JP2019011196A - Loading device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a loading device capable of improving usability when replacing sheets.SOLUTION: A first loading unit can be elevated and lowered between an upper limit position and a lower limit position, and is constituted so as to be capable of loading a sheet of a first size. A second loading unit is connected to the first loading unit at a prescribed position in an elevating/lowering direction of the first loading unit, and, when the position of the first loading unit is equal to or upper than the prescribed position and further equal to or lower than the upper limit position, elevated together with the first loading unit while connected to the first loading unit, to load a sheet of a second size by cooperating with the first loading unit, and, when the position of the first loading unit is lower than the prescribed position and further equal to or upper than the lower limit position, becomes a state where connection with the first loading unit is released. In the loading device, a process in accordance with a positional relationship of the first loading unit and the second loading unit is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  The present invention relates to a loading device.

  An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer includes a sheet storage unit and a feeding unit such as a feed roller that feeds out the sheet stored in the sheet storage unit, and feeds the sheet stored in the sheet storage unit. A device having a configuration for feeding to an image forming unit by means is known. In recent years, there has been an increase in those equipped with a large-capacity sheet storage unit capable of supplying thousands of sheets. In recent years, there has been an increasing need in the printing market to print on long paper that is longer than normal size paper such as A3 and A4. The long paper is used, for example, for book covers, catalog spread pages, and POP advertisements.

  A conventional paper feeder for long paper has a plurality of paper stacking lifters arranged side by side, and in normal use, a removable partition plate is provided and operated independently. By removing this partition plate and moving each stacking tray in conjunction with each other, it is possible to load and feed long sheets of paper (Patent Document 1).

  In addition, as a conventional paper feeder for long paper, in order to be able to handle plain paper and long paper, it can operate even when full of long paper that exceeds the size of a regular paper stacking lifter. Some had a power source. However, since the same power source is used even when the regular size paper is used, power is consumed more than necessary. Therefore, for example, there is a paper feeding device that physically changes the number of sheets that can be stacked between plain paper and long paper, such as up to 3000 sheets of plain paper and 1000 sheets of long paper.

  For example, in a configuration including a main lifter for stacking plain paper and an extension lifter for stacking long paper, the main lifter can be raised / lowered up to a stacking position of 3000 sheets, for example. On the other hand, the extension lifter can be raised / lowered in a range up to, for example, a stacking position of 1000 sheets. In such a configuration, when the number of sheets is less than 1000, the main lifter and the extension lifter move up / down synchronously. However, when more than 1000 sheets are loaded, the extension lifter stands by at the position of 1000 sheets, Only the lifter moves up / down.

  With the above-described configuration, when switching to long paper in a state where, for example, 1000 sheets or more of plain paper are stacked, there is a step between the main lifter and the extension lifter. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate the step because long paper cannot be stacked. In order to eliminate this level difference, it is necessary to raise the main lifter. Generally, however, the lifter is configured to rise after closing the storage to prevent injury to the user. Therefore, when removing the plain paper loaded by the user and closing the storage to eliminate the level difference between the lifters, it is confirmed whether the plain paper has been removed and the main lifter and the extension lifter are synchronized to make the level difference. An action to resolve is required.

  In Patent Document 2, as a configuration for determining whether or not plain paper remains on the lifter, sheets are stacked at the sheet feeding position when the stacking unit is at a predetermined height or higher during sheet feeding. A configuration for detecting whether or not the device is detected is described.

JP 2003-63719 A JP-A-2015-199556

  However, in the configuration for detecting whether or not the remaining sheets are stacked at the paper feed position as in Patent Document 2, when the lifter is raised to the paper presence / absence sensor position at the paper feed position, the residual sheets are removed. Not detected. In other words, it is not until that time that the user is prompted to open the storage again and remove the paper, resulting in a longer waiting time for the user. In addition, in a configuration having a main lifter and an extension lifter, if a long sheet is loaded with a step between the main lifter and the extension lifter after the remaining sheet is removed, a stacking error will occur. The user experience is not good because it takes time and effort to cancel the error.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a stacking device that improves usability at the time of sheet replacement in view of such conventional problems.

  In order to solve the above problems, a stacking apparatus according to the present invention is capable of moving up and down between an upper limit position that can be raised and a lower limit position that can be lowered, and a first stacking unit that can stack sheets of a first size. The first stacking unit is connected to the first stacking unit at a predetermined position in the up-and-down direction of the first stacking unit, and the first stacking unit is positioned at the predetermined position and below the upper limit position. In a state of being connected to the stacking means, the sheet can be moved up and down together with the first stacking means to be able to stack sheets of a second size larger than the first size in cooperation with the first stacking means. When the position is less than the predetermined position and greater than or equal to the lower limit position, the second stacking means that is disconnected from the first stacking means, and the first stacking means are at the predetermined position. First to detect position An output means; a second detection means for detecting that the second stacking means is located at the predetermined position; and an upper surface detection for detecting a sheet stacked on the first stacking means or an upper surface of the first stacking means. Means, setting means for setting which size of the plurality of size sheets including the first size sheet and the second size sheet, and setting means for setting the second size sheet. When the sheet is set to be stacked, and when the upper surface detecting unit detects the sheet stacked on the first stacking unit, the first stacking unit is not at the predetermined position. And determining means for determining an error when the second stacking means is at the predetermined position.

  According to the present invention, usability at the time of sheet replacement can be improved.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming apparatus including a paper feeding device. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a paper deck. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a lifter. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of each sensor. It is a figure which shows the position of a rear-end control member. It is a figure which shows the position of a main lifter and an extension lifter. It is a figure which shows the position of the main lifter and the extension lifter according to the sheet | seat remaining amount. It is a figure which shows the position of the main lifter and extension lifter by the presence or absence of a residual sheet | seat. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus including a sheet feeding device. It is a figure which shows a main lifter position detection sensor and an extension lifter HP sensor. It is a figure which shows a main lifter position detection sensor and an extension lifter HP sensor. It is a flowchart which shows the detection process of the presence or absence of a residual sheet. It is a flowchart which shows the process until a long paper is set. It is a flowchart which shows the process until a long paper is set.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the present invention. . The same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming apparatus (image forming system) including a sheet feeding device according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1000 includes an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as apparatus main body) 900, a scanner device 2000 disposed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 900, and a paper deck 3000 connected to the apparatus main body 900.

