so that the image of the document can be read through the slit 21 of the image reading device 3.

  The document whose image has been read is discharged onto the document discharge table 15 by the document discharge means 14.

  Further, the document can be copied by placing the document directly on the platen glass 22.

  The image reading device 3 of the apparatus main body 1 is a device for reading an image of a document to obtain image data, and a lamp 231 that irradiates the document through a slit 21 and a first mirror unit that reflects reflected light from the document. 23, a second mirror unit 24, an imaging lens 25 that forms an image on the imaging device, and a linear imaging device 26 that photoelectrically converts a light image formed by the imaging lens 25.

  The analog signal of the original image read and photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 26 is subjected to A / D conversion after analog processing, and an appropriate image such as shading correction, filter processing, or γ correction is performed by an image processing unit (not shown). After being processed into digital image data, it is temporarily stored in the storage means M.

  The image forming unit 4 of the apparatus main body 1 is a part where an image is formed using an electrophotographic process. The photoconductive drum 31 having a photoconductive photosensitive layer as an image carrier on the surface, and the surface of the photoconductive drum 31 are covered. A charger 32 for uniformly charging, a laser writing system 33 which is operated based on image data after image processing, and is an exposure means for exposing the photosensitive drum 31 to form an electrostatic charge latent image; A developing unit 34 that develops a latent electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive drum 31 to form a toner image, a transfer pole 35 that transfers the visualized toner image onto a sheet, and a sheet on which the toner image is transferred A static eliminator 36 that accelerates the separation of the sheet from the photosensitive drum 31, and a cleaning means 37 for cleaning the photosensitive drum 31 after completion of the transfer process. And a known image forming unit.

  The fixing device 39 includes a heating source H, and includes a heating roller 390 that rotates independently around the heating source 390 and a pressure roller 393 that rotates while being pressed against the heating roller 390. A fixing / discharging roller 51, a switching unit 52, and a discharging roller 53 for discharging the sheet to the outside of the apparatus, which are components of the paper / refeed unit 6, are provided.

  In the image formation on the paper using the above configuration, the photosensitive drum 31 rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow is sequentially charged by an appropriate driving unit by the charger 32, and then the original is printed by dot exposure by the laser writing system 33. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image is formed, the electrostatic latent image is formed as a toner image by the developing unit 34, and then the sheet P is fed by the rotation of the registration roller 47 as the second paper feeding unit. In addition, the toner image is transferred through the action of the transfer pole 35, and then the toner image on the paper is fixed by the fixing device 39.

The sheet feeding means D of the apparatus main body 1 has sheet feeding trays D1 to D3 and a manual feed tray D4, and is selected by conveying rollers R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 as conveying means for the sheet P of the sheet feeding unit 5. automatically feed transportable by the conveying roller R6 of the main body 1 of the sheet P from the paper feed tray that is.

  Here, selection of the paper feed tray to be fed and selection driving of the transport rollers R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are performed by the control means C based on the paper feed tray for the job and unit set on the operation panel 8. .

  In addition, a conveyance roller R6 near the manual paper feed tray D4 and a registration roller near the transfer area, which are located between the tray for storing the paper located on the most downstream side in the paper conveyance direction and the transfer area for transferring the toner image onto the paper. 47 is a detecting means for detecting the paper on the paper transporting means, and is disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the paper transporting direction, so that the ultrasonic wave is transmitted through the paper and the thickness of the paper is reduced. An ultrasonic sensor (hereinafter referred to as a paper thickness sensor) S1 to detect, and a surface property (for example, gloss, Alternatively, a reflection type ultrasonic sensor or optical sensor (hereinafter referred to as a paper surface sensor) S2 for detecting a surface roughness) is provided.

  The reverse paper discharge / refeed unit 6 reversely discharges the paper P after transfer / fixing, or refeeds the paper P to the image forming apparatus 4 via the reverse conveyance unit 7 according to the double-sided image formation mode. This is an area, and normally the sheet P discharged by the fixing discharge roller 51 is discharged by the discharge roller 53 through the upper surface of the switching means 52.

  The operation panel 8 includes an operation switch and a touch panel. The operation panel 8 is connected to the control unit C. The operator instructs the start of image formation using the operation switch, and sets a paper feed tray to be used for a job or a unit on the touch panel. On the touch panel screen, for example, a screen for setting the paper type of the paper to be fed and the state of the image forming apparatus such as paper supply abnormality are displayed.

