JP2009267589A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multifunction machine preventing a discharged sheet of paper from falling. <P>SOLUTION: The multifunctional machine 100 equipped with a document size detecting sensor 207 detecting the size of a discharged sheet of paper, includes: a document stopper 210 fitted on a document discharge tray 209, receiving the form to be freely put in and out, ahead in a direction wherein the form is discharged; and a taking in/out control means 803 of controlling the document stopper 210 to be put in and out according to the detected size of the sheet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus capable of preventing a discharged paper from falling.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses are provided with a plurality of functions that can be provided, and are becoming multifunctional. The functions include a facsimile transmission function, a scan function, a print function, a staple function, a punch function, and the like in addition to a copy function, and various types. Further, along with the diversification of the above functions, an automatic document feeder (ADF) capable of automatically and sequentially feeding documents to be provided with functions has been installed.

  When the user causes the image forming apparatus to read an image of a document using the automatic document feeder, the document is discharged to a document discharge tray provided in the automatic document feeder. Even when the user performs copying, the sheet on which the image has been formed is discharged to a sheet discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus.

  Here, if the document or sheet to be discharged is, for example, a size larger than the discharge destination tray, the document or sheet protrudes from the discharge tray and falls despite the presence of the discharge tray. There is.

  In order to solve the above problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-20568 (Patent Document 1) discloses an automatic document feeder mounted on an image processing apparatus, on which a document bundle composed of a plurality of documents can be placed. Document placing table, separation / conveying means for separating documents one by one from the bundle of documents placed on the document placing table, and conveying them toward the reading position, and conveying toward the reading position by the separating / conveying means The original that has been read is carried out from the reading position, and the original carried out from the reading position by the carry-in / out means without reversing the front and back sides. The first paper discharge position for discharging from the side of the automatic document feeder or the image processing apparatus to the first document discharge table divided in a stretchable manner through the straight path as it is, the front and back surfaces are reversed and the return path is passed through. Re A return position for returning the document to the reading position, and a second discharge position for discharging the document returned to the reading position onto the second document discharge table provided below the document placement table through the reverse path with the front and back sides reversed. And a discharge unit that can be switched between the first and second document discharge modes in the double-sided document transport mode and the first-sheet document discharge mode in the single-sided document transport mode. In an automatic document feeder in which sheet discharge means is switched, an expansion / contraction state detection means for detecting whether the first document discharge table is in an extended state or a contracted state, a warning means for generating a warning, and an expansion / contraction state detection means Control means for generating a warning by the warning means when the first document discharge tray is in a contracted state and the document feed start switch is pressed based on a detection signal from Automatic document transport Location is disclosed.

  With the above configuration, when the large-size document is discharged to the first document discharge table in the single-sided conveyance mode, the first document discharge table can be reliably extended in advance. The paper table can have a sufficient area to accept a large-size document. As a result, the document discharged to the first document discharge table falls from the first document discharge table, or the stack is defective. Etc. can be prevented, and the document take-out property can be greatly improved.

  Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-16765 (Patent Document 2) discloses a document tray on which a document is placed and a discharge tray on which a document subjected to exposure processing by an image forming apparatus is stacked. In an automatic document feeder in which the leading end in the paper discharge direction is positioned above the document tray, the document sub-tray that can project, retreat, or tilt from the document tray so that the document tray can accommodate the document size. The paper discharge tray is provided with a paper discharge sub-tray that can be protruded, retracted, or tilted from the paper discharge tray, and the paper discharge sub-tray corresponds to the protrusion, retraction, or tilting operation of the document sub-tray. An automatic document feeder is disclosed which is provided with interlocking means for projecting, retreating or tilting the sheet from the paper discharge tray.

The above configuration ensures that at least the paper discharge sub-tray protrudes, retreats or tilts from the paper discharge tray according to the document size, pulls out the sub-tray, drops the paper discharge caused by forgetting to tilt, jams, etc. It is said that accidents can be prevented.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-20568 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-16765

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is effective when the user understands the meaning of a warning issued from the automatic document feeder, but does not know the meaning of the warning or how to cancel the warning. In the case where the warning itself is ignored, there is a problem that the document cannot be sufficiently prevented from falling.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the discharge sub-tray is protruded from the discharge tray only when the user protrudes the document sub-tray, the user performs the protrusion operation of the document sub-tray. If omitted, there is a problem that the paper discharge sub-tray does not function effectively. Further, in general, in an automatic document feeder, even if a document is far out of the document tray and placed, it may be possible to convey the document and read an image, and the above-described work is often omitted. There is a problem that there are many to do.

  In addition, the fall of the paper often occurs in the document discharge tray rather than the document stacking tray, and the cause is between the document placed on the document discharge tray and the discharged document. Good slipperiness is related. For example, even if the transport speed of the discharged document contacts with the surface of the document placed on the document discharge tray, it slides as it is without decreasing and falls from the document discharge tray. Note that the above-mentioned drop occurs more frequently when the document to be discharged is larger than the document discharge tray. The same applies to the sheet.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that can prevent the discharged paper from falling.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a paper size detecting unit capable of detecting the size of a paper to be discharged. A paper fall prevention means mounted on the paper tray so as to be freely put in and out in the direction in which the paper is ejected; and a take-out control means for controlling the removal and insertion of the paper fall prevention means in accordance with the detected size of the paper; Is provided.

  Examples of the paper include a document for reading an image and a recording medium (for example, a sheet) on which an image is formed. The paper size may be, for example, a standard size (A3, A5, etc.) that is normally used, or an actual size.

  The paper size detection means only needs to be able to detect the size of the discharged paper. For example, in the case of a document placed on the automatic document feeder, the corner of the paper placed on the document placement tray is used. , And a method for detecting the paper size based on the standard of normal paper can be employed. For example, in the case of an image formed sheet, a method of detecting the size of the sheet input by the user before the image is formed can be employed. Note that the sheet size may be detected from the read image data, or the actual dimension may be detected by a predetermined line sensor.

  For example, a document discharge tray provided in the automatic document feeder can be used as the sheet discharge tray, and a sheet discharge tray included in the image forming apparatus can be used as the sheet. Further, for example, when the post-processing apparatus is connected to the image forming apparatus, a paper discharge tray provided in the post-processing apparatus may be used.

  The front of the paper discharge direction (hereinafter referred to as the discharge direction) on the paper discharge tray to which the paper fall prevention means is attached may be, for example, the center front end or the vicinity thereof, or the left or right front end or the vicinity thereof. Absent. Further, when the image forming apparatus is packed, if the sheet fall prevention means obstructs the packing, the image forming apparatus may be attached at a slightly inner position in the discharge direction of the discharge tray.

