JP3145832B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a manual paper feed unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventionally known copying apparatus, a manual sheet feeding section slides a sheet guide plate so that a sheet of any size (also referred to as a recording material or a transfer sheet) can be placed thereon. It has a possible configuration.

For this reason, depending on the copy mode (for example, a mode for automatically calculating the copy magnification based on the document size and the paper size), it is necessary to recognize the paper size in advance.

In view of the above, a paper size specifying section for specifying the paper size of the copy paper placed on the manual paper feed section has been provided, whereby the paper size is recognized in advance.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, the timing for activating the paper size designation unit for designating the paper size of the copy paper placed on the manual paper feed unit is determined by the timing of the plurality of paper feed units. This is when the manual paper feed unit is selected by the selection key for selecting one paper feed unit. For this reason, each time the manual feed unit is selected by the selection key, a request for specifying the paper size is made, and there is a disadvantage that the operation is very complicated.

Further, in the above-described conventional example, in order to change the paper size specified by the paper size specification unit for specifying the paper size of the copy paper placed in the manual paper feed unit, the paper size must be changed again. There was a trouble that the size had to be specified.

Further, in the above-described conventional example, the image forming operation is performed based on the paper size specified by the paper size specification unit for specifying the paper size of the copy paper placed on the manual paper feed unit. Therefore, if the paper size is changed after the paper size is determined, not only a desired copy is not obtained, but also the copy paper may not be conveyed properly and may be jammed. .

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems,
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which the specification of a manual feed size, which is troublesome for an operator when performing manual feed copying, is reduced as much as possible and operability is improved.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a manual sheet feeding means, a start command for issuing a command for starting an image forming operation. Means, sheet size designating means for designating a sheet size of a sheet placed on the manual sheet feeding means, selecting means for selecting one sheet feeding means from a plurality of sheet feeding means, and manual feeding by the selecting means. Control means for activating the sheet size designating means when a sheet feeding means is selected and a start command is issued by the start command means.

Further, the present invention has the following configurations.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manual sheet feeding means, a sheet presence detecting means for detecting presence or absence of a sheet on the manual sheet feeding means and outputting data indicating a sheet presence state, A manual feeder that allows the operator to specify the sheet size of the manual feeder from among a plurality of sheet size candidates in response to determining the placement of a sheet on the manual feeder based on the data from the presence / absence detector. Means for shifting to the size designation mode;
Means for performing an image forming operation on a sheet of the manual sheet feeding means based on a sheet size designated by an operator in the manual sheet size designation mode; and The image forming operation is returned to the manual feed size designation mode again in response to the fact that the operator has extracted the sheet on the manual feed unit by the data from the sheet presence detecting unit. And that the operator does not remove the sheet on the manual feeder after the sheet size of the manual feeder has been designated by the data from the sheet presence detector. The mode shifts to the manual feed size designation mode again according to the judgment. Means for controlling so as to move to without the image forming operation can, and has a. Here, display control means for displaying a screen for allowing the operator to specify the size of the sheet on the manual paper feeder from among a plurality of sheet size candidates in response to the shift to the manual feed size designation mode. It is also possible to perform an image forming operation on a sheet by the manual sheet feeding means based on a sheet size designated by an operator via the screen (claim 3).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manual sheet feeding means, a sheet presence detecting means for detecting presence or absence of a sheet on the manual sheet feeding means and outputting data indicating a sheet presence state, In response to the determination of the placement of the sheet on the manual sheet feeding unit based on the data from the presence / absence detecting unit, the operator specifies the size of the sheet on the manual sheet feeding unit from among a plurality of sheet size candidates. Display control means for displaying a screen for
Means for performing an image forming operation on a sheet of the manual sheet feeding means based on a sheet size designated by the operator via the screen, wherein the display control means After the size of the sheet of the manual paper feed unit is specified, it is determined again that the operator has extracted the sheet on the manual paper feed unit by the data from the sheet presence / absence detection unit, Display the screen,
It was determined from the data from the sheet presence / absence detecting means that the operator did not remove the sheet on the manual feeding means after the sheet size of the manual feeding means was specified through the screen. Accordingly, it is prohibited to display the screen again. Here, the display control means can display a plurality of sheet size candidates that can be specified by the operator (claim 5).

