JP2001294362A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of smoothly forming an image by preventing erroneous detection of an over carrying capacity in a discharge tray. SOLUTION: In the image forming device 1, an image forming control part 2 outputs a control signal until the first recording paper sheet of the following set is fed after a final recording paper sheet in each set is fed (that is, in an interval between the sets). A post processing control part 3 receiving the control signal refers to a discharge tray full sensor 4 and outputs a full single if a stacking height of the recording paper sheets in the discharge tray 34 exceeds an allowable stacking height. The image forming control part 2 receiving the full signal stops supply of the first recording paper sheet in the following set.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a general image forming apparatus, a recording sheet after an image forming process is conveyed to a discharge tray and is sequentially stacked on the discharge tray. In such an image forming apparatus, in order to prevent a trouble that the stacked recording paper exceeds the capacity of the discharge tray, a sensor or the like for detecting a stacking height of the recording paper is provided in the discharge tray, and 2. Description of the Related Art A method of stopping an image forming process when a load height reaches a predetermined allowable load height is conventionally known. The image forming process interrupted by this method is restarted after all the recording sheets on the discharge tray are removed.

In an image forming apparatus that performs image forming processing on a plurality of sets of recording sheets (for example, a copying machine that performs a copying process on a plurality of sets of recording sheets), the image forming processing is performed in the middle of a certain sheet set. Is interrupted, after all the recording sheets that have completed the image forming process are removed,
The image forming process is restarted in the middle of the sheet setting. In this case, however, the same set of recording sheets is divided into a plurality of sheets, so that extra work such as reassembling the set may occur. . Therefore, Patent No. 2699408
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H11-157, if the stacking amount of recording paper exceeds the allowable stacking amount of the discharge tray in the middle of the set, the image forming process is continued during the set, and the image forming process is performed at a break between the sets. There is proposed an image forming apparatus that stops the operation.

[0004]

Incidentally, since the recording paper on which the image forming process is performed passes through the high-temperature fixing section, the recording paper is not flat but curled (curved) depending on the moisture content of the paper and the state of the fibers. It may be discharged in the state of being turned off (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). When the curled recording paper is stacked on the discharge tray as described above, the apparent stacking height of the recording paper becomes high, so that a sensor or the like may detect before the actual allowable number of stacked papers is reached. There is a problem that the image forming process is stopped at an early stage even though the recording sheets can still be stacked on the discharge tray.

[0005] Further, the curled recording paper as described above has a gradual degree of curl (that is, becomes flat) due to the weight of the recording paper to be subsequently loaded, its own weight, and the like, so that the recording paper is printed over time. The paper stacking height may gradually decrease (see FIG. 7C). Therefore, in the above-described conventional image forming apparatus, a sensor or the like detects that the recording paper on the discharge tray has reached the allowable stacking height while performing image forming processing on a certain set of recording paper. When the image forming process is performed up to the last recording sheet of the set and the recording sheet is stopped, the recording sheet on the discharge tray may not have already reached the allowable stacking height when the image recording process is stopped. In such a case, the image forming process cannot be restarted unless all the recording sheets are removed from the discharge tray even though the recording sheet stacking height has not reached the allowable stacking height.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing an erroneous detection of an overload of a discharge tray and performing a smooth image forming process. Aim.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of performing image forming processing on a plurality of sets of recording sheets. Is performed, and the recording paper is conveyed to the compiler tray, and a control signal indicating an instruction of post-processing or discharge processing is sent between the time when the last recording paper of each set is fed and the time when the first recording paper of the next set is fed. Receiving the control signal output from the image forming control means, performing post-processing on the recording paper conveyed to the compiler tray, and discharging the recording paper to a discharge tray. Control means;
Discharge tray full detecting means for detecting that the stacking height of the recording paper in the discharge tray exceeds the allowable stacking height, wherein the post-processing control means is configured to receive the control signal, and If the discharge tray full detection means detects that the output tray exceeds the allowable stacking height, a full signal indicating that the discharge tray is full is output, and the image forming control means Receiving the full signal output from the printer, stops feeding the first recording sheet of the next set.

