JP2009057208A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device for actualizing a series of printing operation in a short time as a whole while allowing easy restoring treatment of the device even when there is a failure in carrying recording paper. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming device comprises a carrying means for carrying a recording medium on a carrying passage, a carrying condition detecting means arranged on the carrying passage for detecting the condition of carrying the recording medium, a control means for controlling the carrying means to carry the recording medium depending on the condition of carrying the recording medium detected by the carrying condition detecting means, and a storage means for storing the recording medium. The control means controls the carrying means to discharge the recording medium on the carrying passage to the storage means when the carrying condition detecting means detects a delay in carrying the recording medium. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is an image provided with a storage section for continuing to transport recording paper without stopping the apparatus even when a recording paper transport abnormality occurs, and discharging and storing the recording paper remaining in the apparatus. The present invention relates to a forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image forming apparatus including a paper discharge unit for discharging a residual recording paper in an image forming apparatus when a recording paper jam occurs in the image forming apparatus.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228867 discloses that when a jam occurs in a double-sided printing apparatus in a double-sided printing apparatus that performs double-sided printing by reversing and re-feeding recording paper, An image forming apparatus including a paper discharge unit for discharging residual recording paper is described.

  Further, in the copying machine described in Patent Document 2, a recording sheet on which double-side recording has been performed is specified from among the recording sheets remaining inside the apparatus when a jam occurs, and is discharged when the recording sheet is not a jam sheet. I am doing so. That is, in the copying machine described in Patent Document 2, in a copying machine that performs double-sided recording while circulating a plurality of recording papers on the transport path, when a paper jam occurs in the transport path, the recording paper discharge destination information The recording paper to be discharged is determined on the basis of (information indicating whether it should be discharged out of the apparatus or transported to the reverse path) and the positional information on the conveyance path of the recording paper, and the paper jam information of the recording paper If it is determined that no paper jam has occurred, the paper is discharged out of the apparatus. This prevents the use of printed effective recording paper.

  Further, in the recording apparatus described in Patent Document 3, the posture of the recording paper, such as bending or skew, is detected on the conveyance path, and when it is out of the specified range, the direction is different from the original paper supply / discharge direction. By guiding and removing it from the conveyance path, the occurrence of jam is reduced.

  Hereinafter, the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 15 shows an image forming apparatus (laser printer) described in Patent Document 1. In this apparatus, an image forming apparatus main body (1) and a double-sided printing apparatus (2) are integrally configured. In FIG. 15, image formation is performed by a normal electrophotographic process. That is, the recording paper fed from the paper feed trays 1A, 1B, and 1C is conveyed to the photoconductor 4 by the paper feed rollers 2A, 2B, and 2C and the registration roller 3, and is charged with the charging charger 5, the optical unit 6, and the developing unit. 7. Each process such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing is performed by the transfer charger 8, the fixing device 9, and the like, and image formation is performed. The recording paper printed on one side after exiting the fixing device 9 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 10 or the double-sided printing device (2). Whether the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 10 or the double-sided printing apparatus (2) is selected by switching control of the paper discharge roller 11 and the switching claw 12. When discharged to the duplex printing apparatus (2), the recording paper is conveyed to the conveyance path a on the reverse roller 13 side under the control of the switching claw 12, and then the conveyance roller b is controlled by controlling the reverse roller 13 and the reverse claw 14. Switched back one by one and conveyed. That is, the side printed on one side of the recording paper is reversed, and the recording paper is conveyed to the registration roller 3 by the paper feed roller 15 in a state where the other side to be printed next becomes the recording side. Each unit of the above image forming process is driven by the main motor 16.

  In this image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 16, a conveyance direction switching means (switching claw 18) is provided immediately above the recording paper inlet 17 of the double-sided printing apparatus (2). The transfer direction is switched to the reverse transfer path direction 2). When a jam occurs in the duplex printing apparatus (2), the remaining recording paper in the image forming apparatus main body (1) is discharged from the opening 19 to the storage basket 20.

  In this image forming apparatus, when a large number of prints are performed at a time, recording sheets are sequentially fed from a large amount of paper feeding tray 1C. For example, a plurality of recording sheets (3 to 4 sheets) are simultaneously conveyed over the entire conveyance path. Will be. In this case, the first, second, and third recording sheets are sequentially supplied from the sheet feed tray 1C into the image forming apparatus main body (1) for surface printing, and image formation is performed. After the front side printing of the eyes is performed, the first back side print is re-feeded via the double-sided printing device (2), and then the newly fed fourth recording sheet is printed. Surface printing is performed. In other words, the print page order in this case is the first page, the second page, the third page, the first page, the fourth page, the second page, and so on. Will be.

  At this time, in the above print page order, the first sheet has been printed on the back side, and the fourth sheet table has not been printed, and the third sheet on which the front surface printing in the transport path b in the duplex printing apparatus (2) has been completed. Suppose the recording paper jams. At this time, first, the main motor 16 is temporarily stopped. Then, the conveyance system of the image forming apparatus (1) is driven to remain on the fourth recording sheet in the unprinted state remaining in the image forming apparatus (1) (for example, before the fixing device 9 at the time of occurrence of the jam). Is discharged from the opening 17 described above. After that, the main motor 19 is restarted, and the back side printing of the second recording paper that has already been printed on the front surface (for example, the recording paper remaining before the photoreceptor 4 at the time of jam occurrence) is performed.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when a recording paper jam occurs in the conveyance path b in the double-sided printing apparatus (2), the non-printing in the image forming apparatus main body (1) is performed. The recording paper is discharged, and the recording paper that needs to be printed on the back side is conveyed to a position where it can be executed and printed. Therefore, when a jam occurs, the recording paper that has been printed on one side is printed on both sides, and the unprinted recording paper is discharged so that it can be reused. Since the user only has to remove the jammed paper in the double-sided printing apparatus (2), the recovery process can be accelerated.

