JP4720628B2 - Paper feeder - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a sheet feeding apparatus and an image forming system, in particular, it relates to a recording sheet housed in the housing portion in the sheet feeding equipment for feeding to the image forming apparatus via a predetermined transport path.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet, such as a printer, a copier, or a digital multifunction peripheral, is known. With this type of image forming apparatus, a large amount of printing is often performed as the image forming speed increases.

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when there is no recording paper in the paper feed tray provided in the apparatus main body, printing is interrupted halfway.

Therefore, in order to reduce the number of printing interruptions in this type of image forming apparatus, an external paper feeding device is connected separately from the paper feeding tray provided in the apparatus main body, and the recording paper is fed from the paper feeding device. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-4767 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-50565 JP 2001-146324 A

  By the way, in this type of image forming apparatus, when an external paper feeding device is connected to the image forming apparatus, a conveyance path through which the recording sheet is conveyed to an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording sheet is provided in the apparatus main body. The external paper feeding device is often longer than the paper feeding tray provided, and the time from when the user issues a print instruction until the image is recorded on the first recording paper and output is There is a problem in that paper feeding from an external paper feeding device is longer than paper feeding from a paper feed tray provided in the apparatus main body. Note that the time until an image is recorded and output on the first recording sheet is called FPOT (First Print Output Time) or the like when the image forming apparatus is a printer. In this case, it is called FCOT (First Copy Output Time) or the like.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, to provide a sheet feeding equipment that can image the first recording sheet to reduce the time to be outputted is recorded Objective.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is a storage unit that stores a plurality of recording sheets in a stacked state, and takes out the recording sheets stored in the storage unit one by one. A conveying unit that continuously conveys the recording sheet to the image forming apparatus via the conveying path, and a function of stopping the recording sheet in advance at a predetermined position on the conveying path for at least one of the size and the quality of the recording sheet Permission information storage means for preliminarily storing permission information indicating permission / non-permission of use, receiving means for receiving transport start instruction information for instructing start of transport of the recording paper from the image forming apparatus, and the permission When permission information indicating permission / non-permission of use of the function is stored in the information storage unit for each size and for each paper quality, the size and quality of the recording paper stored in the storage unit to be transported When it is determined whether or not the use of the function is permitted in both, and permission information indicating permission / non-permission of use of the function is stored in the permission information storage unit for each size or each paper quality The receiving means determines whether or not the use of the function is permitted while the size or quality of the recording paper stored in the storage unit to be transported is permitted. wherein prior to conveyance start instruction information is received, stops the recording paper housed in the housing part for carrying objects previously transported to the predetermined position on the transport path by said by said receiving means And a control unit that controls the transport unit so that the recording sheet is transported to the image forming apparatus in order from the recording sheet stopped at the predetermined position when the transport start instruction information is received.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of recording sheets are stored in a stacked state in the storage unit. In the present invention, the recording sheets stored in the storage unit are taken out one by one by the transport unit and are continuously transported to the image forming apparatus via a predetermined transport path, while the image forming unit is formed by the receiving unit. The conveyance start instruction information for instructing the conveyance start of the recording paper is received from the apparatus.

  Here, in the invention of the present invention, permission information indicating permission / non-permission of use of the function of transporting and stopping the recording sheet in advance to the predetermined position is previously stored for each of at least one of the size and quality of the recording sheet. When the permission information storage means further stores permission information indicating permission / non-permission of the use of the function for each size and paper quality in the permission information storage means, It is determined whether or not the use of the function is permitted in both the size and quality of the recording paper stored in the storage unit, and the permission information storage means stores the function in either the size or the paper quality. If permission information indicating permission / non-permission of use is stored, is the use of the function permitted in one of the size and quality of the recording paper stored in the storage unit to be transported? Only when it is permitted, the recording sheet stored in the storage unit to be transported is transferred to the transport path before the transport start instruction information is received by the receiving unit. When the conveyance start instruction information is received by the reception unit, the conveyance unit is controlled so as to be conveyed to the image forming apparatus in order from the recording paper stopped at the predetermined position when the reception unit receives the conveyance start instruction information. To do. The permission information storage means includes a semiconductor storage element such as a RAM and a flash memory, a portable storage medium such as an xD picture card (registered trademark), a compact flash (registered trademark), and a microdrive (registered trademark), and a hard disk. Or an external storage device provided in a server computer or the like connected to a network.

  As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the recording paper stored in the storage unit is transported in advance to a predetermined position on the transport path and stopped before the transport start instruction information is received. When the instruction information is received, control is performed so that the recording paper is transported to the image forming apparatus in order from the recording paper stopped at the predetermined position. Therefore, the time until the image is recorded and output on the first recording paper is determined. It can be shortened.

  As described above, according to the present invention, before the conveyance start instruction information is received, the recording paper stored in the storage unit is conveyed in advance to a predetermined position on the conveyance path and stopped, and the conveyance start instruction is issued. When information is received, control is performed so that the recording paper that has stopped at a predetermined position is conveyed to the image forming apparatus in order, so that the time until an image is recorded and output on the first recording paper is shortened. It has an excellent effect of being able to.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an image forming system 5 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 5 includes an image forming apparatus 10 configured as a digital copying machine, an external paper feeding apparatus 60 that is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 and supplies recording paper P, It is comprised including.

  The image forming apparatus 10 reads an image from a document placed at a predetermined reading position, acquires image data indicating the image, and the recording paper P based on the image data acquired by the scanner 12. An image forming engine unit 14 that performs image forming processing and a paper feeding unit 16 that supplies the recording paper P to the image forming engine unit 14 are provided.

  The image forming engine unit 14 includes a photosensitive drum 20. The photosensitive drum 20 rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow A at a predetermined speed by a driving force of a driving unit such as a motor (not shown). A charger 22 for charging the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is provided on the upper right side of the photosensitive drum 20 in the figure.

