JP6481401B2 - Image forming apparatus, paper conveying method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a sheet conveying method, and a program.

In general, an image forming apparatus includes a plurality of paper feed trays, and forms images by feeding paper from one of the paper feed trays.
For example, an image forming apparatus that uses another paper feed conveyance path to continue image formation when a jam occurs in one of the two paper feed conveyance paths is known. Patent Document 1).

  Further, in a system in which a plurality of paper feeding units are connected, an image is formed on the paper stored in the upstream paper feeding unit through a passing conveyance path (shared conveyance path) provided in the downstream paper feeding unit. Some devices allow paper to be fed to the apparatus body. If a downstream conveyance path is provided independently in the downstream paper feed unit, the paper storage capacity of each paper feed tray provided in the paper feed unit is reduced, and it is difficult to downsize the paper feed unit. There has been proposed a paper supply device in which a passage conveyance path is provided integrally with a paper feed tray below any one of the paper feed trays included in the side paper feed unit (see Patent Document 2).

  By the way, normally, when replenishing paper in each paper feed tray, the user pulls out the paper feed tray and puts the paper in the paper feed tray.

JP 2004-315220 A JP 2008-230738 A

  However, in the paper feed tray in which the shared transport path is integrally provided, the paper feed tray is pulled out for each shared transport path. Therefore, the paper feed tray can be pulled out while the paper is transported through the shared transport path. There was a problem that I could not. For this reason, the user cannot freely replenish paper to the paper feed tray in which the shared transport path is integrally provided, and a wasteful waiting time has occurred.

  In addition, when the paper feed tray is opened and closed in order to confirm the presence or absence of paper in the paper feed tray provided integrally with the common transport route, it is desired to prohibit the use of the common transport route in advance. There is a request.

  As described above, there is a case where it is not desired to use the shared transport route even if there is no trouble or trouble in the shared transport route. In a situation where a shared transport path is used, the user cannot perform operations such as opening and closing and paper replenishment for the paper feed tray that is provided with the shared transport path as a single unit. After the paper feeding from the upstream paper feeding unit using the shared transport path is completed, there is a time that cannot be used for image formation, for example, it takes time to replenish paper.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems in the related art, and reduces downtime without deteriorating operability in an image forming apparatus having a paper feed tray integrally provided with a shared conveyance path. The problem is to reduce.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a paper feeding unit that feeds paper from any of a plurality of paper feeding trays that store paper, a transport unit that transports paper, and the paper supply. An image forming apparatus including: a paper unit; and a control unit that controls the transport unit, wherein the plurality of paper feed trays are configured to receive paper fed from a paper feed tray on an upstream side in a paper transport path. A first paper feed tray integrally provided with a common transport path for transport; a second paper feed tray through which fed paper passes through the common transport path; and And a third sheet feeding tray other than the first sheet feeding tray that does not pass through the path, and includes a detection unit that detects a user operation on the first sheet feeding tray, and the control unit includes the second sheet feeding tray. While the paper is being fed from the tray, the detection unit If the user operation is detected for the first paper feed tray, to perform sheet feeding is switched from the second paper feed tray to the third tray.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, for each of the plurality of paper feed trays, a memory that stores paper information indicating a type of paper stored in the paper feed tray. And the control unit is configured to store the same type of paper as the paper fed from the second paper feed tray based on the paper information stored in the storage unit. Switch to the paper tray to feed paper.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the plurality of paper feed trays are separately provided in a plurality of paper feed devices, and the control unit Switching to the third paper feed tray provided in a paper feed device different from the paper feed device provided with the first paper feed tray is performed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a paper feed unit that feeds paper from any of a plurality of paper feed trays that store paper, a transport unit that transports paper, the paper feed unit, and the transport unit are controlled. A plurality of paper feed trays having a shared transport path for transporting paper fed from a more upstream paper feed tray in the paper transport path. A first paper feed tray provided integrally, a second paper feed tray through which fed paper passes through the shared transport path, and the first paper feed through which fed paper does not pass through the shared transport path. A third paper feed tray other than the paper tray, and includes a detection unit that detects a user operation on the first paper feed tray, and the control unit receives paper from the second paper feed tray. In the state where the first feed tray is If the user operation is detected, it stops the paper feeding from the second sheet feeding tray.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control unit performs the second operation when a user operation on the first paper feed tray is completed. Resume paper feeding from the paper tray.

Invention according to claim 6, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, for each of the plurality of paper feed trays, whether it is possible to draw the sheet feeding tray A display control unit is provided for display on the display unit in an identifiable manner.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention , there is provided a first paper feed tray integrally provided with a common transport path for transporting paper fed from a paper feed tray on the upstream side in the paper transport path, and a paper feed path. A second paper feed tray through which the paper sheet passes through the shared transport path; and a third paper feed tray other than the first paper feed tray through which the fed paper does not pass through the shared transport path; A paper feed unit that feeds paper from one of a plurality of paper feed trays that store paper, a transport unit that transports paper, a control unit that controls the paper feed unit and the transport unit, and the first feed And a detection unit configured to detect a user operation on the paper tray, wherein the detection unit is configured to supply paper from the second paper supply tray by the control unit. The user for the first paper feed tray If the operation is detected, comprising the step of causing the paper feed is switched from the second paper feed tray to the third tray.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention , there is provided a first paper feed tray integrally provided with a common transport path for transporting paper fed from a paper feed tray on the upstream side in the paper transport path, and a paper feed path. A second paper feed tray through which the paper sheet passes through the shared transport path; and a third paper feed tray other than the first paper feed tray through which the fed paper does not pass through the shared transport path; A paper feed unit that feeds paper from one of a plurality of paper feed trays that store paper, a transport unit that transports paper, a control unit that controls the paper feed unit and the transport unit, and the first feed And a detection unit configured to detect a user operation on the paper tray, wherein the detection unit is configured to supply paper from the second paper supply tray by the control unit. The user for the first paper feed tray If the operation is detected, comprising the step of stopping the feeding from the second sheet feeding tray.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first paper feed tray integrally provided with a common transport path for transporting paper fed from a paper feed tray on the upstream side in the paper transport path, and a paper feed path. A second paper feed tray through which the paper sheet passes through the shared transport path; and a third paper feed tray other than the first paper feed tray through which the fed paper does not pass through the shared transport path; An image including a paper feed unit that feeds paper from any of a plurality of paper feed trays that store paper, a transport unit that transports the paper, and a detection unit that detects a user operation on the first paper feed tray. When a user operation on the first paper feed tray is detected by the detection unit in a state in which paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray, the computer of the forming apparatus starts from the second paper feed tray. Cut to the third paper feed tray Ete is a program for functioning as means for causing the sheet feeding.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first paper feed tray integrally provided with a common transport path for transporting paper fed from a paper feed tray on the upstream side in the paper transport path, and a paper feed path. A second paper feed tray through which the paper sheet passes through the shared transport path; and a third paper feed tray other than the first paper feed tray through which the fed paper does not pass through the shared transport path; An image including a paper feed unit that feeds paper from any of a plurality of paper feed trays that store paper, a transport unit that transports the paper, and a detection unit that detects a user operation on the first paper feed tray. When a user operation on the first paper feed tray is detected by the detection unit in a state in which paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray , the computer of the forming apparatus starts from the second paper feed tray. means for stopping the sheet feeding Is a program to function with.