JP-A-2-257158 JP 2002-268304 A JP 56-8163 A

  However, in any of the above publications, the technical idea of continuing to transport the recording paper inside the apparatus, including conveying the recording paper itself in which the conveyance abnormality occurred, is disclosed or suggested. Absent.

  That is, in Patent Document 1, the purpose is to prevent the recording paper from being wasted when a jam occurs in the apparatus, and the paper is discharged as it is depending on the printing state of the recording paper circulating in the apparatus, or the reverse side. Paper is ejected after printing, but recording paper that jams are prevented by the presence of jammed paper, and in particular jammed paper itself is not carried.

  Similarly, Patent Document 2 also discloses an effective recording paper that is not a target of jamming even when a jam occurs in order to prevent a valid recording paper that has been normally recorded from being wasted. It is only described that the paper is discharged.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 merely describes that a recording sheet that has been bent or skewed is immediately removed from the conveyance path for the purpose of preventing the occurrence of a jam in the conveyance path of the recording sheet.

  On the other hand, for example, a large-volume user requesting printing of about 90 sheets per minute is not limited to a high printing speed, and even a recovery process of the apparatus when a recording paper is abnormally conveyed is as short as possible. There is a demand to go on time.

  Therefore, the present invention detects a conveyance error of a recording sheet, and if it is a minor conveyance abnormality, the apparatus is not stopped, and the recording sheet including the recording sheet in which the conveyance abnormality has occurred is included. By continuing to transport the recording paper as if it was being transported normally and discharging the recording paper present in the device, the recovery processing of the device can be facilitated and a series of printing operations can be realized in a short time as a whole. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a conveyance unit that conveys a recording medium on a conveyance path, a conveyance state detection unit that is disposed in the conveyance path and detects a conveyance state of the recording medium, A control unit that controls conveyance by the conveyance unit according to the conveyance state of the recording medium detected by the state detection unit; and a storage unit that accommodates the recording medium. The control unit includes a conveyance state detection unit configured to convey the recording medium. When the delay is detected, the transport unit is controlled so that all the recording media existing on the transport path are discharged to the storage unit.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control unit includes a conveying unit that discharges all the recording media existing on the conveying path to the accommodating unit when the conveying state detecting unit detects a delay in conveying the recording medium. To control.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a recording medium supply unit that supplies a recording medium to a predetermined conveyance path, a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium supplied from the recording medium supply unit on the conveyance path, and a conveyance path. A conveyance state detection unit configured to detect a conveyance state of the recording medium, a control unit that performs operation control of the recording medium supply unit, the conveyance unit, and the conveyance state detection unit, and a storage unit that stores the recording medium. Then, based on the detection result by the conveyance state detection unit, the supply of the recording medium by the recording medium supply unit and the conveyance of the recording medium by the conveyance unit are controlled, and the recording medium existing in the image forming apparatus is discharged to the storage unit.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the control unit detects a delay in conveyance of the recording medium by the conveyance state detection unit, the control unit stops supply of the recording medium by the recording medium supply unit and conveys the recording medium by the conveyance unit. Control to continue for a predetermined period.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the control unit detects that the conveyance state detection unit delays the conveyance of the recording medium and that the interval between the recording medium and the subsequent recording medium is within a predetermined range, Control is performed so that the supply of the recording medium by the recording medium supply unit is stopped and the conveyance of the recording medium by the conveyance unit is continued for a predetermined period.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus of the present invention further includes a display unit, and displays the detection result by the conveyance state detection unit on the display unit.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the detection result by the conveyance state detection unit displayed on the display unit is the type of conveyance abnormality.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the conveyance state detection unit detects again the delay in conveyance of the recording medium during a predetermined period during which conveyance is continued, the control unit performs control so as to stop the conveyance unit. .

  Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the predetermined period is set to a period during which all the recording media existing on the conveyance path can be discharged to the storage unit.

  Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is configured such that the conveyance path is formed in an annular shape, further includes a recording medium reversing unit in the conveyance path, and the recording medium is reversed and conveyed by the recording medium reversing unit to perform duplex printing.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is provided with a recording medium reversing unit on the conveyance path, and the storage unit is configured to store the recording medium via the recording medium reversing unit.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Switching means for switching the conveyance path of the recording medium is provided on the conveyance path, and the switching path of the switching means is controlled by the control means, thereby forming a recording medium discharge path different from the conveyance path.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the storage unit is configured such that the recording medium that has passed through the discharge path is naturally dropped and stored.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the housing means is a machined shape of the casing of the image forming apparatus or a tray.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the housing means is a housing processed so as to be inclined with respect to the ejection direction so that the ejected recording medium is accommodated in a stacked state, or The tray has a shape inclined with respect to the discharge direction so that the discharged recording medium is stacked.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention further includes a recording medium detecting unit that detects whether or not the recording medium is stored in the storing unit, and when the recording medium detecting unit detects the presence of the recording medium, a notification to that effect is provided. Means.

  According to the present invention, when a slight conveyance abnormality occurs, the recording medium in the image forming apparatus is discharged to the predetermined storage unit without stopping the conveyance unit. It is possible to easily recover from an abnormal state, and a series of printing operations can be realized in a short time as a whole.

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

  FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, 101 and 102 are paper feed trays, 103 and 104 are paper feed rollers, 105 is a reversing roller, 106 is a transport roller, 107 is a transfer roller, 108 is a fixing roller, 109 is a transport roller, 110 is a flip roller, 111 is a transport roller, 112 is a transfer belt, 113 to 117 are sensors, 118 is a paper discharge tray, 119 is a switching claw, 120 is a paper discharge roller, 121 is a paper discharge tray, 122 and 123 are switching claw, and 124 is paper discharge The inclined surfaces 125 and 126 of the tray are sensors. As a path for transporting the recording paper, A is a transport path, B is a single-sided print path, C is a double-sided print path, D is a reverse path, and E is a paper discharge path. Further, in order to clarify the characteristics of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows a state in which seven recording sheets are circulating in the recording sheet conveyance paths A to E inside the image forming apparatus. For example, F or G is a recording sheet.

