JPH10198223A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply set an attribute corresponding to a mode in a housing means, without clearing mode data which has already been set so as to execute a cover mode, even if the attribute corresponding to the cover mode is not set in at least one housing means, at the time of setting the cover mode. SOLUTION: In the step S4, a main control part judges whether the attribute of the fact that a feeding cassette is one for housing a paper sheet used exclusively for a cover is set in at least one of plural feeding cassettes or not. When a cover housing attribute is not set in any of the feeding cassettes, transition to an attribute setting mode is attained (the step S5). The main control part executes returning to a data setting state in the cover mode just before the transition to the attribute setting mode step S7, when the cover housing attribute is set in at least one feeding cassette by an attribute setting picture in the attribute setting mode and the attribute setting mode is completed (the step S6).

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 or a printer having a function of arranging / inserting a cover-only sheet or an interleaf-only sheet at a predetermined position of a sheet bundle of sheets on which images are recorded. The present invention relates to a forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image forming apparatus, for example, a cover mode in which colored sheets or the like are automatically arranged at the top or bottom of a sheet bundle on which an image is recorded as a cover sheet, A function for enabling a slip sheet mode for inserting a slip sheet for indicating a break or a break between a plurality of sheet bundles into a preset position of the break in the sheet bundle or between the sheet bundles is provided. There is something. Generally, in such an image forming apparatus, when an image is recorded on a sheet in the cover mode or the slip sheet mode, the cover sheet or the slip sheet is previously stored in a specific sheet cassette. Is set, and the paper is separately fed from both the paper cassette that stores the cover-only paper or the interleaf paper and the paper cassette that stores the normal paper. , A cover-only sheet or an interleaf-only sheet is arranged / inserted at a predetermined position.
Here, the size of the normal paper on which the image is recorded must be the same as the size of the cover-only paper or the interleaf-only paper.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-85559 discloses that when the cover mode is set, if the size of the cover-only sheet is different from the size of the normal sheet to be image-recorded, a warning is issued to the operator and the image formation is started. A prohibited image forming apparatus is described. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-282136 describes an image forming apparatus in which the attributes of the sheets stored in a plurality of storage units can be easily changed.

[0004]

In the conventional image forming apparatus as described above, when the cover mode or the interleaf mode is set, it is necessary to execute the cover mode or the interleaf mode according to a predetermined procedure. Various control data
After setting (mode data), image recording on paper starts.

However, no attribute has been set for any of the paper feed cassettes as being a cover paper feed cassette or a slip paper feed cassette for storing cover only paper or interleaf paper. The size of the paper stored in the paper cassette or interleaf paper cassette is
If the size of the paper on which the image is to be recorded is different from the size of the paper to be recorded, an alarm to that effect is issued during the setting of the mode data or when the mode recording is completed and image recording is to be started. At the same time, the recording operation is prohibited, and the set mode data is cleared.

An object of the present invention is to set a cover mode or a cover sheet mode even when an attribute corresponding to the mode or a required sheet size is not set for at least one storage unit. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily setting an attribute corresponding to a mode or a required paper size to a storage unit without clearing mode data already set for executing a slip sheet mode. .

