JPH05286607A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To facilitate refill of sheets by allowing a sheet feeding means and a transport means to transport sheets to a sheet accommodation part automatically when sheets are placed on sheet placing tables, and stopping the feed of the sheets when it is sensed that the accommodation part is filled with sheets. CONSTITUTION:When sheets are placed on sheet placing tables 201, 202 and a refill key in a function selection part is depressed, the sheets are fed via a refill transport system 140 to refill that of sheet cassettes 131-134 which has the size corresponding to the fed sheets. If a loaded amount sensor (stack height sensing means) S11 senses in the period from start of refilling till its end that the applicable cassette is going to be filled before a certain height is attained, the sheet feed is stopped so that no sheets are left in the refilling path. When a hand feed key or copy start key is depressed, the sheets on the tables 201, 202 are sent to an image forming system 120 via a refill transport system 140.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus provided with a paper placing table for supplying paper in a state of being exposed outside the apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus, such as a copying machine, which has been widely spread, has a paper storage unit such as a cassette for storing paper inside the device, and the paper storage unit supplies paper. This is a configuration for forming an image on a sheet to be sent. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus, a predetermined amount of paper is stored in the paper storage unit in the apparatus and is sent to the image forming unit one by one as needed.

That is, since the paper is a consumable item consumed by image formation, it is necessary to replenish it regularly. Conventionally, this paper replenishing operation is generally performed manually. Further, since the amount of paper that can be stored in the image forming apparatus is constant, the replenishment frequency needs to be increased as the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus increases.

On the other hand, as a means for facilitating such a paper supply operation, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-
No. 97145, "Feeding device", Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Sho 49-105
No. 431, "Cut sheet bundle for feeding", JP-A-1-
No. 242336, “Sheet feeding device” and the like have been proposed.

In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 60-97145, "Feeding device", a sheet wrapping material is made of a strong material such as cardboard and resin into a box shape, and a feeding roller and a separating claw are provided. After the contacting portion is separated by the box-shaped member, it is mounted at the sheet feeding position of the image forming apparatus main body. That is, by using the packaging material of the sheet as a cassette for feeding the sheet of the box-shaped member, the sheet can be easily handled while being stored in the packaging material, and the operability of the manual replenishment operation is improved. Is intended.

[0006] In Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. Sho 49-105431, "Cut Sheet Bundle for Feeding", the end portion of the sheet bundle is fixed by a band, which eliminates the need for sheet alignment operation when replenishing sheets to a cassette. By doing so, the operability of the supply operation is improved.

Further, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-2242336, "Sheet feeding device", the first and second cassettes are placed on a transfer belt, and when the sheets in the first cassette are exhausted, the second cassette is conveyed. Transferred to the position, with which the first
The cassette is automatically ejected out of the device.

[0008]

However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when paper is replenished, it is basically necessary to manually stack the paper in a paper storage unit (for example, cassette) inside the apparatus. Therefore, there were the following problems.

In the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to efficiently feed the sheet from the sheet storage section to the image forming section inside the apparatus, and therefore the position of the sheet storage section in the apparatus main body is inevitably fixed. It is necessary to supply paper to the position where the paper storage section is located. That is, in the case of the conventional cassette type, the paper replenishing operation is an operation of removing the cassette (paper storage unit) from the apparatus main body, loading the paper in the cassette, and mounting the paper in the apparatus main body again, which is very troublesome There was a problem that was.

Further, in the case of the front loading method, which has become widespread in recent years, in the paper supply operation, the tray (paper storage unit) is pulled out from the apparatus main body, paper is loaded in the tray, and the tray is stored in the apparatus main body. That is the operation. This has the advantage that there is no need to have a heavy cassette compared to the cassette type, but because of the configuration of the front loading type, the tray, which is the paper storage unit, is often provided below the device, so there is no need to worry about it. There was a problem that the workability was poor because the user had to bend down to supply the paper.

