JP2010222091A

JP2010222091A - Image forming device and program

Info

Publication number: JP2010222091A
Application number: JP2009070460A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Ryuichi Sato; Yoshiyuki Takaishi; Osamu Tamura; Noriyoshi Tsuchiya; 龍一佐藤; 範芳土屋; 修田村; 佳幸高石
Original assignee: Fuji Xerox Co Ltd; 富士ゼロックス株式会社
Priority date: 2009-03-23
Filing date: 2009-03-23
Publication date: 2010-10-07
Anticipated expiration: 2029-03-23
Also published as: JP5444779B2

Abstract

Provided is a technique capable of realizing stacking of recording materials according to the progress of an image forming operation while maintaining good conveyance by a user of recording materials stacked after image formation.
An image forming unit for forming an image on a recording material, a paper stacking device for stacking a recording material on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and a weight of the recording material stacked on the paper stacking device are detected. A pressure sensor, and whether or not the weight detected by the pressure sensor has reached a predetermined load limit weight is determined (S702), and is required when it is determined that the load limit weight has been reached. Whether to continue or stop the image forming operation is determined based on the progress of the image formation by the image forming unit with respect to the image forming operation (S704).
[Selection] Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program.

In recent years, there has been proposed a technique for stopping the loading of the recording material when the loading weight of the recording material actually loaded on the loading portion on which the recording material is loaded reaches a predetermined limit amount.
For example, the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is configured as follows. In other words, a sheet stacking means capable of moving up and down, on which sheets (recording materials) are stacked, and a driving means for driving the sheet stacking means to move up and down are provided. A control device is provided for moving the sheet, and the control device stops the stacking when it is determined that the sheet stacking weight has reached a predetermined limit amount during the stacking process.

JP 2007-15824 A

In an apparatus having a function of stopping the image forming operation when the weight of the loaded recording material reaches a predetermined weight, the loading is restricted in consideration of the ease of carrying the recording material by the user. Weight may be determined.
On the other hand, depending on the situation, the user requested that even if the limit weight is slightly exceeded rather than stopping the image forming operation when the weight of the loaded recording material reaches a predetermined limit weight. Sometimes it is desirable to give priority to the completion of the image forming operation.
Therefore, instead of stopping the image forming operation uniformly when the weight of the loaded recording material reaches the limit weight, the stop timing of the image forming operation is determined in consideration of other matters. It is preferable to do.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording material, a stacking unit for stacking a recording material on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and a recording material stacked on the stacking unit. Detection means for detecting weight, determination means for determining whether or not the weight detected by the detection means has reached a predetermined first weight, and the determination means includes the first weight. An operation determining unit that determines whether to continue or stop the image forming operation based on the progress of image formation by the image forming unit with respect to the requested image forming operation. An image forming apparatus characterized by the above.