[0013]

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manual sheet feeding means, a sheet presence detecting means for detecting presence or absence of a sheet on the manual sheet feeding means and outputting data indicating a sheet presence state, In response to the determination of the placement of the sheet on the manual sheet feeding unit based on the data from the presence / absence detecting unit, the operator specifies the size of the sheet on the manual sheet feeding unit from among a plurality of sheet size candidates. Display control means for displaying a screen for
Means for performing an image forming operation on a sheet of the manual sheet feeding means based on a sheet size designated by the operator via the screen, wherein the display control means A warning message is displayed in response to the fact that the operator has extracted the sheet on the manual sheet feeding means after the sheet size of the manual sheet feeding means has been specified based on the data from the sheet presence detecting means. Is displayed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the manual sheet feeding means, a sheet width detecting means for detecting a sheet width of a sheet placed on the manual sheet feeding means; Sheet size designating means for designating a sheet size of a sheet placed on the means, document size data inputting means for inputting document size data, and calculating means for calculating a copy magnification from the document size data and the sheet size data. If the value detected by the sheet width detecting means is changed after the sheet size is specified by the sheet size specifying means, it is assumed that a sheet having the maximum size according to the detection data is placed. And control means for operating the calculation means. Here, the sheet width detecting means can detect from a minimum sheet size to a maximum sheet size that can be placed (claim 8).

[0016]

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part in an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, reference numeral 800 denotes a control unit for controlling the copying machine main body (shown as 100 in FIG. 2). Reference numeral 600 denotes an operation panel for setting a copy mode and displaying a state. Reference numeral 900 denotes a state detection unit of the manual paper feed unit, which detects the presence or absence of a transfer sheet and the width of the placed transfer sheet. However, the function performed by the state detecting means 900 differs in each embodiment (details will be described later).

Each of the above-described blocks will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, the copying machine body will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a copying machine main body;
Reference numeral 0 denotes a recirculating automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as RDF) for automatically feeding a document, reference numeral 300 denotes a sorter or sorter, and reference numeral 400 denotes an automatic computer form feeder (hereinafter, referred to as CFF). Here, these RDF20
0, sorter 300 and CFF 400 can be freely combined and used for main body 100.

A. Main Body (100) In FIG. 2, reference numeral 101 denotes a document table glass as a document table. Reference numeral 102 denotes an optical system as an image reading unit, which includes an original illumination lamp (exposure lamp) 103, a scanning mirror, a lens, a motor 104, and the like.
Illuminates the original, and irradiates the photosensitive drum 105 with reflected light from the original by the scanning mirror and the lens.

Around the photosensitive drum 105, a high-pressure unit 106, a blank exposure unit 107, a potential sensor 108, a developing unit 109, a transfer charger 110, a separation charger 111, and a cleaning device 112 are provided. The respective components such as the photosensitive drum 105 constitute an image recording unit.

The photosensitive drum 105 includes a main motor 113
, And is corona-charged by the high-voltage unit 106, and when the reflected light of the document is irradiated from the optical system 102, an electrostatic latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is
The image is developed by the developing device 109 and visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper sent from the upper cassette 114 or the lower cassette 115 into the main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 118 and 119 via the pickup rollers 116 and 117 is transferred by the registration rollers 120 to the front end of the toner image and the transfer thereof. After the timing is set so that the leading edge of the paper coincides with the leading edge of the paper, the paper is fed to the photosensitive drum 105, and the toner image is transferred by the transfer charger 110.

After the transfer, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 105 by the separation charger 111, and the transfer belt 12
1, the toner is guided to the fixing device 122, and is fixed by pressure and heat. Thereafter, the toner is discharged out of the main body 100 by the discharge roller 123. The surface of the photosensitive drum 105 is cleaned by the cleaning device 112.

The main body 100 is equipped with a deck 124 capable of storing, for example, 4000 transfer papers. The lifter 125 of the deck 124 rises according to the amount of the transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 126.

Further, a multi-bypass unit 150 capable of storing 100 transfer papers is provided.