  The scanner device 2000 includes a scanning optical system light source 201, a platen glass 202, an openable / closable original pressure plate 203, a lens 204, a light receiving element (photoelectric conversion element) 205, an image processing unit 206, and a memory unit 208. Read on. The memory unit 208 stores the image processing signal processed by the image processing unit 206. The scanner device 2000 is configured to irradiate a document (not shown) placed on the platen glass 202 with light from the scanning optical system light source 201 when reading the document. The read original image is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 206, converted into an electrically encoded electric signal 207, and transmitted to the laser scanner 111 in the apparatus main body 900.

  Note that the image information processed and encoded by the image processing unit 206 can be temporarily stored in the memory unit 208 and transmitted to the laser scanner 111 as needed by a signal from the controller 120 described later. In addition, in the paper deck 3000, a control unit 41 that controls the paper deck 3000 according to a command from the controller 120 is configured. The control unit 41 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and comprehensively controls the paper deck 3000.

  The apparatus main body 900 includes sheet feeding cassettes 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1004 that feed sheets S, and a sheet conveyance device 902 that conveys the sheets S fed from the sheet feeding cassettes 1001 to 1004 to the image forming unit 901. I have. The apparatus main body 900 includes a controller 120 having a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM that collectively control each unit of the image forming apparatus 1000. The overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1000 is realized by the cooperation of the controller 120 and the control unit 41.

  Here, each of the sheet cassettes 1001 to 1004 includes a storage unit 10 that stores sheets S, a pickup roller 11, and a separation conveyance roller pair 25 including a feed roller 22 and a retard roller 23. The sheets S stored in the storage unit 10 are separated and fed one by one by a pickup roller 11 and a separation conveying roller pair 25 that are rotated by moving up and down at a predetermined timing. A feed sensor 24 is disposed in the vicinity of the downstream side of the feed roller 22 and the retard roller 23 in the sheet feeding direction, and the passage of the sheet S is detected by the feeding sensor 24, and the detection signal is used as the controller 120. Sent to.

  The sheet conveyance device 902 includes a conveyance roller pair 15, a pre-registration roller pair 130, and a registration roller pair 110. The sheet S fed from the sheet feeding cassettes 1001 to 1004 is guided to the registration roller pair 110 after passing through the sheet conveyance path 108 by the conveyance roller pair 15 and the pre-registration roller pair 130. Thereafter, the sheet S is supplied to the image forming unit 901 by the registration roller pair 110 at a predetermined timing.

  The image forming unit 901 includes a photosensitive drum 112, a laser scanner 111, a developing device 114, a transfer charger 115, and a separation charger 116. At the time of image formation, the laser beam from the laser scanner 111 is reflected by the mirror 113 and applied to the photosensitive drum 112 that rotates in the clockwise direction, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 112. Further, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 112 is visualized as a toner image by the developing device 114.

  The toner image on the photosensitive drum 112 is transferred to the sheet S by the transfer charger 115 in the transfer unit 112b. The sensor 112a detects the sheet in front of the transfer charger 115. Further, the sheet S on which the toner image is transferred in this manner is electrostatically separated from the photosensitive drum 112 by the separation charger 116 and then conveyed to the fixing device 118 by the conveyance belt 117 to fix the toner image. The paper is discharged by the discharge roller 119. The image forming unit 901 and the fixing device 118 form an image on the sheet S fed from the sheet feeding device (paper feeding device) 30 or the paper feeding cassettes 1001 to 1004.

  Further, a discharge sensor 122 is disposed in the conveyance path between the fixing device 118 and the discharge roller 119, and the controller 120 detects the passage of the discharged sheet S based on the detection signal of the discharge sensor 122.

  In the present embodiment, the apparatus main body 900 and the scanner apparatus 2000 are configured as separate bodies, but the apparatus main body 900 and the scanner apparatus 2000 may be integrated. In addition, the apparatus main body 900 functions as a copying machine when a processing signal of the scanner apparatus 2000 is input to the laser scanner 111, or functions as a FAX apparatus when a FAX transmission signal is input. To do. Furthermore, if a signal from a personal computer (PC) is input, it functions as a printer. Further, if the processing signal of the image processing unit 206 of the scanner device 2000 is transmitted to another FAX device, the scanner device 2000 functions as a FAX device. In the scanner device 2000, if an automatic document feeder (ADF) 250 as shown by a two-dot chain line is configured instead of the pressure plate 203, a plurality of documents (not shown) can be read continuously. Become.

  Next, the sheet feeding apparatus 30 of the image forming apparatus 1000 according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described using a paper deck 3000 that is a large capacity deck as an example. FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main part of the paper deck 3000 with the exterior cover removed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the paper deck 3000 includes an apparatus main body 3000a, a large-capacity deck storage 62 accommodated in the apparatus main body 3000a, and a sheet feeding apparatus 30. . The sheet feeding device 30 sends out the sheets S stacked and stored in the large-capacity deck storage 62 toward the image forming unit 901.

  The sheet feeding apparatus 30 includes a pickup roller 51 that feeds sheets S stacked on a main lifter (main tray) 61a and an extension lifter (extension tray) 61b (hereinafter collectively referred to as lifter 61), and a pair of separation conveyance rollers. 31. Here, the separation conveyance roller pair 31 includes the feed roller 12 and the retard roller 13. The main lifter 61a stacks sheets SS of regular size paper (hereinafter referred to as plain paper, for example). The extension lifter 61b is used when it is desired to feed a large-size sheet SL (hereinafter referred to as a long sheet) by expanding the stacking area on the main tray. The pickup roller 51 can be pressed by applying an appropriate force to the uppermost sheet on the lifter 61 in the vicinity of the leading end in the sheet feeding direction (the direction of arrow b in FIG. 2A). Has been placed. The pickup roller 51 is provided above the lifter 61 and abuts on the uppermost sheet of the sheet S stacked on the lifter 61 that has been lifted to feed the uppermost sheet.