  A light beam scanning device 24 is disposed at the upper left of the charger 22 in the figure. Based on the image data, the light beam scanning device 24 scans the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 20 charged by the charger 22 with a light beam parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum 20. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20.

  A developing device 26 is disposed on the left side of the photoconductive drum 20 in the figure. The developing device 26 includes a developing roller 26A and stores toner therein. The developing device 26A develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20 by the developing roller 26A.

  An endless intermediate transfer belt 28 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 20 in the figure. The intermediate transfer belt 28 is wound around a plurality of rollers 29, and is arranged so that the peripheral surface is in contact with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20. Each roller 29 receives a driving force of a motor (not shown), and rotates the intermediate transfer belt 28 in the direction of arrow B in the same figure at the same rotational speed as that of the photosensitive drum 20.

  On the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 20 to the intermediate transfer belt 28 at a position where the photosensitive drum 20 and the intermediate transfer belt 28 are in contact with each other, a transfer device 32 is interposed so that the intermediate transfer belt 28 is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 20. Is arranged. The developed toner image on the circumferential surface of the photoconductive drum 20 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 28 by the transfer device 32 when the photoconductive drum 20 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 28 by the rotation of the photoconductive drum 20.

  On the downstream side of the transfer position on the peripheral surface of the photoconductive drum 20 in the rotation direction, the neutralization and discharge function is provided with a function of discharging the peripheral surface of the photoconductive drum 20 and a function of removing unnecessary toner remaining on the peripheral surface. A cleaner 30 is disposed. After the transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 28, the area carrying the transferred toner image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20 is cleaned by the static elimination / cleaning device 30.

  On the other hand, the paper feed unit 16 includes a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) paper feed trays 34. Each paper feed tray 34 can change the size of the recording paper P stored by adjusting the position of an internal partition member or the like, and there are a plurality of recording papers P in each paper feed tray 34. It is stored in a stacked state. Each paper feed tray 34 is provided with a plurality of mechanical switches (not shown) for detecting the size of the stored recording paper P. The plurality of mechanical switches are arranged so that the combination of the on and off states changes according to the size of the recording paper P by contacting the stored recording paper P. The size of the recording paper P stored according to the combination of the off state can be detected.

  A take-out roller 36 is disposed obliquely above and to the left of each sheet feed tray 34 in FIG. In addition, a plurality of roller pairs 38 are sequentially arranged on the downstream side in the direction of taking out the recording paper P by the take-out roller 36 of each paper feed tray 34. The recording paper P placed on the top of each paper feed tray 34 is taken out from the paper feed tray 34 as the take-out roller 36 rotates, and transferred by a plurality of roller pairs 38 via the transport path 40. Then, the toner image is conveyed to a portion where the intermediate transfer belt 28 is disposed in synchronization with the toner image.

  Further, a manual feed tray 42 for manually loading the recording paper P is provided at the center of the left side of the image forming apparatus 10 in the figure. A take-out roller 44 is disposed on the right side of the manual feed tray 42 diagonally upward. The recording paper P placed on the manual feed tray 42 is guided onto the transport path 40 by the take-out roller 44 and the roller pair 38 and is transported to the portion where the intermediate transfer belt 28 is disposed via the transport path 40.

  Further, a sheet receiving port 46 for receiving the recording sheet P supplied from the sheet feeding device 60 is provided at the lower part of the left side surface of the image forming apparatus 10 in the figure. The recording paper P received from the paper receiving port 46 is guided by the roller pair 38 to a portion where the recording paper P from the second-stage paper feed tray 34 joins the transport path 40, and the intermediate transfer is performed via the transport path 40. The belt 28 is transported to an arrangement site.

  On the other hand, a transfer device 48 is disposed on the opposite side of the lowermost roller 29 with the intermediate transfer belt 28 interposed therebetween. The recording paper P conveyed to the site where the intermediate transfer belt 28 is disposed via the conveyance path 40 is sent between the intermediate transfer belt 28 and the transfer device 48, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 28 is transferred by the transfer device 48. Transcribed. An endless conveyance belt 52 wound around two rollers 50 is provided downstream of the transfer device 48 in the conveyance direction of the recording paper P. The recording paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the site where the fixing device 54 is disposed by the transport belt 52, melted and fixed by the fixing device 54, and then discharged out of the image forming apparatus 10. Placed on.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a reversing path 56 for double-sided recording. The reversing path 56 is composed of a plurality of roller pairs 58, and the recording paper P on which an image is recorded on one side is reversed by the reversing path 56 and conveyed again to the site where the intermediate transfer belt 28 is disposed. As a result, it is possible to record images on both sides of the recording paper P.

  On the other hand, the paper feeding device 60 includes a first paper feeding unit 62 and a second paper feeding unit 64. The upper portions of the first paper feeding unit 62 and the second paper feeding unit 64 are connected by a connecting unit 66, and the right side surface of the connecting unit 66 and the right side surface of the first paper feeding unit 62 are connected units 68. Connected with.

  In the connection unit 68, a paper supply port 71 is provided at a position corresponding to the paper receiving port 46 provided in the image forming apparatus 10. The paper feeding device 60 is disposed such that the paper supply port 71 faces the paper receiving port 46.

  Each of the first paper feed unit 62 and the second paper feed unit 64 is provided with a plurality (two in the present embodiment) of paper feed trays 70. Each paper feed tray 70 can also accommodate recording paper P of different sizes by adjusting the position of a partition member or the like provided therein, and the recording paper P is stored in each paper feed tray 70. Are stored in a stacked state. Each of the paper feed trays 70 is provided with a plurality of mechanical switches (not shown) for detecting the size of the stored recording paper P, similarly to the paper feed tray 34 described above.

  A take-out roller 72 is disposed obliquely above and to the right of each paper feed tray 70 of the first paper feed unit 62 and the second paper feed unit 64. A plurality of roller pairs 74 are sequentially arranged on the downstream side in the take-out direction of the recording paper P by the take-out roller 72 of the first paper feed unit 62, and the take-out direction of the recording paper P by the take-out roller 72 of the second paper feed unit 64. A plurality of roller pairs 76 and a roller pair 74 are sequentially arranged on the downstream side.