[0008] According to this image forming apparatus, the image forming control means controls the period from when the last recording sheet of each set is fed to when the first recording sheet of the next set is fed (that is, a break between sets). After receiving the control signal, the post-processing control unit refers to the discharge tray full detection unit, and outputs a full signal when the stacking height of the recording paper in the discharge tray exceeds the allowable stacking height. Output. Then, upon receiving the full signal, the image forming control means stops feeding the first recording sheet of the next set. That is, in this image forming apparatus, a full signal indicating that the stacking height of the recording sheets on the discharge tray exceeds the allowable stacking height is transmitted to the image forming control means only at the break between sets. Therefore, it is possible to ignore erroneous detection such as when the allowable stacking amount temporarily exceeds the allowable stacking amount during the sheet setting due to the curl of the recording sheet, and to avoid the needless interruption of the image forming process.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of performing image forming processing on a plurality of sets of recording paper, wherein the recording paper is fed to perform image forming processing. Image forming control means for conveying recording paper to a compiler tray, post-processing control means for performing post-processing on the recording paper conveyed to the compiler tray and discharging the recording paper to a discharge tray, and recording paper in the discharge tray Discharge tray full detecting means for detecting that the stacking height of the recording paper exceeds the allowable stacking height, and detecting that the stacking height of the recording paper in the discharge tray that has exceeded the allowable stacking height has fallen within the allowable stacking height. The post-processing control unit is configured to perform the processing when the discharge tray full detecting unit detects that the stacking height of the recording paper in the discharge tray exceeds the allowable stacking height. Output a full signal indicating that the discharge tray is in a full state, and when the discharge tray full detecting means detects that the stacking height of the recording paper in the discharge tray is within the allowable stacking height, the discharge tray is The image forming control unit outputs a full release signal indicating that the discharge tray is not in the full state, and the image forming control unit receives the full signal or the full release signal output from the post-processing control unit and indicates whether the discharge tray is in the full state. While the tray flag is switched, the discharge tray flag is set to the full state by referring to the discharge tray flag between the time when the last recording sheet of each set is fed and the time when the first recording sheet of the next set is fed. Is indicated, the feed of the first recording sheet of the next set is stopped.

According to this image forming apparatus, the post-processing control means refers to the discharge tray full detecting means, and outputs a full signal when the load height of the recording paper on the discharge tray exceeds the allowable load height. When it returns within the high level, the full release signal is output, and the image forming control means that receives the full signal or the full release signal switches the discharge tray flag to the full state or the full release state each time. Then, the image forming control unit refers to the discharge tray flag at the break between each set, and stops the feed of the first recording sheet of the next set when the discharge tray flag indicates the full state. That is, when the permissible load height excess is released due to the lapse of time, the discharge tray flag is switched to the full release state, and the image forming control unit refers to the discharge tray flag only at a break between each set to allow the maximum amount of paper. It is determined whether or not it is over. Therefore, similarly to the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, erroneous detection such as when the curl of the recording paper temporarily exceeds the permissible stacking amount during the paper setting is ignored, and the image forming processing of the suspicious image forming process is ignored. It is possible to avoid interruption.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming process on a plurality of sets of recording sheets. Image forming control means for conveying a recording sheet to a compiler tray; post-processing control means for performing post-processing on the recording sheet conveyed to the compiler tray and discharging the recording sheet to a discharge tray; A discharge tray full detecting means for detecting that the paper stacking height exceeds the allowable stacking height, and paper information for inputting at least one of sheet information of recording paper size, number of sheets per set, type and paper state Input means; and filtering time calculating means for calculating a filtering time based on the paper information. The control unit determines that the discharge tray is full when the discharge tray full detection unit continuously detects that the stacking height of the recording paper in the discharge tray exceeds the allowable stacking amount for the filtering time or more. Receiving the full signal output from the post-processing control means, and receiving the full signal from the post-processing control means, the image forming control means sets the set including the recording sheet on which the image forming process is being performed at the time of receiving the full signal. The feed of the first recording paper of the next set is stopped.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming process on a plurality of sets of recording sheets, wherein the image forming process is performed by feeding the recording sheets. Image forming control means for conveying a recording sheet to a compiler tray; post-processing control means for performing post-processing on the recording sheet conveyed to the compiler tray and discharging the recording sheet to a discharge tray; A discharge tray full detecting means for detecting that the paper stacking height exceeds the allowable stacking height, and sheet information for detecting at least one of sheet information of recording sheet size, number of sheets per set, type and sheet state Detecting means, and filtering time calculating means for calculating a filtering time based on the paper information. The control means determines that the discharge tray is full when the discharge tray full detecting means continuously detects that the recording paper stack height in the discharge tray exceeds the permissible stack height for the filtering time or more. Receiving the full signal output from the post-processing control means, and receiving the full signal from the post-processing control means, the image forming control means sets the set including the recording sheet on which the image forming process is being performed at the time of receiving the full signal. The feed of the first recording paper of the next set is stopped.