  Operations relating to image formation described with reference to FIG. 1 are controlled by the control means C.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus main body 1 of the image forming apparatus.

  An operation switch group 81 such as a start switch for inputting start of image formation provided on the operation panel 8, a touch panel 80, a sheet thickness sensor S1, a sheet surface property sensor S2, and the like, and an automatic document feeding unit 2, a sheet feeding unit D, an image reading device 3, an image forming unit 4, a sheet feeding unit 5, a reverse discharge / refeed unit 6, a reverse transport unit 7, and a fixing device 39. Various sensors for detecting the operation status, driving devices for driving various loads such as solenoids and motors, and the like are connected to the control means C.

  Further, a nonvolatile ROM (Read Only Memory) M1 storing a control program related to the image formation described above, a paper supply abnormality check program according to the present invention, a paper thickness sensor S1, and a paper surface property A storage means M having a RAM (Random Access Memory) M2 for storing the paper type detected by the sensor S2 or the like is connected to the control means C.

  A sheet number counter c that counts the number of sheets P fed for each unit is connected to the control means C.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a display screen related to the setting of a paper feed tray used in a job and unit, which is displayed on the touch panel.

The screen of the touch panel 80 includes a job, the number of units included in the job, the number of sheets included in the unit, and the sheets constituting the unit from among the programs stored in the ROM M1 in advance by a predetermined operation of the operator. A job / paper feed tray corresponding screen 82 for inputting information such as what number of paper to be fed from which paper feed tray is displayed.

  Then, the operator sets a job setting frame 91 for inputting a job number, a unit number setting frame 92 for inputting the number of units included in the job, and what number (pages) of paper from which the unit covers. Arbitrary desired numerical values and the like are input to a paper feed tray setting frame 93 for feeding or inputting paper from the tray and a paper number setting frame 94 for inputting the total number of sheets (total number of pages) of the unit.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 3, job 1 has 8 units for image formation, and the total number of 1 unit is 20 (pages). Each unit feeds the first sheet from the manual feed tray D4. The case where it is designated that the 2nd sheet to the 19th sheet is fed from the sheet feed tray D1 and the 20th sheet is fed from the manual feed tray D4 is shown. Is shown.

  The job / paper feed tray correspondence information 84 relating to the input job and the paper feed tray is stored in the RAM M2 and read out at the time of image formation.

  In the case of the example shown in FIG. 3, when the image of job 1 is formed, the first sheet is fed from the manual feed tray D4, and the second to nineteenth sheets are stored in the feed tray D1. The paper is fed, and the 20th paper is fed in the manual paper feed tray D4.

  FIG. 4 is an example of a display screen displayed on the touch panel and related to the setting of the paper type of the paper stored in the paper feed tray.

The screen of the touch panel 80 includes a job, a paper feed tray to be fed by the job, and a paper type of the paper stored in the paper feed tray out of programs stored in the ROM M1 in advance by a predetermined operation of the operator. A paper feed tray / storage paper type correspondence screen 83 for inputting information such as information (information on thickness and surface properties) is displayed.

  Then, the operator sets a job setting frame 95 for inputting a job number, a paper feeding tray setting frame 96 for inputting a paper feeding tray to be fed by a unit included in the set job, and a sheet to be stored in the paper feeding tray. Arbitrary desired numerical values and the like are input to the paper type, for example, the paper thickness setting frame 97 for setting the paper thickness and the paper surface property setting frame 98 for setting the surface property of the paper.

  For example, in the case of the example of FIG. 4, the manual feed tray is set to have thick paper and the surface property is set by the operator, and the paper feed tray 1 is plain paper and has a surface property. Indicates that the operator has set that the normal sheet is stored.

  The paper feed tray / stored paper type correspondence information 85 relating to the paper type information of the input paper feed tray and the stored paper is stored in the RAM M2 and read out during image formation.

  The paper feed tray / stored paper type correspondence information 85 is stored in the RAM M2, read out at the time of image formation, and compared with the paper type detected at the time of image formation.

  In addition, as the stored paper type information, the paper manufacturer and paper type number, the amount of paper, whether or not the paper is recycled, actual measurement data of the paper thickness, and the like may be added. However, for information that cannot be detected by the paper thickness sensor S1 and the paper surface property sensor S2, such as the manufacturer and paper type number, for example, the paper type number is information on the paper thickness and surface property of the paper of the paper type number. For example, when a paper type number is input, the paper type number is replaced with the paper thickness and surface property information of the paper of the paper type number based on the correspondence table. The paper thickness and surface property information detected during image formation are compared.