  The lifter 61 can stack sheets and is supported by a drive mechanism including a lifting motor as shown in FIG. 7 so as to be lifted and lowered in the stacking direction (vertical direction and vertical direction). An upper surface detection sensor 50 is disposed on the upstream side of the pickup roller 51 above the lifter 61. The upper surface detection sensor 50 is located above the lifter 61 and detects the lifter 61 in a state where the sheet S on the stacking member or the sheet S is not stacked at the height when the sheet is fed (upper surface detection). One case). In the present embodiment, the height at the time of feeding the above-described sheet is the upper limit position where the lifter 61 can be raised.

  The sheet feeding device 30 includes a lifter 61 and two pairs of side regulating members 80 and 83. The side regulating members 80 and 83 are side ends in the width direction (arrow h direction in FIG. 2A) orthogonal to the feeding direction of the sheets S stacked on the lifter 61 (arrow b direction in FIG. 2A). The position can be regulated and both can move in the width direction.

  In the present embodiment, the pickup roller 51 is configured to be capable of being pressed by applying an appropriate force to the uppermost sheet of the sheets S on the stacking member. The sheets S on the lifter 61 are separated and fed one by one by a pickup roller 51 and a separation conveying roller pair 31 that rotate by moving up and down at a predetermined timing.

  A connection conveyance path 32 for sending the sheet S from the paper deck 3000 side to the pre-registration roller pair 130 on the apparatus main body 900 side is configured at a connection portion of the paper deck 3000 with the apparatus main body 900. The sensor 14 detects a sheet on the conveyance path 32. In the large-capacity deck storage 62, two pairs are provided on both sides in a direction (arrow h (width) direction in FIG. 2A) orthogonal to the sheet feeding direction (arrow b direction in FIG. 2A). Side regulating members 80 and 83 are disposed. The two pairs of side regulating members 80 and 83 are configured to be able to slide to all the sheet size widths corresponding to the specifications and guide the sheet S on the lifter 61. That is, the side regulating members 80 and 83 are supported so as to be movable in the width direction, and abut both ends of the stacked sheets S to regulate both side positions of the sheets S. Note that the front end restricting portion 86 in FIG. 2A restricts the front end portion of the sheet S on the lifter 61. Further, a rear end regulating member 87 is disposed so as to regulate the rear end portion of the sheet S on the lifter 61. The trailing edge regulating member 87 is supported so as to be movable in parallel with the sheet feeding direction (arrow b direction), and regulates the trailing edge position of the sheet S. This rear end regulating member 87 is movable along a positioning slot 61 c formed at the center of the lifter 61.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, when the pickup roller 51 is driven and rotated in the direction in which the sheet S is fed (direction of arrow a in FIG. 2A), the uppermost sheet S is sent out in the direction of arrow b. It is. As a result, the sheet S comes into contact with the nip portion of the separation conveyance roller pair 31 adjacent to the exit side of the pickup roller 51.

  When double feeding occurs in the sheet S fed by the pickup roller 51, the following operation is performed. That is, the retard roller 13 driven and rotated in the opposite direction to the feed roller 12 rotating in the same direction as the arrow a (the direction of the arrow c) is the same as the feed roller 12 because two or more sheets S are interposed in the nip portion. Rotate in the direction. Then, the retard roller 13 pushes back the second and subsequent sheets S in the nip portion in the direction of the lifter 61, and the feed roller 12 feeds only the uppermost sheet S in the direction of arrow b.

  When the sheet S is fed from either the paper deck 3000 having the above configuration or the sheet feeding cassettes 1001 to 1004, the leading edge of the sheet S abuts against the nip portion of the pre-registration roller pair 130. The pre-registration roller pair 130 is composed of a pair of opposed rollers, and is arranged on the conveyance path of the sheet S so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow d in FIG. The sheet S that once hits the nip portion of the pre-registration roller pair 130 is conveyed into the apparatus main body 900 by the pre-registration roller pair 130 that rotates in accordance with the feeding timing.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the large-capacity deck storage 62 is pulled out from the paper deck 3000 to the near side. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the user replenishes sheets, removes sheets remaining in the lifter 61, or switches modes to be described later, the large-capacity deck storage 62 is pulled out. It is. The paper deck 3000 includes an LED 400 for notifying the state of the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b, which will be described later, and an opening / closing instruction button 74 for receiving an instruction to pull out the large-capacity deck storage 62. When the user presses the open / close instruction button 74, the large-capacity deck storage 62 can be pulled out.

  Next, the configuration of the lifter 61 will be described.

  The lifter 61 includes a main lifter 61a and an extension lifter 61b. As shown in FIG. 3, the main lifter 61a has a plurality of wires connected to each wire fulcrum of the main lifter 61a, and the main lifter 61a is suspended by the wires. When the wire is wound by the winding unit 90 connected to the lifting / lowering motor 55, the main lifter 61a moves up, and when the wire is sent out, the main lifter 61a moves down.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the extension lifter 61 b is installed by being supported by the extension lifter support member 305 and the large-capacity deck storage 62. However, in FIG. 3, the large-capacity deck storage 62 is not shown. The extension lifter 61b can be connected to and cooperate with the main lifter 61a at a position not less than the support height and not more than the upper limit position, and is configured to be able to follow the main lifter 61a. That is, there is no driving force in the extension lifter 61b itself. For example, if the main lifter 61a is above the support height of the extension lifter 61b, the extension lifter 61b is linked and interlocked with the main lifter 61a. Conversely, if the main lifter 61a is below the support height of the extension lifter 61b (less than the support height position and above the lower limit position), the extension lifter 61b stands by at the support height. Here, the support height is a predetermined height that is set in consideration of the driving force and strength of the lifter 61, and an allowable range of the sheet feeding device 30 determines the number of stacked sheets of long paper SL due to a step between the lifters. It is stored in.

