JPH1124512A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately form an image in accordance with a kind of paper, even in the case of using a front paper feeding tray in place of a manual paper feeding function. SOLUTION: The front paper feeding trays 6 and 7 are installed in the plotter part 3 of a copying machine 1. The paper outlets of the trays 6 and 7 are connected to an image forming part 13 through a paper supply path 9. and a resist roller part 11 is installed in the paper feed path 9. A paper thickness sensor 12 for detecting the thickness of a paper passing through the resist roller part 11 is attached to the resist roller part 11. The thickness of the paper is detected by the paper thickness sensor 12 based on the shift of the roller caused when the paper rushes into the resist roller part 11, then, by comparing the detected value with a prescribed value, it is judged whether the paper is a normal paper or a thick paper or a special paper, etc. In the case the paper is thick one or special one, the processing of inhibiting the operation of a sorter 21 and displaying a confirmation message on a liquid crystal panel 8 is executed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image forming apparatus, a front paper feed tray which can be opened and closed is provided on the front of a main body, and paper that can be fed from the front paper feed tray is a so-called plain paper having a continuous weight of 90 kg or less. It is. Thick paper, envelopes, postcards, release paper, special paper having a relatively large thickness such as OHP paper, etc., are fed by bypass paper feeding means outside the main body called manual paper feeding.

[0003]

The front paper feed tray is capable of storing about 250 to 1000 sheets of plain paper, and is capable of separating paper even if the number of sheets stored is large, and uses a relatively inexpensive paper separation mechanism. ing.

On the other hand, in manual paper feeding, a one-point use method for feeding thick paper, special paper, and irregular-shaped paper, which is usually infrequently used, is assumed, and only one sheet of paper is set. There are two types: those that cannot be set and those that can set several other sheets. The former can be provided relatively inexpensively, but setting one sheet at a time is extremely complicated. The latter requires an expensive paper feed mechanism to separate and feed several other thick papers or specialty papers one by one. In addition, only about one-third of thick papers are set at a time. Because it is not possible, the convenience is not good enough. And yet,
Even if the number of users who frequently use manual paper feeding is not negligible, and the number of sheets used at one time is large, the specifications are still unsatisfactory even with an apparatus capable of manually feeding several other sheets. Conversely, many of the users of the other few manual-feed devices do not use expensive manual feed mechanisms.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the manual paper feed, if a high-performance separation mechanism is mounted on the front paper feed tray, the function of the manual paper feed can be replaced with the front paper feed tray. The inventor has thought. As a result, the number of models that can feed paper from the front paper feed tray is greatly expanded, the manual feed function is not required, and high reliability can be obtained even when used for plain paper.

Conventional image forming apparatuses are often provided with peripheral devices related to paper discharge. The discharge-related peripheral device is a peripheral device in a discharge-related image forming apparatus, such as a sorter, a mailbox, a finisher, or a two-side reversing device, to which a sheet on which an image is formed once on one side is fed.
In this peripheral device related to paper ejection, there is almost no request to use thick paper or special paper, so it is not possible to compensate for the paper passing performance of paper other than plain paper in order to manufacture the device at low cost. There is a defect. Therefore, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when paper is manually fed, control is performed so that the paper is not passed through a peripheral device related to paper discharge.

However, when thick paper and special paper are also fed from the front paper feed tray as described above, plain paper must be fed to peripheral devices related to paper discharge, but thick paper and special paper must be discharged. Unless the paper is not fed to the peripheral device related to paper, a jam occurs in the peripheral device related to paper discharge, and there is a problem that the cause of the jam cannot be easily understood by the user.

Further, in the case of conventional manual paper feeding, the set temperature of the heat fixing device is usually set to improve the fixing property when thick paper is passed and to maintain the image quality. This was changed from the case of paper, and the image forming conditions were changed from those of plain paper.However, with the conventional device, the type of paper fed from the front paper feed tray is not known. Therefore, there is a problem that the set temperature and the image forming conditions of the heat fixing device cannot be changed depending on the type of paper, and image defects and poor fixability occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems and to appropriately form an image according to the paper type even if the manual paper feed function is replaced with a front paper feed tray or the like. is there.

