Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent delay in feeding of a first sheet in a first mode in which a type of the sheet is detected by a type detection section.SOLUTION: A sheet feeding apparatus comprises: a supporting section configured to support a plurality of sheets; a feeding section configured to feed the sheet supported by the supporting section; a separating section configured to blow air to the sheets supported by the supporting section to separate the sheets; a type detection section configured to detect a type of the sheet fed by the feeding section; and a control section configured to control an air blowing operation by the separating section according to the type of the sheet. The control section may perform a first mode in which the type of the sheet supported by the supporting section is detected by the type detection section to be set while the sheet is fed and performs setting step (S2) in which the air blowing operation to be performed when feeding of the sheet is started by the first mode being performed is set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device including a handling unit that blows air onto a plurality of sheets supported by a support unit to handle the sheets, and to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, image forming devices such as copiers, facsimiles, and printers are provided with a manual feed tray, a paper feed cassette, or the like as a sheet feeding device that feeds sheets to an image forming section that forms an image on the sheets, or a feeding deck, or the like is attached externally. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for forming images on various types of sheets, and sheets with smooth surfaces such as coated paper are sometimes used. When a sheet stack made of such smooth-surfaced sheets is set in the above-mentioned sheet feeding device, there is a risk that the sheets cannot be separated due to the strong adhesion between the sheets, resulting in poor feeding. For this reason, a device that blows air onto the set sheet stack to lift the sheets and separate them has been proposed (see Patent Document 1), which performs so-called air separation.

[0003] Meanwhile, because various types of sheets are used, an image forming apparatus equipped with a media detection sensor that detects the type of sheet has also been proposed (see Patent Document 2). In such an apparatus that detects (distinguishes) the type of sheet using a media detection sensor, the operating conditions of the image forming process, such as setting the sheet conveyance speed, adjusting the development and transfer output, and adjusting the fixing temperature, are set according to the characteristics of the detected type of sheet. This aims to perform optimal image formation according to the type of sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-23747 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2022-62122 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, for example, when a stack of sheets is set in the sheet feeding device due to sheet replacement or when the power is turned on and restored from a power saving mode or the like, the type of sheets set in the sheet feeding device becomes unknown. In such a case, in a device that detects the type of sheets using a media detection sensor as in Patent Document 2, the type of sheets cannot be detected until the first sheet is fed and detected by the media detection sensor.

[0006] In the case of the device that performs air handling as in the above Patent Document 1, air handling is not necessary for sheets such as plain paper that do not have a high adhesion between sheets, but air handling is necessary for sheets with a smooth surface such as coated paper. Therefore, it is desired to determine whether or not air handling should be performed depending on the type of sheet, but in the device that detects the type of sheet by a media detection sensor as in the above Patent Document 2, there is a problem that the type of sheet cannot be determined for the first sheet. Therefore, in the case of a sheet with a smooth surface such as coated paper, there is a risk that the sheet cannot be fed unless air handling is performed, so it is also possible to configure the device to perform air handling when the type of sheet is unknown. However, if air handling is performed uniformly in this way, air handling will be performed even for sheets that do not have a high adhesion between sheets and do not require air handling. This causes a problem that the feeding of the first sheet is slowed down, and so-called FCOT (First Copy Output Time) decreases.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet feeding device and an image forming apparatus that are capable of preventing slow feeding of the first sheet when in a first mode in which the type of sheet is detected by a type detection unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a sheet feeding device comprising a support section that supports a plurality of sheets, a feeding section that feeds the sheets supported by the support section, a handling section that blows air at the plurality of sheets supported by the support section to handle the sheets, a type detection section that detects the type of sheets fed by the feeding section, and a control section that controls the air blowing operation by the handling section in accordance with the type of sheets, wherein the control section is capable of executing a first mode in which the type detection section detects and sets the type of sheets supported by the support section while feeding the sheets, and executes a setting process to set the air blowing operation to be performed when sheet feeding begins by executing the first mode. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, in the first mode in which the type of sheet is detected by the type detection portion, it is possible to prevent the feeding of the first sheet from becoming slow. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a manual feed section according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an air blowing operation is performed in the manual feed section according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a media detection sensor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a process when the power supply is turned on according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart showing a handling setting process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a setting screen for the air blowing operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 6 is a flowchart showing a process when a sheet is set in the paper feed tray according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a media information setting process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a setting screen for a media information determination method in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a setting screen for paper thickness according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a setting screen for paper surface properties according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 6 is a flowchart showing a part of a process when a job is submitted according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the process when a job is submitted according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 4 is a flowchart showing a handling process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing a media information setting process according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] <First embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. First, an image forming system 600 including an image forming apparatus 201 and a manual feed unit 235 connected thereto as a sheet feeder will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] [Outline of image forming system] 1, the image forming system 600 includes an image forming apparatus 201, a manual feed section 235, and a feed deck 800 connected to the image forming apparatus 201. The feed deck 800 is connected to the right side of the image forming apparatus 201 in FIG. 1, and is configured to be able to feed a sheet S to the image forming apparatus 201. The manual feed section 235 is also configured to be able to feed a sheet S to the image forming apparatus 201.

[0013] [General configuration of image forming device] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 201 has an apparatus body 201A equipped with an image forming section 201B that forms an image on a sheet. An image reading device 202 that is installed substantially horizontally is disposed above the apparatus body 201A. A discharge space V for discharging sheets is formed between the image reading device 202 and the apparatus body 201A. An operation unit 730 that is a UI configured with a touch panel or the like capable of displaying a screen is disposed above the apparatus body 201A. The operation unit 730 according to this embodiment constitutes a type input unit that inputs the type of sheet (see FIG. 12 and FIG. 13) in a user setting mode described in detail later.

[0014] The image forming section 201B is a four-drum full-color type. The image forming section 201B includes a laser scanner 210 and four process cartridges 211Y, 211M, 211C, and 211K that form toner images of four colors, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Each process cartridge 211 includes a photosensitive drum 212, a charger 213 as a charging means, and a developer 214 as a developing means. The image forming section 201B also includes an intermediate transfer unit 201C disposed above the process cartridge 211, and a fixing section 201E. A toner cartridge 215 for supplying toner to the developer 214 is provided above the intermediate transfer unit 201C.

