JPH05147758A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an image forming device, which can perform copying motions with the sheet fed from a PFP without impairing the safety even in the case LCC is not loaded. CONSTITUTION:If an LCC sensor 91 senses that LCC 14c is not loaded, a relay unit opening/closing sensor 92 checks that a relay unit 80 is released. Only in case blocking of the relay unit 80 is confirmed, sheet feeding is admitted from any of the internal cassettes 62a, 62b, 62c of a PFP 60 via the relay unit 80.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises, for example, a multi-stage sheet feeding device capable of accommodating a plurality of types of copy sheets and a large capacity cassette capable of accommodating a large amount of sheets of the same type. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying apparatus that forms a document image on a fed sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to improve copying efficiency, copying papers (image forming media) of different sizes can be mounted at the same time, and a copying machine having a sufficient amount of copying papers mounted therein. Was requested.

Therefore, a multi-stage sheet feeding device (hereinafter referred to as PF) which is formed separately from the main body of the apparatus and can accommodate a plurality of types of copy sheets.
P) has been developed, and a large-capacity cassette (hereinafter referred to as LCC) capable of accommodating a large amount of the same type of paper is detachable.

In the case of this type of copying machine, in order to feed the paper from the PFP to the copying machine body, a relay unit as a paper path connecting means for connecting the PFP and the copying machine body is required. This relay unit is designed to be incorporated in, for example, a part of an automatic double-sided device (hereinafter referred to as ADD) provided between the apparatus body and the PFP in order to downsize the copying apparatus body.

The relay unit can be opened and closed as a whole so that it can be easily removed even if a copy sheet is jammed. For this reason,
For example, even if the paper is jammed on the way from the PFP to the main body of the copying apparatus, it can be easily removed by opening the entire unit.

However, in order to open the relay unit, the LCC provided so as to close the relay unit must be removed. This is the LCC
This is for permitting the relay unit to be opened only when is removed, so that the copier can be safely removed by stopping the operation of the copying machine according to the removal of the LCC. is there.

However, in the above-mentioned model equipped with PFP and LCC, LCC may not always be necessary. When the LCC is not attached, there is a drawback that the copying machine cannot be operated even though the paper jam has not occurred.

[0008]

As described above, in the related art, although the LCC is not always required, the copying machine cannot be operated when the LCC is not installed. There was a flaw.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to feed paper from another paper feed device even when the LCC is not attached.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming operation on a supplied image forming medium without impairing the safety of the image forming medium.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the first accommodating means is provided in contrast to the image forming means for forming an image on the image forming medium. The image forming medium to be accommodated is supplied through an openable / closable guide member, and the detachable second accommodating means is provided so as to cover the guide member. First to detect attachment and detachment of
When the non-attachment of the second storage means is detected by the first detection means, the second detection means detects the opening / closing of the guide member. The control means is configured to permit the feeding of the image forming medium from the first storage means to the image forming means only when the blocking of the guide member is detected.

Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, an image forming means for forming an image on the image forming medium,
First storing means for storing the image forming medium to be supplied to the image forming means, and openable / closable sheet feeding for supplying the image forming medium stored in the first storing means to the image forming means. And a detachable second accommodating means for accommodating the image forming medium to be supplied to the image forming means, the second accommodating means being installed so as to prevent the opening and closing of the paper feeding means. A detection unit that detects opening and closing of the sheet feeding unit when mounted, and the image of the image forming medium stored in the first storing unit when the detection unit detects the blockage of the sheet feeding unit. And a control means for permitting the supply to the forming means.

[0012]

According to the present invention, since the opening and closing of the relay unit can be surely detected by the above means even when the LCC is not attached, regardless of whether the LCC is attached or not attached,
Paper can be fed from the PFP.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a copying apparatus according to the present invention.

The copying apparatus 2 has an original placing table (transparent glass plate) 10 on which an object to be read, that is, an original D is placed, an upper cover 10b surrounding the placing table 10, and an upper cover 10b.
A document feeder (hereinafter referred to as an ADF) 12 that is openable and closable and that feeds the document D toward the mounting table 10 is provided. The upper cover 10b is provided with an operation panel (described later) to which an operation signal and the like is input by a user (user) operation.