Another object of the present invention is to realize, at a low cost, the ability to appropriately form an image according to the type of paper even if the manual paper feed function is replaced with a front paper feed tray or the like. is there.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent a jam from occurring even if the manual paper feed function is replaced with a front paper feed tray or the like.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent image defects even if the manual paper feed function is replaced with a front paper feed tray or the like.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent the paper from being fed in vain even if the manual paper feed function is replaced with a front paper feed tray or the like.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent image fixing failure even when the manual paper feed function is replaced with a front paper feed tray or the like.

[0015]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming a desired image on a sheet, one or a plurality of trays capable of storing a plurality of the sheets, and the tray. A supply path for supplying the sheet to the image forming apparatus, and a thickness sensor provided in the supply path for detecting a thickness of the sheet.

Accordingly, it is possible to detect the thickness of the sheet fed from the tray such as the front sheet feeding tray to the image forming apparatus, and to discriminate the type of the sheet from the detection result.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the thickness sensor comprises:
A pair of rollers provided in the supply path and urged in a direction such that they contact each other, and a thickness of the sheet is determined by a positional displacement amount of at least one of the rollers when the sheet passes between the rollers. And a displacement sensor for detecting the displacement.

Therefore, the thickness of the sheet can be detected based on the amount of displacement of the roller when the sheet passes between the pair of rollers, and the type of the sheet can be determined.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the thickness sensor comprises:
The pair of rollers is a registration roller.

Therefore, the pair of rollers can be replaced with a conventional registration roller.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided one or a plurality of discharge-related peripheral devices to which a sheet after an image is formed on one side by an image forming apparatus is fed, and the discharge-related peripheral device. Discharge selection means for selecting the discharge of the sheet with respect to the sheet, and when the thickness of the sheet detected by a thickness sensor when discharge of the sheet is selected by the discharge selection means is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the selection is performed. And a notifying means for notifying that reconfirmation is required.

Therefore, the type of the sheet is determined from the thickness of the sheet, and when the discharge of the sheet to the peripheral device related to the sheet discharge is selected, a message to prompt the user to reconfirm the selection is displayed or displayed. The user can be alerted by voice or the like.

The "peripheral device related to the paper discharge" is a peripheral device of an image forming apparatus such as a sorter, a mailbox, a finisher, and a two-side reversing device to which a sheet on which an image is formed on one side is fed. (The same applies hereinafter).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided one or a plurality of peripheral devices related to paper discharge to which a sheet after an image is formed on one side by an image forming device is fed, and the peripheral devices related to the paper discharge. Discharge selection means for selecting discharge of the sheet to the printer, a discharge port on a path separate from the discharge-related peripheral device, and a thickness sensor when the discharge selection means selects discharge of the sheet. When the thickness of the sheet is equal to or more than a predetermined value, an outlet selecting means for discharging the sheet to an outlet is provided.

Accordingly, the type of the sheet is determined from the thickness of the sheet, and when the discharge of the sheet to the peripheral device related to the discharge is selected, the sheet is discharged from the discharge port on a different path from the peripheral device related to the discharge. be able to.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming condition changing means for changing an image forming condition of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the thickness of the sheet detected by a thickness sensor. Is what you do.

Therefore, the type of the sheet can be determined from the thickness of the sheet, and the image forming condition of the image forming apparatus can be changed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when the thickness of the sheet detected by the thickness sensor is a predetermined value or more,
It is characterized by comprising storage means for storing the type of tray from which the paper is supplied, and release means for releasing the storage in conjunction with opening and closing of the tray.

Accordingly, the type of paper is detected by the thickness detection, and when the paper is thick paper or the like, the type of the tray from which the paper is fed is stored until the tray is opened and closed to replace the paper in the tray. Therefore, necessary processing can be performed in advance in connection with sheet feeding from the tray.

According to the present invention, there is provided one or a plurality of peripheral devices related to paper discharge to which a sheet after an image is formed on one side by an image forming apparatus is fed, and the peripheral devices related to the paper discharge. Discharge selection means for selecting the discharge of the paper sheet from the tray, paper supply selection means for selecting the supply of the paper sheet from any of the trays, and discharge of the paper sheet to a peripheral device related to the paper discharge by the discharge selection means. Is selected, and when the paper feed from the tray stored in the storage unit is selected by the paper feed selection unit, a notification unit for notifying the user to reconfirm the selection of the tray. Are provided.