  The recording paper P placed on the top of each paper feed tray 70 of the first paper feed unit 62 is taken out from the paper feed tray 70 by the rotation of the take-out roller 72, and is connected to a connection unit by a plurality of roller pairs 74. The paper is conveyed to the paper supply port 71 via a conveyance path 80 provided at 68.

  On the other hand, the recording paper P placed on the top of each paper feed tray 70 of the second paper feed unit 64 is taken out from the paper feed tray 70 by the rotation of the take-out roller 72, and a plurality of roller pairs. The roller 76 and the roller pair 74 join the conveyance path 80 provided in the connection unit 68 via the conveyance path 82 provided in the coupling unit 66, and are conveyed to the paper supply port 71 via the conveyance path 80.

  The recording sheet P conveyed to the sheet supply port 71 is supplied to the image forming apparatus 10 through the sheet receiving port 46, and is conveyed by the roller pair 38 via the conveyance path 40 to the portion where the intermediate transfer belt 28 is disposed.

  Further, in the paper feeding device 60, the first paper detection sensor 84 is disposed on the upstream side in the transport direction from the paper supply port 71 on the transport path 80, and upstream in the transport direction from the junction with the transport path 80 on the transport path 82. A second paper detection sensor 86 is arranged on the side. The first paper detection sensor 84 and the second paper detection sensor 86 detect whether or not the recording paper P exists at the facing position, and output a signal indicating the presence or absence of the recording paper P.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, an electric waist configuration for controlling the operations of the image forming apparatus 10 and the paper feeding apparatus 60 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus, a RAM 102 that temporarily stores various data, and various programs including a control program that controls the entire apparatus. And a ROM 104 in which various parameters are stored in advance, a display control unit 108 that is connected to a display device 106 such as a liquid crystal display panel that displays various operation screens and controls the display device 106, and various operations from the user And an operation input detection unit 112 that is connected to the operation panel 110 to which an instruction is input and detects an operation on the operation panel 110.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a scanner driver 114 that controls an optical image reading operation by the scanner 12 described above, an image forming engine control unit 116 that controls image forming processing by the image forming engine unit 14 described above, and Paper that is electrically connected to each mechanical switch (not shown) provided in each paper feed tray 34 and detects the size of the recording paper P stored in each paper feed tray 34 from the combination of the on and off states of the mechanical switch Corresponding to a predetermined interface standard, a size detection unit 118, a conveyance control unit 120 that controls conveyance of the recording paper P by controlling a motor (not shown) that rotationally drives each take-out roller 36, each roller pair 38, 58, and the like. , An external device interface unit (hereinafter referred to as “external device I / F unit”) electrically connected to the paper feeding device 60 Called.) Includes a 122.

  The CPU 100, RAM 102, ROM 104, display control unit 108, operation input detection unit 112, scanner driver 114, image formation engine control unit 116, paper size detection unit 118, transport control unit 120, and external device I / F unit 122 are system They are connected to each other via a bus BUS1. Accordingly, the CPU 100 controls access to the RAM 102 and the ROM 104, displays various information such as operation screens and various messages on the display device 106 via the display control unit 108, and operates the scanner 12 via the scanner driver 114. , Control of the operation of the image forming engine unit 14 via the image forming engine control unit 116, and recording paper P from each paper feed tray 34 to the arrangement site of the intermediate transfer belt 28 via the conveyance control unit 120. The conveyance control can be performed respectively. Further, the CPU 100 grasps the operation on the operation panel 110 based on the operation information detected by the operation input detection unit 112 and the recording paper stored in each paper feed tray 34 detected by the paper size detection unit 118. The size of P can be ascertained individually. Further, the CPU 100 can transmit various types of information to the paper feeding device 60 and receive various types of information from the paper feeding device 60 via the external device I / F unit 122.

  On the other hand, the sheet feeding device 60 stores in advance a CPU 140 that controls the operation of the entire device, a RAM 142 that temporarily stores various data, various programs including various control programs for controlling the entire device, various parameters, various tables, and the like. The ROM 144, a non-volatile memory 146 storing a transport number storage table to be described later, and each mechanical switch (not shown) provided in each paper feed tray 70 are electrically connected, and the mechanical switch is in an on / off state. The recording paper is controlled by controlling a paper size detection unit 148 that detects the size of the recording paper P stored in each paper feed tray 70 from the combination, and a motor (not shown) that rotationally drives the take-out roller 72 and the roller pairs 74 and 76. Electrically connected to the conveyance control unit 150 that controls the conveyance of P and the external device I / F unit 122 The an external device I / F unit 152, and a.

  The CPU 140, RAM 142, ROM 144, nonvolatile memory 146, paper size detection unit 148, transport control unit 150, and external device I / F unit 152 are connected to each other via a system bus BUS2. Therefore, the CPU 140 performs access to the RAM 142, ROM 144, and nonvolatile memory 146, and control of conveyance of the recording paper P from each paper feed tray 70 to the paper supply port 71 via the conveyance control unit 150. be able to. Further, the CPU 140 can grasp the size of the recording paper P stored in each paper feed tray 70 detected by the paper size detection unit 118. Further, the CPU 140 can transmit various information to the image forming apparatus 10 via the external apparatus I / F unit 152 and receive various information from the image forming apparatus 10.

  A first paper detection sensor 84 and a second paper detection sensor 86 are connected to the system bus BUS2. Therefore, the CPU 140 determines whether the recording paper P exists at a position corresponding to the position of the first paper detection sensor 84 on the conveyance path 80 and a position corresponding to the position of the second paper detection sensor 86 on the conveyance path 82. It is possible to grasp whether or not.

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 5 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows a data flow diagram showing the exchange of information exchanged between the image forming apparatus 10 and the paper feeding apparatus 60.