The invention described in claim 2 further includes accepting means for accepting a request for the image forming operation, and the first weight is a weight accepted by the accepting means. The image forming apparatus according to 1.
The invention according to claim 3 further includes a height detecting means for detecting that the height of the recording material stacked on the stacking means has reached a predetermined height, and the image forming means comprises: When the height detecting means detects that the height of the recording material loaded on the loading means has reached a predetermined height, the weight detected by the detecting means is the first weight. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming operation is stopped even before reaching the height.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a receiving unit that receives a request for the image forming operation, and the image forming unit performs the image formation when the operation determining unit determines to stop the image forming operation. After stopping the operation, the accepting means accepts that the image forming operation is allowed until the weight of the recording material loaded on the stacking means reaches a second weight that is heavier than the first weight. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming operation is performed again. 5.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the weight of the recording material stacked on the stacking unit when the operation determining unit completes the image forming operation even if the image forming operation is continued is a third weight. 5. The image forming operation is continued if it is equal to or smaller than the third weight, and the image forming operation is stopped if the third weight is exceeded. 6. This is an image forming apparatus.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material; and a stacking unit that stacks a recording material on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. A function for detecting the weight of the loaded recording material, a function for determining whether the weight detected by the function to be detected has reached a predetermined first weight, and the function for determining. A function of determining whether to continue or stop the image forming operation based on the progress of image formation by the image forming unit with respect to the requested image forming operation when it is determined that the first weight has been reached. It is a program for realizing.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a receiving unit that receives a request for the image forming operation, and the first weight is a weight received by the receiving unit. The program according to claim 6.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a height detection unit that detects that the height of the recording material stacked on the stacking unit has reached a predetermined height. When the height detecting unit detects that the height of the recording material loaded on the stacking unit has reached a predetermined height, the weight detected by the detecting function is the first weight. The program according to claim 6 or 7, further realizing a function of stopping the image forming operation even before reaching the weight.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes a receiving unit that receives a request for the image forming operation, and the image forming operation is performed when the determining function determines to stop the image forming operation. After stopping the operation, the accepting means accepts that the image forming operation is allowed until the weight of the recording material loaded on the stacking means reaches a second weight that is heavier than the first weight. In this case, the program according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further realizing a function of starting the image forming operation again.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize the stacking of the recording materials according to the progress of the image forming operation while keeping the recording materials stacked after the image formation by the user in good condition.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, it is possible to better cope with different factors depending on the physical strength of the user such as conveyance of the recording material loaded on the loading means. The usability of can be greatly improved.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obviate problems caused by the stacking height of the recording material, which cannot be controlled by the weight by the stacking means.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, it is possible to better cope with the user's request and to greatly improve the user's usability.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, even if the limit weight is slightly exceeded, it is possible to respond to a request for giving priority to the completion of the requested image forming operation even when the limit weight is slightly exceeded. .

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to cause the image forming apparatus to stack the recording materials in accordance with the image forming state while maintaining good conveyance by the user of the recording materials stacked after the image formation.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, it is possible to better cope with different factors depending on the physical strength of the user such as the conveyance of the recording material loaded on the loading means. Thus, the user's usability of the image forming apparatus can be greatly improved.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to cause the image forming apparatus to eliminate problems caused by the stacking height of the recording materials that cannot be controlled by the weight by the stacking unit.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, it is possible to better cope with the user's request and to greatly improve the user's usability of the image forming apparatus.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram of a control apparatus. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of a large capacity | capacitance loading part. It is a perspective view of a loading member, a container frame, and a support member. It is a perspective view which shows the other shape of a container frame. It is a figure which shows the raising / lowering state of the elevator arm of an elevator apparatus. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of sheet stacking processing according to the first embodiment performed by a control device. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the post-stop process which a control apparatus performs. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a paper stacking process according to a second embodiment performed by a control device.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 2 that reads an image of a document, an image forming unit 3 that forms an image on a sheet as an example of a recording material, and a sheet supply unit that supplies the sheet to the image forming unit 3 4 and a paper stacking apparatus 100 for stacking paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 3. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control device 200 that comprehensively manages and controls the operation of each part.

The image reading unit 2 reads an image of a document set on a transparent document table. For example, an optical scanning system including a lamp, a mirror, a carriage, and the like, a lens system that forms an optical image scanned by the optical scanning system, and an optical image formed by the lens system are received and electrically received. And an image reading sensor such as a CCD for converting the signal.

The image forming unit 3 includes four photosensitive drums 5, 6, 7, and 8 that are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction corresponding to the respective colors of black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). And four primary transfer rollers 9, 10, 11, 12 arranged corresponding to the respective photosensitive drums 5 to 8. The image forming unit 3 secondarily transfers the toner image formed on each of the photoconductive drums 5 to 8 to the sheet, and the intermediate toner image on the intermediate image transfer belt 13 to the sheet. And a secondary transfer roller 14. Further, the image forming unit 3 includes a vacuum conveyance unit 15 that conveys the sheet after the secondary transfer, and a fixing device 16 that fixes the toner image on the sheet after the transfer.

In addition, around each of the photosensitive drums 5 to 8, a charger for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drums 5 to 8, and a surface of the photosensitive drums 5 to 8 charged by the charger, respectively. A laser writing device for forming an electrostatic latent image by laser irradiation is disposed. Further, a developing device that develops and visualizes the electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 5 to 8 with a predetermined color component toner, and residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drums 5 to 8 after the primary transfer. A cleaner or the like to be removed is arranged.