  According to the present invention, by restricting the use of the second paper feed tray, the operation on the first paper feed tray is not hindered. Therefore, the image forming apparatus having the paper feed tray integrally provided with the shared transport path The downtime can be reduced without deteriorating the operability in the case.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper information table. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating first print job execution processing executed in the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a paper feed process. It is a flowchart which shows a printing process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a paper discharge process. It is a flowchart which shows tray processing. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sheet feeding order when a sheet feeding tray is switched. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a paper feed process A according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the tray process A in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sheet feeding sequence when sheet feeding is stopped. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a paper feed process B according to the third embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the tray process B in 3rd Embodiment. 15 is a flowchart illustrating second print job execution processing executed in the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows tray drawer availability determination processing. It is an example of a tray status display screen.

[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 100.
The image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation unit 10, a display unit 20, an image reading unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a paper feeding unit 50, a paper processing unit 60, and the like.

  The operation unit 10 includes a touch panel formed so as to cover the display screen of the display unit 20 and various operation buttons such as numeric buttons and a start button, and an operation signal based on a user operation is transmitted to the control unit 71 (see FIG. 2). ).

  The display unit 20 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various screens according to instructions of display signals input from the control unit 71.

  The image reading unit 30 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder), a scanner, and the like, and outputs image data obtained by reading an image of the document to the control unit 71.

The image forming unit 40 forms an image on a sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit 50 based on image data read by the image reading unit 30 or image data received from an external device.
The image forming unit 40 includes photosensitive drums 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K corresponding to colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), an intermediate transfer belt 42, and a secondary transfer roller. 43, a fixing unit 44, and the like.

After the photoreceptor drum 41Y is uniformly charged, it is scanned and exposed with a laser beam based on yellow image data to form an electrostatic latent image. Then, yellow toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 41Y, and development is performed.
Since the photosensitive drums 41M, 41C, and 41K are the same as the photosensitive drum 41Y except that the handled colors are different, the description thereof is omitted.

The toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K are sequentially transferred onto the rotating intermediate transfer belt 42 (primary transfer). That is, on the intermediate transfer belt 42, a color toner image is formed by superimposing four color toner images.
The color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 42 are collectively transferred onto the paper by the secondary transfer roller 43 (secondary transfer).

  The fixing unit 44 includes a heating roller that heats the sheet on which the color toner image is transferred and a pressure roller that pressurizes the sheet, and fixes the color toner image on the sheet by heating and pressing.

The paper feed unit 50 includes a plurality of paper feed trays Ta to Th, and feeds paper from any one of the paper feed trays Ta to Th. Each of the paper feed trays Ta to Th stores paper of a predetermined type (size, paper type, basis weight, etc.) for each paper feed tray. The sheets stored in the sheet feeding trays Ta to Th are sent to the image forming unit 40 by driving the sheet feeding motor.
Each of the paper feed trays Ta to Th is provided so that it can be pulled out, and the paper is replenished in a state where the paper feed trays Ta to Th are pulled out.

The paper feed trays Ta to Th include a first paper feed tray, a second paper feed tray, and a third paper feed tray.
The first paper feed tray is a paper feed tray (paper feed tray Tc) integrally provided with a common transport path R1 for transporting paper fed from the upstream paper feed tray in the paper transport path. It is. When pulling out the first paper feed tray, the common transport path R1 is pulled out.
The second paper feed tray is a paper feed tray (paper feed trays Tf, Tg, Th) through which the paper fed from the paper feed tray passes through the common transport path R1. That is, the second paper feed tray is a paper feed tray provided on the upstream side of the first paper feed tray.
The third paper feed tray is a paper feed tray other than the first paper feed tray (paper feed trays Ta, Tb, Td) among the paper feed trays in which the paper fed from the paper feed tray does not pass through the common transport path R1. , Te).

The paper feed trays Ta to Th are provided separately for the image forming apparatus main body 81, the paper feed device 82, and the paper feed device 83. Specifically, the paper feed trays Ta and Tb are provided in the image forming apparatus main body 81, and the paper feed trays Tc, Td, and Te are provided in the paper feed apparatus 82, and the paper feed trays Tf, Tg. , Th are provided in the sheet feeding device 83.
The image forming apparatus main body 81 includes a functional unit (such as the image forming unit 40) other than the paper feeding unit 50. However, in the relationship between the paper feeding device 82 and the paper feeding device 83, the image forming apparatus main body 81 is a separate paper feeding device. deal with. That is, the paper feed trays Ta to Th are provided separately for a plurality of paper feed devices.

  The paper processing unit 60 performs paper processing such as sorting processing, stapling processing, punch punching processing, folding processing, and bookbinding processing on the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit 40 as necessary. The paper processing unit 60 includes paper discharge trays T11 and T12, and discharges paper to the paper discharge trays T11 and T12.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation unit 10, a display unit 20, an image reading unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a paper feeding unit 50, a paper processing unit 60, a control unit 71, a storage unit 72, a communication unit. Section 73, transport section 74, handle detection section 75, tray open / close detection section 76, tray lock section 77, paper presence / absence detection section 78, paper size detection section 79, and the like. Note that description of the functional units already described is omitted.