  For example, the paper fall prevention means can be inserted and removed freely. For example, a space in which the paper fall prevention means can be stored is provided in front of the paper discharge tray, and the paper fall prevention means can be attached and removed from the space. It is possible to employ a method in which a rotating shaft having a side surface as a center is provided in front of the tray, and a paper fall prevention means is attached to the rotating shaft so as to be rotatable in the discharge direction. In addition, a rotation shaft having a plane as a center may be provided on one of the front ends of the discharge tray, and a sheet fall prevention unit may be attached to the rotation shaft so as to be rotatable in the horizontal discharge direction.

  The paper fall prevention means may be any means that can prevent the document from falling, for example, a molded body having a shape such as a rod, plate, fan, wing, disk, or polygon, or a metal body. And an elastic body. For example, it suffices if the discharged paper is placed on, contacted with, or tilted on the paper fall prevention means to prevent the paper from falling.

  For example, when the paper size is smaller than the size of the paper discharge tray, the method of controlling the loading / unloading of the paper fall prevention unit in accordance with the detected paper size includes storing the paper fall prevention unit, If it is larger, a control method for projecting the paper fall prevention means can be mentioned. For example, the determination criterion for inserting / removing the sheet fall prevention means is that the image forming apparatus stores in advance a table in which the size of the sheet is associated with information indicating whether to insert / remove based on the size of the discharge tray. In addition, it is possible to adopt a method of taking in and out using the table. Other methods, for example, a method in which the actual size is compared with the size of the paper discharge tray may be used.

  Further, the loading / unloading control means can be configured to project the paper drop prevention means when a paper having a size larger than the size of the paper discharge tray is detected.

  As the size of the paper discharge tray, for example, a size in the discharge direction of the paper discharge tray, a size in the width direction that is orthogonal to the discharge direction, and the like can be adopted. The criterion for determining whether or not the paper is larger than the size of the paper discharge tray may use the table described above, and is determined by comparing the actual size of the paper discharge tray with the actual size of the paper. It doesn't matter.

  When the paper fall prevention means is projected, it may be projected immediately or may be projected stepwise or continuously as long as the discharged paper is not placed on the paper discharge tray.

  In addition, a paper presence detecting means for detecting whether or not there is paper on the paper discharge tray is provided, and the loading / unloading control means indicates that the paper presence detecting means has no paper when the paper fall preventing means is projected. When this is detected, the paper fall prevention means can be accommodated.

  The paper presence detection means may be any means capable of detecting the presence of paper and capable of transmitting an ON or OFF signal to the presence of paper. For example, a known optical sensor (a transmissive photo interrupter, a reflection type) Photosensors, infrared light-emitting diodes, phototransistors, etc.), contact sensors that swing by contact, weight sensors that detect the weight placed thereon, and the like can be employed.

  When the loading / unloading control means stores the paper fall prevention means, it may be stored at any timing. For example, even if the paper presence detection means detects that there is no paper, It is possible to provide a time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time after discharging the paper, and to detect the presence of the paper after the elapse of time, and to store the paper when the absence of paper is detected. .

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the paper fall prevention means attached to the front in the ejection direction on the paper ejection tray for receiving the paper, and the paper fall prevention means corresponding to the detected paper size. And a loading / unloading control means for controlling loading / unloading.

  As a result, the paper fall prevention means protrudes at an appropriate timing according to the size of the paper to be ejected, and it is possible to prevent the ejected paper from falling. Further, since it is not necessary for the user to put in and take out the paper fall prevention means, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user cannot forget the work of taking in and out and appropriately use the paper fall prevention means.

  Further, the loading / unloading control means can be configured to project the paper drop prevention means when a paper having a size larger than the size of the paper discharge tray is detected.

  As a result, since the paper is not received in the paper discharge tray having a size smaller than the size of the paper to be discharged, it is possible to eliminate the cause of the paper falling and minimize the frequent occurrence of the paper dropping. . In addition, since the paper fall prevention means does not protrude more than necessary, the user's work (for example, passing through the side of the user's image forming apparatus) by the projected paper fall prevention means is prevented, and unnecessary power is used. Can be reduced.

  In addition, a paper presence detecting means for detecting whether or not there is paper on the paper discharge tray is provided, and the loading / unloading control means indicates that the paper presence detecting means has no paper when the paper fall preventing means is projected. When this is detected, the paper fall prevention means can be accommodated.

  Thus, when the user takes out the paper on the paper discharge tray, the paper fall prevention means is automatically stored. For this reason, even if the user forgets to store the paper fall prevention means, the paper fall prevention means is appropriately housed, and the paper fall prevention means does not interfere with the user's subsequent work and provides an environment with good workability for the user. It becomes possible to give.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. In addition, the alphabet “S” added in front of the numbers in the flowcharts means steps.

<Image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram in a front view showing an overall configuration inside a housing portion of a multifunction machine. Specifically, the image forming apparatus embodied as the above-mentioned multifunction peripheral corresponds to a multifunction peripheral equipped with a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax machine, and the like in addition to a digital copying machine and a printer. It functions as an image forming apparatus provided with a facsimile service, a printer service, and the like. A processing procedure for the MFP to provide a copy service to the user will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, when the user uses the multifunction peripheral 100, the automatic document feeder 103 attached to the document table 102 provided on the upper surface of the housing unit 101 in the vicinity of the document table 102 is opened via a hinge member (not shown). After that, the document P is placed on the document table 102. On the lower surface of the automatic document feeder 103, a document crimping plate (not shown) for crimping the document at a position facing the document table 102 is provided. For this reason, when the automatic document feeder 103 is closed after placing the document P on the document table 102, the document P is just sandwiched between the document table 102 and the document pressure plate, and can be read.

  For example, when the user presses the start key of the operation unit 104 provided near the document table 102, the light emitted from the light source 106 is reflected by the image reading unit 105 on the document placed on the document table 102, The reflected light is guided to the image sensor 110 by the mirrors 107, 108 and 109. The guided light is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 110 and subjected to basic correction processing, image quality processing, compression processing, and the like to generate image data.

  On the other hand, when placing the document P on the document placing tray 111 of the automatic document feeder 103, the user opens the automatic document feeder 103 once and confirms the presence of the previous document, and the automatic document feeder. 103 is closed and the document P is placed on the document placement tray 111 provided on the upper surface thereof. Of course, this confirmation work may be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic document feeder 103 regulates both ends of the document placing tray 111 provided on the outer upper surface of the platen cover 201 and the document P placed on the document placing tray 111. A restriction plate 202, a conveyance port 204 that leads from the document placing tray 111 to the document conveyance path 203 inside the platen cover 201, a document conveyance path 203 formed inside the platen cover 201, and the platen cover 201 are provided. The pickup roller 205, the first transport roller 206A, the second transport roller 206B, the third transport roller 206C, and the like.