On the other hand, the primary transfer rollers 9 to 12 are arranged to face each other via the intermediate transfer belt 13 in the vicinity of the corresponding photosensitive drums 5 to 8. These primary transfer rollers 9 to 12 primarily transfer the toner images formed on the corresponding photosensitive drums 5 to 8 to the intermediate transfer belt 13. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 13 is stretched in a loop shape by a plurality (five in this example) of support rollers.

The secondary transfer roller 14 is disposed to face the intermediate transfer belt 13. The secondary transfer roller 14 secondary-transfers (collectively transfers) the superimposed toner images of the respective colors sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 13 onto a sheet (not shown), and the secondary transfer position is an image. This is the image forming processing position in the forming unit 3. Then, the vacuum conveyance unit 15 conveys the sheet on which the toner image is transferred by the secondary transfer roller 14 to the fixing device 16 while sucking the sheet. The fixing device 16 fixes the toner image on the paper by heating and pressing.

On the other hand, the sheet supply unit 4 is a part that conveys each sheet (not shown) accommodated in the first tray 17, the second tray 18, and the third tray 19 through a predetermined route. is there. In the vicinity of each of the trays 17 to 19, corresponding delivery rollers 20, 21, and 22 are disposed. Each of the feed rollers 20 to 22 nips the sheets separated and taken out one by one from the corresponding trays 17 to 19 and temporarily stops them on the paper transport path, and transports the paper at a timing based on a predetermined start signal. Send the paper downstream in the direction. In addition, an operation panel 23 as an example of a reception unit operated by the user is provided in the vicinity of the image reading unit 2. The operation panel 23 is, for example, a touch panel display, displays an operation menu, receives an operation instruction such as a processing request from a user, and displays selection information for the user, an operation status of the apparatus, and the like.

Here, a series of paper transport paths R1 to R5 from the paper feed positions by the feed rollers 20 to 22 to the paper stacking apparatus 100 via the image forming processing position of the image forming unit 3 are respectively used for paper transport. A plurality of conveying rollers are provided. The paper stored in the first tray 17 is sent out by the feed roller 20 and then sent to the merging transport unit 25 via the first paper transport path R1. In addition, the paper stored in the second tray 18 is sent out by the feed roller 21 and then sent to the merging transport unit 25 via the first paper transport path R1. On the other hand, the paper stored in the third tray 19 is sent directly to the merging and conveying unit 25 by the delivery roller 22.

The sheet sent to the merging / conveying section 25 is sent to the image forming processing position of the image forming section 3 via the second sheet conveying path R2. Further, the sheet that has passed the image forming processing position is sent to the fixing device 16 by the vacuum conveyance unit 15 and then discharged to the sheet stacking device 100 via the third sheet conveyance path R3. On the other hand, the paper on which images are formed on both sides passes through the fixing device 16 and is then sent to the double-side reversing unit 28 via the fourth paper conveyance path R4, where the paper is turned upside down. It is sent again to the merging / conveying section 25 via the fifth sheet conveying path R5.

In such paper transport paths R1 to R5, an attitude correction unit 26 and a registration roll 27 are disposed in the second paper transport path R2. The posture correction unit 26 corrects the posture of the paper transported on the second paper transport path R2. The registration roll 27 is composed of a pair of rolls held in pressure contact with each other. By rotating the roll pair while nipping the paper between the pair of rolls, the paper is placed at the image forming processing position. Is to send in. When the sheet is fed by the registration roll 27, the arrival timing of the sheet with respect to the image forming process is adjusted by a timing adjustment mechanism (not shown).
Note that the sheet conveyance in the image forming apparatus 1 is performed by a center registration method in which the center of the sheet (center) in the direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction is used as a reference position regardless of the sheet size.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control device 200.
As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an input interface 204, and an output interface 205, and the ROM 202 has an image forming program, a paper transport program, and a paper stacking program. Etc. are stored in advance.

The control device 200 takes in signals from an upper sensor 140, a lower sensor 141, a pressure sensor 142, and the like, which will be described later, to the CPU 201 via the input interface 204. Then, the CPU 201 executes a predetermined processing program and sends a predetermined control signal to the image reading unit 2, the image forming unit 3, the paper supply unit 4, the paper stacking device 100, and the like via the output interface 205. Control each control object.

