JP2009051645A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device for surely performing staple processing, by surely preventing falling of paper from a paper ejecting tray part after printing. <P>SOLUTION: The paper ejecting tray part of ejecting recording paper after postprocessing is arranged on the downstream side of a paper postprocessing part of a device body. When requesting printing, a control part performs printing processing based on the request staple processing content (the number of binding, the number of staple, a staple position and the number of paper ejecting) and a preset machine operation stopping setting division. In this staple processing, when the number of stacking on a paper ejecting tray reaches a specific value before falling, a job is stopped once, and a message of the effect of removing the paper from above the paper ejecting tray is displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a sheet post-processing unit.

  In recent years, with the increase in the number of functions of image forming apparatuses, development of paper post-processing apparatuses that post-process printed paper has been progressing. Examples of functions of such a sheet post-processing apparatus include a staple function, a punch hole punching function, and a bookbinding function.

  On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus provided with a conventional paper post-processing device, a paper discharge tray unit is disposed on the downstream side of the paper post-processing device. It is configured to be used as a paper receiving portion for processing.

  Further, in such a paper discharge tray section, it is not possible to stack paper discharge sheets depending on the content of staple processing (the number of sheets to be bound, the number of staples, the staple position, and the number of paper discharge sections), and the paper falls from the paper discharge tray section. It will end up.

  That is, in the staple sorter, stapling is performed on the corner of the paper during stapling, but if the amount stacked on the paper discharge tray is excessive, the paper may collapse from the paper discharge tray.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151858 describes that a message prompting the extension of the paper discharge tray is displayed when it is determined that the paper will fall from the paper discharge tray before the start of printing.
JP 2006-213467 A

  However, Patent Document 1 is a message display when it is determined that the paper is dropped from the paper discharge tray before the start of printing, and the case where the paper is dropped from the paper discharge tray after starting the printing operation. It is not processing.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of reliably preventing a paper sheet from dropping from a paper discharge tray after printing and performing stapling processing in accordance with a request content at the time of a print request. It is aimed.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, the job is temporarily stopped and the sheet is removed from the discharge tray when the number of stacks on the discharge tray reaches a predetermined value before dropping during the staple processing. Message is displayed.

  That is, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a printing unit that forms an image on a sheet, a staple sorter that discharges an image-formed sheet, and a control unit that controls the printing unit and the staple sorter, The stapler sorter includes a stapler that staples a bundle of sheets, and when the stapler staples, the control unit temporarily stops the printing operation when the number of stacked units on the discharge tray reaches a predetermined value before dropping. And a message to remove the sheet from the sheet discharge tray.

  Specifically, when the stapling operation of a predetermined value is finished at the time of stapling and the discharge of the recording paper of the predetermined value to the paper discharge tray is finished, the apparatus is stopped. After that, a take-out request notification signal for taking out the discharged recording paper is generated.

  Here, the predetermined value may be determined based on the number of staples by the stapler and the number of paper discharge units, or may be determined based on the staple position and the number of paper discharge units. Further, in addition to these, the predetermined value can be determined based on the number of sheets bound by the stapler.

  In addition, as a method for issuing a take-out request notification signal, a method for displaying a warning message on a liquid crystal display panel provided in the apparatus body, a method for displaying a pictogram for recognition, a method for blinking (or lighting) an LED, an electronic buzzer, etc. A method of making a sound can be considered. Furthermore, there is a method of notifying a print request operator or administrator registered in advance via a communication line.

  By issuing such a take-out request notification signal, the user can surely prevent the paper from dropping from the paper discharge tray after printing, and can prevent damage to the paper after printing. Further, the stapling process can be performed reliably.

  Then, the control unit reaches a predetermined value before the number of stacked units on the discharge tray reaches a predetermined value and temporarily stops the printing operation, and then the number of stacked units on the discharge tray becomes smaller than the predetermined value. The printing operation is resumed, and the recording paper is continuously discharged to the paper discharge tray.

  The fact that the number of stacks on the output tray has become smaller than the predetermined value is the fact that the paper detection sensor on the output tray detects the presence or absence of paper or detects the stacking height. Whether or not can be detected.

  According to the present invention, at the time of a print request, based on the requested staple processing content (the number of sheets to be bound, the number of staples, the staple position, and the number of paper discharge units) and the preset setting (predetermined value setting) for stopping the operation of the apparatus. Since the printing process is executed, it is possible to reliably prevent the sheet from falling after printing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present exemplary embodiment, a case where an image forming apparatus including a sheet post-processing unit according to the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral will be described. FIG. 1 shows an outline of the internal configuration of such a multifunction machine. First, the overall configuration of the multifunction machine will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 1 includes a scanner unit 2 as a document reading unit, an image forming unit 3, an automatic document feeding unit 4, and a sheet post-processing unit 5 as a sheet post-processing unit. ing. In the following, for the sake of convenience, a portion of the multi-function device 1 other than the paper post-processing unit 5 and the paper discharge tray 8 is referred to as an “apparatus main body”.

  The multifunction device 1 has a copier mode, a printer mode, and a FAX mode as image forming modes for forming an image on recording paper (including recording media such as OHP), and each mode is selected by a user. Hereinafter, each part of the multifunction device 1 will be described first, and then an operation during print processing according to the present invention will be described.

(Configuration of scanner unit 2)
The scanner unit 2 creates document image data by reading an image of a document placed on a document table 41 made of transparent glass or the like, or an image of a document fed one by one by an automatic document feeder 4. It is a part to do. The scanner unit 2 includes an exposure light source 21, a plurality of reflecting mirrors 22, 23, and 24, an imaging lens 25, and a photoelectric conversion device (CCD; Charge Coupled Device) 26.

  The exposure light source 21 emits light to a document placed on the document table 41 of the automatic document feeder 4 or a document conveyed through the automatic document feeder 4. Each reflecting mirror 22, 23, 24 reflects the reflected light from the document once in the left direction in FIG. 1 and then reflects downward as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line A in FIG. Thereafter, the light is reflected in the right direction in FIG.