  In the present embodiment, the extension lifter 61b can be interlocked on the track of the main lifter 61a. In FIG. 3, the center of gravity of the extension lifter 61b, the wire 306 positioned in the uppermost stream with respect to the sheet feeding direction, and the extension lifter 61b is indicated by a one-dot chain line. The wire 306 positioned at the most upstream in the paper feeding direction is installed on the right side of the center of gravity of the extension lifter 61b. With such a configuration, the posture of the extension lifter 61b is stabilized, and it is possible to reduce the operation sound that occurs when contacting and separating from the main lifter 61a.

  Here, two modes of the sheet feeding apparatus 30 depending on the type of stacked sheets will be described. In the present embodiment, the types of sheets are roughly classified into two. One is plain paper such as A3 and A4, and one is long paper that is longer in the paper feed and transport direction than plain paper. The sheets stacked on the lifter 61 are divided into plain paper and long paper according to the position of the trailing edge regulating member 87. The position of the rear end regulating member 87 is detected by the rear end regulating member position detection sensor 302 in FIG. Further, in the present embodiment, the mode of the plain paper and the long paper is divided according to the position of the trailing edge regulating member 87 described above, but these modes are set by the user by operating the operation panel 40. Anyway.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the trailing edge regulating member 87 is on the left side of the one-dot chain line in FIG. 5A, it is determined that the sheets stacked on the lifter 61 are plain paper. In this embodiment, this state is called a plain paper mode. In the plain paper mode, as shown in FIG. 4A, the lifter 61 can be lowered to the lowest position detectable by the lower limit position detection sensor 301, and a large number of sheets can be stacked. .

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the rear end regulating member 87 is on the right side of the one-dot chain line in FIG. 5B, it is determined that the sheets stacked on the lifter 61 are long paper. The In this embodiment, this state is called a long paper mode. In the long paper mode, as shown in FIG. 4B, the lifter 61 can only be lowered to a position that can be detected by the extended lifter HP sensor 304, and the number of sheets that can be stacked is the same as that in the plain paper mode. Limited by comparison.

  As the user moves the trailing edge regulating member 87 from the right side to the left side of the alternate long and short dash line as shown in FIG. 5A, the mode is switched from the long paper mode to the plain paper mode. Further, as the user moves the rear end regulating member 87 from the left side to the right side of the alternate long and short dash line as shown in FIG. 5B, the mode is switched from the plain paper mode to the long paper mode. In this embodiment, the plain paper mode and the long paper mode will be described. However, as long as the relationship between the first size sheet and the second size sheet larger than the first size, the plain paper or the long paper mode is used. It is not limited to.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the arrangement positions of the sensors provided in the sheet feeding device 30 will be described. The main lifter position detection sensor 303 is provided at a position corresponding to a case where the number of stacked sheets on the main lifter 61a is 1000, and detects the main lifter 61a at that position. The extension lifter HP sensor 304 is provided at a position corresponding to the case where the number of stacked sheets on the extension lifter 61b is 1000, and detects the extension lifter 61b or the sheet at that position. Further, the position corresponding to the case where the number of stacked sheets on the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b is 1000 is also the above-described position of the support height. The relay sensor 48 is provided at a position corresponding to the case where the number of stacked sheets on the main lifter 61a is less than 1000 sheets, for example, 850 sheets, and detects the main lifter 61a or the sheet at that position. The foreign matter detection sensor 49 detects the presence of a sheet or foreign matter on the extension lifter 61b. Further, the paper presence / absence detection sensor 300 detects the presence / absence of a sheet or foreign matter on the main lifter 61a. When the user opens the storage (cover), the upper surface of the lifter is lowered to the position of the relay sensor 48 and stopped so that the sheet can be easily replenished. At that time, if a sheet is stacked on the lifter, the upper surface of the sheet descends to the position of the relay sensor 48 and stops.

  The main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the extended lifter HP sensor 304 are configured as a U-shaped sensor using an interrupter as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, for example. FIG. 10 is a view of the flags provided on the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b as viewed from an oblique direction, and FIG. 11 is a view as viewed from the top. FIG. 11 shows a state in which a flag passes in a U-shape.

  As shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to determine whether or not the main lifter 61 a and the extension lifter 61 b are synchronized by a combination of ON / OFF of the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the extension lifter HP sensor 304. Here, being synchronized means that there is no step between the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b, and not synchronizing means that there is a step between the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b. Means state.

  FIG. 6A shows a case where the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are interlocked and located above the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the extension lifter HP sensor 304. In this example, the number of stacked sheets is above the position of 1000 sheets. In that case, both sensors are off. FIG. 6B shows a case where the main lifter 61 a and the extension lifter 61 b are at the support height of the extension lifter support member 305. In this example, the number of stacked sheets is 1000. In that case, both sensors are turned on. FIG. 6C shows a case where the main lifter 61a is below the support height of the extension lifter support member 305 and the extension lifter 61b is at the support height. In this example, the main lifter 61a is located below the position of 1000 sheets. In this case, the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is turned off and the extended lifter HP sensor 304 is turned on.

  The level difference between the lifters occurs, for example, according to the stacking amount of the remaining sheets remaining in the storage. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the number of remaining sheets is less than a predetermined amount (for example, less than 150 sheets), the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are synchronized and in a horizontal state without a step. In this state, the user removes (removes) the remaining sheet, and slides the trailing edge regulating member 87 to the rear side (right side in the drawing) of the trailing edge regulating member position detection sensor 302, thereby removing the long paper. Can be set.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the number of remaining sheets is a predetermined amount or more (for example, 150 sheets or more), the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are not synchronized and are in a stepped state. In this state, the user first removes the remaining sheet and slides the rear end regulating member 87 to the rear side (right side in the figure) behind the rear end regulating member position detection sensor 302. When the user closes the storage, a synchronization operation between the lifters is performed, and a long paper can be stacked. In the present embodiment, the threshold value is 150 sheets, but the threshold value is not limited to the above, and the threshold value can be variously changed depending on the configuration. For example, when the sheet can be detected one by one, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of residual paper in addition to the presence or absence of a step between the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b.

  As described above, since a step is generated between the lifters due to a large amount of remaining sheets in the sheet feeding device 30, a process for synchronizing the lifters is necessary to make it possible to set long paper. Therefore, in the sheet feeding apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment, it is confirmed whether or not a predetermined amount or more of remaining sheets are stacked.

