JPH05323739A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an image forming device by which the desired sheet number of formed images can be surely obtained without stopping a continuous image forming action even when the paper of desired size is used up at the time of the continuous image forming action. CONSTITUTION:This device is provided with plural paper supply means which supply the paper to an image forming means 71, a storage means(non-volatile memory) 72 which stores the priority order of the size of the paper, a selection means(selection control circuit) 70a which selects one among the paper supply means and a control means(main CPU) 70 which selects the second paper supply means in which the paper of the size whose priority order stored in the storage means 72 is the next order of the size of the paper housed in the first paper supply means is housed when the paper is used up in the first paper supply means selected by the selection means 70a and controls the image forming action so as to continue it by changing the power of the image of the original according to the size of the paper housed in the second paper supply means.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electronic copying machine or a printer having a plurality of sheet feeding devices for accommodating sheets of different sizes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when an image is formed using an electronic copying machine or the like having a plurality of paper feeding devices, an operator first stores paper of a desired size among the plurality of paper feeding devices. Select the paper cassette currently being used from the switches on the control panel. Also, the desired number of image formations can be controlled.
Input from the numeric keypad on the control panel. Following this, the copy button is turned on. As a result, the paper is fed from the selected paper feed cassette, and the image of the original is formed on this paper. This operation is repeated for the number of image forming sheets input from the ten keys.

In such an electronic copying machine, before the desired number of image forming sheets input from the numeric keypad is completed, all the sheets in the selected sheet feeding cassette may be consumed and lost. At this time, if there is another paper feed cassette containing the same size paper, the continuous image forming operation can be continued by switching the paper feed from the paper feed cassette to complete the copy of the desired number. I can. However, if there is no paper cassette that holds the same size paper, "please add paper"
There is a problem in that the continuous image forming operation is stopped, the subsequent image forming operation is not performed, and the desired number of images cannot be obtained.

Therefore, in a composite image forming apparatus having a function such as a facsimile for image-converting image information composed of digital signals transmitted by data communication to an electronic copying machine or the like, a nighttime data There is also a problem that if the paper of a predetermined size is exhausted during data communication, the data cannot be received due to the inability to convert the image and the function is stopped.

[0005]

As described above, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when the sheets in the sheet feeding cassette are exhausted during the continuous image forming operation, the other sheet feeding cassettes storing the same size sheets are used. If it is not stored in, the continuous image forming operation is not continued, the image forming operation must be interrupted once, the desired paper is replenished, the subsequent image forming condition must be set, and the image forming operation must be restarted. With
A device having a data communication function has a problem that the function is stopped.

Therefore, according to the present invention, even when the paper of a predetermined size in the paper feed cassette runs out during the continuous image forming operation, the desired number of images can be surely formed without stopping the continuous image forming operation. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be used.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises an image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the contents of image information on a sheet, and the image forming means. A scaling means for enlarging or reducing an image corresponding to the content of the image information, and a number setting means for setting the number of times of image formation for the image forming means,
A plurality of sheet feeding means for accommodating sheets of different sizes and feeding the sheets to the image forming means; and a storage means for storing the priority of the sizes of the sheets accommodated in the plurality of sheet feeding means. A selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of paper feeding means, and a first paper feeding means selected by the selecting means before the number of image forming operations set by the number of times setting means is completed. When the sheets run out, the sheets of the size stored in the storage means are stored in the first paper feeding means, and the sheets of the next size are stored. The selection unit is controlled so as to select the second sheet feeding unit, and the image corresponding to the content of the image information is magnified according to the size of the sheet accommodated in the second sheet feeding unit. Before continuing the forming operation It is intended to provide a control means for controlling the zooming means and the image forming unit. Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention forms an image corresponding to the content of the image information on a sheet, and an image forming unit that enlarges or reduces the image corresponding to the content of the image information. A scaling means, a number setting means for setting the number of times of image formation for the image forming means, and a plurality of paper feeding means for accommodating sheets of different sizes and supplying the sheets to the image forming means. Set by the storage means for storing the priority of the sizes of the papers accommodated in the plurality of paper feeding means, the selection means for selecting one of the plurality of paper feeding means, and the number of times setting means. When there is no more paper in the first paper feeding means selected by the selecting means before the image forming operation of the number of times is completed, the priority order stored in the storage means is the first paper feeding operation. The selection means is controlled so as to select the second paper feeding means in which the paper stored in the above and the paper of the size next to the size are stored in the second paper feeding means. A first control mode for controlling the scaling means and the image forming means so that the image corresponding to the contents of the image information is scaled according to the size of the accommodated paper and the image forming operation is continued. When there are no more sheets in the first sheet feeding means selected by the selecting means before the number of image forming operations set by the number of times setting means is completed, the image forming operation is stopped. A control means having a second control mode for controlling the image forming means, and a control means for controlling the control means in the first control mode or in the second control mode. And an instruction means for selectively instructing whether to control Is shall.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention enlarges the image corresponding to the content of the image information and the image forming means for forming an image on the sheet, and the image corresponding to the content of the image information formed by the image forming means. Alternatively, a scaling means for reducing the size, a number setting means for setting the number of times of image formation with respect to the image forming means, and a plurality of feeding means for accommodating sheets of different sizes and supplying the sheets to the image forming means. A paper unit, a storage unit that stores a priority order of magnification variation at the time of image formation corresponding to the image information by the image forming unit, and a size that satisfies the magnification factor that is varied according to the priority order from the plurality of sheet feeding units. Selecting means for selecting one of the sheets to be stored, and the first means selected by the selecting means before the number of image forming operations set by the number of times setting means is completed. When there is no more paper in the paper feeding means, the second paper feeding means in which the paper having the size satisfying the magnification in the next order is stored according to the priority order stored in the storage means is selected. And a control means for controlling the selecting means and controlling the scaling means and the image forming means so that the image corresponding to the contents of the image information is scaled to the magnification and the image forming operation is continued. Is.