  There are the following two types of document image reading operations. When a document placed on the document table 41 is read (when used as a “sheet fixing method”), the exposure light source 21 and the reflecting mirrors 22, 23, 24 are arranged horizontally along the document table 41. By scanning, the image of the entire original is read. On the other hand, when reading a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder 4 (when used as a “sheet moving method”), the exposure light source 21 and the reflecting mirrors 22, 23, 24 are positioned at the positions shown in FIG. When the document passes through a document reading unit 42 of the automatic document feeder 4 described later, the image is read.

  The light reflected by the reflecting mirrors 22, 23 and 24 and passed through the imaging lens 25 is guided to the photoelectric conversion element 26, and the reflected light is converted into an electric signal (original image data) by the photoelectric conversion element 26. It is like that.

(Configuration of image forming unit 3)
The image forming unit 3 includes an image forming system 31 as a printing unit and a paper transport system 32.

  The image forming system 31 includes a laser scanning unit 31a and a photosensitive drum 31b as a drum type image carrier. The laser scanning unit 31a irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 31b with laser light based on document image data converted by the photoelectric conversion element 26 or image data input from an external terminal device or the like. The photosensitive drum 31b rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31b by being irradiated with laser light from the laser scanning unit 31a.

  In addition to the laser scanning unit 31a, there are a developing unit (developing mechanism) 31c, a transfer unit (transfer mechanism) (not shown) having a transfer roller 31d, a cleaning unit (cleaning mechanism) 31e, and the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 31b. A charging unit (charging mechanism) (not shown) having a static eliminator (not shown) and a charging roller 31f is sequentially arranged in the circumferential direction.

  The developing unit 31c develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31b into a visible image with toner (visualizing substance). The transfer roller 31d transfers a toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31b onto a recording sheet as a recording medium. The cleaning unit 31e removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31b after toner transfer. The static eliminator removes residual charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31b. The charging roller 31f charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 31b before the electrostatic latent image is formed to a predetermined potential.

  When forming an image on recording paper, the surface of the photosensitive drum 31b is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roller 31f, and the laser scanning unit 31a applies laser light based on the document image data to the surface of the photosensitive drum 31b. Irradiate. Thereafter, the developing unit 31c develops a visible image with toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31b, and the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper by the transfer roller 31d. Further, after that, the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31b is removed by the cleaning unit 31e, and the residual charge on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31b is removed by the static eliminator. Thereby, one cycle of the image forming operation (printing operation) on the recording paper is completed. By repeating this cycle, it is possible to continuously form images on a plurality of recording sheets.

  On the other hand, the paper transport system 32 transports recording paper stored in a paper cassette 33 as a paper feeding unit or recording paper placed on the manual feed tray 34 one by one to form an image by the image forming system 31. At the same time, the recording paper on which the image has been formed is discharged to a paper discharge tray 8 as a paper discharge means via a paper post-processing section 5 described later. The paper discharge tray 8 is provided above the paper cassette 33 and below the scanner unit 2. Details of the paper discharge tray 8 will be described later.

  The sheet conveyance system 32 includes a main conveyance path 36 and a reverse conveyance path 37 in the apparatus main body, and a main conveyance path 51 and a switchback conveyance path 52 in the sheet post-processing unit 5 shown in FIG. The main conveyance path 36 of the apparatus main body and the main conveyance path 51 of the paper post-processing unit 5 are connected to each other with a discharge roller 36e of the apparatus main body as a boundary. The main conveyance path 51 and the switchback conveyance path 52 of the paper post-processing unit 5 will be described later. In the multi-function device 1, the recording paper is conveyed through the paper conveyance system 32 according to a so-called center reference. That is, the recording paper is conveyed with reference to the center position in the width direction (direction orthogonal to the recording paper conveyance direction).

  One end side of the main conveyance path 36 of the apparatus main body is branched into two, one branch end faces the discharge side of the paper cassette 33 and the other branch end is the discharge side of the manual feed tray 34. Opposite to. The other end side of the main conveyance path 36 faces the punching unit 60 of the paper post-processing unit 5. The reverse conveyance path 37 is connected to the main conveyance path 36 at one end side upstream (lower side in FIG. 1) from the position where the transfer roller 31d is disposed, and at the other end side than the position where the transfer roller 31d is disposed. It is connected to the main transport path 36 on the downstream side (upper side in FIG. 1).

  A pickup roller 36 a having a semicircular cross section is disposed at one branch end of the main conveyance path 36 (a portion facing the discharge side of the paper cassette 33). With the rotation of the pickup roller 36a, the recording sheets stored in the sheet cassette 33 can be intermittently fed to the main transport path 36 one by one. Similarly, a pickup roller 36b having a semicircular cross section is disposed at the other branch end of the main conveyance path 36 (a portion facing the discharge side of the manual feed tray 34). With the rotation of the pickup roller 36b, the recording paper placed on the manual feed tray 34 can be intermittently fed to the main transport path 36 one by one.

  A registration roller 36d is disposed upstream of the position where the transfer roller 31d is disposed in the main conveyance path 36. The registration roller 36d conveys the recording paper while aligning the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31b with the recording paper.

  A fixing unit 39 provided with a pair of heating roller 39a and pressure roller 39b for fixing the toner image transferred onto the recording sheet by heating, on the downstream side of the position where the transfer roller 31d is disposed in the main conveyance path 36. Is arranged. Further, at the downstream end of the main conveyance path 36, a discharge roller 36 e for discharging the recording sheet to the sheet post-processing unit 5 is disposed at the boundary with the main conveyance path 51 of the sheet post-processing unit 5.

  A branching claw 38 is disposed at a connection position at the upstream end of the reverse conveyance path 37 with respect to the main conveyance path 36. The branch claw 38 is a first position (a position indicated by a solid line) in FIG. 1 and a second position where the reversing conveyance path 37 is opened by rotating counterclockwise in FIG. 1 from the first position. It can freely rotate around the horizontal axis. When the branch claw 38 is in the first position, the recording paper is conveyed toward the main conveyance path 51 of the paper post-processing unit 5, and when it is in the second position, the recording paper can be supplied to the reverse conveyance path 37. ing.

