JPH1195617A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately form an image in accordance with the kind of paper even though the manual paper feeding function is replaced by the paper feeding tray housed freely drawably in a device main body. SOLUTION: When a specifial paper sheet other than the regular paper is loaded in the paper feeding tray housed freely drawably in a main body, the paper kind is set by setting means, for instance, setting keys 44, 47f or 47g on the operation panel 5. In this way, since the device is able to recognize that the specifial paper sheet is loaded in the paper feeding tray, even when a manual paper feeding mechanism is replaced by the paper feeding tray housed freely drawably in the device main body, the image in accordance with the paper kind is appropriately formed.

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 recent years, a so-called front-loading system in which a front paper feed tray which can be pulled out is provided on the front of the main body of the image forming apparatus of this type is becoming mainstream. The paper that can be fed from such a front paper feed tray is a so-called “plain paper” having a continuous weight of 90 kg or less. Thick paper, envelopes, postcards, release paper, special paper having a relatively large thickness, such as OHP paper, and the like are fed by bypass feeding means outside the main body called manual feeding.

[0003]

Generally, the front paper feed tray is capable of storing about 250 to 1000 sheets of plain paper, is capable of separating paper even if the number of stored paper is large, and is a relatively inexpensive corner claw separation system. A separation paper feeding mechanism such as a friction pad system is used.

[0004] On the other hand, the manual paper feed is configured assuming a one-point usage for feeding special paper such as thick paper, special paper, and irregular-shaped paper that are usually used infrequently. For this reason, the manual sheet feeder is configured to be used by protruding from the main body, such as opening a cradle that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body at the time of use or pulling out the cradle from the main body. In addition, there are two types of manual paper feed, a paper feeder in which only one sheet can be set, and a paper feeder in which a large number of sheets can be set. The former can be configured very inexpensively, but as a user, when outputting a large number of sheets, it is necessary to repeat the operation of setting sheets one by one in a manual tray, which is inconvenient. is there. In the latter case, it is necessary to separate a large number of thick papers or special papers and feed them one by one, which requires an expensive separation paper feeding mechanism. Normally, about 10 to 100 sheets can be set. However, the number of sheets that can be set for thick paper such as postcards is naturally reduced to about 1/3 of that for plain paper. Although there are few problems in using paper, it is not always easy to use for users who use thick paper or special paper.

Further, according to a study by the present inventor, although manual paper feeding is frequently used by many users, and the number of sheets used at one time is small, the number of users who use the paper very frequently cannot be ignored. It was also found that the number of sheets used each time was large. This can be interpreted as a specification that is unsatisfactory for the user who frequently uses the apparatus, which is capable of supplying a large number of sheets by hand, because most of the users use the expensive manual sheet feeding mechanism.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the manual paper feeding, if a high-performance separation paper feeding mechanism such as a FRR type (feed reverse roller type) is mounted on the front paper feeding tray, the manual paper feeding is performed. The inventor thought that the function of (1) can be replaced with the front paper feed tray. According to this, the types of paper that can be fed from the front paper feed tray are greatly expanded, and the manual paper feed function is not required, and higher reliability can be obtained even when used for original plain paper.

By the way, in this type of conventional image forming apparatus, peripheral devices related to paper discharge are often provided. Peripheral devices related to paper ejection are sorters, mailboxes, finishers, double-sided reversing devices, and the like, and are peripheral devices from which paper on which an image is formed by an image forming device is discharged. In such peripheral devices, since there is almost no request to use thick paper or special paper, in order to manufacture the device at low cost, it is not possible to compensate for the paper passing performance of paper other than plain paper. When thick paper or special paper other than plain paper is used, paper is always fed by manual paper feed.When manual paper feed is selected, control is performed so that paper does not pass through peripheral devices related to paper discharge. I have. Such control is easy because it depends on the presence or absence of manual paper feed.

However, in the case where the thick paper and the special paper as described above are fed from the front paper feed tray, it is necessary to discharge the plain paper to a peripheral device related to the discharge in the case of plain paper. If thick paper or special paper is not allowed to be discharged to peripheral devices related to paper discharge, a jam occurs in the peripheral devices related to paper discharge, and there is a problem that the cause of the jam cannot be easily understood by the user.

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 during the paper passing and to maintain the image quality. Although it was changed from the case of paper and the image forming condition was changed from that of plain paper, the paper type of paper fed from the front paper tray was changed with the conventional device. Since it is not known, the set temperature and image forming conditions of the heat fixing device cannot be changed depending on the type of paper, and there is a problem in that poor fixability and image failure occur.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem, and to form an image according to the paper type even if the manual paper feed function is replaced by a paper feed tray housed in the apparatus body so as to be able to be pulled out. To be able to do it properly.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to appropriately form an image in accordance with the type of paper even if the manual paper feed function is replaced with a paper feed tray housed in the apparatus main body so that it can be pulled out. Is realized at low cost.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of appropriately coping with the occurrence of a paper jam even if the manual paper feed function is replaced with a paper feed tray which can be freely pulled out of the apparatus body. .

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to prevent a defective image fixation even if the manual paper feed function is replaced with a paper feed tray which is housed in the apparatus body so as to be able to be pulled out.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent image defects even if the manual paper feed function is replaced by a paper feed tray housed in the apparatus body so that it can be pulled out.