  When a plurality of documents P are placed on the document placing tray 111, they are brought into contact with a document size detection sensor 207 (described later) for detecting the document size, and the plurality of documents P prepared by the restriction plate 202 are arranged. The end Q (here, the front end in the traveling direction (F direction) indicating the direction in which the document travels) is inserted into the transport port 204, and a pickup roller 205 is located near the transport port 204. The pick-up roller 205 surface is just in contact with the front end Q in the F direction of the document located on the uppermost layer among the plurality of documents P inserted into the conveyance port 204 by being moved up and down. Become.

  For example, when the user presses the start key of the operation unit 104 with the surface of the pickup roller 205 in contact with the front end Q in the F direction of the uppermost document, the automatic document feeder 103 rotates the pickup roller 205. Thus, the entire original is drawn into the original conveyance path 203 from the front end Q in the F direction of the original. When one uppermost document is pulled, the pickup roller 205 descends downward and comes into contact with the front end in the F direction of the document located on the next upper layer. Will be drawn into.

  The drawn original is conveyed to the reading position X by the first conveying roller 206A and the second conveying roller 206B. When the document passes through the reading position X, the document is read by an image reading unit 105 provided below the automatic document feeder 200, and image data is generated. Further, the read document P is discharged from the document discharge port 208 to the document discharge tray 209 by the third transport roller 206C. Here, the direction in which the document is discharged (discharge direction) is defined as the A direction.

  The discharged document collides with a document stopper 210 (described later) having a right triangular shape with the right angle directed upstream in the A direction in a side view so as to support the document P forward in the A direction on the document discharge tray 209. And remains on the document discharge tray 209. The remaining document P comes into contact with the document presence detection sensor 211 provided at a predetermined position (described later). The first transport roller 206A, the second transport roller 206B, and the third transport roller 206C control the transport / discharge speed of the transported document.

  In addition to the image data generated by the document table 102 or the automatic document feeder 103, the image data may be received from another machine via the cable 112 connected to the communication unit of the multifunction machine 100. is there.

  The drive unit that transfers the generated image data as a toner image is the image forming unit 113. The image forming unit 113 is provided with a photosensitive drum 114. The photosensitive drum 114 rotates in a predetermined direction at a constant speed, and around the charger drum 115, the exposure unit 116, the developing unit 117, the transfer unit 118, the cleaning unit 119, and the like in that order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. Is arranged.

  The charger 115 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 114. The exposure unit 116 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 114 with a laser based on the image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer 117 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the conveyed electrostatic latent image. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording medium (for example, a sheet) by the transfer device 118. The cleaning unit 119 removes excess toner left on the surface of the photosensitive drum 114. A series of these processes is executed by rotating the photosensitive drum 114.

  The sheet is conveyed from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 120 provided in the multifunction peripheral 100. When the sheet is conveyed, the sheet is pulled out from any one of the sheet feeding cassettes 120 by the pickup roller 121 to the conveying path. Each of the paper feed cassettes 120 contains sheets of different paper types, and the sheets are fed based on the settings relating to the image formation.

  The sheet pulled out to the conveyance path is sent between the photosensitive drum 114 and the transfer device 118 by the conveyance roller 122 and the registration roller 123. When the sheet is fed, the toner image is transferred to the sheet by the transfer unit 118 and conveyed to the fixing device 124.

  When the sheet on which the toner image is transferred passes between a heating roller and a pressure roller provided in the fixing device 124, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image, and the visible image is fixed to the sheet. . The heat amount of the heating roller is optimally set according to the paper type, and the fixing is performed appropriately. The visible image is fixed on the sheet and the image formation is completed, and the sheet is guided to the sheet discharge port 125 by a predetermined sheet conveying roller. The guided sheets are stacked and stored on a sheet discharge tray 126 outside the housing unit 101. A plate-like sheet stopper 127 (described later) having a rectangular shape in a side view so as to support the discharged sheet is provided in front of the sheet discharge tray 126 in the direction in which the sheet is discharged (hereinafter referred to as B direction). Yes). Further, a contact type sheet presence detection sensor 128 is provided at a predetermined position of the sheet discharge tray so that the presence or absence of the discharged sheet can be confirmed (described later).

  Through the above procedure, the multifunction peripheral 100 provides a copy service to the user. When the multifunction peripheral 100 provides other services, the automatic document feeder 103, the image reading unit 105, and the image forming unit 113 are driven and provided. Note that means for providing each service by driving each driving unit provided in the multifunction peripheral 100 is referred to as function providing means (described later).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the operation unit 104 provided in the multifunction peripheral 100. The user uses the operation unit 104 to input setting conditions for providing functions as described above, and to confirm setting conditions. The touch panel 301, the touch pen 302, and the operation keys 303 provided in the operation unit 104 are used when setting conditions are input and execution of each service is started.

  The touch panel 301 has both a function for inputting setting conditions and a function for displaying the input setting conditions. That is, by pressing a selection item or the like in the screen displayed on the touch panel 301, a setting condition associated with the selection item or the like is input. For example, if the sheet size is for image formation (printing), selection items such as “A4 plain paper”, “A3 plain paper”, “A3 portrait plain paper” are pressed, and the sheet size is input. Note that the direction of the sheet may be represented by a predetermined figure, symbol, or the like. Further, since the background color of the item of the input setting condition is changed from white to gray in conjunction with the input, the input setting condition is confirmed based on the background color.

  A touch pen 302 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 301, and when a user brings the tip of the touch pen 302 into contact with the touch panel 301, a sensor provided below the touch panel 301 detects the touch destination. Therefore, the displayed item can be selected by touching the touch pen 302.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 303 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 301, and for example, a ten key 304, a start key 305, a clear key 306, a stop key 307, a reset key 308, and a power key 309 are provided. The numeric keypad 304 is used for inputting specific numbers when setting the number of copies and the magnification.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of control system hardware in the multifunction peripheral 100. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit of the multi-function device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 404, an interface 405, and drivers corresponding to each drive unit. 406 is connected by an internal bus 407. The CPU 401 uses, for example, the RAM 403 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 402, the HDD 404, and the like, and based on the execution result, the driver 406, the operation unit 104 (not shown), and the document size Data, instructions, contact signals, and the like from the detection sensor 207, the document presence detection sensor 211, and the sheet presence detection sensor 128 are exchanged, and the operation of each drive unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is controlled. In addition to the drive unit, the CPU 401 executes the program to implement each unit. The ROM 402, the HDD 404, and the like store programs and data that implement each means described below.

