JP2019101411A - Image forming apparatus and medium conveyance device - Google Patents

Abstract

To obtain an image forming apparatus capable of achieving a simple configuration.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image forming part which forms an image on a recording medium, a conveyance member which conveys the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming part, a discharge member which is provided between the conveyance member and a discharge port and can perform a first operation for conveying the recording medium in a first direction toward the discharge port and a second operation for conveying the recording medium in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a sensor which is arranged between the conveyance member and the discharge member and detects the recording medium, and a control part which performs control so that the discharge member starts the second operation, when the discharge member performs the first operation and when the sensor detects the rear end of the recording medium and performs control so that the discharge member stops the second operation, when the sensor detects the recording medium after that.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium, and a medium conveyance apparatus that conveys the recording medium.

  Some image forming apparatuses have a so-called presenter function in which a recording medium on which an image is formed is held at a discharge port for discharging a recording medium, and a user can pull out the recording medium from the discharge port (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-250429 A

  Generally, in electronic devices, for example, it is desirable to realize a simple configuration by reducing the number of parts, and a simple configuration is also expected in an image forming apparatus having a presenter function.

  It is desirable to provide an image forming apparatus and a medium conveyance device that can realize a simple configuration.

  An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming unit, a conveyance member, a discharge member, a sensor, and a control unit. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium. The transport member transports the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. The discharge member is provided between the transport member and the discharge port, and performs a first operation of transporting the recording medium in a first direction toward the discharge port, and a second direction opposite to the first direction. And the second operation to carry out. The sensor is disposed between the transport member and the discharge member to detect the recording medium. The control unit controls the discharge member to start the second operation when the sensor detects the rear end of the recording medium when the discharge member performs the first operation, and the sensor thereafter When the recording medium is detected, the discharge member is controlled to stop the second operation.

  A medium transport apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a transport member, a discharge member, a sensor, and a control unit. The transport member transports the recording medium. The discharge member is provided between the transport member and the discharge port, and performs a first operation of transporting the recording medium in a first direction toward the discharge port, and a second direction opposite to the first direction. And the second operation to carry out. The sensor is disposed between the transport member and the discharge member to detect the recording medium. The control unit controls the discharge member to start the second operation when the sensor detects the rear end of the recording medium when the discharge member performs the first operation, and the sensor thereafter When the recording medium is detected, the discharge member is controlled to stop the second operation.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the medium conveying device in the embodiment of the present invention, when the discharge member performs the first operation, the discharge member is the first one when the sensor detects the rear end of the recording medium. Since the control is performed to start the operation 2 and the discharge member stops the second operation when the sensor detects the recording medium thereafter, a simple configuration can be realized.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a developing unit shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a modification. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to another modification. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to another modification. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the example of 1 structure of the discharge | emission sensor shown in FIG. It is a block diagram showing the example of 1 structure of the sensor lever and optical sensor which were shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 9; FIG. 10 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 9; FIG. 10 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 9; FIG. 10 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 9; FIG. 10 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 9; It is explanatory drawing showing one operation example of the discharge | emission sensor shown in FIG. It is an explanatory view showing one operation example of a discharge sensor concerning a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the control angle in a discharge sensor. It is explanatory drawing showing the other example of the restriction | limiting angle in a discharge sensor. It is explanatory drawing showing the other example of the restriction | limiting angle in a discharge sensor. FIG. 10 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the discharge sensor shown in FIG. 9; It is an explanatory view showing one operation example of a discharge sensor concerning other comparative examples. It is a block diagram showing the example of 1 composition of the discharge sensor concerning a modification. FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing an operation example of the discharge sensor shown in FIG. 19; It is a block diagram showing the example of 1 composition of the discharge sensor concerning other modification. FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing an operation example of the discharge sensor shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 24 is another flowchart showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 24 is an explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 24 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23; FIG. 24 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23; FIG. 24 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23; FIG. 24 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23; FIG. 24 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23; FIG. 24 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23; FIG. 24 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23; FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the example of 1 structure of the discharge | emission sensor shown in FIG. FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 27. FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 28 is another flowchart showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 28 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 28 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 28 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 28 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 28 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 28 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 33 is an explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 32. FIG. 33 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 32. FIG. 33 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 32. FIG. 33 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 32. FIG. 33 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 32. FIG. 33 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 32. FIG. 33 is another explanatory view showing an operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 32.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description will be made in the following order.
1. First Embodiment Second Embodiment Third Embodiment Fourth Embodiment Fifth embodiment

<1. First embodiment>
[Example of configuration]
FIG. 1 shows an exemplary configuration of an image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 has a so-called presenter function in which a recording medium on which an image is formed is held at a discharge port for discharging a recording medium, and a user can pull out the recording medium from the discharge port.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a medium holder 10, a medium supply roller 11, a medium sensor 12, a conveyance roller 13, a medium sensor 14, conveyance rollers 15 and 16, a cutter unit 17, a conveyance roller 18, A built-in sensor 19, three developing units 20 (developing units 20C, 20M, 20Y), three exposure heads 29 (exposure heads 29C, 29M, 29Y), a transfer unit 30, a fixing unit 40, a discharge sensor 47 And a discharge roller 48.

  The medium holder 10 rotatably holds a roll on which the recording medium 9 is wound. For example, so-called continuous paper can be used as the recording medium 9.

  The medium supply roller 11 is a member constituted by a pair of rollers sandwiching the conveyance path 7 and pulls out the recording medium 9 from the roll set in the medium holder 10 based on the power transmitted from the motor (not shown). It conveys along the conveyance path 7. The conveyance path 7 is provided with a guide (not shown), and the recording medium 9 is guided along the conveyance path 7 by this guide.

  The medium sensor 12 detects the recording medium 9. The medium sensor 12 can be configured, for example, using a reflective optical sensor.

  The conveyance roller 13 is a member constituted by a pair of rollers sandwiching the conveyance path 7, and transfers the recording medium 9 conveyed from the medium supply roller 11 to the conveyance path 7 based on the power transmitted from the motor (not shown). It is to be transported along.