An image forming apparatus characterized by being provided.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention enlarges an image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the content of the image information on a sheet and an image corresponding to the content of the image information formed by the image forming means. Alternatively, a scaling means for reducing the size, a number setting means for setting the number of times of image formation with respect to the image forming means, and a plurality of feeding means for accommodating sheets of different sizes and supplying the sheets to the image forming means. A paper unit, a storage unit that stores a priority order of magnification variation at the time of image formation corresponding to the image information by the image forming unit, and a size that satisfies the magnification factor that is varied according to the priority order from the plurality of sheet feeding units. Selecting means for selecting one of the sheets to be stored, and the first means selected by the selecting means before the number of image forming operations set by the number of times setting means is completed. When there is no more paper in the paper feeding means, the second paper feeding means in which the paper having the size satisfying the magnification in the next order is stored according to the priority order stored in the storage means is selected. And a first control mode for controlling the scaling means and the image forming means so that the image corresponding to the contents of the image information is scaled to the magnification and the image forming operation is continued. And the image forming operation is stopped when there is no more paper in the first paper feeding means selected by the selecting means before the number of image forming operations set by the number of times setting means is completed. A control unit having a second control mode for controlling the image forming unit, and the first unit for the control unit.
And an instructing means for selectively instructing whether to perform the control in the control mode or the second control mode.

[0011]

In the above construction, when a plurality of continuous images are formed, the operator first selects a desired size of paper and sets the number of times with the image forming number setting means such as a numeric keypad to start the image formation. Give instructions. As a result, the continuous image forming operation is started. During this continuous image forming operation,
When the paper of the selected desired size is exhausted, the paper of the next priority of the size previously selected is stored according to the priority stored in the storage by the control of the controller. Selected paper cassette, or a paper cassette that contains paper of a size that meets the following priority scaling factors is selected, and paper is supplied from the paper cassette selected according to this priority. The continuous image forming operation is continued. At this time, the magnification of the image corresponding to the image information is changed by the action of the magnification changing means, and the image is formed so as to match the paper size.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a copying apparatus 1 which is an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The copying apparatus 1 has, on its upper surface, a platen glass 2 as a document table on which a document D, which is image information, is placed, and a platen cover 3 which can be opened and closed with respect to the platen glass 2. An operation panel described later is provided near the platen glass 2.

Inside the main body of the copying apparatus 1, the exposure lamp 11 of the exposure device 60 for exposing the document D placed on the platen glass 2 and the reflection for converging the light generated from the exposure lamp 11 on the document D. Reflected light 11a from the plate 12 and the document D
Carriage 1 having a first mirror 13 for reflecting light
0, and a subject 2 carriage 20 having a second mirror 21 and a third mirror 22 which further reflect the reflected light from the document D reflected by the first carriage 10. Here, the first carriage 10 is arranged in parallel with the platen glass 2 by a pulse motor (not shown) via a toothed belt (not shown). or,
The second carriage 20 is provided with the first carriage 1 via a toothed belt (not shown) that drives the first carriage.
0 and is driven by the first carriage 10
It is designed to be moved at a speed of 1/2.

Below the first carriage 10 and in a plane including the optical axis of the reflected light that is folded back through the second carriage 20, a movable mechanism is provided via a drive mechanism (not shown) so as to be movable. The reflected light from the carriage 20 is provided with a converging property, and a mirror motor 73a which is a variable magnification means.
A lens 4 is provided which forms an image of the reflected light at a desired magnification when the lens itself moves. Further, this reflected light is turned back to form an image at a desired position on the photosensitive drum 5, and in order to correct the variation of the focal length due to the movement of the lens 4, it is moved along the optical axis by a drive mechanism (not shown). A possible fourth mirror-14 is arranged.