Further, in FIG. 2, reference numeral 127 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the path between the double-side recording side or the multiple recording side and the discharge side (sorter 300). The transfer paper sent from the discharge roller 123 is switched to the double-sided recording side or the multiple recording side by the discharge flapper 127.

Reference numeral 128 denotes a lower transport path, which is a discharge roller 1
The transfer paper sent from the printer 23 is turned upside down through the reversing path 129 and guided to the re-feed tray 130. Also, 13
Reference numeral 1 denotes a multiplex flapper for switching a path between double-sided recording and multiplex recording.
The transfer paper is guided directly to the lower transport path 128 without passing through the transfer paper 9.

Reference numeral 132 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 105 via the path 133. 13
Reference numeral 4 denotes a discharge roller which is disposed near the discharge flapper 127 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 127 to the outside of the apparatus.

During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiple recording (multiple copying), the discharged flapper 127 is raised to move the copied transfer paper to the transport path 129,1.
The sheet is stored in the sheet re-feeding tray 130 in a state where the sheet is turned upside down through 28. At this time, the multiplex flapper 131 is tilted to the right during double-side recording, and the multiplex flapper 13
Tilt 1 left. At the time of the next backside printing or multiplex printing, the transfer paper stored in the re-feeding tray 130 is moved one by one from the bottom by the feeding roller 132 to the path 133.
Through the registration roller 120 of the main body.

When the transfer paper is to be inverted and discharged from the main body 100, the paper discharge flapper 127 is raised upward and the flapper 1 is discharged.
Tilt 31 to the right and transport the copied transfer paper to transport path 12
9 and the rear end of the transfer paper is
Is transported to the second feed roller 141 side by the reversing roller 142, and the transfer paper is turned over and discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge roller 134.

B. Main Body Control Device (800) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main body control section 800 in the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 801 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire copying machine. Reference numeral 802 denotes a read-only memory (ROM) in which a control procedure (control program: shown in FIG. 8 and subsequent figures) of the copier main body 100 is stored in advance.
1 controls each component connected via the bus BUS according to the control procedure stored in the ROM 802.
Reference numeral 803 denotes a random access memory (RAM) that is a main storage device for storing input data and using it as a work storage area. Reference numeral 804 denotes an I / O interface circuit that outputs a control signal from the CPU 801 to a load such as the main motor 113 (see FIG. 2) and also inputs signals from various sensors and sends it to the CPU 801.

C. Operation Panel (600) FIG. 4 shows an example of an arrangement configuration of an operation panel provided on the copying machine main body 100.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 601 denotes an asterisk (*) key, which is used in a setting mode when an operator (user) sets a binding margin or sets a size of a document frame eraser. Used for A cursor key 627 is used to select a setting item in the setting mode. Reference numeral 628 denotes an OK key which is used to confirm the setting contents in the setting mode.

Reference numeral 606 denotes an all reset key, which is depressed when returning to the standard mode. The reset key 602 is also pressed when returning from the auto shut-off state to the standard mode.

A copy start key (copy start key) 605 is pressed to start copying.

A clear / stop key 604 has a clear key function during standby (standby) and a stop key function during copy recording. The clear key is also used to release the set number of copies. The stop key is pressed to interrupt continuous copying. That is, after the copying at the time of pressing the stop key is completed, the copying operation is stopped.

Reference numeral 603 denotes a numeric keypad, which is depressed when setting the number of copies. Also used to set the mode using the * (asterisk) key.

Reference numeral 619 denotes a memory key, in which a mode frequently used by the user can be registered. here,
Four modes M1 to M4 can be registered.

Reference numerals 611 and 612 denote copy density keys which are depressed when manually adjusting the copy density. 613 is A
The E key is pressed when automatically adjusting the copy density in accordance with the density of the document, or when canceling AE (automatic density adjustment) and switching the density adjustment to manual (manual).

Reference numeral 607 denotes a copy paper selection key, and the upper cassette 114, the lower cassette 115, the paper deck 1
24, Press to select the multi-bypass unit 150. When a document is placed on the RDF 200, APS (automatic paper cassette selection) can be selected by using this key 607. When APS is selected, a cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected. At this time, the document size data is sent from the RDF 200 to the main body 100.