  A conveyance roller 37 a is disposed in the reverse conveyance path 37, and when the recording paper switched back by the switchback conveyance path 52 in the paper post-processing unit 5 is supplied to the reverse conveyance path 37, The recording paper is conveyed by the conveying roller 37a, the recording paper is introduced into the main conveying path 36 on the upstream side of the registration roller 36d, and is again conveyed through the main conveying path 36 toward the transfer roller 31d. That is, an image can be formed on the back surface of the recording paper.

(Configuration of automatic document feeder 4)
The automatic document feeder 4 is configured as a so-called automatic duplex document feeder. The automatic document feeder 4 can be used as a sheet moving type, and includes a document tray 43 as an original placement unit, an intermediate tray 44, a document discharge tray 45 as a document discharge unit, and trays 43 and 44. , 45 is provided with a document conveying system 46 for conveying the document.

  The document transport system 46 includes a main transport path 47 for transporting a document placed on the document tray 43 to the intermediate tray 44 or the document discharge tray 45 via the document reading unit 42, and the document on the intermediate tray 44. And a sub-transport path 48 for supplying to the main transport path 47.

  A document pick-up roller 47a and a separating roller 47b are disposed at the upstream end of the main conveyance path 47 (a portion facing the discharge side of the document tray 43). Further, a separating plate 47c is disposed below the separating roller 47b. With the rotation of the document pickup roller 47a, one of the documents on the document tray 43 passes between the separation roller 47b and the separation plate 47c and is fed to the main conveyance path 47. Yes. PS rollers 47e and 47e are disposed on the downstream side of the joining portion (B portion in FIG. 1) of the main transport path 47 and the sub transport path 48. The PS rollers 47 e and 47 e adjust the leading edge of the document and the image reading timing of the scanner unit 2 and supply the document to the document reading unit 42. In other words, the PS rollers 47e and 47e temporarily stop the conveyance of the document while the document is supplied, adjust the timing, and supply the document to the document reading unit 42.

  The document reading unit 42 includes a platen glass 42a and a document pressing plate 42b. When the document supplied from the PS rollers 47e and 47e passes between the platen glass 42a and the document pressing plate 42b, the document reading unit 42 receives from the exposure light source 21. The light passes through the platen glass 42a and is irradiated on the original. At this time, the document image data is acquired by the scanner unit 2. A biasing force by a coil spring (not shown) is applied to the back surface (upper surface) of the document pressing plate 42b. Thereby, the document pressing plate 42b comes into contact with the platen glass 42a with a predetermined pressing force, and prevents the document from floating from the platen glass 42a when passing through the document reading unit 42.

  On the downstream side of the platen glass 42a, a conveyance roller 47f and a document discharge roller 47g are provided. The document that has passed over the platen glass 42a is discharged to the intermediate tray 44 or the document discharge tray 45 via the conveyance roller 47f and the document discharge roller 47g.

  An intermediate tray swinging plate 44 a is disposed between the document discharge roller 47 g and the intermediate tray 44. The intermediate tray swinging plate 44a has an end on the side of the intermediate tray 44 as a swing center, and in FIG. 1, position 1 (position indicated by a solid line) and position 2 jumped upward from the position 1 are shown. Can swing between the two. When the intermediate tray swinging plate 44 a is at the position 2, the document discharged from the document discharge roller 47 g is collected to the document discharge tray 45. On the other hand, when the intermediate tray swinging plate 44a is at the position 1, the document discharged from the document discharge roller 47g is discharged to the intermediate tray 44. When the sheet is discharged to the intermediate tray 44, the edge of the document is sandwiched between the document discharge rollers 47g and 47g. From this state, the document discharge roller 47g rotates in the reverse direction, so that the document is It is supplied to the conveyance path 48 and is sent out again to the main conveyance path 47 through the sub-conveyance path 48. The reverse rotation operation of the document discharge roller 47g is performed by adjusting the document delivery to the main conveyance path 47 and the image reading timing. Thus, the image on the back side of the document is read by the document reading unit 42.

(Configuration of the paper post-processing unit 5 and the paper discharge tray unit 8)
The paper post-processing unit 5 enables a plurality of paper post-processing such as punching processing and stapling processing on the recording paper discharged from the apparatus main body after the print processing is completed. As described later, the sheet post-processing in the sheet post-processing unit 5 is performed when a request for sheet post-processing is made as a print condition when a print request is made.

  In this example, the sheet post-processing unit 5 and the paper discharge tray 8 are not provided outside the apparatus main body of the multifunction machine 1 but are provided using the space C formed by the apparatus main body. Specifically, in the apparatus main body of the multifunction machine 1, the paper cassette 33, the image forming unit 3 (image forming system 31), and the scanner unit 2 are arranged in a substantially “U” shape. The paper post-processing unit 5 and the paper discharge tray 8 are provided in a space “C” -shaped inside C formed by As a result, the sheet post-processing unit 5 and the paper discharge tray 8 can be installed in a limited space in the multifunction machine 1, and a plurality of sheet post-processing can be performed on the recording sheet. In addition, the area occupied by the multifunction machine 1 including the paper post-processing unit 5 can be reduced, and space saving can be achieved.

  Hereinafter, the paper post-processing unit 5 and the paper discharge tray 8 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The recording paper conveyance direction (direction shown in FIG. 3) is referred to as “paper conveyance direction”, and the recording paper width direction (direction shown in FIG. 3) orthogonal thereto is referred to as “paper width direction”.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet post-processing unit 5 is disposed on the downstream side of the discharge roller 36e of the apparatus main body. The paper post-processing unit 5 includes a punching unit 60 having a punching hole function and a staple unit 70 having a stapling function as paper post-processing units. The front surface (front surface) of the paper post-processing unit 5 is covered with an openable / closable cover 50. In the paper post-processing unit 5, the punching unit 60 is disposed on the upstream side, and the staple unit 70 is disposed on the downstream side. A paper discharge tray 8 is provided on the downstream side of the paper post-processing unit 5. The recording paper discharged from the discharge roller 36e is discharged to the paper discharge tray 8 through the punching unit 60 and the staple unit 70. The paper discharge tray 8 is used as a paper receiving portion for stapling processing when stapling is performed by the stapling unit 70 of the paper post-processing section 5.