[0015]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
An image forming apparatus for forming a desired image on a sheet, a sheet feeding tray which is retractably stored in the apparatus main body and is capable of storing a plurality of sheets, and supplies the sheet in the sheet feeding tray to the image forming apparatus And a setting means for setting a paper type when special paper other than plain paper is stored in the paper feed tray. Therefore, when special paper such as thick paper other than plain paper is stored in the paper feed tray, the paper type is set by the setting means, so that the apparatus can confirm that the special paper is stored in the paper feed tray. Recognition is possible, and measures can be taken according to the special paper.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the setting means of the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect is provided on an operation panel. Therefore, the setting operation when the special paper is stored in the paper feed tray can be performed on the operation panel for setting various conditions.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, there is only one paper feed tray having a separation paper feed mechanism regardless of the paper type, and special paper is stored in the paper feed tray. The operation panel has a setting means for setting the paper type by a single key operation when the operation is performed. Therefore, settings when special paper is stored in the only paper feed tray regardless of the paper type can be easily performed with a single key operation on the operation panel.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the image forming apparatus of the first, second or third aspect, the image forming apparatus further includes a release unit for releasing the type of the special paper set by the setting unit based on a resetting operation. ing. Therefore, once the setting when the special paper is stored in the paper feed tray is performed, the setting content is maintained unless the setting is canceled by the resetting operation.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 1, 2, 3
Or in addition to the image forming apparatus described in 4, the discharge-related peripheral device from which the paper after the image is formed by the image forming device is discharged, and discharge selection means for selecting discharge of the paper to the peripheral device; Paper feed selecting means for selecting paper feed from any of the paper feed trays; and setting of a special paper type by the setting means when discharge of the paper to the peripheral device is selected by the discharge selecting means. When the paper feed from the paper feed tray selected is selected by the paper feed selection means, there is provided a notifying means for notifying the user to reconfirm the selection of the paper feed tray. Therefore, when a sheet is selected to be ejected from a sheet supply tray in which special paper such as thick paper is set to a sheet ejection-related peripheral device, a notification to prompt reconfirmation of the selection is issued. The user can be alerted by displaying a message or voice.

The "peripheral device relating to the paper discharge" means a peripheral device such as a sorter, a mailbox, a finisher, a two-sided reversing device, etc., from which a sheet on which an image is formed is discharged. The same is true).

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1, 2, 3
Or in addition to the image forming apparatus described in 4, the discharge-related peripheral device from which the paper after the image is formed by the image forming device is discharged, and discharge selection means for selecting discharge of the paper to the peripheral device; Paper feed selecting means for selecting paper feed from any of the paper feed trays; and setting of a special paper type by the setting means when discharge of the paper to the peripheral device is selected by the discharge selecting means. And a selection invalidating means for invalidating the selection when the paper feeding from the selected paper feeding tray is selected by the paper feeding selecting means. Therefore, when the discharge of the paper to the peripheral device is selected, the selection of the paper feed tray in which the special paper such as the thick paper is set is invalidated, and the special paper such as the thick paper is discharged. Paper can be prevented from being fed to peripheral devices related to paper.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claims 1, 2, 3
Or in addition to the image forming apparatus described in 4, the discharge-related peripheral device from which the paper after the image is formed by the image forming device is discharged, and discharge selection means for selecting discharge of the paper to the peripheral device; When a jam detection unit for detecting a jam in the peripheral device and a discharge selection unit selects discharge of the sheet to the peripheral device, and when a jam in the peripheral device is detected by the jam detection unit, the feeding is performed. And a notifying means for notifying the user of confirmation of the paper type of the paper tray. Therefore, when a jam is detected in a peripheral device related to the paper ejection, a notification to prompt the user to confirm the paper type is issued, so that it is easy to determine whether the jam is caused by special paper such as thick paper. it can.

[0023] The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claims 1, 2, and 3.
Or in addition to the image forming apparatus described in 4, the heat fixing device for performing heat fixing of the image formed on the sheet by the image forming device, and the heat fixing device when the special paper type is set by the setting unit. Temperature changing means for changing the fixing set temperature. Therefore, the set fixing temperature in the heat fixing device can be changed according to the type of the special paper set by the setting unit.

[0024] The ninth aspect of the present invention provides the first, second, and third aspects.
Or, in addition to the image forming apparatus described in 4, the image forming apparatus further includes an image forming condition changing unit that changes an image forming condition of the image forming apparatus when a paper type of special paper is set by the setting unit. Therefore,
Depending on the special paper type set by the setting means,
The image forming conditions of the image forming apparatus can be changed.

[0025]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
A description will be given based on FIG. This embodiment is applied to a digital copying machine 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the digital copying machine 1.

First, the digital copying machine 1 comprises a scanner unit 2 and a plotter unit 3 which are separately formed, and these scanner unit 2 and plotter unit 3 are connected by a cable 4. The scanner unit 2 includes a digital copying machine 1
Is provided with an operation panel 5 for operating. A liquid crystal panel 6 that displays a predetermined message or the like in a touch panel structure is provided on a part of the operation panel 5.