<First embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10, a description will be given of a procedure in which the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment prevents the discharged document from dropping.

  FIG. 5 is an overall external view when a sheet fall prevention means (described later) of the first embodiment is provided in the multifunction machine 100 and a plan view of the document placement tray 111.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, an automatic document feeder 103 is mounted on the upper surface of the multifunction peripheral 100, and an image reading unit 105 and the like are disposed inside the lower part thereof. A predetermined space is provided inside, and a sheet discharge tray 126 for discharging and storing a sheet on which an image is formed is provided on the lower surface of the open space.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, a predetermined number of document size detections that send an ON (OFF) signal upon contact (detachment) of a document on a document placement tray 111 provided on the upper surface of the automatic document feeder 103. Sensors 207a to 207f are provided, and the size of the document placed based on the combination of the ON (OFF) signals of the document size detection sensors 207a to 207f (for example, A5 landscape, etc. It is possible to specify.

  A document discharge tray 209 that receives the discharged document P is provided on the lower surface of the document stacking tray 111. The document discharge tray 209 is located in front of the A direction on the document discharge tray 209 and in the vicinity of the center. The document stopper 210 is attached so as to be freely inserted and removed in the A direction, and a document presence detection sensor 211 is attached at a predetermined position.

  Further, the sheet discharge tray 126 provided inside the multifunction peripheral 100 is provided with the above-described sheet stopper 127 on the front side in the B direction on the sheet discharge tray 126 and in the vicinity of the center. The sheet presence detection sensor 128 is attached at a predetermined position.

  The document stopper 210 and the sheet stopper 127 constitute a part of the sheet drop prevention means.

  FIG. 5B shows an arrangement of a predetermined number of document size detection sensors 207a-f provided on the document placement tray 111 in a plan view. In the vicinity of the end portion R near the transport port 204 of the restriction plate 202a provided at the right end portion in the F direction on the document placement tray 111 in parallel with the F direction in a plan view, the user faces the side surface of the document P. The first document size detection sensor 207a is provided so that one of the four corners of the document P can be detected when the image is regulated by the regulation plate 202a.

  Further, the other document size detection sensors 207b to 207f are arranged such that when a predetermined prescribed size (standard size) regulated by the regulation plate 202a is placed on the document placement tray 111, the first document size is detected. The detection sensor 207a detects one of the four corners of the specified size, and the other document size detection sensors 207b to 207b are positioned below the other corner facing the one corner and positioned on the diagonal line of the specified size. In this arrangement, f is provided. As shown in FIG. 5B, when an A5 size document P, which is a prescribed size, is placed sideways (hereinafter abbreviated as A5 landscape) on the document placement tray 111, it corresponds to two corners of the A5 size document. The first document size detection sensor 207a and the A5 side document size detection sensor 207b are just in contact with each other. As described above, the predetermined number of document size detection sensors 207b to f are arranged so as to come into contact with the other corners of the document of the specified size according to the type and orientation of the sheet of the specified size. With the above configuration, the specified size and orientation of the placed paper are determined based on a contact signal (ON signal) between the first document size detection sensor 207a and the specific document size detection sensors 207b to 207f.

  Further, for example, an A4 sheet is placed in the horizontal direction, and other original size detection sensors (other than the first original size detection sensor 207a and the A4 horizontal original size detection sensor 207c corresponding to the A4 horizontal corner) ( In FIG. 5B, when the A5 horizontal document size detection sensor 207b inevitably comes into contact, the first document size detection sensor 207a and the A4 horizontal document size detection sensor 207c are connected to other document sizes. The A4 size of the document P and the horizontal direction are determined by the contact signals of these document size detection sensors 207a, 207c, and 207b including the detection sensor 207b. A document size table serving as a reference for the above determination is stored in a document size storage unit to be described later.

  FIG. 6 shows a case where the document stopper 210 provided on the document discharge tray 209 is stored (FIG. 6C1 is a plan view, FIG. 6C2 is a side view) and a case where the document stopper 210 is projected (FIG. 6D1 is a plan view). FIG. 6D2 is a side view).

  On the document discharge tray 209, a part of the document stopper 210 is fitted at a position where the document stopper 210 is attached so that the document stopper 210 can be inserted and removed freely, and can slide with a predetermined clearance. The concave portion 601 is provided, and a part of the concave portion 601 is connected to the lower end of the right-angled triangle 210a of the document stopper 210, and is constituted by a plate 210b having a rectangle formed with a size that can be fitted to the concave portion 601. The entire 210 is configured to have an L shape in a side view. Of the dimensions of the plate 210b, the thickness is such that it almost coincides with the upper surface of the document discharge tray 209 when fitted to the recess 601. Further, a gear tooth material 602 (not shown) is provided on the lower surface of the plate 210b. Further, the plate stopper plate 210b moves in parallel on both ends of the concave portion 601 of the document discharge tray so as to be slidable. A stepping motor 603 provided with a gear material that can be meshed with the tooth material 602 and can rotate forward and backward is provided at a position near the front end in the A direction of the document discharge tray 209. When the stepping motor 603 rotates the gear member by a predetermined number of rotations, the plate 210b provided with the tooth member 602 that meshes with the gear member is translated in the A direction, and the entire document stopper 210 is moved to the front end of the document discharge tray 209. It can be taken in and out freely. The predetermined number of rotations is controlled by a loading / unloading control unit, which will be described later. For example, when the document stopper 210 is projected to the full front end of the document discharge tray 209, the stepping motor 603 must rotate. There is a method in which a predetermined number of pulses indicating the number of pulse signals is converted in advance to the distance to be controlled, and the forward rotation of the stepping motor 603 is controlled by the number of pulses. Further, when storing the document stopper 210, it is sufficient that the stepping motor 603 rotates backward by the predetermined number of pulses. The predetermined number of rotations may be appropriately changed according to the size of the document to be discharged.

  The dimensions of the document stopper 210 are such that the thickness of the plate 210b is 0.5 cm, the width is 10 cm, the width is about 5 cm, the right side of the right triangle 210a is 2 cm, the height is 4 cm, and the hypotenuse is about 4.5 cm. The acute angle is 30 degrees and the obtuse angle is 60 degrees. However, the design or design of the dimension or angle can be changed depending on the horizontal dimension of the multifunction peripheral 100 to be mounted and the document discharge tray 209.