  FIG. 5 is a control flow chart relating to paper feeding.

  Hereinafter, sheet feeding will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 3, and 2. The following control is performed by the control means C.

  Information on the job / paper feed tray correspondence screen 82 shown in FIG. 3 is read from the ROM M1, and the job / paper feed tray correspondence screen 82 is displayed on the touch panel 80 (step S101).

  However, at this time, the numerical values and the like are not input / displayed for each frame.

  In accordance with the job / paper feed tray correspondence screen 82 displayed by the operator, the job setting frame 91 includes the job number, the unit number setting frame 92 includes the number of units included in the job, and the paper number setting frame 94 includes the unit. The number of sheets (number of pages) and the number of sheets (number of pages) from the cover sheet are input to the sheet feed tray setting frame 93 from which sheet feed tray.

  It is determined whether or not information related to the above-described job / paper feed tray correspondence screen 82 has been input. If it has not been input (N), it waits for input (step S102).

  When input (Y), the job / paper feed tray correspondence information 84 entered on the job / paper feed tray correspondence screen 82 is read and stored in the RAM M2 (step S103).

  It is determined whether or not an image formation start command for job 1 has been input. If it has not been input (N), it waits for input (step S104).

  When it is input (Y), 0 is set to the number counter c that counts the number of sheets (pages) from the first sheet of the unit and cleared (step S105).

  Then, image formation and paper feeding are started, and the number counter c is set to 1 (step S106).

Read only the value of the number counter c (step S107), compares the number information from the cover of the counter value c and the sheet feeding tray setting frame 93, sheet feeding corresponding to the matching value (used) Tray current supply The paper feed tray to be paper is determined (step S108).

  Then, paper is fed from the paper feed tray according to the determination result (steps S109 to S115).

  For example, if the first sheet is not yet fed and the counter value is “1”, the sheet feed tray for the number “1” from the cover is set to “manual feed” in the sheet feed tray setting frame 93 of FIG. Therefore, the paper supply from the manual paper feed tray is determined and the paper is fed from the manual tray D4.

  After the completion of paper feeding (step S116), 1 is added to the value of the counter c (result 2) (step S117).

  In order to confirm whether or not the image formation of the unit has been completed, the value of the counter c is compared with the value of the sheet number setting frame 94 (step S118).

  If they match, it is determined that the first unit is completed, and the second and subsequent units are fed (step S120).

  If they do not match, it is determined that the first unit has not yet been completed, and the process jumps to step S107 and repeats the same as described above (repetition of steps similar to steps S107 to S119). I) Repeat the subsequent feeding.

Here, taking the second sheet as an example,
The value “2” of the counter c is compared with the information on the number of sheets from the cover of the paper feed tray setting frame 93, and the paper feed tray D1 that should currently feed the “paper feed tray 1” with the matching value “2-19”. Is determined (step S108). Then, the sheet feeding from the input tray D 1 determined.

  Similarly, paper feeding from the determined paper feeding tray is repeated 20 times in total, and paper feeding and image formation of the first unit made up of 20 sheets are completed (repetition of steps similar to steps S107 to S119).

  Here, after the second unit, paper feeding of the number of units corresponding to the number of units input in the unit number setting frame 92 is performed in the same process as in steps S103 to S120 described above, and the first job is completed. (Step S120).

  Further, in the same manner as described above, paper feeding and image formation for the other input jobs are completed.

  Note that the above-described paper feeding is performed by the control means C in correspondence with the image forming operation.

  FIG. 6 is a control flow diagram for detecting an abnormality relating to the paper supply.

  Hereinafter, detection of an abnormality relating to paper supply (an abnormality check program for paper supply) will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 4, 3, and 2. The following control is performed by the control means C.

Paper supply is performed according to the flow of FIG. 5 described above. For example, when paper runs out during image formation, a paper of a different paper type is accidentally replenished to the paper feed tray, or the paper set from the beginning is used. It is possible that different types of paper are mistakenly stored in the paper feed tray.