Inside the mounting table 10, that is, the copying machine 2
A lamp 22 for illuminating the document D and a reflector 2 for converging the illumination light generated by the lamp 22 on the document D are provided inside the main body of the document.
4, and a first carriage 20 having a first mirror 26 for reflecting the reflected light from the document D, and the first carriage 2.
A second carriage 30 having a second mirror 32 and a third mirror 34 that further reflect the reflected light from the document D reflected by 0 is arranged. First carriage 20
Are arranged movably in parallel with the glass plate by a pulse motor (not shown) via a toothed belt (not shown).

The second carriage 30 is driven by the first carriage 20 via a toothed belt (not shown) for driving the first carriage 20, and
The first carriage 20 is moved at a speed of 1/2.

Below the first carriage 20 and in a plane including the optical axis of the reflected light that is folded back through the second carriage 30, a movable mechanism is provided through a drive mechanism (not shown). An imaging lens 36 is provided which imparts a converging property to the reflected light from the carriage 30 and causes the reflected light to form an image at a desired magnification when the reflected light is moved.

Further, the reflected light is turned back and the photoconductor 40
And the lens 36
In order to correct the variation of the focal length due to the movement of the, a fourth mirror 38 which is movable along the optical axis by a drive mechanism (not shown) is arranged. The reflected light is the original D
It goes without saying that it is the character or figure described in the above, that is, the image information on the document D.

Below the lens 36, near the center of the copying apparatus 2, the reflected light guided by the fourth mirror 38 is imaged to form a charge distribution pattern, that is, an electrostatic latent image. The photoconductor 40 is disposed.

Around the photosensitive member 40, a charging device 42 for charging the photosensitive member 40 with a predetermined electric charge, and the photosensitive member 4.
Developing device 44 that visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on 0 using toner, and copy paper as an image forming medium supplied from a paper feeding device described later on the toner image formed on photoconductor 40. A transfer device 46 for transferring to P and a cleaning device 48 for removing the distribution of electric charges in the photoconductor 40 to return the charging characteristics of the photoconductor 40 to the initial state and for scraping off the residual toner are sequentially arranged.
The transfer device 46 integrally includes an AC voltage application device 46a for separating the paper P after transfer from the photoconductor 40.

Thus, the latent image formed on the photoconductor 40 is converted into a toner image by the developing device 44, whereby the image information contained in the original document D is copied as a toner image, and the paper P is formed. Formed on.

To the right of the copying apparatus 2, that is, the photoconductor 40
A plurality of slots 50a, 50 into which a paper cassette to be described later is inserted at a position corresponding to the upstream side in the rotation direction.
b is formed. A paper cassette (hereinafter referred to as a main body) for supplying copy paper, a postcard, an OHP sheet, etc. of a paper size that is frequently used (copied) to the slots 50a and 50b, for example, the number of copies of the copy paper P that is consumed is relatively small. Cassettes 14a and 14b are mounted.

Further, the main body cassette 14 is inserted into the slot 50b into which the main body cassette 14b should be inserted.
A large-capacity cassette (hereinafter, referred to as LCC) 14c capable of accommodating several times as many sheets as a and 14b can be mounted. The LCC 14c can accommodate approximately 1500 to 2500 sheets of the same size of paper P, and the height of the paper P located at the uppermost surface is increased by the cassette base 14d that is vertically moved in the direction of arrow A by a motor (not shown). Is in contact with the paper feed roller 51b. Since the LCC 14c has a motor (not shown) for urging the cassette base 14d, it is electrically connected to the slot 50b via a drawer connector (not shown).

Below the copying apparatus 2, in order to form images on both sides of the sheet P, an automatic double-sided device (hereinafter, referred to as A) for guiding the sheet P having an image formed on one side thereof into the copying apparatus 2 again.
DD) 70 is provided.

Further, below the ADD 70, it is formed separately from the copying apparatus 2 and also serves as a stand for installing the copying apparatus 2 and accommodates plural kinds of paper cassettes inside. Multi-Sheet Feeder (hereinafter PFP
60) is installed. The PFP 60 has a plurality of internal cassettes 62a, 62b, 62c, and each of the internal cassettes 62a, 62b, 62c.
Friction roller 64 for pulling out paper P one by one from the
a, 64b, 64c and a pair of guide plates, respectively, and the friction rollers 64a, 64b, 6
It is configured to include a series of feeding paths 66a, 66b, 66c for guiding the paper P pulled out by the 4c into the copying apparatus 2.