[0015] The intermediate transfer unit 201C includes an intermediate transfer belt 216 wound around a drive roller 216a and a tension roller 216b. A primary transfer roller 219 is provided on the inner side of the intermediate transfer belt 216, and contacts the intermediate transfer belt 216 at a position facing the photosensitive drum 212. The intermediate transfer belt 216 is rotated in the direction of the arrow by a drive roller 216a driven by a drive unit (not shown).

[0016] Then, the negative color toner images on the photosensitive drums are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 216 by the primary transfer roller 219. A secondary transfer roller 217 that transfers the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt onto the sheet S is provided at a position facing the driving roller 216a of the intermediate transfer unit 201C. A secondary transfer section 201D is formed between the intermediate transfer belt 216 and the secondary transfer roller 217. Furthermore, a fixing section 201E having a pressure roller 220a and a heating roller 220b is provided above the secondary transfer roller 217. Moreover, a first discharge roller pair 225a, a second discharge roller pair 225b, and a double-sided reversing section 201F are provided above the fixing section 201E. The double-sided reversing section 201F is provided with a reversible reversing roller pair 222 and a re-conveying passage R that conveys the sheet with an image formed on one side to the image forming section 201B again.

[0017] A plurality of sheet feeding units 230 that feed set sheets S to the image forming section 201B are provided at the bottom of the apparatus main body 201A. Each of the plurality of sheet feeding units 230 includes a feeding cassette 1 that stores a plurality of sheets (a stack of sheets) and a sheet feeding section 6 that serves as a feeding section that feeds the sheets S stored in the feeding cassette 1. The sheet feeding section 6 includes a pickup roller 2, and a feed roller 3 and a retard roller 4 that serve as a separation means that separates the sheets S that have been fed from the pickup roller 2 and fed in a multi-fed state.

[0018] 1 of the apparatus main body 201A, below the manual feed section 235, is provided with a feed deck 800 that feeds the set sheets S to the image forming section 201B. The feed deck 800 has a sheet feed section 806 similar to the sheet feed unit 230. That is, the sheet feed section 806 has a pickup roller 801, and a feed roller 802 and a retard roller 803 as a separation means that separates the sheets S fed from the pickup roller 801 and fed in a multi-ply manner. In addition, a pair of pull-out rollers 804 is provided downstream of the sheet feed section 806 in the sheet conveying direction.

[0019] Further, on the right side surface of the apparatus main body 201A in FIG. 1, there is provided a manual feed section 235 that feeds sheets S from a plurality of sheets S (sheet stack) set by manual feed to the image forming section 201B. The manual feed section 235 is rotatable and openable with respect to the apparatus main body 201A, that is, it is arranged so as to be switchable between an open state where it is opened with respect to the apparatus main body 201A and a closed state where it is closed with respect to the apparatus main body 201A. The manual feed section 235 is provided with a paper feed tray 236 that is a manual feed tray that supports the sheets S when it is in the open state, and is provided with a sheet feed section 506 similar to the sheet feed unit 230. That is, the sheet feed section 506 is provided with a pickup roller 501, and a feed roller 502 and a retard roller 503 as a separation means that separates the sheets S that are fed from the pickup roller 501 and fed in a double state. Further, a pair of pull-out rollers 504 is provided downstream of the sheet feed section 506 in the sheet conveying direction.

[0020] A media detection sensor 280 is disposed on the conveying path of the apparatus main body 201A as a type detection unit, and reads the conveyed sheet S to detect the basis weight and surface properties of the paper. The media detection sensor 280 will be described later.

[0021] [Operation of image forming device] Next, a description will be given of the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 201. First, when image information of an original is read by the image reading device 202, this image information is subjected to image processing, converted into an electrical signal, and transmitted to the laser scanner 210 of the image forming section 201B. Note that this image information may be transmitted from a host device 1500 (see FIG. 2) such as an external computer via a network.

[0022] In the image forming unit 201B, the surface is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charger 213, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 212 is sequentially exposed to laser light. As a result, electrostatic latent images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum of each process cartridge 211, respectively.

[0023] Thereafter, the electrostatic latent images are developed and visualized with toner of each color, and the toner images of each color on each photoconductor drum are transferred in order onto the intermediate transfer belt 216 in a superimposed manner by a primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer roller 219. As a result, a toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 216.

[0024] Meanwhile, the sheet S fed from the sheet feeding unit 230 (or the manual feeding section 235, or the feeding deck 800) is conveyed to a pair of registration rollers (hereinafter referred to as the registration roller pair) 240 consisting of a drive roller and a driven roller. At this time, the driving of the registration roller pair 240 is stopped, and the leading edge of the sheet S abuts against the registration roller pair 240. As a result, the leading edge of the sheet S is made to follow the registration roller pair 240.

[0025] Thereafter, the sheet S continues to be conveyed by the feed roller 3 (or the feed roller 502, or the feed roller 802) or the like, so that a flexure (loop) is formed in the sheet S. Thereafter, the pair of registration rollers 240 is driven in synchronization with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 216. As a result, the pair of registration rollers 240 corrects the skew of the sheet S, and the sheet S with the skew corrected is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 201D by the pair of registration rollers 240.

[0026] Next, in the secondary transfer section 201D, the toner images are transferred all at once onto the sheet S by a secondary transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 217. Then, the sheet S onto which the toner images have been transferred is transported to the fixing section 201E, where the toners of the various colors are melted and mixed by heat and pressure, and are fixed onto the sheet S as a color image.

[0027] Thereafter, the sheet S on which the image has been fixed is discharged to the discharge space V by a first discharge roller pair 225a or a second discharge roller pair 225b provided downstream of the fixing unit 201E, and is stacked on a stacking unit 223 formed on the bottom surface of the discharge space V. When images are formed on both sides of the sheet S, after the images are fixed, the sheet S is transported to a re-conveyance path R by a reversing roller pair 222, and is transported again to the secondary transfer unit 201D.

[0028] [Manual feed section configuration] Next, the manual feed unit 235 as a sheet feeding device will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 3. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the manual feed unit 235 according to the first embodiment.