Further, the sheet storage section needs to store the stacked sheets for a long period of time to protect it from moisture absorption, falling objects, etc. Therefore, for example, the cassette system requires a cover for the sheet storage section (cassette). In the front loading method, the paper storage unit (tray) is stored in the main body of the device. Therefore, when replenishing the paper, it is necessary to remove the cover or pull it out of the apparatus main body, which makes the replenishment operation more complicated and troublesome.

Further, in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper storage units, it is necessary to supply paper to the paper storage unit that has run out of paper, so the operator is required to identify the paper storage unit that has no paper. There is also a problem that the work is complicated because it is necessary to check the display section of the main body and search for the paper storage section that needs replenishment.

On the other hand, according to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 60-97145, "Feeding device", the operability of the manual replenishing operation is improved by using the sheet packaging material as a cassette for feeding the sheet. However, since it is necessary to give the sheet packaging material sufficient strength to be used as a cassette, the cost will inevitably increase compared to the case where the original sheet storage is the only purpose, and the packaging material Also, there is a problem in that the receiving portion of the apparatus body is a dedicated product and lacks versatility.

According to Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. Sho 49-105431, "Cutting Sheet Bundle for Feeding", it is possible to improve the operability of the replenishing operation by eliminating the sheet aligning operation, but to remove the cassette and Since it is necessary to perform operations such as mounting, tray withdrawal and storage, and paper loading operations, the complexity of paper supply still remains.

According to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-2242336, "Sheet feeding device", the operability can be improved by automatically exchanging the cassette, but it is complicated to replenish the sheet to the exchanging cassette. Was left.

Further, according to the conventional image forming apparatus, it is roughly classified into an image forming function for forming an image on a transfer sheet, an automatic document conveying function for automatically conveying a document, and a transfer sheet from a sheet storage section. Although the functions directly related to the image forming process, such as the paper transport function that supplies paper and discharges the paper to a predetermined paper discharge unit, are fulfilled, the time and effort involved in paper replenishment are accepted as unavoidable. Therefore, the concept itself of automating the paper supply to the paper storage unit is not applied, and there is a problem that a function for paper supply operation is not provided.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to improve workability in paper supply, simplify the supply operation, and easily supply paper.

Further, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a new function for easily and efficiently supplying paper.

[0019]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus having a plurality of sheet storage units capable of stacking sheets up to a predetermined height, and the sheets are arranged outside the apparatus. The sheet placing means provided, the feeding means for feeding the sheet placed on the sheet placing means, and the sheet fed by the feeding means is selectively conveyed to any one of the plurality of sheet accommodating portions. Based on the detection means, the conveyance means, the paper height detection means for detecting that the paper stored in the paper storage section is full before the predetermined height, and outputting a detection signal The present invention provides an image forming apparatus provided with control means for stopping the feeding of paper by the feeding means.

In addition to the above-mentioned structure, a paper size detecting means for detecting the size of the paper placed on the paper placing means is provided, and the control means responds to the paper size detected by the paper size detecting means. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that changes the timing at which the feeding means stops feeding.

[0021]

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when a sheet is placed on the sheet placing means, the sheet is fed by the feeding means and the conveying means.
The paper is automatically conveyed to the paper storage section.

At this time, before the paper is stored in the paper storage unit to a predetermined height and is full, the paper height detecting means detects that the paper is full and stops the feeding of the paper.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, when the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a copying machine, [schematic structure of copying machine], [configuration of automatic document / transfer sheet conveying device], [configuration of main controller], [paper] Replenishment control] and [refilling stop subroutine when full] will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Schematic Configuration of Copying Apparatus] FIG. 1 is an external view of a copying apparatus (image forming apparatus) of the present embodiment, in which an automatic original / transfer sheet is conveyed to the upper surface of the copying apparatus main body 100 in the upper projection plane. The device 200 is mounted. As shown in the figure, the automatic document / transfer sheet conveying device 200 includes two sheet loading tables 2
01 and 202 are provided. In addition, the copying machine body 1
The human body detection sensor SN for detecting the presence of a person within a predetermined range around the operation display unit 300 and the apparatus main body on the front side of 00.
Is provided. In addition, as the human body detection sensor SN,
A commonly used ultrasonic sensor is used.