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: a plurality of storage units each capable of storing a bundle of sheets of different types;
Feeding means for separating / conveying one sheet from a bundle of sheets stored in one of the storing means selected from these storing means, and recording for recording an image on the sheet conveyed by the feeding means Means, cover mode setting means for performing cover mode setting processing for arranging a cover-only sheet at a position to be a cover of a sheet bundle formed of sheets on which images are recorded by the recording means, and any of the storage means Attribute setting means for setting an attribute that the cover mode is set as a cover storage means for storing a cover-only sheet, and at least one storage means for setting the cover mode by the cover mode setting means. If the attribute has not been set yet, the attribute setting unit shifts to an attribute setting mode in which the attribute can be set to the storage unit. Characterized by comprising a control means for returning the cover mode setting state immediately before the shift to after the constant mode completion to attribute setting mode.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the cover mode setting processing is performed by the cover mode setting means, the cover sheet storing means for storing the cover only sheet in at least one storing means. If the attribute “exist” is not yet set, the mode automatically shifts to an attribute setting mode in which the attribute setting unit can set the attribute to the storage unit. After the setting is completed, the state returns to the setting state of the cover mode immediately before shifting to the attribute setting mode.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: a plurality of storage units each capable of storing a bundle of sheets of different types; and a paper storage unit selected from one of these storage units. Feeding means for separating / conveying one sheet from the bundle, recording means for recording an image on the sheet conveyed by the feeding means, and a predetermined position in the sheet bundle on which the image is recorded by the recording means An attribute of being a slip-sheet mode setting means for setting a slip-sheet mode for inserting a slip-sheet dedicated to the slip sheet, and a slip-sheet storage means for storing slip-only paper in any of the storage means An attribute setting unit that sets the attribute setting. If the attribute is not yet set for at least one storage unit when the interleaving mode setting process is performed by the interleaving mode setting unit, the attribute setting is performed. By means Control means for shifting to an attribute setting mode in which attributes can be set for the storage means, and returning to the slip sheet mode setting state immediately before shifting to the attribute setting mode after completion of the attribute setting mode. It is characterized by having.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the interleaving mode setting process is performed by the interleaving mode setting means, the interleaving paper is stored in at least one storing means. If the attribute of the storage means has not been set yet, the attribute setting means automatically shifts to an attribute setting mode in which the attribute can be set for the storage means. After the setting of the attributes is completed, the state returns to the setting state of the slip sheet mode immediately before shifting to the attribute setting mode.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: a plurality of storage means capable of storing a bundle of sheets of different types, respectively; and a paper storage means selected from one of these storage means. Feeding means for separating / conveying one sheet from the bundle, recording means for recording an image on the sheet conveyed by the feeding means, and a sheet bundle comprising sheets on which an image is recorded by the recording means A cover mode setting unit for setting a cover mode for arranging a cover-only sheet at a position to be a cover, and an attribute of a cover storing unit for storing a cover-only sheet for any of the storing units. Attribute setting means, paper size setting means for setting the size of the storage paper for each of the plurality of storage means, and the cover mode setting processing by the cover mode setting means. In the case where the size of the cover-dedicated paper stored in the cover storage means is different from the size of the paper on which an image is recorded by the recording means, which is stored in any other storage means except the cover storage means Then, an alarm for indicating the mismatch of the paper size is output to the outside, and the paper size is set to a paper size setting mode in which the size of the storage paper can be set for any of the storage units by the paper size setting unit. And control means for returning to the cover mode setting state immediately before shifting to the paper size setting mode after completion of the paper size setting mode.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the cover mode setting process is performed by the cover mode setting device, the size of the cover-dedicated paper stored in the cover storage device is determined by the size of the cover storage device. If the size is different from the size of the sheet on which the image is recorded by the recording unit, the alarm is output to the outside to indicate the mismatch of the sheet size, and the sheet size setting unit Automatically shifts to the paper size setting mode in which the size of the storage paper can be set for any storage means, and in this paper size setting mode, the size of the cover only paper and the paper on which the image is recorded are After the setting of the paper size is completed so as to match, the state returns to the setting state of the cover mode immediately before shifting to the paper size setting mode.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: a plurality of storage means capable of storing a bundle of paper sheets of different types; and a paper storage means selected from one of the storage means. Feeding means for separating / conveying one sheet from the bundle, recording means for recording an image on the sheet conveyed by the feeding means, and a sheet bundle comprising sheets on which an image is recorded by the recording means A slip-sheet mode setting means for setting a slip-sheet mode for inserting a slip-sheet only at a predetermined position, and a slip-sheet storing means for storing slip-only paper in any of the storage means. Attribute setting means for setting an attribute that there is, paper size setting means for setting the size of the storage paper for each of the plurality of storage means, and setting of the slip sheet mode by the slip sheet mode setting means. When the size of the interleaf-dedicated paper stored in the interleaf storage means is different from the size of the paper stored in any other storage means except the interleaf storage means and on which an image is recorded by the recording means To a paper size setting mode in which an alarm for indicating a paper size mismatch is output to the outside, and the paper size setting means can set the size of the storage paper for any of the storage means. And a control unit for returning to a slip sheet mode setting state immediately before shifting to the sheet size setting mode after completion of the sheet size setting mode.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the interleaf mode setting process is performed by the interleaf mode setting means, the size of the interleaf exclusive paper stored in the interleaf storage means is: If the sheet is stored in any other storage unit except the slip sheet storage unit and the size of the sheet on which the image is recorded by the recording unit is different, an alarm for indicating a mismatch of the sheet size is output to the outside. The paper size setting means automatically shifts to a paper size setting mode in which the size of the storage paper can be set for an arbitrary storage means. After the setting of the sheet size is completed so that the size of the sheet matches the size of the sheet to be inserted, the state returns to the setting state of the slip sheet mode immediately before the shift to the sheet size setting mode.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein 1 is a scanner unit, 2 to 5 are first to fourth mirrors, 6 is a lens unit including a plurality of lenses, 7 is an illumination lamp, 8 Is a contact glass, 9 is a dust-proof glass for preventing toner from entering the scanner unit 1 from the image recording unit 10, 11 is a photosensitive drum, 12 is a main motor, 13 is a cleaning unit, 14 is a neutralization lamp, 15 is a charging charger, 16 is an eraser, 17 is a developing unit, 18 is a paper feed roller, 19 is a paper feed cassette which is a storage means for storing the recording paper P, 20 is a pair of registration rollers, 21 is a transfer charger, and 22 is a separation roller. Charger, 23 is a separation claw, 24 is a conveyor belt, 25 is a fixing device, 26 is a paper discharge roller pair, and 27 is an ADF
(Auto Document Feeder) unit, 28 is a sorter unit, 29 is a staple unit arranged in the sorter unit 28.