  In the present embodiment, the confirmation of the remaining sheet is determined based on the reaction order (detection order) of the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the relay sensor 48. As shown in FIG. 8B, when the user removes a large amount (for example, 150 sheets or more) of remaining sheets and closes the storage case, the main lifter 61a rises due to a synchronous operation. Then, at the time of ascent, the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the relay sensor 48 react in this order. That is, detection by the relay sensor 48 is performed after detection by the main lifter position detection sensor 303. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), when the remaining sheet is forgotten to be removed, the relay sensor 48 reacts first when rising. That is, in this embodiment, the user is notified to remove the sheet when the relay sensor 48 reacts first. As a result, the user is promptly notified and the waiting time of the user can be shortened.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a remaining sheet determination process in the present embodiment. Each process of FIG. 12 is implement | achieved, for example, when CPU of the control part 41 (henceforth CPU only) reads the program memorize | stored in ROM to RAM, and executes it. The process of FIG. 12 is started when the user tries to switch the mode or opens the storage to remove the remaining sheet in the sheet feeding apparatus 30.

  In S101, the CPU waits for an instruction to open the storage. This determination is made based on whether or not the opening / closing instruction button 74 is pressed. When an instruction to open the storage is received, in S102, the CPU determines whether or not it is the plain paper mode based on the position of the trailing edge regulating member 87. If it is determined that the plain paper mode is selected, the process proceeds to S103. If it is determined that the plain paper mode is not selected, the process proceeds to S114.

  In S103, S104, and S105, the CPU lowers the main lifter 61a and stops the main lifter 61a when the relay sensor 48 is turned off. In S106, the CPU opens the storage. At this point, the user can remove the remaining sheets in the storage, switch modes, and insert sheets. In S107, the CPU stands by for closing the storage. When the storage is closed, the process proceeds to S108.

  In S <b> 108, the CPU determines whether or not the long paper mode is set based on the position of the trailing edge regulating member 87. If it is determined that the long paper mode is selected, that is, if the mode is switched, the process proceeds to S109. On the other hand, if it is determined not to be in the long paper mode, for example, if the sheet is inserted while in the plain paper mode, the process proceeds to S117. In S <b> 117, the CPU starts a sheet (plain paper) feeding operation from the sheet feeding device 30.

  When the process proceeds to S109, it is a case where switching from the plain paper mode to the long paper mode is performed. In this embodiment, as described below, based on the reaction order of each sensor by the movement of the main lifter 61a. Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined amount or more of remaining sheets are stacked.

  In S109, the CPU raises the main lifter 61a. In S110, the CPU determines whether or not the relay sensor 48 is off. If it is determined that the relay sensor 48 is OFF, the process proceeds to S111. If it is determined that the relay sensor 48 is not OFF, that is, it is ON, the process proceeds to S113. In the case of proceeding to S113, since the remaining sheet is stacked on the main lifter 61a, it means that the relay sensor 48 has reacted first, so the CPU indicates that there is a remaining sheet on the operation panel 40 by a warning display or the like. Notify residual error. In that case, you may make it display together that the opening of a storage is promoted. After S113, the processing from S106 is repeated.

  In S111, the CPU determines whether or not the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is on. If it is determined that the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is on, the process proceeds to S112. If it is determined that the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is not on, that is, it is off, the processes from S110 are repeated. When the process proceeds to S112, since the remaining sheets are not stacked on the main lifter 61a, the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the relay sensor 48 react in this order as the main lifter 61a rises. In S112, the CPU stops the rise of the main lifter 61a. At this time, the printer is in a standby mode (long paper can be inserted) in the long paper mode.

  After S112 or when it is determined in S102 that the mode is not the plain paper mode, in S114, the CPU opens the storage. At this point, the user can remove the remaining sheets in the storage, switch modes, and insert sheets. In S115, the CPU stands by for closing the storage. When the storage is closed, the process proceeds to S116.

  In S <b> 116, the CPU determines whether the long paper mode is set based on the position of the trailing edge regulating member 87. If it is determined that the long paper mode is selected, the process proceeds to S117. In S <b> 117, the CPU starts a sheet (long paper) feeding operation from the sheet feeding device 30. On the other hand, if it is determined not to be in the long paper mode, that is, if it is determined to be in the plain paper mode, the process proceeds to S103.

  After S112, the case where the long paper mode is determined in S116 is a state in which the long paper is inserted in the standby state in the long paper mode, and thus the long paper feeding operation starts in S117. Is done. Further, after S112, the case where it is determined in S116 that the paper mode is not the long paper mode is a state in which the long paper mode is switched from the standby state to the plain paper mode. In this case, the processing after S103 is performed again, and if the plain paper mode is maintained due to the insertion of plain paper or the like, the process proceeds from S108 to S117, and the plain paper feeding operation is started. Further, when switching to the long paper mode is performed again, it is determined whether or not a predetermined amount or more of remaining sheets are stacked after S109 in order to set the standby mode in the long paper mode. Is called.

  After S102, the case where the long paper mode is determined in S116 means that the long paper feeding operation was performed last time. Therefore, by opening the storage, The remaining sheet is removed, the mode is switched, and the sheet can be inserted. If the long paper mode is determined in S116 due to the insertion of the long paper, the long paper feeding operation is performed in S117. If the mode is switched to the plain paper mode, the plain paper mode is determined in S116, and the processing from S103 is performed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the remaining sheets on the main lifter 61a are confirmed based on the reaction order of the relay sensor 48 and the main lifter position detection sensor 303, the remaining sheets of a predetermined amount or more are stacked. The user can be notified promptly when it is.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the image forming apparatus 1000 for realizing the operation of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a paper deck 3000, the apparatus main body 900, and the operation panel 40. The operation panel 40 displays various user interface screens such as device information, setting screens, and job information, and receives instructions and setting operations from the user. The operation panel 40 is configured in the apparatus main body 900, for example. The apparatus main body 900 issues a print request to the control unit 41 of the paper deck 3000. When the control unit 41 receives a print request from the apparatus main body 900, the apparatus main body 900 performs a paper feeding operation on the apparatus main body 900.