On the lower side in the plotter section 3, for example, two upper and lower paper feed stages, that is, a front paper feed tray 7,
8 (paper feed tray). These front paper feed trays 7 and 8 for storing sheets in a stacked state are of a so-called front loading type that are stored so as to be able to be pulled out in the front-rear direction with respect to the apparatus main body 9. Therefore, the direction in which paper is fed from the front paper feed trays 7 and 8 is orthogonal to the direction in which the tray is pulled out. These front paper feed trays 7 and 8 have FRR type separation paper feed mechanisms 10 and 11 which have a performance of being capable of separating and feeding not only plain paper but also special paper such as thick paper and special paper. . A paper supply path 13 is connected between the paper exits of the front paper feed trays 7 and 8 and the image forming apparatus 12, and a registration roller 14 is provided in the supply path 13. The paper fed from the front paper feed trays 7 and 8 is fed to the image forming device 12 at timing with the registration roller 14 and the image forming device 12.

In the image forming apparatus 12, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive member 12a, and an image obtained by developing the electrostatic latent image with toner is transferred to a sheet supplied from the registration roller 14. The sheet after the transfer is conveyed to the heat fixing device 15. The heat fixing device 15 uses a heat roller system to fix a toner image on paper by heat and pressure.

The paper discharged from the heat fixing device 15 is selectively branched in the right and left directions in FIG. 2 by a branch claw 16 provided immediately after the discharge opening of the heat fixing device 15, and Is sent to a duplex reversing device 17 which is one of the peripheral devices related to the paper discharge, is re-fed to the upstream side of the paper supply path 13 from the registration roller 14, and the above-described case is applied to the back surface of the paper. The image is formed in the same process as in step (1). The sheet fed to the left side of the branching claw 16 is discharged out of the apparatus from the main body discharge section 18, and a paper discharge tray 19 for receiving the sheet discharged from the main body discharge section 18 is provided above the apparatus main body 9. Is provided.

A sorter 20, which is one of the peripheral devices related to paper discharge, is arranged at an upper position of the main body paper discharge section 18. When an inlet guide plate 21 formed in the sorter 20 opens and closes, the main body is opened. The paper discharged from the paper discharge unit 18 is selectively guided into the sorter 20. In the sorter 20, sheets are sorted.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the digital copying machine 1. As shown in FIG. This control system includes a CPU 3
1 includes a RAM 32, a ROM 33, and a nonvolatile memory (N
VRAM) 34 is connected. The CPU 3
1 controls an operation of transporting a sheet from the registration roller 14 to the sheet discharge tray 19 via the I / O device 35 in addition to the operation panel 5 including the liquid crystal panel 6 and various motors for driving rollers. Various known sensors 36 and actuators not shown in FIG. 3 are also connected. The ROM 33 stores various programs for controlling each part of the digital copying machine 1, fixed data, and the like.

FIG. 1A is a plan view showing the structure of the operation panel 5 in a copy ready state. On the operation panel 5, a paper type setting key 44 is provided in addition to normal keys such as a start key 41 for instructing the start of copying, a clear stop key 42, a ten key 43 for setting the number of copies, and the like. . A display lamp 45 of an LED is provided beside the paper type setting key 44. Operation panel 5
The liquid crystal panel 6 is provided at the center of the liquid crystal panel. In the area of the liquid crystal panel 6, a display section 46 for displaying various messages and the like is provided, and various function keys 47 for switching functions for each screen are provided based on a touch panel structure. On the basic screen in the copy ready state shown in FIG. 1A, as function keys 47, an automatic paper selection key 47a, an upper front paper tray selection key 47b, a lower front paper tray selection key 47c,
Sorter-related keys 47d such as "sort", "stack", and "staple" are provided. Here, select key 47
The keys a to 47c function as paper feed selection means, and the sorter-related keys 47d function as paper discharge selection means.

FIG. 1B is a plan view showing a screen of the liquid crystal panel 6 one level below which is switched and appears when the paper type setting key 44 is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 1A. is there. On this screen, select “Front Multi Paper Type Setting”.
As the mode function key 47, three types of paper type keys 47e, 47f, 47g such as "plain paper", "thick paper", and "special paper" are provided for each paper feed stage (each front paper feed tray 7, 8). An "OK" key 47h and a "clear" key 47i are provided. Here, in the present embodiment, thick paper and special paper mean special paper (thus, “thick paper” and “special paper” are not necessarily divided, and may be combined as “special paper”. In the specification, "thick paper" is a general term for special papers including "special paper" as appropriate). The paper type setting key 44 and the paper type keys 47e, 47f, and 47g function as setting means according to the present invention.

In such a configuration, for example, when special paper such as thick paper is stored in the lower front paper feed tray 8, the paper type setting key 44 is depressed, and as shown in FIG. A screen for the "front multi-feed paper type setting" mode appears, and the setting is made by pressing the paper type key 47f of "thick paper" for the corresponding paper feed tray (front paper feed tray 8). I do. When the "OK" key 47h is pressed or the paper type setting key 44 is pressed again, the setting is completed, and the screen returns to the copy ready state screen shown in FIG. In this copy ready state, the paper type key 4 of “thick paper” or “special paper” for either of the front paper feed trays 7 and 8
If 7f or 47g is set to be pressed, the display lamp 45 beside the paper type setting key 44 is illuminated to notify that at least special paper such as thick paper or special paper is set. Further, the screen for the “front multi-feed paper type setting” mode shown in FIG. 1B displays the paper size and orientation currently set in the front paper feed trays 7 and 8, respectively. Seed key 47e, 4
7f and 47g are highlighted and displayed. In the illustrated example, the front paper feed tray 7 is plain paper, and the front paper feed tray 8 is thick paper. In the initial setting, plain paper is selected in each case.