According to these image forming apparatuses, the post-processing control means outputs the full signal only when the discharge tray full detection means continuously detects the allowable stack height over the filtering time calculated based on the sheet information. And the image forming control means receiving this full signal stops feeding the first recording paper of the next set. That is, the likelihood of curling or the like differs depending on the size of recording paper, the number of sheets per set, the type, or the state of paper (moisture content, image occupancy, etc.) (for example, curling is generally likely to occur if the paper size is short). Therefore, if the filtering time is set based on these, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the allowable load height excess is due to curl or the like and prevent erroneous detection.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, the sheet information input means for inputting at least one of sheet information of a recording sheet size, a number of sheets per set, a type and a sheet state, or A sheet information detecting unit for detecting at least one of sheet information of a recording sheet size, a number of sheets per set, a type, and a sheet state; and a filtering time calculating unit for calculating a filtering time based on the sheet information. The post-processing control means outputs a full signal when the discharge tray full detection means continuously detects that the stacking height of the recording paper in the discharge tray exceeds the allowable stacking height for a filtering time or more. It is also preferred.

In these cases, similarly to the image forming apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, if the filtering time is set based on the size of the recording sheet, the number of sheets per set, the type, or the sheet state, It is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the allowable load height excess is due to curl or the like, thereby preventing erroneous detection.

[0016]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
A preferred embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements will be denoted by the same reference characters, without redundant description.

First, the hardware configuration and basic operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be briefly described with reference to the overall configuration diagram shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming control unit 2, a post-processing control unit 3, and a discharge tray full sensor 4. In the image forming apparatus 1, after the image forming process is performed on the recording paper, the recording paper is conveyed to the compiler tray 32 as indicated by a dashed arrow in FIG. That is, the recording paper pulled into the transport path from the paper feed tray 21 by the ford roller 22 is transported by the paper transport roller 23 and the like, and the image formed by the photosensitive drum, the cleaning unit, the scanner, the developing unit, the fixing unit, etc. After an image is formed in the forming section 24, the sheet is conveyed to the compiler tray 32 by the sheet conveying rollers 25 and 31 and the like.

The recording paper conveyed to the compiler tray 32 is subjected to post-processing such as paper alignment processing and stapling processing for each set, and then discharged onto a discharge tray 34 by discharge rollers 33. The discharge tray 34 can be moved up and down between a discharge tray position upper limit sensor 35 and a discharge tray position lower limit sensor 36, and is lowered with an increase in the amount of discharged recording paper, so that the recording paper is removed. If it rises, it rises. In a state where the discharge tray 34 is lowered to the lower limit position, when the stacking amount of the recording paper further increases and reaches the allowable stacking height, the actuator 37 is lifted by the recording paper and the discharge tray full sensor 4 is turned on.
State, and it is detected that the discharge tray 33 is full.

Next, control functions of the image forming control unit and the post-processing control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a functional block diagram shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the image forming control unit 2 includes a ROM 41 storing an image forming control program, a RAM 42 used when executing the image forming control program, and an image controlling an operation of the image forming unit 24. A forming process control unit 43, a paper size detection unit 44 for detecting the size of the recording paper in the paper feed tray 21, a paper feed control unit 45 for controlling the paper feed from the paper supply tray 21, a type of the recording paper, and the like. And a CPU 47 for controlling the entire image forming control unit 2.