Therefore, when the discharge of the sheet to the peripheral device related to the discharge from the tray stored as storing the thick paper or the like is selected, a message for prompting the user to reconfirm the selection is displayed. It is possible to call attention to the user by performing such an operation with voice or voice.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided one or a plurality of peripheral devices related to paper discharge to which a sheet after an image is formed on one side by an image forming apparatus, and the peripheral devices related to the paper discharge. Discharge selection means for selecting the discharge of the paper sheet from the tray, paper supply selection means for selecting the supply of the paper sheet from any of the trays, and discharge of the paper sheet to a peripheral device related to the paper discharge by the discharge selection means. And selecting means for invalidating the selection when the paper feed from the tray stored in the storage means is selected by the paper feed selection means when is selected. It is assumed that.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent paper from being fed from the tray in which thick paper or the like is stored as stored to peripheral devices related to paper discharge.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heating and fixing device for heating and fixing an image formed on a sheet by an image forming apparatus, and the heating and fixing device according to a thickness of the sheet detected by a thickness sensor. And a temperature changing means for changing a fixing temperature set by the fixing device.

Therefore, it is possible to change the fixing temperature set by the heat fixing device according to the thickness of the sheet detected by the thickness sensor.

[0036]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment of the Invention] FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a copying machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, an outline of a device configuration of the copying machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The copying machine 1 (image forming apparatus) is an example of a digital copying machine in which a scanner unit 2 and a plotter unit 3 are configured separately. The scanner unit 2 and the plotter unit 3 are connected by a cable 4. An operation panel 5 for operating the digital copying machine 1 and a liquid crystal panel 8 for displaying a predetermined message are attached to the scanner unit 2.

The plotter section 3 is provided with, for example, two paper feed stages, that is, front paper feed trays 6 and 7 (tray). The front paper feed trays 6 and 7 are configured so that they can be pulled out toward the front of the copying machine 1 and stored. Exits of paper in front paper feed trays 6 and 7 and image forming unit 1
3 is connected by a paper supply path 9 (supply path), and the supply path 9 is provided with a registration roller section 11 (thickness sensor). A paper thickness sensor 12 (displacement sensor (detailed configuration will be described later)) for detecting the thickness of the paper passing through the registration roller unit 11 is attached. The paper fed from the front paper feed trays 6 and 7
In 1, the sheet is fed to the image forming unit 13 (image forming apparatus) at a timing with the image forming unit 13. When the output value of the paper pressure sensor 12 becomes equal to or more than a certain value,
It is detected that the leading end of the sheet has entered the registration roller section 11, and the timing is set as a starting point.

In the image forming section 13, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a predetermined photosensitive member, and an image obtained by developing the electrostatic latent image with toner is
The image is transferred onto the sheet supplied from the registration roller unit 11. The sheet after the transfer is fed to the fixing unit 14. The fixing unit 14 uses a heat roller method to fix a toner image on paper by heat and pressure.

The sheet discharged from the fixing section 14 is supplied to a branch claw 1 provided immediately after the discharge port of the fixing section 14.
In FIG. 1, the feeding direction is selectively branched in the left-right direction, and the sheet fed to the right side is sent to the double-side reversing device 16 and re-feeded to the upstream side of the sheet feeding path from the registration roller unit 11. Then, an image is formed on the back surface of the sheet in the same process as described above. The paper fed to the left side of the branching claw 15 is discharged out of the machine from the main body discharge unit 17 (discharge port), and the paper discharged from the main body discharge unit 17 is provided above the main body of the copying machine 1. A receiving paper ejection tray 18 is provided.

The sorter 21 is located at an upper position of the main body paper discharge section 17.
The paper ejected from the main body ejection unit 17 is selectively guided into the sorter 21 by opening and closing the entrance guide plate 22 formed in the sorter 21. In the sorter 21, sheets are sorted.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the registration roller section 11. Hereinafter, the details of the device configuration of the registration roller unit 11 and the details of the detection of the sheet thickness by the sheet thickness sensor 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

The registration roller section 11 includes two parallel metal rollers 23 and 24 (a pair of rollers). The one roller 23 is rotatably supported by bearings 25, 25 at fixed positions attached to side plates (not shown) of the copying machine 1 main body. The other roller 24 has a bearing 26,
The bearings 26, 26 are rotatably supported by guides 26 and are guided by long holes formed in a side plate (not shown) of the copying machine 1 main body, and are movable in the direction of arrow a. The bearings 26, 26 are urged by compression springs 27, 27, whereby the roller 24 is urged to press the roller 23 with a predetermined pressure. The paper thickness sensor 12 (not shown in FIG. 2) shown in FIG. 1 is disposed at a position on the roller 23 side on a plane passing through the respective rotation center axes of the rollers 23 and 24, and the communication between the rollers 23 and 24 is performed. This is a reflection-type optical sensor that detects the thickness of the sheet based on the difference in the amount of displacement of the roller 24 between the sheet and the non-sheet passing.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the copying machine 1. As shown in FIG.