This flow tries to reduce the waste of paper by detecting the paper type of the fed paper and detecting such mistakes and continuing to feed paper of the wrong paper type.
In the first invention, when two or more units having the same paper type configuration are formed, all pages fed during the image formation of the first unit (or the nth unit or the previous unit) of the job are formed. Is detected, the detected paper type information of the first unit (or nth unit or front unit) is stored, and image formation of the second unit (or n + 1 unit or rear unit) is performed. Detecting the paper type of the paper of all pages that are sometimes fed, storing the detected paper type information of the second unit (or n + 1 unit or rear unit),
Compare the stored paper type information of the first unit (or nth unit or front unit) and the corresponding paper type information of the second unit (or n + 1 unit or rear unit), and compare even one page. If the paper type is different, the image formation of the third unit is stopped and the operator is warned.
The second aspect of the invention further provides the paper type information for all pages of the paper fed by the first unit set by the operator on the paper tray / stored paper type correspondence screen 83 and the job / paper tray correspondence screen 82.
The detection type information of the paper types of all the sheets fed at the time of image formation in the first unit or the second unit is compared, and if the paper type of the paper is different even in one page, the second unit or the third unit and later. Ru der those alarm stops the image forming operators.

  That is, the information related to the paper feed tray / storage paper type correspondence screen 83 shown in FIG. 4 is read from the ROM M1, and the paper feed tray / storage paper type correspondence screen 83 is displayed on the touch panel 80 (step S201).

  However, at this time, the numerical values and the like are not input / displayed for each frame.

  According to the displayed paper feed tray / stored paper type correspondence screen 83 by the operator, the job number in the job setting frame 95, the paper feed tray used by the job in the paper feed tray setting frame 96, and the paper tray stored in the paper feed tray For example, information relating to the paper thickness and the like in the paper thickness setting frame 97 and information relating to the paper surface properties such as the presence / absence of gloss are input to the paper surface property setting frame 98.

  It is determined whether or not information related to the paper feed tray / stored paper type correspondence screen 83 has been input. If it has not been input (N), it waits for input (step S202).

  When input (Y), the paper feed tray / storage paper type correspondence information 85 relating to the paper feed tray and storage paper type input on the paper feed tray / storage paper type correspondence screen 83 is read and stored in the RAM M2. (Step S203).

  It is determined whether or not an image formation start command for job 1 has been input. If it has not been input (N), it waits for input (step S204).

  When input (Y), the image of the first unit of job 1 based on the job / paper feed tray correspondence information 84 shown in FIG. 3 as described above with reference to the control flowchart relating to paper feed in FIG. Form and feed. (Step S205).

Then, the paper type of the paper to be fed and the sheet thickness sensor S1, is detected by the sheet surface sensor S2, the detected and thickness information and surface Seijo report of paper one by one (one page) It is stored in the RAM M2 in association with the sheet feeding order (step S206).

  It is determined whether or not all the first units of the job 1 have been fed and processed (step S207). If not completed (N), the process jumps to step S205 and feeds and forms an image until completion. (Repeat the same process as step S205 to S207).

Upon completion, (Y) paper feed tray / storage paper type correspondence information 85 and job / paper feed tray correspondence information 84 are read, and the read paper feed tray / storage paper type correspondence information 85 and job / paper feed tray correspondence information 84 are read. based on, to produce what sheet What paper type operator set paper type information describing whether set by (thickness information and surface Seijo paper of the paper) of the first unit over the entire page (step S208) .

Detected in the image formed in step S206 or the like, the thickness information and surface Seijo report of all pages of the paper of the first unit, which is stored RAM · M2 in correspondence with the feeding order one by one, at step S208 and generated operator operator set paper type information based on the setting (thickness information and surface Seijo report of all pages of the paper of the first unit) and compares each page corresponding respectively (step S209).

  If the comparison result does not match even one page (N), it is determined that the first unit is not correctly fed (step S210), and image formation and feeding of the second unit are prohibited. Further, a notification such as “first unit paper supply abnormality” may be given to the operation panel 8 (step S211).

  When the abnormality is notified, the operator performs an abnormality treatment such as paper replacement.

  If the comparison results match for all pages (Y), it is determined that the first unit has been fed correctly, and image formation and feeding of the second unit are performed (step S212).

  The paper type of the paper of the second unit fed is detected by the paper thickness sensor S1 and the paper surface sensor S2, and the thickness information and surface property information of all the sheets of the second unit, and the paper supply The paper order is associated and stored in the RAM M2 in order (step S213).

A thickness information and surface Seijo paper of the paper of the first unit, which is stored in association with the order one by one in RAM · M2 in step S206 or the like, correspondence between the order one by one in RAM · M2 in step S213 reads the thickness information and surface Seijo paper of the paper of the second unit, which is stored Te, sheet type for each corresponding page is compared whether matches over Zenpeji (step S214).