A charge distribution pattern (static) is formed by forming an image of the reflected light from the document D guided by the fourth mirror 14 in the approximate center of the copying apparatus 1 below the lens 4. A photoconductor drum 5 on which an electric latent image is formed is arranged. The photosensitive drum 5 is rotated in the arrow x direction by a drive mechanism (not shown). Around the photosensitive drum 5, a charging charger 51 for charging the photosensitive drum 5 with a predetermined electric charge, and a toner for the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 are supplied. The developing device 52 that visualizes the toner image, the transfer charger 53 that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 onto the sheet P supplied from the sheet feeding device described later, and the photosensitive drum 5 A cleaning device 54 for removing the charge distribution on the upper side, returning the charging characteristics of the photosensitive drum 5 to the initial state, and scraping off the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 5 is arranged in order, and the exposure device 60 is provided. Together with this, it constitutes the image forming means 71. Here, the transfer charger 53 integrally includes a peeling charger 53a for peeling the sheet P after the transfer from the photosensitive drum 5 by applying an AC voltage.

A manual paper feed tray 6 and a paper feed cassette 7 are provided on the right side of the copying machine 1, that is, at the most upstream position in the paper transport direction with respect to the transfer position of the photosensitive drum 5. Also, a manual paper feed tray 6 or a paper feed cassette 7
First and second pickup rollers 6a and 7 for feeding the paper P to the aligning roller 9 described later.
b and a pair of first and second paper feed rollers 8a and 8b. The first and second paper feed rollers 8a,
An aligning roller 9 that aligns the conveyed paper P and conveys it to the transfer position is provided downstream of 8b. In the vicinity of the paper feed cassette 7, the paper feed cassette 7
A paper presence / absence sensor 7a which is a light reflection type sensor for detecting the presence / absence of the paper inside is provided.

On the left side of the copying apparatus 1, that is, at the portion located downstream of the transfer position of the photosensitive drum 5 in the paper conveying direction, the paper P on which the toner image on the photosensitive drum 5 has been transferred is transferred.
A conveyor belt 14 that conveys is provided. A fixing device 15 for fixing the toner image transferred on the sheet P is provided downstream of the transport belt 14. Further downstream of the fixing device 15, there is provided a discharge roller 16 for discharging the image-fixed paper P to a paper discharge tray 17 outside the machine body of the copying machine 1.

Below the copying machine 1, it is formed as a separate body from the copying machine 1 and serves as a base for installing the copying machine 1 and also has the first to third paper feed cassettes 3 inside.
A multi-stage sheet feeding device (hereinafter referred to as PFP) 30 including 1a, 31b, 31c is installed. Paper P is stored in the first to third paper feed cassettes 31a, 31b, 31c.
First to third pickup rollers 32 for taking out
a, 32b, 32c, and the first to third pickup rollers 32a, 32b, 32c, which are taken out by the paper P, are fed to a conveyance roller of a paper conveyance path 35, which will be described later. To third paper feed rollers 34a, 34
b and 34c are provided respectively. Also, this PF
P30 is provided with a sheet conveying path 35 for feeding a sheet before the aligning roller 9 of the copying apparatus 1. This paper transport path 35 is shown by a chain line in FIG. Further, first to third transport rollers 36a, 36b, 36c are provided along the paper transport path 35. Of these, the first transport roller 36a is used to feed paper from any paper feed cassette, but the second transport roller 36b is used to feed the second paper feed cassette 31b and the third paper feed cassette. The third transport roller 36c is used only when paper is fed from the cassette 31c, and is used only when paper is fed from the third paper feed cassette 31c. Further, the paper feed cassettes 31a, 31b, and 31c are provided with paper-out detection sensors 33a, 33b, and 33c, respectively, which are light reflection type sensors for detecting the presence or absence of paper.

FIG. 2 shows a control panel 40 received on the upper surface of the copying apparatus 1. Control
The panel panel 40 includes a print key 41 for instructing the start of copying, a numeric keypad 42 for setting image forming conditions such as the number of copies and a copy magnification, a paper size selection key 43 for selecting a paper size, and a continuous feed. Various input means such as a mode switching key 44 which is an instruction means for switching between the paper mode and the normal paper feeding mode are provided. Further, on the control panel 40, a liquid crystal display device (hereinafter, referred to as LCD) for displaying the data such as the number of copies, the copy magnification and the like input from the numeric keypad 42, an error message, and an operation explanation. In addition to 45, a monitor light emitting diode (hereinafter, referred to as LED) 46 is provided to display the operating state of the copying apparatus 1, for example, the selected paper feed cassette or the position where the paper jam occurs. ..