  The document stopper 210 and the stepping motor 603 in the first embodiment are hereinafter referred to as a sheet fall prevention means.

  Further, on the upper surface of the document discharge tray 209, the above-described document presence detection sensor 211 is provided in the center of the document discharge tray 209, near the downstream in the A direction of the recess 601 in which the document stopper 210 is accommodated. The document presence detection sensor 211 transmits an ON (OFF) signal when the discharged document P is contacted (detached). Since the document presence detection sensor 211 only needs to detect whether or not the document P is on the document discharge tray 209, the position of the document presence detection sensor 211 is, for example, near the right or left end of the document discharge tray 209. The center of the tray 209 may be used, but the position shown in FIG. 6 is preferable because the discharged document can be reliably detected.

  Now, the function of the above-described document stopper 210 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 7E, in the state in which the document stopper 210 is housed, an original longer than the lateral dimension of the document discharge tray 209 (the dimension in the A direction) (for example, about 1. The mode on the document discharge tray 209 when a predetermined number of documents P) having a double horizontal dimension is discharged is shown.

  Here, the horizontal dimension of the document discharge tray 209 means a dimension X from the document discharge port 208 provided on the upper surface of the document discharge tray 209 to the front end in the A direction of the document discharge tray 209. Does not mean the horizontal dimension of the original paper discharge tray 209 (for example, the horizontal dimension of the tray itself constituting the original paper discharge tray 209), and the width is appropriately determined in consideration of the width dimension of the original to be discharged. Dimensions.

  When a document is first discharged from the document discharge port 208, the front end of the first document is placed so as to protrude forward of the document discharge tray 209 because of its length, but the right angle of the stored document stopper 210. Since the triangular upper part 210c is arranged so as to protrude in the vicinity of the front end of the document discharge tray 209, the first original is placed on the upper part 210c of the right triangle so as to cover it. Then, the covered document forms a mountain with the document as the surface so that the upper part 210c of the right triangle is the top of the mountain. When the crest is formed, the front end of the document hangs downward in front of the document discharge tray 209.

  Further, when the document is discharged and placed on and stacked on the mountain, the mountain gradually becomes gentle according to the loaded document. Originals are inherently slippery so that they can easily slide between each other in order to improve the handling of the paper, etc., and the originals also have the same slipperiness. Will slide on the surface of the mountain along with the gentleness of the mountain, and when the mountain is loaded to the extent that the gentleness of the mountain has a predetermined smoothness, the document will slide on the surface of the mountain with the discharged force Then, it jumps out to the front of the document discharge tray 209 and falls downward (FIG. 7E).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7F, in a state where the document stopper 210 protrudes forward in the A direction, a document having a lateral dimension about 1.2 times the lateral dimension of the document discharge tray 209 is discharged first. Since the document stopper 210 protrudes sufficiently forward from the lateral dimension of the document discharge tray 209, the discharged document is placed without protruding from the document discharge tray 209. Further, since the document stopper 210 has a right triangle at the front end in the A direction, the front end of the placed document is tilted to the upper part 210c of the right triangle, and is predetermined with respect to the document discharge tray 209 in a side view. It will be mounted in the form which has the angle (alpha) of this and faces upwards. Therefore, the front end of the document facing upward functions so as to receive the next document to be discharged, and the next document is placed in the same form as the previous document. As a result, even if a plurality of documents are sequentially discharged and placed, the documents do not slide down from the document discharge tray 209 and remain on the document discharge tray 209 (FIG. 7F).

  The predetermined angle α of the front end of the placed document is related to the shape of the document stopper 210 and the horizontal dimension of the document discharge tray 209. Therefore, the shape of the document stopper 210 is the document to be attached. The design is appropriately changed in accordance with the horizontal dimension of the discharge tray 209.

  With the above configuration, it is not necessary to configure the document discharge tray 209 so as to have an area approximately the same as the size of the document to be discharged. Therefore, the document stopper 210 having a predetermined shape can be projected even in a narrow place. It is possible to reliably prevent the fall of the.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 9, a description will be given of a procedure in which the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment prevents the discharged document from dropping. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for illustrating the operations of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the document stopper 210 according to the first embodiment.

  First, when the user restricts the side surface of the document by the restriction plate 202 provided on the document placement tray 111 and places the document on a predetermined location on the document placement tray 111, the document is identified on the document placement tray 111. The original document size detection sensors 207a to 207f contact the original document size detection sensors 207a to 207f and send contact signals (FIG. 9: S101). Then, the paper size detection unit 801 receives the contact signal, refers to the document size table stored in the document size storage unit 802, and indicates the document size and information indicating whether or not the document stopper 210 is put in and out. Is acquired (FIG. 9: S102).

  In the document size table, as shown in FIG. 10, the presence / absence of contact signals 1001 of the document size detection sensors 207a-f attached to the document placement tray 111 (for example, “○ “1002”, and “×” 1003 is stored in the other sensors), the document size 1004 calculated by the contact signal, and the document size and the horizontal dimension of the document discharge tray 209 are recorded. Information 1005 indicating whether or not the original stopper 210 is put in and out (for example, “◯” 1006 is stored when loading / unloading and “×” 1007 is stored when loading / unloading) is associated and stored. As described with reference to FIG. 5B, based on the associated information, the document stopper 210 is put in and out corresponding to the document size. Determine whether or not. The long document stored in the document size means a document size corresponding to a document size outside a predetermined standard. For example, a width dimension or a longitudinal dimension created according to an overseas standard size or a purpose of use. A document size set with a longer dimension corresponds to this.

  When the original size (horizontal dimension) of the placed original is larger than the horizontal dimension of the original discharge tray 209, the paper size detection unit 801 indicates the original size and information “○” 1006 indicating that the original stopper is inserted and removed. And “◯” 1006 of the information is transmitted to the control unit 803 (FIG. 9: S103 YES). Then, the loading / unloading control unit 803 rotates the gear member of the stepping motor 603, which is a sheet fall prevention unit, by a predetermined number of pulses to project the document stopper 210 to the front of the document discharge tray 209 (FIG. 9: S104). . The acquired document size is transmitted by the paper size detection unit 801 to the reception unit 804 that controls the operation unit 104, and the document size is displayed on the touch panel 301. The above display may be omitted as appropriate.

  On the other hand, when the size of the placed document is smaller than the horizontal dimension of the document discharge tray 209, the paper size detection unit 801 acquires the document size and information “×” 1007 indicating that the document stopper is not put in and out. Then, “×” 1007 of the information is transmitted to the control unit 803 (FIG. 9: S103 NO → S105). In that case, the loading / unloading control unit 803 does not cause the document stopper 210 to protrude.