[0029] 1 and 3, the manual feed unit 235 includes a paper feed tray 236 as a support unit, and a sheet feed unit 506 as a feed unit that feeds sheets and separates overlapped sheets. The sheet feed unit 506 also includes a pickup roller 501 as a feed roller that comes into contact with the top sheet of the sheet stack and feeds the top sheet. The sheet feed unit 506 also includes a feed roller 502 and a retard roller 503 as a separation unit that separates the sheet S fed from the pickup roller 501.

[0030] In the manual feed section 235, a pair of pull-out rollers 504 that pulls out the sheet S from the feed roller 502 and feeds it to the image forming apparatus 201 is disposed downstream of the feed roller 502 in the sheet feed direction. Furthermore, a feed sensor 505 serving as a sheet detection section is disposed between the feed roller 502 and the pair of pull-out rollers 504 in the sheet feed direction, that is, downstream of the sheet feed section 506 in the feed direction. The feed sensor 505 detects the passage of the sheet S by outputting a signal depending on the presence or absence of the sheet S.

[0031] 3, the paper feed tray 236 is provided with a manual feed tray stand 515 and a lifter plate 514 as a sheet support section that supports and stacks a sheet bundle made up of a plurality of sheets S. The lifter plate 514 is also provided with a paper presence / absence detection sensor 401 as a sheet detection section that detects that the sheets S are supported on the paper feed tray 236. The height position of the lifter plate 514 is controlled by a lifting mechanism (not shown) in accordance with the amount of sheets S stacked.

[0032] 3, the sheet feed tray 236 is provided with side end regulating plates 511, 512 that regulate the position of the sheet S supported on the sheet feed tray 236 in the width direction perpendicular to the feeding direction. The side end regulating plates 511, 512 regulate the position of the end (side end of the sheet) in the width direction of the sheet S set on the lifter plate 514. The side end regulating plates 511, 512 are provided with air blowing units 511A, 512A as handling units, respectively. The air blowing unit 511A has a fan 511b driven by a fan motor 511M (see FIG. 2) and a duct 511a that guides the air blown from the fan 511b so as to pass through the inside of the side end regulating plate 511 and blows it from the side of the sheet stack. Similarly, the air blowing section 512A has a fan 512b driven by a fan motor 512M (see FIG. 2), and a duct 512a that guides the air blown from the fan 512b to pass through the inside of the side end regulating plate 512 and blows the air from the side of the sheet stack. In addition, the side end regulating plates 511, 512 are provided with floating suppression plates 511c, 512c near the openings of the ducts 511a, 512a to prevent the sheets S, to which the air is blown, from floating up and climbing over the side end regulating plates 511, 512.

[0033] [Configuration of the control system of the image forming system] Next, the configuration of a control system in the image forming system 600 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the control system of the image forming system according to the first embodiment.

[0034] The control unit 100 according to the present embodiment is provided in, for example, the image forming apparatus 201, and is configured to include a CPU 101, a ROM 102, and a RAM 103. The control unit 100 is a control means for controlling the image forming apparatus 201, the feed deck 800, and the manual feed unit 235. The control unit 100 is connected to a host device 1500 and an operation unit 730, and performs signal processing and sequence control for various process devices while exchanging information with them. The host device 1500 is an external device such as a personal computer, an image scanner, or a facsimile. The control unit 100 is also connected to the fan control unit 402, the feed motor 520 as a motor for driving the pickup roller 501, the feed sensor 505, the media detection sensor 280, and the like.

[0035] [Air blowing action] Next, the operation when air is blown from the side of the sheet stack by air blowing units 511A and 512A will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an air blowing operation is performed by manual feed unit 235 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] 4, when the control unit 100 starts the air blowing operation, the fans 511b, 512b of the air blowing units 511A, 512A blow air toward the side of the sheet stack as indicated by the arrows A1, A2. Then, several to several tens of sheets S at the top of the sheet stack are separated and floated, while the topmost sheet S abuts against the float suppression plates 511c, 512c, thereby suppressing the floating of the separated sheets S. This reduces the adhesion between the sheets S, and makes it possible to feed the sheets S with a smooth surface such as coated paper by the conveying force of the pickup roller 501.

[0037] [Media detection sensor configuration] Next, the configuration of the media detection sensor will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the media detection sensor 280 according to the first embodiment.

[0038] 5, the media detection sensor 280 is a sensor that detects the type of sheet, and includes a main unit 54 and an external LED 55b that is an external illumination means. The main unit 54 also includes an LED 55a, a phototransistor 56a, and a phototransistor 56b therein.

[0039] (Detection of sheet surface by media detection sensor) Next, detection of the surface property of the sheet S (i.e., the media) by the media detection sensor 280 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, light from the LED 55a as a light source is irradiated onto the surface of the sheet S, which is a sheet on the paper transport guide 40, through the slit 57a. The paper transport guide 40 is also provided with a window for irradiating the back side of the sheet S with light. The reflected light from the sheet S is collected through the slits 57b and 57c and received by the phototransistors 56a and 56b. For the light from the LED 55a as a light source, the phototransistor 56a obtains a diffuse reflection output value, and the phototransistor 56b obtains a specular reflection output value. The surface property value x is calculated as the ratio of the specular reflection output value to the diffuse reflection output value (surface property value x=specular reflection output / diffuse reflection output).

[0040] That is, for example, the surface property is "smooth" and "fine" and is quantified as a surface property value x by utilizing the property that light is easily reflected specularly. That is, the above calculation is performed by a calculation device (not shown) disposed in the media detection sensor 280, the surface property of the sheet S is quantified, and the calculation result is notified to the CPU 101. The CPU 101 judges the surface property using the notified surface property value x and a threshold value for judging the surface property. If the surface property value x is higher than the threshold value, the surface property is judged to be of the "smooth" and "fine" type, and if the surface property value x is lower than the threshold value, the surface property is judged to be of the "rough" and "coarse" type. Note that, although the present embodiment is described using one threshold value, the surface property type of the sheet S may be judged by using multiple threshold values ​​to be more finely divided.

[0041] (Detection of sheet thickness by media detection sensor) Next, detection of the sheet thickness will be described. Light emitted from the external LED 55b as a light source is irradiated onto the rear surface of the sheet P through a light collecting guide 57d that is provided for collecting the light. The transmitted light from the sheet P is received by the phototransistor 56a through the slit 57b. The phototransistor 56a obtains a regular transmission output value for the light emitted from the external LED 55b as a light source. This allows the transmittance of the sheet S to be detected.