The post-processing control section 3 detects a ROM 51 in which a post-processing control program is stored, a RAM 52 used for executing the post-processing control program, and ON / OFF of the discharge tray full sensor 4. A full sensor detection unit 53, a paper conveyance control unit 54 for controlling a recording paper conveyance system, a compiler control unit 55 for controlling post-processing and discharge processing, and a discharge tray control unit 56 for controlling the vertical movement of the discharge tray 33; And a CPU 57 for controlling the entire post-processing control section 3. CPU 47 of image forming control unit 2
And the CPU 57 of the post-processing control section 3 can be connected by a serial I / F.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming control unit 2, and FIG.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation in a post-processing control unit 3;

Before the image forming process is performed, an operator who handles the image forming apparatus 1 inputs the type of recording paper (for example, plain paper, thick paper, light paper, etc.) to be stored in the paper feed tray 21 (step 11, Hereinafter, it is abbreviated as S11). Further, the image forming control section 2 detects the size (for example, A4 size or the like) of the recording paper stored in the paper feed tray 21 (S12).

After the identification of the type and size of the recording paper, the image forming control unit 2 receives a full signal from the post-processing control unit 3 at the time when the recording paper feed timing comes (S13). It is determined whether or not (S14). As will be described later, it is normally impossible for the full signal from the post-processing control unit 3 to be output in the middle of paper setting. Therefore, it is determined that the full signal has not been received, and the recording paper is fed. (S16). The fed recording paper is conveyed to the compiler tray 32 after the image forming process is performed. Then, it is determined whether or not one set of recording paper has been fed (S17), and the processing from S13 to S13 until the last recording paper of the set has been fed.
The process of S17 is repeatedly performed.

At the same time as the paper feed is executed in S16, a paper feed signal is output from the image forming control unit 2. After receiving the sheet feed signal, the post-processing control section 3 sequentially counts up the number of fed sheets (S16-11). This is for detecting the number of sheets of one set, and is used in a filtering time setting process and the like described later.

When the last recording sheet of the set has been fed, it is determined in S17 that the feeding of one set of recording sheets has been completed, and a control signal indicating post-processing and discharge processing instructions is output (S18). . Upon receiving this control signal, the post-processing control section 3 counts the recording paper conveyed to the compiler tray 32 (S18-11), and when it is determined that one set of recording paper has been conveyed (S1).
8-12), after post-processing such as sheet alignment processing or stapling processing is performed, recording paper discharge processing is performed (S18-13).

The post-processing control section 3 receiving the control signal calculates the filtering time based on the paper information such as the size and type of the recording paper input or detected in advance and the number of sheets per set (see FIG. 1). S18-21). For example, if the paper size is short, curling is likely to occur, so that the filtering time is set longer. If the paper size is long, curling is less likely to occur, so the filtering time is set shorter. In addition, if the type of recording paper is light paper, the filtering time is set longer than plain paper because curling is likely to occur, and if thick paper, the filtering time is set longer than plain paper because curling is less likely to occur. Then, the state of the discharge tray full sensor 4 is detected (S18-22).
It is determined that the loaded height of the recording paper exceeds the allowable loaded height, and a full signal is output (S18-23). If the ON state cannot be detected continuously for more than the filtering time, it is determined that the loading height of the recording paper on the discharge tray 34 does not exceed the allowable loading height, and a full signal No output is performed.

After completing the image forming process for one set of recording paper, the image forming control section 2 determines whether or not the feeding of all sets has been completed (S19). If the sheet set still remains, the process returns to step S13 to feed the first recording sheet of the next set. At such a break between sets, a full signal is output from the post-processing control unit 3. Could have been. Therefore, S
If the full signal has been received from the post-processing control unit 3 in 14, the feed of the first recording sheet is stopped (S15), and the image forming process ends.