  When the loading / unloading control unit 803 causes the document stopper 210 to protrude, the loading / unloading control unit 803 temporarily stores “◯” 1006.

  When the paper size detection unit 801 performs the above procedure, the reception unit 804 displays an initial screen (here, the copy setting screen shown in FIG. 3) on the touch panel 301 of the operation unit 104, and performs copy settings from the user. Accept. When the user completes input of copy settings while viewing the initial screen and presses the start key 305, the accepting unit 804 transmits the input copy setting conditions to the function providing unit 805, and the function providing unit 805 The copy service is started according to the conditions (FIG. 9: S105). Here, the time point when the accepting unit 804 displays the initial screen may be before the paper size detecting unit 801 detects the document size or in the middle thereof.

  When the copy service is started, the placed documents are sequentially taken into the automatic document feeder 103 one by one and discharged onto the document discharge tray 209 (FIG. 9: S106). Then, when the document stopper 210 protrudes, the document is placed in a form as shown in FIG. 7E and stays on the document discharge tray 209. When the document stopper 210 is stored, the size of the document to be placed is regarded as a size that can be stored on the document discharge tray 209, so that the document stopper 210 naturally remains on the document discharge tray 209.

  When the document stays on the document discharge tray 209, the document comes into contact with the document presence detection sensor 211 mounted in the vicinity of the document stopper 210, so that a contact signal of the document presence detection sensor 210 is transmitted to the putting in / out control means 803. The Rukoto.

  When discharge of the placed document is completed, the loading / unloading control unit 803 checks whether or not “◯” 1006 is temporarily stored. If temporarily stored, the contact signal of the document presence detection sensor 211 is checked. Then, the time measuring means 806 is started to measure a predetermined time (FIG. 9: S107 YES → S108). Whether or not the document has been discharged is determined by, for example, the document size detection sensors 207a to 207f attached to the document placement tray 111 not transmitting a contact signal. The predetermined time is appropriately changed in design depending on the location where the multi-function peripheral is installed, the field to which it belongs, the number of users who belong to it, and the like.

  If “◯” 1006 is not temporarily stored, the document stopper 210 does not protrude, and the process ends at that time (FIG. 9: S107 NO → END). Hereinafter, a case where “◯” 1006 is temporarily stored will be described.

  When the time measuring means 806 completes the measurement of a predetermined time, a signal to that effect is transmitted to the taking in / out control means 803, and the taking in / out control means 803 confirms the presence / absence of the contact signal of the document presence detection sensor 211 at that time ( FIG. 9: S109 → S110).

  When the input / output control unit 803 is still receiving a contact signal from the document presence detection sensor 211 (FIG. 9: S110 NO), the input / output control unit 803 assumes that the document remains on the document discharge tray 209, and continues as it is. The document stopper 210 is held in a protruding state. Further, the putting in / out control means 803 transmits a signal indicating that the counting of the predetermined time is started again to the timing means 806, and the timing means 806 restarts the timing (FIG. 9: S110NO → S108).

  On the other hand, if the contact signal of the document presence detection sensor 211 is not transmitted when the timing of the predetermined time is completed (FIG. 9: S110 YES), in other words, the document has been removed from the document discharge tray 209. In this case, the loading / unloading control unit 803 rotates the stepping motor 603 in the reverse direction to store the document stopper 210 in the original position, and the process ends (FIG. 9: S111). The processing procedure of the loading / unloading control unit 803 is performed separately from the processing procedure in which the function providing unit 805 provides the function and discharges the image-formed sheet. Further, as described above, when the loading / unloading control unit 803 does not cause the document stopper 210 to protrude, the above processing procedure is omitted.

  As described above, the document stopper 210 which is attached to the document discharge tray 209 for receiving the document so as to be freely put in and out in the A direction, the stepping motor 603 for driving the document stopper 210, and the detected size of the document are described above. A loading / unloading control means 803 for controlling loading / unloading of the document stopper 210 is provided.

  Thereby, the document stopper 210 protrudes at an appropriate timing according to the size of the document to be discharged, and it is possible to prevent the discharged document from dropping. Further, since it is not necessary for the user to put in and out the document stopper 210, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user cannot forget to perform the loading and unloading operation and cannot properly use the document stopper 210.

  Furthermore, the loading / unloading control unit 803 can be configured to project the document stopper 210 when a document having a size larger than the size of the document discharge tray 209 is detected.

  As a result, since the original is not received by the original discharge tray 209 having a size smaller than the size of the discharged original, it is possible to eliminate the cause of the drop of the original and minimize the occurrence of the drop. It becomes. Further, since the document stopper 210 is not protruded more than necessary, the user's work (for example, passing through the side of the user's multifunction device 100) by the projected document stopper 210 is prevented, and unnecessary power consumption is consumed. It becomes possible to suppress.

  Further, a document presence detection sensor 211 for detecting whether or not there is a document on the document discharge tray 209 is provided. When the document stopper 210 is protruded, the loading / unloading control unit 803 causes the document presence detection sensor 211 to be detected. When it is detected that there is no document, the document stopper 210 can be accommodated.

  Thus, when the user takes out the document on the document discharge tray 209, the document stopper 210 is automatically stored. Therefore, even if the user forgets to store the document stopper 210, the document stopper 210 is appropriately stored, and the document stopper 210 can give the user a workable environment without disturbing the user's subsequent work. It becomes possible.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14, a procedure for the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment to prevent a discharged sheet from falling will be described. Compared with the first embodiment, the second embodiment is different in that the sheet size is obtained from the operation unit and the sheet fall prevention means is controlled in accordance with the size. Since the other points are the same as in the first embodiment, the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 10) used in the description of the first embodiment as appropriate.

  FIG. 11 shows a case where the sheet stopper 127 provided on the sheet discharge tray 126 is stored (FIG. 11G1 is a plan view, FIG. 11G2 is a side view) and a case where the sheet stopper 127 protrudes (FIG. 11H1 is a plan view). FIG. 11H2 shows a side view).

  On the sheet discharge tray 126, a recess 1101 that fits the sheet stopper 127 and has a predetermined clearance is provided at a position where the sheet stopper 127 is attached so that the sheet stopper 127 can be inserted and removed freely. Is formed in a size that can be fitted into the concave portion 1101 and has a plate shape having a rectangular shape in a side view that has a predetermined slipperiness and can be taken in and out (FIG. 11G). Of the dimensions of the plate, the thickness is such that it substantially coincides with the upper surface of the sheet discharge tray 126 when fitted into the recess 1101.