The sheet stacking apparatus 100 transports the sheet transported from the image forming unit 3 into the apparatus by an entrance roller 101 (see FIG. 1) and transports the sheet transported by the entrance roller 101 while niping the sheet. And a reversing roller 102 that is reversed by a switchback method.
Further, the paper stacking apparatus 100 includes a transport roller 104 that transports the paper transported by the reverse roller 102 to a top tray 103 provided on the upper surface of the apparatus, and a large-capacity stacker 110 that will be described later on the paper reversed by the reverse roller 102. And a discharge roller 105 that discharges to the bottom.
Further, the paper stacking apparatus 100 includes a transport roller 106 that transports the paper transported by the entrance roller 101 toward an apparatus connected to the downstream side of the paper stacking apparatus 100.

Below the reversing roller 102, the traveling direction of the sheet is guided so that the sheet conveyed by the entrance roller 101 is guided to the reversing roller 102, and the sheet reversed by the reversing roller 102 is guided to the discharge roller 105. A switching gate 107 for switching is provided. Further, a switching gate 108 is provided above the reversing roller 102 to switch the traveling direction of the sheet so that the sheet conveyed by the reversing roller 102 is guided to the conveying roller 104 or guided to the conveying roller 106. .

Next, the large capacity loading unit 110 will be described.
The large-capacity stacking unit 110 is configured such that the sheet stacking surface moves up and down, and the stacking surface gradually descends every time a sheet is stacked and also descends when an instruction to remove the sheet is given. The loading surface is raised and lowered by an elevator apparatus 150 described later.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the large-capacity stacking unit 110. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIA-IIIA in FIG. 1 (however, the discharge roller 105, the switching gate 107, etc. are not shown for easy understanding of the schematic configuration of the large-capacity stacking unit 110). FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a stacking member 111, a container frame 112, and a support member 113, which will be described later.

The large-capacity stacking unit 110 includes a stacking member 111 having a stacking surface 111a for stacking sheets, and a container frame 112 that is located outside the stacking surface 111a of the stacking member 111 and restricts movement of the sheets stacked on the stacking surface 111a. And have. The large-capacity stacking unit 110 includes a support member 113 that restricts the movement of the container frame 112 and supports the stacking member 111 and is moved up and down by the elevator apparatus 150.
The container frame 112 is placed on a carriage 114 having a caster 114b attached below the loading platform 114a, and the stacking member 111 is housed inside the sheet stacking apparatus 100 in a state of being mounted on the support member 113.

The stacking member 111 includes a stacking surface 111a for stacking sheets, and an extending portion 111b extending from the stacking surface 111a in a direction parallel to the stacking surface 111a. A plurality of (four in the present embodiment) extending portions 111b are provided, and a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) are provided so as to extend in the paper transport direction from the stacking surface 111a. A plurality (two in this embodiment) are provided so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the direction. Note that the stacking member 111 according to the present embodiment is a plate-like member, and the stacking surface 111a and the extending portion 111b are integrally formed. Therefore, there is no boundary between the loading surface 111a and the extending portion 111b, and it is not shown.

The container frame 112 extends in a direction perpendicular to the stacking surface 111 a of the stacking member 111, and includes a side wall 112 a that restricts movement of the sheets stacked on the stacking surface 111 a and a bottom plate 112 b that contacts the loading platform 114 a of the carriage 114. As shown in FIG. 3A, the side wall 112a has a U-shape when viewed from above, and a wall that restricts movement of the paper in the paper conveyance direction and a direction orthogonal to the paper conveyance direction. And walls that restrict movement. The side wall 112a is formed with a notch 112c that fits the extension portion 111b of the stacking member 111 and allows the stacking member 111 to move up and down at a position corresponding to the extension portion 111b.