(Configuration of punching unit 60)
The punching unit 60 performs punching processing (punching processing) on the recording paper discharged from the discharge roller 36e. The punching unit 60 includes a punch hole punching mechanism 61, a guide plate 62, a punch waste storage box 63, and the like. A main transport path 51 is formed as the above-described paper transport system 32. The punching unit 60 is provided with a conveyance roller 56 in the middle of the main conveyance path 51. The punching unit 60 is fixed to the apparatus main body, unlike a staple unit 70 described later.

  In the punching unit 60, when a printing request is made, if a punching process is requested as a printing condition, the recording sheet conveyed to the punching unit 60 is stopped on the guide plate 62, and punched holes are formed one by one. A punch hole is made by the mechanism unit 61. At this time, punch holes are formed at positions determined based on the print paper size.

  The punch hole punching mechanism 61 is disposed on the upper part of the punching unit 60, and the punch hole punching mechanism 61 includes a core material 64 having a diameter that matches the diameter of the punch hole at a predetermined interval along the paper width direction. In two places. The core material 64 is provided so that it can be moved up and down, and when the core material 64 descends, a punch hole is opened in the recording paper. The core member 64 is provided so as to be able to reciprocate in a direction along the paper conveyance direction and a direction along the paper width direction, and can be aligned when performing punching processing, as will be described later. .

  The guide plate 62 is disposed below the punch hole punching mechanism 61, and the guide plate 62 is formed with an opening corresponding to a predetermined position for punch holes. The punch scrap storage box 63 is disposed below the punching unit 60 and collects punch scrap generated by punch punching processing by the punch scrap storage box 63. The punch waste storage box 63 is provided so as to be slidable along the paper width direction, and can be removed to the front side when the cover 50 is opened, as will be described later. Thereby, the punch waste stored in the punch waste storage box 63 can be taken out.

  When the punching process is performed by the punching unit 60, the core member 64 of the punch hole punching mechanism 61 is moved to a position corresponding to the position determined based on the above-described printing paper size.

  In addition, the fine adjustment movement of the core member 64 of the punch hole punching mechanism portion 61 of the punching unit 60 is performed so that the punch hole can be accurately punched at the position determined based on the above-described printing paper size. However, description of this fine adjustment movement is omitted.

(Configuration of staple unit 70)
The staple unit 70 performs a staple process on the recording paper conveyed from the upstream punching unit 60. The staple unit 70 is provided so as to be slidable in the direction along the sheet conveyance direction when the cover 50 is opened to the front with the cover 50 opened upward. Further, as will be described later, the staple unit 70 is detachably provided with respect to the punching unit 60 disposed on the upstream side of the staple unit 70.

  The staple unit 70 includes a staple mechanism unit 71, a staple table 72, an alignment plate 73, a paper discharge roller 74, and the like. Further, as the above-described paper transport system 32, a main transport path 51 and a switchback transport path 52 are formed. The stapling unit 70 includes a branching claw 53 that switches the direction in which the recording paper is guided to a connection position between the downstream side of the main conveyance path 51 and the upstream side of the switchback conveyance path 52, and discharges the recording sheet to the staple table 72. A discharge roller 54 is provided. A switchback roller 55 is provided on the downstream side of the switchback conveyance path 52.

  In the stapling unit 70, when a stapling process is requested as a printing condition at the time of a printing request, the stapling mechanism unit 71 performs stapling processing on a predetermined number of recording sheets stacked on the stapling table 72. At this time, stapling is performed at a position determined based on the print paper size and the desired staple position. The desired stapling position is a position where the user performs a stapling process desired by the user, such as one stop at the upper left corner of the recording paper or two stops at the left end.

  The staple mechanism unit 71 is disposed below the discharge roller 54 and binds the rear end portion of the recording paper stacked on the staple table 72 with a staple needle. The stapling mechanism unit 71 is configured to be capable of reciprocating along the paper width direction, and can perform stapling processing at a position determined based on the above-described printing paper size and desired stapling position. . When stapling is performed by the staple unit 70, the staple mechanism unit 71 is moved to a position corresponding to a position determined based on the above-described print paper size and desired staple position.

  The staple table 72 is used for stacking the recording sheets discharged from the discharge roller 54 and serves as a processing table for staple processing by the staple mechanism unit 71. The staple table 72 is disposed with the downstream side in the paper transport direction inclined upward. When the stapling process is performed, the recording paper discharged from the discharge roller 54 slides down to the upstream side in the paper conveyance direction along the inclination of the staple table 72 due to its own weight. On the other hand, when the stapling process is not performed, the recording sheet is discharged from the discharge roller 74 to the discharge tray 8.

  The alignment plate 73 is disposed to face both sides in the direction along the paper width direction of the upper surface (surface on which the recording paper is discharged) of the staple table 72. The pair of alignment plates 73 are provided so as to be capable of reciprocating along the paper width direction. When the stapling process is performed by the staple unit 70, the alignment plate 73 is moved along the sheet width direction so that the alignment in the sheet width direction is performed for each recording sheet discharged onto the staple table 72. I have to. At this time, the alignment plate 73 is moved in accordance with the movable width determined based on the printing paper size, that is, based on the size of the recording paper to be conveyed. The pair of alignment plates 73 can be reciprocated by, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism.

(Configuration of paper discharge tray 8)
The paper discharge tray 8 is provided together with the above-described paper post-processing unit 5 in the space “C” -shaped inside formed by the main body of the multifunction device 1. A recording sheet on which sheet post-processing such as punching processing and stapling processing has been performed in the paper post-processing section 5 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 8. The paper discharge tray 8 is provided so as to extend and contract along the paper transport direction (recording paper discharge direction). Moreover, it is provided so that raising and lowering is possible. Further, it is slidable with respect to the apparatus body.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the paper discharge tray 8 is formed as a tray that can be expanded and contracted in one to three stages in the direction along the sheet conveyance direction. In this example, the paper discharge tray 8 is configured so that the user can manually expand and contract along the paper transport direction according to the print paper size.