Next, a recording operation by a copying machine having the above-mentioned components will be described. The main motor 12 rotates the photosensitive drum 11 in the direction of the arrow at the start of the recording operation. The cleaning unit 13 removes and collects the toner remaining after the previous transfer of the toner image from the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 rotating in the direction of the arrow, and enables a new image formation based on the electrophotographic process. The charging charger 15 passes through the cleaning unit 13 on the photosensitive drum 11 and uniformly charges the area irradiated with the charge removing light from the charge removing lamp 14, and the eraser 16 emits light to the outer peripheral portion of the charged area on the photosensitive drum 11. Irradiation is performed to form an image frame corresponding to the image size on the photosensitive drum 11.

On the other hand, a document (not shown) placed on the contact glass 8 is scanned by the scanner unit 1 at the timing when the tip of the image frame formed on the photosensitive drum 11 reaches a predetermined position. The scanner unit 1 includes a first mirror 2 and a first lamp 2 on which an illumination lamp 7 is mounted when scanning a document.
The carriage 30 is moved in the main scanning direction along the contact glass 8 and the second carriage 31 on which the second and third mirrors 3 and 4 are mounted is moved at a speed half the speed of the first carriage 30 in the main scanning direction. To move. As a result, the reflected light from the document forms an image on the photosensitive drum 11 via the first to third mirrors 2 to 4, the lens unit 6, and the fourth mirror 5.

The scanner unit 1 forms an image of the reflected light from the original on the photosensitive drum 11 to form an electrostatic latent image on the image frame of the photosensitive drum 11. At this time, by driving the photosensitive drum 11 so that the linear velocity of the photosensitive drum 11 and the moving velocity of the first carriage 30 are equal, an electrostatic latent image without distortion in the main scanning direction is obtained.

The developing unit 17 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 into a toner image with toner. At this time, by changing the bias potential applied to the developing unit 17, the density of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11 is adjusted.

Further, in the copying machine main body 32 shown in the drawing, a paper feed cassette 19 is detachably mounted in two upper and lower tiers, respectively. The bundle of Ps can be stored, and the user can record an image on the recording paper P of a required size by selecting the paper feed cassette 19 in advance.
In FIG. 1, for simplicity of description, only the paper cassette 19 which is directly attached to and detached from the copier main body 32 is shown. By connecting a unit (not shown), a sheet feeding cassette 19 required according to the type of recording paper P used by the user can be added.

At the time of recording, one sheet supply roller 18 corresponding to the sheet supply cassette 19 selected by the user is rotated, so that the uppermost one sheet of the recording sheet P stored in the sheet supply cassette 19 is removed. Only the recording paper P is separated and fed, and this one recording paper P is temporarily held at a position where the leading end thereof contacts the nip portion of the registration roller pair 20. The registration roller pair 20 starts transporting the recording paper P at a timing when the leading edge of the recording paper P coincides with the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11 at a predetermined transfer position. At the transfer position, the transfer charger 21 is moved by the electrostatic force to the photosensitive drum.
11 is transferred onto the recording paper P. At this time, the recording paper P is easily charged to a potential opposite to that of the photosensitive drum 11,
In addition, since the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is very smooth, the adhesion between the recording paper P and the photosensitive drum 11 becomes very large. For this reason, the separation charger 22 uses the recording paper P
Of the recording paper P and the photosensitive drum 11 is reduced by lowering the charging potential of the recording paper P. Then the separation charger
The separation claw 23 disposed at a position downstream of the sheet 22 separates the recording paper P from the photosensitive drum 11. This peeled recording paper P
Is transported to the fixing device 25 by the transport belt 24, and the fixing device 25
Applies a required amount of heat and pressure to the toner image on the recording paper P to fix the toner image on the recording paper P.

Here, the ADF unit 27 arranged so as to cover the upper surface of the contact glass 8 has a loading section into which a bundle of originals is loaded, and is loaded into the loading section in synchronization with scanning by the scanner section 1. The operation of transporting one original from the bundle of originals onto the contact glass 8 and discharging the original to the paper output unit after the scanning is completed, and transporting the next original to the contact glass 8 are all performed. This operation is repeated until scanning of the document is completed. Further, the sorter unit 28 connected to the paper discharge port of the copying machine main body 32 stores the recording paper P discharged from the copying machine main body 32 by the paper discharge roller pair 26 after the fixing is completed, for example, on a multi-stage tray. The discharge destination of the recording paper P is automatically switched so that the recording papers P are stacked in order or for each page. At this time, the recording paper P on which the image has been recorded can be bound by the staple unit 29, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit in the copying machine according to the present embodiment. Reference numeral 50 denotes a main control unit for executing control of the entire apparatus, and a central processing unit (CPU).
singUnit) 51, ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, RAM (Random A)
ccess Memory) 53, a nonvolatile RAM 54, a serial I / F 55, a timer 56, and the like. The main controller 50 includes a main motor 12 for driving the photosensitive drum 11 and the like,
7, duplex unit 58, paper feed unit 57 and duplex unit 58
AC load such as paper feed motor and clutch
Further, various DC loads 60 are connected, and further, inputs of various sensors 61 such as a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the fixing device 25 are connected. ADF unit 27, sorter unit 2
The post-processing device 62 and the operation unit 63 such as 8 are connected to the main control unit 50 via the serial I / F 55.