  The control unit 41 controls the paper deck 3000 in an integrated manner. For example, when receiving an open / close request signal by pressing the open / close instruction button 74, the control unit 41 releases the lock state of the storage lock solenoid 46 via the driver 45, and opens the storage. The control unit 41 drives various motors 44 on the sheet conveyance path via a motor driver 43 connected to an input / output interface (I / O) 42. The control unit 41 also controls a drive mechanism 54 that moves the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b up and down via a motor driver 53 connected to an input / output interface (I / O) 42. The drive mechanism 54 includes a lift motor 55. The elevating motor 55 drives the winding unit 90 shown in FIG.

  Detection signals from the relay sensor 48, the storage open / close detection sensor 401, the upper surface detection sensor 50, and the paper presence / absence detection sensor 300 are transmitted to the control unit 41. Here, the storage open / close detection sensor 401 is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the storage. Detection signals from the lower limit position detection sensor 301, the rear end regulating member position detection sensor 302, the main lifter position detection sensor 303, the extension lifter HP sensor 304, and the foreign object detection sensor 49 are transmitted to the control unit 41. Further, a storage open request signal when the open / close instruction button 74 is pressed is transmitted to the control unit 41.

  The control unit 41 controls lighting of the LED 400 by a lighting control signal of the LED 400. The lighting control of the LED 400 will be described in the second embodiment.

[Second Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the user is notified of whether or not the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are synchronized, that is, whether or not there is a step (information on positional relationship). Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the sheet feeding apparatus 30 is provided with an LED 400, and the state between the main lifter 61a and the extended lifter 61b is indicated to the user by a plurality of types of lighting display patterns of the LED 400. Notice.

  Here, the lighting pattern of the LED 400 will be described. Table 1 shows the total lighting pattern of the LED 400 for each mode.

  In addition, the LED 400 determines whether the above-described modes and the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are synchronized with the rear end regulating member extension detection sensor 302, the main lifter position detection sensor 303, and the extension lifter HP sensor 304. Judgment based on. Then, the determination result can be identified to the user by the lighting method of three patterns of lighting / extinguishing / flashing. That is, the state between the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b is determined by the combination of on / off of the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the extension lifter HP sensor 304.

  As shown in Table 1, the LED 400 is turned off in the plain paper mode regardless of whether the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are synchronized. This is because the paper set can be exchanged from plain paper to plain paper regardless of whether or not the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are synchronized. The user can recognize that the paper set can be changed from plain paper to plain paper by turning off the LED 400.

  Further, the LED 400 is lit when the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are synchronized and in the long paper mode. The user can recognize that the paper set can be exchanged from long paper to long paper and from long paper to plain paper by turning on the LED 400.

  In addition, the LED 400 blinks when the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are not synchronized and in the long paper mode. In this state, since the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are not synchronized, the paper set cannot be exchanged from plain paper to long paper. Therefore, it is necessary to cause the user to close the storage and perform an operation of synchronizing the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b. The user can recognize that the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are not synchronized by blinking the LED 400. Information as shown in Table 1 is stored in the ROM of the control unit 41, for example.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing until long paper is set in the present embodiment. Each process of FIG. 13 is implement | achieved when CPU (henceforth CPU only) of the control part 41 reads and memorize | stores the program memorize | stored in ROM in RAM, for example. The process of FIG. 13 is started when the trailing edge regulating member position detection sensor 302 is turned on, that is, when it is detected that the long paper mode is set.

  In S <b> 201, the CPU confirms a combination of detection results of the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the extended lifter HP sensor 304. Here, when the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is off and the extended lifter HP sensor 304 is on, there is a step, so the process proceeds to S202, and the CPU causes the LED 400 to blink. On the other hand, when the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the extension lifter HP sensor 304 are on, it indicates that there is no step, and thus the process proceeds to S215, and the CPU turns on the LED 400. After S215, a long paper set is received in S216. After S215, the process in FIG. 13 is terminated.

  After S202, in S203, the CPU displays a message for setting a long sheet on the operation panel 40. For example, the message “Please remove the paper and close the storage to prepare for the long paper set. If you are using the normal size, please check the position of the trailing edge regulating plate.” Is done.

  In S204, when detecting that the storage has been closed, the CPU raises the main lifter 61a in S205. In S206, the CPU confirms a combination of detection results of the relay sensor 48 and the main lifter position detection sensor 303. If the relay sensor 48 is on and the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is off, the process proceeds to S207, and the CPU displays a message prompting the operation panel 40 to remove the remaining sheet. For example, a message “Open the storage, remove the paper, and close the storage” is displayed. After S207, the processing from S204 is repeated. As described in the first embodiment, this is because the relay sensor 48 is turned on before the main lifter position detection sensor 303 because there is a remaining sheet on the main lifter 61a.

  On the other hand, if the relay sensor 48 is off and the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is off, the process proceeds to S208. In S208, the CPU waits for the main lifter position detection sensor 303 to change from OFF to ON to OFF. When the main lifter position detection sensor 303 changes from off to on to off, in S209, the CPU reverses (that is, lowers) the movement of the main lifter 61a.

  In S210 and S211, the CPU lowers the main lifter 61a until the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is on and the extension lifter HP sensor 304 is on. When the main lifter position detection sensor 303 is turned on and the extended lifter HP sensor 304 is turned on, in S212, the CPU displays a message prompting the operator to open the storage in the operation panel 40. In S213, the CPU opens the storage, and accepts a set of long paper in S214. Thereafter, the process of FIG. 13 is terminated.