This control system includes a CPU 31 and a RAM 3
2. ROM 33 is connected. In addition, the CPU 31 receives, via an I / O device 34, the sheet thickness sensor 12, the liquid crystal panel 8, the operation panel 5, and various motors for driving rollers. Various well-known actuators 28 for feeding sheets to the printer are connected, and further, other various sensors and actuators not shown in FIG. 3 are connected. The ROM 33 stores various programs for controlling each part of the copying machine 1 and fixed data.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the detection of the paper thickness by the copying machine 1 and the subsequent processing.

The process shown in FIG. 4 operates when the paper discharged from the front paper feed trays 6 and 7 enters the registration roller section 11 after the copying operation by the copying machine 1 starts.
Then, the paper thickness of the paper is detected by the paper thickness sensor 12, and the paper thickness is set to a predetermined value (for example, 0.12 mm).
This corresponds to a paper thickness of 90 kg paper. The thickness of plain paper commonly used in each business is about 0.09 mm. It is determined from the detection signal of the paper thickness sensor 12 whether or not the above is true (step S1). If the value is smaller than the set value, the job of the subsequent copy operation is continued (Step S
9).

When the paper thickness is equal to or larger than the set value, the sorter 2
1 or double-sided reversing device 16 (or a finisher,
When the sorter 21 is selected from the peripheral devices related to the paper ejection of the mailbox, etc., sorting, stacking,
Selection related to sorter 21 such as staples (the same applies hereinafter)
Is determined (step S2). If the sorter 21 has not been selected, the job of the subsequent copying operation is continued (step S9).

If the selection related to the sorter 21 has been made, the job of the subsequent copying operation is temporarily stopped (step S3), and for example, "Possibility of occurrence of jam when thick paper or special paper is passed through the sorter. Is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 8 or a warning sound is issued to notify the user of the possibility of a jam (step S
4 [Thus, the notification means of the present invention is realized]). By selecting “OK” or “Cancel” by operating the operation panel 5 (Step S
5, S6 (this implements the ejection selection means of the present invention)), if "OK" is selected, the job of the subsequent copying operation is continued (step S9), and "Cancel" is selected. Then, the various actuators 28 are driven to feed the paper that is currently being fed, and discharge it from the paper output unit 17 to the paper output tray 18 (step S7).
The discharge port selecting means of the present invention is realized]), a message such as "job has been canceled" is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 5 (step S8), and the job of the subsequent copying operation is continued (step S8). S9).

[Second Embodiment of the Invention] The copying machine 1 of this embodiment differs from the copying machine 1 of the first embodiment in that the detection of the paper thickness by the copying machine 1 Since the device configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is common,
Detailed description is omitted.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the detection of the paper thickness by the copying machine 1 and the subsequent processing. Since the steps denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 4 are common to those in the first embodiment, they are described in detail. Detailed description is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the paper thickness detected by the paper thickness sensor 12 is equal to or greater than a set value (step S5).
1) When there is a selection related to the sorter 21 (as described above, a paper discharge-related peripheral device other than the sorter may be used) (step S2), for example, "the tray at the X-th paper feed is thick paper / special paper Is displayed. A message is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 8 to warn the user (step S11 (this realizes the notification means)), and the registration roller unit 11 Is discharged to the discharge tray 18 (step S7 (this implements the discharge selection means of the present invention)), and the job of the subsequent copying operation is canceled (step S7). S12).

[Third Embodiment of the Invention] The copying machine 1 of this embodiment is different from the copying machine 1 of the first embodiment in that the detection of the paper thickness by the copying machine 1 Since the device configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is common,
Detailed description is omitted.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show a copying machine 1 according to this embodiment.
4 is a flowchart for explaining paper thickness detection and subsequent processing. Steps denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 4 and 5 are common to those in the first and second embodiments, and therefore, detailed description is omitted. I do.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the paper thickness detected by the paper thickness sensor 12 is equal to or larger than the set value (step S5).
1) For the front paper feed tray 6 or 7 to which the paper has been fed, "thick paper" setting indicating that thick paper is loaded in the tray is performed (step S13 [this implements the storage means of the present invention). Is done)).