  If all the pages match as a result of the comparison (Y), it is determined that the second unit is correctly fed (step S215), and image formation and feeding of the third unit is started (step S216).

  If they do not match in step S215 (N), it is determined that the second unit is not correctly fed, and image formation and feeding of the third unit are prohibited. Further, a notification such as “second unit paper supply abnormality” may be given to the operation panel 8 (step S217).

  The prohibition of image formation and paper feed is manually canceled after the paper of the unit in which the abnormality is detected by the operator is collected and the paper of the correct paper type is stored (step S218).

  In addition, after notifying the paper supply abnormality, the sensor that detects the attachment / detachment of the paper feed tray checks that the paper feed tray containing the paper of a different paper type has been removed, and detects the attachment / detachment. May determine that the correct paper type has been stored and automatically cancel the image formation prohibition of the third unit.

  When image formation and paper feeding of the subsequent units are performed, steps S212 to S218 are repeated to determine whether or not the paper feeding of the rear unit is fed with the same paper type with respect to the previous unit.

  Then, during the image formation of the third unit, the paper type of the third unit and the paper type of the second unit are compared over the entire page by the same process as steps S212 to S216. If it matches the page, it is determined that the third unit has been fed correctly and image formation and feeding of the fourth unit is started. If it does not match, it is determined that the third unit is not fed correctly. Thus, image formation and paper feed for the fourth unit are prohibited. Further, a notification such as “third unit paper supply abnormality” may be given to the operation panel 8.

In this way, the same process as steps S212 to S219 is repeated for the value of the sheet number setting frame 94 of the job / paper feed tray correspondence information 84, whereby the paper type of the subsequent process is correctly supplied to the previous process. It is detected whether or not a sheet has been printed, and when the image formation and sheet feeding of a predetermined number of units are completed, it is determined that the job is completed, and the sheets of units stored in the RAM M2 in correspondence with the order of each sheet. the thickness information, clearing the surface Seijo paper of the paper (step S219).

In the above description, in the above-described step S214, the detection method of abnormality relating to the supply of paper for comparing the detection results of detecting the paper type of the paper to be conveyed is the paper type of the paper of the previous unit and the subsequent unit. The first and second units, the second and third units, the third and fourth units, and the like are compared with each other before and after the successive units, and the paper type information detected in the first unit is, for example, in step S216. When the image formation of the second unit is completed, it is cleared before the image formation of the third unit.
The units of the first unit and the first unit are separated such that the paper type of the front unit and the rear unit is 1 and 2 units, then 1 and 3 units, and then 1 and 4 units. The paper type information of the paper detected in the first unit is not cleared when the image formation of the second unit is completed, and all the units are completed and cleared when the job is completed. good.

  Further, the paper type information of the paper detected in the first unit (front unit) may be cleared after confirming that the paper feeding is normally performed when the image formation of the second unit (rear unit) is completed. .

Also, performed at step S209, a comparison between the operator set paper type information based on the first unit all pages of the thickness of the paper information and surface Seijo paper and operator settings, which are detected during the image formation is performed in step S214 comparison with thickness information and surface Seijo report of all pages of the paper of the second unit detected in the thickness information and the surface Seijo paper and image formation of all pages of the paper of the first unit detected in the image forming Even if the control means performs, the comparison means for comparing each of them may be provided to be performed by the control means.

  Note that the notification described above may be a display by characters, a lighting of a warning pilot lamp, a warning by voice, or a combination thereof as long as it reports a supply abnormality related to the paper type.

  Steps S212 to S219 described above are the parts according to the first invention for comparing the paper types of the front and rear units. By detecting the difference in the paper types of the front and rear units, it is possible to detect errors in the paper feed tray, for example. Thus, it is possible to detect the mistake of replenishing paper of different paper types and reduce the waste of paper that continues to feed the wrong paper type.

  Steps S201 to S219 are parts according to the second invention in which the paper types of the front and rear units are compared and the paper type of the unit set by the operator is compared with the paper type detected by the first unit. Further, by detecting a difference between the set paper type of the unit and the paper type detected by the first unit, for example, a paper of a different paper type is erroneously stored in the paper feed tray from the beginning. It is possible to reduce the waste of paper that detects mistakes and continues to feed the wrong paper type.

1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus main body 1 of an image forming apparatus. It is an example of the display screen which concerns on the setting of the paper feed tray used with a job and a unit displayed on a touch panel. It is an example of a display screen related to the setting of the paper type of the paper stored in the paper feed tray displayed on the touch panel. FIG. 6 is a control flow diagram relating to paper feeding. FIG. 6 is a control flow diagram for detecting an abnormality relating to paper supply.