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the control device of the copying apparatus 1 of this embodiment. The main CPU 70, which includes a main control unit and a selection unit, includes a mirror motor 73a, which is a scaling unit and moves a mirror, the first and second carriages 10,
A pulse motor 73b for reciprocating the 20 is connected. Further, the main CPU 70 is connected to the image forming means 71 including the charging charger 51, the developing device 52, the transfer charger 53, and the control panel 40 as an input means. Furthermore, the main CPU 70
Power is supplied to the pickup rollers 6a and 7b for picking up and feeding the paper P from the manual paper feed tray 6 or the paper feed cassette 7 and the paper feed rollers 8a and 8b, and each unit of the copying apparatus 1. The power supply device 74 and the like are connected. Also, C
A non-volatile memory 72 such as an EEPROM is connected to the PU 70. The non-volatile memory 72 stores information such as the priority order regarding the paper size. Here, the priority order regarding the sheet size is information regarding the order of which size sheet should be selected next when all the sheets of a certain size are consumed during the continuous image forming operation. For example, for an A4 size sheet, the priorities of other size sheets are set in the order of B5, B4, A3.

The main CPU 70 has a C of the PFP 30.
The PU 80 is connected. CPU80 on PFP30 side
A pickup roller 32, a sheet presence / absence sensor 33, a sheet feeding roller 34, a conveyance roller 36, and the like are connected to the. Under the control of the main CPU 70, these are C of the PFP.
It is controlled by the PU 80.

A selection control circuit 70a, which is a selection means, is incorporated in the main CPU 70, and when the desired paper runs out during continuous paper feeding, the priority of the paper set in the non-volatile memory 72 is set. Further, in consideration of the sheet presence sensor 7a on the copying apparatus 1 side and the sheet presence sensors 33a to 33c on the PFP 30 side, the sheet feeding cassette 7 on the copying apparatus 1 side and the first to third sheet feeding cassettes 31a on the PFP 30 side.
One of the paper feed cassettes for storing the paper of the higher priority is selected from 31c to 31c.

Next, the copying operation in the copying apparatus 1 having the above-mentioned structure will be described. First, copying conditions such as the number of copies, copying magnification, and paper size are set by an operator on the control panel 40. Further print key-4
When 1 is pressed, the exposure lamp 11 lights up, and the first
When the carriage 10 starts moving, the image of the document D placed on the platen glass 2 is exposed and scanned. The light reflected by the document D is further reflected by the first mirror 13, and the second mirror provided on the second carriage 20.
Guided to Mira-21. The light reflected by the second mirror 21 is further reflected by the third mirror 21 and guided to the lens 4. Here, the lens 4 has been moved to a position that provides a desired magnification by a drive mechanism (not shown). The reflected light from the document D converted into the converging light by the lens 4 is reflected by the fourth mirror 14 and is imaged at a predetermined position on the photosensitive drum 5 to which a predetermined electric charge is given in advance. It That is, the reflected light from the document D is slit-exposed to form an electrostatic latent image of the document D on the photosensitive drum 5.

The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 is guided to the developing area as the photosensitive drum 5 rotated at a predetermined speed moves. In this developing area, a toner as a developer is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 5 from the developing device. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is visualized.

In parallel with the series of operations up to this point, the document D
An appropriate size of the paper P is obtained from the size and the copy magnification, and the paper feed cassette containing the paper P of the size is selected from the main body paper feed cassette 7 or the paper feed cassettes 31a, 31b, 31c of the PFP 30. To be selected. Then, one sheet of paper P is taken out from the selected paper feed cassette and conveyed to the aligner roller 9. The sheet P aligned by the aligning roller 9 is conveyed to the transfer area with the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 5 aligned with the leading edge of the sheet P.

The toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 5 is moved by the photoconductor drum 5 being rotated at a predetermined speed and is defined between the photoconductor drum 5 and the transfer charger 53. When it reaches the transfer area, a charge having the same polarity as the charge already applied to the photosensitive drum 5 is supplied from the transfer charger 53 to the paper P conveyed from the aligning roller 9. It As a result, the toner image attached on the photosensitive drum 35 is transferred to the paper P. The sheet P on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 5 by the application of an AC voltage from the separation charger 53a that is formed integrally with the transfer charger 53, and the toner image remains on it. In this state, it is delivered to the conveyor belt 14. Then, the toner image of the paper P sent to the fixing device 15 via the conveyor belt 14 is fixed by the fixing device 15, and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 17 by the discharge roller 16.

After the toner image is transferred onto the paper P, the photosensitive drum 5 is further rotated and its surface is cleaned by the cleaning device 54. That is, the cleaning device 54 removes the residual toner on the surface of the photoconductor drum 5, and also removes the residual charge on the surface by the action of a discharge lamp (not shown). by this,
The photoconductor drum 5 is ready for the next copy.