As shown in FIG. 7, when opening / closing of the front paper feed tray 6 or 7 is detected by a predetermined optical sensor or the like (step S14), "thick paper" is set in the processing shown in FIG. (Step S1).
5) If the "thick paper" setting has been made, the "thick paper" setting for the corresponding front paper feed tray 6 or 7 is released (step S16 [this implements the memory release means of the present invention]). ).

As described above, "thick paper" is set and released. The processing performed when "thick paper" is set will be described below with reference to FIG. I do.

That is, the process of FIG. 8 always starts the operation when any key operation on the liquid crystal panel 8 is performed in the copy standby state (step S21).
Then, "thick paper" is set for the front paper feed tray 6 or 7, and "thick paper" is set for all of the front paper feed trays 6 and 7, or the selected front paper feed tray 6 or 7 is selected. When the “thick paper” setting is made in (steps S22, S23, S24), the sorter 21 among the peripheral devices related to the discharge of the sorter 21 or the double-side reversing device 16 (or a finisher, a mailbox, etc.) When selected (this implements the emission selection means of the present invention), sorting,
The selection related to the sorter 21 such as the stack and the staple is prohibited, that is, these operations by the operation of the operation panel 5 are prohibited (step S25), and the job of the subsequent copying operation is continued (step S9).

Although "thick paper" is set for the selected front paper feed tray 6 or 7 (this implements the paper feed selection means of the present invention), all of the front paper feed trays 6 and 7 are set. If “thick paper” is not set or “thick paper” is not set for the selected front paper feed tray 6 or 7 (steps S22, S23, S24), automatic paper selection is performed ( In step S26), after a key operation other than the start key is operated (step S27), it is determined whether or not there is a selection related to the sorter 21, and if so, the front paper feed tray 6 or the "thick paper" is set. 7 is prohibited, that is, the change operation using the operation panel 5 is prohibited, and the job of the subsequent copying operation is continued (steps S2, S28, S2).
9, S9 [Thus, the selection canceling means of the present invention is realized]).

When the automatic paper selection is set and the key input for starting the copying operation is made on the operation panel 5 in the step S21, the paper size is selected by operating the operation panel 5 (step S31). ), When the selected tray is set to “thick paper” (step S
32) displays a warning message on the liquid crystal panel 8 or emits a warning sound, for example, such as "thick paper or special paper may pass through the sorter, which may cause a jam", thereby causing a jam. Notify the possibility (Step S
4) Continue the job (step S9).

[Fourth Embodiment of the Invention] The difference between the copying machine 1 of the present embodiment and the copying machine 1 of the third embodiment is that the copying machine 1 is different from the copying machine 1 shown in FIG. 9 to FIG.
Since the device configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is common, detailed description is omitted.

In the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 11,
4 to 8 are the same as those in the first, second, and third steps.
Since the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, detailed description is omitted.

The process shown in FIG. 9 shows conditions for performing the processes shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. When any key operation on the liquid crystal panel 8 is performed in a copy standby state, the process shown in FIG. The operation starts (step S21).

Then, in the processing of FIG.
, The front paper feed tray 6 or 7 is selected (step S41), or a sort, stack or staple sorter 21 related key is selected (step S42).
[Thus, the discharge selecting means of the present invention is realized]), the processing shown in FIG. 10 is performed (step S).
43). If the start key has been pressed in step S21 (step S44), the process shown in FIG. 11 is performed.

That is, as shown in FIG. 11, after the start key is pressed in the automatic paper selection mode, if there is a plain paper front paper feed tray 6 or 7 of the same size, the front paper feed tray is first. Is selected (step S
51, S52), if not, the process of FIG. 10 is started (Step S43 [this implements the paper feed selecting means of the present invention]).

In the process shown in FIG. 10, a predetermined flag is reset (step S61), and if "thick paper" is not set for the selected front paper feed tray (step S6).
2) Although “thick paper” is set, sorting is performed when the sorter 21 is selected from the peripheral devices related to the discharge of the sorter 21 or the duplexer 16 (or a finisher, a mailbox, or the like). When the selection related to the sorter 21 such as the stack, the staple, and the staple has not been made (step S63 [Implementing the discharge selection means of the present invention])
Sets the flag to "1" and ends the process of FIG. 9 (steps S69 and S46).