Reference numeral 610 denotes an equal-size key, which is depressed when making an actual-size (original-size) copy. An automatic scaling key 616 is pressed to automatically reduce or enlarge the image of the original according to the size of the specified copy sheet.

Reference numeral 626 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed to make double-sided copying from a single-sided original, double-sided copying from a double-sided original, or single-sided copying from a double-sided original. 625 is a binding margin key,
A binding margin of a designated length can be created on the left side of the transfer paper. A photo key 624 is pressed when copying a photo document. A multiple key 623 is pressed when an image is created (combined) on the same side of the transfer paper from two originals.

Reference numeral 620 denotes a document frame erasing key, which is pressed when the user erases a frame of a standard size document. At this time, the size of the document is set by the asterisk key 601. 62
Reference numeral 1 denotes a sheet frame erasing key, which is pressed when erasing a document frame in accordance with the copy paper size.

A cover mode setting key 629 is used to create a front cover and a back cover, and to insert a slip sheet.

Reference numeral 630 denotes a continuous page copy key, which is used to continuously copy the left and right sides of a two-page spread book.

Reference numeral 614 denotes a discharge mode selection key for selecting a staple sort mode, a sort mode, and a group discharge mode. When a staple sorter is connected to the recorded paper, a staple sort mode, a sort mode, and a group mode are provided. Can be selected or its selection mode can be canceled.

Reference numeral 631 denotes a reservation key.
0 when the setting of the copy mode for the reserved document placed at 0 (see FIG. 2) is started and when the reserved setting is canceled. Reference numeral 632 denotes a reservation setting key, which is used as a confirmation key when setting the reservation mode.

Reference numeral 633 denotes a guide key, which is used to display a description of functions corresponding to various keys on the message display 701.

Reference numeral 701 denotes an LC for displaying information related to copying.
D (liquid crystal) type message display, 9
Characters and figures are displayed with 6 × 192 dots. For example,
Number of copies set with numeric keypad 603, fixed-size scaling key 60
8,609, 1: 1 key 610, zoom keys 617,61
The copy magnification set in 8, the paper size selected by the paper selection key 607, a message indicating the state of the copier main body 100, a guide message indicating an operation procedure, and other setting contents of various modes are displayed.

Reference numeral 704 denotes an AE display, and the AE key 61
Lights up when the AE (automatic density adjustment) mode is selected by 3. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheating indicator, which is turned on when in a preheating state.

When the RDF 200 is used in the standard mode, the number of copies is set to 1, the density AE mode, the automatic paper selection, the same size, and the setting of one-sided copying from one-sided original.
In the standard mode when the RDF 200 is not used, the number of copies is one, the density manual mode, the same size, and the setting of one-sided original to one-sided copy. Here, whether the RDF 200 is used or not used is determined by whether a document is set on the RDF 200 or not.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the multi-bypass unit 150. In the figure, reference numeral 151 denotes a paper regulating guide having a slidable configuration, which regulates the width of the transfer paper placed on the manual feed tray 152. A width detection volume 153 is connected to the paper regulation guide 151, and linearly detects the minimum paper size to the maximum paper size that can be placed. The paper size width detected by the width detection volume 153 is obtained as an analog voltage from 0V to 5V. Then, the control CPU 801 (see FIG. 3) performs A / D conversion of the voltage value, and calculates a sheet size group based on the conversion table shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 154 shown in FIG. 5 is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of transfer paper. The sensor 154 is turned on when the transfer paper is placed on the manual feed tray 152, and turned off when there is no transfer paper.
State. The detection signal indicating this ON / OFF state is
Control CP via I / O interface circuit 804
It is input to U801.

Next, a paper size specification method for specifying the paper size of the transfer paper placed on the manual feed tray 152 will be described.

When the multi manual feed unit 150 is selected by the copy paper selection key 607 (see FIG. 4), a paper size designation request message is displayed on the LCD display 701 (see FIG. 4) as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 702 denotes a paper size display unit on which a paper size to be selected is displayed. Here, by pressing the cursor key 627, the paper sizes are sequentially selected from a predetermined group of paper sizes and displayed. This group of paper sizes includes a width detection volume 15
This is calculated from the paper size width detected in step 3.