  In FIG. 1, recording paper is supplied from a paper feed tray 101 or 102. The fed recording paper is conveyed in the counterclockwise direction on the conveyance path A through the paper supply roller 103 or 104 or the like. Here, the conveyance path A is an annular path that is subjected to front surface printing in the image forming process after the recording paper is supplied and then reversed by the reversing roller 105 to reach the image forming apparatus again for back side printing. Shall point to. That is, it is an annular path that reaches the conveyance roller 106 again through the respective rollers such as the conveyance roller 106, the transfer roller 107, the fixing roller 108, the conveyance roller 109, the flip roller 110, the reverse roller 105, and the conveyance roller 111. An image is formed on the recording paper on the conveyance path A, but the image forming system is equivalent to a conventional general image forming apparatus. That is, the process is performed using a general process such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing, similar to that described in FIG. In FIG. 1, the respective devices for charging, exposure and development are omitted. In FIG. 1, a transfer roller 107 constitutes a part of the transfer device, and transfers a visible image formed on the transfer belt 112 to a recording sheet by a developing device (not shown). Further, the fixing roller 108 constitutes a part of the fixing device.

  Incidentally, in such an image forming apparatus, it is inevitable that a recording paper conveyance abnormality occurs. In addition to the so-called jam, in which the recording paper is bent in a bellows shape or wound around a roller, the recording paper does not reach the predetermined transport position in the image forming apparatus at a predetermined timing, or is not transported. There is a so-called stay in which the recording paper stays at a predetermined transport position in the image forming apparatus even when the predetermined timing is reached. When a jam occurs, the device must be stopped immediately. However, in the case of unreached or staying, as long as the period of unreached or staying is within a predetermined range ( In other words, if the recording paper is transported within a predetermined period after reaching the unachieved state or staying state and a predetermined detection is made, and the unachieved state or staying state is resolved) It is not always necessary to stop the apparatus immediately and remove the recording paper manually because no trouble occurs. Such a situation can be regarded as a minor conveyance abnormality.

  On the conveyance path A, a plurality of sensors 113 to 117 are provided for detecting the conveyance state of the recording paper. By these sensors, it is detected that recording paper has not reached or stays. That is, for example, the transfer timing sensor 116 is used to measure the transfer timing with the transfer device in the next process, but the leading edge of the recording paper to be transferred is not detected by the sensor 116 at a predetermined timing. It is determined that the recording paper has not been reached. For example, the determination is based on the timing at which the other sensor 115 detects the leading edge of the recording paper, the timing at which the recording paper is fed from the paper feed roller 103, and the timing at which the transfer timing sensor 116 detects the leading edge of the recording paper. This is done by managing the period (time management). Further, after the leading edge of the recording paper is detected, if the trailing edge of the recording paper is not detected even at a predetermined timing (that is, the recording paper normally passes through the sensor 116 and the sensor 116 is If it should be detected that the presence of recording paper is still detected at that timing), it is determined that the recording paper stays.

  Of the sensors 113 to 117, the sensors other than the transfer timing sensor 116 also have a function of detecting whether or not the recording paper has been reached and stayed, but the arrangement position and the number of sensors can be designed as appropriate. The present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

  The sensor 114 also serves as double feed detection. The double feed sensor 114 is used to detect the state in which the recording sheets are overlapped and conveyed, and accordingly, even when double feed is detected, it is determined that the conveyance is abnormal. Further, the sensor 115 also serves as skew detection. The skew sensor 115 is used to detect the skew state of the recording paper (the inclination of the recording paper with respect to the conveyance direction), and when an inclination greater than a predetermined value is detected. Becomes an over skew, which is also a kind of conveyance abnormality.

  The arrangement position and number of the double feed sensor 114 and the skew sensor 115 can be designed as appropriate.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that the recording paper has not reached or stayed, the supply of the recording paper from the paper feed trays 101 and 102 is stopped, and the conveyance system rollers (for example, rollers 105 to 111) are stopped. Etc.) is controlled so as to continue for a predetermined period, and all the recording sheets on the transport path A are discharged to the discharge tray 118. Details of unreached and stayed and details of the operation of the device when unreached and stayed occur will be described later. Note that the installation location, shape, and the like of the tray 118 for discharging the recording paper are not limited to those described using this embodiment, and can be appropriately configured without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  The recording paper that has been fixed by the fixing device 108 can then take two paths, a single-sided printing path B and a double-sided printing path C. Here, the single-sided printing path B indicates a path from the conveying roller 109 to the paper discharge roller 120, and the double-sided printing path C is switched back by the reversing roller 105 from the conveying roller 109 through the flip roller 110 and the reversing roller 105. The path to the conveyance roller 111 is indicated. Switching between the single-sided printing path B and the double-sided printing path C is performed by controlling the switching claw 119. When single-sided printing is instructed, the recording paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 121 by the paper discharge roller 120 via the single-sided printing path B. Even in the case of single-sided printing, in order to reversely discharge the paper for the convenience of the user who takes out the discharged recording paper, the reverse path D (from the conveying roller 109 through the flip roller 110 to the reverse roller 105 is used. Is routed back by the reversing roller 105, and is again discharged to the paper discharge tray 121 via the flip roller 110. On the other hand, when double-sided printing is instructed, the recording paper is transported in the reverse path D → paper switchback by the reverse roller 105 → double-sided print path C, and is directed toward the image forming apparatus for backside printing. Will be fed again. Whether the sheet switched back by the reversing roller 105 returns to the flip roller 110 side or is guided to the duplex printing path C side is switched by controlling the switching claw 122.

  A paper discharge tray 118 provided below the reverse roller 105 is opened so as to cover at least a discharge port from the paper discharge path E and a discharge port from the reverse path D passing through the reverse roller 105. The paper discharge path E is a path from the flip roller 110 to the paper discharge tray 118 formed by controlling the switching claw 123. The paper discharge tray 118 is used to discharge recording paper remaining on the transport path A when a minor transport abnormality described later occurs. The paper can be discharged from the path E and can be discharged from the reverse path D. When paper is discharged from the paper discharge path E, the recording paper guided to the paper discharge path E by the switching claw 123 is naturally dropped and stored in the paper discharge tray 118. Further, without providing the switching claw 123 and the paper discharge path E, the recording paper may be passed through the reversing roller 105 and guided directly from the reverse path D to the paper discharge tray 118. In this case, the reverse path D can also be used as the paper discharge path, and the reverse roller 105 is controlled so that the recording paper is stored in the paper discharge tray 118 by the driving force of the reverse roller 105.