When no sorter-related selection has been made (step S63), a message is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 8 so as to input "OK" or "cancel" (step S64), and "OK" is input. Sets the flag to "1" (step S69), and when "cancel" is set, cancels the final setting and resets the flag (steps S67 and S68).

When the flag is "1", FIG.
Is terminated as it is, and when it is “0”, the liquid crystal panel 8
Then, a warning message such as "jam may occur when thick paper or special paper is passed through the sorter" is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 8 or a warning sound is issued, and the processing in FIG. Step S47 [Thus, the notification means of the present invention is realized]).

When the start key is input in step S21, the processing shown in FIG. 11 is performed (step S1).
1). That is, after the start key is pressed in the automatic paper selection, if there is a plain paper front paper feed tray that matches the size, the front paper feed tray is selected first,
If not, a front paper tray of thick paper or special paper that matches the size is selected for the first time (steps S51 and S5).
2) In the same manner as described above, the processing of FIG. 10 is performed (step S)
43).

After the processing of FIG. 10 is performed,
Returning to the process of FIG. 1, when the flag is "1",
1. The processing of FIG. 9 is terminated as it is (this implements the deselection means of the present invention).
A subsequent job for the copying operation is started, and the processing in FIG. 9 is completed (steps S53, S54, S55).

That is, "thick paper" is not set in the selected front paper tray (step S62), there is no selection related to the sorter 21 (step S63), or even if these are present, "OK" is set. When the operation panel 5 is operated (step S66), a subsequent job for a copying operation is started.

[Fifth Embodiment of the Invention] The copying machine 1 of this embodiment has the same device configuration as that shown in FIG. 1 as the copying machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. A detailed description of these will be omitted. In addition, in the following description, members and processes common to the above-described embodiment are the same members and processes, and thus detailed description will be omitted.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system according to this embodiment.

In the figure, an I / O device 34 includes an AC power supply 42 (temperature changing means) for supplying electricity to a heater for heating the fixing roller 41 (heat fixing device), and the fixing roller 41.
Is connected. Further, a transfer power pack 45 (image forming condition changing means) for supplying a transfer current of the transfer roller 44 of the image forming section 13 is also connected.

The processing in FIG.
The process starts when the front paper feed trays 6 and 7 are selected and determined by the selection setting of 7 or the automatic paper selection or when the paper thickness of the paper is detected.

The paper thickness sensor 12 is connected to the registration roller 11
(Step S1) when the paper entering the box has a thickness equal to or greater than a predetermined value (or when the "thick paper" is set in the selected front paper feed tray).
The fixing temperature of the fixing roller 41 is normally set (step S7).
2) is changed to, for example, 195 ° C., which is higher than 185 ° C. by 10 ° C.
72) As a temporary stop state in which sheet feeding from the registration roller unit 11 is not started until the temperature rises to 185 ° C., which is 10 ° C. higher (steps S73 and S74), the processing of FIG. This is followed by a normal standby or start operation. The predetermined temperature is set lower than the set temperature in consideration of the time for the sheet to reach the fixing unit 14. Also,
As in the description of FIG. 7, when the front paper feed tray for which “thick paper” is set is selected, if the fixing temperature is changed in advance, the output loss time can be reduced.

In step S1, the paper thickness sensor 1
When it is detected that the paper thickness 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a control signal is sent to the transfer power pack 45 to form an image in a state where the set value of the transfer current is changed. it can. That is, if the transfer current value of the thick paper is the same as that of the plain paper, the transfer efficiency is reduced, but this can be prevented.

The above embodiments are, of course, not intended to limit the present invention. Some are described below.

Selection related to sorter 21 (steps S2, S
25, S42, and S63) in each of the above embodiments, instead of the selection of the sorter 21, the selection of the double-side reversing device 16 or the paper ejection-related peripheral devices such as a finisher and a mailbox may be performed.

Further, in the case where the present invention is applied to a printer or the like, a message may be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 8 or a message may be transmitted to a server or a personal computer that requests output, when the present invention is applied to a printer or the like.

The operation panel 5 is not the scanner unit 3 but
You may make it attach to the plotter part 2. Further, the copying machine 1 may be configured as an image forming apparatus having no scanner unit 3. In the above-described embodiment, the paper thickness sensor 12 is attached to the registration roller unit 11, but may be arranged upstream of the registration roller unit 11 in the sheet feeding path.