When a plurality of sheets are continuously copied by the operator, the copying process is repeated until the copying operation of the set number of times is completed. Before the continuous copying of the number of times is completed, the paper in the selected paper feeding cassette may run out. The flow of control at this time will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the operator sets copying conditions such as the magnification, the image density, and the presence / absence of frame erasing through the control panel 40 (STEP 1). Then, the number of copies is set from the numeric keypad 42 on the control panel 40 (STEP 2). Then, the size of the paper used for copying is selected (STEP 3). Here, in the paper size selection, the operator may directly select the paper feed cassette in which the paper of a desired size is accommodated by the paper size selection key 43 of the control panel 40,
Further, the CPU 70 determines an appropriate paper size from the magnification set in STEP 1 and the document size detected by a document size detection device (not shown), and the CPU 70 selects a paper feed cassette storing paper of this size. It may be selected. Next, output from the sheet presence / absence sensors 7a, 33a, 33b, 33c as to whether or not there is a sheet feeding cassette for storing the sheet of the size selected in STEP 3 and whether or not there is a sheet in this sheet feeding cassette. Is determined by referring to (STEP 4). If there is no paper in the paper feed cassette selected in STEP 4, the LCD 4 on the control panel 40
A message such as “please replenish the paper” is displayed on 5, and the printer waits until the paper is replenished (STEP 5).

When it is confirmed that the paper of the size selected in STEP 4 exists, the print key-4
By referring to the output from 1, print key 41
Is turned on, that is, whether or not the start of copying is instructed (STEP 6). When the print key 41 is turned on, the image of the original is formed on the sheet by the above-described operation (STEP 7). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of copies reaches the number of copies set in STEP 2 (STEP 8). If the number of copies set in STEP 2 has not been reached, it is subsequently determined whether or not the paper is in the paper feed cassette (STEP 9). Then, until there is no more paper in this paper feed cassette, or STEP 2
The copying operation in STEP 7 is repeated until the number of copies set in step 2 is reached, and when it is determined in STEP 8 that the copying of the predetermined number of copies has been completed, all processing is ended.

When it is judged in STEP 9 that the paper is out of the paper feed cassette accommodating the currently selected size of paper, the output from the mode switching key 44 on the control panel 40. By referring to, it is determined whether the copying machine 1 is in the continuous paper feeding mode (STEP 10). If the continuous feeding mode is not set, the continuous copying operation is interrupted (ST
EP15), and returns to the processing of STEP5 described above, LCD4
The message “Please add paper” is displayed on the display 5, and waits until the paper is supplied.

At STEP 10, the copying machine continues to feed the paper.
Selection control circuit 70a
In reference to the information regarding the priority of the paper size stored in the non-volatile memory 72, the above-mentioned STEP
The paper having the size of the priority next to the size of the paper selected in No. 3 (that is, the first rank in the priority stored in the nonvolatile memory 72) is selected (STEP 1).
1). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a paper feed cassette that stores the paper of the selected size, and whether or not there is a paper in this paper feed cassette (STEP 12). If there is no paper of the first priority size, then it is judged whether or not the currently selected size is the lowest priority size (STEP 13). Returning to STEP11, STEP11 to STEP13 are repeated in order to determine whether or not there is a next priority sheet. When it is determined in STEP 13 that the selected paper is the lowest priority, the continuous copying operation is stopped (STEP 15), and the process returns to STEP 5 and LC
The message "please replenish paper" is displayed on D45, and the processing from STEP 4 is repeated. If it is determined in STEP 12 that there is a sheet of the selected size, the lens 4 is moved to scale the image of the original to fit the sheet of the selected size (STEP 14), and then S
Returning to TEP7, the copying operation is continuously repeated.

As described in detail above, the copying apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a predetermined priority when the sheets of the size selected in the initial setting are exhausted during the continuous copying operation. Based on this, you can select another size of paper and continue the continuous copying operation. That is, once the continuous copy is set, the desired number of copies can be surely obtained without stopping the operation on the way. or,
Since the mode for continuous copying and the normal mode can be easily switched on the control panel 40, the conventional method is used when a copy of the same size must be obtained. As described above, the continuous copying operation can be temporarily stopped when the sheets are exhausted, the sheets can be replenished, and the remaining copying can be performed.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Will be described.

In the second embodiment, the light reflected from the original D by the exposure device 60 is applied to the photosensitive drum 5 as it is in the first embodiment, whereas the light reflected from the original by the exposure means is irradiated. A composite image forming apparatus for converting an image information signal from the image information processing means, which is once converted into a digital signal, or an image information signal from the external information collecting means into an image by a laser unit and irradiating the photosensitive drum. There is.