When the user presses the OK key 628 when the desired paper size is selected, the paper size is determined.

Next, the control procedure of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In FIG. 8, first, the copy paper selection key 6
At 07, it is determined whether or not the multi-bypass unit 150 has been selected (step 2001).

Next, it is determined whether or not the copy start key 605 has been pressed (step 2002). If the determination is affirmative, the manual feed size designation mode is entered (step 200).
3) The size group related to the manual feed width detection volume 153 is sequentially displayed on the LCD display 701 by operating the cursor key 627, and waits for the end of the manual feed designation by the OK key 628 (step 2004).

As described above, in the first embodiment, the manual feed section 150
Is selected, and only when the copy start key 605 is pressed thereafter, the manual feed size is designated.

Next, a control procedure in another embodiment will be described. However, since the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 does not change, description thereof will be omitted below.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 9 shows a control procedure in the second embodiment.

In FIG. 9, first, the copy paper selection key 6
At 07, it is determined whether or not the multi-bypass unit 150 has been selected (step 2011). If the affirmative determination is YES, the mode enters the manual copy mode.

Next, when the presence of paper is detected by the sensor 154 for detecting whether or not there is paper in the multi-bypass unit 150 (step 2012), a manual feed size designation mode is entered (step 2013). The related size groups are sequentially displayed on the LCD display 701 by operating the cursor keys 627, and the OK key 6 is displayed.
Wait for the end of manual feed designation by step 28 (step 201)
4).

In the second embodiment described above, the multi-manual feed unit 1
Only when 50 is selected and it is detected that transfer paper is present in the manual feed portion, the manual feed size is designated.

Embodiment 3 In FIG. 10 showing the third embodiment, when the multi-manual feed unit 150 is first selected by the copy paper selection key 607 (step 2021), a copy mode in manual feed is entered.

Next, when the presence of paper is detected by the sensor 154 for detecting whether or not there is paper in the multi-bypass unit 150 (step 2022), a manual feed size designation mode is entered (step 2023). On the other hand, when there is no paper, the manual feed size designation mode is canceled (step 2024).

In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the manual feed size is specified when the multi-hand feed unit 150 is selected and the presence of the transfer paper in the manual feed unit is detected. is there.

Embodiment 4 FIG. 11 shows a fourth embodiment. In the present embodiment, the output of the sensor 154 (see FIG.
The PU 801 (see FIG. 3) constantly monitors and detects a state transition of the transfer sheet from the present state to the non-present state.

That is, if the multi-manual feed unit 150 is selected (step 2031) and the sensor 154 detects that the transfer paper is placed (step 2032),
It is determined whether or not the transfer paper has been removed from the manual feed portion (whether or not a state transition has occurred) (step 203).
3).

If it is determined that there is no state transition, the previously set paper size is validated (step 2034), and entry into the manual feed size designation mode is prohibited. This eliminates the need to specify a new paper size, and saves the operator the trouble.

On the other hand, when the transfer paper is extracted from the manual feed unit 150, the state transition is "present", and the manual feed size designation mode is entered again (step 203).
5).

Embodiment 5 FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a fifth embodiment.

First, it is determined whether or not the manual feed unit 150 has been selected with the copy paper selection key 607 (step 300).
1) When the manual feed unit 150 is selected, a manual feed size designation mode is entered (step 3002), and the size group related to the manual feed width detection volume 153 is displayed using the cursor key 627.
Are operated, and are sequentially displayed on the LCD display 701, and the end of the manual feed designation by the OK key 628 is waited (step 3003).

After the manual feed is completed, the reset key 60
It is determined whether or not 6 has been pressed (step 3005), the size is changed to a predetermined size (for example, A3 size) (step 3006), and the process ends.

Here, as the predetermined size,
When a well-known service mode (for example, pressing a switch (not shown) enters the back mode, the operation unit 600
Can be specified with the above key).

Embodiment 6 FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a sixth embodiment.