In addition, the container frame 112 is provided with a grip portion 112d that makes it easy for a person to carry the container frame 112. In the present embodiment, the grip portion 112d is two holes formed in the side wall 112a in a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction. The user can lift the container frame 112 from the carriage 114 by placing a hand on the grip 112d. At that time, the lowermost end surface 112e of the notch 112c functions as a support portion for supporting the extending portion 111b of the stacking member 111, and the stacking member 111 is lifted at the same time to carry the sheets stacked on the stacking member 111. It becomes possible.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another shape of the container frame 112. As shown in FIG. 5A, the grip portion 112d may have an angle with respect to the bottom surface of the bottom plate 112b. By adopting such a shape, the container frame 112 is inclined as shown in FIG. 5B, and it becomes easy to transport the stacked sheets in a state of abutting against the side wall 112a in the sheet transport direction.

The support member 113 includes a restriction portion 113 a that restricts the movement of the container frame 112 and a concave portion 113 b that serves as a support portion that supports the extension portion 111 b of the stacking member 111. The support member 113 is basically a plate-like member, and the recess 113b is recessed from the upper surface 113c. Further, the same number of the recessed portions 113b as the extending portions 111b are formed at positions corresponding to the extending portions 111b. Thereby, the support member 113 can restrict the movement of the stacking member 111.

Further, the support member 113 has a plurality (four in the present embodiment) of extending portions 113d extending in the upstream direction and the downstream direction in the paper transport direction. When the elevator arm 151 of the elevator apparatus 150 is present outside the outer shape of the loading platform 114a of the carriage 114 when viewed from above, the elevator arm 151 may lift the support member 113 by supporting the extension 113d. It is possible. Further, the support member 113 has a contact portion 113e that comes into contact with the loading platform 114a of the carriage 114.

The elevator apparatus 150 includes an elevator arm 151 and a lifting mechanism (not shown) that lifts and lowers the elevator arm 151. As the lifting mechanism, various known lifting mechanisms can be used. For example, an elevator arm 151 is attached to a guide rail provided in the vertical direction inside the paper stacking apparatus 100 via a slider, and a drive transmission mechanism that converts the rotational force of the motor into a linear motion in the vertical direction of the slider is used. Thus, the elevator arm 151 can be raised and lowered.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a lifted state of the elevator arm 151 of the elevator apparatus 150. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a state where the elevator arm 151 of the elevator apparatus 150 is most raised, and FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a state where the elevator arm 151 of the elevator apparatus 150 is most lowered. The elevator arm 151 moves up and down in the range shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 6B, in the state where the elevator arm 151 is lowered most, the support member 113 stops when the contact portion 113e contacts the loading platform 114a of the carriage 114. In this state, the loaded paper can be transported by taking out the carriage 114 from the paper stacking apparatus 100 to the outside.

The elevator arm 151 of the elevator apparatus 150 is lowered based on the detection of the upper sensor 140 provided on the upper part of the large capacity loading unit 110. The upper sensor 140 is an optical sensor that detects that the uppermost sheet in the stack of sheets stacked on the stacking member 111 is positioned lower than the height of the discharge roller 105 by a predetermined height. It is a sensor.
When no sheets are stacked on the stacking member 111, the elevator apparatus 150 causes the stacking member 111 and the support member 113 to stand by at the position shown in FIG. When sheets start to be stacked on the stacking member 111, when the upper sensor 140 detects the topmost sheet in the stack of stacked sheets, the elevator apparatus 150 causes the stacking member 111 and the support member 113 to be in advance. Lower by the specified height.

On the other hand, a lower sensor 141 as an example of a height detection unit is provided below the large-capacity stacking unit 110. The lower sensor 141 is an optical sensor that detects the elevator arm 151. When the lower sensor 141 detects the elevator arm 151, the control device 200 assumes that the sheets are stacked up to a maximum stackable height, and forms an image forming operation, a sheet conveying operation, and a sheet stacking operation (hereinafter, these operations are summarized). May also be referred to as “image forming operation”).

In addition, the large-capacity stacking unit 110 includes a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) pressure sensors 142 for detecting the weight of the stacked sheets, and is provided between the elevator arm 151 and the support member 113. Yes. The pressure sensor 142 is configured by a piezoelectric element or the like. The pressure sensor 142 receives the weight of the stacked paper through the stacking member 111 and the support member 113, converts the weight into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal. is there. The control device 200 calculates the weight of the stacked paper by calculating the difference between the output value from the pressure sensor 142 and the reference value stored in the ROM 202 in advance. As described above, the pressure sensor 142 and the control device 200 function as a detection unit that detects the weight of the sheets stacked on the large-capacity stacking unit 110.