In the first embodiment, when the desired size of paper runs out during the continuous image formation, the paper size is prioritized, and the paper of the plurality of sizes loaded in the copying apparatus 1 is selected. In the second embodiment, the continuous image formation is continued by selecting a sheet replacing a sheet of a desired size in order of higher priority and converting the image magnification according to the sheet size. When there is no more paper of the desired size during image formation, priorities are set for magnification fluctuations, and the magnification is selected in order from the highest priority,
A paper having a size capable of forming an image of the selected magnification is selected from a plurality of sizes of paper loaded in the copying apparatus 1, the image is converted to the selected magnification, and continuous image formation is continued.

Since the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above points, the same parts as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the composite image forming apparatus 79 of this embodiment,
An image information processing device 80 is provided which receives reflected light 11a from the document D by the exposure lamp 11 which passes through the lens 4 and forms an image, and which performs image information processing. That is, the lens 4
A charge coupling device sensor (hereinafter referred to as a CCD sensor) 81 for converting the reflected light into an analog signal by photoelectric conversion is provided at the image forming position after passing through the CC.
The D sensor 81 is controlled by a scanner CPU 84 connected to a main CPU 87, and is connected to an A / D conversion circuit 82 that converts a photoelectrically converted analog signal into a digital image signal. Further, a scanner CPU 84 having an information processing circuit 84a for performing various kinds of information processing such as brightness adjustment, magnification adjustment, and editing treatment has a memory 83 for storing image information signals.
Are connected.

On the other hand, the main CPU 87 uses the data input / output 8
It is also possible to input image information from an external terminal 91 such as a facsimile connected through a telephone line 90 via the terminal 5. 86 is a laser unit, which is an information processing circuit 84.
The image information signal processed by the above is converted into a laser beam, which is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 5 to form an electrostatic latent image.

Further, a non-volatile memory 88 is connected to the CPU 87, and in the non-volatile memory 88, information relating to a magnification change when an image is formed on an alternative sheet in the continuous paper feeding mode is stored. ing.

Here, the information regarding the magnification variation in the continuous paper feed mode is used to form an image by using a substitute paper when the paper of a desired size runs out during the continuous image forming operation. This is information about what priority should be used for reducing and changing the image magnification with respect to the original formed image. Specifically, in order to preferentially select a sheet of a smaller size than a sheet of an arbitrary size, the image magnification of 90% is first set as the first priority, and thereafter the image magnification is sequentially reduced by 10%. Whenever the image magnification reaches 50%, the image magnification of 100% is stored as the lowest priority.

Further, the selection control circuit 87a, which is a selection means incorporated in the main CPU 87, first, when the desired paper runs out during continuous paper feeding, the priority order of the image magnification set in the non-volatile memory 88. According to the above, it is possible to form an image with the selected image magnification, and the size of the paper smaller than the desired size is calculated. Further selection control circuit 8
Reference numeral 7a denotes a sheet presence sensor 7 on the composite image forming apparatus 79 side.
a, and sheet presence / absence sensors 33a to 33c on the PFP 30 side
The presence / absence of a sheet is recognized by an input from, and an image with a magnification selected from the sheet feeding cassette 7 on the composite image forming apparatus 79 side and the first to third sheet feeding cassettes 31a to 31c on the PFP 30 side is possible. It is set so as to select a paper feed cassette that stores paper of a size smaller than the desired paper. However, when the image magnification is 100%, which is the lowest priority, regardless of the above setting, it is set to be able to select a paper feed cassette that accommodates paper of a size larger than the desired paper.

Therefore, when the desired paper runs out during the continuous paper feeding, the image magnification is sequentially set to be small in accordance with the priority order stored in the non-volatile memory 88, and the image is formed on the paper of a smaller size sequentially. On the other hand, if there is no small size paper that can be image-formed even at the minimum image magnification, the image magnification is returned to 100% and the image is formed on the large size paper.

Next, when the operator instructs continuous copying of a plurality of sheets, the paper in the selected paper feeding cassette is not consumed before the set number of continuous copying is completed. The flow of control in the case of the above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Steps 1 to 9 are the same as those in the first embodiment, but in step 9, it is judged that there is no more paper in the paper feed cassette accommodating the currently selected desired size paper. If the continuous paper feed mode is not set in STEP10, the continuous copying operation is interrupted (STEP20), the process returns to STEP5 in the first embodiment, and "please replenish the paper" is displayed on the LCD 45. Is displayed, and waits until paper is replenished.