This series of feeding paths 66a, 66b, 66c
Are the internal cassettes 62a, 62 in the PFP 60.
It is also used for transporting the paper P from b and 62c, and also for transporting the paper P from a cassette located below the currently selected cassette. For example, the paper P from the lowermost internal cassette 66c is sequentially passed through the feeding paths 66c, 66b, 66a, and the ADD 7
Copying device 2 via a relay unit 80 provided in 0
It is sent toward the photoconductor 40 inside.

Further, the feeding paths 66a, 66b and 66c are
Either one of the pair of guide plates is movable,
As a result, even if a paper jam occurs, it can be easily removed. That is, when the paper P is jammed in the feeding paths 66a and 66b, L
Since the right side surface of the PFP 60 can be opened by removing the CC 14c, the feeding paths 66a, 66
The guide plate on the right side of b can be moved by the user in the direction of arrow B. Further, when the paper P is jammed in the feeding path 66c, the guide plate on the right side of the feeding path 66c can be similarly moved by the user in the direction of arrow C.

The relay unit 80 has a connecting path 80a forming a paper path connecting means and a feed roller pair 80b, and is mounted on the slot 50b of the LCC.
It can be opened and closed by removing 14c. Thus, even if a paper jam occurs, it can be easily removed. That is, when the paper P is jammed in the relay unit 80, the LCC 14
By removing c, the right side surface of the ADD 70 can be opened in the direction of the arrow E in the drawing, so that the inside of the relay unit 80 can be exposed.

On the left side surface of the copying apparatus 2, the image (toner image) formed on the photoconductor 40 is transferred, and the discharged copy tray P on which the fixed copied paper P is stocked.
a is arranged.

Inside the copying machine 2, the photoconductor 4
At the position corresponding to the upstream side of 0, the main body cassette 14
First and second sheet feeding rollers 51a and 51b for pulling out the sheets P one by one from the a and 14b (or the LCC 14c) are provided. Further, a pair of first and second conveying rollers 52a and 52b for feeding the pulled-out sheet P toward the photoconductor 40 is provided at the ends of the first and second sheet feeding rollers 51a and 51b. Has been. Further, at the ends of the first and second conveying roller pairs 52a and 52b, feed paths 53a and 53b formed by a pair of guide plates, respectively.
And a connecting and feeding path 53c constituted by a pair of guide plates for allowing the sheet P supplied from the PFP 60 to be fed toward the photoconductor 40. Then, the inclination of the paper P is corrected immediately before the photoconductor 40, the leading edge of the image on the photoconductor 40 and the leading edge of the paper P are aligned, and the paper P is fed at the same speed as the rotation speed of the photoconductor 40. A pair of timing rollers 54 are arranged.

In addition, the photoconductor 40 of the copying machine 2
At a position corresponding to the downstream side of, a carrying device 56 for carrying the sheet P on which the toner image on the photoconductor 40 is transferred and the toner is electrostatically attached is provided. Further, a fixing device 58 is arranged in front of the carrying device 56. The fixing device 58 is a hollow cylinder, contains a heater lamp 58b for heating itself, and moves the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 40 in order to melt and fix the toner transferred to the paper P. And a pressure roller 58c that is pressed against the heat roller 58a and applies pressure to the heat roller 58a and the paper P, and that melts and fixes the toner. And
A discharge roller 16 for discharging the copied paper P, on which the toner image is fixed by passing through the fixing device 58, to the outside of the copying device 2 is provided in front of this.

Here, between the discharge tray 16a and the discharge roller 16 in the ADD 70, there is provided a sorting gate 71 for sorting the fixed sheet P in the discharge tray 16a direction or in the ADD 70. The sheet P sorted into the ADD 70 by the sorting gate 71 is fed again into the copying apparatus 2 with its front and back reversed. As a result, the paper P
Thus, an image is formed on the second side of the sheet, and the double-sided copying is finally performed on both sides of the sheet P.

That is, the ADD 70 is the paper P after fixing.
A conveyance path 70a for receiving and conveying the sheets as needed, a storage section 70b for temporarily stacking the sheets P guided in the conveyance path 70a, and an ADD pickup for appropriately taking out the sheets P stacked in the storage section 70b Laura 7
0c, and a paper feed system 70d including an ADD paper feed roller, an ADD separation roller, and an ADD registration roller for guiding the paper P taken out by the ADD pickup roller 70c into the copying apparatus 2.