In the image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above, even when the lower sensor 141 of the paper stacking apparatus 100 detects the elevator arm 151, the detected paper weight reaches the stacking limit weight. The image forming operation is stopped. The stacking limit weight can be exemplified as a value input by the user to the operation panel 23 or a predetermined value.

Hereinafter, the sheet stacking process according to the first embodiment performed by the control device 200 will be described using a flowchart.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the paper stacking process performed by the control device 200.
The control device 200 starts executing the paper stacking process triggered by a request to perform an image forming operation, such as a press of a print start button, and is periodically executed while the image forming operation is being performed. To do.

First, the control device 200 detects the weight of the paper stacked on the large-capacity stacking unit 110 (step 501). Then, it is determined whether or not the weight of the paper detected in step 501 is equal to or greater than the stacking limit weight (step 502). If the determination in step 502 is affirmative, the image forming operation is stopped (step 503).

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 502, it is determined whether or not the lower sensor 141 has detected the elevator arm 151 (step 504). If a positive determination is made in step 504, the image forming operation is stopped (step 503). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 504, the image forming operation is continued (step 505).
By executing such a paper stacking process, when the user inputs a desired weight as the stacking limit weight on the operation panel 23, a sheet of the weight desired by the user can be obtained with higher accuracy. It will be loaded.

If the image forming operation is stopped because the weight of the paper loaded on the large-capacity stacking unit 110 reaches the stacking limit weight before the requested image forming operation is completed, the following conditions are satisfied. In such a case, it is preferable to restart the image forming operation. That is, (1) When the stacking limit weight is increased by the input to the operation panel 23 after the image forming operation is stopped. (2) When the weight of the loaded paper becomes lighter than the stacking limit weight because at least part of the paper loaded on the large-capacity stacking unit 110 is removed after the image forming operation is stopped. .

Accordingly, the control device 200 stops the image forming operation after the weight of the paper stacked on the large-capacity stacking unit 110 reaches the stacking limit weight before the requested image forming operation is completed. It is preferable to perform the post-stop processing described in (1).
Hereinafter, post-stop processing performed by the control device 200 will be described using a flowchart.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of post-stop processing performed by the control device 200. The control device 200 stops the image forming operation after the weight of the paper stacked on the large-capacity stacking unit 110 reaches the stacking limit weight before the requested image forming operation is completed. The post-stop processing is executed by using the increase in the load limit weight as a trigger or periodically.

First, the control device 200 detects the weight of the sheets stacked on the large-capacity stacking unit 110 (step 601). Then, it is determined whether or not the weight of the paper detected in step 601 is equal to or greater than the stacking limit weight (step 602). If an affirmative determination is made in step 602, the image forming operation is stopped (step 603). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 602, the image forming operation is resumed (step 604).

<Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, the sheet stacking process performed by the control device 200 is different from that in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described.
Depending on the situation, the user may request that even if the stacking limit weight is slightly exceeded rather than immediately stopping the image forming operation when the weight of the stacked paper reaches the predetermined stacking limit weight. In some cases, it is desirable to give priority to the completion of the completed image forming operation.
Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the weight of stacked sheets reaches the stacking limit weight, the stop timing of the image forming operation is determined in consideration of the progress of the image forming operation.

Hereinafter, the sheet stacking process according to the second embodiment performed by the control device 200 will be described using a flowchart.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the paper stacking process according to the second embodiment performed by the control device 200.
The control device 200 starts executing the paper stacking process triggered by a request to perform an image forming operation, such as a press of a print start button, and is periodically executed while the image forming operation is being performed. To do.

First, the control device 200 detects the weight of the sheets stacked on the large-capacity stacking unit 110 (step 701). Then, it is determined whether or not the weight of the paper detected in step 701 is equal to or greater than the stacking limit weight (step 702).
If the determination in step 702 is affirmative, the weight of the paper loaded on the large-capacity stacking unit 110 when the requested image forming operation is completed is estimated (step 703). This is because the value obtained by multiplying the number of sheets to be stacked by the time the image forming operation is completed in the future by the weight per sheet stored in the ROM 202 in advance is added to the stacking limit weight. This is a guessing process.