  In the present embodiment, the main lifter position detection sensor 303 and the extension lifter HP sensor 304 have the above-described support height corresponding to the position corresponding to the case where the number of stacked sheets on the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b is 1000 sheets. The main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are detected. However, other configurations may be used. For example, the extension lifter 61b may be detected by at least the extension lifter HP sensor 304 at the above support height. Then, at a position higher than the support height, a position is determined that the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are reliably connected together and can load a long sheet. That is, the position is a position where the extended lifter HP sensor 304 is turned off. In such a configuration, it may be determined whether the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are synchronized based on the detection result of the extension lifter HP sensor 304. Since the extension lifter HP sensor 304 is provided at the lower limit position of the extension lifter 61 b, the extension lifter 61 b does not move below the detection position of the extension lifter HP sensor 304. Therefore, when the main lifter 61a is at a position below the extension lifter 61b, the lifters are not connected to each other, and the extension lifter HP sensor 304 remains on. Even when the main lifter 61a is at the same height as the lower limit position of the extension lifter 61b, the connection between the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b is not yet completed, and the extension lifter HP sensor 304 is Is on. With such a configuration, when the extension lifter HP sensor 304 detects the extension lifter 61b (the sensor is turned on), the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are not completely connected, and there is a step between the lifters. Therefore, it can be determined that the long paper cannot be stacked. On the other hand, when the extension lifter HP sensor 304 does not detect the extension lifter 61b, the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are both at positions where the lifters are connected to each other or above the position where the connection is completed, Since the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are completely connected and there is no step between the lifters, it can be determined that the long paper can be stacked. As described above, only the detection result of the extension lifter HP sensor 304 can notify the user whether or not the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are securely connected, that is, whether or not long paper can be stacked. I can do it. As an example of notification in such a case, a lighting pattern using the LED 400 is shown in Table 2. In Table 2, blinking indicates that long paper cannot be stacked, and lighting indicates that long paper can be stacked.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing until long paper is set in the above-described configuration. Each process of FIG. 14 is implement | achieved, for example, when CPU of the control part 41 (henceforth CPU only) reads the program memorize | stored in ROM to RAM, and executes it. The process of FIG. 14 is started when the rear end regulating member position detection sensor 302 is turned on, that is, when it is detected that the long paper mode is set.

  In S301, the CPU confirms the detection result of the extension lifter HP sensor 304. Here, when the extension lifter HP sensor 304 is turned on, as described above, the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are not completely connected, indicating that a long paper cannot be set. In S302, the CPU causes the LED 400 to blink. On the other hand, when the extension lifter HP sensor 304 is off, the main lifter 61a and the extension lifter 61b are completely connected to each other, indicating that a long sheet can be set. The LED 400 is turned on (indicating that long paper can be set). After S310, a set of long paper is received, and the process of FIG.

  After S302, in S303, the CPU displays a message for setting the long paper on the operation panel 40. For example, the message “Please remove the paper and close the storage to prepare for the long paper set. If you are using the normal size, please check the position of the trailing edge regulating plate.” Is done.

  In S304, when detecting that the storage has been closed, the CPU raises the main lifter 61a in S305. In S306, the CPU waits for the extension lifter HP sensor 304 to change from on to off. When the extension lifter HP sensor 304 changes from on to off, in S307, the CPU stops the rise of the main lifter 61a. Thereafter, in S <b> 308, the CPU displays a message prompting the operator to open the storage on the operation panel 40. In S309, the CPU opens the storage and accepts a set of long paper. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 14 is terminated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the lighting pattern of the LED 400 allows the user to recognize the state of the lifter 61 in an identifiable manner. For example, when long paper is set after removing plain paper In the state where the step is generated, the long paper is not set and an error is not generated, and it is possible to eliminate troubles such as error cancellation by the user.

  30 Sheet feeding device: 41 Control unit: 48 Relay sensor: 61a Main lifter: 61b Extension lifter: 303 Main lifter position detection sensor: 304 Extension lifter HP sensor

Claims (23)