  The control unit 71 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The CPU reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM in response to an operation signal input from the operation unit 10 or an instruction signal received by the communication unit 73, expands the program in the RAM, and displays an image according to the expanded program. The operation of each part of the forming apparatus 100 is centrally controlled.

  The storage unit 72 is configured by a hard disk, a flash memory, or the like, and stores various data. The storage unit 72 stores a paper information table 721 (see FIG. 3). The paper information table 721 stores paper information indicating the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray for each of the paper feed trays Ta to Th.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the paper information table 721.
The paper information table 721 stores, for each paper feed tray, the size, paper type, basis weight, and the like of the paper stored in the paper feed tray in association with each other.
Examples of the paper size include A3, A4S, B4, 13 inch × 19 inch, and the like. “4AS” is a size in which A4 size paper is set in the paper feed tray in a horizontal position (how to place the short side of the paper along the paper conveyance direction).

In the case of a standard size, the paper size is automatically detected by the paper size detection unit 79 when the paper is set in the paper feed trays Ta to Th, and information indicating the detected size is stored in the paper information table 721. Is done. In the case of an irregular size that cannot be automatically detected, the user inputs vertical and horizontal sizes from the operation unit 10, and the input information is stored in the paper information table 721.
The user specifies the paper type and basis weight from the operation unit 10, and the specified information is stored in the paper information table 721.
It is also possible to register a set of information on size, paper type, and basis weight in advance, and read the registered data and set it for an arbitrary paper feed tray.

  The communication unit 73 transmits / receives data to / from an external device connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The transport unit 74 includes a transport roller for transporting the paper, and transports the paper in the image forming apparatus 100.

  The handle detection unit 75 is provided in each of the paper feed trays Ta to Th of the paper feed unit 50, detects the movement of the handle member due to the user holding the handle of each of the paper feed trays Ta to Th, and controls the detection result. To the unit 71. That is, the handle detection unit 75 detects the timing at which the user grasps the handle in an attempt to open the paper feed trays Ta to Th.

  The tray open / close detection unit 76 includes sensors provided in the paper feed trays Ta to Th of the paper feed unit 50, and detects that the paper feed trays Ta to Th are opened and closed. The detection result is output to the control unit 71.

  The tray lock unit 77 is provided in each of the sheet feeding trays Ta to Th of the sheet feeding unit 50, and when the locked state is set, the sheet feeding trays Ta to Th are not opened so that the sheet feeding trays Ta to Th are not opened. Mechanically disturb. For example, the control unit 71 controls the tray supply unit 77 to control the first paper supply during the paper supply from the second paper supply tray (the paper supply trays Tf, Tg, Th) (when the shared transport path R1 is in use). The paper tray (paper feed tray Tc) is locked so that the first paper feed tray cannot be pulled out.

  The paper presence / absence detection unit 78 is provided in each of the paper feed trays Ta to Th of the paper feed unit 50, detects the presence / absence of paper stored in each of the paper feed trays Ta to Th, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 71. To do.

  The paper size detection unit 79 is provided in each of the paper feed trays Ta to Th of the paper feed unit 50, detects the size of the paper stored in each of the paper feed trays Ta to Th, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 71. To do.

  The control unit 71 restricts the use of the second paper feed tray according to the state of the plurality of paper feed trays. In the first embodiment, a state in which a user operation on the first paper feed tray is performed during paper feeding from the second paper feed tray is used as the “state of the plurality of paper feed trays”.

The controller 71 switches from the second paper feed tray to the third paper feed tray when a user operation on the first paper feed tray is detected while paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray. Let the paper feed.
Here, the user operation refers to an operation of opening and closing the paper feed tray for paper replenishment and paper confirmation. Of the series of operations from when the user tries to open the paper feed tray to when the paper feed tray is closed, for example, when the handle of the first paper feed tray is grasped, the controller 71 causes the first paper feed tray to Judge that he tried to open. Further, the control unit 71 determines that the opening / closing operation for the first paper feed tray is completed when the first paper feed tray is closed again from the opened state.

  Specifically, when the control unit 71 detects that the user has gripped the handle of the first paper feed tray by the handle detection unit 75 while the paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray. In addition, the sheet feeding is performed by switching from the second sheet feeding tray to the third sheet feeding tray.

  At this time, the control unit 71 uses the same type as the sheet fed from the second sheet feeding tray (based on the sheet information corresponding to each sheet feeding tray in the sheet information table 721 stored in the storage unit 72 ( The paper is fed by switching to the third paper feed tray in which paper of size, paper type, basis weight, etc. is stored.

The control unit 71 resumes paper feeding from the second paper feed tray when the user operation on the first paper feed tray is completed.
Specifically, when the tray opening / closing detection unit 76 detects that the first paper feed tray is closed (reset), the control unit 71 starts from the third paper feed tray that is feeding paper. Switching to the second paper feed tray, the paper feed from the second paper feed tray is resumed.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a first print job execution process executed in the image forming apparatus 100. This process is realized by software processing in cooperation with the CPU of the control unit 71 and the program stored in the ROM.

  In the first print job execution process, the control unit 71 performs a paper feed process (step S1), a print process (step S2), a paper discharge process (step S3), and a tray process (step S4) for a plurality of sheets. ) In parallel.

The control unit 71 determines whether or not the final paper discharge in the print job has been completed (step S5). If the final paper discharge has not been completed (step S5; NO), the control unit 71 performs steps S1 to S4. Repeat the process.
In step S5, when the discharge of the final paper is completed (step S5; YES), the first print job execution process ends.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the paper feed process.
The controller 71 determines whether or not there is a next paper feed request (step S11).
If there is a next paper feed request (step S11; YES), the controller 71 determines whether or not paper feed is possible (step S12). Whether the paper can be fed or not depends on whether the previous paper fed from the next paper feeding tray to be fed is fed and transported from the paper feeding tray and the next paper can be fed. Or the condition is not jammed.

If the paper can be fed (step S12; YES), the controller 71 controls the paper feeder 50 to feed the next paper from the designated paper feed trays Ta to Th (step S13). .
In step S11, if there is no next paper feed request (step S11; NO), if it is not possible to feed paper in step S12 (step S12; NO), or after step S13, the paper feed process ends.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the printing process.
The control unit 71 determines whether there is a sheet to be printed (step S21).
If there is a sheet to be printed (step S21; YES), the controller 71 determines whether printing is possible (step S22).