  The medium sensor 14 detects the recording medium 9. The medium sensor 14 can be configured, for example, using a reflective optical sensor.

  The conveyance roller 15 is a member constituted by a pair of rollers sandwiching the conveyance path 7, and along the conveyance path 7, the recording medium 9 conveyed from the conveyance roller 13 based on the power transmitted from the motor (not shown). Transport.

  The conveyance roller 16 is a member constituted by a pair of rollers sandwiching the conveyance path 7 and guides the recording medium 9 to the cutter unit 17 along the conveyance path 7 based on the power transmitted from a motor (not shown). It is.

  The cutter unit 17 cuts the recording medium 9. In this example, the cutter unit 17 cuts the recording medium 9 by rotating the blade of the cutter based on the power transmitted from a cutter motor (not shown).

  The conveyance roller 18 is a member constituted by a pair of rollers sandwiching the conveyance path 7, and along the conveyance path 7 the recording medium 9 cut by the cutter unit 17 based on the power transmitted from the motor not shown. Transport. Hereinafter, the recording medium 9A is appropriately used to represent the cut recording medium 9.

  The write sensor 19 detects the recording medium 9. The write sensor 19 can be configured, for example, using a reflective optical sensor. The image forming apparatus 1 detects the tips of the plurality of cut recording media 9A using the write sensor 19, and three exposure heads for forming an image on the recording media 9A based on the detection result. 29 determines the timing (write timing) at which the exposure operation is started. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured to detect the medium length of the cut recording medium 9A by using the write sensor 19.

  The three developing units 20 form toner images, respectively. Specifically, the developing unit 20C is for forming a cyan (C) toner image, the developing unit 20M is for forming a magenta (M) toner image, and the developing unit 20Y is for yellow (Y ) To form a toner image. In this example, the three developing units 20 are arranged in the order of the developing units 20C, 20M, and 20Y in the conveyance direction F1 of the recording medium 9A.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the developing unit 20. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the exposure head 29 is also illustrated. The developing unit 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 22, a developing roller 23, a developing blade 24, and a supply roller 25.

  The photosensitive drum 21 is a member that carries an electrostatic latent image on the surface (surface layer portion). The photosensitive drum 21 is rotated clockwise in this example by the power transmitted from a drum motor (not shown). The photosensitive drum 21 is charged by the charging roller 22 and exposed by the exposure head 29. Specifically, the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20C is exposed by the exposure head 29C, the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20M is exposed by the exposure head 29M, and the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20Y is exposed by the exposure head 29Y . Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 21. Then, toner is supplied to the photosensitive drum 21 by the developing roller 23, whereby a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21.

  The charging roller 22 is a member that charges the surface (surface layer portion) of the photosensitive drum 21. The charging roller 22 is disposed in contact with the surface (peripheral surface) of the photosensitive drum 21 and is disposed so as to be pressed against the photosensitive drum 21 by a predetermined pressing amount. The charging roller 22 rotates counterclockwise in this example according to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 21. A charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 22 by an image formation control unit 53 (described later).

  The developing roller 23 is a member that carries toner on the surface. The developing roller 23 is disposed in contact with the surface (peripheral surface) of the photosensitive drum 21 and is disposed so as to be pressed against the photosensitive drum 21 by a predetermined pressing amount. The developing roller 23 rotates counterclockwise in this example by the power transmitted from a drum motor (not shown). A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 23 by an image forming control unit 53 (described later).

  The developing blade 24 contacts the surface of the developing roller 23 to form a layer (toner layer) made of toner on the surface of the developing roller 23, and regulates (controls and adjusts) the thickness of the toner layer. It is a member. The developing blade 24 is obtained by, for example, bending a plate-like elastic member made of stainless steel or the like into an L shape. The developing blade 24 is disposed so that the bent portion abuts on the surface of the developing roller 23, and is disposed so as to be pressed against the developing roller 23 by a predetermined pressing amount.

  The supply roller 25 is a member for supplying the toner contained in the toner containing portion 26 to the developing roller 23. The supply roller 25 is disposed in contact with the surface (peripheral surface) of the developing roller 23, and is disposed so as to be pressed against the developing roller 23 by a predetermined pressing amount. The supply roller 25 rotates counterclockwise in this example by power transmitted from a drum motor (not shown). As a result, in each developing unit 20, friction occurs between the surface of the supply roller 25 and the surface of the developing roller 23. As a result, in each developing unit 20, the toner is charged by so-called frictional charging. A supply voltage is applied to the supply roller 25 by an image formation control unit 53 (described later).

  The toner storage unit 26 stores toner. Specifically, the toner storage unit 26 of the development unit 20C stores cyan toner, the toner storage unit 26 of the development unit 20M stores magenta toner, and the toner storage unit 26 of the development unit 20Y is yellow. It is designed to contain toner.

  The three exposure heads 29 (FIG. 1) are members that emit light to the photosensitive drums 21 of the corresponding developing units 20. Specifically, the exposure head 29C irradiates light to the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20C, the exposure head 29M irradiates light to the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20M, and the exposure head 29Y Light is emitted to the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20Y. The exposure head 29 has, for example, a plurality of light emitting diodes juxtaposed in the main scanning line direction (the depth direction in FIG. 1), and light is emitted to the photosensitive drum 21 in dot units using these light emitting diodes. Irradiate. Thus, the photosensitive drums 21 are exposed by the corresponding exposure heads 29 so that electrostatic latent images are formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 21.

  The transfer unit 30 transfers the toner image formed by the three developing units 20 onto the transfer surface of the recording medium 9A. The transfer unit 30 includes a transfer belt 31, three transfer rollers 32 (transfer rollers 32C, 32M, and 32Y), a drive roller 33, and a driven roller 34.

  The transfer belt 31 transports the recording medium 9A in the transport direction F1 along the transport path 7. The transfer belt 31 is stretched by a drive roller 33 and a driven roller 34. Then, according to the rotation of the drive roller 33, the transfer belt 31 is circulated and conveyed in the conveyance direction F1.