If the full signal from the post-processing control section 3 has not been received in S14, the same image forming processing as in the previous set is executed in this set. In this way, it is determined whether or not a full signal has been received at each break between sets. If the full signal has not been received, the feeding of the next set of recording sheets is continued. If it is determined in S19 that the feeding of the recording sheets for all the sets has been completed, the image forming process ends.

The image forming processing by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is performed as described above. That is,
A full signal indicating that the stacking height of the recording paper on the discharge tray 34 exceeds the allowable stacking height is transmitted to the image forming control unit 2 only at a break between sets. Therefore, it is possible to ignore an erroneous detection such as a case where the allowable stacking amount temporarily exceeds the allowable stacking amount during the sheet setting due to the curl of the recording sheet, and to avoid an unnecessary interruption of the image forming process.

Next, an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, focusing on differences from the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming control unit 2, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the post-processing control unit 3. The hardware configuration and control functions of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Also in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, before the image forming process is performed, the type of the recording paper to be stored in the paper feed tray 21 is input (S21), and the recording paper stored in the paper feed tray 21 is input. The paper size is detected (S22). Thereafter, when it is time to feed the recording paper (S23), it is determined whether the recording paper to be fed is the first (first) recording paper of each set (S24), and the first recording paper is determined. If not (if it is the second or later recording sheet in each set), the recording sheet is fed (S27).

On the other hand, if the recording paper to be fed is the first (first) recording paper in each set, the discharge tray flag f is referred to (S25). Here, the discharge tray flag f is a flag indicating the state of the discharge tray 34. In this embodiment, the discharge tray 34 is full when f = 1, and the discharge tray 34 is not full when f = 0. Shall be shown. The discharge tray flag f is set to 0 before the image forming process, and is switched to 1 or 0 in response to a full signal or a full release signal transmitted from the post-processing control unit 3. In S25, when the discharge tray flag f = 0 (that is, when the discharge tray 34 is not full), the recording paper is fed (S27).

The fed recording sheet is conveyed to the compiler tray 32 after the image forming process is performed.
Then, it is determined whether or not one set of recording paper has been fed (S28), and the processing of S23 to S28 is repeatedly performed until the last recording paper of the set is fed. Further, a paper feed signal is output from the image forming control unit 2 together with the execution of the paper feed in S27. After receiving the sheet feed signal, the post-processing control section 3 sequentially counts up the number of fed sheets (S27-11).

When the last recording sheet of the set has been fed, it is determined in S28 that the feeding of one set of recording sheets has been completed, and a control signal indicating post-processing and discharge processing instructions is output (S29). . Upon receiving this control signal, the post-processing control unit 3 counts the number of recording sheets transported to the compiler tray 32 (S29-11), and when it is determined that one set of recording sheets has been transported (S2-11).
9-12), after post-processing such as paper alignment processing or stapling processing is performed, recording paper discharge processing is performed (S29-13).

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the detection of the stacking height of the recording sheets on the discharge tray 34 is performed independently of the flow of the image forming process (see FIG. 6C). That is, after the filtering time is calculated based on the input or detected sheet information such as the size and type of recording sheet and the number of sheets per set (S31-11), the image forming process is in the middle of each set. Also, if the discharge tray full sensor 4 is continuously turned ON for the filtering time or more (S31-12), a full signal is output to switch the discharge tray flag f to 1 (S31-13). If the ON state of the discharge tray full sensor 4 is canceled (S31-
14) Output a full release signal to switch the discharge tray flag f to 0. As described above, when the discharge tray 34 is detected to be full or released, the discharge tray flag is switched.

After completing the image forming process for one set of recording papers, the image forming control unit 2 determines whether or not the feeding of all sets has been completed (S30). If the paper set still remains, the flow returns to S23 to feed the first recording paper of the next set.
In S25, the discharge tray flag f is referred to. f =
In the case of 1, the feed of the first recording sheet is stopped (S26), and the image forming process ends.

If f = 0 in S25, the same image forming process as in the previous set is executed in this set. In this way, it is determined whether or not a full signal has been received at each break between sets. If the full signal has not been received, the feeding of the next set of recording sheets is continued. Then, if it is determined in S30 that the feeding of the recording papers for all the sets has been completed, the image forming process ends.