[0082]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming a desired image on a sheet, one or a plurality of trays capable of storing a plurality of the sheets, and the sheet in the tray. And a thickness sensor provided in the supply path and detecting the thickness of the sheet. The thickness of the paper fed from the tray to the image forming device can be detected, and the type of paper can be determined from the detection result. Image formation according to the type can be appropriately performed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the thickness sensor includes a pair of rollers provided in the supply path and urged in directions so as to contact each other. A displacement sensor for detecting the thickness of the sheet based on the amount of displacement of at least one of the rollers when the sheet passes between the rollers. The type of paper can be determined by detecting the thickness of the paper based on the amount of displacement of the rollers when the paper passes between them. Image formation can be appropriately performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the thickness sensor is characterized in that a pair of rollers is a registration roller. In addition, since a conventional registration roller can be used, the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention,
3. In the invention according to any one of (3) and (3), one or a plurality of discharge-related peripheral devices to which a sheet after an image is formed on one side by an image forming device are fed, and Discharge selection means for selecting the discharge of the paper; and when the thickness of the paper detected by the thickness sensor when the discharge of the paper is selected by the discharge selection means is a predetermined value or more, the selection is repeated. And a notifying means for notifying the user of the confirmation. Therefore, the type of the sheet is determined from the thickness of the sheet, and the discharge of the sheet to the peripheral device related to the discharge is selected. When this is done, the user can be alerted by displaying a message or sound, etc., to prompt the user to reconfirm the selection.
The occurrence of jam can be prevented.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 1, 2,
3. In the invention according to any one of (3) and (3), one or a plurality of discharge-related peripheral devices to which a sheet after an image is formed on one side by an image forming device are fed, and Discharge selection means for selecting discharge of the paper, a discharge port on a path different from the discharge-related peripheral device, and the paper detected by a thickness sensor when discharge of the paper is selected by the discharge selection means When the thickness of the sheet is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the sheet is provided with an outlet selecting means for discharging the sheet to an outlet. When the discharge of the sheet to the peripheral device related to the paper discharge is selected, the paper can be discharged from the discharge port on a path different from that of the peripheral device related to the paper discharge, so that the occurrence of the jam can be prevented.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1, 2,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: image forming condition changing means for changing an image forming condition of the image forming apparatus according to the thickness of the sheet detected by a thickness sensor. Therefore, since the type can be determined from the thickness of the sheet and the image forming condition of the image forming apparatus can be changed,
Image defects can be prevented.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claims 1, 2,
3. In the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the thickness of the sheet detected by a thickness sensor is equal to or more than a predetermined value, a storage unit for storing a different tray from which the sheet is supplied; And a memory canceling means for canceling the memory in conjunction with opening and closing of the sheet.Thus, the type of the sheet is detected by the thickness detection, and when the sheet is thick paper or the like, Since the type of the tray from which the sheet is supplied is stored until the tray is opened and closed for exchanging the sheet in the tray, necessary processing can be performed in advance in relation to the sheet feeding from the tray.

The invention described in claim 8 is the first or second invention.
3. In the invention according to any one of (3) and (3), one or a plurality of discharge-related peripheral devices to which a sheet after an image is formed on one side by an image forming device are fed, and Discharge selection means for selecting discharge of paper, paper feed selection means for selecting feeding of the paper from one of the trays, and discharge of the paper to a peripheral device related to the discharge by the discharge selection means. And a notifying means for notifying the user to reconfirm the selection of the tray when the feeding of the sheet from the tray stored in the storage means is selected by the sheet feeding selecting means. If the user selects to discharge paper to a peripheral device related to paper discharge from a tray stored as storing thick paper or the like, the user is prompted to reconfirm the selection. Notification of the effect It is possible to call attention to the user carried out, such as the display and the voice of the message, there is no such as that passed through the waste paper.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the eighth aspect, one or a plurality of peripheral devices related to paper ejection to which a sheet after an image is formed on one side by an image forming apparatus is fed. Discharge selection means for selecting discharge of the paper to the peripheral device related to the paper discharge, paper feed selection means for selecting feeding of the paper from any tray, and paper discharge by the discharge selection means When the paper is selected to be discharged from the tray stored in the storage means by the paper feed selection means when the discharge of the paper is selected by the related peripheral device, the selection to invalidate the selection is made. Since it is characterized by having a release means, it is possible to prevent paper from being fed from a tray in which thick paper or the like is stored as being stored to peripheral devices related to paper discharge, so that a jam is prevented. To prevent Kill.