  The transfer roller 32C is disposed opposite to the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20C via the conveying path 7 and the transfer belt 31, and the transfer roller 32M is disposed on the photosensitive drum of the developing unit 20M via the conveying path 7 and the transfer belt 31. The transfer roller 32Y is disposed opposite to the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20Y via the conveyance path 7 and the transfer belt 31. A transfer voltage is applied to each of the transfer rollers 32C, 32M, and 32Y by an image formation control unit 53 (described later). Thus, in the image forming apparatus 1, the toner images formed by the respective developing units 20 are transferred onto the transfer surface of the recording medium 9A.

  The drive roller 33 is a member that circulates the transfer belt 31. In this example, the drive roller 33 is disposed downstream of the three developing units 20 in the transport direction F1. The drive roller 33 is configured to rotate counterclockwise in this example by power transmitted from a belt motor (not shown).

  The driven roller 34 is a member that is driven to rotate in response to the circulation and conveyance of the transfer belt 31. In this example, the driven roller 34 is disposed upstream of the three developing units 20 in the transport direction F1.

  The cleaning device 35 is a member that cleans the transfer belt 31 by scraping the toner remaining on the transfer surface of the transfer belt 31.

  The fixing unit 40 is a member that fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording medium 9A to the recording medium 9A by applying heat and pressure to the recording medium 9A. The fixing unit 40 has a heat roller 41 and a pressure roller 43.

  The heat roller 41 is a member that applies heat to the toner on the recording medium 9A, and includes a heater 42 inside. For example, a halogen heater can be used as the heater 42.

  The pressure roller 43 is a member that applies pressure to the toner on the recording medium 9A, and is disposed such that a pressure contact portion is formed between the pressure roller 43 and the heat roller 41. The pressure roller 43 is rotated by the power transmitted from a fixing motor (not shown).

  With this configuration, in the fixing unit 40, the toner on the recording medium 9A is heated, melted, and pressurized. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the recording medium 9A.

  The discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A. The discharge sensor 47 is disposed between the fixing unit 40 and the discharge roller 48 in the conveyance path 7. The ejection sensor 47 can be configured, for example, using a reflective optical sensor.

  The discharge roller 48 is a pair of rollers disposed so as to sandwich the conveyance path 7, and is a member for conveying the recording medium 9 </ b> A on which the toner image is fixed along the conveyance path 7. The discharge roller 48 is disposed upstream of the discharge port 49. The discharge roller 48 is configured to be selectively rotatable in the forward or reverse direction. The discharge roller 48 transports the recording medium 9A in the transport direction F1 toward the discharge port 49 by performing a forward rotation operation that rotates in the forward direction, and performs a reverse rotation operation that rotates in the reverse direction. The recording medium 9A can be conveyed in the conveyance direction F2 opposite to that of the recording medium 9A. When the image forming apparatus 1 enables the presenter function, the discharge roller 48 holds the recording medium 9A while nipping it. Thus, the user can pull out the recording medium 9A from the discharge port 49.

(Control system in image forming apparatus 1)
FIG. 3 shows an example of a control system in the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 51, a display operation unit 52, an image formation control unit 53, a conveyance control unit 54, a belt control unit 55, a fixing control unit 56, and a control unit 57. .

  The communication unit 51 performs communication using, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) or a local area network (LAN), and receives, for example, print data DP transmitted from a host computer (not shown). is there.

  The display operation unit 52 receives an operation of the user and displays an operation state of the image forming apparatus 1 and the like, and is configured using, for example, a touch panel, various buttons, a liquid crystal display, various indicators, and the like. .

  The image forming control unit 53 controls an image forming operation in the three developing units 20, the three exposure heads 29, and the transfer unit 30 based on an instruction from the control unit 57. Specifically, the image formation control unit 53 generates the charging voltage, the developing voltage, the supply voltage, and the transfer voltage used in the three developing units 20 and the transfer unit 30. Further, the image formation control unit 53 controls the operation of the photosensitive drum 21, the charging roller 22, the developing roller 23, and the supply roller 25 in the three developing units 20 by controlling the operation of the drum motor to print. The operation of the three exposure heads 29 is controlled based on the image.

  The conveyance control unit 54 controls the operations of various motors related to the conveyance operation of the recording media 9 and 9A based on an instruction from the control unit 57, whereby the medium supply roller 11 and the conveyance rollers 13, 15 and 16 are used. While controlling the conveyance operation of the recording medium 9, the conveyance operation of the recording medium 9A by the conveyance roller 18 and the discharge roller 48 is controlled. Further, the transport control unit 54 includes a cutting control unit 54A and a medium length detection unit 54B. The cutting control unit 54A controls the operation of the cutter unit 17. The medium length detection unit 54B detects the medium length of the recording medium 9A based on the detection result of the writing sensor 19 and the transport speed of the recording medium 9A.

  The belt control unit 55 controls the circulation and conveyance operation of the transfer belt 31 in the transfer unit 30 by controlling the operation of the belt motor based on an instruction from the control unit 57.

  The fixing control unit 56 controls the fixing operation of the fixing unit 40 based on an instruction from the control unit 57. Specifically, the fixing control unit 56 controls the temperature of the fixing unit 40 by controlling the operation of the heater 42 in the heat roller 41. The fixing control unit 56 controls the conveyance operation of the recording medium 9A in the fixing unit 40 by controlling the operation of the fixing motor.

  The control unit 57 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1 by controlling the operation of each block in the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 57 is configured using, for example, a processor capable of executing a program.

  Here, the developing unit 20 and the transfer unit 30 correspond to one specific example of the “image forming unit” in the present invention. The fixing unit 40 corresponds to a specific example of the “conveying member” in the present invention. The discharge roller 48 corresponds to one specific example of the “discharge member” in the present invention. The discharge sensor 47 corresponds to one specific example of the “sensor” in the present invention. The transport control unit 54 corresponds to a specific example of the “control unit” in the present invention. The display operation unit 52 corresponds to one specific example of the “notification unit” in the present invention.