[0042] The transmittance is detected by utilizing the characteristic that the thicker the sheet, the lower the transmittance, and the thinner the sheet, the higher the transmittance. The detected transmittance is notified to CPU 101. CPU 101 determines the type of thickness using the notified transmittance value and a threshold value for determining the thickness. In this embodiment, a thickness / thin discrimination threshold value A and a thickness / thin discrimination threshold value B are used to determine the three types of thickness: "thick," "normal," and "thin." If the detected transmittance is higher than the thickness / thin discrimination threshold value A, it is determined to be the "thin" type, if the transmittance is lower than the thickness / thin discrimination threshold value B, it is determined to be the "thick" type, and if it does not fall into either category, it is determined to be the "normal" type.

[0043] In this embodiment, two thresholds are used, but in another embodiment, one threshold may be used to determine two thickness types, or three or more thresholds may be used to determine more detailed thickness types. In addition, in this embodiment, an optical sensor is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration using another type of sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor may be used as long as the sensor can detect surface properties or thickness.

[0044] [Control of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment] Next, the control when feeding sheet S from manual feed unit 235 and forming an image in image forming apparatus 201 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The control of image forming apparatus 201 will be roughly described in the order of control when the power is turned on (when returning from power saving mode), control when a sheet is set in manual feed unit 235, and control when a job is input.

[0045] (Control when power is turned on) First, the control when the power is turned on by the user or when the device returns from the power saving mode will be described with reference to Figs. 6, 7, and 8. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the process when the power is turned on according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing the process of setting the handling according to the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a setting screen for the air blowing operation according to the first embodiment.

[0046] 6, in control when the power is ON, the control unit 100 waits, for example, until the power switch of the image forming apparatus 201 is turned ON or until an instruction to return from the power saving mode is given (for example, the power saving mode switch is pressed) (N in S1). When it detects that the power is ON or an instruction to return from the power saving mode is given (Y in S1), it executes a handling setting process (S2) as a setting process when the media detection sensor 280 is used (media sensor mode, described later), and ends the control when the power is ON.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 7, when the control unit 100 starts the separation setting process (S2), first, as shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 100 displays a screen 900 for setting the air blowing operation when the media detection sensor 280 is used on the operation unit 730 (S11). That is, the air blowing operation setting screen 900 is a screen for selecting whether or not to perform air blowing (air separation) at the time of the first sheet feed in the media sensor mode in which the media detection sensor 280 detects the type of sheet S, as will be described in detail later. That is, in step S11, the selection of the separation setting at the time of the first sheet feed in the media sensor mode is prompted, and it is determined whether or not the selection of the separation setting has been completed (S12).

[0048] In selecting this sorting setting, if the user presses either the button 901 for blowing air or the button 902 for not blowing air, and then presses the decision button 903, it is determined that the sorting setting has been selected (Y in S12). In other words, for the air blowing operation when feeding the first sheet in the media sensor mode, it is possible to select an active state (pressing the button 901 for blowing air) or a non-active state (pressing the button 902 for not blowing air). If the sorting setting has not been selected, the system repeatedly waits until it is selected (N in S12).

[0049] When the selection of the handling setting is completed (Y in S12), the process proceeds to step S13, where the selected handling setting is saved in the RAM 103. That is, if the button 901 for blowing air has been pressed, the handling setting is set to ON and saved in the RAM 103. If the button 902 for not blowing air has been pressed, the handling setting is set to OFF and saved in the RAM 103. This concludes the control when the power is turned ON (when returning from the power saving mode).

[0050] (Control when the sheet is set in the manual feed section) Next, the control when a sheet is set in the manual feed section will be described with reference to Figs. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing when a sheet is set in the paper feed tray according to the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the media information setting processing according to the first embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a setting screen for the media information determination method according to the first embodiment. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a setting screen for the paper thickness according to the first embodiment. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a setting screen for the paper surface properties according to the first embodiment.

[0051] 9, when the control unit 100 starts control for when a sheet is set in the manual feed unit, it first detects whether or not there is a sheet S in the paper feed tray 236 of the manual feed unit 235 (S21). Whether or not there is a sheet S in the paper feed tray 236 can be detected by the above-mentioned paper presence / absence detection sensor 401 or the like. The control unit 100 waits until the sheet S is set in the paper feed tray 236 (N in S21), and when it detects that the sheet S has been set in the paper feed tray 236 (Y in S21), it executes a media information setting process (S22) and ends this control.

[0052] 10, when the media information setting process (S22) starts, first, it is determined whether or not the media information determination mode has been set (S31). In this determination, it is determined whether or not the media information determination mode has been saved in RAM 103. If it has been saved (Y in S31), the process proceeds to step S35 described below, and if it has not been saved (N in S31), the process proceeds to step S32.

[0053] If the media information determination mode is not saved, the process proceeds to step S32, and as shown in FIG. 11, a screen 1000 for setting a media information determination method is displayed on the operation unit 730 as a selection process for selecting whether or not to use the media detection sensor 280. That is, the screen 1000 for setting a media information determination method is a screen for setting whether or not to use a media sensor mode as a first mode in which the type of the sheet S is detected and set by the media detection sensor 280 while feeding the sheet S. In other words, the screen 1000 for setting a media information determination method is a screen for setting whether or not to use a user setting mode as a second mode in which the type of the sheet is set by information inputted by the operation unit 730 and feeding is performed. That is, in step S32, the screen 1000 for setting a media information determination method prompts the user to select either the media sensor mode or the user setting mode, and in step S33, it is determined whether or not the setting has been completed (S33).

[0054] On this media information determination method setting screen 1000, when the user presses button 1001 for setting by detection result or button 1002 for setting manually, and then presses decision button 1003, the setting of whether to use the media detection sensor 280 is completed. In other words, if the setting of whether to use the media detection sensor 280 (i.e., the media information determination mode) has not been selected, the process repeatedly waits until it is selected (N in S33).