The paper type setting key 44 and the paper type key 4
The paper type information on the paper in the front paper feed trays 7 and 8 set based on the operations of 7e, 47f and 47g is stored in the nonvolatile memory 34 and held regardless of whether the power switch is turned on or off. Then, at the time of an actual copy operation or the like based on the operation of the start key 41, the CPU 31 controls the image forming operation according to the paper type information stored in the nonvolatile memory 34. Specific examples of control will be described in the following embodiments. However, even when special paper is set in the front paper feed tray 7 or 8, the CPU 31 can recognize based on the setting to that effect. We will be able to respond accordingly.

Here, in this embodiment, since the setting relating to the special paper can be performed on the operation panel 5 for setting various conditions, the user does not feel uncomfortable with the setting operation. In particular, in the case where the paper type is changed during copying, the setting of copy conditions can be performed on the operation panel 5 subsequent to the setting of the paper type.

In the present embodiment, the final screen for setting the paper type as shown in FIG. 1B is prepared as a screen one layer below the initial screen in the copy ready state. Since it is not necessary to switch the screen of the liquid crystal panel 6 over the layers, the operability is not significantly reduced due to the setting of the paper type. That is, as long as the manual paper feed function is originally abolished and the front paper feed tray 7 or 8 is provided with the function, it is important that operability is not reduced as much as possible, but this object can be achieved.

Further, once the special paper such as thick paper or special paper is set, the setting is released by pressing the paper type key “plain paper”.
In this embodiment, all the front paper feed trays 7 and 8 are set to be switched to the plain paper side by pressing the "clear" key 47i. Here, the "clear" key 47i is set so as to function as a releasing means. Unless such a release operation is intentionally performed, the previous setting state is retained in the non-volatile memory 34 and is not accidentally cleared. Therefore, even when the previous user sets the special paper and changes to the next user, the CPU 31 can recognize that the special paper is set in the paper feeding unit. Absent.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted (the same applies to each of the following embodiments). In particular, the device configuration of the digital copying machine 1 to which this embodiment is applied is common to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and is used as it is.

This embodiment relates to a control process executed by the CPU 31 in response to various key operations.
The processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The conditions for performing the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, the operation always starts when any key operation on the operation panel 5 is performed in the copy standby state (step S1).

In the processing shown in the flow chart of FIG. 4, the tray selection key 47b or 47c
Is selected (S2), sorter-related processing such as sorting, stacking or stapling is selected based on the operation of the sorter-related key 47d (S3), or the paper type is selected. Each time the paper type selection / setting process is selected based on the operation of the setting key 44 and the paper type keys 47e to 47g (S4), the process (process A) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is performed (S5). Step S
When the start key 41 is pressed in step 1 (Y in S6), the process (process B) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is performed.

First, in the processing B, as shown in FIG. 6, in the automatic paper selection mode based on the operation of the automatic paper selection key 47a (Y in S11), after the start key 41 is pressed, the front paper of the plain paper is fed. If any of the trays 7 or 8 has a matching size, an automatic paper selection process for selecting the front paper feed tray is executed first (S12), and after the selection process, the process A is started (S5).

In the process A shown in FIG. 5, a predetermined flag for permitting the start of a job is reset (S21), and "thick paper" is set in the selected front paper feed tray 7 or 8 (unless otherwise specified). Includes “special paper” settings.
If the same is not performed (N of S22), the flag is set to "1" and the processing of FIG. 4 is terminated (S2).
9, S8). Similarly, the selected front paper feed tray 7
Or, "thick paper" is set in 8 (Y in S22),
Even when a sorter-related process such as sorting, stacking, or stapling is not selected (N in S23), the flag is set to "1" and the process in FIG. 4 is terminated (S2).
9, S8).

On the other hand, when "thick paper" is set for the selected front paper feed tray 7 or 8 (Y in S22) and sorter-related selection such as sort, stack, staple is selected (Y in S23). ), A warning message such as "jam may occur when thick paper or special paper passes through the sorter" is displayed on the display unit 46 of the liquid crystal panel 6 (S24), and the input of the OK or cancel key is awaited. (S25). Step 24 is executed as a function of the notification means. Here, when the "OK" key is pressed (Y in S26), the flag is set to "1" and the processing in FIG. 4 is terminated (S29, S8). When the "cancel" key is pressed (N in S26), the last setting is canceled (S27), and the flag is reset (S28). As described above, when the flag is reset (N in S8), for example, a message indicating “setting is released” is displayed on the display unit 46 (S9).

On the other hand, when the start key 41 is pressed in step S1, the processing B shown in FIG.
Is executed, but finally, if the flag is set to "1" (Y in S13), the job (copying operation) is started according to the set items (S14). On the other hand, if the flag is finally reset to “0” (N in S13), a message such as “job has been canceled” is displayed on the display unit 46 (S15), and the process ends.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the discharge of the paper to the sorter 20 is selected from the front paper tray in which the special paper such as the thick paper is stored (Y in S22). , S23, Y), a message display urging reconfirmation of the appropriateness of this selection (S2)
Since 4) is performed, the user can be alerted so that the occurrence of a jam or the like can be prevented.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As in the second embodiment, the present embodiment also relates to a control process executed by the CPU 31 in accordance with various key operations, and particularly, mainly includes a selection prohibition process in a key operation. In this process, the operation always starts when any key operation on the operation panel 5 is performed in the copy standby state (S31).