FIG. 2 shows the structures of the copying apparatus main body 100 and the automatic document / transfer sheet conveying apparatus 200. The automatic document / transfer sheet conveying device 200 is mounted on the platen glass 111 of the copying apparatus main body 100, and is provided with a sheet placing table 201, 202 for placing a sheet (original or transfer sheet) and a sheet placing table 201, The sheet sent from the sheet 202 is fed to the platen glass 111 side or a sheet feeding cassette 131 to be described later.
Switching unit 203, 204, 205 for guiding to the 134 side
And a conveyor belt 206 that conveys the paper sent from the paper trays 201 and 202 onto the platen glass 111.
And a paper ejection tray 2 for ejecting the paper for which exposure processing has been completed
07 and.

The copying apparatus main body 100 is roughly divided into an optical system 110, an image forming system 120, a sheet storing / feeding system 130, and a replenishing / conveying system 140.

The optical system 110 includes a platen glass 111 for placing a document and an exposure lamp 112 for illuminating the document.
And a V mirror 113, a lens 114, and a mirror 115 for guiding the reflected light to a photosensitive belt 121 described later.

The image forming system 120 includes a photosensitive belt 121,
A charging charger 122 that uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor belt 121, and a developing device 123 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor belt 121 with a toner to make it a visible image.
And a transfer charger 124 for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive belt 121 obtained by the development to a transfer paper.
A separation charger 125 for separating the transfer paper after the transfer from the photosensitive belt 121, a cleaning device 126 for removing the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive belt 121 after the transfer paper separation, and a cleaning device 126 on the transfer paper. It is composed of a fixing device 127 for fixing the toner image.

The paper storage / feed system 130 includes four paper feed cassettes 131, 132, 133, 13 for storing transfer paper.
4 and a transport path for guiding the transfer paper fed from these paper feed cassettes 131 to 134 to the image forming system 120.
In the paper feed cassettes 131 to 134, the upper two paper feed cassettes 131 and 132 are fixed paper size paper feed cassettes, and the lower two paper feed cassettes 133 and 134 are paper size variable paper feed cassettes. The upper two stages are used for A4 size, letter size, etc., which are frequently used, and the first copy time (the time from when the print start key is turned ON until the transfer paper is ejected from the copying apparatus main body 100) is minimized or the paper capacity of the cassette is increased. It is possible to increase the number of times and cope with high frequency of use.

Paper feed cassettes 131, 1 of fixed paper size
Since the size of the paper to be stored in 32 is determined, when the paper sent from the replenishment / conveyance system 140 described later is stored as it is, the paper is stacked in the cassette in an aligned state. On the other hand, a paper cassette 1 with variable paper size
The sizes of the sheets 33 and 134 to be stored are variable, and in order to align and stack the sheets in the cassette, it is necessary to change the conveyance end timing of the rear end portion of the sheets depending on the sheet size. Therefore, in this embodiment, the paper feed cassette 133,
A plurality of transport rollers 136 for transporting the sheet into the sheet 134, and switching sections 137a, 137b, 137c, for adjusting the transport end timing of the rear end of the sheet according to the sheet size.
137d is provided. Reference numeral 135 is a shift roller for aligning the sheets replenished in the sheet feed cassettes 131 to 134 to the front end portion of the cassette, and 138 is a sheet roll placed in the sheet feed cassettes 131 to 134. It is a separating and feeding device that separates and feeds sheets one by one.

The replenishing / conveying system 140 transfers the paper sent from the automatic document / transfer paper conveying device 200 to the image forming system 120,
Alternatively, the switching unit 14 is a transport path for transporting the sheet to the sheet storage / feed system 130 and guiding the sheet to the image forming system 120.
1 and a paper feed cassette 1 of the paper storage / feed system 130
Switching unit 14 for guiding to 31, 132, 133, 134
It has 2,143,144. In addition, the replenishment transport system 1
The linear velocity of 40 (paper transport velocity) can be set higher than the linear velocity of transporting to the image forming system 120 during the image forming operation, because the linear velocity of replenishing the sheets to the sheet feeding cassettes 131 to 134 can be set higher. A motor having a variable speed (for example, a stepping motor) as a motor for driving a roller or a roller on the conveyance path between the table 201 and 202 and the switching unit 141.
Are using.