[0055] When the selection of whether or not to use the media detection sensor 280 (i.e., the media information determination mode) is completed (Y in S33), the result selected in step S33 is saved in RAM 103 as the media information determination mode (S34). That is, if the user presses button 1001 to set based on the detection results in step S33, the media sensor mode that uses the media detection sensor 280 is saved in RAM 103. On the other hand, if the user presses button 1002 to set manually, a user setting mode that does not use the media detection sensor is saved in RAM 103.

[0056] Next, in step S35, it is determined whether the setting of the media information determination mode stored in RAM 103 is the media sensor mode. If the setting of the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode (Y in S35), this control ends. On the other hand, if the setting of the media information determination mode is the user setting mode (N in S35), the process proceeds to step S36, where the thickness and surface type of the sheet S (paper) (i.e., sheet information) are manually set by the user.

[0057] When the process proceeds to step S36, first, as shown in Fig. 12, a paper thickness setting screen 1100 is displayed on the operation unit 730. Then, when the user presses either the thin paper button 1101, the plain paper button 1102, or the thick paper button 1103, and then the decision button 1104, the selection of the paper thickness type is completed. In other words, if the paper thickness type has not been selected, the process repeatedly waits until one is selected (N in S37).

[0058] When the selection of the paper thickness is completed (Y in S37), the paper thickness is saved in RAM 103 (S38). That is, in step S37, if thin paper button 1101 is pressed, thin paper is saved, if plain paper button 1102 is pressed, plain paper is saved, and if thick paper button 1103 is pressed, thick paper is saved. Note that, although the present embodiment has been described as allowing the thickness to be selected using three types of buttons, this is not limiting, and the selection may be made from two types, or from four or more types.

[0059] Next, when the process proceeds to step S39, a paper surface property setting screen 1200 is displayed on the operation unit 730, as shown in Fig. 13. Then, when the user presses either the fine (smooth) button 1201, the standard button 1202, or the coarse (rough) button 1203, and then the decision button 1204, the selection of the type of paper surface property is completed. In other words, if the type of paper surface property has not been selected, the process repeatedly waits until one is selected (N in S40).

[0060] When the selection of the type of surface property of the paper is completed (Y in S40), the thickness of the paper is stored in RAM 103 (S41). That is, in the above step S40, if the fine button 1201 was pressed, fine is stored, if the standard button 1202 was pressed, standard is stored, and if the coarse button 1203 was pressed, coarse is stored. Then, the media information setting process (S22) is completed. Note that, in the present embodiment, the surface property is selected using three types of buttons, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to select from two types or four or more types.

[0061] (Control when a job is submitted) Next, the control when a job is submitted will be described with reference to Fig. 14, Fig. 15, and Fig. 16. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing when a job is submitted according to the first embodiment. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the continuation of the processing when a job is submitted according to the first embodiment. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the handling processing according to the first embodiment.

[0062] 14, the control unit 100 waits until a print job (hereinafter simply referred to as a "job") for forming (printing) an image on a plurality of sheets S is input (N in S51). Whether or not a job has been input is determined based on whether or not there is a job request from the host device 1500. When a job has been input (Y in S51), the process proceeds to step S52.

[0063] In step S52, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a sheet S in the paper feed tray 236 of the manual feed unit 235. To determine whether or not a sheet S has been set in the paper feed tray 236, a paper presence / absence detection means such as the paper presence / absence detection sensor 401 described above is used. The control unit 100 waits until a sheet S is set in the paper feed tray 236 (N in S52), and if a sheet S has been set (already set) (Y in S52), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S53.

[0064] When the process proceeds to step S53, the control unit 100 judges whether or not the media information has been decided. For this judgment, the media information decision mode stored in the RAM 103 is used (see S34 in FIG. 10). If the media information decision mode is set to the media sensor mode or the user setting mode, it is judged that the media information has been decided (Y in S53), and the process proceeds to step S55. If it is judged that the media information has not been decided (N in S53), the subroutine of the media information setting process (S54) shown in FIG. 10 described above is executed, and the process proceeds to step S55.

[0065] When the process proceeds to step S55, the control unit 100 determines whether the media information determination mode recorded in the RAM 103 is the media sensor mode. If the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode (Y in S55), the process proceeds to step S56, and thereafter, the paper feed operation is performed in the media sensor mode. If the media information determination mode is the user setting mode (N in S55), the process proceeds to step S59, and thereafter, the paper feed operation is performed in the user setting mode.

[0066] (When performing air handling in user-defined mode) First, the paper feed operation when the media information determination mode is the user setting mode and air separation is performed will be described. When proceeding to step S59, it is determined whether air separation is necessary or not according to the type of thickness and type of surface of the sheet S set by the user in the above media information setting process (S22, S54) and stored in RAM 103. When the type of sheet S is set to thin paper or plain paper with fine surface and thin thickness that is likely to cause double feeding (Y in S59), it is determined that air separation is necessary, and proceeds to the separation process of step S60.

[0067] 16, the process starts the separation process, and the fans 511b, 512b of the air blowing units 511A, 512A are driven to start the air blowing operation (S81).Then, the process waits until a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed so that the sheets S set in the paper feed tray 236 are sufficiently separated (N in S82), and when the predetermined time has elapsed (Y in S82), the process ends.

[0068] When the separation process in step S60 is completed, the process proceeds to step S62 as shown in Fig. 15, where the control unit 100 judges whether or not the sheet can be fed. The judgment of whether or not the sheet can be fed is made based on whether or not the sheet feed sensor 505 (see Figs. 2 and 3) detects the sheet S. That is, when the sheet feed sensor 505 detects the sheet S, it judges that the sheet cannot be fed because there is a previous sheet, and waits until the feeding is stopped (N in S62). Then, when the sheet feed sensor 505 no longer detects the sheet S, that is, when it judges that the previous sheet has run out and the sheet can be fed (Y in S62), the sheet S is fed by the pickup roller 501 (S63).

[0069] Next, it is determined again whether the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode (S64), and since the media information determination mode is the user setting mode in this case (N in S64), it is determined whether the feeding of the required number of sheets for the job has been completed (S66). If the feeding of the required number of sheets has not been completed (N in S66), it is determined again whether there are sheets S in the paper feed tray 236 (S69), as in step S52. If there are sheets S in the paper feed tray 236 (Y in S69), it is further determined whether the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode (S70), and since the media information determination mode is the user setting mode in this case (N in S70), the process returns to step S62.