[Operation and action]
Subsequently, the operation and action of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

(Overall operation summary)
First, the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. When the communication unit 51 receives the print data DP transmitted from the host computer (not shown), the control unit 57 controls the operation of each block so that the image forming apparatus 1 performs the image forming operation. The conveyance control unit 54 controls the operation of the motor to control the conveyance operation of the recording medium 9 by the medium supply roller 11 and the conveyance rollers 13, 15, and 16. The medium sensors 12 and 14 detect the recording medium 9. The cutting control unit 54 </ b> A of the conveyance control unit 54 controls the operation of the cutter unit 17. The conveyance control unit 54 controls the conveyance operation of the cut recording medium 9A by the conveyance roller 18 by controlling the operation of the motor. The write sensor 19 detects the recording medium 9A. The medium length detection unit 54B of the conveyance control unit 54 detects the medium length of the recording medium 9A based on the detection result of the writing sensor 19 and the conveyance speed of the recording medium 9A.

  The image formation control unit 53 controls an image formation operation in the three developing units 20, the three exposure heads 29, and the transfer unit 30. Specifically, the image formation control unit 53 generates the charging voltage, the developing voltage, the supply voltage, and the transfer voltage used in the three developing units 20 and the transfer unit 30. Further, the image formation control unit 53 controls the operation of the photosensitive drum 21, the charging roller 22, the developing roller 23, and the supply roller 25 in the three developing units 20 by controlling the operation of the drum motor to print. The operations of the three exposure heads 29 are controlled based on the image. The belt control unit 55 controls the circulation conveyance operation of the transfer belt 31 in the transfer unit 30 by controlling the operation of the belt motor.

  The fixing control unit 56 controls the fixing operation of the fixing unit 40. Specifically, the fixing control unit 56 controls the temperature of the fixing unit 40 by controlling the operation of the heater 42 in the heat roller 41. Further, the fixing control unit 56 controls the conveyance operation of the recording medium 9A in the fixing unit 40 by controlling the operation of the fixing motor. The discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A. The transport control unit 54 controls the transport operation of the recording medium 9A by the discharge roller 48 by controlling the operation of the motor.

(Detailed operation)
The image forming apparatus 1 has a presenter function. When the image forming apparatus 1 enables the presenter function, the discharge roller holds the recording medium 9A on which the image is formed. Thus, the user can pull out the recording medium 9A from the discharge port 49. The discharge operation of the recording medium 9A by the fixing unit 40, the discharge sensor 47, and the discharge roller 48 will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the discharge operation of the recording medium 9A.

  First, the image forming apparatus 1 starts the conveyance operation of the recording medium 9A (step S101). Specifically, the conveyance control unit 54 starts the conveyance operation of the recording medium 9 by the medium supply roller 11 and the conveyance rollers 13, 15, 16 by controlling the operation of the motor. The cutting control unit 54 </ b> A of the conveyance control unit 54 controls the operation of the cutter unit 17. The conveyance control unit 54 starts the conveyance operation of the cut recording medium 9A by the conveyance roller 18 by controlling the operation of the motor. The image formation control unit 53 controls an image formation operation in the three developing units 20, the three exposure heads 29, and the transfer unit 30. Thereby, the three developing units 20 form a toner image based on the image to be printed, and the transfer unit 30 transfers the toner image to the recording medium 9A. The fixing control unit 56 controls the fixing operation of the fixing unit 40. Thus, the fixing unit 40 fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording medium 9A on the recording medium 9A, and conveys the recording medium 9A toward the downstream.

  Next, the conveyance control unit 54 checks whether or not the discharge sensor 47 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9A within a predetermined time T1 after the writing sensor 19 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9A (step S102). For example, a predetermined margin is added to the predetermined time T1 obtained by dividing the distance between the position of the writing sensor 19 and the position of the discharge sensor 47 by the conveyance speed in the conveyance direction F1. It is set by doing.

  In step S102, when the discharge sensor 47 does not detect the leading end of the recording medium 9A within the predetermined time T1 (“N” in step S102), the control unit 57 operates the image forming apparatus 1 While stopping the operation, the display operation unit 52 performs an error display indicating that the recording medium 9A is clogged (step S103). And this flow ends.

  In step S102, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9A within the predetermined time T1 (“Y” in step S102), the conveyance control unit 54 causes the discharge roller 48 to rotate forward. Control is made to start (step S104).

  5A and 5B schematically show an example of the discharge operation of the recording medium 9A. FIG. 5A shows a state where the discharge sensor 47 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9A. FIG. 5B shows the discharge roller 48. Shows a state in which the forward rotation operation is started. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9A, the discharge roller 48 starts the forward rotation operation. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5B, the discharge roller 48 conveys the recording medium 9A in the conveyance direction F1.

  Next, after the discharge sensor 47 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9A, the conveyance control unit 54 detects the trailing end of the recording medium 9A within a predetermined time T2 corresponding to the medium length of the recording medium 9A. Is checked (step S105). The predetermined time T2 is set, for example, by adding a predetermined margin to the time obtained by dividing the medium length of the recording medium 9A by the transport speed in the transport direction F1.

  In step S105, if the discharge sensor 47 does not detect the trailing edge of the recording medium 9A within the predetermined time T2 ("N" in step S105), the process proceeds to step S103. Thereby, the control unit 57 stops the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, and the display operation unit 52 displays an error indicating that the recording medium 9A is clogged, and this flow ends.

  In step S105, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A within the predetermined time T2 (“Y” in step S105), the fixing control unit 56 fixes the recording unit 9 to the recording medium 9 The transfer control unit 54 controls the discharge roller 48 to stop the rotation operation (step S106).

  Next, the conveyance control unit 54 controls the discharge roller 48 to start the reverse rotation operation (step S107).

  5C and 5D schematically show an example of the discharge operation of the recording medium 9A. FIG. 5C shows a state where the discharge sensor 47 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A. FIG. 5D shows the discharge roller A state 48 shows that the reverse rotation operation has been started. As shown in FIG. 5C, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A, the discharge roller 48 starts reverse rotation. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5D, the discharge roller 48 conveys the recording medium 9A in the conveyance direction F2.