  A recording paper detection sensor 125 is provided on the inclined surface 124 of the paper discharge tray 118. The recording paper detection sensor 125 detects whether or not recording paper is present, and when the presence of recording paper is detected, the user is notified of this fact. The inclined surface 124 is provided so that the recording paper can be smoothly stacked when the recording paper is discharged, and the sensor 125 can reliably detect the recording paper. As a method of notifying that the recording sheet exists, for example, a warning lamp may be turned on, or that fact may be displayed on the display panel of the image forming apparatus. For example, when the recording paper is not removed and remains on the paper discharge tray 118, the error state of the image forming apparatus may not be released and the usable state may not be restored.

  The discharge tray 118 may be in the form of a literally separate tray that is separate from the main body of the image forming apparatus, or may have a function equivalent to the tray by hollowing out the casing of the image forming apparatus to form a space. It may be configured so as to have (a function of storing discharged recording paper). FIG. 2 shows an example in which a space is formed by hollowing out the casing of the image forming apparatus as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, 131 is a paper discharge port, 132 is a recording sheet, 133 is an inclined surface of the paper discharge port, and 134 is a paper feed cassette. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the recording paper 132 is discharged to the paper discharge port 131. The discharge port 131 is also provided with an inclined surface 133, similar to that shown in FIG.

  Further, FIG. 3 shows an example in which a similar shape is configured as a tray. When configured as a tray in this way, the tray 141 is housed and used in a place where the paper discharge port 131 is provided. By doing so, there is an advantage that the user can easily take out the discharged recording paper. As with the paper discharge outlet 131, the tray 141 is provided with an inclined surface 142. The sensor 124 for detecting the presence / absence of recording paper may be provided on the inclined surface 142, or may be provided on the housing side by cutting out a part of the inclined surface 142, for example.

  Further, as the shape of the paper discharge tray, in addition to the generally L shape as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, for example, the shape shown in FIG. 4 is also conceivable. In this example, an inclination 152 is provided obliquely from the upper side to the lower side of the tray 151.

  Further, a user who tries to take out the recording paper by providing the bottom surface of the paper discharge tray with a slope that gradually decreases from the depth direction of the image forming apparatus toward the front side, or a rib, or both. There is an advantage that it becomes easy to take out. For example, in the tray 161 shown in FIG. 5, ribs 163 that are high in the depth direction as viewed from the user are provided from the inclined surface 162 to the bottom plate, and are gradually lowered toward the front, and lowest on the front side. Ribs 164 are formed. As the material of the rib, metal, plastic, or the like can be used. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 165 denotes the discharged recording paper, and the arrow indicates the discharging direction of the recording paper.

  The inclined surface 124 and the like may be configured to be curved. In the case of such a shape, the recording paper is loaded more smoothly and the detection of the recording paper by the recording paper detection sensor 125 or the like becomes more reliable. For example, even when thick paper is used, accurate detection can be performed, which is preferable. In this case, even if the leading end of the recording paper smoothly slides to the leading end of the L-shaped space (the lower right portion of the discharge tray 118 in FIG. 1) and the reverse path D or the discharge path E is long to some extent, The discharged recording paper is completely released from the reverse path D and the paper discharge path E. The tray may be configured without being inclined or curved, but in that case, the length of the tray in the vertical direction is sufficiently set so that the trailing edge is released from the reverse path D or the like when the recording paper is discharged. It is necessary to take. Otherwise, when the recording paper is discharged, it will be clogged at the ends of the paths D and E, and it will collide with the following recording paper, or the sensor 125 etc. will not be able to detect the recording paper reliably. May occur.

  A large number of recording sheets remaining in the image forming apparatus are discharged to such a discharge tray 118 and the like, and recording sheets exceeding the capacity of the discharge tray 118 and the like are discharged. In such a case, it is conceivable that the image forming apparatus main body may have a bad influence such as causing a paper jam. Therefore, it is important to keep the discharge tray 118 and the like in a state where the storage capacity is always less than the capacity. In that sense, it is preferable to detect the presence of the recording paper by using the sensor 125 or the like as described above and notify the user.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the relationship between the units of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. Specifically, the detection unit 201 is, for example, sensors 113 to 117, and detects the conveyance state of the recording paper. Specifically, the control unit 202 is, for example, a CPU (not shown), and controls the operation of the detection unit 201, and controls the operation of the paper feeding unit 203, the conveyance unit 204, and the image forming unit 205 described below. Specifically, the paper supply unit 203 is, for example, a paper supply tray 101 or a paper supply roller 103, and supplies recording paper for image formation. Specifically, the transport unit 204 is, for example, a transport roller 106, a transfer roller 107, and the like, and transports the recording paper in order to execute an image forming process on the recording paper in the image forming apparatus to perform printing and discharge. Specifically, the image forming unit 205 is, for example, the transfer belt 112, the fixing roller 108, and the like, and executes an image forming process on the recording paper.

  With the above configuration, the recording paper supplied from the paper feed trays 101 and 102 is subjected to the image forming process while being transported on the transport path A by the transport roller 106, the transfer roller 107, and the like, and the printed recording paper is discharged. The paper is discharged to the paper tray 121. When double-sided printing is instructed, the recording paper is circulated through the conveyance path A via the double-sided printing path C by controlling the switching claws 119, 122, etc., and is discharged after the reverse side printing is performed. Is done.