Further, the automatic document / transfer sheet conveying device 200,
The sensors S1 to S12 are arranged in the copying apparatus main body 100 as shown in the figure.

Here, the sensor S1 is the paper loading table 20.
Paper placed on 1,202 (original or transfer paper)
It is a size detection sensor that detects the size of the photo sensor and is composed of a combination of multiple photo sensors.

The sensor S2 is used for the paper trays 201 and 202.
It is a timing sensor that detects the leading edge of the paper fed from the paper and measures the delivery timing.

The sensor S3 is a paper discharge sensor for detecting that the original document for which the exposure process has been completed is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 207.

The sensor S4 is used for the paper trays 201 and 202.
This is a conveyance sensor that detects that the sheet fed from is conveyed to the replenishment conveyance system 140.

The sensor S5 is a conveyance sensor which is arranged in a common conveyance path of the image forming system 120 and the paper storage / feeding system 130 in the conveyance path of the replenishment conveyance system 140 and detects the presence / absence of paper conveyance.

The sensor S6 is a conveyance sensor for detecting that a sheet has been conveyed to the side of the sheet storage / feed system 130 in the conveyance path of the replenishment conveyance system 140.

The sensor S7 is a conveyance sensor disposed immediately after the switching unit 142 and immediately before the sheet feeding cassette 131, and the sensor S8 is immediately after the switching unit 143 and immediately before the sheet feeding cassette 132. S9 is the switching unit 14
The sensor S10 is a transport sensor disposed immediately after the sheet feeding cassette 133 and immediately before the sheet feeding cassette 133. The sensor S10 is a transport sensor disposed immediately before the sheet feeding cassette 134. That is, the sensors S7-10
Is a conveyance sensor that detects that a sheet has been conveyed to each of the sheet feeding cassettes 131 to 134.

The sensors S11 are the paper feed cassettes 1 respectively.
A stacking amount detection sensor that detects when the sheets stacked in 31 to 134 are full by height, and detects a height that has a margin above the limit of stacking.

The sensor S12 is a paper discharge sensor arranged downstream of the fixing device 127 for detecting paper discharge.

Here, referring to FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b),
The configuration of the load detection sensor S11 will be specifically described. Stacking amount detection sensor S11, a transmission type photosensor element S11 _-1 ~S11 _-9 (hereinafter, elements S11 _-1 ~S11 _-9
It is composed of 9 stations), and the shielding plate 139b
“H” is output with the shielding of, and “L” is output without the shielding. As shown in FIG. 7A, the shielding plate 139b is connected to the paper contact bar 139a with the shaft 139c interposed therebetween, and when the papers are stacked in the paper feed cassettes 131 to 134, the paper contact bar 139b. 139a goes up, and conversely, the shield plate 139b goes down. FIG. 11B shows the state of the elements S11 _{-1 to} S11 _-9 when the shielding plate 139b is at the position shown in FIG.
11 _{-1 to} S11 _-5 are shielded as shown by the diagonal lines in the figure.

Therefore, when there is no paper in the paper feed cassettes 131 to 134, the paper contact bar 139a is in contact with the bottom surface of the paper feed cassettes 131 to 134, and conversely the shield plate 139b causes the element _S11-9. Ascend to the position where it shields.

On the other hand, when the sheets are fully loaded in the sheet feeding cassettes 131 to 134 (that is, a predetermined height of the stacking limit), all the elements S11 _{-1 to} S11 _-9 are in the non-shielded state, The shield plate 139b stops at a position lower than the element S11 ₋₁ by Δh.