The image forming processing by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is performed as described above. That is,
When the allowable load height excess is released due to the lapse of time, the discharge tray flag f is fully released (f = 0).
And the image forming control unit determines whether or not the allowable amount is exceeded by referring to the discharge tray flag f only at a break between sets. Therefore, also in the present embodiment, it is possible to ignore erroneous detection such as when the allowable stacking amount temporarily exceeds the allowable stacking amount in the middle of sheet setting due to curling of the recording sheet, and avoid unnecessary interruption of image forming processing. become.

Note that the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in the above embodiment, but can take various modifications in accordance with other conditions and the like. For example, the apparatus further includes means for detecting the paper state (water content, image occupancy, etc.) of the recording paper stored in the paper feed tray, and calculates the filtering time based on the detected paper state of the recording paper. Is also good. In this case, if the water content is high, curling is likely to occur, so that the filtering time is set longer. If the occupancy of the image (that is, the amount of toner to be printed) is high, curling is likely to occur, so that the filtering time is set longer. If the occupancy of the image is low, the curling is likely to occur, so that the filtering time is set shorter. .

[0040]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of an overload on the discharge tray and to perform a smooth image forming process.

That is, if the determination as to whether or not the discharge tray is full is made only at the break between sets, an erroneous detection such as a case where the curl of the recording paper temporarily exceeds the allowable load capacity in the middle of the paper setting. Can be ignored, and unnecessarily interrupted image forming processing can be avoided.

If the filtering time is set based on the size of the recording paper, the number of sheets per set, the type, or the state of the paper, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the allowable stacking height is due to curl or the like. , It is possible to prevent erroneous detection.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to first and second embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image forming control unit in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a post-processing control unit in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image forming control unit in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a post-processing control unit in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where the allowable stacking height of the discharge tray is erroneously detected due to curling of a recording sheet.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 2 ... Image formation control part, 3 ... Post-processing control part, 4 ... Discharge tray full sensor, 21 ... Paper feed tray,
22: Ford roller, 23: Paper transport roller, 24:
Image forming unit, 25: paper transport roller, 31: paper transport roller, 32: compiler tray, 33: discharge roller, 3
4: discharge tray, 35: discharge tray upper limit sensor, 3
6 discharge tray position lower limit sensor, 37 actuator, 41 ROM, 42 RAM, 43 image forming process control unit, 44 paper size detection unit, 45 paper feed control unit, 46 paper type input unit, 47 ... CPU, 5
1 ROM, 52 RAM, 53 full sensor detector
54: paper transport control unit, 55: compiler control unit, 56
... Discharge tray control unit, 57 ... CPU

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat II (reference) G03G 15/00 534 G03G 15/00 534 F term (reference) 2H072 AA28 AB04 FB01 FB06 GA08 3F048 AA02 AA05 BA04 BB02 BB05 DA09 EA01 EB02 3F054 AA01 AC02 AC05 BA02 CA12 CA32 DA01 3F108 GA01 GB01 HA32 3F343 FA02 FB02 FC17 GA01 GB01 GC01 GD01 KB04 LC17 MA25 MB13 MC23 MC26 MC27