  The paper discharge tray 8 includes a first paper discharge tray 81, a second paper discharge tray 82, and a third paper discharge tray 83. The first paper discharge tray 81 is the largest tray and is disposed closest to the paper post-processing section 5. The first paper discharge tray 81 is formed in a length that does not protrude from the side surface (side wall) of the multifunction machine 1. The first paper discharge tray 81 is integrally attached to the apparatus main body and has a structure incapable of moving in the direction along the paper transport direction.

  The second paper discharge tray 82 is an intermediate size tray and is stored in a storage portion 81 a formed in the first paper discharge tray 81. The second paper discharge tray 82 is provided so as to be movable back and forth in the direction along the paper transport direction. The third paper discharge tray 83 is the smallest tray and is stored in a storage portion 82 a formed on the second paper discharge tray 82. The third paper discharge tray 83 is provided so as to move forward and backward in the direction along the paper transport direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in a state where the paper discharge tray 8 is contracted to only one stage, the length of the paper discharge tray 8 in the direction along the paper transport direction is minimum, and the third paper discharge tray 83 is All the sheets are stored in the second sheet discharge tray 82, and all the second sheet discharge trays 82 are stored in the first sheet discharge tray 81. At this time, the length of the paper discharge tray 8 in the direction along the paper conveyance direction is equal to the length of the first paper discharge tray 81 in the direction along the paper conveyance direction, and does not protrude from the side surface of the multifunction device 1. . In this way, by preventing the paper discharge tray 8 from protruding from the apparatus main body in the most contracted state, the paper discharge tray 8 can be stored in the space of the apparatus main body when the multifunction device 1 is not used. To be able to.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, in the state where the paper discharge tray 8 is extended in three stages, the length of the paper discharge tray 8 in the direction along the paper transport direction is the maximum, and the first discharge The second paper discharge tray 82 protrudes to the maximum from the paper tray 81, and the third paper discharge tray 83 protrudes to the maximum from the second paper discharge tray 82. At this time, the length of the paper discharge tray 8 in the direction along the paper conveyance direction is longer than the length of the maximum size (for example, A3 landscape size) recording paper that can be printed by the multifunction machine 1 in the paper conveyance direction. As a result, when the paper discharge tray 8 is extended to the maximum length, even a recording sheet of a maximum printable size (A3 horizontal size) can be stably stacked. As will be described later, the paper discharge tray 8 can be slid together with the stapling unit 70. However, even if the paper discharge tray 8 is slid in a state where recording paper is stacked, the recording paper is removed from the paper discharge tray 8. It will not fall.

  As described above, since the paper discharge tray 8 is provided so as to be extendable and retractable in the direction along the paper conveyance direction, the paper discharge tray 8 can be adjusted to an optimum length according to the print paper size. .

  In addition, an opening 82a is formed in the vicinity of the base end of the upper surface of the second paper discharge tray 82, and an operating rod 91a of the first paper detection sensor 91 is protruded upward from the opening 82a. Has been placed. The operating rod 91a is always urged so as to protrude upward. When the second paper discharge tray 82 is stored in the first paper discharge tray 81, the upper surface of the inner wall of the first paper discharge tray 81 The operating rod 91a is pushed downward. When the second paper discharge tray 82 is completely pulled out from the first paper discharge tray 81 (in the state shown in FIG. 5), the operating rod 91a is rotated to the normal position protruding upward from the opening 82a. It comes to return. In the present embodiment, the first paper detection sensor 91 is turned off when the operating rod 91a protrudes upward, and when the operating rod 91a is pushed downward by the upper surface of the inner wall of the first paper discharge tray 81. It is provided to be turned on.

  Similarly, an opening 83a is formed in the vicinity of the base end of the upper surface of the third paper discharge tray 83, and the operating rod 92a of the second paper detection sensor 92 projects upward from the opening 83a. Is arranged. The operating rod 92a is always urged so as to protrude upward. When the third paper discharge tray 83 is stored in the second paper discharge tray 82, the upper surface of the inner wall of the second paper discharge tray 82 The operating rod 92a is pushed downward. When the third paper discharge tray 83 is completely pulled out from the second paper discharge tray 82 (in the state shown in FIG. 5), the operating rod 92a rotates to the normal position protruding upward from the opening 83a. It comes to return. In the present embodiment, the second sheet detection sensor 92 is turned off when the operating rod 92a protrudes upward, and when the operating rod 92a is pushed downward by the upper surface of the inner wall of the second paper discharge tray 82. It is provided to be turned on.

  That is, the first paper detection sensor 91 and the second paper detection sensor 92 are off when the trays 82 and 83 are pulled out, and the recording paper after printing on the trays 82 and 83 in this state. Is discharged and stacked, the operating rods 91a and 92a are pushed downward by the stacked recording sheets, and the result is turned on. When the recording paper after printing is taken out from the paper discharge tray 8 by the user, it is turned off again. This makes it possible to detect the presence or absence of recording paper on the paper discharge tray 8.

  The first and second paper detection sensors 91 and 92 are also used as expansion / contraction detection sensors for detecting whether or not the second paper discharge tray 82 and the third paper discharge tray 83 are pulled out before printing is started. can do. That is, if the first paper detection sensor 91 is on before printing starts, it can be determined that the second paper discharge tray 82 has not been pulled out from the first paper discharge tray 81, and the first paper detection sensor 91 is off. In this case, it can be determined that the second paper discharge tray 82 is pulled out from the first paper discharge tray 81. If the second paper detection sensor 92 is on before the start of printing, it can be determined that the third paper discharge tray 83 is not pulled out from the second paper discharge tray 82, and the second paper detection sensor 92 is turned off. In this case, it can be determined that the third paper discharge tray 83 is pulled out from the second paper discharge tray 82.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the paper discharge tray 8 is formed as a tray that can be moved up and down. In this example, the paper discharge tray 8 is configured to move up and down according to the amount (number of sheets) of recording paper to be stacked.