In other words, if the element S11 _-1 of the stacking amount detection sensor S11 is in the non-shielded state and more sheets of the height Δh are stacked, the sheet feeding cassettes 131 to 134 become full. In this embodiment, all the elements S11 _{-1 to} S1
The time when _1-9 becomes the state without shielding is detected as full in control timing.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the operation display unit 300,
Numeric keypad 301 for setting the number of copies and clear /
A stop key 302, a start key 303 for copying start, a mode clear key 304 for initializing various modes, an enter key 305 that is pressed for recognition when a numerical value is input in a special mode, and an interrupt mode is set or released. Interrupt key 306 for selecting, a mode selection key group 307 for selecting other various modes (for example, paper selection, scaling, image density, etc.), a liquid crystal display unit 308 for displaying various messages, and a human body detection sensor. S
A human body detection mode key 311 for designating a human body detection mode for detecting the presence of a person within a predetermined range around the apparatus main body using N is provided. The liquid crystal display unit 308
Has a fixed pattern portion 308a for displaying a mode state such as the number of copies, and a character (dot) display portion 308b capable of displaying characters.

[Structure of Automatic Document / Transfer Paper Conveying Device] Next, referring to FIGS.
00 will be described in more detail.

FIG. 5 shows an automatic document / transfer sheet conveying device 200.
3 is a perspective view from the front right side of the apparatus of FIG. The automatic document / transfer sheet conveying device 200 includes the above-described sheet placing tables 201 and 202,
Separation and feeding section 210 for separating and feeding the sheets placed on sheet placement tables 201 and 202 one by one, and function selecting section 220 for selecting the function of automatic document / transfer sheet conveying apparatus 200.
And a carrying / reversing unit 230 in which the above-mentioned carrying belt 206 is housed.

Here, the transporting / reversing section 230 needs to be used as a pressure plate when copying a thick material such as a book, and therefore is configured to rotate around the hinge section AA (see FIG. 2). .. The rotation about the hinge portion AA is because the sheet loading tables 201 and 202 are located above the transport / reversing section 230, and the sheet loading tables 201 and 202 are rotated.
Rotate to the maximum position that does not interfere with. 231 is
It is a handle part used when the transport / reversal part 230 is rotated as a pressure plate.

Further, the separating and feeding section 210 and the sheet placing table 2
01 and 202 rotate centering on the hinge part BB. As shown in FIG. 2, the rotation angle is about 45 ° to the upper left, and the leading end portions of the sheet mounting tables 201 and 202 are located at the copying apparatus main body 10.
0 It is configured so that it does not fall to the left from the extension line on the left end. This is to save space at the time of rotation and to prevent damage to an adjacent object or the sheet placing table itself due to excessive rotation. The rotation of the separation / feeding unit 210 and the paper trays 201 and 202 makes it possible to perform a paper jam caused at the connecting portion with the copying apparatus main body 100 and maintenance of the connecting portion.
Although not shown, the separation sheet feeding section 210 and the conveyance / reversing section 230 are provided with open detection sensors using transmissive photosensors, and the respective open states are independently recognized.

FIG. 6 shows the construction of the paper trays 201 and 202 and the separation / feeding section 210. Paper loading table 201, 20
2 is a trailing edge regulating plate 201a, 202 that regulates the trailing edge of the placed sheet and pushes the sheet forward (in the sheet feeding direction).
a is provided. This rear end regulating plate 201a, 202
When the start key 303 of the operation display unit 300 is pressed after the paper is placed, a moves automatically to regulate the rear end of the paper.

The separating / feeding section 210 is provided in addition to the switching sections 203, 204, 205 for guiding the sheets sent out from the above-mentioned sheet placing tables 201, 202 to the platen glass 111 side or the replenishing and conveying system 140 side. , Paper tray 20
A pickup roller 211 that rotates while being pressed against the uppermost sheet of 1,202 with a predetermined pressing force, a feed roller 212 that feeds the sheet moved by the pickup roller 211, and a reverse roller 213 for preventing double feeding. I have it. As a motor for driving these rollers, a speed-variable motor (for example, a stepping motor) is used.

As shown in FIG. 7, the size detection sensor S1 for detecting the size of the paper (original or transfer paper) placed on the paper trays 201 and 202 is composed of a combination of a plurality of photosensors. When all of the plurality of photosensors do not detect the paper, the paper loading tables 201, 20
It is also used as a paper detection sensor for detecting the presence / absence of paper by determining that the paper is not placed on 2.