  Next, the conveyance control unit 54 confirms whether or not the discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A within a predetermined time T3 after the discharge roller 48 starts the reverse rotation operation (step S108). The predetermined time T3 adds, for example, a predetermined margin to the time obtained by dividing the distance between the position of the discharge roller 48 and the position of the discharge sensor 47 by the conveyance speed in the conveyance direction F2. Set by

  In step S108, when the discharge sensor 47 does not detect the recording medium 9A within the predetermined time T3 (“N” in step S108), the conveyance control unit 54 stops the rotation operation of the discharge roller 48. It controls to do (step S109). That is, in this case, the conveyance control unit 54 determines that the recording medium 9A has already been discharged to the outside of the apparatus of the image forming apparatus 1, and stops the rotation operation of the discharge roller 48. And this flow ends.

  In step S108, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A within the predetermined time T3 (“Y” in step S108), the conveyance control unit 54 stops the rotation operation of the discharge roller 48. (Step S110).

  FIG. 5E schematically shows an example of the ejection operation of the recording medium 9A, and shows a state in which the ejection sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A. As shown in FIG. 5E, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A, the discharge roller 48 stops its rotation operation. As a result, the recording medium 9A stops at a position across the discharge port 49 and is held by the discharge roller 48. The end of the recording medium 9A reaches the position of the discharge sensor 47. Therefore, when the user subsequently pulls out the recording medium 9A from the discharge port 49, the discharge sensor 47 can detect that the recording medium 9A has been pulled out.

  Next, the transport control unit 54 confirms whether the discharge sensor 47 has detected that the recording medium 9A has been pulled out (step S111). If the recording medium 9A is not pulled out (“N” in step S111), the process returns to step S111, and this step S111 is repeated until the recording medium 9A is pulled out.

  Then, when the recording medium 9A is pulled out (“Y” in step S111), the conveyance control unit 54 determines that the recording medium 9A is discharged, and the flow ends.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1, one discharge sensor 47 is provided between the fixing unit 40 and the discharge roller 48. Then, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A while conveying the recording medium 9A in the conveyance direction F1, the discharge roller 48 starts reverse rotation operation (step S105). ~ S107). Then, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A while conveying the recording medium 9A in the conveyance direction F2, the discharge roller 48 stops the rotation operation (steps S108 and S110). Thus, in the image forming apparatus 1, the presenter function can be realized with a simple configuration.

  That is, for example, two sensors are provided, and the first sensor detects that the recording medium 9 is conveyed normally, and the second sensor holds the recording medium 9 or the user It is also possible to detect whether it has been pulled out. However, in this case, since two sensors are required, the number of parts increases and the configuration becomes complicated. As a result, for example, the size of the image forming apparatus may be increased.

  On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 1, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A, the discharge roller 48 is reversely rotated so that the position of the recording medium 9A can reach the position where the discharge sensor 47 can detect the recording medium 9A. I put it back. Thus, the discharge sensor 47 can detect that the recording medium 9 is being conveyed normally, and can detect whether the recording medium 9 is held or the user has pulled it out. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 1, only one sensor needs to be provided, and the number of parts can be reduced, so that the configuration can be simplified. As a result, for example, the size of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

[effect]
As described above, in the present embodiment, one discharge sensor is provided between the fixing unit and the discharge roller, and the discharge sensor detects the rear end of the recording medium when the recording medium is conveyed in the conveyance direction F1. In this case, the discharge roller starts reverse rotation operation, and thereafter, when the recording medium is conveyed in the conveyance direction F2, if the discharge sensor detects the recording medium, the discharge roller rotates. Since it was made to stop, composition can be simplified.

[Modification 1-1]
Although the fixing unit 40 is configured using two rollers in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of this, for example, as in a fixing unit 40A shown in FIG. 6, a fixing unit may be configured using a belt. The fixing unit 40A includes a fixing belt 44, a heater 45, and a pressure roller 43. The fixing belt 44 is an endless elastic belt, and is configured to be capable of circulating and conveying. The heater 45 is disposed inside the path along which the fixing belt 44 is circularly transported. The pressure roller 43 is provided at a position corresponding to the position where the heater 45 is provided in the path along which the fixing belt 44 is circularly conveyed. The pressure roller 43 is rotated by the power transmitted from a fixing motor (not shown).

[Modification 1-2]
Although the discharge roller 48 is provided in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of this, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a discharge unit 60B may be provided. The discharge unit 60B includes a belt 61, driven rollers 62 and 63, a belt 64, a driven roller 65, and a driving roller 66. The belt 61 is an endless elastic belt and is stretched by the driven roller 62 and the driven roller 63. The driven rollers 62 and 63 are members which are driven to rotate in response to the circulation and conveyance of the belt 61. The belt 64 is an endless elastic belt, and is stretched by the driven roller 65 and the driving roller 66. The driven roller 65 is a member that rotates in response to the circulation of the belt 64. The drive roller 66 is a member that circulates and conveys the belt 64 by the power transmitted from a motor (not shown).

[Modification 1-3]
In the above embodiment, the fixing unit 40, the discharge sensor 47, and the discharge roller 48 are disposed in this order along the conveyance path 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of this, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a conveyance roller 46 may be provided between the fixing unit 40 and the discharge sensor 47. In this case, for example, in step S106 of FIG. 4, the conveyance control unit 54 can stop the rotation operation of the conveyance roller 46 and the discharge roller 48.

[Modification 1-4]
Although the discharge sensor 47 is configured using the reflection type optical sensor in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, a discharge type sensor is configured using the transmission type optical sensor. Alternatively, a mechanical sensor may be used to configure the discharge sensor.

[Modification 1-5]
In the above embodiment, the conveyance operation in the fixing unit 40 and the conveyance operation in the discharge roller 48 can be separately controlled, but the present invention is not limited to this. The fixing unit 40 and the discharge roller 48 are the same. These transport operations may be controlled to operate in conjunction with timing.

[Other modifications]
Also, two or more of these modifications may be combined.