[0070] Then, the above-mentioned feeding operation is repeated, and when the feeding of the required number of sheets for the job is completed (Y in S66) or the sheet feed tray 236 runs out of sheets S (N in S69), it is determined whether the above-mentioned sorting process (S60 described above) is being performed (S67). Since the sorting process is being performed here (Y in S67), the fans 511b, 512b of the above-mentioned air blowing units 511A, 512A are stopped to stop the air blowing operation (S68), and thus the feeding operation when performing air sorting in the user setting mode is completed.

[0071] (When air handling is not performed in user setting mode) Next, the paper feed operation when the media information determination mode is the user setting mode and air separation is not performed will be described. When proceeding to step S59 shown in FIG. 14 as described above, it is determined whether air separation is necessary or not according to the type of thickness and type of surface of the sheet S set by the user in the above media information setting process (S22, S54) and stored in RAM 103. If the type of sheet S is not a sheet S with a high possibility of double feeding, that is, if it is not a thin paper or plain paper with fine surface and thin thickness (N in S59), it is determined that air separation is not necessary, and proceeds to step S61. Note that in this step S61, nothing is done to the fans 511b and 512b of the above air blowing units 511A and 512A, and proceeds to step S62 shown in FIG. 15.

[0072] When the control unit 100 proceeds to step S62, it determines whether or not the sheet can be fed as described above, and if it determines that the sheet cannot be fed because there is a previous sheet, it waits until the sheet feeding is stopped (N in S62). Then, if it determines that the previous sheet has run out and the sheet can be fed (Y in S62), the sheet S is fed by the pickup roller 501 (S63).

[0073] Next, it is determined again whether the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode (S64), and since the media information determination mode is the user setting mode in this case (N in S64), it is determined whether the feeding of the required number of sheets for the job has been completed (S66). If the feeding of the required number of sheets has not been completed (N in S66), it is determined again whether there are sheets S in the paper feed tray 236 (S69), as in step S52. If there are sheets S in the paper feed tray 236 (Y in S69), it is further determined whether the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode (S70), and since the media information determination mode is the user setting mode in this case (N in S70), the process returns to step S62.

[0074] Then, the above-mentioned feeding operation is repeated, and when the feeding of the required number of sheets for the job is completed (Y in S66) or the sheet feed tray 236 runs out of sheets S (N in S69), it is determined whether the above-mentioned separation process (S60 described above) is being performed (S67). Since the separation process is not being performed here (N in S67), the feeding operation in the case where air separation is not performed in the user setting mode is terminated.

[0075] (When performing air separation during the first paper feed in media sensor mode) Next, a paper feeding operation will be described when the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode and air separation is performed during the first paper feed. In step S55 shown in FIG. 14, if the media information determination mode recorded in RAM 103 is the media sensor mode (Y in S55), the process proceeds to step S56. In this step S56, in the above-mentioned separation setting process (S2 above), it is determined whether the separation setting selected by the user and saved in RAM 103 is ON. Here, assuming that the separation setting selected by the user and saved in RAM 103 is ON (Y in S56), the process proceeds to the separation process of step S57.

[0076] 16, the process starts the sorting process, and the fans 511b, 512b of the air blowing units 511A, 512A are driven to start the air blowing operation (S81). Then, the process waits until a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed so that the sheets S set in the paper feed tray 236 are sufficiently sorted (N in S82), and when the predetermined time has elapsed (Y in S82), the process ends.

[0077] When the separation process in step S57 is completed, the process proceeds to step S62 shown in Fig. 15, where the control unit 100 judges whether or not the sheet can be fed. The judgment as to whether or not the sheet can be fed is made based on whether or not the feed sensor 505 (see Figs. 2 and 3) detects the sheet S. That is, when the feed sensor 505 detects the sheet S, it judges that the sheet cannot be fed because there is a previous sheet, and waits until the state in which feeding is stopped is reached (N in S62). Then, when the feed sensor 505 no longer detects the sheet S, that is, when it judges that the previous sheet has run out and the sheet can be fed (Y in S62), the sheet S is fed by the pickup roller 501.

[0078] Next, it is determined again whether the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode (S64), and since the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode in this case (Y in S64), the sheet S is read by the media detection sensor 280 (S65). That is, for the first sheet S fed by the pickup roller 501, the surface property and thickness are detected by the media detection sensor 280 as described above.

[0079] Next, it is determined whether or not the feeding of the required number of sheets for the job has been completed (S66). If the feeding of the required number of sheets has not been completed (N in S66), it is determined again whether or not there are sheets S in the paper feed tray 236 (S69), as in step S52. If there are sheets S in the paper feed tray 236 (Y in S69), it is further determined whether or not the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode (S70), and since the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode in this case (Y in S70), the process proceeds to step S71.

[0080] In step S71, it is determined whether the sheet requires air separation operation based on the surface property and thickness of the sheet S detected by the media detection sensor 280. If the type of sheet S detected by the media detection sensor 280 is set to be thin paper or plain paper with fine surface property and thin thickness that is likely to cause double feeding, it is determined that air separation is required (Y in S71), and the process proceeds to separation processing in step S72. Then, the fans 511b, 512b of the air blowing units 511A, 512A are driven to perform the air blowing operation, and the process returns to step S62.

[0081] On the other hand, if the type of sheet S detected by the media detection sensor 280 is any other type of sheet, it is determined that air separation is not necessary (N in S71). In this case, the fans 511b, 512b of the air blowing units 511A, 512A are stopped to stop the air blowing operation, and the process returns to step S62.

[0082] Then, the above-mentioned feeding operation is repeated, and when the feeding of the required number of sheets for the job is completed (Y in S66) or the sheet feed tray 236 runs out of sheets S (N in S69), it is determined whether the above-mentioned sorting process (S60 described above) is being performed (S67). If the sorting process is being performed (Y in S67), the fans 511b, 512b of the above-mentioned air blowing units 511A, 512A are stopped to stop the air blowing operation (S68), and the feeding operation in the media sensor mode is terminated. If the sorting process has not already been performed (N in S67), the feeding operation in the media sensor mode is terminated as is.