FIG. 8 shows an automatic document / transfer sheet conveying device 200.
The function selection part 220 for selecting the function of is shown. The automatic document / transfer sheet conveying device 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes (1) sheets placed on the sheet placing tables 201 and 202 (in this case,
A replenishment function for conveying the transfer paper) to the paper feeding cassettes 131 to 134, and (2) a manual feeding function for conveying the papers (transfer papers in this case) placed on the paper trays 201 and 202 to the image forming system 120. , (3) The sheets (original documents in this case) placed on the sheet trays 201 and 202 are placed on the platen glass 111.
It has three functions of an ADF function (automatic document feeding function) of conveying to the upper side, and the function selecting section 220 selects a replenishing function for the upper (201) and lower (202) of the paper placing table, respectively. Replenishment key 221a, a manual feed key 222a for selecting a manual feed function, and LEDs 221b, 222b, 223b for displaying the selected function, and the ADF function with the highest frequency of use is used as an initial value for the paper tray. When a sheet is placed on 201 or 202, it is automatically selected. Therefore, when a function other than the ADF function is used, the desired selection key is pressed. In addition, the function selection canceling means is not provided, and the selected function is canceled by removing the placed paper.

According to the configuration of FIG. 8, when a sheet is placed, the use of the ADF is preferentially selected, so that it is possible to prevent the operability of the most commonly used ADF from decreasing. In addition, if the original is mistakenly written in the image forming system 120 or the paper feed cassette 131,
It is possible to prevent the situation where the data is sent to ~ 134.

As described above, unless the key for each function is selected, the operation is disabled, so that it is possible to reduce the probability that the paper will be conveyed to a path that is not intended by the operator.

[Configuration of Main Control Unit] FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the main control unit. The main control unit controls a CPU 401a that controls the operation of the entire copying apparatus, a ROM 401b that stores a control program and control data, a RAM 401c for storing data, and a clock I that outputs current time data.
C 401d, interfaces 401e and 401f to which various crossflow loads such as a motor and a clutch are connected, and an optical control plate 401 for controlling the optical system 110 shown in FIG.
g, and a serial communication decoder 40 for communicating with each control unit (that is, another slave CPU) such as the operation display unit 300.
1h, an analog interface 401i to which various analog sensors are connected, a digital interface 401j to which various digital sensors are connected, and a light load from a power supply unit corresponding to an instruction from the CPU 401a obtained via the serial communication decoder 401h. Solid-state relay intervening in the supply line of the power supply voltage VL, and
It is provided with a relay driver 401k for independently turning on / off the solid state relays intervening in the supply line of the heavy load voltage VH. The power source of this device is a commercial power source, and the voltage Vcc for logic load such as the CPU 401a and various sensors from the power source generated by the power source unit, the voltage VL for light load for operating the IC, the motor, the clutch, the heater, etc. Voltage V for heavy load
H and are supplied. However, in the RAM 401c and the clock IC 401d, in case the commercial power supply is cut off,
A backup power source 401l is connected.

[Paper Replenishment Control] As described above, in the copying apparatus of this embodiment, the sheet (transfer sheet) is placed on the sheet platforms 201 and 202, and the replenishment key 22 of the function selection section 220 is set.
By pressing 1a, the sheet stacking tables 201, 202
The upper sheet is replenished to the sheet feeding cassettes 131 to 134 having the same sheet size via the replenishing and conveying system 140.

Further, after placing a sheet (transfer sheet) on the sheet placing table 201, 202 and depressing the manual feed key 222a, the copy start key 30 of the operation display unit 300 is continuously pushed.
By pressing 3, the sheets on the sheet trays 201 and 202 are fed to the image forming system 120 via the replenishing / conveying system 140, and the copy operation is executed.

Further, by placing a sheet (original) on the sheet rests 201 and 202 and pressing the copy start key 303, the originals are conveyed from the sheet rests 201 and 202 to the platen glass 111, and at the same time, the sheet is moved. (Transfer paper) is fed from the paper feed cassettes 131 to 134 to the image forming system 120, and the copy operation is executed.