<2. Second embodiment>
Next, an image forming apparatus 2 according to a second embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the discharge sensor is configured using a mechanical sensor. The same reference numerals as in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts, and a description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 2. The image forming apparatus 2 forms an image on a recording medium 9B such as paper thicker than so-called plain paper. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a medium supply roller 72, a conveyance roller 73, and a discharge sensor 77.

  The medium supply roller 72 is a member for taking out the recording medium 9B set in the medium supply tray 71 one by one from the topmost part thereof and delivering the taken out recording medium 9B to the transport path 7.

  The conveyance roller 73 is a member constituted by a pair of rollers sandwiching the conveyance path 7, and transfers the recording medium 9 B conveyed from the medium supply roller 72 to the conveyance path 7 based on power transmitted from a motor (not shown). It is to be transported along.

  The discharge sensor 77 detects the recording medium 9B. The discharge sensor 77 is disposed between the fixing unit 40 and the discharge roller 48 in the conveyance path 7. The discharge sensor 77 is configured using, for example, a mechanical sensor.

  FIG. 10 shows one configuration example of the discharge sensor 77. As shown in FIG. In addition to the discharge sensor 77, FIG. 10 also shows the fixing unit 40 and the discharge roller 48. The ejection sensor 77 has a sensor lever 80 and an optical sensor 90. FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of the sensor lever 80 and the optical sensor 90.

  The sensor lever 80 detects the recording medium 9B by coming into contact with the recording medium 9B passing through the conveyance path 7. The sensor lever 80 is configured to be rotatable about a shaft 81A provided above the transport path 7. When the recording medium 9B is not in contact with the sensor lever 80, as shown in FIG. 10, the sensor lever 80 is arranged to cross the transport path 7 by its own weight. The sensor lever 80 has a shaft 81, two hook shaped parts 82 (hook shaped parts 821, 822), and arm parts 83, 84. The shaft 81, the two hooks 82 and the arms 83, 84 can, for example, be formed in one piece.

  The shaft 81 supports the sensor lever 80 rotatably around a shaft 81A.

  The hook shaped portions 821 and 822 are provided at the lower end of the sensor lever 80 and have hook shapes bent in the direction of the discharge port 49 (X direction). The hook shaped portions 821 and 822 are arranged in parallel in the Y direction, and the upper portions of the hook shaped portions 821 and 822 are connected to the arm portion 83, respectively. Each of the hook shaped portions 821, 822 has a face 86,87. The surface 86 is inclined as viewed from the surface 85 of the arm 83, and the surface 87 is inclined as viewed from the surface 86. The tip portions of the hook shaped portions 821 and 822 in the vicinity of the surface 87 slightly rise in the Z direction as shown in FIG. The hook shaped portions 821 and 822 have a shape that bends in two steps in this manner.

  The arm portion 83 is provided below the shaft 81, and connects the shaft 81 and the hook shaped portions 821 and 822.

  The arm portion 84 is provided on the upper side of the shaft 81. The arm unit 84 can block the light path from the light emitting unit 91 (described later) to the light receiving unit 92 (described later) in the optical sensor 90.

  The optical sensor 90 is a transmissive optical sensor (photo interrupter). The optical sensor 90 has a light emitting unit 91 and a light receiving unit 92, as shown in FIG. The light emitting unit 91 emits light, and is configured using, for example, a light emitting diode. The light receiving unit 92 detects light emitted from the light emitting unit 91, and is configured using, for example, a photodiode. The light emitting portion 91 and the light receiving portion 92 are disposed to face each other across a path along which the arm portion 84 of the sensor lever 80 moves when the sensor lever 80 rotates.

  With this configuration, the discharge sensor 77 can detect the presence or absence of the recording medium 9B. Specifically, for example, when the sensor lever 80 is not in contact with the recording medium 9B, as shown in FIG. 10, the sensor lever 80 is disposed at a position crossing the transport path 7. In this case, the arm portion 84 of the sensor lever 80 is located in the space between the light emitting portion 91 and the light receiving portion 92, and blocks the light path from the light emitting portion 91 to the light receiving portion 92. The light emitted from the light emitting unit 91 is not detected. In this case, the discharge sensor 77 detects that the recording medium 9B is not present. When the sensor lever 80 is pushed by the recording medium 9 B and the arm 84 of the sensor lever 80 is out of the space between the light emitter 91 and the light receiver 92, the light receiver 92 receives the light emitter 91. Detect the light emitted from the In this case, the discharge sensor 77 detects that the recording medium 9B is present.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a control system in the image forming apparatus 2. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a conveyance control unit 104 and a control unit 107.

  The conveyance control unit 104 controls the conveyance operation of the recording medium 9B by the medium supply roller 72, the conveyance roller 73, and the discharge roller 48 by controlling the operation of various motors based on an instruction from the control unit 107. It is. The transport control unit 104 also includes a medium length detection unit 104B. The medium length detection unit 104B detects the medium length of the recording medium 9B based on the detection result of the writing sensor 19 and the transport speed of the recording medium 9B.

  The control unit 107 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 2 by controlling the operation of each block in the image forming apparatus 2.

  Here, the sensor lever 80 corresponds to a specific example of the “lever member” in the present invention. The face 86 corresponds to one specific example of the “first face” in the present invention. The face 87 corresponds to one specific example of the “second face” in the present invention. The arm portion 83 corresponds to a specific example of the “first arm portion” in the present invention. The arm portion 84 corresponds to a specific example of the “second arm portion” in the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 2 has a presenter function as the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. When the image forming apparatus 2 enables the presenter function, the discharge roller 48 holds the recording medium 9B on which the image is formed while nipping it. Thus, the user can pull out the recording medium 9B from the discharge port 49. The discharge operation of the recording medium 9B in the image forming apparatus 2 is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 1 (FIG. 4).