On the other hand, the paper P sorted in the direction of the discharge tray 16a by the sorting gate 71 is discharged by the discharge roller 7
2 is discharged to the outside of the copying apparatus 2 and is stocked on the discharge tray 16a.

Reference numeral 91 in the figure denotes an LCC detector for detecting the mounting / non-mounting of the LCC 14c in the slot 50b, and 92 denotes a photo interrupter (TLP1217 (CLP) for detecting opening / closing of the relay unit 80, for example.
It is a relay unit opening / closing detector consisting of 2). Figure 2
3 illustrates an operation panel 18 provided on the upper cover 10b.

The operation panel 18 has a print key 18a for inputting a copy start signal and numeric keys 18 of "0" to "9" used for setting the number of copies and inputting a data signal.
b, a clear key 18c for interrupting the copying operation or returning data being input to "0", and an all clear key 18d for stopping all copying operations and returning the set copy mode to the initial state. ..

Input data (for example, the number of copies and copy magnification) can be displayed on the operation panel 18, and at the same time, the operation procedure of the apparatus 2, the paper P or toner supply timing, or an error message. And the like, a liquid crystal display device (hereinafter, referred to as LCD) 18e as a message display unit, and an operating state of the device 2,
For example, a monitor LED 18f that displays the selected cassette or the position of a paper jam is integrally assembled. FIG. 3 shows a control device incorporated in the copying apparatus 2.

That is, the main CPU 100 controls the entire copying apparatus 2, and the PFC-CPU 20
0 mainly controls the attached paper feeding device under the control of the main CPU 100.

The main CPU 100 includes a pulse motor 101 for reciprocating the first and second carriages 20 and 30 described above, a lens motor for moving the lens 36, the photoconductor 40, the developing device 44, and a conveying device 56. , The main motor 102 for urging the heat roller 58a and the like, and the paper feed rollers 51a and 51b included in the copying machine 2.
A motor (not shown) for driving the transfer rollers 52a and 52b is connected. In addition, the main CPU
Reference numeral 100 includes an operation panel 18, a lamp regulator 103 for lighting the lamp 22 for illuminating the document D and a heater 58b, a high voltage transformer 104 for supplying a high voltage to the charging device 41 and the transfer device 46, an ADF 12, an ADD 70.
A power supply device 105 for energizing a power supply voltage is connected to the motor and each device.

The PFC-CPU 200 has the LCC1
4c, the LCC motor 201 that moves the cassette base 14d up and down, and the plurality of small motors that are respectively arranged on the friction rollers 64a, 64b, 64c included in the PFP 60 and rotate the rollers 64a, 64b, 64c independently (not shown). And a motor (not shown) for driving the feed roller pair 80b in the relay unit 80 are connected.

Further, the PFC-CPU 200 has an LCC
LCC detector 91 for detecting attachment / detachment of 14c, upper limit detector 93 for detecting an upper limit position of the uppermost surface of the paper P due to rising of the cassette base 14d, door detector 94 for detecting opening / closing of the paper feed door of the LCC 14c, and relay The relay unit opening / closing detector 92 for detecting opening / closing of the unit 80 is connected. The LCC 14c is connected to the PFC-CPU 200 via the drawer connector 202. FIG. 4 shows an example of the relay unit open / close detector 92 described above.

The detection output (GHDOR) of the relay unit open / close detector 92 is input to the vacant port (P34 / CTS) 60 of the PFC-CPU 200. In this case, the unit opening is detected when the detection output (GHDOR) level is "H", and the blockage is detected when the level is "L". In addition, the output level becomes "H" even when the connector is disconnected (when not attached). FIG. 5 shows PFC-CP.
3 shows an example of an interface signal output from the U200 to the main CPU 100.

In this embodiment, output data (DATA6)
The result (signal GHOPN) of the detection output of the relay unit open / close detector 92 is added to the fourth bit (bit3) of the above.

However, the result of this detection output is the main C
The PU 100 side handles the relay unit 80 as valid only when it is mounted. This is the relay unit 8
0 is not installed and the relay unit 80 is open is determined by PFC-
This is because the CPU 200 cannot do this. This determination is required when the LCC 14c is not installed and the relay unit 80
This is because the condition for emergency stop is satisfied by the AND condition for opening. FIG. 6 shows a list of meanings of each signal.

In the figure, a signal GHOPN corresponds to the detection output (GHDOR) of the relay unit open / close detector 92 and regulates the operations of the PFP 60 and the ADD 70. In this case, when the signal GHOPN is at "H" level, copying is prohibited (copying operation is prohibited),
Copying becomes possible at the "L" level.