First, it is checked whether or not there is a front paper feed tray for which "thick paper" is set (S32). If not (N in S32), it is checked whether the sorter-related processing is selected and set (S33). If it is set (Y in S33), it is further checked whether the paper feed tray is set by the key 47b or 47c. (S34). If the paper feed stage has been set (Y in S34), the setting for thick paper or the like is prohibited for the front paper feed tray 7 or 8 of the set paper feed stage (S35). That is, under the condition that a certain paper feed stage and a sorter-related process are selected, the control is performed such that the selection and setting of the special paper for the corresponding paper feed stage is prohibited.

On the other hand, if there is a front paper feed tray set to "thick paper" (Y in S32), it is determined whether all the front paper feed trays 7 and 8 are set to "thick paper" or the key 47.
It is sequentially checked whether the paper feed tray selected by b or 47c is set to "thick paper" (S36, S36).
37), if any of them is applicable (Y in S36, S3
7) The selection of the sorter-related processing by the sorter-related key 47d is prohibited (S38). That is, when the paper from the paper feed unit is special paper such as thick paper, the selection setting of the sorter-related processing is prohibited, and the mode setting in which the special paper is discharged to the sorter 20 is prevented. .

On the other hand, if none of the above cases apply (N in S36, N in S37), and if the automatic paper selection mode is not set (N in S39), it is checked whether sorter related processing is selected. (S40) If it is selected (Y in S40), the selection change to the paper feed tray for which "thick paper" is set is prohibited (or thick paper or the like for the selected paper feed tray). Setting is prohibited.) (S41).

If none of the above applies (N in S36, S
In 37), if the automatic paper selection mode is set by the automatic paper selection key 47a (Y in S39), if the start key 41 is pressed (Y in S42), the automatic paper selection function is activated. After selecting a paper feed tray according to the paper size as usual (S43), it is checked whether or not the selected paper feed tray is set for "thick paper" (S44). If "thick paper" has not been set, the process continues without any problem (starts the job). If "thick paper" has been set, a warning is displayed on the display unit 46 (S45), and the process ends. I do. For example, the warning message in this case is "The paper tray of the size contains thick paper. If thick paper passes through the sorter, a jam may occur. Replace the paper with plain paper." It is a message of the purpose. If the start key 41 has not been pressed (N in S42), it is checked whether the sorter-related processing has been selected (S46), and if it has been selected (Y in S46), Setting of thick paper etc. is prohibited (S4
7).

In the present embodiment, these steps S3
5, S41 and S47 are executed as functions of the selection invalidating means.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the sorter-related processing is selected, if the sheet feeding from the front sheet feeding tray for which “thick paper” is set is selected, the selection is invalidated. Is prohibited (prohibited), so that the paper is prevented from being discharged from the front paper feed tray in which the special paper such as thick paper is stored to the sorter 20 side.
Jams can be prevented from occurring. Conversely, if the sheet to be fed is a front sheet tray for which "thick paper" is set, selection of the sorter-related processing side is prohibited, and thus thick paper to be fed is discharged to the sorter 20 side. Can be prevented from occurring.

In this embodiment, when the automatic paper selection mode is set, the control may be such that the front paper tray for which "thick paper" is set is excluded from the selection.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
It will be described based on. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system according to the present embodiment. First, the I / O device 35 includes an AC power supply 52 functioning as a temperature changing means for energizing and heating a heater in the fixing roller 51 in the heat fixing device 15, and a thermistor 53 for detecting the temperature of the fixing roller 51. Is connected. Further, a transfer power pack 55 that supplies a transfer current of the transfer roller 54 in the image forming apparatus 12 and functions as an image forming condition changing unit is also connected.

The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is executed when the front paper feed tray 7 or 8 is selected and set, or when the front paper feed tray 7 or 8 is selected and set by automatic paper selection. First, it is checked whether the paper feed tray selected for paper feed is the one set for “thick paper” (S
51). If the “thick paper” is not set (N in S51), the fixing set temperature and the predetermined temperature are set to the normal 185 ° C., respectively.
It is set to 175 ° C. (S52). Here, "predetermined temperature"
Is a rising temperature for restricting the start key 41 from being pressed until the temperature of the fixing roller 51 rises to a fixing-possible temperature.
It is set in consideration of the time required to reach. on the other hand,
If "thick paper" has been set (Y in S51), the fixing set temperature and the predetermined temperature are changed from the normal 185 ° C and 175 ° C to 195 ° C and 185 ° C, respectively (S53). After this, regardless of the temperature setting, the normal standby state is set,
Under the temperature monitoring by the thermistor 53, the control during the warm-up due to the intermittent energization is executed so as to maintain the fixing temperature within a certain range (S54, S55).

Therefore, in the case of forming an image by feeding "thick paper", the fixing temperature in the heat fixing device 15 is changed to be higher than usual, so that an appropriate fixing process according to the type of paper is performed.