[0083] (In media sensor mode, if air separation is not performed during the first paper feed) Next, a paper feeding operation when the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode and air separation is not performed at the first paper feeding will be described. In step S55 shown in FIG. 14, if the media information determination mode recorded in RAM 103 is the media sensor mode (Y in S55), the process proceeds to step S56. In step S56, the process determines whether the separation setting selected by the user and saved in RAM 103 is ON in the separation setting process (S2 above). In this case, the process proceeds to step S58 assuming that the separation setting selected by the user and saved in RAM 103 is OFF (N in S56). In step S58, nothing is done to the fans 511b and 512b of the air blowing units 511A and 512A described above, and the process proceeds to step S62 shown in FIG. 15.

[0084] When the process proceeds to step S62, the control unit 100 judges whether or not the sheet can be fed. The judgment of whether or not the sheet can be fed is made based on whether or not the sheet S is detected by the feeding sensor 505 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). That is, when the feeding sensor 505 detects the sheet S, it judges that the sheet cannot be fed because there is a previous sheet, and waits until the feeding is stopped (N in S62). Then, when the feeding sensor 505 no longer detects the sheet S, that is, when it judges that the previous sheet has run out and the sheet can be fed (Y in S62), the pickup roller 501 feeds the sheet S.

[0085] Next, it is determined again whether the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode (S64), and since the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode in this case (Y in S64), the sheet S is read by the media detection sensor 280 (S65). That is, for the first sheet S fed by the pickup roller 501, the surface property and thickness are detected by the media detection sensor 280 as described above.

[0086] Next, it is determined whether or not the feeding of the required number of sheets for the job has been completed (S66). If the feeding of the required number of sheets has not been completed (N in S66), it is determined again whether or not there are sheets S in the paper feed tray 236 (S69), as in step S52. If there are sheets S in the paper feed tray 236 (Y in S69), it is further determined whether or not the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode (S70), and since the media information determination mode is the media sensor mode in this case (Y in S70), the process proceeds to step S71.

[0087] In step S71, it is determined whether the sheet requires air handling operation, based on the surface property and thickness of the sheet S detected by the media detection sensor 280. If the type of sheet S detected by the media detection sensor 280 is set to be thin paper or plain paper with fine surface property and thin thickness, which is likely to cause double feeding, it is determined that air handling is required (Y in S71), and the process proceeds to the handling process in step S72. In this case, the air handling operation was not performed in the initial feeding, but since air handling is required, the fans 511b, 512b of the air blowing units 511A, 512A are driven to start the air blowing operation, and the process returns to step S62.

[0088] On the other hand, if the type of sheet S detected by the media detection sensor 280 is any other type of sheet, it is determined that air blowing is not necessary (N in S71). In this case, the fans 511b, 512b of the air blowing units 511A, 512A continue to remain stopped, that is, no air blowing operation is performed, and the process returns to step S62.

[0089] Then, the above-mentioned feeding operation is repeated, and when the feeding of the required number of sheets for the job is completed (Y in S66) or the sheet feed tray 236 runs out of sheets S (N in S69), it is determined whether the above-mentioned sorting process (S60 described above) is being performed (S67). If the sorting process is being performed (Y in S67), the fans 511b, 512b of the above-mentioned air blowing units 511A, 512A are stopped to stop the air blowing operation (S68), and the feeding operation in the media sensor mode is terminated. If the sorting process has not already been performed (N in S67), the feeding operation in the media sensor mode is terminated as is.

[0090] [Summary of the first embodiment] As described above, the image forming apparatus 201 according to the first embodiment can execute a media sensor mode in which the type of the sheet S is detected by the media detection sensor 280 while feeding the sheet S. Then, the media sensor mode is executed to execute a handling setting (see FIG. 7) for setting an air blowing operation to be executed when starting feeding of the sheet S. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, air handling from being executed for a sheet S that does not require an air handling operation, slowing down the feeding of the first sheet S in the media sensor mode, and to prevent a decrease in FCOT.

[0091] Furthermore, when the power is turned on (returned from the power saving mode) (see FIG. 6), a handling setting (see FIG. 7) is executed to set the air blowing operation to be executed when starting feeding of the sheet S by executing the media sensor mode. This makes it possible to prevent slowing down of feeding of the first sheet S in the media sensor mode when the user starts a job with the media sensor mode selected, without the need to execute the handling setting.

[0092] Also, assume that the media sensor mode is selected, and the non-driving state of the air blowing operation (air handling operation) (air blowing button 902 in FIG. 8) is selected in the handling settings. In this state, a job is started, and feeding of sheet S is started by executing the media sensor mode. If it is detected that the sheet is a type that requires air handling (Y in S71), the air blowing operation is switched to the driving state, that is, the handling process is executed (S72). As a result, even if the user mistakenly sets the handling settings so that the air blowing operation is not performed, the air handling operation can be started when the sheet is fed thereafter, and feeding problems can be prevented.

[0093] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment, which is a partial modification of the first embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flow chart showing a media information setting process according to the second embodiment. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] In the first embodiment described above, when the power is turned on, a handling setting process is executed to set the air blowing operation when first feeding in media sensor mode (see Figs. 6 and 7). In the present second embodiment, it is assumed that the power ON process shown in Fig. 6 is not executed when the power is turned on. In the present second embodiment, the handling setting process is executed when the media sensor mode is selected in the media information setting process executed when the sheet S is set in the paper feed tray 236 or when a job is input.

[0095] In detail, the media information setting process S22 shown in Fig. 17 is executed when the user sets a sheet S in the paper feed tray 236 (Y in S21) as shown in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 17, similarly to the first embodiment, if the media information determination mode has not been saved (N in S31), the user is prompted to select either the media sensor mode or the user setting mode (S32, S33). Then, when the setting is completed (Y in S33), the selected result is saved as the media information determination mode (S34).

[0096] In the present embodiment, the media information determination mode is reset in RAM 102 when the power is turned off, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the media information determination mode selected by the user is not reset and is stored in another non-volatile memory, it is determined that the media information determination mode has been set (Y in S31).