FIG. 3 is an external view of an operation unit in the copying machine of the present embodiment. Reference numeral 71 denotes a ten-key for setting the number of copies and the like. Reference numeral 72 is used to clear the number of copies input with the clear / stop key or to temporarily stop the copy operation. Reference numeral 73 denotes a liquid crystal / touch panel. A transparent touch panel is arranged on a liquid crystal panel for displaying an operation state and a message. Reference numeral 74 is a guidance key used to shift to a mode in which a description of a function and an operation method are displayed. A program key 75 is used to register and recall frequently used settings. Reference numeral 76 denotes a brightness adjustment knob, which is used to adjust the brightness of the display screen by the liquid crystal / touch panel 73. Reference numeral 77 denotes a mode clear / preheat key, which is used to cancel the set contents or to set a preheat state when continuously pressed for a predetermined time or more. Reference numeral 78 denotes a start key for instructing the start of a copy operation.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an initial setting screen displayed by the liquid crystal / touch panel shown in FIG. 3, and FIGS.
4 is an explanatory diagram of a cover / interleaf mode setting screen and an attribute setting screen displayed by the liquid crystal / touch panel shown in FIG. 3, respectively. In the initial setting screen G ₁ displayed by the LCD / touch panel 73, 81, "you can copy", the message area to display a message such as "Please wait", 82 is the number that was set in the upper part, the lower part Is a copy number display section for displaying the number of copies, 83 is an automatic density key for automatically adjusting the image density, 84 is an automatic paper selection key for automatically selecting the recording paper P, and 85 is the size of the recording paper P. A paper designation scaling key for automatically enlarging / reducing processing, 86 is a sort key for designating a process of aligning the recording paper P on which images are recorded one by one in a page order, and 87 is a page for recording paper P on which images are recorded. A stack key 88 for designating a sorting process for each recording sheet 88 is a recording sheet P that has been sorted.
Key is a staple key that specifies the binding process for each part, 89 is a special original feed key, 90 is a scaling key, 91 is a double-sided / page continuous key, 92 is an erase / move key, and 93 is a cover / insert sheet key. .

The initial setting screen G ₁ of the liquid crystal / touch panel 73
The pressure-sensitive switches of the touch panel are arranged in the areas of the various keys 83 to 93 displayed in the area. The items displayed by pressing the displayed areas of the various keys 83 to 93 with a finger or the like. Is entered.

Next, a description will be given of a control operation when setting processing of the cover mode and the slip sheet mode in the copying machine of the present embodiment. Figure 7 is a flow chart showing an example of a control operation at the time of the setting processing of the cover sheet mode in the copying machine of the present embodiment, first, the main control unit 50, cover sheet / slip sheet key 93 in the initial setting screen G ₁ is When detecting that it has been pressed (step S1), and to deploy the initial setting screen G ₁ in the liquid crystal / touch panel 73 to the cover / interleaf sheet mode setting screen G ₂ shown in FIG. 5 (step S2). LCD / touch panel 73 to display the cover / interleaf sheet mode setting screen G ₂ are a function as a cover mode setting means, the user, a liquid crystal /
The touch panel 73 allows input and setting of cover mode data required for executing the cover mode.

[0028] Then, the main control unit 50 detects that the one of the front cover setting key 101 or both cover setting key 102 in the cover / interleaf sheet mode setting screen G ₂ is pushed (step S3), and copying At least one of the plurality of paper feed cassettes 19 mounted on the main body 32 and the external paper feed unit
First, it is determined whether or not an attribute (hereinafter, referred to as a cover storage attribute) is set as the sheet cassette 19 for storing the cover-only sheet (step S4). Main control unit 50
If the cover storage attribute is not set in any of the sheet cassettes 19 (No in step S4), the mode is shifted to the attribute setting mode, and the display screen of the liquid crystal / touch panel 73 is displayed as shown in FIG. expand the attribute setting screen G ₃ shown in (step S5). In this attribute setting mode, LCD / touch panel 73 to display the attribute setting screen G ₃ are has a function as the attribute setting means, the user, the liquid crystal / touch panel 73
Thereby, the cover storage attribute can be set for an arbitrary paper feed cassette 19.