Here, the condition “printable” will be described.
The sheets on which images are formed are sequentially fed from the sheet feed trays Ta to Th, and image formation is sequentially performed on the fed sheets. The fed paper (paper to be printed) has reached a certain position (for example, a no-feed sensor provided near the exit of the paper feed tray), the paper feed interval (from the previous image writing) The printing interval with the previous paper) has passed, and when the paper interval is opened depending on the paper processing conditions and other conditions, the time including the paper interval has passed since the previous image writing. Thus, image writing is performed. “Printable” means that the above condition is satisfied for the paper to be printed.

If printing is possible (step S22; YES), the control unit 71 controls the image forming unit 40 to perform printing on the paper (step S23).
In step S21, if there is no sheet to be printed (step S21; NO), if printing is not possible in step S22 (step S22; NO), or after step S23, the printing process ends.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the paper discharge process.
The control unit 71 determines whether there is a sheet that can be discharged (step S31).
If there is a sheet that can be discharged (step S31; YES), the control unit 71 controls the transport unit 74 to discharge the sheet to the discharge trays T11 and T12 (step S32).

  In step S31, if there is no paper that can be discharged (step S31; NO), or after step S32, the paper discharge process is terminated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing tray processing.
Based on the detection result of the tray open / close detection unit 76, the control unit 71 determines whether or not the first paper feed tray (paper feed tray Tc) has been pulled out (step S41).
When the first paper feed tray is not pulled out (step S41; NO), that is, when the first paper feed tray is closed, the control unit 71 controls the tray lock unit 77. Then, the first paper feed tray is locked (step S42).

Next, the control unit 71 determines whether or not it is detected that the handle of the first paper feed tray (paper feed tray Tc) has been gripped based on the detection result of the handle detection unit 75, that is, the user first It is determined whether or not the paper feed tray has been opened (step S43).
When it is detected that the handle of the first paper feed tray is gripped (step S43; YES), the control unit 71 determines whether or not paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray. (Step S44).

When paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray (step S44; YES), the control unit 71 refers to the paper information table 721 stored in the storage unit 72 and refers to the first paper being fed. It is determined whether or not a sheet of the same type as that stored in the two sheet feed trays is present in the third sheet feed tray (step S45). Note that, based on the detection result of the paper presence / absence detection unit 78, the control unit 71 determines that the paper stored in the second paper feed tray is not present in the third paper feed tray (out of paper). It is determined that the same type of paper is not in the third paper feed tray.
When a sheet of the same type as the sheet stored in the second sheet feeding tray that is feeding is present in the third sheet feeding tray (step S45; YES), the control unit 71 controls the sheet feeding unit 50. Then, the paper feed tray to be used is switched from the second paper feed tray being fed to the third paper feed tray containing the same type of paper (step S46).

  Next, the control unit 71 sets the first paper feed tray set waiting state (step S47). Specifically, the control unit 71 turns on a tray set waiting flag in the storage unit 72.

In step S44, when paper is not being fed from the second paper feed tray (step S44; NO), the control unit 71 causes all the paper fed from the second paper feed tray to pass through the common transport path R1. It is determined whether or not it has passed (step S48).
When all the sheets fed from the second sheet feeding tray have already passed through the common transport path R1 (step S48; YES), the control unit 71 controls the tray lock unit 77 to control the first feeding. The locked state of the paper tray is released (step S49). Here, the first paper feed tray can be pulled out, and the user supplies paper to the first paper feed tray as necessary.

In step S41, when the first paper feed tray is pulled out (step S41; YES), the control unit 71 sets the first paper feed tray based on the detection result of the tray open / close detection unit 76. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S50).
When the first paper feed tray is set (step S50; YES), that is, when the first paper feed tray is closed, the control unit 71 refers to the tray set waiting flag in the storage unit 72, and It is determined whether or not one paper feed tray set is awaited (step S51).

  If the first paper feed tray set waiting state is set (step S51; YES), the control unit 71 clears the first paper feed tray set waiting state (step S52). Specifically, the control unit 71 turns off the tray set waiting flag in the storage unit 72.

  Next, the control unit 71 controls the paper feed unit 50 to switch the paper feed tray to be used to the second paper feed tray (step S53). That is, the control unit 71 returns the paper feed tray to be used from the third paper feed tray being fed back to the second paper feed tray that was originally used, and resumes paper feed from the second paper feed tray. .

  If it is not detected in step S43 that the handle of the first paper feed tray has been gripped (step S43; NO), in step S45, the same type of paper as that stored in the second paper feed tray being fed is used. If there is no sheet in the third sheet feed tray (step S45; NO), in step S48, a sheet that has not passed through the shared transport path R1 remains among sheets fed from the second sheet feed tray (step S48). S48; NO), if the first paper feed tray is not set in step S50 (step S50; NO), if the first paper feed tray is not set waiting in step S51 (step S51; NO), after step S47 After step S49 or after step S53, the tray process ends.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the sheet feeding sequence when the sheet feeding tray is switched.
When it is detected that the handle of the paper feed tray Tc (first paper feed tray) is gripped by the user during continuous paper feeding from the paper feed tray Tf (second paper feed tray) (step S43; YES, In step S44; YES), the control unit 71 makes it possible to pull out the paper feed tray Tc, so that the third paper feed tray (paper feed trays Ta, Tb, Td) that can feed paper without passing through the shared transport path R1. , Te) is searched for a switchable paper feed tray (step S45).

  Specifically, the control unit 71 searches the third paper feed tray for a paper feed tray that stores the same type of paper as the paper feed tray Tf. The control unit 71 refers to the sheet information table 721 stored in the storage unit 72 to determine whether or not the same B4 size sheet as the sheet feed tray Tf exists in the third sheet feed tray. Switching to the paper feed tray Td in which the size paper is stored (step S46). It may be determined that switching is possible when not only the paper size but also the paper type and basis weight are the same as the paper in the paper feed tray Tf.

  When all the sheets fed from the sheet feed tray Tf pass through the common transport path R1 (step S48; YES), the lock of the sheet feed tray Tc is released (step S49). Thereafter, the user pulls out the paper feed tray Tc and replenishes paper as necessary.