Then, it is determined whether or not the weight of the sheet estimated in step 703 exceeds an allowable weight that is permitted when priority is given to completion of the image forming operation exceeding the stacking limit weight (step 704). . If an affirmative determination is made in step 704, the image forming operation is stopped (step 705). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 704, the image forming operation is continued (step 706).
On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 702, it is determined whether or not the lower sensor 141 has detected the elevator arm 151 (step 707). If an affirmative determination is made in step 707, an image forming operation is performed. Is stopped (step 705). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 707, the image forming operation is continued (step 706).

The allowable weight can be exemplified as a value input by the user to the operation panel 23 or a predetermined value. In addition, when an affirmative determination is made in step 702, it is also preferable to prompt the user to input to the operation panel 23 in another routine and use the weight obtained as a result as the allowable weight.

In this way, the control device 200 functions as a determination unit that determines whether the weight detected by the detection unit described above has reached the stacking limit weight, which is a predetermined first weight, and Functions as an operation determining unit that determines whether to continue or stop the image forming operation based on the progress of the requested image forming operation when it is determined that the weight detected by the detecting unit has reached the stacking limit weight To do.

In the paper stacking process according to the second embodiment described above, in step 703, the weight of the paper stacked on the large-capacity stacker 110 when the requested image forming operation is completed is estimated. The image forming operation is stopped when the estimated weight is equal to or greater than the allowable weight. However, depending on the requested image forming operation, the image forming operation may be stopped at the following timing.

If the requested image forming operation is an output request for a total of Z copies with Y sheets as a part, and if the stacking limit weight is reached in the middle of the Nth copy, in step 703 all Z copies are made. The weight of the paper to be stacked is estimated until the image forming operation is completed. If it is determined in step 704 that the weight is equal to or greater than the allowable weight, the image forming operation is stopped. In such a case, if the weight when the output of N copies is completed is less than the allowable weight, it may be desired to complete the output of N copies even when the stacking limit weight is exceeded.

Therefore, as a modified example of the paper stacking process according to the second embodiment described above, it is determined in step 704 that the paper weight estimated at the completion of the image forming operation in step 703 is greater than or equal to the allowable weight. In this case, it is preferable to estimate the weight of the sheet when the output is completed up to a specific number of copies, and to continue the image forming operation when the estimated weight is less than the allowable weight. It is.

In the paper stacking process according to the second embodiment described above, when it is determined that the weight detected by the detection unit has reached the stacking limit weight, image formation is performed based on the estimated paper weight. Whether to continue or stop the operation is determined, but the number of sheets stacked until the requested image forming operation is completed may be used as a reference. That is, in step 703, the number of sheets discharged to the large-capacity stacking unit 110 is estimated until the requested image forming operation is completed. In step 704, the estimated number of sheets is set to the stacking limit weight. It is determined whether or not the number of sheets is acceptable when priority is given to the completion of the image forming operation. Even in such a case, the allowable number of sheets can be exemplified as a value input by the user to the operation panel 23 or a predetermined value. If an affirmative determination is made in step 702, it is also preferable to prompt the user to input to the operation panel 23 in another routine and use the obtained number of sheets as the allowable number of sheets.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the image forming operation is stopped when the weight of the sheets stacked on the large-capacity stacking unit 110 reaches the stacking limit weight. Instead of stopping the forming operation, sheets may be stacked on the top tray 103 which is another stacking portion. In such a case, in the paper stacking process performed by the control device 200 described above, in step 503 or step 705, processing for switching to stacking on another stacking unit is performed instead of stopping the image forming operation.

Further, when the sheet stacking apparatus 100 is further connected to the downstream side of the sheet stacking direction of the sheet stacking apparatus 100, the weight of the sheet stacked on the currently stacked sheet stacking apparatus 100 is the stacking limit weight. May be switched so as to be stacked on another sheet stacking apparatus 100.

Also, when there are a plurality of alternative stacking parts including the top tray 103, such as when a plurality of paper stacking apparatuses 100 are connected, the presence / absence of a sheet for detecting whether or not the sheets are already stacked on each of them. It is preferable to provide a detection sensor and switch the sheet presence / absence detection sensor so that the sheet is stacked on the stacking portion where it is detected that the sheet is not stacked.