The main control unit 50, at least one of the sheet feeding cassette 19 or the manual feed tray (not shown) by the selection button 111 to 116 of the attribute setting screen G ₃ in the attribute setting mode cover housing attributes set for completion If it is detected that the key 110 has been pressed (step S6), the attribute setting mode is completed and the liquid crystal / touch panel
A display screen by 73 to return to the cover / slip sheet mode setting screen G _2. At this time, the main control unit 50 stores the input and setting data in the cover mode immediately before shifting to the attribute setting mode by the RAM 53, and based on this data, after completing the attribute setting mode, switches to the attribute setting mode. It returns to the setting state in the cover mode immediately before shifting (step S7). Thereafter, the user continues the input / setting of the cover sheet mode data required by the cover / interleaf sheet mode setting screen G _2, to complete the process of setting the cover mode (step S
8).

After completing the cover mode setting process,
By recording an image on the recording sheet P, the first page, or the first and last pages of the recording sheet P aligned in the page order and discharged to the sorter unit 28 are fed with the cover storage attribute set. The cover sheet supplied from the cassette 19 is automatically arranged.

[0031] Figure 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a control operation at the time of the setting processing of the interleaf sheet mode in the copying machine of the present embodiment, first, the main control unit 50, cover / interleaved in the initial setting screen G ₁ When detecting that the paper key 93 is depressed (step S11), and expand the initial setting screen G ₁ in the liquid crystal / touch panel 73 to the cover / interleaf sheet mode setting screen G ₂ shown in FIG. 5 (step S12). LCD / touch panel 73 to display the cover / interleaf sheet mode setting screen G ₂ are a function as slip sheet mode setting means, the user, a liquid crystal /
The touch panel 73 allows input and setting of slip sheet mode data necessary for executing the slip sheet mode.

[0032] Then, the main control unit 50 detects that the slip sheet setting key 103 in the cover / interleaf sheet mode setting screen G ₂ is pressed (step S13), and mounted on the copying machine main body 32 and the external feed unit Paper cassette 19 for storing interleaf paper only in at least one of the plurality of paper cassettes 19
Is determined (hereinafter, referred to as a slip sheet storage attribute) (step S14). When the interleaf storage attribute is not set in any of the sheet cassettes 19 (No in step S14), the main control unit 50 shifts to the attribute setting mode and sets the liquid crystal / touch panel 73.
A display screen by deploying the attribute setting screen G ₃ shown in FIG. 6 (A) (step S15). In this attribute setting mode,
LCD / touch panel 73 to display the attribute setting screen G ₃ are has a function as the attribute setting means, the user can set the slip sheet storage attributes for any of the paper feed cassette 19 by a liquid crystal / touch panel 73 become.

The main control unit 50, at least one of the sheet feeding cassette 19 or the manual feed tray selection button 121-126 attribute setting screen G ₃ in the attribute setting mode (not shown) slip sheet storage attribute is set for, If it is detected that the completion key 110 has been pressed (step S16), the attribute setting mode is completed and the liquid crystal / touch panel
A display screen by 73 to return to the cover / slip sheet mode setting screen G _2. At this time, the main control unit 50 stores the input and setting data in the slip sheet mode immediately before shifting to the attribute setting mode by the RAM 53, and based on this data, after completing the attribute setting mode, switches to the attribute setting mode. Return to the setting state in the slip sheet mode immediately before shifting (step S1
7). Thereafter, the user sets the cover / interleaf mode setting screen G ₂
To continue entering / setting the required slip sheet mode data,
The setting process of the slip sheet mode is completed (step S18).

After completing the setting process of the slip sheet mode,
By recording an image on the recording paper P,
Alternatively, at a predetermined position in the bundle of recording papers P that are aligned for each page and discharged to the sorter unit 28, the paper for exclusive use of the slip sheet supplied from the sheet cassette 19 with the slip sheet storage attribute is automatically set. Is inserted into. At this time, the predetermined position at which the interleaf paper is inserted is a position within or between the bundles of the recording paper P set in advance in the interleaf mode setting process.

[0035] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the control operation at the time of the setting processing of the cover sheet mode in the copying machine of the present embodiment, first, the main control unit 50, the cover in the initial setting screen G ₁ / When detecting that the slip sheet key 93 is depressed (step S21), and expand the initial setting screen G ₁ in the liquid crystal / touch panel 73 to the cover / interleaf sheet mode setting screen G ₂ shown in FIG. 5 (step S22). LCD / touch panel 73 to display the cover / interleaf sheet mode setting screen G ₂ are a function as a cover mode setting means, the user, cover mode data necessary to perform the cover sheet mode by the liquid crystal / touch panel 73 Can be input and set.