  As shown in the figure, when the power of the apparatus main body is turned on, the image forming apparatus 10 executes initial activation operations of various devices provided in the apparatus main body and supplies each paper provided in the apparatus main body. The size of the recording paper P stored in the tray 34 is detected, and a function notification instruction D 1 is transmitted to the paper feeding device 60.

  Upon receiving the function notification instruction D1 from the image forming apparatus 10, the paper feeding device 60 executes paper feeding device information notification processing.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 4, an operation of the paper feeding device 60 when the paper feeding device information notification process is executed will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the paper feeding device information notification processing program executed by the CPU 140 of the paper feeding device 60 at this time, and the program is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 144 in advance.

  In step 200 in the figure, the paper size detector 148 is controlled to detect the size of the recording paper P stored in each paper feed tray 70 and the recording paper P stored in each paper feed tray 70 is detected. Paper size information indicating the size is stored in the RAM 142 for each paper feed tray 70.

  In the next step 202, the paper feed tray paper size information for each paper feed tray 70 stored in the RAM 142, the position at which the recording paper P is detected by the first paper detection sensor 84 on the transport path 80, and the transport path 82. An output time that is a function of shortening the time until an image is recorded and output on the first recording paper P by being transported and stopped in advance at a position detected by the upper second paper detection sensor 86. Information indicating that the shortening function is provided is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 as sheet feeding apparatus information D2 (see also FIG. 3), and the sheet feeding apparatus information notification processing program is terminated.

  When the CPU 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the paper feed device information D2 from the paper feed device 60, the CPU 100 controls the display control unit 108 to supply the paper feed tray paper size information included in the paper feed device information D2. The size of the recording paper P stored in each paper feed tray 70 of the paper device 60 and the size of the recording paper P stored in each paper feed tray 34 of the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 are displayed on the operation screen of the display device 106. In addition to being displayed in a selectable state as a paper size to be copied, whether or not to use the output time reduction function is displayed in a selectable state on the operation screen.

  When the user uses the output time reduction function, the user performs a selection operation indicating that the output time reduction function is used on the operation panel 110. When the user does not use the output time reduction function, the user performs an output time on the operation panel 110. A selection operation indicating that the shortening function is not used is performed.

  In response to this, as shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 uses function output information indicating whether or not to use the output time reduction function for the paper feeding device 60 based on the operation result for the operation panel 110. D3 is transmitted.

  Upon receiving the function usage information D3 from the image forming apparatus 10, the paper feeding device 60 stores the function usage information D3 in a predetermined area of the RAM 142.

  Here, when copying, the user places an original at a predetermined reading position of the scanner 12, designates the size of the recording paper P to be copied and the number of copies via the operation panel 110, and starts copying. Perform the instruction operation.

  In response to this, the CPU 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 controls the scanner driver 46 to start reading a document by the scanner 12, and the recording paper P of a size to be copied is fed to any one of the paper feeding devices 60. When stored in the tray 70, as shown in FIG. 3, paper condition information D4 including transport paper size information indicating the size of the recording paper P to be copied and sheet number information indicating the number of copies is supplied. 60 is transmitted. Further, the CPU 100 controls the image forming engine control unit 116 to perform normal driving when the image forming engine unit 14 is in a power saving mode such as reducing the temperature of the fixing device 54 to suppress power consumption. Return to mode.

  When receiving the sheet condition information D4, the CPU 140 of the sheet feeding device 60 executes a preparation conveyance process.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the sheet feeding device 60 when the preparation conveyance process is executed will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the preparation transport processing program executed by the CPU 140 of the paper feeding device 60 at this time, and the program is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 144 in advance.

  In step 250 in the figure, the sheet number information included in the sheet condition information D 4 received from the image forming apparatus 10 is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 142.

  In the next step 252, the recording paper P having a size indicated by the transport paper size information included in the paper condition information D 4 is stored based on the paper feed tray paper size information for each paper feed tray 70 stored in the RAM 142. The designated paper feed tray 70 is specified. When there are a plurality of paper feed trays 70 that store the recording paper P of the size, the paper feed trays to be transported of the recording paper P based on the transport number storage table stored in the nonvolatile memory 146. 70 is specified.

  Here, FIG. 6 schematically shows an example of the data structure of the transport number storage table according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the transported sheet storage table stores the cumulative transported number of recording sheets P transported for each paper feed tray 70.

  Each paper feed tray 70 tends to wear out the take-out roller 36 and the like, and the conveyance speed of the recording paper P tends to decrease as the cumulative conveyance number of the recording paper P is conveyed, and the cumulative conveyance number of the recording paper P is small. In the paper feed tray 70, the decrease in the conveyance speed of the recording paper P is small.

  For this reason, in this step 252, when there are a plurality of paper feed trays 70 storing the recording paper P of the same size, the paper feed tray 70 with the smallest cumulative number of recording paper P is designated as the transport target of the recording paper P. The paper feed tray 70 is identified.

  In the next step 254, it is determined whether or not the use of the output time reduction function is designated based on the function usage information D3 stored in the RAM 142. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 256. If the determination is negative, the preparatory transport process program is terminated.

  In step 256, if the paper feed tray 70 identified in step 252 is that of the first paper feed unit 62, the conveyance control unit 150 is controlled to rotate each roller pair 74 to identify the specified paper feed tray. When 70 is of the second paper feed unit 64, the conveyance control unit 150 is controlled to rotate the roller pairs 74 and 76, and further rotate the take-out roller 72 arranged in the specified paper feed tray 70. Thus, the conveyance of the first recording paper P from the paper feed tray 70 is started.

  In the next step 258, it is determined whether or not the recording sheet P is detected by the first sheet detection sensor 84. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 260, while if the determination is negative, the first sheet is detected. The detection waits until the recording paper P is detected by the detection sensor 84. That is, when the first recording sheet P is transported and the leading end of the recording sheet P reaches the position detected by the first sheet detection sensor 84 on the transport path 80, this step 258 is affirmative.