  A rotation shaft 1102 having a side surface as a center is penetrated and connected to the front end of the stored sheet stopper 127 in the B direction, and gear teeth (not shown) are provided at both ends of the rotation shaft 1102. A stepping motor 1103 (different from the first embodiment) provided with a gear material that can mesh with the tooth material and can freely rotate forward and backward is provided. When the stepping motor 1103 rotates the gear material by a predetermined number of rotations, the rotation shaft 1102 provided with the tooth material meshing with the gear material rotates, and the entire sheet stopper 127 rotates with the side surface as the axis. The sheet discharge tray 126 can be taken in and out at the front end.

  In FIG. 11, the tooth materials at both ends of the rotation shaft 1102 are configured to mesh with the gear material of the stepping motor 1103, but the rotation strength is considered in consideration of the connection strength between the rotation shaft 1102 and the sheet stopper 127. You may comprise so that only the tooth material of the left-right one end of the axis | shaft 1102 may mesh | engage.

  In addition, for example, when the sheet stopper 127 is rotated until it has a predetermined angle (for example, 120 degrees) with respect to the sheet discharge tray 126 and protrudes, the stepping motor 1103 is used as a method for controlling the predetermined number of rotations. There is a method in which the distance that must be rotated is previously converted into a predetermined number of pulses indicating the number of pulse signals, and the forward rotation of the stepping motor 1103 is controlled by the number of pulses. In order to store the sheet stopper 127, it is sufficient that the stepping motor 1103 rotates in the reverse direction by the predetermined number of pulses. The predetermined angle is appropriately changed depending on the width of the sheet discharge tray 126 and the like. The predetermined number of rotations may be appropriately changed depending on the size of the discharged sheet.

  The dimensions of the sheet stopper 127 are about 0.5 cm in thickness, about 10 cm in width, and about 5 cm in width as viewed from the side. The design of the sheet stopper 127 is changed depending on the horizontal dimensions of the multifunction peripheral to be attached and its sheet discharge tray 126.

  Further, similarly to the first embodiment, a sheet presence detection sensor is provided on the upper surface of the sheet discharge tray 126 at the center of the sheet discharge tray 126 in the vicinity of the downstream in the B direction of the concave portion 1101 in which the sheet stopper 127 is stored. 128 is provided.

  Further, the horizontal dimension of the sheet discharge tray 126 (the dimension in the B direction) is the distance from the sheet discharge port 125 provided on the upper surface of the sheet discharge tray 126 to the front end of the sheet discharge tray 126 in the B direction. This means the dimension Y, and does not mean the horizontal dimension of the sheet discharge tray 126 in a strict sense (for example, the horizontal dimension of the tray itself constituting the sheet discharge tray 126), and considers the width dimension of the discharged sheet. Thus, the width dimension is appropriately determined.

  The role of the sheet stopper 127 described above is the same as the role of the document stopper 210 of the first embodiment.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 13, a description will be given of a procedure in which the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the second embodiment prevents the discharged sheet from dropping. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for illustrating operations of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the sheet stopper 127 according to the second embodiment.

  First, when the power saving state of the multifunction device 100 is canceled by turning on the user's multifunction device 100 or touching the user's touch panel 301, the accepting unit 1201 displays an initial screen on the touch panel 301 of the operation unit 104. The copy setting from the user is accepted.

  Therefore, the user places a document on the document placing tray 111, and inputs copy settings while viewing the initial screen. When inputting the copy settings, if the sheet size to be discharged (sheet size for image formation) is input by pressing a selection item on the touch panel 301 or the like, the accepting unit 1201 inputs the sheet size to the sheet size detecting unit 1202. The information is transmitted, and the paper size detection unit 1202 temporarily stores the information (FIG. 14: S201).

  Further, when the user completes input of copy settings and presses the start key 305, the sheet size to be discharged is determined, and the paper size detection unit 1202 refers to the sheet size table stored in the sheet size storage unit 1203. Then, information indicating whether or not the sheet stopper 127 is put in and out is acquired (FIG. 14: S202). The sheet size may be temporarily stored by the paper size detection unit 1202 or may be transmitted by the reception unit 1201 to the paper size detection unit 1202 when the start key 305 is pressed.

  In the sheet size table, as shown in FIG. 14, the determined sheet size 1401 and the presence / absence of the sheet stopper 127 recorded in consideration of the sheet size and the lateral dimension Y of the sheet discharge tray 126 are shown. Information 1402 (same as in the first embodiment, “◯” 1403 or “×” 1404) is stored in association with each other, and the sheet stopper 127 is taken in and out according to the sheet size based on the associated information. Determine whether or not.

  When the determined sheet size (horizontal dimension) of the sheet is larger than the lateral dimension of the sheet discharge tray 126, the sheet size detection unit 1202 acquires information “◯” 1403 indicating that the sheet stopper 127 is put in and out, and Information “◯” 1403 is transmitted to the withdrawal control means 1204 (FIG. 14: S203 YES). Then, the loading / unloading control unit 1204 rotates the stepping motor 1103 by a predetermined number of pulses to rotate the sheet stopper 127 to a predetermined angle in front of the sheet discharge tray 126 so as to protrude (FIG. 14: S204).

  On the other hand, when the determined sheet size is smaller than the horizontal dimension of the sheet discharge tray 126, the sheet size detecting unit 1202 acquires information “×” 1404 indicating that the sheet stopper 127 is not put in and out, and the information “×”. 1404 is transmitted to the entry / exit control means 1204 (FIG. 14: S203 NO). In that case, the loading / unloading control means 1204 does not rotate the sheet stopper 127.

  When the start key 305 is pressed, the receiving unit 1201 transmits the input copy setting condition to the function providing unit 1205 separately from the paper size detecting unit 1202, and the function providing unit 1205 Then, the copy service is started (FIG. 14: S205).

  The copy service is started, the image of the original is read, image formation based on the image is performed on the sheet, and the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 126 (FIG. 14: S206). Then, when the sheet stopper 127 protrudes, the discharged sheet is received on the sheet discharge tray 126, so that the discharged sheet stays on the sheet discharge tray 126. When the sheet stopper 127 is stored, the size of the sheet to be placed is regarded as a size that can be stored on the sheet discharge tray 126, so that the sheet stopper 127 naturally remains on the sheet discharge tray 126.

  When the sheet stays on the sheet discharge tray 126, it comes into contact with the sheet presence detection sensor 128 attached in the vicinity of the sheet stopper 127. Therefore, the contact signal of the sheet presence detection sensor 128 is transmitted to the loading / unloading control means 1204. Will be.