Explanation of symbols

8 Operation Panel 80 Touch Panel 82 Job / Paper Tray Corresponding Screen 83 Paper Tray / Stored Paper Type Corresponding Screen 84 Job / Paper Tray Corresponding Information 85 Paper Tray / Stored Paper Type Corresponding Information 91 Job Setting Frame 92 Unit Number Setting Frame 93 Paper tray setting frame 94 Paper number setting frame 95 Job setting frame 96 Paper tray setting frame 97 Paper thickness setting frame 98 Paper surface property setting frame C Control means D Paper feed means D1 to D3 Paper feed tray D4 Manual feed tray M Memory means M1 ROM
M2 RAM
S1 Paper thickness sensor S2 Paper surface sensor

Claims (12)

A paper feed means having a plurality of paper feed trays, each of which can accommodate different types of paper;
Detecting means for detecting the type of paper to be conveyed;
A plurality including jobs composed unit in any paper type of the paper, the image and a control unit for controlling the image forming performed by the paper feed from the paper feed tray housed respectively different paper sheet type In the forming device,
The control means detects the paper type of the paper of all the pages constituting the unit by the detection means at the time of image formation of each unit, the paper type information of the paper detected at the time of image formation of the previous unit, and the rear When the paper type information of the paper corresponding to the page differs from the paper type information of the paper detected at the time of image formation of this unit, image formation of the next unit is prohibited . And paper type information of all the pages of the paper detected at the time of image formation of the front of the unit, the paper type information of all the pages of the paper which is detected when the image forming unit after the paper type of the paper of the corresponding page The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if at least one page of information is different, image formation of the next unit is prohibited. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper type includes at least one of a thickness and a surface property of the paper. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preceding unit is a first unit of the job, and the succeeding unit is at least a second unit of the job. 5. Image forming apparatus. 5. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein after the image formation of the last unit of the job is completed, at least paper type information of all pages of paper detected at the time of image formation of the previous unit is cleared. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 5. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein after the image formation of the subsequent unit is completed, at least paper type information of all sheets of paper detected at the time of image formation of the previous unit is cleared. The image forming apparatus described in the item. By comparing means and said control means for comparing the paper type information of all pages of the paper unit, detected at the time of image formation of the paper type information with the unit after the all pages of paper is detected at the time of image formation of the front of the unit The paper type information of all the corresponding pages is compared with the paper type information of the paper of all the pages, and if the paper type information of the paper of each corresponding page is different, image formation of the next unit is prohibited. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A paper feed unit having a plurality of paper feed trays, each of which can accommodate different paper types, a paper type setting unit for setting the paper types of all the pages constituting the unit, and a transport Detecting means for detecting the paper type of the paper to be processed and a job including a plurality of units composed of papers of arbitrary paper types are fed from the paper feed trays in which the papers of different paper types are respectively stored. In an image forming apparatus having a control means for controlling image formation to be performed,
The control unit is configured to detect the paper type of the paper of all pages constituting the unit by the detection unit during image formation of the first unit of the job, and the paper type setting of the paper of all pages. When the paper type information of the corresponding page paper differs from the paper type information of the paper of all pages constituting the unit set by the means at least one page, image formation of the second unit is prohibited. And
In addition, the control unit causes the detection unit to detect the paper type of all pages constituting the unit at the time of image formation of the unit, and detects all pages detected at the time of image formation of the nth unit including the second. If the paper type information of the corresponding page of the paper type information of the paper of the first page and the paper type information of the paper of all the pages detected at the time of image formation of the (n + 1) th unit differ at least for one page, An image forming apparatus that prohibits image formation of the next unit. The control means is the paper type information of all the sheets constituting the unit set by the paper type setting means after the image formation of the last unit of the job is completed and all the pages of the unit detected at the time of image formation of the unit. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the paper type information of the paper is cleared. The detecting means detects a sheet on the sheet conveying means between a tray that stores the sheet located on the most downstream side in the sheet conveying direction and a transfer region that transfers the toner image to the sheet. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an informing unit that informs of a state of the apparatus, wherein when the image formation of a subsequent unit is prohibited, the informing unit notifies the abnormality. The image forming apparatus described. An informing means for informing the state of the apparatus is provided, and when the image formation of the second unit is prohibited, and when the image formation of the subsequent unit is prohibited, the informing means notifies the abnormality. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.

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