  In step 260, it is determined whether or not the paper feed tray 70 specified in step 252 described above is that of the first paper feed unit 62. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 262, while the negative determination is made. If YES, the process proceeds to step 264.

  In step 262, the conveyance control unit 150 is controlled to stop the rotation of each of the rotating roller pairs 74 and 76, whereby the conveyance of all the recording sheets P is stopped, and the preparation conveyance processing program ends.

  On the other hand, in step 264, the conveyance control unit 150 is controlled to stop the rotation of each roller pair 74 on the conveyance path 80, thereby stopping the conveyance of the recording paper P on the conveyance path 80.

  In the next step 266, it is determined whether or not the designated number of copies is two or more based on the number information stored in the RAM 142. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 268, and the result is negative. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step 262 described above, and the rotation of each roller pair 76 is stopped.

  In the next step 268, the conveyance control unit 150 is controlled to rotate the take-out roller 72 arranged in the paper feed tray 70 specified in step 252 to convey the second recording paper P from the paper feed tray 70. To start.

  In the next step 270, it is determined whether or not the recording sheet P has been detected by the second sheet detection sensor 86. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 272. If the determination is negative, the second sheet is detected. Until the recording paper P is detected by the second paper detection sensor 86. That is, when the second recording sheet P is transported and the leading end of the recording sheet P reaches the position detected by the second sheet detection sensor 86 on the transport path 82, this step 270 is affirmative.

  In the next step 272, the conveyance control unit 150 is controlled to stop the rotation of each roller pair 76 on the conveyance path 82, thereby stopping the conveyance of the second recording paper P, and this preparation conveyance processing program Exit.

  That is, in the paper feeding device 60, when the above-described preparatory transport process is executed, the paper feed tray 70 that stores the recording paper P having the size indicated by the transport paper size information is that of the first paper feed unit 62. When the paper feed tray 70 is of the second paper feed unit 64 and the number of copies is one, the first recording paper P is the first paper detection sensor, and the leading edge of the recording paper P is the first paper detection sensor. It is conveyed to the position detected by 84 and stops. If the paper feed tray 70 storing the recording paper P of the size indicated by the transport paper size information is of the second paper feed unit 64 and the number of copies is two or more, the first recording paper P is transported to a position where the leading edge of the recording paper P is detected by the first paper detection sensor 84 and stops, and the second recording paper P has the leading edge of the recording paper P as the second paper detection sensor 86. It is transported to the position detected by and stops.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 reads an original by the scanner 12 to acquire image data and the image forming engine unit 14 returns to the normal drive mode, as shown in FIG. 60, the conveyance start instruction information D5 for instructing the conveyance start of the recording paper P is transmitted.

  Upon receiving the conveyance start instruction information D5, the CPU 140 of the paper feeding device 60 controls the conveyance control unit 150 to specify the recording paper P stopped on the conveyance path 80 and the conveyance path 82 in the above-described step 252 in order. The recording paper P stored in the paper feed tray 70 is supplied to the image forming apparatus 10 through the paper supply port 71 as many as the number of copies indicated by the number information stored in the RAM 142. Then, the CPU 140 updates the cumulative transport number of the specified paper feed tray 70 stored in the transport number storage table stored in the nonvolatile memory 146 according to the transported number of sheets.

  The CPU 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 controls the image forming engine control unit 116 based on the image data acquired by the scanner 12 to perform image forming processing by the image forming engine unit 14, and the number of sheets to be copied on the photosensitive drum 20. Toner images are sequentially formed, and the intermediate transfer belt 28 is rotated at the same rotational speed as that of the photosensitive drum 20, and the toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 20 are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 28. .

  In addition, the CPU 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 controls the conveyance control unit 120 to rotate each roller pair 38 so that the recording sheets P sequentially supplied through the sheet receiving port 46 are fed to the intermediate transfer belt 28 via the conveyance path 40. Transport to the location. The recording paper P conveyed to the site where the intermediate transfer belt 28 is disposed is sent between the intermediate transfer belt 28 and the transfer device 48, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 28 is transferred by the transfer device 48. The recording paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 54 by the conveying belt 52, and after the toner image is melted and fixed by the fixing device 54, the recording paper P is discharged out of the image forming apparatus 10.

  By the way, during the above-described image forming process, for example, in order to confirm an image formed on the recording paper P, the user may perform a temporary stop (stop) instruction operation on the operation panel 110.

  When a temporary stop instruction operation is performed on the operation panel 110, the CPU 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 instructs the paper supply device 60 to temporarily stop the transport of the recording paper P as shown in FIG. The stop instruction information D6 is transmitted. That is, when the CPU 100 temporarily stops the conveyance of the recording paper P in order to temporarily stop the image forming process in a state where the image forming apparatus 10 can operate normally, the CPU 100 transmits the conveyance pause instruction information D6. .

  When receiving the conveyance suspension instruction information D6, the CPU 140 of the paper feeding device 60 executes a conveyance suspension process.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 7, the operation of the sheet feeding device 60 when the conveyance suspension process is executed will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the conveyance suspension processing program executed by the CPU 140 of the paper feeding device 60 at this time, and the program is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 144 in advance.

  In step 300 of the figure, it is determined whether or not the recording paper P is being conveyed to the image forming apparatus 10. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 302. If the determination is negative, the recording is performed. Since the sheet P has not been conveyed, the conveyance suspension process program is terminated.

  In step 302, it is determined whether or not an instruction to use the output time reduction function is made based on the function usage information D3 stored in the RAM 142. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 304, while negative. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step 310.

  In the next step 304, it is determined whether or not the recording paper P is not detected by the first paper detection sensor 84. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 306, while a negative determination is made. When the recording paper P is detected, the recording paper P detected by the first paper detection sensor 84 is conveyed, and the recording paper P waits until the recording paper P is not detected by the first paper detection sensor 84.