When the paper feed tray Tc is pulled out (step S41; YES) and the paper feed tray Tc is not set again (step S50; NO), paper feeding from the paper feed tray Td continues.
When the paper feed tray Tc is set again (step S50; YES), the control unit 71 switches to the paper feed tray Tf that is the original paper feed tray (step S53).
In this way, even during continuous feeding from the paper feed tray Tf, by switching the paper feed tray to be used to the paper feed tray Td, it becomes possible to pull out the paper feed tray Tc for the next job. Paper supply is possible.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, by restricting the use of the second paper feed tray, the operation on the first paper feed tray (opening / closing operation associated with paper supply etc.) is not hindered. The downtime can be reduced without deteriorating the operability in the image forming apparatus 100 having the first paper feed tray integrally provided with the shared transport path R1.

Specifically, when a user operation on the first paper feed tray is detected while paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray, the second paper feed tray is switched to the third paper feed tray. The first paper feed tray can be pulled out.
At this time, the image formation can be continued without any problem by switching to the third paper feed tray in which the same type of paper is fed from the second paper feed tray.
Further, when the user operation on the first paper feed tray is completed, the paper feed from the second paper feed tray can be resumed.

[Modification]
Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.
The controller 71 switches from the second paper feed tray to the third paper feed tray when a user operation on the first paper feed tray is detected while paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray. Let the paper feed.
At this time, the control unit 71 performs third paper feeding provided in a paper feeding device (image forming apparatus main body 81) different from the paper feeding device 82 provided with the first paper feeding tray (paper feeding tray Tc). The paper is fed by switching to the tray (paper feed trays Ta and Tb).

  In other words, the control unit 71 selects a paper feed tray so that the switching destination is not the same paper feed device 82 as that of the paper feed tray Tc. This is to prevent a paper feed failure due to vibration generated when the paper feed tray Tc is pulled out and reset.

  For example, in the state where paper is continuously fed from the paper feed tray Tf, the same type of paper as the paper feed tray Tf is temporarily stored in the paper feed tray Ta, the paper feed tray Tb, and the paper feed tray Td. If it is, the paper feed tray Ta or the paper feed tray Tb is selected instead of the paper feed tray Td provided in the same paper feed device 82 as the paper feed tray Tc.

  According to the modification, switching to the third paper feed tray provided in the paper feed device different from the paper feed device provided with the first paper feed tray, that is, the third paper feed tray in which vibration is not easily transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent paper feeding failure due to vibration.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are used, and the configuration is illustrated and described. Omitted. Hereinafter, a configuration and processing characteristic of the second embodiment will be described.

  The control unit 71 restricts the use of the second paper feed tray according to the state of the plurality of paper feed trays. Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, “the state of a plurality of paper feed trays” is set as “a state of a plurality of paper feed trays” and a user operation on the first paper feed tray is performed during paper feeding from the second paper feed tray. Use the done state.

The control unit 71 stops feeding from the second paper feed tray when a user operation on the first paper feed tray is detected while paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray. Let
Specifically, when the control unit 71 detects that the user has gripped the handle of the first paper feed tray by the handle detection unit 75 while the paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray. Then, the sheet feeding from the second sheet feeding tray is stopped.

The control unit 71 resumes paper feeding from the second paper feed tray when the user operation on the first paper feed tray is completed.
Specifically, the control unit 71 stops the second paper feed tray that has been stopped when the tray open / close detection unit 76 detects that the first paper feed tray is closed (reset). Restart paper feeding from the printer.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described.
In the second embodiment, in the first print job execution process of FIG. 4, a paper feed process A is performed instead of the paper feed process (step S1), and a tray process A is performed instead of the tray process (step S4). Is done. Other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the paper feeding process A. This process is realized by software processing in cooperation with the CPU of the control unit 71 and the program stored in the ROM.

The controller 71 determines whether or not there is a next paper feed request (step S61).
If there is a next paper feed request (step S61; YES), the controller 71 determines whether or not the paper feed prohibition state is waiting for the first paper feed tray set (step S62).
The paper feed prohibition state waiting for the first paper feed tray setting is from when the handle of the first paper feed tray is gripped while paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray until the first paper feed tray is set. In this state, paper feeding from the second paper feeding tray is prohibited.
When the paper feed prohibition state is waiting for the first paper feed tray set, the paper feed prohibition flag in the storage unit 72 is on.

If it is in the paper feed prohibition state waiting for the first paper feed tray set (step S62; YES), the control unit 71 controls the paper feed unit 50 to prohibit paper feed (step S63).
In step S62, when it is not the paper feed prohibition state waiting for the first paper feed tray set (step S62; NO), the control unit 71 determines whether or not paper feed is possible (step S64).
The processing in step S64 and step S65 is the same as the processing in step S12 and step S13 shown in FIG.

  In step S61, if there is no next paper feed request (step S61; NO), if it is not possible to feed paper in step S64 (step S64; NO), paper feed processing is performed after step S63 or after step S65. A ends.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing tray processing A. This process is realized by software processing in cooperation with the CPU of the control unit 71 and the program stored in the ROM.

  Since the process of step S71-step S74 is the same as the process of step S41-step S44 shown in FIG. 8, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In step S74, when paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray (step S74; YES), the control unit 71 sets the paper feed prohibition state waiting for the first paper feed tray set (step S75). Specifically, the control unit 71 turns on a paper feed prohibition flag in the storage unit 72.

In step S74, when paper is not being fed from the second paper feed tray (step S74; NO), the control unit 71 causes all the paper fed from the second paper feed tray to pass through the common transport path R1. It is determined whether or not it has passed (step S76).
When all the sheets fed from the second sheet feeding tray have already passed through the common transport path R1 (step S76; YES), the control unit 71 controls the tray lock unit 77 to control the first feeding. The locked state of the paper tray is released (step S77). Here, the first paper feed tray can be pulled out, and the user supplies paper to the first paper feed tray as necessary.

In step S71, when the first paper feed tray is pulled out (step S71; YES), the control unit 71 sets the first paper feed tray based on the detection result of the tray open / close detection unit 76. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S78).
When the first paper feed tray is set (step S78; YES), that is, when the first paper feed tray is closed, the control unit 71 sets the paper feed prohibition state waiting for the first paper feed tray set. Clear (step S79). Specifically, the control unit 71 turns off the paper feed prohibition flag in the storage unit 72.