  Next, it will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a part of the transport path A. The sensors S1 and S2 are disposed on the transport path X, and the recording paper transported along the transport path X is the sensor S1. Assume that the detection is sequentially performed in S2. In contrast to FIG. 1, the transport path X corresponds to a part of the transport path A, and the sensors S1 and S2 correspond to, for example, the sensors 115 and 116, respectively.

  When the distance between the sensor S1 and the sensor S2 is L (mm) and the conveyance speed of the recording paper is V (mm / second), the leading edge of the recording paper passes through the sensor S1 and then passes through the sensor S2. Time required (the time from when the sensor S1 detects the leading edge of the recording paper to when the sensor S2 detects the leading edge of the recording paper, and after the sensor S1 detects the presence of the recording paper, the sensor S2 detects the presence of the recording paper. Time) is L / V (seconds). In the apparatus, a time T1 = L / V (seconds) from the time when the leading edge of the recording paper passes the sensor S1 to the time when the leading edge of the recording paper passes the sensor S2 is set in advance (in the following description, this is defined as a predetermined transport timing). Therefore, by comparing this time T1 with the timing t1 when the recording paper is actually conveyed and detected by the sensor S2, (1) during normal conveyance, (2) when a slight conveyance delay occurs, ( 3) There are three modes when a large conveyance delay occurs.

  FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining the state of detection of the recording paper by the sensors S1 and S2, where (0) a normal conveyance timing, (1) normal conveyance, and (2) a slight conveyance delay occurred. In this case, (3) a case where a large conveyance delay occurs is shown in comparison. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing subsequent processing for each of the three modes (1) to (3). With reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, a method of controlling the apparatus when the failure has occurred will be described. Note that the detection of the recording paper and the control of the apparatus based thereon are realized by a central processing unit (CPU) mounted on the image forming apparatus.

(0) Specified transport timing When the recording paper reaches the sensor S1 and the sensor S1 detects the leading edge of the recording paper, the detection signal S1 is changed from S1 = 0 (no paper) to S1 = 1 as shown in FIG. It changes to (with paper). Similarly, when the recording paper reaches the sensor S2 after passing through the sensor S1, the detection signal S2 changes from S2 = 0 (no paper) to S2 = 1 (paper exists). In both S1 and S2, when the trailing edge of the recording paper passes through each sensor, the detection signal changes to 0 (no paper). As described above, the time from the rise of the signal S1 to the rise of the signal S2 is T1 = L / V. FIG. 8 also shows delay times α and β from the rise of the signal S2.

(1) During normal conveyance As shown in FIG. 8, when the detection timing t1 of the recording paper leading edge by the sensor S2 is delayed within α hours from T1 (when T1 <t1 ≦ T1 + α), the CPU It is determined that the recording paper is normally conveyed, and the apparatus is controlled to execute a predetermined function (Yes in S11 in FIG. 9 → S12). Specifically, α is, for example, 60 ms (milliseconds), and when T1 <t1 ≦ T1 + 60 ms, the CPU determines that the recording paper is normally conveyed, and executes the transfer function, for example. Control. Since the recording paper is transported by friction, when it deviates from the above timing T1, it is normally in the direction of transport delay. However, in actuality, when T1−α ≦ t1 ≦ T1 + α, normal transport is performed. It is good to judge that it is done.

(2) When a slight conveyance delay occurs As shown in FIG. 8, when the detection timing t1 of the leading edge of the recording sheet by the sensor S2 is a delay greater than α hours and within β hours (T1 + α <t1 ≦ In the case of T1 + β), the CPU determines that a slight conveyance delay has occurred in the recording paper, stops supplying the recording paper from the paper feed tray 101 or 102, and executes the predetermined function described above. In step S13 in FIG. 9, the conveyance operation for discharging the recording paper is executed. Such a transport operation for discharging the recording paper inside the apparatus is referred to as jam clear transport. Specifically, β is, for example, 120 ms, and when T1 + 60 ms <t1 ≦ T1 + 120 ms, the CPU determines that a recording paper conveyance abnormality (a slight conveyance delay) has occurred, and the subsequent transfer function is Without carrying out, the conveying operation is continued so as to discharge all recording paper remaining in the apparatus. The reason for operating in this way is that even if a conveyance abnormality occurs inside the device, if it is a slight conveyance abnormality, it is unlikely that a jam will occur later, so recording without stopping the device This is to shorten the time until the apparatus is recovered by discharging the paper.

(3) When a large conveyance delay occurs As shown in FIG. 8, when the detection timing t1 of the recording paper leading edge by the sensor S2 is delayed more than β time from T1 (when T1 + β <t1), the CPU It is determined that a large conveyance delay has occurred in the recording paper, and control is performed to immediately stop the apparatus (No in S13 in FIG. 9, S15). Specifically, for example, β is 120 ms, and if T1 + 120 ms <t1, the CPU determines that a recording paper conveyance abnormality (large conveyance delay) has occurred and does not execute the subsequent transfer function. Of course, the transport system also stops. The reason for this operation is that when a large conveyance abnormality occurs inside the apparatus, the recording sheet collides with the subsequent recording sheet, and the conveyance itself cannot be performed (such a situation). If this happens, there is a very high possibility of jamming if you continue to carry it). Therefore, although β = 120 ms is exemplified here, the setting method for the β time is based on whether or not the recording paper causing the conveyance abnormality collides with the recording paper to be conveyed next, and the collision It is sufficient to set within the range not to be. The case where β is infinitely large, that is, the case where the sensor S2 cannot detect the leading edge of the recording paper is also included.

  By the way, whether or not the recording papers sequentially and sequentially conveyed collide with each other depends on the relative positional relationship between the recording paper conveyed first and the recording paper conveyed next. In other words, for example, even if the previously transported recording paper is delayed by 130 ms with respect to the preset detection timing, the next transported recording paper is also delayed by 100 ms. In this case, the recording paper conveyed first is only delayed by 30 ms relative to the recording paper conveyed next, and in this case, the two do not collide. Therefore, assuming such a situation, correction of detection timing or conveyance control according to the detection situation of each recording sheet by each sensor is performed, and when it is determined that the preceding and following recording sheets do not collide, “(2) It is more preferable to perform the control as described in “When a slight conveyance delay occurs”.