  That is, when the recording paper P is already positioned at the position detected by the first paper detection sensor 84 when the paper feeding device 60 receives the conveyance pause instruction information D6, the recording paper P waits for the recording paper P to pass. Do. The passed recording sheet P is supplied to the image forming apparatus 10.

  When a temporary stop instruction operation is performed on the operation panel 110, the image forming apparatus 10 directly transfers the toner image to the outside of the image forming apparatus 10 without transferring the toner image to the recording paper P supplied from the paper feeding device 60. Discharge.

  Further, the CPU 140 of the paper feeding device 60 does not count the number of recording sheets P passed through (here, one) as the number of sheets supplied to the image forming apparatus 10.

  In step 306, it is determined whether or not the next recording paper P is conveyed from the paper feed tray 70 and the first paper detection sensor 84 has detected the recording paper P. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 308. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made, the first paper detection sensor 84 waits for detection until the next recording paper P is detected.

  In the next step 308, it is determined whether or not the recording sheet P being conveyed is conveyed from the sheet feeding tray 70 of the first sheet feeding unit 62. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 310. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 312.

  In step 310, the conveyance control unit 150 is controlled to stop the rotation of each of the rotating roller pairs 74 and 76, thereby stopping the conveyance of all the recording sheets P and ending the conveyance suspension process program. .

  On the other hand, in step 312, the conveyance control unit 150 is controlled to stop the rotation of each roller pair 74 on the conveyance path 80, thereby stopping the conveyance of the recording paper P on the conveyance path 80.

  In the next step 314, it is determined whether or not the recording sheet P has been detected by the second sheet detection sensor 86. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 316. If the determination is negative, the second sheet is detected. Until the recording paper P is detected by the second paper detection sensor 86.

  In the next step 316, the conveyance control unit 150 is controlled to stop the rotation of each roller pair 76 on the conveyance path 82, thereby stopping the conveyance of the recording paper P on the conveyance path 82, and this conveyance suspension process. Exit the program.

  Accordingly, the conveyance of the recording paper P by the paper feeding device 60 is stopped, and the image forming process is temporarily stopped.

  When the user cancels the pause of the image forming process and resumes copying, the user performs a restart instruction operation on the operation panel 110.

  In response to this, the CPU 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 transmits the conveyance start instruction information D7 instructing the conveyance start of the recording paper P to the paper feeding device 60 as shown in FIG.

  When receiving the conveyance start instruction information D7 while the conveyance of the recording paper P is temporarily stopped, the CPU 140 of the paper feeding device 60 controls the conveyance control unit 150 to stop on the conveyance path 80 and the conveyance path 82. The conveyance of the recording paper P to the image forming apparatus 10 is resumed in order from the recording paper P that is present.

  Incidentally, in the image forming apparatus 10, for example, there is a case where a conveyance failure (so-called jam) of the recording paper P occurs inside the apparatus, and the image forming process may need to be stopped urgently.

  When the image forming process is urgently stopped, the CPU 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 transmits conveyance emergency stop instruction information D8 instructing an emergency stop of conveyance of the recording paper P to the sheet feeding device 60, as shown in FIG. To do. That is, when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus 10 and the conveyance of the recording paper P is urgently stopped, the CPU 100 transmits the conveyance emergency stop instruction information D8.

  When receiving the emergency transport stop instruction information D8, the CPU 140 of the paper feeding device 60 controls the transport control unit 150 to immediately stop the rotation of the roller pairs 74 and 76 to stop the transport of all the recording papers P. .

  For example, when the CPU 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 is in an emergency stop due to a conveyance failure, the user can remove the recording paper P that has caused the conveyance failure by an interlock switch provided on the cover of the apparatus body. When it is detected that the emergency stop can be released, such as detecting that the cover of the paper is once opened and then closed, as shown in FIG. Information D9 is transmitted, and then conveyance start instruction information D10 is transmitted.

  When receiving the conveyance pause instruction information D9 when the conveyance of the recording paper P is urgently stopped, the CPU 140 of the paper feeding device 60 controls the conveyance control unit 150 to resume the conveyance of the recording paper P. The conveyance pause processing program (see FIG. 7) is executed, and the leading edge of the recording sheet P stopped at any position on the conveyance path 80 and the conveyance path 82 due to an emergency stop is detected by the first sheet detection sensor 84 and the second sheet. The sheet is conveyed to a position detected by the sheet detection sensor 86 and stopped.

  When the CPU 140 of the paper feeding device 60 receives the conveyance start instruction information D10, the CPU 140 controls the conveyance control unit 150 to sequentially start from the recording paper P stopped on the conveyance path 80 and the conveyance path 82. The conveyance of the recording paper P to is resumed.

  Incidentally, the user may perform a cancel (cancel) instruction operation on the operation panel 110 in order to stop the image forming process during the image forming process, during the temporary stop of the image forming process, or during an emergency stop. .

  When a cancel instruction operation is performed on the operation panel 110, the CPU 100 of the image forming apparatus 10 instructs the paper supply device 60 to stop the conveyance of the recording paper P as shown in FIG. Information D11 is transmitted.

  When the CPU 140 of the paper feeding device 60 receives the conveyance cancellation instruction information D11, the CPU 140 executes a conveyance cancellation process.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 8, the operation of the sheet feeding device 60 when the conveyance stop process is executed will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the conveyance stop processing program executed by the CPU 140 of the paper feeding device 60 at this time, and the program is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 144 in advance.

  In step 400 of the figure, the conveyance control unit 150 is controlled to rotate the roller pairs 74 and 76 provided on the conveyance path 80 and the conveyance path 82 for a predetermined time, so that all of the rollers existing on the conveyance path 80 and the conveyance path 82 are present. The recording paper P is conveyed to the image forming apparatus 10 and the conveyance cancellation processing program is terminated.

  The conveyed recording paper P is supplied to the image forming apparatus 10.