Here, for simplicity of explanation, the paper supply control of the main control unit will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10 by limiting only the pressing of the supply key 221a and the copy start key 303.

The main control unit uses the copy start key 30
When 3 is pressed, the copy operation is started according to the mode set through the operation display unit 300 and the number of copies, and image formation is executed until the copy is completed (S101, S).
102, S104).

At this time, when the replenishment key 221a is pressed between the start of copying and the end of copying (S102), a replenishment reservation is made in which the replenishing operation is not executed immediately and the conveyance operation by the replenishment conveying system 140 is put in a standby state. (S105), after completion of copying (S106), it is determined whether or not the human body detection mode is set (S107).

Whether the human body detection mode is set or not is determined by turning on / off the human body detection mode key 311 of the operation display unit 300. Here, the human body detection mode key 311
If is ON, it is the human body detection mode, and the human body detection sensor S
If N (ultrasonic sensor) is OFF (S108), since there is no person around the copying apparatus main body 100, the supply reservation state is canceled and the supply operation is started (S109).

On the other hand, if the human body detection mode is not set, the time T of the subtraction timer is set to the predetermined time S (S110), the timer T is set to 0, the replenishment reservation state is released, and the replenishment operation is performed. It starts (S112). In other words, the supply operation is started after the lapse of the predetermined time S.

At this time, if the paper feed cassette is not full and the copy start key 303 is not pressed between the start of the supply and the end of the supply, the completion of the supply is awaited in S101.
It returns to (S112, S113, S116).

If the paper feed cassette becomes full during the period from the start of replenishment to the end of replenishment, the full-time replenishment stop subroutine described below is executed (S117). When the copy start key 303 is pressed between the start of supply and the end of supply, the supply operation is stopped once (S114), the copy operation is started (S115), and the process returns to S105 to make a supply reservation, and then continue. Then, the steps from S106 onward are repeated.

On the other hand, in S101, when the supply key 221a is pressed while the copy start key 303 is not pressed (S118), the steps from S109 are executed.

In this way, the paper trays 201, 20
By placing the sheet on the sheet No. 2 and pressing the supply key 221a, the sheet can be automatically conveyed to the sheet feeding cassettes 131 to 134.

[Supply Stop Subroutine When Full] In this embodiment, the paper feed cassettes 131 to 131 are fed during the paper feed operation.
When the stacking amount detection sensor S11 provided in 134 detects fullness, the replenishment operation is stopped. At this time, if the drive unit related to the replenishment is stopped immediately after the fullness is detected, the sheet stacking tables 201 and 202 and the paper feed are stopped. Some sheets existing on the replenishment path between the cassettes 131 to 134 (for example, the replenishment / conveyance system 140) become a jam, so it is detected by the ON / OFF timing of the sensor that there is no sheet on the replenishment path. Supply has been stopped.

However, at the time when the stacking amount detection sensor S11 detects that the sheet is full, the number of sheets existing on the supply path varies depending on the size of the sheet. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the stacking amount detection sensor S11 detects with a margin (the number of stacked sheets of height Δh) so that all the sheets existing in the replenishing path can be stacked when the fullness is detected. In Although,
Since the number of loaded sheets for Δh is determined in consideration of the smallest size paper in the carrying direction that may be most present in the replenishment path, the same timing as the smallest size is used for the long paper in the carrying direction. If the replenishment is stopped at, the height of the sheets stacked in the sheet feeding cassettes 131 to 134 becomes lower than the predetermined height which is the stacking limit, and some sheets can be stacked.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, there are approximately twice as many sheets on the replenishing path as when the A4 transverse feed is carried, compared to when the A3 longitudinal feed is carried. Then, when Δh is set and the paper conveyed by the size detection sensor S1 is determined to be A3 portrait, after the full load detection sensor S11 detects fullness,
ON / OFF of the sensor in front of the sheet cassettes 131 to 134
ON / OFF for A4 horizontal feed, the number of times of which is known in advance
The replenishment operation is stopped after the number of times is counted twice.