  In step S73, when it is not detected that the handle of the first paper feed tray is gripped (step S73; NO), in step S76, the paper fed from the second paper feed tray passes through the common transport path R1. If unfinished paper remains (step S76; NO), if the first paper feed tray is not set in step S78 (step S78; NO), after step S75, after step S77, or at step S79. Thereafter, the tray process A ends.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the paper feeding sequence when paper feeding is stopped.
When it is detected that the handle of the paper feed tray Tc (first paper feed tray) is gripped by the user during continuous paper feeding from the paper feed tray Tf (second paper feed tray) (step S73; YES, step S74; YES), the paper feed prohibition state waiting for the first paper feed tray set is entered (step S75).
The control unit 71 stops paper feeding from the paper feed tray Tf (step S62; YES, step S63), and once image formation of the fed paper is completed, the machine is temporarily stopped.

  When all the sheets fed from the sheet feed tray Tf pass through the common transport path R1 (step S76; YES), the lock of the sheet feed tray Tc is released (step S77). Thereafter, the user pulls out the paper feed tray Tc and replenishes paper as necessary.

  When the paper feed tray Tc is set again (step S78; YES), the control unit 71 clears the paper feed prohibition state waiting for the first paper feed tray set (step S79), and the control is started from the paper feed tray Tf. Paper feeding is resumed (step S62; NO, step S65).

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, by restricting the use of the second paper feed tray, the operation (opening / closing operation accompanying paper replenishment) for the first paper feed tray is not hindered. The downtime can be reduced without deteriorating the operability in the image forming apparatus having the first paper feed tray integrally provided with the shared transport path R1.

Specifically, when a user operation on the first paper feed tray is detected while paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray, the paper feed from the second paper feed tray is stopped. The first paper feed tray can be pulled out, and operations such as paper supply can be performed.
Further, when the user operation on the first paper feed tray is completed, the paper feed from the second paper feed tray can be resumed.

  In the second embodiment, the case where the image forming operation is automatically restarted after the first paper feed tray is reset is described. However, after the first paper feed tray is reset. Alternatively, the message “Do you want to restart?” Is displayed on the display unit 20, and the user presses the start button of the operation unit 10 to allow the resumption of the image forming operation.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
Since the image forming apparatus in the third embodiment has the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 100 shown in the first embodiment, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are used, and the configuration is illustrated and described. Omitted. Hereinafter, a configuration and processing characteristic of the third embodiment will be described.

  In the third embodiment, when an image formation instruction is received, if the paper feed tray is designated as “AUTO (automatic selection)”, the second paper feed tray is not used from the beginning as much as possible, and is shared. A third paper feed tray that does not use the transport path R1 is selected.

  The control unit 71 restricts the use of the second paper feed tray according to the state of the plurality of paper feed trays. In the third embodiment, a state in which a sheet corresponding to an image formation instruction is stored in the third sheet feeding tray is used as the “state of the plurality of sheet feeding trays”.

  When the control unit 71 receives an image formation instruction, the control unit 71 feeds the paper corresponding to the image formation instruction based on the paper information corresponding to each paper feed tray of the paper information table 721 stored in the storage unit 72. It is determined whether the third paper feed tray is included as a possible paper feed tray. When the third paper feed tray is included as a paper feed tray capable of feeding paper corresponding to the image formation instruction, the control unit 71 sets the third paper feed tray capable of feeding paper corresponding to the image formation instruction. Use with priority.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described.
In the third embodiment, in the first print job execution process of FIG. 4, the paper feed process B is performed instead of the paper feed process (step S1), and the tray process B is replaced with the tray process (step S4). Is done. Other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the paper feed process B. This process is realized by software processing in cooperation with the CPU of the control unit 71 and the program stored in the ROM.

The controller 71 determines whether or not there is a next paper feed request (step S81).
When there is a next paper feed request (step S81; YES), the control unit 71 determines whether or not there is a paper designated in the image formation instruction in the third paper feed tray (step S82). Note that, based on the detection result of the sheet presence / absence detection unit 78, the control unit 71 determines that the sheet specified in the image formation instruction is the third sheet when the corresponding sheet does not exist in the third sheet feed tray (out of sheet). Judge that it is not in the paper feed tray.
If there is a designated paper in the third paper feed tray (step S82; YES), the control unit 71 sets the paper feed tray to be used as the third paper feed tray in which the designated paper is stored. (Step S83). In this way, the control unit 71 preferentially uses the third paper feed tray when there is a designated sheet in the third paper feed tray.

In step S82, when there is no designated paper in the third paper feed tray (step S82; NO), the control unit 71 designates a paper feed tray other than the third paper feed tray in the image formation instruction. It is determined whether or not there is a sheet (step S84). Based on the detection result of the sheet presence / absence detection unit 78, the control unit 71 is designated in the image formation instruction when the corresponding sheet does not exist in the sheet feed tray other than the third sheet feed tray (out of sheet). It is determined that the received paper is not in a paper feed tray other than the third paper feed tray.
When there is a designated sheet in a sheet feeding tray other than the third sheet feeding tray (step S84; YES), the control unit 71 sets the sheet feeding tray to be used as a sheet feeding that stores the designated sheet. The tray is set (step S85).

After step S83 or step S85, the controller 71 determines whether or not paper can be fed from the set paper feed tray (step S86).
When the paper can be fed from the set paper feed tray (step S86; YES), the control unit 71 controls the paper feed unit 50 to feed the next paper from the set paper feed tray. (Step S87).

  In step S81, when there is no next paper feed request (step S81; NO), in step S84, when there is no designated paper in a paper feed tray other than the third paper feed tray (step S84; NO), step S86. In step S86, if the paper cannot be fed from the set paper feed tray (step S86; NO), or after step S87, the paper feed process B ends.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the tray process B. This process is realized by software processing in cooperation with the CPU of the control unit 71 and the program stored in the ROM.

  Since the process of step S91-step S94 is the same as the process of step S41-step S44 shown in FIG. 8, description is abbreviate | omitted.