  When a stop instruction operation is performed on the operation panel 110, the image forming apparatus 10 directly discharges the toner image outside the image forming apparatus 10 without transferring the toner image to the recording paper P supplied from the paper feeding device 60. To do.

  On the other hand, the CPU 140 of the paper feeding device 60 supplies the recording paper P to the image forming apparatus 10 through the paper supply port 71 as many as the number of copies indicated by the number information stored in the RAM 142, or the above-described conveyance stop processing program. Is completed, a conveyance end notification D12 indicating that the supply of the recording paper P has ended is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the conveyance start instruction information D5 instructing the conveyance start of the recording paper P from the image forming apparatus 10 is received in the paper feed tray 70 before being received. The recording paper P is previously placed at a predetermined position on the transport path (here, a position detected by the first paper detection sensor 84 on the transport path 80 and a position detected by the second paper detection sensor 86 on the transport path 82). When the conveyance start instruction information D5 is received from the image forming apparatus 10, the sheet is controlled to be conveyed to the image forming apparatus 10 in order from the recording sheet P stopped at the predetermined position. It is possible to shorten the time until the image is recorded on the eye recording paper P and output.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, when the conveyance emergency stop instruction information D8 is received while the recording paper P is continuously conveyed to the image forming apparatus 10, the conveyance of the recording paper P is immediately stopped. When the conveyance stop instruction information D6 is received while the recording paper P is continuously conveyed to the image forming apparatus 10, the conveyance of the recording paper P is stopped by receiving the conveyance emergency stop instruction information D8. When the transport pause instruction information D9 is received, the leading edge of the recording paper P existing on the transport paths 80 and 82 on the downstream side in the transport direction of the recording paper P is located upstream of the predetermined position in the transport direction. The recording sheet P to be transported is transported to the predetermined position and stopped, and the recording sheet P with the leading end on the downstream side in the transport direction of the recording paper P positioned on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the predetermined position. Transport to Since the controlled so that it is possible to image the first sheet of recording paper P after the pause to shorten the time until the output is recorded.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, when the conveyance stop instruction information D11 is received in a state where the recording paper P is stopped on the conveyance paths 80 and 82, all of the recording sheets P existing on the conveyance paths 80 and 82 are present. Since the recording paper P is controlled to be conveyed to the image forming apparatus 10, it is possible to prevent the recording paper P from remaining on the conveyance paths 80 and 82 when the conveyance stop is instructed.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the RAM 142 stores paper tray size information indicating the size of the recording paper P stored in each paper tray 70, and the paper tray information on the paper tray information is stored in the paper tray information. Based on this, the paper feed tray 70 storing the recording paper P of the size of the recording paper P to be transported is specified, and the recording paper P stored in the paper feed tray 70 is transported in advance to the predetermined position and stopped. Therefore, even when a plurality of paper feed trays 70 storing recording papers P of different sizes are provided, the time until an image is recorded on the first recording paper P and output is reduced. Can do.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, when the conveyance number storage table is stored in the non-volatile memory 146 and there are a plurality of paper feed trays 70 storing the recording paper P of the same size, the conveyance number storage table is stored in the conveyance number storage table. Based on this, the paper feed tray 70 with the smallest decrease in the conveyance speed of the recording paper P is specified, and the recording paper P stored in the paper feed tray 70 is conveyed in advance to the predetermined position and stopped. It is possible to shorten the time until an image is recorded and output on the recording paper P after the first eye. Even when the output time shortening function is not used, since the decrease in the conveyance speed of the recording paper P is small, the time until an image is recorded and output on the first recording paper P is lengthened. Can be suppressed.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is notified that the recording paper P has an output time shortening function for transporting and stopping the recording paper P in advance to the predetermined position, and the output time is shortened from the image forming apparatus 10. Only when the function usage information D3 indicating whether or not to use the function is received and the received function usage information D3 indicates that the output time reduction function is used, the recording paper P is transported to the predetermined position in advance. Therefore, the user can selectively use the function of conveying the recording paper P in advance to a predetermined position and stopping it as necessary.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which it is automatically determined whether or not to use the output time reduction function according to the size of the recording paper P and the paper quality of the recording paper P. Since the configuration of the image forming system 5 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2), detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 1, when a bent portion exists in the conveyance path 80 of the recording paper P of the paper feeding device 60, when the recording paper P stops at the bent portion, the bent portion of the recording paper P. There is a case where a bend is attached at a position corresponding to. The ease with which this bend is applied varies depending on the paper quality.

  Therefore, the paper feeding device 60 according to the present embodiment shortens the output time for each size of the recording paper P and the permission information for each size indicating permission / non-permission of use of the output time shortening function for each size of the recording paper P. Paper quality permission information indicating permission / non-permission of use of the function is stored in the ROM 144 in advance.

  FIGS. 9A and 9B schematically show an example of the data structure of the size-specific permission information and the paper quality-specific permission information according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the permission information for each size stores permission / non-permission of use of the output time shortening function for each size of the recording paper P, and is shown in FIG. 9B. As described above, permission / non-permission of use of the output time reduction function is stored for each paper quality of the recording paper P in the paper quality permission information.

  Further, the sheet feeding device 60 according to the present embodiment stores sheet information for each sheet feeding tray indicating the size and quality of the recording sheet P stored in each sheet feeding tray 70 in the nonvolatile memory 146.

  FIG. 10 schematically shows an example of the data structure of the paper information for each paper feed tray according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the paper information for each paper feed tray stores the size and quality of the recording paper P stored in each paper feed tray 70. The sheet information for each sheet feeding tray may be generated based on the detection result of the detecting means provided with detecting means for detecting the size and quality of the recording sheet P stored in each sheet feeding tray 70. . In addition, an operation panel for inputting the size and quality of the recording paper P stored in each sheet feeding tray 70 is provided in the sheet feeding device 60, and the sheet is created based on a result input by the user to the operation panel. Further, it is assumed that the user inputs the size and quality of the recording paper P stored in each paper feed tray 70 to the paper feed device 60 with respect to the operation panel 110 of the image forming apparatus 10. May be generated by receiving the input information from the image forming apparatus 10.