When it is determined in STEP 10 that the composite image forming apparatus 79 is in the continuous paper feeding mode, the priority order of the image magnification stored in the non-volatile memory 88 is referred to and the priority order is first set. Select the first image magnification (S
TEP21). Then, a paper size that allows image formation with the selected image magnification is calculated (STEP 22). Next, it is determined whether or not there is a paper feed cassette that stores paper of the calculated size, and whether or not there is paper in this paper feed cassette (STEP 23). First priority here
If there is no paper of a size that satisfies the image magnification of
Next, it is judged whether or not the currently selected image magnification is the lowest priority image magnification (STEP 24), and if it is not the lowest, the next image magnification is selected (STEP 24).
26), and then calculates a paper size that satisfies the next selected image magnification (STEP 27), and returns to STEP 23.
If it is determined in STEP24 that the currently selected image magnification is the lowest priority, the process returns to STEP20.

If it is determined that there is a sheet of the size calculated in STEP23, it is first determined whether or not the currently selected image magnification is the lowest priority image magnification (STEP28). If it is not a lower rank, it is judged whether or not there is a paper smaller than the desired paper specified at the start of image formation among the paper judged to exist (STEP).
30). If there is a paper smaller than the desired paper,
A paper feed cassette that stores paper smaller than the desired paper is selected (STEP 31), and STEP 1 of the first embodiment is selected.
4, the lens 4 is moved by the lens motor 73a so as to obtain the selected image magnification, and the process returns to STEP 7 to repeat the image forming operation on the small size paper instead of the desired size paper.

If there is no sheet of a size smaller than the desired sheet in STEP 30, the process returns to STEP 26, the image magnification of the next priority is selected, and the sheet is searched.

If it is determined in STEP 28 that the currently selected image magnification is the lowest, STEP 2
No. 3 is selected, a paper feed cassette that stores paper larger than the desired paper is selected (STEP 32), and the selected image magnification is 100%. Returning to STEP 7 in the above embodiment, the copying operation is continuously repeated on a sheet of a size larger than the desired sheet.

In the description of the above operation, the case where image formation is continued by the continuous paper feed mode at the time of continuous copying has been described. However, the image information is input to the information processing circuit 84 by the telephone line 90. If this is the case, select the mode
If the continuous paper feed mode is automatically set without operating 44 and the paper runs out during image formation, the above-mentioned S
It is assumed that magnification and paper selection operations are performed from TEP9.

As described above in detail, in the present embodiment, during the continuous image formation of the image information from the image information processing device 80 or the telephone line 90, the desired size of paper selected in the initial setting runs out. In the case of the occurrence, the continuous copying operation can be continued by selecting the image magnification based on the predetermined priority order and selecting the paper having the size that satisfies the selected image magnification. That is, once the continuous copy is set, the desired number of copies can be surely obtained without stopping the operation on the way. Therefore, even if the paper runs out while the image is being formed by the image information from the telephone line 90, the image formation can be continued by using the alternative paper, and the image information is not available at night because there is no paper. There is also no risk of transmission being interrupted. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the first embodiment, B5, B4, and A3 are set as the priority order for A4 size paper. However, the priority is not limited to these. Furthermore, the priority order for A4 size paper is A4, B
By setting such as 4, B5, etc., when the A4 size paper is exhausted from the currently selected paper feed cassette, the other paper feed cassettes mounted in the copying apparatus 1 are fed with A paper.
As long as 4 size sheets are stored, the copying operation can be continued using the same size sheets. Further, in the first embodiment, when the paper size is changed in the continuous paper feed mode, the original image is scaled so as to fit the newly selected paper size and then copied. However, the original image having the same size may be formed on the sheet of the newly selected size without performing the scaling. Furthermore, it has a mode that automatically changes the magnification according to the selected paper size, and which mode is to be selected,
The operator may be made selectable. Furthermore, the same effect can be obtained by giving priority to the paper feed cassettes instead of giving priority to the paper sizes.

Further, the image magnification and its priority set in the second embodiment are also arbitrary, and the image magnification is 100%.
May be ranked first.

The image forming apparatus may also be an image forming apparatus for exclusive use of image information input by data communication such as a facsimile.

[0055]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, even when the paper of the desired size runs out during the continuous image forming operation, the size of the paper of the desired size can be replaced without stopping the continuous image forming operation. The image forming operation can be continuously performed on the paper, and the desired number of formed images can be surely obtained, and at the time of image formation by data communication,
Image conversion can be continued even if there is no paper of the desired size.
The data reception function is not stopped.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a copying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a controller of the copying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a top view of a panel.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the copying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process when an image forming operation is performed in the copying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a composite image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the composite image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a part of a flowchart showing a process when an image forming operation is performed in the composite image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Copying device 7 ... Main body paper feed cassette 7a ... Paper presence / absence sensor 30 ... Multistage paper feed device (PFP) 31a, 31b, 31c ... PFP paper feed cassette 33a, 33b, 33c ... Paper presence / absence sensor 40 ... Control panel 41 ... Print key 43 ... Paper size selection key 44 ... Mode switching key 70 ... Main body side CPU 71 ... Image forming means 72 ... Non-volatile memory 80 ... PFP side CPU