In step S94, when paper is not being fed from the second paper feed tray (step S94; NO), the control unit 71 causes all the paper fed from the second paper feed tray to pass through the common transport path R1. It is determined whether or not it has passed (step S95).
When all the sheets fed from the second sheet feeding tray have already passed through the common transport path R1 (step S95; YES), the control unit 71 controls the tray lock unit 77 to control the first feeding. The locked state of the paper tray is released (step S96). Here, the first paper feed tray can be pulled out, and the user supplies paper to the first paper feed tray as necessary.

  If it is determined in step S91 that the first paper feed tray has been pulled out (step S91; YES), it is not detected in step S93 that the handle of the first paper feed tray has been gripped (step S93; NO). In step S94, when paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray (step S94; YES), in step S95, the paper fed from the second paper feed tray has already passed through the shared transport path R1. If there is any remaining sheet (step S95; NO), or after step S96, the tray process B ends.

For example, when there is an instruction to form an image in B4 size, the control unit 71 refers to the paper information table 721 stored in the storage unit 72 and searches for a paper feed tray in which B4 size paper is stored. Then, the paper feed tray Td that does not pass through the shared transport path R1 is selected from the paper feed trays Td and Tf (step S83). When there is no paper in the paper feed tray Td (step S82; NO), paper is fed from the paper feed tray Tf (step S85), but when paper is set in the paper feed tray Td (step S82; (YES), switching to the paper feed tray Td again (step S83).
As described above, if there is a sheet corresponding to the image formation instruction in the third sheet feeding tray, the third sheet feeding tray that does not use the shared conveyance path R1 is selected, so that the sheet feeding tray Tc can be pulled out.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, by restricting the use of the second paper feed tray, the operation on the first paper feed tray (opening / closing operation associated with paper supply etc.) is not hindered. The downtime can be reduced without deteriorating the operability in the image forming apparatus having the first paper feed tray integrally provided with the shared transport path R1.

  Specifically, when a third paper feed tray is included as a paper feed tray capable of feeding paper corresponding to the image formation instruction, a third paper feed tray capable of feeding paper corresponding to the image formation instruction is provided. Since it is used preferentially, the first paper feed tray can be pulled out freely.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
The image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are used, and the configuration is illustrated and described. Omitted. Hereinafter, a configuration and processing characteristic of the fourth embodiment will be described.

For each of the plurality of paper feed trays, the control unit 71 causes the display unit 20 to display whether or not the paper feed tray can be pulled out. That is, the control unit 71 functions as a display control unit.
For example, the control unit 71 puts a mark only on a paper tray that can be pulled out, marks only a paper tray that cannot be pulled out, or places different marks on a paper tray that can be pulled out and a paper tray that cannot be pulled out. To display whether or not the paper feed tray can be pulled out. Further, color separation may be performed for a paper feed tray that can be pulled out and a paper feed tray that cannot be pulled out.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a second print job execution process executed in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. This process is realized by software processing in cooperation with the CPU of the control unit 71 and the program stored in the ROM.

  In the second print job execution process, the control unit 71 performs a paper feed process (step S101), a print process (step S102), a paper discharge process (step S103), and a tray process (step S104) for a plurality of sheets. ), A tray pull-out possibility determination process (step S105) is performed in parallel.

  The paper feed process, the print process, the paper discharge process, and the tray process are the same as those in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the paper feed process and the tray process may be the same processes as those in the second embodiment or the third embodiment.

The control unit 71 determines whether or not the final paper has been discharged in the print job (step S106). If the final paper has not been discharged (step S106; NO), the control unit 71 performs steps S101 to S105. Repeat the process.
In step S106, when the final paper discharge is completed (step S106; YES), the second print job execution process ends.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the tray drawability determination process.
The control unit 71 sets a paper feed tray to be processed from the paper feed trays Ta to Th of the paper feed unit 50 (step S111).

Next, the control unit 71 determines whether paper is being fed from the paper feed tray set as the processing target (step S112).
When paper is not being fed from the paper tray to be processed (step S112; NO), the control unit 71 determines that the paper tray to be processed is the first paper feed tray (paper feed tray Tc) and the paper. It is determined whether or not is passing through the shared transport route R1 (step S113).

  When the processing target sheet feeding tray is not the first sheet feeding tray or when the sheet is not passing through the common transport path R1 (step S113; NO), the control unit 71 pulls out the processing target sheet feeding tray. That it is possible is displayed on the display part 20 (step S114).

  In step S112, when the paper is being fed from the paper tray to be processed (step S112; YES), or the paper tray to be processed is the first paper tray and the paper passes through the shared transport path R1. When it is passing (step S113; YES), the control unit 71 displays on the display unit 20 that the paper tray to be processed cannot be pulled out (step S115).

After step S114 or step S115, the control unit 71 determines whether there is an unprocessed paper feed tray (step S116).
If there is an unprocessed paper feed tray (step S116; YES), the process returns to step S111, and the process is repeated for the other paper feed trays.
If the processing is completed for all the paper feed trays in step S116 (step S116; NO), the tray drawability determination processing ends.

FIG. 17 shows an example of the tray status display screen 21 displayed on the display unit 20.
The tray status display screen 21 displays whether or not the paper feed tray can be pulled out for each of the paper feed trays Ta to Th.
For example, during paper feeding from the paper feed tray Tf, neither the paper feed tray Tf being fed nor the paper feed tray Tc provided with the shared transport path R1 can be pulled out. In FIG. 17, the paper feed trays Tc, Tf and the other paper feed trays Ta, Tb, Td, Te, Tg, Th can be distinguished so that they can be drawn out. Te, Tg, and Th are surrounded by a frame 22.

  Further, as in the first embodiment, when the paper feed tray Td is switched from the state where paper is fed from the paper feed tray Tf and the lock of the paper feed tray Tc is released, the paper feed tray Tc The display is such that the paper feed tray Tf can be pulled out anew, and the paper feed tray Td changes to a drawer prohibited state.

  As a result, it is possible to determine at a glance which paper feed trays can be pulled out. In addition, as described in the first embodiment and the like, after gripping the handle of the paper feed tray Tc during continuous feeding from the second paper feed tray, the already fed paper passes through the shared transport path R1. The paper feed tray Tc cannot be pulled out until it passes, but if the tray status display screen 21 is viewed, it is confirmed that the paper feed tray Tc is ready to be pulled out, and then the paper feed tray Tc is pulled out. Can do.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, it is easy for the user to recognize whether or not each of the paper feed trays Ta to Th can be pulled out.