  When the paper condition information D4 is received, the paper feeding device 60 obtains the size and paper quality of the recording paper P to be copied based on the paper information by paper tray, and the recording is performed in the size-specific permission information and paper quality-specific permission information. The output time reduction function is used only when the use of the output time reduction function for the size and quality of the paper P is permitted.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the operation of the sheet feeding device 60 when the preparation transport processing program according to the second embodiment is executed will be described. In the figure, the same processes as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and different processes will be described by adding “A” at the end of the reference numerals.

  In step 253A, the size and paper quality of the recording paper P stored in the specified paper feed tray 70 are obtained based on the paper information for each paper feed tray 70, and the obtained recording paper is obtained based on the size-specific permission information and the paper quality-specific permission information. It is determined whether the use of the output time reduction function is permitted in both the size of P and the paper quality.

  In the next step 254A, if it is determined in step 253A that the use of the output time shortening function is both permitted, the process proceeds to step 256. If the use of the output time shortening function is not permitted, the preparatory transport process is performed. Exit the program.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, for each size and quality of the recording paper P, permission information indicating permission / non-permission of use of the output time shortening function is stored in advance for the recording paper P and conveyed. It is determined whether or not the use of the output time reduction function is permitted for both the size and quality of the recording paper P stored in the target paper feed tray 70, and only when the use is permitted, the paper feed tray. Since the recording paper P stored in 70 is transported to the predetermined position and stopped in advance, it is possible to prevent the recording paper P from being bent.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where the paper feeding device 60 includes a plurality of paper feeding trays 70 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Only one 70 may be provided. In this case, instead of receiving the sheet condition information D4, for example, the sheet is stored in the sheet feeding tray 70 at a predetermined timing before the conveyance start instruction information D5 is received, such as the timing when the apparatus main body is turned on. The recorded recording paper P may be conveyed and stopped in advance. Also in this case, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where the sheet detection sensor is provided for each position where the recording sheet P is stopped in advance has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, 1 Timing for supplying a plurality of recording sheets P to the image forming apparatus 10 on the transport path with two sheet detection sensors (for example, the first sheet detection sensor 84 in FIG. 1) provided as the head. The recording sheets P stopped on the transport path may be transported to the image forming apparatus 10 in order from the top when the transport start instruction information D5 is received. Also in this case, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

  In the second embodiment, the case has been described in which permission information indicating permission / non-permission of use of the output time reduction function is stored in advance for each size and quality of the recording paper P. The present invention is not limited to this, and the determination may be made only by either the size of the recording paper P or the paper quality. Also in this case, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where the image forming apparatus 10 is a digital copying machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a printer or a digital multifunction machine may be used. Good. Also in this case, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

  In addition, the configuration of the image forming system 5 described in the present embodiment (see FIG. 1) and the configuration of the electrical system of the image forming system 5 (see FIG. 2) are examples, and are within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say, it can be appropriately changed.

  In addition, the sheet feeding device information notification processing program, the preparation transport processing program, the transport pause processing program, and the transport stop processing program described in this embodiment (see FIGS. 4, 5, 7, 8, and 11). It is needless to say that the flow of the process is an example and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  In addition, the transport number information, size-specific permission information, paper quality-specific permission information, and paper-sheet-specific tray information (see FIGS. 6, 9A, 9B, and 10) described in this embodiment. The data structure is also an example, and it goes without saying that the data structure can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of an electric system of an image forming apparatus and a sheet feeding device according to an embodiment. 3 is a data flow diagram showing information exchanged between the image forming apparatus and the paper feeding apparatus according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of a sheet feeding device information notification processing program according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the preparation conveyance process program which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the data structure of the conveyed sheet number information which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the conveyance temporary stop process program which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the conveyance cancellation processing program which concerns on embodiment. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the data structure of permission information classified by size, (B) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the data structure of permission information classified by paper quality. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the data structure of the paper information according to sheet feeding tray concerning embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the preparation conveyance process program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

5 Image Forming System 10 Image Forming Device 60 Paper Feeding Device 70 Paper Feeding Tray (Storage Unit)
72 Take-out roller (conveying means)
74,76 Roller pair (conveying means)
140 CPU (control means)
142 RAM (storage means)
144 ROM (permission information storage means)
146 Non-volatile memory (storage means)
152 External device I / F unit (reception means)
P Recording paper

Claims (1)

A storage section for storing a plurality of recording sheets in a stacked state;
Conveying means for taking out the recording sheets stored in the storage unit one by one and continuously conveying the recording sheets to an image forming apparatus via a predetermined conveying path;
Permission information storage preliminarily storing permission information indicating permission / non-permission of use of the function of transporting and stopping the recording paper to a predetermined position on the transporting path for at least one of the size and quality of the recording paper Means,
Receiving means for receiving conveyance start instruction information for instructing conveyance start of the recording paper from the image forming apparatus;
When permission information indicating permission / non-permission of use of the function is stored for each size and each paper quality in the permission information storage unit, the size and paper quality of the recording paper stored in the storage unit to be transported It is determined whether or not the use of the function is permitted in both, and permission information indicating permission / non-permission of the use of the function is stored in the permission information storage unit for each size or each paper quality. In this case, it is determined whether the use of the function is permitted on the one of the size or quality of the recording paper stored in the storage unit to be transported, and the reception is performed only when the function is permitted. before the conveyance start instruction information is received by the means, the recording paper housed in the housing part for carrying objects previously transported to the predetermined position on the transport path is stopped, by the receiving means Upon receiving the serial conveyance start instruction information, and control means for controlling the conveying means to convey from the recording sheet that has stopped in the predetermined position to the image forming apparatus in this order,
A paper feeder equipped with.

Images