[0036] Then, the main control unit 50 detects that the one of the front cover setting key 101 or both cover setting key 102 in the cover / interleaf sheet mode setting screen G ₂ is pressed (step S23), advance The size of the cover-dedicated paper stored in the paper feed cassette 19 for which the cover storage attribute is set is the same as the size of the recording paper P stored in any of the other paper feed cassettes 19 and on which an image is recorded. It is determined whether or not (step S24). If the sizes of the cover sheet and the recording sheet P do not match (No in step S24),
The main control unit 50 outputs an alarm to the effect to the user by sounding a buzzer or the like, turning on a lamp, displaying an alarm message on the liquid crystal / touch panel 73, etc., and shifting to a paper size setting mode. deploying a display screen by the liquid crystal / touch panel 73 in the paper size setting screen G ₄ shown in FIG. 6 (B) (step S25). In this paper size setting mode, LCD / touch panel 73 to display the paper size setting screen G ₄ are a function as the paper size setting means, a user, for any of the paper feed cassette 19 by a liquid crystal / touch panel 73, It is possible to set the size of the recording paper P stored in the paper feed cassette 19 or the size of the cover only paper.

The main control unit 50 is housed paper size sheet cassette 19 so that the size of the recording sheet P by the paper size setting screen G ₄ are cover special paper and the image recording in the paper size setting mode coincide with each other If it is detected that the completion key 130 has been pressed after resetting
(Step S26) The paper size setting mode is completed, and the display screen by the liquid crystal / touch panel 73 is displayed on the cover /
To return to the slip sheet mode setting screen G _2. At this time, the main control unit 50 stores the input and setting data in the cover mode immediately before shifting to the paper size setting mode by the RAM 53, and based on this data, after completing the paper size setting mode, Return to the setting state in the cover mode immediately before shifting to the setting mode (step S2
7). Thereafter, the user sets the cover / interleaf mode setting screen G ₂
To continue inputting / setting required cover mode data.
The cover mode setting process is completed (step S28). Further, if necessary, the recording paper P in the paper cassette 19 in which the paper size is newly set or the cover-dedicated paper is replaced with the paper of the set paper size, so that the preparation for starting the image recording in the cover mode is made. Complete.

After completing the cover mode setting process,
By recording an image on the recording sheet P, a cover-only sheet is automatically arranged on the first page, or the first and last pages of the recording sheet P which is aligned in the page order and discharged to the sorter unit 28.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the control operation at the time of the setting processing of the interleaf sheet mode in the copying machine of the present embodiment, first, the main control unit 50, the cover in the initial setting screen G ₁ / When interleaf key 93 detects that it has been pressed (step S31), and expand the initial setting screen G ₁ in the liquid crystal / touch panel 73 to the cover / interleaf sheet mode setting screen G ₂ shown in FIG. 5 (step S32). LCD / touch panel 73 to display the cover / interleaf sheet mode setting screen G ₂ are a function as slip sheet mode setting means, the user is required to perform the slip sheet mode by the liquid crystal / touch panel 73 if Paper mode data can be input and set.

[0040] Then, the main control unit 50 detects that the slip sheet setting key 103 in the cover / interleaf sheet mode setting screen G ₂ is pressed (step S33), advance feeding of slip sheet storage attribute is set It is determined whether or not the size of the interleaf-dedicated paper stored in the paper cassette 19 is the same as the size of the recording paper P on which an image is to be recorded stored in any of the other paper supply cassettes 19 (step S34). ). If the size of the slip sheet only and the size of the recording sheet P do not match (NO in step S34), the main control unit 50 issues an alarm to indicate this to the user, such as a buzzer sound or a lamp. lighting, deployment and outputs to the outside by display of an alarm message by the liquid crystal / touch panel 73, is shifted to the paper size setting mode, the display screen by the liquid crystal / touch panel 73 in the paper size setting screen G ₄ shown in FIG. 6 (B) Yes (step S35). In this paper size setting mode, LCD / touch panel 73 to display the paper size setting screen G ₄ are a function as the paper size setting means, a user, for any of the paper feed cassette 19 by a liquid crystal / touch panel 73, The size of the recording paper P stored in the paper feed cassette 19 or the size of the paper dedicated to the slip sheet can be set.

The main control unit 50 includes a receiving sheet feed cassette 19 as the paper size setting screen G ₄ in the paper size setting mode is the size of the recording sheet P slip sheet special paper and the image recording matching each other size If the completion key 130 is detected after being reset
(Step S36) The paper size setting mode is completed, and the display screen by the liquid crystal / touch panel 73 is displayed on the cover /
To return to the slip sheet mode setting screen G _2. At this time, the main control unit 50 stores the input and setting data in the slip sheet mode immediately before shifting to the sheet size setting mode by the RAM 53, and based on this data, after the completion of the slip sheet size setting mode, Return to the setting state in the slip sheet mode immediately before shifting to the slip sheet size setting mode (step S3
7). Thereafter, the user sets the cover / interleaf mode setting screen G ₂
To continue entering / setting the required slip sheet mode data,
The setting process of the slip sheet mode is completed (step S38). Further, if necessary, the image recording is started in the slip sheet mode by replacing the recording sheet P of the sheet cassette 19 with the newly set sheet size or the sheet only for the slip sheet with the sheet having the set sheet size. Preparation is completed.