The signal LSOPN corresponds to the detection output (LSDOR) of the door detector 94, and is LCC14c.
It regulates the operation of. In this case, the signal LSOP
When N is at "H" level, copying is disabled and "L"
Can be copied at level.

The signal LCFON is supplied to the LCC detector 91.
Corresponding to the detection output (LCCON) of LCC1
4c is regulated (the PFP 60 and ADD 70 are also regulated, but they are not regulated independently).
In this case, when the signal LCFON is at "H" level, copying is not possible, and when it is at "L" level, copying is possible. The signal LCAVL indicates the presence / absence of the LCC 14c, and is always "L" level in the case of the present copying apparatus 2.

Of these signals, when the signal LCFON is at the "H" level and the signal GHOPN is at the "H" level, the PFC-CPU 200 side outputs the PFP 60 and AFP.
An emergency stop of the DD 70 is judged. When the relay unit 80 is opened, the signal GHOPN is the signal LCF.
According to ON. Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.

For example, the document D fed to the document placing table 10 through the ADF 12 is brought into close contact with the document placing table 10 at the document placing position. The original D is read, that is, the first carriage, by selecting a copy condition such as a copy color, a copy magnification, and a paper size via the operation panel 18, and further inputting a copy start signal from the print key 18a. It is illuminated by the light from the illumination lamp 22 when the forward movement of 20 is performed.

The reflected light from the document D passes through the slit area formed by the reflection plate 24, is guided to the first mirror 26, and is reflected toward the second mirror 32 of the second carriage 30. The reflected light guided to the second mirror 32 is reflected again by the third mirror 34, guided to the lens 36 that has been moved to a position that provides a desired magnification, and is converted into focused light here. After that, an image is formed on a predetermined position of the photoconductor 40 to which a predetermined charge has been given in advance via the fourth mirror 36. That is, the reflected light from the document D is converted into an electrostatic pattern on the surface of the photoconductor 40 by slit exposure and becomes a latent image.

The image formed as a latent image on the photoconductor 40 is guided to the developing area as the photoconductor 40 is rotated at a desired moving speed. In this developing area, the toner is supplied from the developing device 44, whereby the toner is selectively attached to the latent image and developed.

In parallel with the series of operations up to this point, the main body cassettes 14a, 1a are set in accordance with the document size and the image magnification.
4b or the LCC 14c and one of the internal cassettes 62a, 62b and 62c of the PFP 60, the cassette in which the optimum size of the paper P is accommodated is selected.

At this time, for example, the LCC 14c may not be mounted in the slot 50b of the copying apparatus 2 by the LCC.
It is detected by the detector 91, and it is detected by the main CPU 10
It is assumed that 0 is detected by the signal LCFON from the PFC-CPU 200. Then, in this case, the main C
In the PU 100, the PFC-C indicates that the relay unit 80 is not opened by the relay unit open / close detector 92.
It is confirmed by the signal GHOPN from the PU 200.

When it is confirmed that the relay unit 80 is not opened, for example, the cassette 62 in the PFP 60 is opened.
One of a, 62b and 62c is selected. Then, one sheet of paper P is pulled out from the selected cassette. This sheet of paper P passes through the relay unit 80 from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 40,
It is fed to a transfer area formed between the photoconductor 40 and the transfer device 46.

On the other hand, when the PFC-CPU 200 detects that the relay unit 80 is open, that is, when both the signal LCFON and the signal GHOPN are at the "H" level, the PFP 60 and the ADD 70 are in the emergency stop state, Cannot be copied.

The sheet P fed to the transfer area is temporarily stopped by the timing roller 54, and an image of the image is formed on the basis of the movement of either the first carriage 20 or the second carriage 30 in the sub-scanning direction. The leading end and the leading end of the paper P are aligned and fed toward the photoconductor 40.

On the other hand, the toner image formed on the photoconductor 40 is rotated at a desired speed, and the photoconductor 40 and the transfer device 4 are rotated.
When the sheet P is guided to the transfer area defined between the sheet P and the sheet 6, the sheet P from the timing roller 54 is attracted (adhered) by the electric charge remaining on the photoconductor 40.
Then, the paper P is passed through the transfer area as the photoconductor 40 rotates.