  The amount of recording paper discharged to the paper discharge tray 8 is detected by an upper limit sensor 84 provided in the vicinity of the lower paper discharge roller 74. The upper limit sensor 84 is provided as a contact type sensor. When the uppermost surface of the recording paper loaded on the paper discharge tray 8 reaches a predetermined height, the upper limit sensor 84 is turned on. Thereby, the fullness of the paper discharge tray 8 is detected. Then, the paper discharge tray 8 is lowered by a predetermined distance by this full detection. As the discharge tray 8 is lowered, the upper limit sensor 84 is turned off. In this way, the amount of recording paper loaded on the paper discharge tray 8 is detected by switching the upper limit sensor 84 on / off. In this example, the home position of the paper discharge tray 8 is the highest position (the position shown in FIG. 3) of the paper discharge tray 8, and the upstream end of the paper discharge tray 8 is disposed directly below the paper discharge roller 74. ing. The discharge tray 8 is gradually lowered as the amount of recording paper loaded increases. The upper limit sensor 84 may be provided as an optical sensor.

  As described above, the paper discharge tray 8 is provided so as to be extendable and contractible. However, the first paper discharge tray 81 is moved up and down during the up-and-down movement, so that the second paper discharge tray 8 and the second paper discharge tray 81 are moved in the second direction. The paper discharge tray 82 and the third paper discharge tray 83 are configured to move up and down.

  For example, the first sheet discharge tray 81 is raised and lowered as follows. A drive unit 85 for moving the first paper discharge tray 8 up and down is provided on the back side of the first paper discharge tray 81. The drive unit 85 accommodates a drive belt (not shown), and the drive belt can be driven by a drive power supply (not shown) connected by a wiring 86. A support member that supports the leading end of the first paper discharge tray 81 is connected to the drive unit 85. The support member is provided to reciprocate up and down by driving the drive belt.

  Then, the power of the drive belt of the drive unit 85 is transmitted to the first paper discharge tray 81 through such a support member, and thereby the first paper discharge tray 81 moves up and down. An arm 88 that supports the first paper discharge tray 81 is provided below the first paper discharge tray 81. The arm 88 is disposed between the first paper discharge tray 81 and the bottom 89. The arm 88 is bent in an L shape, and its bending angle is variable. The bending angle of the arm 88 changes according to the raising / lowering position of the first paper discharge tray 81. A protrusion is provided at the end of the first paper discharge tray 81 near the paper post-processing section 5. This protrusion engages with a groove extending in the up and down direction provided in the sheet post-processing section 5 and can slide in the groove.

(Configuration of control unit)
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the control unit that accommodates the circuit board that controls the image forming process of the MFP 1 having the above-described configuration, the interface board that receives image data from the external device, and the like.

  The control unit 90 has an image information receiving unit 912, a document reading unit 913, an image processing unit 914, an operation unit (input / display unit) 915, a driving unit 916, and a paper feeding unit 917 around a CPU 911 which is a central processing unit. , A printing unit 918, a paper discharge unit 919, a post-processing unit 920, and a temperature control unit 921. Furthermore, a communication unit 922, a hard disk (HD) 923, and a management unit 924 are provided.

  The operation unit 915 includes an input unit having various input keys and a display unit such as an LCD. The operation unit 915 inputs device operations and conditions from the input unit, and the display unit displays these conditions and the like. indicate.

  The control unit monitors the operation of each unit constituting the digital multi-function peripheral and controls the entire apparatus so as to perform an accurate operation as the multi-function peripheral.

  The communication unit 922 controls communication between client machines such as personal computers installed on the network. The hard disk 923 functions as an image data storage unit that stores image data input from each input unit (input path: each mode mounted as a digital multifunction peripheral, for example, a scanner, a fax machine, a network, etc.). The image data storage means can be configured as a storage device including a magnetic storage medium.

  The management unit 924 manages information necessary for controlling each unit of the apparatus in the control unit 90.

  When the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment is used as a copying machine, image data of a document read by the document reading unit 913 is output from the image processing unit 914 as a copy.

  The document reading unit 913 includes a CCD, and can electronically read an image of the document set at the reading position. The read image data of the document is completed as an output image on a volatile memory and is temporarily stored in the hard disk 923. When there are a plurality of documents, the reading and storing operations are repeated.

  Thereafter, based on the processing mode instructed from the operation unit 915, the image data stored in the hard disk 923 is sequentially read out at an appropriate timing and sent to a volatile memory. Then, the image data is transferred from the memory to the printing unit 918 in accordance with the writing timing to the printing unit 918.

  Similarly, when printing a plurality of read image data, the output image is similarly stored as an output image in the hard disk 923, sent to the volatile memory from the hard disk 923 in accordance with the output mode, and repeated for the number of output sheets. The data is transferred to the printing unit 918 in accordance with the writing timing.

  Next, when the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment is used as a printer, the image data received by the communication unit 922 is output from the image processing unit 914 via a memory or the like. The communication unit 922 is connected to a network by a communication cable or the like, and receives image data from a device such as a personal computer connected as an external device on the network.

  The image data received by the communication unit 922 is sent to the memory in units of pages as output image data, and is temporarily stored in the hard disk 923. Then, it is sent again from the hard disk 923 to the volatile memory and transferred to the printing unit 918 in the same manner as when used as a copying machine.

  When the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment is used as a network scanner, the image data of the document read by the document reading unit 913 is transferred from the communication unit 922 to any personal computer as an external device via the network. Can be sent to. Also here, the image of the document is electronically read by the CCD provided in the document reading unit 913.

  Then, the read image data of the original is completed as an output image on a volatile memory, and is temporarily stored in the hard disk 923. Then, the data is sent again from the hard disk 923 to the volatile memory, and is transmitted from the communication unit 922 to the target transmission destination after establishing communication with the transmission destination instructed via the operation unit 915.

  Further, the communication unit 922 is connected to a telephone line other than the network, and the same operation is performed when the digital multi-function peripheral according to the present embodiment is used as a facsimile apparatus. Transmission and reception are possible.

  Here, the digital multifunction peripheral having the hard disk 923 is described as a storage device for temporarily storing image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the stored image data is retained even when the image data is removed from the apparatus main body. The present invention can be similarly applied to a case where a non-volatile memory that can be used, a memory having a backup function, and other storage devices (mediums) using a magnetic storage medium are provided.