Although not shown in detail, if the paper feed tray selected for paper supply is set to "thick paper" (corresponding to Y in S51), a control signal is sent to the transfer power pack 55 to transfer the paper. If an image is formed in a state where the set value of the current is changed (change of the image forming condition), it is possible to prevent an image defect. That is, if the transfer current value of special paper such as thick paper is the same as that of plain paper, the transfer efficiency is reduced, but this can be prevented.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Although the present embodiment is not illustrated in terms of mechanism, it is arranged under a well-known jam detecting mechanism.
It relates to processing control when a jam occurs in the 0 portion. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is executed when a paper jam occurs in a peripheral device related to the paper discharge, for example, the sorter 20 (Y in S61). When a jam occurs in the sorter 20, it is checked whether or not the front paper feed tray 7 or 8 that has fed paper is set to "thick paper" (S62). If "thick paper" is set (S
62)), the control as in the other embodiments described above operates, and the process shown in FIG. on the other hand,
If "thick paper" is not set (N in S62), even if the setting state is "plain paper", thick paper or the like is actually stored in the paper feed tray and "thick paper" may be forgotten. Message is displayed on the display unit 46 (S6).
3) Call the user's attention. This message display is, for example, a message such as “Please check whether the fed paper is thick paper / special paper. If it is thick paper / special paper, reset the paper type”. At the same time, by flashing the display lamp 45 beside the paper type setting key 44 (S64), attention is drawn so that the operation can be easily shifted to the paper type setting operation. Here, step S64 is executed as the function of the notification means.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the sorter 2
If a paper jam occurs in a peripheral device related to paper ejection such as 0,
It is possible to easily determine whether or not the jam is caused by forgetting to set special paper such as thick paper, and to take appropriate measures.

In each of these embodiments, the case where the sorter 20 is used as the peripheral device related to the paper discharge has been described. However, the double-side reversing device 17 or the peripheral devices related to the paper discharge such as the finisher and the mailbox are used. The case of selecting a device or the like may be handled similarly. In addition, as an example of notification by the notification means, a message display example on the display unit 46 of the liquid crystal panel 6 has been described, but a message notification by voice may be used, or these displays and voices may be used when the present invention is applied to a printer or the like. Then, a configuration may be adopted in which a message is transmitted to a server or a personal computer that has requested output.

Further, in this embodiment, the operation panel 5
Is provided in the scanner section 2, but may be attached to the plotter section 3 side. Further, the image forming apparatus may include only the plotter unit 3 without the scanner unit 2.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the digital copying machine 61 of the present embodiment, compared to the digital copying machine 1 described above,
Of the multi-level trays, only the front tray 8 is FR
It is the only paper feed tray irrespective of the type of paper provided with the R-type separation paper feed mechanism 11, and the upper side is dedicated to plain paper with a simple separation paper feed mechanism 62 of the corner claw separation type or the friction pad type. The front paper feed tray 63 is provided.
In this case, the configuration around the front paper feed tray 63 is thin.
For simplicity, the apparatus body 9 is compared with the digital copying machine 1.
Is also slightly lower. Further, in order to clearly indicate to the user that only the lower front paper feed tray 8 can be used regardless of plain paper, thick paper, etc., the front paper feed tray 8 can be used, for example, as shown in FIG. A part 65 of the front panel 64 is marked with a notation 65 such as “corresponding to thick paper” so as to stand out in a color different from the color of the front panel 64.

In response to such a configuration in which the front paper feed tray 8 regardless of the paper type is the only one, on the operation panel 5, as shown in FIG.
A second-stage thick paper / special paper selection key 66 is provided as a single key for setting means. The selection key 66 is a toggle-type switch in which “setting” and “release” are repeated each time the selection key 66 is pressed. The selection key 66 has a built-in display lamp 67 having an LED configuration corresponding to the display lamp 45.

Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, only special paper such as thick paper can be set in the lower front paper feed tray 8. By simply pressing the second-stage thick paper / special paper selection key 66 once on the operation panel 5, it can be easily set that special paper is set. When in the setting state, it can be determined by turning on the display lamp 67. When returning to plain paper, the second-stage thick paper / special paper selection key 66 may be pressed again. In general, special paper such as thick paper is used less frequently than plain paper, and it is extremely rare that special paper is set and used in both two-stage front paper trays. Even if the front paper feed tray irrespective of the paper type is limited to only one, there is no particular problem in practical use, and accordingly, there is an advantage that the thick paper can be set by the single key operation as described above.

It should be noted that the second to fifth embodiments and the modifications described above can be applied to the present embodiment in the same manner.

A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first or sixth embodiment and the like, the setting means is provided on the operation panel 5 to perform “thick paper” setting. However, in the present embodiment,
The "thick paper" setting is made around the front paper feed tray.