  The description in each of the above embodiments is an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part constituting the apparatus can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Moreover, it is good also as performing combining a characteristic process in each embodiment.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, when the handle detection unit 75 detects that the handle of the first paper feed tray is gripped by the user, it is determined that the user has attempted to open the first paper feed tray. However, the detection of the start of the user operation on the first paper feed tray is not limited to this method.

  In the above description, an example in which a ROM is used as a computer-readable medium storing a program for executing each process is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory and a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. A carrier wave may be applied as a medium for providing program data via a communication line.

20 Display unit 40 Image forming unit 50 Paper feeding unit 71 Control unit 72 Storage unit 74 Transport unit 75 Handle detection unit 76 Tray open / close detection unit 77 Tray lock unit 78 Paper presence detection unit 79 Paper size detection unit 81 Image forming apparatus main body 82 Paper device 83 Paper feed device 100 Image forming device 721 Paper information table Ta to Th Paper feed tray

Claims (10)

A paper feed unit for feeding paper from one of a plurality of paper feed trays for storing paper;
A transport unit for transporting paper;
A control unit for controlling the paper feeding unit and the conveying unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising:
The plurality of paper feed trays include
A first paper feed tray integrally provided with a common transport path for transporting paper fed from a paper feed tray on the upstream side in the paper transport path;
A second paper feed tray through which the fed paper passes through the shared transport path;
A third paper feed tray other than the first paper feed tray in which the fed paper does not pass through the shared transport path;
Contains
A detection unit for detecting a user operation on the first paper feed tray;
When the control unit detects a user operation on the first paper feed tray while the paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray, the control unit reads the second paper feed tray from the second paper feed tray. An image forming apparatus that switches to a third paper feed tray to feed paper . For each of the plurality of paper feed trays, a storage unit for storing paper information indicating the type of paper stored in the paper feed tray is provided.
The control unit switches to the third paper feed tray that stores paper of the same type as the paper fed from the second paper feed tray based on the paper information stored in the storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein paper feeding is performed. The plurality of paper feed trays are provided separately for a plurality of paper feed devices,
Wherein, in claim 1 or 2 to perform paper feed is switched to the third paper feed trays that are provided in different sheet feeding apparatus and sheet feeding apparatus in which the first paper feed tray is provided The image forming apparatus described. A paper feed unit for feeding paper from one of a plurality of paper feed trays for storing paper;
A transport unit for transporting paper;
A control unit for controlling the paper feeding unit and the conveying unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising:
The plurality of paper feed trays include
A first paper feed tray integrally provided with a common transport path for transporting paper fed from a paper feed tray on the upstream side in the paper transport path;
A second paper feed tray through which the fed paper passes through the shared transport path;
A third paper feed tray other than the first paper feed tray in which the fed paper does not pass through the shared transport path;
Contains
A detection unit for detecting a user operation on the first paper feed tray;
When the control unit detects a user operation on the first paper feed tray while the paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray, the control unit images forming apparatus Ru stopping the feeding. Wherein, when said user interaction with the first paper feed tray has been completed, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 to resume the feeding from the second sheet feeding tray. For each of the plurality of paper feed trays, image according to any one of claims 1 to 5 comprising a display control unit for displaying on the identifiably displayed portion whether or not it is possible to draw the sheet feeding tray Forming equipment. In the paper transport path, a first paper feed tray integrally provided with a shared transport path for transporting paper fed from a paper feed tray on the upstream side, and the fed paper is the shared transport path. A plurality of paper feed trays for storing paper, including a second paper feed tray that passes through the second paper feed tray, and a third paper feed tray other than the first paper feed tray that does not pass through the shared transport path. A paper feed unit that feeds paper from any of the above, a transport unit that transports the paper, a control unit that controls the paper feed unit and the transport unit, and detection that detects a user operation on the first paper feed tray and parts, a paper transporting method in an image forming apparatus provided with,
When the control unit detects a user operation on the first paper feed tray while the paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray, the control unit causes the second paper feed tray to A paper conveying method including a step of switching to a third paper feeding tray and feeding paper . In the paper transport path, a first paper feed tray integrally provided with a shared transport path for transporting paper fed from a paper feed tray on the upstream side, and the fed paper is the shared transport path. A plurality of paper feed trays for storing paper, including a second paper feed tray that passes through the second paper feed tray, and a third paper feed tray other than the first paper feed tray that does not pass through the shared transport path. A paper feed unit that feeds paper from any of the above, a transport unit that transports the paper, a control unit that controls the paper feed unit and the transport unit, and detection that detects a user operation on the first paper feed tray A sheet conveying method in an image forming apparatus comprising:
When a user operation on the first paper feed tray is detected by the control unit while the paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray by the control unit, A paper conveying method including a step of stopping paper feeding. In the paper transport path, a first paper feed tray integrally provided with a shared transport path for transporting paper fed from a paper feed tray on the upstream side, and the fed paper is the shared transport path. A plurality of paper feed trays for storing paper, including a second paper feed tray that passes through the second paper feed tray, and a third paper feed tray other than the first paper feed tray that does not pass through the shared transport path. A computer of an image forming apparatus comprising: a paper feeding unit that feeds paper from any of the above; a transport unit that transports paper; and a detection unit that detects a user operation on the first paper feed tray ;
When a user operation on the first paper feed tray is detected by the detection unit while paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray, the second paper feed tray to the third paper feed tray. A program for functioning as a means for feeding paper by switching to . In the paper transport path, a first paper feed tray integrally provided with a shared transport path for transporting paper fed from a paper feed tray on the upstream side, and the fed paper is the shared transport path. A plurality of paper feed trays for storing paper, including a second paper feed tray that passes through the second paper feed tray, and a third paper feed tray other than the first paper feed tray that does not pass through the shared transport path. A computer of an image forming apparatus comprising: a paper feeding unit that feeds paper from any of the above; a transport unit that transports paper; and a detection unit that detects a user operation on the first paper feed tray;
When a user operation on the first paper feed tray is detected by the detection unit while paper is being fed from the second paper feed tray, the paper feed from the second paper feed tray is stopped. Program to function as a means.

Images