  Each component of the digital multi-functional peripheral according to the present embodiment is controlled by the control unit 90 to monitor an operation instruction from an input unit such as a tablet or a key group provided in the operation unit 915 and to display a display unit. Information to be notified to the user, such as information on the state of the digital multi-function peripheral, is accurately guided and displayed.

  The management unit 924 manages information about each component managed by the device control unit, and the control unit 90 controls the operation of the entire digital multi-function peripheral based on the information.

  Next, the print processing operation at the time of a print request by the control unit 90 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the user operates the operation unit 915 such as a liquid crystal display panel of the apparatus main body and sets various print contents (paper type, number of sheets to be bound, number of staples, staple position, sheet discharge number, etc.) and makes a print request ( In step S1), the control unit 90 first checks whether there is a request for stapling processing of printing paper (step S2).

  As a result, when there is a staple processing request (when it is determined Yes in step S2), it is then compared with the management table to determine whether or not the processing request does not cause the printed sheet to fall from the discharge tray (step). S3). As a result, if it is a processing request that does not fall from the paper discharge tray (when it is determined Yes in step S3), the printing process is started as it is (step S4), and the printing process is performed to the end (in step S5). If it is determined as Yes), it returns to the standby state until the next print request is made.

  On the other hand, if there is no stapling request in step S2 (when it is determined No), the printing process is started as it is (step S4), and when the printing process is performed to the end (when it is determined Yes in step S5). Return to the standby state until the next print request is made.

  On the other hand, if there is a request for stapling processing and a processing request for dropping printed paper from the paper discharge tray as compared with the management table (if determined No in step S3), the printing processing is performed as it is. When the number of copies on the paper discharge tray set in the management table reaches a predetermined value before dropping (when it is determined Yes in step S7), the printing process is stopped (step S6). Step S8).

  Thereafter, a request notification signal for removing printed paper is transmitted (step S9). As shown in FIG. 9A, the request notification signal is a message “Please remove the paper on the paper discharge tray” on the display unit 915a of the operation unit 915 or a pictographic expression that indicates the content of the danger of dropping. In addition, the above-described signal is transmitted to a PC (personal computer) which is an external communication apparatus connected via the communication unit 922.

  Next, in response to the request notification signal, it is determined whether the user has removed the printed paper on the paper discharge tray (step S10). This can be easily determined by a signal from a paper presence / absence sensor (not shown) provided in the paper discharge tray.

  If the printed paper on the paper discharge tray is removed (Yes in Step S10), the process proceeds to Step S11 and the printing process is resumed.

  On the other hand, if the printed paper on the paper discharge tray is not removed (No is determined in step S10), the process proceeds to step S9 to send a request notification signal for removing the printed paper.

  Note that step S10 is for preventing the number of printed sheets stacked from exceeding the predetermined value and falling from the paper discharge tray, so whether the stacked height of the printed sheets is a predetermined value or not. Can be detected. Therefore, not only the paper presence / absence sensor but also a stack height detection sensor comprising a light emitting / receiving element is used to remove a part of the printed paper stacked on the paper discharge tray so that the stack height falls below a predetermined value. Even in such a case, the printing process in step 11 may be resumed.

  Further, after proceeding to step S11 and restarting the printing process, it is determined whether all the printing requests have been printed (step S12). If it is determined Yes in step S12, it is then determined whether there is a print job (step S13). When the printing process is performed to the end (when it is determined No in step S13), the process returns to the standby state until the next print request is issued.

  FIG. 9 shows a request notification example for removing the printed paper displayed on the operation unit 915. FIG. 9A shows an example in which a message “Please remove paper from the paper discharge tray” is displayed on the display unit 915a of the operation unit 915. FIG. 4B shows a message display when the stacked sheets are inclined with respect to the sheet discharge tray and the sheets may fall because the stapling process is shifted to one side of the sheets. In this case, a warning message “There is a possibility that the paper may fall from the paper discharge tray” is displayed on the display unit 915a.

  In the examples of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the request is notified to the display unit 915a of the operation unit 915. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a personal computer connected to the network via the communication unit 922 or the like. A notification signal may be sent to the device.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the management table. This management table is a management table that defines the staple processing content and a predetermined value for stopping the operation. From the left to the right, the first column to the fourth column are arranged in order. The first column shows the staple state. Staple status includes staple position (back, center, front, saddle stitch), number of staples (1 point, 2 points), staple direction (diagonal, parallel), binding method for paper (left open (left binding), right open) (Right binding)). Each stapling state is a pictogram display of FIG.

  The second column shows the paper (sheet passing) size. “A4” size, “B4” size, etc. can be exemplified. The third column shows the number of one bundle, and the fourth column shows the number of paper discharge tray stacks that do not fall. For example, if there are three A4-size bundles with one back (diagonal) left binding, the maximum number of sheets to be stacked on the paper discharge tray is 150, and there is a risk of dropping if this is exceeded.

  Therefore, the control unit 90 stops the operation of the apparatus, such as stopping the printing operation, when the number of discharge tray stacks exceeds 150, and displays a warning message on the display unit 915a of the operation unit 915. Whether or not the number of stacked copies exceeds a predetermined value is calculated by the control unit 90 based on the number of sheets printed from the printing unit 918.

  The predetermined value relating to the number of stacked copies is determined based on the number of staples and the number of discharged sheets, based on the staple position and the number of discharged sheets, and further based on the number of sheets to be bound (the number of sheets in one bundle). The contents shown in the management table of FIG. 10 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  1 to 10 show examples in which the operation of the apparatus is controlled by software so that the recording paper does not fall from the paper discharge tray. In addition to these software configurations, the following hardware configuration is used. It is possible to prevent the recording paper from dropping from the paper discharge tray. As shown in FIG. 11, the fall prevention mechanism 800 is provided with a recording paper fall prevention member 801 on the side surface of the paper discharge tray 8. FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a finisher to which a paper discharge tray is attached, and FIG. 11B is a side view thereof. In FIG. 11A, the paper output direction of the recording paper with respect to the paper discharge tray 8 is an arrow direction. FIG. 5B shows that when the recording sheet is ejected, the sheet discharge tray 8 is lowered in the direction of the broken line arrow.