  As described above, the unachieved state has been described, but the retention can be considered similarly. The unachieved state is determined based on the detection timing of the leading edge of the recording paper, but in the case of staying, it may be determined based on the detection timing of the leading edge of the recording paper and the trailing edge of the recording paper. Hereinafter, what kind of situation is staying and the operation when staying occurs will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a part of the transport path A. The sensor S3 is arranged on the transport path Y, and the recording paper transported on the transport path Y is sequentially detected by the sensor S3. Shall be. In contrast to FIG. 1, the transport path Y corresponds to a part of the transport path A, and the sensor S3 corresponds to the sensor 116, for example. Here, when the size of the recording paper in the conveyance direction is D (mm) and the conveyance speed of the recording paper is V (mm / second), the trailing edge of the recording paper after the leading edge of the recording paper passes the sensor S3. Required for the sensor to pass through the sensor S3 (the time from when the sensor S3 detects the leading edge of the recording paper until the trailing edge is detected. The sensor S3 detects the presence of the recording paper and then the sensor S3 detects the recording paper. The time until the absence is detected is D / V (seconds). Since the time T2 = D / V (seconds) from the time when the leading edge of the recording paper passes the sensor S3 to the time when the trailing edge passes the sensor S3 is set in the apparatus in advance, this time T2 and the recording paper are actually set. Is compared with the timing t2 when the trailing edge of the recording paper is detected by the sensor S3, and (1) normal conveyance and (2) a slight conveyance delay occur as in the case of non-delivery detection. 3) There are three modes when a large conveyance delay occurs.

  FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining the state of detection of the recording paper by the sensor S3, where (0) normal conveyance timing, (1) normal conveyance, and (2) a slight conveyance delay occurs. (3) A case where a large conveyance delay occurs is shown in comparison. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing subsequent processing for each of the three modes described above. With reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, a description will be given of how to control the apparatus when a stagnation occurs based on the detection result of the recording paper.

(0) Specified transport timing When the recording paper reaches the sensor S3 and the sensor S3 detects the leading edge of the recording paper, the detection signal S3 is changed from S3 = 0 (no paper) to S3 = 1 as shown in FIG. It changes to (with paper). When the recording paper is conveyed and its trailing edge passes the sensor S3, the detection signal S3 changes to S3 = 0 (no paper). As described above, the time from the rising edge to the falling edge of the signal S3 is T2 = D / V. FIG. 11 also shows the delay times γ and δ from the falling edge of the signal S3.

(1) During normal conveyance As shown in FIG. 11, when the detection timing t2 of the trailing edge of the recording paper by the sensor S3 is delayed within γ hours from T2 (when T2 <t2 ≦ T2 + γ), the CPU Determines that the recording paper is being conveyed normally, and controls the apparatus to execute a predetermined function (Yes in S21 in FIG. 12 → S22). Specifically, γ is, for example, 60 ms (milliseconds), and when T2 <t2 ≦ T2 + 60 ms, the CPU determines that the recording sheet is normally conveyed, and executes the transfer function, for example. Control. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the sensor S3 detects the trailing edge of the recording paper with a delay within γ time from T2.

(2) When a slight conveyance delay occurs As shown in FIG. 11, when the detection timing t2 of the trailing edge of the recording sheet by the sensor S3 is a delay greater than γ time and within δ time from T2 (T2 + γ < In the case of t2 ≦ T2 + δ), the CPU determines that a slight conveyance delay has occurred in the recording paper, stops supplying the recording paper from the paper feed tray 101 or 102, and performs the predetermined function described above. Without the execution, a jam clear conveying operation for discharging the recording paper is executed (Yes in S23 in FIG. 12 → S24). Specifically, for example, δ is 120 ms, and if T2 + 60 ms <t2 ≦ T2 + 120 ms, the CPU determines that a recording paper conveyance abnormality (slight conveyance delay) has occurred, and the subsequent transfer function is Without carrying out, the conveying operation is continued so as to discharge all recording paper remaining in the apparatus. The reason for operating in this way is the same as that described for unachieved.
FIG. 11 shows a state in which the sensor S3 detects the trailing edge of the recording paper with a delay greater than γ time and within δ time from T2.

(3) When a large conveyance delay occurs As shown in FIG. 11, when the detection timing t2 of the trailing edge of the recording sheet by the sensor S3 is delayed more than δ time from T2 (when T2 + δ <t2), the CPU Determines that a large conveyance delay has occurred in the recording paper, and immediately controls to stop the apparatus (No in step S23 in FIG. 12, S25). Specifically, for example, δ is 120 ms, and when T2 + 120 ms <t2, the CPU determines that a recording paper conveyance abnormality (large conveyance delay) has occurred, and does not execute the subsequent transfer function. Of course, the operation of the transport system is also stopped. The reason for operating in this way is the same as that described for unachieved. The δ time may be set as appropriate within a range where no collision occurs, based on whether or not the recording sheet causing the conveyance abnormality collides with the subsequent recording sheet.
FIG. 11 shows how the sensor S3 detects the trailing edge of the recording paper with a delay greater than δ time from T2. The case where δ is infinitely large, that is, the case where the sensor S3 cannot detect the trailing edge of the recording paper is also included.
Further, whether or not the recording papers that are sequentially conveyed before and after collide with each other is used as a criterion, that is, based on the relative positional relationship between the recording paper that is conveyed first and the recording paper that is conveyed next. Thus, it is more preferable to correct the detection timing and carry control. This is the same as described above.