  Further, when the sheet stopper 127 is in the middle of being ejected when the sheet is ejected, the sheet is ejected after the sheet stopper 127 is ejected by controlling a conveying roller or the like that conveys the sheet. You may comprise.

  When the discharge of the image-formed sheet is completed, the loading / unloading control unit 1204 checks whether or not “◯” 1403 is temporarily stored, and if it is temporarily stored, checks the contact signal of the sheet presence detection sensor 128. Then, the time measuring means 1206 is started to measure a predetermined time (FIG. 14: S207 YES → S208). Whether or not the discharge of the sheet has been completed is determined, for example, after the conveyance of all the sheets on which images are to be formed from the sheet feeding cassette 120 (after the driving of the pickup roller 121 is completed) or the like. The predetermined time is appropriately changed in design depending on the location where the multi-function peripheral is installed, the field to which it belongs, the number of users who belong to it, and the like.

  If “◯” 1403 is not temporarily stored, the sheet stopper 127 does not protrude, and the process ends at that time (FIG. 14: S207 NO → END). Hereinafter, a case where “◯” 1403 is temporarily stored will be described.

  When the time measuring means 1206 finishes measuring the predetermined time, a signal to that effect is transmitted to the taking in / out control means 1204, and the taking in / out control means 1204 confirms the presence / absence of the contact signal of the sheet presence detection sensor 128 at that time ( FIG. 14: S209 → S210).

  When the loading / unloading control unit 1204 still receives the contact signal from the sheet presence detection sensor 128 (FIG. 14: S210 NO), the loading / unloading control unit 1204 assumes that the sheet remains on the sheet discharge tray 126 and continues as it is. The sheet stopper 127 is held in a protruding state. Furthermore, the putting in / out control means 1204 sends a signal to the time measuring means 1206 again to start measuring the predetermined time, and the time measuring means 1206 restarts the time measuring (FIG. 14: S210 NO → S208).

  On the other hand, if the contact signal of the sheet presence detection sensor 128 has not been transmitted when the timing of the predetermined time is completed (FIG. 14: S210 YES), in other words, the sheet has been removed from the sheet discharge tray 126. In this case, the loading / unloading control unit 1204 rotates the stepping motor 1103 in the reverse direction, stores the sheet stopper 127 in the original position, and the process ends (FIG. 14: S211). Note that the processing procedure of the loading / unloading control unit 1204 is performed separately from the processing procedure in which the function providing unit 1205 provides the function and discharges the image-formed sheet. Further, as described above, when the loading / unloading control unit 1205 does not project the sheet stopper 127, the above processing procedure is omitted.

  As described above, the sheet stopper 127 that is detachably attached to the front in the B direction on the sheet discharge tray 126 that receives the sheet, the stepping motor 1103 that drives the sheet stopper 127, and the detected size of the sheet correspond to the above. A loading / unloading control unit 1204 for controlling loading / unloading of the sheet stopper 127 is provided.

  As a result, the sheet stopper 127 is taken in and out in accordance with the size of the discharged sheet. Therefore, the sheet stopper 127 is driven at an appropriate timing to prevent the discharged sheet from being dropped to the minimum. It becomes possible. Further, since it is not necessary for the user to put in and out the sheet stopper 127, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user cannot forget the work to put in and out and appropriately use the sheet stopper 127.

  In the first embodiment to the second embodiment, the stopper having a predetermined dimension is adopted. However, the above-described dimension is merely the dimension of the stopper that has already been adopted, and other dimensions, A shape may be adopted. For example, you may employ | adopt the plate-shaped stopper which has a width dimension comparable as the width dimension of a paper discharge tray.

  In the first and second embodiments, the stepping motor is employed as the means for driving the stopper, but other generally known driving means may be employed.

  In the first embodiment to the second embodiment, the horizontal dimension of the paper discharge tray is the dimension in the discharge direction. However, the paper is discharged depending on the area on which the paper discharge tray is mounted, the area of paper to be discharged, and the like. The dimension in the discharge direction may be changed to the dimension in the width direction so that the sheet is not dropped. The above change is appropriately changed depending on the size of the multifunction machine.

  Further, the sheet fall prevention means employed in the first embodiment or the second embodiment may be replaced with each other. In that case, the design is appropriately changed depending on the type and size of the paper to be discharged.

  In the first and second embodiments, the sheet fall prevention means is employed as a separate means. However, it goes without saying that the above-described effects can be obtained even if both are combined in the image forming apparatus. .

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the copy service is used. However, the copy service may be used for a facsimile service, a scanner service, a printer service, a network scan service post-processing service, and the like.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is useful for a copying machine, a printer, a multifunction machine, and the like, and is effective as an image forming apparatus that can prevent the discharged paper from falling.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an automatic document feeder and its mounting table according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the touchscreen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system hardware of the invention which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is an overall external view when a stopper is provided in the multifunction machine. FIG. 3 is a plan view or a side view of a document discharge tray provided with a document stopper according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view when a long document is discharged to a document discharge tray according to the first embodiment. 1 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart for illustrating operations of the multifunction peripheral and the document stopper according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the original document size table which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a top view thru / or a side view of a sheet discharge tray provided with a sheet stopper concerning a second embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the multifunction machine of the second embodiment. It is a flowchart for showing operation of a multifunction machine and a sheet stopper of a second embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the sheet size table which concerns on 2nd embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 MFP 103 Automatic Document Feeder 104 Operation Unit 111 Document Placement Tray 126 Sheet Discharge Tray 127 Sheet Stopper 128 Sheet Presence Detection Sensor 207 Document Size Detection Sensor 209 Document Discharge Tray 210 Document Stopper 211 Document Presence Detection Sensor 603 ( 1103) Stepping motor 801 (1202) Paper size detection means 802 Document size storage means 803 (1204) Loading / unloading control means 804 (1201) Reception means 805 (1205) Function provision means 806 (1206) Timekeeping means 1203 Sheet size storage means

Claims (3)

In an image forming apparatus provided with a paper size detecting means capable of detecting the size of discharged paper,
A paper fall prevention means mounted on the paper discharge tray for receiving the paper, which is detachably attached in front of the direction in which the paper is discharged;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a loading / unloading control unit that controls loading / unloading of the sheet dropping prevention unit in accordance with the detected size of the sheet.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the loading / unloading control unit causes the sheet dropping prevention unit to project when a sheet having a size larger than the size of the sheet discharge tray is detected. In addition, a paper presence detecting means for detecting whether there is paper on the paper discharge tray is provided,
2. The paper take-out control means stores the paper fall prevention means when the paper fall prevention means is protruded and the paper presence detection means detects that there is no paper. Image forming apparatus.

Images