[0097] Then, if the media sensor mode is selected as the media information determination mode (Y in S35), it is determined whether or not the handling setting is selected (S90). If the handling setting is not selected (N in S90), the above-mentioned handling setting process (see FIG. 7) is executed. That is, for the air blowing operation when feeding the first sheet in the media sensor mode, the driven state (pressing the button 901 for air blowing) or the non-driven state (pressing the button 902 for no air blowing) is selected (see FIG. 8). In this way, when the air handling operation for the first feeding in the media sensor mode is set, the media information setting process is terminated. Note that, if the user setting mode is selected as the media information determination mode (N in S35), the process is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] In this embodiment, the operating state or non-operating state of the air blowing operation in the handling setting is described as being reset and not stored in RAM 102 when the power is turned off, for example, but this is not limited to the above. For example, if the contents of the handling setting selected by the user are not reset and are stored in another non-volatile memory, the handling setting is considered to have been selected in step S90 (Y in S90), and the media information setting process is terminated.

[0099] The above-described media information setting process S22 shown in Fig. 17 is also executed when a job is submitted but media information has not been set (N in S53), as shown in Fig. 14. For example, if a job is submitted before a sheet is set in paper feed tray 236, the process shown in Fig. 14 is started without executing the process shown in Fig. 9, and therefore media information may not be set. Even in this case, if the media sensor mode is selected as the media information determination mode when a job is submitted, the separation setting process can be executed to set the air blowing operation for the first feeding in the media sensor mode.

[0100] As described above, in the second embodiment, the separation setting (see FIG. 7) for setting the air blowing operation to be executed when feeding of the sheet S is started by executing the media sensor mode can be executed when the sheet is set in the sheet feed tray 236. Alternatively, the separation setting can also be executed when a job is input, that is, when an instruction is given to start feeding by the manual feed unit 235. These separation settings are executed continuously when the media sensor mode is selected as the media information determination mode, thereby making it possible to avoid a situation in which the separation setting process is not executed even though the media sensor mode is selected.

[0101] Other than this, the configuration, operation, and effects of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] [Possibility of other embodiments] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the image forming apparatus 201 is described as being equipped with the media detection sensor 280, the control unit 100, the manual feed unit 235, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured such that, for example, a sheet feeder such as the feed deck 800 is equipped with a media detection sensor, a control unit, etc. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus is not limited to the image forming apparatus 201 of the present embodiment, and may refer to an image forming system equipped with a feed deck.

[0103] In the first and second embodiments, the media information determination mode is described as being capable of selectively executing both the media sensor mode and the user setting mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to execute only the media sensor mode.

[0104] In the first and second embodiments, the sheet type is input by operating the operation unit 730 in the user setting mode. However, the sheet type information may be input in the user setting mode, for example, from an external computer via an interface. In this case, the interface is the type input unit.

[0105] In the first and second embodiments, the media information setting process is performed when sheets are set in the paper feed tray 236 (see FIGS. 9, 10, and 14), and the media information determination mode selection process is executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the media information determination mode selection process may be executed before sheets are set, for example, when the power is turned on. In this case, the handling setting process may be executed in advance before the media information determination mode selection process, or may be executed immediately after the media information determination mode selection process or after the sheets are set.

[0106] The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 100...Control unit / 201...Image forming apparatus / 201B...Image forming unit / 235...Manual feed unit (sheet feed device) / 236...Paper feed tray (support unit) / 280...Media detection sensor (type detection unit) / 401...Paper presence / absence sensor (sheet detection unit) / 506...Sheet feed unit (feed unit) / 511...Side edge regulation plate / 511A...Air blowing unit (separation unit) / 511a...Duct / 511b...Fan / 512...Side edge regulation plate / 512A...Air blowing unit (separation unit) / 512a...Duct / 512b...Fan / 730...Operation unit (type input unit) / S...Sheet

Claims

1. A support part that supports a seat; a feeding section that feeds the sheet supported by the support section; a blowing unit that blows air onto the sheet supported by the support unit; a type detection unit that detects the type of the sheet fed by the feeding unit; a control unit that controls the air blowing operation of the blowing unit according to the type of sheet; a type input unit for inputting information on the type of the sheet supported by the support unit, The control unit a first mode in which the type of the sheet supported by the support portion is detected and set by the type detection portion while feeding the sheet; a second mode in which the type of the sheet supported by the support unit is set based on information input by the type input unit, and feeding is performed; executing a setting process for setting the air blowing operation to be executed when starting sheet feeding by executing the first mode; executing a selection process for selecting either the first mode or the second mode; A sheet feeding device characterized by:

2. The control unit executes the setting process before executing the selection process.

2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding device is a sheet feeding device.

3. The control unit executes the setting process when power is turned on.

3. The sheet feeding device according to claim 2, wherein the sheet feeding device is a sheet feeding device.

4. the control unit is capable of executing the setting process when the first mode is selected by the selection process.

2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding device is a sheet feeding device.

5. a sheet detection unit that detects that a sheet is supported by the support unit; the control unit executes the setting process when the first mode is selected and the sheet detection unit detects that the sheet is supported on the support unit.

2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding device is a sheet feeding device.

6. An operation unit that displays a screen for executing the selection process, 2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding device is a sheet feeding device.

7. the control unit executes the setting process when the first mode is selected and an instruction to start feeding by the feeding unit is given.

2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding device is a sheet feeding device.

8. The control unit In the setting process, the air blowing operation can be selected to be in an activated state or a deactivated state, When starting sheet feeding by executing the first mode, if the air blowing operation is set to the non-driven state and the type of sheet detected by the type detection unit is a type that requires driving of the air blowing operation, the air blowing operation is switched from the non-driven state to the driven state.

2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding device is a sheet feeding device.

9. The sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet fed by the sheet feeding device, An image forming apparatus characterized by:

10. the sheet feeding device is a manual feeding unit that allows a sheet to be manually fed to the support unit; 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9,

11. the manual feed unit includes a side edge regulating plate that regulates the position of the sheet supported by the support unit in a width direction perpendicular to the feed direction, The blowing unit has a fan and a duct that guides air blown from the fan to pass through the inside of the side end regulating plate and blows the air against the side of the sheet.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

Images