Here, the front paper feed tray 8 will be described as an example. The setting means for performing the “thick paper” setting in the present embodiment includes a push sensor 71 provided at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body 9 and a part of the front paper feed tray 8 to turn on the push sensor 71. -It is configured by a switch 73 in combination with a slide lever 72 for restricting the turning off. The slide lever 72 is provided so as to be slidable in the left and right direction at one end side in the front panel 74 of the front paper feed tray 8, and the right half is denoted by “plain paper” 75 a and the left half is “thick paper” / Special paper 75b and the center is a slide knob 72
The projection is formed as a. The front panel 74 has a window 76 for exposing and displaying either notation 75a or 75b.
Are formed. Further, on the rear side of the slide lever 72, two locking grooves 78a and 78b for determining the position of the slide lever 72 by being selectively locked to locking ribs 77 formed on the tray housing side. Is formed. In a state where the locking groove 78a is locked to the locking rib 77, the notation 75a of "plain paper" can be seen from the window 76, and the locking groove 7a can be seen.
In a state in which 8b is locked by the locking rib 77, the slide lever 72 is positioned so that the notation 75b of "thick paper / special paper" can be seen from the window 76. The push sensor 71
Is positioned at a position where the slide lever 72 interferes and can be pressed when the front sheet feeding tray 8 is pushed into the apparatus main body 9 to a predetermined position in a state where the locking groove 78b is locked to the locking rib 77. ing. Therefore, in a state where the locking groove 78a is locked to the locking rib 77, the front sheet feeding tray 8
Are positioned so as not to be interfered by the slide lever 72 even when the device is pushed into the apparatus main body 9 to a predetermined position. However, one end on the interference side of the slide lever 72 is tapered as a tapered portion 62b, so that the slide lever 72 can be slid to the right even when the front paper feed tray 8 is pushed into the apparatus main body 9. .

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when special paper such as thick paper is stored and set in the front paper feed tray 8, the slide lever 7 is stored together with the storing and setting operation.
By performing a paper type setting operation of sliding the number 2 to the right, it can be set that special paper is set. C
The PU 31 recognizes that the special paper is stored in the corresponding front paper feed tray when the push sensor 71 is on, and recognizes that the plain paper is stored when the push sensor 71 is off. As in the embodiment,
Provided for control. In particular, since the setting relating to the special paper can be performed by operating the front paper feed tray 8 around which the paper is actually replaced / set, the workability is good and the forgetting to set can be reduced.

In this embodiment, basically, the control processing can be applied as in the second to fifth embodiments described above, but it is necessary to slightly change the processing control. For example, in the processing control shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, when the user performs a cancel operation on the operation panel 5 (N in S26), the final setting is canceled (S27).
However, in the present embodiment, since the setting operation is mechanically performed by operating the slide lever 72, the setting operation cannot be canceled, and thus the setting of the sorter-related processing is controlled to be canceled. And By the way, the reason why the setting of the paper feed tray is not released is that the last operation process performed by the user is the thick paper setting relating to the paper feed tray. This is because it is highly possible. Also, regarding the processing control shown in FIG. 7, in the case of the method of the present embodiment, the control for prohibiting the setting of “thick paper” has a complicated mechanism, so that various other conditions are prepared. Only when “thick paper” is set at the end, the selection setting of the sorter-related processing may be released, and the release may be displayed on the display unit 46 as a message.

[0071]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming a desired image on a sheet, and a paper feed tray which is housed in the apparatus body so as to be able to be pulled out and which can store a plurality of sheets. ,
Since there are provided a supply path for supplying the paper in the paper feed tray to the image forming apparatus, and a setting means for setting a paper type when special paper other than plain paper is stored in the paper feed tray, When special paper such as thick paper other than plain paper is stored in the paper feed tray, the paper type is set by the setting means so that the device can recognize that the special paper is stored in the paper feed tray. Even if the manual paper feed function is replaced by a paper tray that can be pulled out inside the main unit,
Image formation according to the paper type can be appropriately performed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the setting means of the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect is provided on the operation panel, the paper type when the special paper is stored in the paper feed tray. Can be performed on the operation panel without discomfort like the setting of various conditions.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, only one paper feed tray having a separation paper feed mechanism irrespective of paper type is provided, and special paper is provided in the paper feed tray. When the special paper is stored in the only paper feed tray regardless of the paper type, the operation panel has a setting means to set the paper type with a single key operation when the paper is stored. Can be performed very easily with a single key operation on the operation panel.

According to the invention described in claim 4, according to claim 1,
In addition to the image forming apparatus described in the item 2 or 3, a release means for releasing the paper type of the special paper set by the setting means based on the resetting operation is provided, so that the special paper is stored in the paper feed tray. Once the setting has been made, the setting can be maintained unless the setting is canceled by an intentional resetting operation, and inconvenience caused by the special paper being stored can be avoided.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
2. In addition to the image forming apparatus described in 2, 3 or 4, a peripheral device related to paper discharge from which a sheet after an image is formed by the image forming device, and a discharge selection for selecting discharge of the sheet to the peripheral device Means, paper feed selection means for selecting paper feed from any of the paper feed trays, and when the discharge selection means selects discharge of the paper to the peripheral device, the paper type of the special paper is set by the setting means. When the paper feed from the set paper feed tray is selected by the paper feed selection means, the apparatus is provided with a notification means for notifying the user of reconfirming the selection of the paper feed tray. When paper ejection to a peripheral device related to paper ejection is selected from the paper tray that is set to contain special paper, a message or sound message prompts you to reconfirm the selection. You go in such as Note can be prompted to, therefore,
It is possible to prevent a jam caused by the special paper from occurring.