In the above-described large-capacity stacking unit 110 of the sheet stacking apparatus 100, the elevator apparatus 150 moves up and down the sheet stacking surface. However, the present invention is not limited to such a stacking portion. For example, a mode in which only the container frame 112 is placed on the carriage 114 and the paper discharged from the discharge roller 105 and dropped by its own weight is stacked on the bottom plate 112b of the container frame 112 may be used. In such a case, the pressure sensor 142 is provided between the bottom plate 112b and the loading platform 114a of the carriage 114, and the weight of the loaded paper is detected based on the output value of the pressure sensor 142, and the detected weight is detected. It is preferable to control whether to continue or stop the image forming operation based on the above.

In such a case, when the upper sensor 140 detects the uppermost sheet in the bundle of sheets stacked on the container frame 112, the control device 200 assumes that the sheets are stacked up to a maximum stackable height. The image forming operation may be stopped regardless of the weight of the stacked sheets.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 2 ... Image reading part, 3 ... Image forming part, 4 ... Paper supply part, 100 ... Paper stacking apparatus, 110 ... Large capacity loading part, 111 ... Stacking member, 112 ... Container frame, 113 ... Support 114, trolley, 140, upper sensor, 141, lower sensor, 142, pressure sensor, 150, elevator device, 200, control device

Claims

Image forming means for forming an image on a recording material;
A stacking unit for stacking the recording material on which an image is formed by the image forming unit;
Detecting means for detecting the weight of the recording material loaded on the loading means;
Determining means for determining whether or not the weight detected by the detecting means has reached a predetermined first weight;
Whether the image forming operation is continued or stopped based on the progress of image formation by the image forming unit with respect to the requested image forming operation when the determining unit determines that the first weight has been reached. Action determining means for determining
An image forming apparatus comprising:
A reception unit that receives a request for the image forming operation;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first weight is a weight received by the receiving unit.
A height detecting means for detecting that the height of the recording material loaded on the loading means has reached a predetermined height;
The image forming unit detects the weight detected by the detection unit when the height detection unit detects that the height of the recording material stacked on the stacking unit has reached a predetermined height. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming operation is stopped even before the first weight is reached.
A reception unit that receives a request for the image forming operation;
The image forming unit stops the image forming operation by the operation determining unit determining to stop the image forming operation, and then the weight of the recording material loaded on the stacking unit by the receiving unit is the first weight. 4. The image forming operation according to claim 1, wherein when the image forming operation is accepted until the second weight that is heavier than the first weight is reached, the image forming operation is performed again. 5. The image forming apparatus described in the item.
If the weight of the recording material stacked on the stacking unit is equal to or less than the third weight when the image forming operation is completed even if the image forming operation is continued, the operation determining unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming operation is stopped when the forming operation is continued and the third weight is exceeded.
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material; and a stacking unit that loads a recording material on which an image is formed by the image forming unit.
A function of detecting the weight of the recording material loaded on the loading means;
A function of determining whether or not the weight detected by the function to be detected has reached a predetermined first weight;
When it is determined that the function to be determined has reached the first weight, the image forming operation is continued or stopped based on the progress of image formation by the image forming unit with respect to the requested image forming operation. The ability to determine
A program to realize
The image forming apparatus further includes a receiving unit that receives a request for the image forming operation,
The program according to claim 6, wherein the first weight is a weight received by the receiving unit.
The image forming apparatus further includes a height detection unit that detects that the height of the recording material stacked on the stacking unit has reached a predetermined height,
When the height detecting unit detects that the height of the recording material loaded on the stacking unit has reached a predetermined height, the weight detected by the detecting function is the first weight. The program according to claim 6 or 7, further realizing a function of stopping the image forming operation even before reaching the weight.
The image forming apparatus further includes a receiving unit that receives a request for the image forming operation,
After the determining function determines the stop of the image forming operation, the receiving unit stops the image forming operation, and then the weight of the recording material loaded on the stacking unit is heavier than the first weight. 9. The method of further realizing a function of starting the image forming operation again when accepting that the image forming operation is permitted until the weight reaches 2. The program described in.