With reference to FIG. 11, a full-supply replenishment stop subroutine when the paper feed cassette becomes full between the start of replenishment and the end of replenishment will be described below. For simplification of description, the size of the sheets placed on the sheet trays 201 and 202 will be limited to two of A4 landscape and A3 portrait.

First, the size of the paper on the paper trays 201 and 202 is judged based on the detection signal of the size detection sensor S1 (S201). If the size is A4, the sensor S2 turns off.
After waiting for F (S202), the driving of the separation / feeding unit 210 is stopped (S203). Next, the conveyance sensors (S7, S8, S9, S1) immediately before the paper feed cassette of the paper supply destination.
0) is turned OFF a predetermined number of times, in other words, waiting for all M sheets existing in the replenishment path to be conveyed to the paper feed cassette (S204), and then the replenishment conveyance system 14
The drive of 0 is stopped (S205).

On the other hand, when the paper size is A3 portrait, the sensor S2 is turned off N times (S206), and the driving of the separation / feeding unit 210 is stopped (S207). Next, the transport sensor (S7, S
After waiting for 8 × S9, S10) to be turned OFF for a predetermined 2 × M times (S208), the driving of the replenishing and conveying system 140 is stopped (S209). However, the relationship between N and M is N = (2
× M)-(the number of A3 portrait sheets existing on the supply path).

[0076]

As described above, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when a sheet is placed on the sheet placing means, it is automatically conveyed to the sheet storing section by the feeding means and the conveying means.
It is possible to improve the workability of paper supply, simplify the supply operation, and easily supply paper. In addition, it is possible to provide a new function that allows paper to be easily and efficiently supplied.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention detects the height of the paper stored in the paper storage unit before the paper height reaches a predetermined height and outputs a detection signal. Since the detection unit and the control unit for stopping the feeding of the sheet by the feeding unit based on the detection signal are provided, it is possible to store all the sheets existing in the replenishment path in the sheet storage unit when the full state is detected. ..

Further, since the timing of stopping the feeding of the feeding means is changed according to the paper size detected by the paper size detecting means, the paper can be stored up to a predetermined height which is the limit of the paper storing section. It is possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external view of a copying apparatus (image forming apparatus) of this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a copying apparatus main body and an automatic document / transfer sheet conveying apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a load amount detection sensor S11.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an operation display unit.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from the front right of the automatic document / transfer sheet conveying device.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a sheet placing table and a separation sheet feeding unit.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement of a size detection sensor S1.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a function selection unit for selecting a function of the automatic document / transfer sheet conveying device.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a main control unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of paper supply control.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine for stopping replenishment when full.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Copying Machine Main Body 130 Paper Storage / Feeding System 131-134 Paper Feed Cassette (Paper Storage Section) 140 Replenishment Conveying System (Conveying Means) 200 Automatic Document / Transfer Paper Conveying Device 201 202 Paper Placement Table (Paper Loading Means) 210 Separation and feeding section (conveying means) 220 Function selecting section 300 Operation display section 401 Main control section (control means) S1 Size detection sensor (paper size detection means) S11 Stacked amount detection sensor (paper height detection means) SN Human body detection sensor

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification number Reference number within the agency FI Technical indication location G03G 15/00 309 7369-2H (72) Inventor Naoki Sato 1-3 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo No. 6 In Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tomoko Takahashi 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo In Ricoh Co., Ltd.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus having a plurality of sheet storage units capable of stacking sheets up to a predetermined height, and a sheet placing means disposed exposed to the outside of the apparatus, and a sheet placing means placed on the sheet placing means. A feeding means for feeding the placed paper, a feeding means for selectively feeding the paper fed by the feeding means to any one of the plurality of paper storage portions, and a paper storage portion Paper height detecting means for detecting that the paper height is full before reaching the predetermined height and outputting a detection signal, and feeding of the paper by the feeding means based on the detection signal An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit for stopping the operation. 2. A paper size detecting means for detecting the size of the paper placed on the paper placing means, wherein the control means is configured to feed the paper according to the paper size detected by the paper size detecting means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing of stopping the feeding of the means is changed.