First, it is determined whether or not the manual feed unit 150 has been selected with the copy paper selection key 607 (step 400).
1) Next, when the presence of paper is detected by the sensor 154 for detecting whether or not there is paper in the manual feed portion (step 4002), a manual feed size designation mode is entered (step 4003), and the volume 153 for detecting the width of the manual feed paper is entered. By operating the cursor key 627, the size group related to the data of the data is sequentially displayed on the LCD display 701, and the OK key 6
Wait for the end of manual feed size designation by step 28 (step 4)
004).

After the designation of the manual feed size, it is determined whether or not there is any manual feed paper (step 4005). If it is determined that the paper has run out, the designated size is canceled and changed to the maximum size A3 (step 4006). , And the process ends.

Embodiment 7 FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a seventh embodiment.

First, it is determined whether or not the manual feed unit 150 has been selected with the copy paper selection key 607 (step 500).
1) Next, when the presence of paper is detected by the sensor 154 for detecting whether or not there is paper in the manual feed portion (step 5002), a manual feed size designation mode is entered (step 5003), and the volume 153 for detecting the width of the manual feed paper is entered. By operating the cursor keys 627, the size groups related to
It is displayed on the D display 701, and waits for the designation of the manual feed size by the OK key 628 (step 500).
4).

After the designation of the manual feed size, the presence or absence of manual feed paper is determined (step 5005). When the state transition from the paper present state to the paper out state is detected, "the paper width has changed" is displayed on the LCD display 701. Is displayed (step 5006), and the process ends.

Embodiment 8 FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an eighth embodiment.

First, it is determined whether or not the manual feed unit 150 has been selected with the copy paper selection key 607 (step 600).
1) When the manual feed unit 150 is selected, a manual feed size designation mode is entered (step 6002), and a group of sizes related to the manual feed width detection volume 153 (see FIG. 5) operates the cursor keys 627 to sequentially display the LCD display 701. And waits for the end of the manual feed designation by the OK key 628 (step 6003).

After the designation of the manual feed size, the detection data of the manual feed width detection volume 153 at the time of specifying the size is stored in the volume buffer area of the RAM 803 (step 6004).

Next, the control waits until the auto scaling key 616 is pressed (step 6005).
Is pressed, the data stored in the volume buffer is compared with the data detected by the manual feed detection width volume 153 to determine whether the width of the paper has changed (ie, whether the paper regulation guide 151 has been operated). Is determined (step 6006). If it is determined that the width of the paper has changed, the maximum size according to the data detected by the manual feed width detection volume 153 (for example, when the A / D conversion value shown in FIG. At this time, an operation for automatic magnification change is performed (A3 size) (step 6007).

(Effects of the Examples) By implementing the present invention, the following special effects can be obtained.

1) Since the manual sheet feeding means is selected and the sheet size designation means is activated when a copy start command is issued by the start command means, the selection means for selecting the sheet feeding means is selected. This eliminates the complexity of operability that a sheet size designation request is issued every time the manual paper feed unit is selected (see FIG. 8).

2) Since the manual sheet feeding means is selected and the sheet presence detecting means detects the presence of the sheet, the sheet size designating means is activated, so that the operational complexity is the same as in the case 1) above. Is eliminated (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

3) If the sheet of the manual sheet feeding means is not set and then removed, the previously set sheet size becomes effective, so that there is no need to specify the sheet size, and further operation is required. The performance is improved (see FIG. 11).

4) After designating the sheet size of the sheet placed on the manual sheet feeding means, it is possible to easily return the sheet size to the predetermined sheet size by operating the release means (see FIG. 12). ).

5) After the sheet size is designated by the sheet size designating means, if the sheet placed on the manual sheet feeding means changes from the state with the sheet to the state without the sheet, the sheet size designating means firstly sets the sheet. By invalidating the designated sheet size and changing the sheet size to a predetermined size (preferably, the maximum size that can be set), it is possible to prevent image forming problems and paper jams (FIG. 13). reference).