At this time, charges having the same polarity as the charges already applied to the photoconductor 40 (for forming a latent image) are supplied to the photoconductor 40 and the paper P from the transfer device 46. As a result, the toner attached to the photoconductor 40 is transferred to the paper P.

The paper P on which the toner has been transferred is transferred by the transfer device 4
When the AC voltage is applied from the AC voltage applying device 46a integrally formed with the photosensitive drum 6, the toner is released from the attraction with the photoconductor 40, and is sent to the transport device 56 in a state where the toner is loaded. Then, the heat roller 58a is passed through the transport device 56.
The toner is fixed (fixed) on the paper P by passing between the pressure roller 58c and the pressure roller 58c.

As described above, the paper P on which the image of the original document D is copied is discharged to the discharge tray 16a by the discharge rollers 16 and the discharge rollers 72 with its copy surface facing up (upward). It

The photoconductor 40 after the paper P is separated
Is further rotated and its surface is cleaned by the cleaning device 48.
To be cleaned. That is, the photoconductor 40
The residual toner is removed by the cleaning device 48, and the charge distribution pattern on the surface is returned to the initial state via a neutralization lamp (not shown), so that the next copying is possible.

When the number of copies is plural, the above transfer process is repeated until the copying operation for all copies is completed. Then, when the copy operation for the required number of copies is completed, the document D is taken out of the document table 10, and the above-described copying process is repeated.

Further, in the case of double-sided copying, the front side (first
The paper P on which the image is copied on the
Is guided to the ADD 70 and is again sent to the transfer area in the copying apparatus 2. Then, the back surface of the paper P (second surface)
On the other hand, after the next copy of the image of the original document D is repeated, it is similarly discharged onto the discharge tray 16a. As mentioned above, even when the LCC is not installed,
The open / close state of the relay unit can be reliably detected.

That is, a detector for detecting the opening of the relay unit is prepared so that the opening / closing of the relay unit when the LCC is not attached can be confirmed. As a result, when it is confirmed that the relay unit is not opened, it is possible to feed paper from the PFP while ensuring safety for the user. Therefore, paper can be fed from the PFP regardless of whether the LCC is attached or not attached.
It is possible to solve the problem that the paper cannot be fed from the PFP when the CC is not attached, and the device can be made highly convenient. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and within the scope of the invention,
Of course, various modifications can be implemented.

[0065]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to feed paper from another paper feed device even when the LCC is not mounted, and the paper is supplied without impairing the safety of the user. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming operation on an image forming medium.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram similarly showing an example of an operation panel.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram similarly showing an example of a relay unit open / close detector.

FIG. 5 is a diagram similarly showing an example of an interface signal output from the PFC-CPU to the main CPU.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a list of meanings of interface signals.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Copying device, 10 ... Document placing table, 12 ... Automatic document feeder (ADF), 14c ... Large capacity cassette (LCC),
18 ... Operation panel, 22 ... Lamp, 36 ... Lens, 40
Photoconductor 42, charging device 44, developing device 46, transfer device 58, fixing device 60, multi-stage paper feeding device (PF)
P), 62a, 62b, 62c ... Internal cassette, 70 ...
Automatic duplexer (ADD), 80 ... Relay unit, 91 ...
LCC detector, 92 ... Relay unit open / close detector, 100
... Main CPU, 200 ... PFC-CPU.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image forming medium for forming an image on an image forming medium is supplied with an image forming medium accommodated in a first accommodating means through an openable / closable guide member, and the guide member is also provided. An image forming apparatus having a detachable second accommodating means provided so as to cover the first accommodating means, a first detecting means for detecting attachment / detachment of the second accommodating means, and a second detecting means for detecting opening / closing of the guide member. And the first detection unit detects that the second storage unit is not mounted, and the second detection unit detects the blockage of the guide member only. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that permits sheet feeding of the image forming medium from the first storage unit. 2. An image forming means for forming an image on an image forming medium, a first storing means for storing an image forming medium to be supplied to the image forming means, and a first storing means for storing the image forming medium. An openable / closable sheet feeding unit for feeding the image forming medium to the image forming unit, and an image forming medium mounted to prevent the opening / closing of the sheet feeding unit and supplied to the image forming unit A detachable second storing means, a detecting means for detecting opening / closing of the sheet feeding means when the second storing means is not mounted, and a detecting means for closing the sheet feeding means An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that permits the supply of the image forming medium stored in the first storing unit to the image forming unit.