After completing the interleaving mode setting process,
By recording an image on the recording paper P,
Alternatively, an interleaf-dedicated sheet is automatically inserted at a predetermined position in a bundle of recording sheets P discharged to the sorter unit 28 aligned for each page. At this time, the predetermined position at which the interleaf paper is inserted is a position within or between the bundles of the recording paper P set in advance in the interleaf mode setting process.

[0043]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, when the cover mode setting process is performed by the cover mode setting device, the cover only sheet is stored in at least one storage device. If the attribute of the cover storing unit to be stored has not been set yet, the attribute setting unit automatically shifts to an attribute setting mode in which the attribute can be set to the storing unit. After the setting of the attribute in the setting mode is completed, by returning to the setting mode of the cover mode immediately before shifting to the attribute setting mode, the cover mode is temporarily stopped after the cover mode is started, and the attribute setting is started. Even if the mode is shifted to the setting mode and the mode is changed back to the cover mode, the data that has been input or set immediately before the mode is changed to the attribute setting mode is not changed to the cover mode. Since the Oite restored, there is no need to redo the data input or settings for setting the cover mode from the beginning, it is possible to improve the operability when setting the cover mode.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the interleaving mode setting process is performed by the interleaving mode setting unit, the interleaving paper is stored in at least one storing unit. If the attribute of paper storage means has not been set yet, the attribute setting means automatically shifts to an attribute setting mode in which the attribute can be set for the storage means. After the setting of the attributes is completed, by returning to the setting state of the slip sheet mode immediately before shifting to the attribute setting mode, the setting of the slip sheet mode is started, and then the slip sheet mode is temporarily interrupted. Even if the mode shifts to the attribute setting mode and returns to the interleaf mode again, the data already input or set immediately before the shift to the attribute setting mode is restored in the interleaf mode. , There is no need to redo the data input or setting for setting a slip sheet mode from the beginning, it is possible to improve the operability in setting the slip sheet mode.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the cover mode setting process is performed by the cover mode setting device, the size of the cover-dedicated paper stored in the cover storage device is changed to the size of the cover storage device. If the size is different from the size of the sheet on which the image is recorded by the recording unit, the alarm is output to the outside to indicate the mismatch of the sheet size, and the sheet size setting unit Automatically shifts to the paper size setting mode in which the size of the storage paper can be set for any storage means, and in this paper size setting mode, the size of the cover only paper and the paper on which the image is recorded are changed. After the paper size setting is completed so that they match, the cover mode is restored by returning to the cover mode setting state immediately before shifting to the paper size setting mode. Even after the cover mode is temporarily stopped after the mode setting process is started, the mode is temporarily changed to the sheet size setting mode, and the mode is returned to the cover mode again, the cover mode is already input or set immediately before the mode is changed to the sheet size setting mode. Since the data is restored in the cover mode, there is no need to restart the data input or setting for setting the cover mode from the beginning, and the operability when setting the cover mode can be improved.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the interleaf mode setting process is performed by the interleaf mode setting means, the size of the interleaf paper exclusively stored in the interleaf storage means is If the sheet is stored in any other storage unit except the slip sheet storage unit and the size of the sheet on which the image is recorded by the recording unit is different, an alarm for indicating a mismatch of the sheet size is output to the outside. The paper size setting means automatically shifts to a paper size setting mode in which the size of the storage paper can be set for an arbitrary storage means. After the paper size setting is completed so that the paper size matches the paper size, by returning to the interleaving mode setting state immediately before shifting to the paper size setting mode, After the mode setting process is started, the interleaving mode is temporarily interrupted, the mode is shifted to the paper size setting mode, and even if the mode is returned to the interleaving mode again, the input or setting has already been performed immediately before shifting to the paper size setting mode. Since the data that has been set is restored in the slip sheet mode, there is no need to restart the data input or setting for setting the slip sheet mode from the beginning, and the operability when setting the slip sheet mode can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit in the copying machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an external view of an operation unit in the copying machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an initial setting screen displayed by the liquid crystal / touch panel shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a cover / interleaf mode setting screen displayed by the liquid crystal / touch panel shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an attribute setting screen displayed by the liquid crystal / touch panel shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation when performing a cover mode setting process in the copying machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation when setting processing of a slip sheet mode is performed in the copying machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the control operation when the cover mode is set in the copying machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a control operation when setting processing of a slip sheet mode is performed in the copying machine of the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Scanner part, 10 ... Image recording part, 11 ... Photoreceptor drum, 12 ... Main motor, 18 ... Paper feed roller, 19 ... Paper feed cassette, 28 ... Sorter unit, 32 ... Copy machine body,
50: Main control unit, 51: CPU, 57: Paper feed unit,
63… Operation panel, 73… LCD / Touch panel, 86… Sort key, 87… Stack key, 93… Cover / Slip sheet key,
101: Front cover setting key, 102: Both cover setting key,
103… Slip sheet setting key, 110, 130… Complete key, 111 ～
116,121～126 ... Select key, G ₁ ... initial setting screen, G
₂ … Cover / interleaf mode setting screen, G ₃ … Attribute setting screen,
G ₄ ... paper size setting screen, P ... recording paper.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI G03G 15/00 510 G03G 15/00 510