6) After the sheet size is designated by the sheet size designating means, when a state transition of the sheet placed on the manual sheet feeding means from the sheet present state to the sheet no state is detected, a warning message is displayed on the display means. By displaying, it is possible to notify the operator that the sheet size may have been changed after the sheet size is determined, to prompt re-designation of the sheet size, and to make the designated sheet size and the actually placed sheet size correspond to each other. Miscopy and paper jam due to the difference can be prevented (see FIG. 14).

7) If the value detected by the paper width detecting means is changed after the paper size is specified by the paper size specifying means, recalculation is performed with the maximum size according to the detected data, which causes a problem. Miscopying of a copy or the like can be prevented beforehand (see FIG. 15).

As described above, according to the present invention, when an image is formed using the sheet of the manual sheet feeding means, the sheet of the manual sheet feeding means is conveyed and the sheet is conveyed. The configuration of the apparatus can be simplified by allowing the operator to specify the size of the sheet of the manual paper feeding unit without employing a configuration such as detecting the size of the sheet itself of the manual paper feeding unit. In addition, the time required to obtain the sheet size of the manual paper feeder can be shortened, the productivity can be improved, and, for example, the size of the sheet set in the manual paper feeder can be changed by the operator. Eliminate the hassle of calculating and entering numerical values using the numeric keypad, and letting you specify a desired sheet size from among multiple sheet size candidates. In addition, in response to the operator confirming the placement of the sheet on the manual sheet feeding means, a manual sheet size designation mode for allowing the operator to designate a desired sheet size from a plurality of sheet size candidates is set. The automatic shift can eliminate an operation such as the operator himself giving an instruction to shift to the manual feed size designation mode to the apparatus, and can prevent the operator from manually feeding the manual feeder. Even if the user forgets to specify the size of the sheet, the mode is automatically shifted to the manual feed size specifying mode, which has the effect of notifying the operator of such a situation. The operator of the sheet on the manual sheet feeding means after the size of the sheet of the manual sheet feeding means is designated by the operator In response to the determination that the manual sheet ejection has been performed, control is again performed to shift to the manual feed size designation mode and then to the image forming operation, and the sheet size of the manual sheet feeding unit is designated. Then, in response to the determination that the operator has not removed the sheet on the manual sheet feeding unit, control is performed to shift to the image forming operation without shifting to the manual sheet size designation mode again. So, for example, once a certain operator has designated the size of the sheet of the manual sheet feeding means, but wished to change the size to another size and form an image, or to change the sheet to be image-formed to another sheet Even if a request for replacement or the like is made, the operator can remove the sheet from the manual sheet feeding means and place the desired sheet again. In this case, the mode automatically shifts to the manual feed size designation mode again, and the operation can be restarted from there. Therefore, it is possible to easily reset the sheet size of the manual feeder without any complicated operation. Can be performed, and even if a request to cancel the image forming operation itself is made, the operator can easily cancel the process simply by removing the sheet from the manual sheet feeding unit. If an operator makes a request to see the output result of an image formed based on the specified size and want to output the same one again, the operator may be required to restart the operation from the beginning. In order to solve the problem, in such a case, it is prohibited to shift to the manual feed size designation mode, and the manual feed size designation mode is set. The image forming operation using the sheet of the manual sheet feeding means can be executed without any need, and in this way, even if various requests from the operator are made, it is possible to respond flexibly and to minimize the operation required for the operator. Thus, operability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of a copying apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit of the copying apparatus main body illustrated in FIG. 2;

4 is an external view showing an operation panel of the copying apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a manual sheet feeding unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a conversion table for calculating a manual sheet group.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an LCD screen when a manual paper size is designated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control procedure in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a control procedure in the eighth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Copier main body 150 Manual feed unit 151 Paper regulation guide 152 Manual feed tray 153 Width detection volume 154 Sensor for detecting presence or absence of transfer paper 607 Copy paper selection key 627 Cursor key 628 OK key

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-4-155354 (JP, A) JP-A-3-158869 (JP, A) JP-A-3-18530 (JP, A) JP-A-60-182453 (JP) , A) JP-A-63-66574 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 15/00 510-534