Claims (6)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus capable of performing image forming processing on a plurality of sets of recording papers, feeds the recording papers, performs image forming processing, and conveys the recording papers to a compiler tray. Image forming control means for outputting a control signal indicating an instruction for processing or discharging processing after feeding the last recording sheet of each set until feeding the first recording sheet of the next set; and the image forming control means A post-processing control unit that receives the control signal output from the controller, performs post-processing on the recording paper conveyed to the compiler tray, and discharges the recording paper to a discharge tray. Discharge tray full detecting means for detecting that the load height exceeds the allowable load height, wherein the post-processing control means receives the control signal. If the discharge tray full detecting means detects that the stacking height of the recording paper in the discharge tray exceeds the allowable stacking height at the point in time, a full signal indicating that the discharge tray is in a full state. Wherein the image forming control means receives the full signal output from the post-processing control means and stops feeding the first recording sheet of the next set. 2. An image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming process on a plurality of sets of recording sheets, wherein the image forming process is performed by feeding the recording sheets and conveying the recording sheets to a compiler tray. Control means; post-processing control means for performing post-processing on the recording paper conveyed to the compiler tray and discharging the recording paper to a discharge tray; and a loading height of the recording paper in the discharge tray being an allowable loading height. Discharge tray full detection means for detecting that the recording paper load height in the discharge tray, which has exceeded the allowable load height, has fallen within the allowable load height, and the post-processing control means When the discharge tray full detecting means detects that the stacking height of the recording paper in the discharge tray exceeds the allowable stacking height, Outputting a full signal indicating that the discharge tray is in a full state, and when the discharge tray full detecting means detects that the stacking height of the recording paper in the discharge tray is within the allowable stacking height. Outputting a full release signal indicating that the discharge tray is not in the full state. The image forming control unit receives the full signal or the full release signal output from the post-processing control unit, and sets the discharge tray to full. In addition to switching the output tray flag indicating whether or not the printer is in the state, the output tray flag is referred to between the time when the last recording sheet of each set is fed and the time when the first recording sheet of the next set is fed. If the discharge tray flag indicates a full state,
An image forming apparatus, wherein feeding of a first recording sheet of the next set is stopped. 3. An image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming process on a plurality of sets of recording sheets, wherein the image forming process is performed by feeding the recording sheets and conveying the recording sheets to a compiler tray. Control means; post-processing control means for performing post-processing on the recording paper conveyed to the compiler tray and discharging the recording paper to a discharge tray; and a loading height of the recording paper in the discharge tray being an allowable loading height. A discharge tray full detection unit for detecting that the number of sheets exceeds the limit, a sheet information input unit for inputting at least one sheet information of the size of the recording sheet, the number of sheets per set, the type, and the sheet state; Filtering time calculation means for calculating a filtering time based on the post-processing control means, When the discharge tray full detection means continuously detects that the stacking height of the recording paper in the discharge tray exceeds the allowable stacking height for the filtering time or more, it is determined that the discharge tray is in a full state. The image forming control unit receives the full signal output from the post-processing control unit, and includes a recording sheet on which an image forming process is being performed at the time of receiving the full signal. An image forming apparatus, comprising: stopping feeding of a first recording sheet of a set next to the set. 4. An image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming process on a plurality of sets of recording sheets, wherein the image forming process is performed by feeding the recording sheets and conveying the recording sheets to a compiler tray. Control means; post-processing control means for performing post-processing on the recording paper conveyed to the compiler tray and discharging the recording paper to a discharge tray; and a loading height of the recording paper in the discharge tray being an allowable loading height. A discharge tray full detecting unit for detecting that the number of sheets exceeds the limit, a sheet information detecting unit for detecting at least one sheet information of the size of the recording sheet, the number of sheets per set, the type, and the sheet state; Filtering time calculation means for calculating a filtering time based on the post-processing control means, When the discharge tray full detection means continuously detects that the stacking height of the recording paper in the discharge tray exceeds the allowable stacking height for the filtering time or more, it is determined that the discharge tray is in a full state. The image forming control unit receives the full signal output from the post-processing control unit, and includes a recording sheet on which an image forming process is being performed at the time of receiving the full signal. An image forming apparatus, wherein the feed of the first recording sheet of the next set of the set is stopped. 5. A sheet information input means for inputting at least one of sheet information of the size of the recording sheet, the number of sheets per set, the type and the sheet state, and a filtering time is calculated based on the sheet information. And a post-processing control unit, wherein the discharge tray full detection unit continues that the stacking height of recording paper in the discharge tray exceeds the allowable stacking amount for the filtering time or more. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the full signal is output when the full signal is detected. 6. A sheet information detecting means for detecting at least one of sheet information of the recording sheet size, the number of sheets per set, the type and the sheet state, and a filtering time is calculated based on the sheet information. And a post-processing control unit, wherein the discharge tray full detection unit continues that the stacking height of recording paper in the discharge tray exceeds the allowable stacking amount for the filtering time or more. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the full signal is output when the full signal is detected.