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of storage units each capable of storing a bundle of sheets of different types, and separating / transporting one sheet from a bundle of sheets stored in one storage unit selected from these storage units. Feeding means, a recording means for recording an image on a sheet conveyed by the feeding means, and a sheet dedicated to the cover at a position to be a cover of a sheet bundle of sheets on which the image is recorded by the recording means. Cover mode setting means for setting a cover mode for placement; attribute setting means for setting an attribute as a cover storing means for storing a cover-only sheet for any of the storing means; and cover mode setting When the attribute is not yet set for at least one storage unit when the cover mode is set by the unit, the attribute setting unit sets the attribute in the storage unit. Control means for shifting to the attribute setting mode in which the attribute can be set, and returning to the cover mode setting state immediately before shifting to the attribute setting mode after completion of the attribute setting mode. Image forming apparatus. 2. A plurality of storage units each capable of storing a bundle of sheets of different types, and separating / transporting one sheet from the bundle of sheets stored in one storage unit selected from these storage units. Feeding means, recording means for recording an image on the sheet conveyed by the feeding means, and a sheet dedicated to slip sheet insertion at a predetermined position in a sheet bundle of sheets on which the image is recorded by the recording means. An interleaf paper mode setting means for performing a setting process of an interleaf paper mode for insertion; and an attribute setting means for setting an attribute of being an interleaf paper storage means for storing paper dedicated to interleaf paper in any of the storage means. When performing the setting process of the slip sheet mode by the slip sheet mode setting means, if the attribute has not yet been set for at least one storage means, the attribute setting means sets the attribute to the storage means. Control means for shifting to the attribute setting mode in which the attribute can be set, and returning to the slip sheet mode setting state immediately before shifting to the attribute setting mode after the completion of the attribute setting mode. Image forming apparatus. 3. A plurality of storage units each capable of storing a bundle of sheets of different types, and separating / transporting one sheet from the bundle of sheets stored in one storage unit selected from these storage units. Feeding means, a recording means for recording an image on a sheet conveyed by the feeding means, and a sheet dedicated to the cover at a position to be a cover of a sheet bundle of sheets on which the image is recorded by the recording means. Cover mode setting means for setting a cover mode for arranging; attribute setting means for setting an attribute as a cover storage means for storing a cover-only sheet for any of the storage means; Paper size setting means for setting the size of the storage paper for each of the means, and when the cover mode setting processing is performed by the cover mode setting means, the paper is stored in the cover storage means. If the size of the cover-only sheet is different from the size of the sheet on which an image is recorded by the recording unit and is stored in any other storage unit except the cover storage unit, it indicates that the paper size does not match. An alarm is output to the outside, and the paper size setting means shifts to a paper size setting mode in which the size of the storage paper can be set for any of the storage means. A control unit for returning to a cover mode setting state immediately before shifting to the size setting mode. 4. A plurality of storage means capable of storing a bundle of sheets of different types, respectively, and separating / transporting one sheet from the bundle of sheets stored in one storage means selected from these storage means. Feeding means, recording means for recording an image on the sheet conveyed by the feeding means, and a sheet dedicated to slip sheet insertion at a predetermined position in a sheet bundle of sheets on which the image is recorded by the recording means. An interleaf paper mode setting means for performing a setting process of an interleaf paper mode for insertion; and an attribute setting means for setting an attribute of being an interleaf paper storage means for storing paper dedicated to interleaf paper in any of the storage means. A sheet size setting unit for setting a size of a storage sheet for each of the plurality of storage units; and a sheet storage unit that is stored in the slip sheet storage unit when the slip sheet mode setting process is performed by the slip sheet mode setting unit. Was If the size of the interleaf-dedicated paper is stored in any other storage means except the interleaf storage means and is different from the size of the paper on which an image is recorded by the recording means, it indicates a paper size mismatch. The alarm is output to the outside, and the paper size setting unit shifts to a paper size setting mode in which the size of the storage paper can be set for any of the storage units. An image forming apparatus comprising: control means for returning to a slip sheet mode setting state immediately before shifting to a sheet size setting mode.