The invention described in claim 10 is the first invention.
In the invention according to any one of 2, 3, and 8, according to a heat fixing device that heats and fixes an image formed on a sheet by an image forming apparatus, and a thickness of the sheet detected by a thickness sensor, A temperature changing means for changing a fixing temperature set by the heat fixing device, so that the fixing temperature set by the heat fixing device is changed according to the thickness of the sheet detected by a thickness sensor. Therefore, it is possible to prevent image fixing failure.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a copying machine according to first, second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a registration roller unit of the copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system of the copying machine according to the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the detection of the paper thickness of the copying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the subsequent processing operation;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of detecting a sheet thickness of a copying machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a subsequent processing operation;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an operation when thick paper is set in a front paper feed tray in a copying machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an operation when the thick paper setting is canceled in the copying machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process after setting the thick paper of the copying machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process after setting the thick paper in a copying machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process after setting the thick paper of the copying machine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process after setting the thick paper of the copying machine.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a control system of a copying machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of a fixing set temperature in the copying machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 6, 7 Tray 9 Supply path 11 Thickness sensor 12 Displacement sensor 13 Image forming device 17 Discharge port 23, 24 A pair of rollers 41 Heat fixing device 42 Temperature changing means 45 Image forming condition changing means

Claims (10)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus for forming a desired image on a sheet, one or a plurality of trays capable of storing a plurality of the sheets, and a supply for supplying the sheets in the tray to the image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus comprising: a path; and a thickness sensor provided in the supply path and configured to detect a thickness of the sheet. 2. A thickness sensor, comprising: a pair of rollers provided in a supply path and urged in a direction to contact each other; and at least one of the rollers when a sheet passes between the rollers. And a displacement sensor for detecting the thickness of the sheet based on the amount of displacement of the sheet.
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the thickness sensor uses a pair of rollers as registration rollers. 4. One or a plurality of discharge-related peripheral devices to which a sheet after an image is formed on one side by an image forming device, and a discharge of the sheet to the discharge-related peripheral device are selected. A discharge selecting unit that performs a reconfirmation of the selection when the thickness of the sheet detected by a thickness sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined value when the discharge selecting unit selects discharge of the sheet. 2. An informing means for informing, comprising:
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 and 3. 5. One or a plurality of discharge-related peripheral devices to which a sheet after an image is formed on one side by an image forming apparatus, and a discharge of the sheet to the discharge-related peripheral device are selected. Discharge selection means, a discharge port in a path different from the discharge-related peripheral device, and the thickness of the sheet detected by the thickness sensor when discharge of the sheet is selected by the discharge selection means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an outlet selecting unit configured to output the sheet to the outlet when the value is equal to or more than a predetermined value. 6. An image forming condition changing means for changing an image forming condition of an image forming apparatus according to a thickness of the sheet detected by a thickness sensor. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. 7. When the thickness of the sheet detected by a thickness sensor is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, a storage unit for storing a tray which is a source of the sheet, and interlocking with opening and closing of the tray. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a release unit configured to release the storage. 8. One or a plurality of discharge-related peripheral devices to which a sheet after an image is formed on one side by an image forming device, and a discharge of the sheet to the discharge-related peripheral device are selected. Discharge selection means, paper supply selection means for selecting the feeding of the paper from any of the trays, and when the discharge selection means selects the discharge of the paper to the discharge-related peripheral device, And notifying means for notifying that re-confirmation of the selection of the tray is requested when the feeding of the sheet from the tray stored in the storing means is selected by the sheet feeding selecting means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 9. One or a plurality of discharge-related peripheral devices to which a sheet after an image is formed on one side by an image forming device, and a discharge of the sheet to the discharge-related peripheral device are selected. Discharge selection means, paper supply selection means for selecting the feeding of the paper from any of the trays, and when the discharge selection means selects the discharge of the paper to the discharge-related peripheral device, 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a selection canceling unit for invalidating the selection when the sheet feeding from the tray stored in the storage unit is selected by the sheet feeding selecting unit. Image forming apparatus. 10. A heat fixing device for performing heat fixing of an image formed on a sheet by an image forming device, and a fixing set temperature by the heat fixing device according to a thickness of the sheet detected by a thickness sensor. And a temperature changing means for changing the temperature.
9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 8.