  13A to 13E schematically show an example of the discharging operation of the recording medium 9B. FIG. 13A shows a state where the discharge sensor 77 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9B. FIG. 13B shows the discharging roller 48. 13C shows a state in which the forward rotation operation is started, FIG. 13C shows a state in which the discharge sensor 77 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9B, and FIG. 13D shows a state in which the discharge roller 48 starts reverse rotation operation. FIG. 13E shows a state in which the discharge sensor 77 has detected the recording medium 9B. 13A to 13E correspond to FIGS. 5A to 5E according to the first embodiment, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, when the recording medium 9B comes in contact with the sensor lever 80 and pushes the sensor lever 80, the sensor lever 80 pivots downstream of the transport path 7 around the shaft 81A. Thereby, the arm portion 84 of the sensor lever 80 comes out of the space between the light emitting portion 91 and the light receiving portion 92, and the light emitted from the light emitting portion 91 is detected by the light receiving portion 92. Thus, the discharge sensor 77 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9B.

  When the discharge sensor 77 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9B, the discharge roller 48 starts the forward rotation operation. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13B, the discharge roller 48 conveys the recording medium 9B in the conveyance direction F1.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13C, when the recording medium 9B is transported in the transport direction F1 and the recording medium 9B is separated from the sensor lever 80, the sensor lever 80 pivots about the shaft 81A, It returns to the original position which traverses the conveyance path 7. Thereby, the arm portion 84 of the sensor lever 80 is located in the space between the light emitting portion 91 and the light receiving portion 92, and blocks the light path from the light emitting portion 91 to the light receiving portion 92. The light emitted from 91 is not detected. Thus, the discharge sensor 77 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9B.

  When the discharge sensor 77 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9B, the discharge roller 48 starts reverse rotation. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13D, the discharge roller 48 conveys the recording medium 9B in the conveyance direction F2.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13E, the recording medium 9B is conveyed in the conveyance direction F2, and when the recording medium 9B comes in contact with the sensor lever 80 and pushes the sensor lever 80, the sensor lever 80 rotates the shaft 81A. It pivots to the upstream side of the transport path 7 at the center. Thereby, the arm portion 84 of the sensor lever 80 comes out of the space between the light emitting portion 91 and the light receiving portion 92, and the light emitted from the light emitting portion 91 is detected by the light receiving portion 92. Thus, the discharge sensor 77 detects the recording medium 9B.

  When the discharge sensor 77 detects the recording medium 9B, the discharge roller 48 stops its rotation operation. As a result, the recording medium 9 B stops at the position across the discharge port 49 and is held by the discharge roller 48. The end of the recording medium 9 B reaches the position of the discharge sensor 77.

  Thereafter, when the user withdraws the recording medium 9B from the discharge port 49, the sensor lever 80 pivots about the shaft 81A and returns to the original position crossing the transport path 7. Thereby, the arm portion 84 of the sensor lever 80 is located in the space between the light emitting portion 91 and the light receiving portion 92, and blocks the light path from the light emitting portion 91 to the light receiving portion 92. The light emitted from 91 is not detected. Thus, the discharge sensor 77 can detect that the recording medium 9B has been pulled out.

  In the image forming apparatus 2, the sensor lever 80 is provided with hook shaped portions 821 and 822 bent in the direction (X direction) of the discharge port 49. Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 13E, when the discharge roller 48 holds the recording medium 9B while holding the recording medium 9B, as shown below, when the user presses the recording medium 9B, as shown below, The possibility of damaging the inside of the forming device 2 can be reduced.

  FIG. 14 shows the operation of the discharge sensor 77 when the user presses the recording medium 9B. In the state shown in FIG. 13E, when the user pushes the recording medium 9B, the recording medium 9B further pushes the sensor lever 80, and the sensor lever 80 further pivots on the upstream side of the conveyance path 7 around the shaft 81A. Then, the end of the recording medium 9B slides along the surface 86 of the sensor lever 80, and reaches the boundary between the surface 86 and the surface 87 as shown in FIG. When the sensor lever 80 is inclined at this angle (restriction angle θ), the surface 86 located on the upper side of the conveyance path 7 is inclined toward the direction of the discharge port 49 (X direction) and the lower side of the conveyance path 7 The face 87 located in the same direction is inclined toward the direction of the outlet 49 (X direction). Therefore, the end of the recording medium 9B is caught at the boundary between the surface 86 and the surface 87, and as a result, the angle of the sensor lever 80 is regulated. Since the angle of the sensor lever 80 is restricted in this way, the sensor lever 80 is more difficult to be pushed in even if the user further pushes the recording medium 9B. As described above, in the image forming apparatus 2, the angle of the sensor lever 80 is restricted, so that the possibility of damaging the inside of the image forming apparatus 2 can be reduced when the user presses the recording medium 9B.

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, in the case of using the sensor lever 80R1 without the hook shaped portions 821 and 822, when the user pushes the recording medium 9B, the sensor lever 80R1 centers on the shaft 81A. It turns to the upstream side of the transport path 7. In this example, since the angle of the sensor lever 80R1 is not restricted, the sensor lever 80R1 is separated from the transport path 7, and the end of the recording medium 9B reaches the fixing unit 40. In this case, the fixing unit 40 may be damaged.

  On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, since the hook shaped portions 821 and 822 bent in the direction of the discharge port 49 (X direction) are provided in the sensor lever 80, the angle of the sensor lever 80 is restricted. The sensor lever 80 remains at a position blocking the transport path 7. As a result, when the user presses the recording medium 9B, the possibility of damaging the inside of the image forming apparatus 2 can be reduced. When the recording medium 9B is pushed in, it is desirable that there is a sufficient clearance between the sensor lever 80 and the fixing unit 40.

  The restriction angle θ of the sensor lever 80 is determined by the size of the sensor lever 80 and the position of the sensor lever 80 as described below.