  As described above, the detection of unachieved and staying and the operation corresponding thereto are executed, and the subject of the present invention is particularly “(2) When a slight conveyance delay occurs” described above. As described above, when it is determined that a slight transport delay has occurred, a jam clear transport operation is executed, and all the recording sheets in the image forming apparatus are accommodated in the paper discharge tray by the jam clear transport operation. Therefore, the conveying system rollers are driven for the time required for this purpose. For example, when an LCT (Large Scale External Paper Feed Tray) is connected to the image forming apparatus as an option, there is a “slight conveyance delay” on the recording paper in the image forming apparatus immediately after feeding from the LCT. Assuming the case where it occurs, it is only necessary to drive the rollers of the transport system for a period of time until the recording paper fed from the LCT is discharged to the paper discharge tray (until it reaches). In this case, in the current technical level, for example, it is sufficient to drive the rollers of the transport system for 4 to 5 seconds.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus to which the jam clear conveyance operation is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIGS. 13 and 14 show operations from when the transfer timing sensor 116 detects a conveyance abnormality such as recording paper not reaching or staying until the remaining recording paper in the image forming apparatus is stored in the paper discharge tray 118. It is the flowchart and timing chart for demonstrating. Here, the case where the transfer timing sensor 116 detects unsatisfied or staying will be described, but other sensors 113 to 115, 117, etc. other than the transfer timing sensor 116 have a function of detecting unsatisfied and staying of the recording paper, The arrangement, the number of sensors, and the like can be selected as appropriate, and the present invention is not limited thereby.

  In FIG. 13, it is assumed that, for example, the transfer timing sensor 116 detects a slight conveyance abnormality (not reached) from the state of the normal operation (S31 in FIG. 13) (Yes in S32, FIG. 14A). That is, it is assumed that the conveyance of the recording paper is delayed for some reason, the leading edge of the recording paper does not reach the transfer timing sensor 116 at a timing that should originally arrive, and the failure has occurred. At this time, based on a signal from the transfer timing sensor 116 serving as the detection unit 201, if the apparatus is a conventional apparatus, it is determined that a conveyance abnormality has occurred, and the apparatus is immediately stopped. On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control unit 202 stops the paper feeding unit 203 and prohibits new recording paper from being supplied to the transport path A (S33, FIG. 14). (C)) On the other hand, control to continue driving the conveying means 204 is performed (S34, FIG. 14B).

  By the way, when the transfer timing sensor 116 detects non-achievement, there may be a case where one of a plurality of recording sheets remaining in the apparatus is passing near the switching claw 123. In such a case, it is only necessary to wait for the recording paper to pass through the switching claw 123 using the sensor 126 and to control the switching claw 123 so as to switch the conveyance direction of the recording paper to the discharge path E side. . That is, the control unit 202 monitors the signal from the sensor 126 due to the signal indicating the conveyance abnormality from the transfer timing sensor 116, and when the sensor 126 detects the absence of paper (Y in S35, FIG. 14D), The control means 202 controls to switch the switching claw 123 (S36), and switches the recording paper conveyance direction from the reverse path D side to the paper discharge path E side when the image forming apparatus is operating normally. By performing such control, the recording paper that has passed through the flip roller 110 is sequentially sent to the conveyance path E side, and then naturally falls on the paper discharge tray 118 and stored. Then, by monitoring the various sensors 113 to 117, 126, etc. on the conveyance path A and determining that there is no recording paper on the conveyance path A (Y in S37), the control means 202 conveys the switching claw 123 again. Switching control is performed so that the direction is on the reverse path D side (S38, FIG. 14E), and the driving of the conveying unit 204 is stopped (S39, FIG. 14B). Here, instead of determining whether or not there is no recording paper on the transport path A by various sensors, it may be controlled to stop driving the transport unit 204 after a certain time has elapsed after the start of the jam clear transport operation. Absent.

  Further, the user is notified that the recording paper is stored in the paper discharge tray 118 by a lamp (not shown) or the like. This notification may be made visually using a warning lamp (not shown) or an operation display panel of the image forming apparatus, or may be made audible, for example, by making a warning sound. This is performed based on a detection signal from the installed recording paper detection sensor 125.

  If no conveyance abnormality has occurred (N in S32), naturally, the driving of the conveying unit 204 is continued (S40), and after the print job is completed (Y in S41), the conveying unit 204 is driven. Is stopped (S39).

  By the way, in the above control, even when a slight conveyance delay occurs, that is, when there is a possibility of causing a jam after that, the recording paper is discharged immediately without stopping the apparatus. On the other hand, the conveyance system is continuously driven without judging whether or not an accordion-like jam has actually occurred. Therefore, for example, in the example in which the upper LCT is connected, there is a possibility that damage will be magnified by continuing to drive the rollers of the conveyance system for 4 to 5 seconds even after the non-achievement is detected (the conveyance system for 4 to 5 seconds). Could cause a bellows-like jam).

  Therefore, as a countermeasure against such a problem, the detection of the recording paper conveyance state is continuously performed by each sensor even during the jam clear conveyance operation. This will be described below.

  For the sake of convenience, a slight conveyance delay that may cause a jam is referred to as a first conveyance abnormality detection. When the first conveyance abnormality is detected, the process shifts to the jam clear conveyance operation. After the transition, each sensor continues to detect the recording paper conveyance status, and further, the conveyance abnormality such as unachieved or staying is detected. To monitor whether or not When a conveyance abnormality occurs, this will be referred to as a second conveyance abnormality detection. The second conveyance abnormality detection can also be detected in the same manner as the above-described failure to reach or stay. And if a second conveyance abnormality is detected, it is considered that there is a high possibility (or actually occurs) of a large bellows-shaped jam, so do not spread the damage further. Stop the device immediately to do so.

  When the above control is performed, an error code relating to the first conveyance abnormality detection (a code indicating what kind of conveyance abnormality has occurred) is displayed on the display panel of the image forming apparatus, while an error relating to the second conveyance abnormality is displayed. The code is not displayed. This is because the recording paper that is subject to the second conveyance abnormality detection is not normally the recording paper that is normally conveyed, so this is not important information for the user, and the first conveyance abnormality has occurred for the user. This is because it is important information. Even in this case, if the warning lamp displays where the recording paper remains as the remaining paper in the image forming apparatus, there is no problem for the user. Since the type of the first conveyance abnormality is known, it becomes reference information when, for example, repairing the apparatus.