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification number Office reference number FI technical display location B41J 21/00 Z 8804-2C B65H 7/04 9037-3F G03G 15/04 117

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the content of image information on a sheet, and a scaling means for enlarging or reducing the image corresponding to the content of the image information formed by the image forming means. A number setting means for setting the number of times of image formation with respect to the image forming means; a plurality of paper feeding means for accommodating sheets of different sizes and supplying the sheets to the image forming means; A storage unit that stores the priority of the sizes of the sheets stored in the sheet feeding unit, a selection unit that selects one of the plurality of sheet feeding units, and an image forming process that has the number of times set by the number setting unit. When there is no more paper in the first paper feeding means selected by the selecting means before the operation is completed, the priority order stored in the storage means is stored in the first paper feeding means. The paper stored in the second paper feeding means is controlled by selecting the second paper feeding means in which the paper of the size next to the existing paper size is stored. An image corresponding to the content of the image information according to the size of the image, and a control unit for controlling the image-magnification unit and the image-magnification unit so as to continue the image forming operation. Forming equipment. 2. An image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the content of the image information on a sheet, and a scaling means for enlarging or reducing the image corresponding to the content of the image information formed by the image forming means. A number setting means for setting the number of times of image formation for the image forming means, a plurality of paper feeding means for accommodating papers of different sizes and supplying the papers to the image forming means, A storage unit that stores the priority of the sizes of the sheets stored in the sheet feeding unit, a selection unit that selects one of the plurality of sheet feeding units, and an image forming process that has the number of times set by the number of times setting unit. When there is no more paper in the first paper feeding means selected by the selecting means before the operation is completed, the priority order stored in the storage means is stored in the first paper feeding means. The selection unit is controlled so as to select the second sheet feeding unit that stores the sheet of the size next to the loaded sheet size, and the sheet is accommodated in the second sheet feeding unit. A first control mode for controlling the scaling means and the image forming means so that the image corresponding to the contents of the image information is scaled according to the size of the sheet and the image forming operation is continued. The image forming unit is configured to stop the image forming operation when the first sheet feeding unit selected by the selecting unit runs out of paper before the number of image forming operations set by the number setting unit is completed. And a control means having a second control mode for controlling the control means, and the control means is controlled in the first control mode or in the second control mode. It is characterized by comprising an instruction means for selectively instructing whether to perform or not. Image forming apparatus. 3. An image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the content of the image information on a sheet, and a scaling means for enlarging or reducing the image corresponding to the content of the image information formed by the image forming means. A number setting means for setting the number of times of image formation for the image forming means; a plurality of paper feeding means for accommodating sheets of different sizes and supplying the sheets to the image forming means; Storage means for storing a priority order of magnification variation at the time of image formation corresponding to the image information by means, and one for accommodating a sheet of a size satisfying the magnification varied according to the priority order from the plurality of sheet feeding means There is no paper in the first paper feeding means selected by the selecting means before the image forming operation of the number of times set by the number of times setting means is completed. Then, the selecting means is controlled so as to select the second paper feeding means in which the paper of the size satisfying the magnification selected according to the priority order stored in the storage means is selected, and the image information An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that controls the scaling unit and the image forming unit so that the image corresponding to the contents of the above is scaled to the magnification and the image forming operation is continued. 4. An image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the content of the image information on a sheet, and a scaling means for enlarging or reducing the image corresponding to the content of the image information formed by the image forming means. A number setting means for setting the number of times of image formation for the image forming means; a plurality of paper feeding means for accommodating sheets of different sizes and supplying the sheets to the image forming means; Storage means for storing a priority order of magnification variation at the time of image formation corresponding to the content of the image information by means, and a plurality of paper feeding means for storing sheets of a size satisfying the scale factor varied according to the priority order. Selecting means for selecting one, and a sheet in the first paper feeding means selected by the selecting means before the number of image forming operations set by the number of times setting means is completed. When there is no more, the selecting means is controlled so as to select the second paper feeding means in which the paper of the size satisfying the magnification selected in accordance with the priority order stored in the storage means is selected, and the image is displayed. It is set by a first control mode for controlling the scaling means and the image forming means so that the image corresponding to the content of the information is scaled to the magnification and the image forming operation is continued, and the number of times setting means. When the first sheet feeding means selected by the selecting means runs out of paper before the image forming operation has been performed a certain number of times, the second image forming means is controlled to stop the image forming operation. A control means having a control mode, and whether the control means is controlled by the first control mode or the second control mode is selectively operated. Characterized by having an instruction means for instructing Image forming apparatus.