According to the invention described in claim 6, according to claim 1,
2. In addition to the image forming apparatus described in 2, 3 or 4, a peripheral device related to paper discharge from which a sheet after an image is formed by the image forming device, and a discharge selection for selecting discharge of the sheet to the peripheral device Means, paper feed selection means for selecting paper feed from any of the paper feed trays, and when the discharge selection means selects discharge of the paper to the peripheral device, the paper type of the special paper is set by the setting means. When the paper feed from the set paper feed tray is selected by the paper feed selection means, there is provided a selection invalidation means for invalidating the selection, so it is set that special paper such as thick paper is stored. Thus, it is possible to prevent paper from being fed from the paper feed tray to peripheral devices related to paper discharge, thereby preventing the occurrence of jams caused by special paper.

According to the invention of claim 7, according to claim 1,
2. In addition to the image forming apparatus described in 2, 3 or 4, a peripheral device related to paper discharge from which a sheet after an image is formed by the image forming device, and a discharge selection for selecting discharge of the sheet to the peripheral device Means, a jam detection means for detecting a jam in the peripheral device, and a discharge selection means for discharging the paper to the peripheral device, and a paper feed tray when the jam detection means detects a jam in the peripheral device. Notification means for prompting the user to confirm the paper type, so that if a jam is detected in a peripheral device related to paper ejection, the user is notified to confirm the paper type. In addition, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the cause of the jam is caused by special paper such as thick paper, and to take an appropriate jam countermeasure.

According to the invention of claim 8, claim 1, claim 1
In addition to the image forming apparatus described in 2, 3 or 4, a heat fixing device for performing heat fixing of an image formed on a sheet by an image forming device, and heat fixing when a special paper type is set by setting means. A temperature changing unit for changing a fixing set temperature by the apparatus, it is possible to change a fixing set temperature by the heat fixing device in accordance with a paper type of the special paper set by the setting unit. Even in such a case, it is possible to prevent image fixing failure.

According to the invention of claim 9, according to claim 1,
In addition to the image forming apparatus described in 2, 3, or 4, the image forming apparatus further includes an image forming condition changing unit that changes an image forming condition of the image forming apparatus when a special paper type is set by the setting unit. The image forming conditions of the image forming apparatus can be changed according to the type of special paper set by
Even in the case of special paper, an image can be formed without causing an image defect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an operation panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process A among them.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process B among them.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a control system showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing control.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the plotter unit, which is partially enlarged.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a part of the operation panel.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view around a sheet feeding tray showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part thereof.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 5 Operation panel 7, 8 Paper feed tray 9 Device main body 10, 11 Separation paper feed mechanism 12 Image forming device 13 Supply path 15 Heat fixing unit 17, 20 Peripheral device related to paper discharge 44, 47e, 47f, 47g Setting unit 47a to 47c feed selection means 47d discharge selection means 47i release means 52 temperature change means 55 image forming condition change means 63 paper feed tray 67 setting means 73 setting means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI G03G 15/00 518 G03G 15/00 518 15/20 109 15/20 109

Claims (9)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus for forming a desired image on a sheet; a sheet feed tray which is housed in a main body of the apparatus so as to be able to be pulled out and which can store a plurality of sheets; An image forming apparatus comprising: a supply path to be supplied to an image forming apparatus; and setting means for setting a paper type when special paper other than plain paper is stored in the paper feed tray. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit is provided on an operation panel. 3. A single paper feed tray having a separate paper feed mechanism irrespective of paper type, and a setting for setting a paper type by a single key operation when special paper is stored in the paper feed tray. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control panel includes the means.
The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a release unit configured to release the special paper type set by the setting unit based on a reset operation. 5. A peripheral device related to paper discharge from which paper after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus, discharge selection means for selecting discharge of paper to the peripheral device, and any paper feed tray Paper supply selecting means for selecting paper supply from the printer, and a paper supply tray on which a paper type of special paper is set by setting means when paper discharge to the peripheral device is selected by the discharge selection means And a notifying means for notifying the user of reconfirmation of the selection of the paper feed tray when the paper feed from the paper feeder is selected by the paper feed selecting means. Or the image forming apparatus according to 4. 6. A peripheral device related to paper discharge from which paper after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus, discharge selection means for selecting discharge of paper to the peripheral device, and any paper feed tray Paper supply selecting means for selecting paper supply from the printer, and a paper supply tray on which a paper type of special paper is set by setting means when paper discharge to the peripheral device is selected by the discharge selection means And a selection invalidating unit for invalidating the selection when the paper supply from the printer is selected by the paper supply selection unit.
5. The image forming apparatus according to 2, 3, or 4. 7. A peripheral device related to a paper discharge from which a sheet after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus, discharge selection means for selecting discharge of a sheet to the peripheral device, and a discharge device in the peripheral device Jam detection means for detecting a jam; discharge of the paper to the peripheral device is selected by the discharge selection means; and when the jam in the peripheral device is detected by the jam detection means, the paper type of the paper feed tray is determined. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a notifying unit that notifies a user of confirmation. 8. A heat fixing device for performing heat fixing of an image formed on a sheet by an image forming device, and changing a fixing set temperature in the heat fixing device when a special paper type is set by a setting unit. And a temperature changing means.
5. The image forming apparatus according to 3 or 4. 9. An image forming condition changing means for changing an image forming condition of an image forming apparatus when a special paper type is set by the setting means. Image forming apparatus.