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus having a manual sheet feeding unit, a start command unit for issuing a command for starting an image forming operation, and a sheet for designating a sheet size of a sheet placed on the manual sheet feeding unit. Size designation means, selection means for selecting one paper supply means from a plurality of paper supply means, and when the manual paper supply means is selected by the selection means and a start command is issued by the start command means An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit for activating the sheet size specifying unit. 2. A sheet feeder, a sheet detector, which detects the presence or absence of a sheet on the manual feeder, and outputs data indicating the presence or absence of the sheet, and the data from the sheet detector. Means for shifting to a manual feed size designation mode in which an operator designates a sheet size of the manual feed device from among a plurality of sheet size candidates in response to the determination of the placement of a sheet on the manual feed device. Means for performing an image forming operation on a sheet of the manual sheet feeding means based on a sheet size designated by an operator in the manual sheet size designation mode; and a sheet size designation of the manual sheet feeding means by an operator. Later, it is assumed that the sheet on the manual sheet feeding means has been extracted by the operator. In response to the determination based on the data from the sheet presence / absence detection means, control is performed so that the mode shifts to the manual feed size designation mode again and then to the image forming operation, and the sheet size designation of the manual sheet feed means is performed. After the determination is made based on the data from the sheet presence / absence detection means that the sheet on the manual paper feed means has not been extracted by the operator after the operation, the mode does not shift to the manual feed size designation mode again. Means for controlling to shift to the image forming operation. 3. A screen according to claim 2, wherein an operator designates a sheet size on said manual sheet feeding means from a plurality of sheet size candidates in response to shifting to said manual sheet size designation mode. The image forming apparatus further comprises a display control unit for displaying a sheet, and performing an image forming operation on the sheet by the manual sheet feeding unit based on a sheet size designated by an operator via the screen. 4. A manual sheet feeding unit, a sheet presence detecting unit that detects the presence or absence of a sheet on the manual sheet feeding unit and outputs data indicating a sheet presence state, and the data from the sheet presence detecting unit. And displaying a screen for allowing an operator to specify the size of the sheet on the manual feeder from among a plurality of sheet size candidates in accordance with the determination of the placement of the sheet on the manual feeder. Control means, and means for performing an image forming operation on a sheet of the manual sheet feeding means based on a sheet size designated by an operator via the screen, wherein the display control means After the operator specifies the size of the sheet in the manual paper feeder, the operator removes the sheet on the manual paper feeder. The screen is displayed again according to the determination that the picking has been performed based on the data from the sheet presence / absence detection unit, and after the sheet size of the manual sheet feeding unit is specified through the screen. When the operator determines that the sheet on the manual sheet feeding unit has not been extracted by the data from the sheet presence / absence detecting unit, it inhibits displaying the screen again. Image forming apparatus. 5. An image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said display control means displays a plurality of sheet size candidates that can be designated by an operator. 6. A manual sheet feeding unit, a sheet presence detecting unit that detects the presence or absence of a sheet on the manual sheet feeding unit and outputs data indicating a sheet presence state, and the data from the sheet presence detecting unit. And displaying a screen for allowing an operator to specify the size of the sheet on the manual feeder from among a plurality of sheet size candidates in accordance with the determination of the placement of the sheet on the manual feeder. Control means, and means for performing an image forming operation on a sheet of the manual sheet feeding means based on a sheet size designated by an operator via the screen, wherein the display control means After the operator specifies the size of the sheet in the manual paper feeder, the operator removes the sheet on the manual paper feeder. Taken in response to determining by said data from said sheet presence detecting means that has been performed, the image forming apparatus characterized by allowed to warn MessageR. 7. An image forming apparatus having a manual sheet feeder, a sheet width detector for detecting a sheet width of a sheet placed on the manual sheet feeder, and a sheet placed on the manual sheet feeder. Sheet size designating means for designating the sheet size of the document, document size data inputting means for entering document size data, computing means for computing the copy magnification from the document size data and the sheet size data, and the sheet size designating means. When the value detected by the sheet width detecting means is changed after the sheet size is designated, the control means for operating the calculating means assuming that the sheet of the maximum size according to the detection data is placed. An image forming apparatus comprising: 8. An image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said sheet width detecting means is capable of detecting a minimum sheet size to a maximum sheet size that can be placed.