First stacking means capable of moving up and down between an upper limit position that can be raised and a lower limit position that can be lowered, and capable of stacking sheets of a first size;
The first stacking means is connected to the first stacking means at a predetermined position in the up-and-down direction of the first stacking means, and the first stacking means is located when the position of the first stacking means is not less than the predetermined position and not more than the upper limit position. The first stacking means can be moved up and down together with the first stacking means to cooperate with the first stacking means to stack sheets of a second size larger than the first size, and the position of the first stacking means Second stacking means that is in a state where the connection with the first stacking means is released when is less than the predetermined position and not less than the lower limit position;
First detection means for detecting that the first loading means is located at the predetermined position;
Second detection means for detecting that the second loading means is located at the predetermined position;
Upper surface detecting means for detecting a sheet stacked on the first stacking means or an upper surface of the first stacking means;
A setting means for setting which size of the plurality of size sheets including the first size sheet and the second size sheet is to be stacked;
When the setting unit is set to stack the second-size sheets, and when the upper surface detection unit detects a sheet stacked on the first stacking unit, and the first Determining means for determining an error when the loading means is not at the predetermined position and the second loading means is at the predetermined position;
A loading apparatus comprising:   2. The stacking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the error is an error indicating that a sheet remains on the first stacking unit and prompting the removal of the remaining sheet.   The upper surface detecting means detects a sheet stacked on the first stacking means or an upper surface of the first stacking means at a first position higher than the predetermined position and lower than the upper limit position. The loading device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein First stacking means capable of moving up and down between an upper limit position that can be raised and a lower limit position that can be lowered, and capable of stacking sheets of a first size;
The first stacking means is connected to the first stacking means at a predetermined position in the up-and-down direction of the first stacking means, and the first stacking means is located when the position of the first stacking means is not less than the predetermined position and not more than the upper limit position. The first stacking means can be moved up and down together with the first stacking means to cooperate with the first stacking means to stack sheets of a second size larger than the first size, and the position of the first stacking means Second stacking means that is in a state where the connection with the first stacking means is released when is less than the predetermined position and not less than the lower limit position;
First detection means for detecting that a sheet stacked on the first stacking means or the first stacking means is positioned at a first position higher than the predetermined position and lower than the upper limit position; ,
Second detection means for detecting the second loading means at the predetermined position;
A setting means for setting which size of the plurality of size sheets including the first size sheet and the second size sheet is to be stacked;
When the first stacking unit is raised, the setting unit is set to stack the second size sheets and before the second detection unit detects the second stacking unit. A determination unit that determines an error when the first detection unit detects a sheet stacked on the first stacking unit;
A loading apparatus comprising:   The first detection unit and the second detection unit are configured such that when the sheet is not stacked on the first stacking unit, the detection by the first detection unit is performed after the detection by the second detection unit. The loading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein   The first detection unit detects a sheet on the first stacking unit when the determination unit determines that the error is detected, and detects the first stacking unit when the determination unit does not determine the error. The stacking apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the stacking apparatus is configured as described above.   7. The error according to claim 4, wherein the error is an error indicating that a sheet remains on the first stacking unit and prompting the removal of the remaining sheet. The loading device according to the item. First stacking means capable of moving up and down between an upper limit position that can be raised and a lower limit position that can be lowered, and capable of stacking sheets of a first size;
The first stacking means is connected to the first stacking means at a predetermined position in the up-and-down direction of the first stacking means, and the first stacking means is located when the position of the first stacking means is not less than the predetermined position and not more than the upper limit position. The first stacking means can be moved up and down together with the first stacking means to cooperate with the first stacking means to stack sheets of a second size larger than the first size, and the position of the first stacking means Second stacking means that is in a state where the connection with the first stacking means is released when is less than the predetermined position and not less than the lower limit position;
First detection means for detecting that the first loading means is located at the predetermined position;
Second detection means for detecting that the second loading means is located at the predetermined position;
Notification means for notifying a positional relationship between the first loading means and the second loading means;
Control means for causing the notification means to perform notification according to the detection result of the first detection means and the detection result of the second detection means;
A loading apparatus comprising:   The control unit determines whether or not the second size sheet can be stacked based on the positional relationship. When it is determined that the second size sheet can be stacked, and when it is not stackable. The stacking apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the notifying unit is notified so that it can be distinguished from the determined case.   10. The notification unit according to claim 8, wherein the notification unit performs notification according to a detection result of the first detection unit and a detection result of the second detection unit by using a plurality of types of lighting displays. Loading equipment. A setting unit for setting which size of the plurality of size sheets including the first size sheet and the second size sheet is set;
When the setting unit is configured to stack the second size sheets, the control unit sends a notification according to the detection result of the first detection unit and the detection result of the second detection unit. The loading device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the notification unit is configured to perform the notification. First stacking means capable of moving up and down between an upper limit position that can be raised and a lower limit position that can be lowered, and capable of stacking sheets of a first size;
A second stacking unit that moves up and down together with the first stacking unit, and that can stack sheets of a second size larger than the first size in cooperation with the first stacking unit;
First detection means for detecting the first loading means;
Second detection means for detecting the second loading means;
Notification means for notifying a positional relationship between the first loading means and the second loading means;
Control means for causing the notification means to perform notification according to the detection result of the first detection means and the detection result of the second detection means;
A loading apparatus comprising:   The control unit determines whether or not the second size sheet can be stacked based on the positional relationship. When it is determined that the second size sheet can be stacked, and when it is not stackable. 13. The loading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the notification unit is notified so that it can be distinguished from the determined case.   The said notification means performs notification according to the detection result of the said 1st detection means and the detection result of the said 2nd detection means by optical multiple types of lighting display. Loading equipment. A setting unit for setting which size of the plurality of size sheets including the first size sheet and the second size sheet is set;
When the setting unit is configured to stack the second size sheets, the control unit sends a notification according to the detection result of the first detection unit and the detection result of the second detection unit. The stacking apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the loading unit performs the notification. First stacking means capable of moving up and down between an upper limit position that can be raised and a lower limit position that can be lowered, and capable of stacking sheets of a first size;
The first stacking means is connected to the first stacking means at a predetermined position in the up-and-down direction of the first stacking means, and the first stacking means is located when the position of the first stacking means is not less than the predetermined position and not more than the upper limit position. The first stacking means can be moved up and down together with the first stacking means to cooperate with the first stacking means to stack sheets of a second size larger than the first size, and the position of the first stacking means Second stacking means that is in a state where the connection with the first stacking means is released when is less than the predetermined position and not less than the lower limit position;
Detecting means for detecting the position of the second loading means;
Notification means for notifying a positional relationship between the first loading means and the second loading means;
Control means for causing the notification means to perform notification according to the detection result of the detection means;
A loading apparatus comprising:   The control unit determines whether or not the second size sheet can be stacked based on the positional relationship. When it is determined that the second size sheet can be stacked, and when it is not stackable. The loading apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the notifying unit is notified so as to be able to identify the determined case.   18. The loading device according to claim 16, wherein the notification unit performs notification according to a detection result of the detection unit by optically displaying plural types of lighting. A setting unit for setting which size of the plurality of size sheets including the first size sheet and the second size sheet is set;
The control unit causes the notification unit to perform notification according to a detection result of the detection unit when the setting unit sets the second size sheets to be stacked. Item 19. The loading device according to any one of Items 16 to 18. First stacking means capable of moving up and down between an upper limit position that can be raised and a lower limit position that can be lowered, and capable of stacking sheets of a first size;
The first stacking means is connected to the first stacking means at a predetermined position in the up-and-down direction of the first stacking means, and the first stacking means is located when the position of the first stacking means is not less than the predetermined position and not more than the upper limit position. The first stacking means can be moved up and down together with the first stacking means to cooperate with the first stacking means to stack sheets of a second size larger than the first size, and the position of the first stacking means Second stacking means that is in a state where the connection with the first stacking means is released when is less than the predetermined position and not less than the lower limit position;
Detecting means for detecting the position of the second loading means;
Notification means for performing notification according to the detection result of the detection means;
A loading apparatus comprising:   When it is determined whether or not the second size sheet can be stacked based on the positional relationship between the first stacking unit and the second stacking unit, and it is determined that the second size sheet can be stacked 21. The loading apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a control unit that causes the notification unit to make a notification so as to be able to identify a case where it is determined that loading is not possible.   The loading device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the notification unit performs notification according to a detection result of the detection unit by optically displaying plural types of lighting. A setting unit for setting which size of the plurality of size sheets including the first size sheet and the second size sheet is set;
23. The notification unit according to claim 20, wherein the notification unit performs notification according to a detection result of the detection unit when the setting unit is set to stack the second size sheets. The loading device according to any one of the above.