  FIG. 12 is a detailed view seen from the X direction of FIG. In this example, the recording paper S output on the paper discharge tray 8 is inclined in the direction of the arrow due to the overlap of the staples 700, and there is a possibility that the recording paper S falls from the paper discharge tray 8 when the number of stacked sheets increases. In order to prevent this, a fall prevention member 801 is attached to the side surface of the paper discharge tray 8.

  The fall prevention member 801 is made telescopic by connecting a first fall prevention member 802 and a second fall prevention member 803 to each other. The first fall prevention member 802 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is configured to be stretchable by a structure in which the second fall prevention member 803 is accommodated in the first fall prevention member 802 due to the difference in inner diameter. Holes are formed in the support portions of the first fall prevention member 802 and the second fall prevention member 803, and are supported by the finisher body 806 and the side surfaces of the paper discharge tray 8 via the respective support bosses 804. . Each support portion is provided with a snap ring 807 for preventing penetration.

  In the above configuration, the recording paper S is inclined in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 12 due to the overlap of the staples when the number of stacked sheets is increased. However, since the fall prevention member 801 is in that direction, the recording paper S is prevented from falling. In addition, the fall prevention member 801 is not limited to the structure of this example, For example, elastic elastic members, such as rubber | gum, are also possible.

  FIG. 13 shows an example provided with an inclination mechanism for inclining the paper discharge tray 8 as a hardware fall prevention mechanism. As shown in FIG. 13, the discharge tray tilting mechanism 810 is rotatably attached to the finisher body 806 through the rotation support shaft 811 at the base end portion of the discharge tray 8. As a result, the paper discharge tray 8 moves up and down around the rotation support shaft 811 so as to be movable up and down.

  The tilt mechanism 810 includes a cam 812, a slider 813, and a motor (not shown). The cam 812 is formed on the cam shaft 814, and the cam shaft 814 is connected to a motor (not shown) and is driven to rotate. One of the sliders 813 is disposed in contact with the heart-shaped cam 812 and the other is in contact with the lower surface of the paper discharge tray 8, and can be moved up and down by the rotation of the cam 812.

  In the above configuration, the discharge tray 8 is controlled by a motor (not shown) to rotate the cam 812, the slider 813 in contact with the cam 812 moves up and down, and the discharge tray 8 in contact with the slider 813 moves up and down. As a result, the paper discharge tray 8 moves up and down in the vertical direction about the rotation support shaft 811 and tilts. Therefore, as the number of recording sheets stacked on the paper discharge tray 8 increases, the inclination angle of the paper discharge tray increases. That is, when the leading end of the paper discharge tray 8 is raised to increase the inclination, the recording paper S stacked on the paper discharge tray 8 becomes difficult to fall.

  Further, the fall prevention member 801 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 expands and contracts in accordance with the change in the inclination of the paper discharge tray 8, so that the fall prevention member 801 also smoothly expands and contracts following the change in the inclination of the paper discharge tray 8. In addition, it is possible to prevent the paper discharge tray 8 from falling from the side surface orthogonal to the paper output direction.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a paper post-processing unit and a paper discharge tray. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a paper post-processing section and a paper discharge tray, and shows a state in which the paper discharge tray is contracted and raised, and a state in which a cover is closed. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a paper discharge tray is lowered. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a paper discharge tray is extended. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the cover opened. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a control unit that accommodates a circuit board that controls an image forming process of the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment, an interface board that receives image data from an external device, and the like. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the printing process operation | movement at the time of the printing request | requirement by a control part. (A) and (B) are the figures which show the example of a message displayed on the display part of the operation part. (A) is a figure which shows the data structure of a management table, (B) is a figure which shows the pictogram display example of the staple processing content. (A) is a perspective view of the finisher, and (B) is a side view thereof. FIG. 12 is an X arrow view of FIG. Side view showing the output tray tilt mechanism

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunction device 2 Scanner part 3 Image forming part 5 Paper post-processing part 8 Paper discharge tray 31 Image forming system 33 Paper cassette 36e Paper discharge roller 50 Cover 51 Main conveyance path 52 Switchback conveyance path 53 Branching claw 54 Discharge roller 55 Switchback Roller 60 Punching unit 70 Staple unit 71 Staple mechanism section 72 Staple table 74 Paper discharge roller 81 First paper discharge tray 82 Second paper discharge tray 83 Third paper discharge tray 90 Control section

Claims (10)

A stapler for forming an image on a sheet, a staple sorter for discharging the image-formed sheet, and a controller for controlling the print unit and the staple sorter, wherein the staple sorter staples a bundle of sheets. When stapling by the stapler, the control unit temporarily stops the printing operation and removes the paper from the discharge tray when the number of stacks on the discharge tray reaches a predetermined value before dropping. An image forming apparatus that notifies a message. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined value is determined based on a number of staples by a stapler and a number of paper discharge units. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined value is determined based on a staple position by a stapler and the number of paper discharge units. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined value is determined based on a number of sheets to be bound by a stapler. The display unit for notifying the message is provided, and the control unit notifies the message to remove the paper by displaying characters and / or pictograms on the display unit. Image forming apparatus. A communication unit that accepts a print request from an external device and can transmit a message is provided. When the number of stacked units on the discharge tray reaches a predetermined value before dropping, the control unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a message for removing the sheet is notified to a print request operator registered in advance. A communication unit capable of communicating with an external device, and the control unit notifies an administrator registered in advance via the communication unit when the number of stacked units on the discharge tray reaches a predetermined value before dropping. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a message to remove the paper is notified. The control unit reaches a predetermined value before the number of stacks on the paper discharge tray falls and temporarily stops the printing operation, and then when the number of stacks on the paper discharge tray becomes smaller than the predetermined value, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing operation is restarted and the discharge of the recording sheet to the discharge tray is continued. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sheet fall prevention member for preventing the fall of the sheet is provided on a side surface of the delivery tray orthogonal to the delivery direction of the delivery tray. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the fall prevention member has a telescopic function.

Images