  As described above, when a conveyance abnormality occurs, all the recording sheets on the conveyance path A are stored in the discharge tray 118, so that the user can immediately take out the recording sheets stored in the discharge tray 118. The image forming apparatus can be recovered to operate normally.

  In this embodiment, all the recording sheets on the transport path A are accommodated in the paper discharge tray 118. However, in addition to the paper discharge tray 118, the paper discharge path E is placed on the middle path of the transport path A. A paper discharge path that performs the same function as that of the paper discharge tray 118 may be formed so as to be divided into a plurality of storage means together with the paper discharge tray 118. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a recording paper retracting portion is provided on the transport path A in place of the accommodating means, and the paper is retracted to a plurality of positions together with the paper discharge tray 118. However, even in these cases, it is desirable that the arrangement be made in consideration of the convenience of the user so that the user can easily recover the apparatus.

  Although the above description has been made on the case where it has not been reached, the remaining recording paper in the image forming apparatus can be accommodated in the paper discharge tray 118 by the same method even when the stagnation occurs.

  As described above, in the present invention, even when a conveyance abnormality such as failure to reach or stay occurs, if the recording sheet is conveyed within a predetermined period, there is no remaining recording sheet on the conveyance path A. Continue to drive the transport means. Therefore, even when unachieved or stagnated, the user can recover the image forming apparatus easily and quickly simply by removing the recording paper from the paper discharge tray 118 after the apparatus is stopped. Can be realized in a short time as a whole.

1 is an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a perspective view of a storage unit of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of an accommodating means. It is a figure which shows the further another structural example of an accommodating means. It is a figure which shows the further another structural example of an accommodating means. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a relationship among each unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. It is the figure which cut out and showed a part of conveyance path in order to explain unreasonableness. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing based on a recording sheet conveyance state when failure has occurred. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the mode of detection of the recording paper by sensor S1, S2. It is the figure which cut out and showed typically a part of conveyance path in order to demonstrate retention. It is a flowchart which shows the process based on the conveyance condition of the recording paper at the time of stagnating. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the mode of detection of the recording paper by sensor S3. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement after detecting conveyance abnormality. It is a timing chart for demonstrating operation | movement after detecting conveyance abnormality. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a conventional image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the paper discharge part of the image forming apparatus of a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

101, 102 Paper feed tray 103, 104 Paper feed roller 105 Reverse roller 106, 109, 111 Transport roller 107 Transfer roller 110 Flip roller 113 to 117, 125 Sensor 118, 141, 151, 161 Paper discharge tray 124, 133, 142, 152, 162 Inclined surface 131 Paper discharge port 163, 164 Rib 201 Detection means 202 Control means 203 Paper feed means 204 Conveyance means 205 Image forming means A Conveyance path B Single-sided printing path C Double-sided printing path D Reverse path E Discharged path F, G Recording paper X, Y Conveyance path S1, S2, S3 Sensor

Claims (16)

According to a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium on the conveyance path, a conveyance state detection unit that detects a conveyance state of the recording medium disposed in the conveyance path, and a conveyance state of the recording medium that is detected by the conveyance state detection unit Control means for controlling transport by the transport means, and storage means for storing a recording medium,
The control unit controls the transport unit to discharge the recording medium on the transport path to the storage unit when the transport state detection unit detects a delay in transport of the recording medium. Image forming apparatus. The control means controls the conveying means to discharge all the recording media existing on the conveying path to the accommodating means when the conveying state detecting means detects a delay in conveying the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Recording medium supply means for supplying a recording medium to a predetermined conveying path, conveying means for conveying the recording medium supplied from the recording medium supplying means on the conveying path, and conveying of the recording medium disposed on the conveying path A conveyance state detection unit for detecting a state, a control unit for controlling the operation of the recording medium supply unit, the conveyance unit, and the conveyance state detection unit, and a storage unit for storing the recording medium,
The control unit controls the supply of the recording medium by the recording medium supply unit and the conveyance of the recording medium by the conveyance unit based on the detection result by the conveyance state detection unit, and controls the recording medium present in the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is discharged to the housing unit. When the conveyance state detection unit detects a delay in conveyance of the recording medium, the control unit stops supplying the recording medium by the recording medium supply unit and continues conveyance of the recording medium by the conveyance unit for a predetermined period. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled as follows. When the control unit detects that the conveyance state detection unit delays the conveyance of the recording medium and that the interval between the recording medium and the subsequent recording medium is within a predetermined range, the recording unit supplies the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the supply of the recording medium is controlled to be stopped for a predetermined period while the supply of the medium is stopped. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a display unit configured to display a detection result by the conveyance state detection unit on the display unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a detection result of the conveyance state detection unit is a type of conveyance abnormality. The control unit performs control so as to stop the conveyance unit when the conveyance state detection unit detects again a delay in conveyance of the recording medium during a predetermined period during which the conveyance is continued. Item 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 4 to 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined period is set to a period during which all the recording media existing on the conveyance path can be discharged to the storage unit. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conveyance path is configured in an annular shape, and further includes a recording medium reversing unit in the conveyance path, and the recording medium is reversed and conveyed by the recording medium reversing unit to perform duplex printing. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 9. The recording medium reversing unit is provided on the conveyance path, and the storage unit is configured to store the recording medium via the recording medium reversing unit. The described image forming apparatus. A switching means for switching the transport path of the recording medium is provided on the transport path, and the switching means is controlled by the control means, thereby forming a discharge path for the recording medium different from the transport path. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the storage unit is configured so that the recording medium that has passed through the discharge path is naturally dropped and stored. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing unit is a machined shape of a housing of the image forming apparatus or a tray. The housing means is obtained by processing the casing so as to be inclined with respect to the ejection direction so that the ejected recording medium is accommodated in a stacked state, or the ejected recording medium is The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tray has a shape inclined with respect to a discharge direction so as to be stacked. A recording medium detection unit for detecting whether or not a recording medium is stored in the storage unit is provided, and when the recording medium detection unit detects the presence of a recording medium, a notification unit for notifying the fact is provided. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

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