  16A to 16C show setting examples of the restriction angle θ of the sensor lever 80. FIG. The restriction angle θ can be determined, for example, by the distance D between the shaft 81A and the conveyance path 7 and the length L of the sensor lever 80. Here, the length L of the sensor lever 80 is a length from the shaft 81A to the boundary between the surfaces 86 and 87 of the hook shaped portions 821 and 822 in the extension direction of the arm portions 83 and 84 in this example. In the example of FIG. 16A, when the distance D between the shaft 81A and the conveyance path 7 is set to the distance D1 and the length L of the sensor lever 80 is set to the length L1, the restriction angle θ of the sensor lever 80 is It indicates that the angle is θ1.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 16A, when the distance D between the shaft 81A and the conveyance path 7 is set to a distance D2 shorter than the distance D1, as shown in FIG. 16B, the restriction angle of the sensor lever 80. θ can be an angle θ2 larger than the angle θ1.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 16A, when the length L of the sensor lever 80 is set to a length L2 longer than the length L1, as shown in FIG. 16C, the restriction angle θ of the sensor lever 80 Can be made an angle θ3 larger than the angle θ1.

  Thus, the restriction angle θ of the sensor lever 80 can be determined by the size of the sensor lever 80 and the position of the sensor lever 80. By setting the restriction angle θ appropriately, the risk of damaging the inside of the image forming apparatus 2 can be reduced.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 2, the two hook-shaped portions 821 and 822 are arranged in parallel in the width direction (Y direction) of the recording medium 9B. Therefore, as described below, the user presses the recording medium 9B. In the case, the sensor lever 80 can stably support the recording medium 9B.

  FIG. 17 shows the relationship between the recording medium 9B and the sensor lever 80 in a state where the discharge roller 48 holds the recording medium 9B in a sandwiching manner. The sensor lever 80 has two hook shaped portions 821 and 822 juxtaposed in the width direction (Y direction) of the recording medium 9B, and when the user presses the recording medium 9B, these two hooks The shape portions 821 and 822 support the recording medium 9B. Thereby, for example, even when the force FR is applied to the right side of the recording medium 9B by the user pressing the right side of the recording medium 9B, the sensor lever 80 can stably support the recording medium 9B. Similarly, for example, even if the force FL is applied to the left side of the recording medium 9B by the user pressing the left side of the recording medium 9B, the sensor lever 80 can stably support the recording medium 9B.

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, in the case of using the sensor lever 80R2 having a single hook-shaped portion 82R, when the user pushes the recording medium 9B, the sensor lever 80R2 stabilizes the recording medium 9B. May not be supported. Specifically, for example, when the force FR is applied to the right side of the recording medium 9B by the user pressing the right side of the recording medium 9B, the recording medium 9B may be inclined in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. There is. Similarly, for example, when the user presses the left side of the recording medium 9B and the force FL is applied to the left side of the recording medium 9B, the recording medium 9B may be inclined clockwise in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, the two hook shaped portions 821 and 822 are juxtaposed in the width direction of the recording medium 9B. For example, when the user presses the recording medium 9B. The sensor lever 80 can stably support the recording medium 9B.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the sensor lever is provided with the hook shape portion, so when the discharge roller holds the recording medium while holding it, the image formation is performed when the user presses the recording medium. The risk of damaging the inside of the device can be reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, two hook shaped portions are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the recording medium, so that when the user pushes the recording medium, the sensor lever stably supports the recording medium. Can.

  The other effects are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[Modification 2-1]
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the hook shaped portions 821 and 822 of the sensor lever 80 have a shape that is bent in two steps in this way, but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. Alternatively, the hook shape may have, for example, a shape that bends in three or more steps. Further, for example, as in the case of the discharge sensor 77A shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, it may have a curved shape. The discharge sensor 77A has a sensor lever 80A. The sensor lever 80A has hook shaped portions 821A and 822A. Each of the hook shaped portions 821A and 822A has a curved surface 86A. The tip portions of the hook shaped portions 821A and 822A are slightly lifted as shown in FIG. When the user pushes the recording medium 9B and the sensor lever 80A is inclined at a certain angle (restriction angle θ), as shown in FIG. 20, the surface of the curved surface 86A located on the upper side of the transport path 7 The surface of the curved surface 86A, which is inclined toward the direction of the outlet 49 (X direction) and located on the lower side of the transport path 7 of the curved surface 86A, is similarly inclined toward the direction of the discharge port 49 (X direction). As a result, the angle of the sensor lever 80A is regulated, and even if the user further presses the recording medium 9B, the sensor lever 80A is further unlikely to be pressed.

[Modification 2-2]
In the above embodiment, the angle of the sensor lever 80 is restricted by the hook shape parts 821 and 822. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the discharge sensor 77B shown in FIGS. The angle of the sensor lever 80 may be regulated by the regulating member. The discharge sensor 77 </ b> B includes regulating members 96 and 97. The regulating member 96 is provided downstream of the sensor lever 80, and regulates the angle of the sensor lever 80 by interfering with the sensor lever 80. The regulating member 96 has a face 98. The surface 98 is a surface that comes in contact with the sensor lever 80 when the sensor lever 80 is pivoted to the upstream side of the transport path 7 around the shaft 81A. The regulating member 97 is provided upstream of the sensor lever 80, and regulates the angle of the sensor lever 80 by interfering with the sensor lever 80. The regulating member 97 has a surface 99. The surface 99 is a surface that comes in contact with the sensor lever 80 when the sensor lever 80 pivots to the upstream side of the transport path 7 around the shaft 81A. When the user pushes the recording medium 9B and tilts the sensor lever 80A at a certain angle (restriction angle θ), the surface 98 of the regulating member 96 above the shaft 81 in the sensor lever 80 as shown in FIG. Interference is caused by contact with the downstream surface 88 of the arm 84. Further, the surface 99 of the regulating member 97 interferes with the sensor lever 80 by coming into contact with the upstream surface 89 of the arm portion 83 below the shaft 81. The sensor lever 80 is restricted in angle by interfering with the restriction members 96 and 97.

  Here, the restricting member 97 corresponds to a specific example of the “first restricting member” in the present invention. The regulating member 96 corresponds to a specific example of the “second regulating member” in the present invention.

  In this example, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, both of the regulating members 96 and 97 are provided, but the invention is not limited to this, and only one of the regulating members 96 and 97 is provided. It is also good. For example, by providing both of the regulating members 96 and 97, the load on the shaft 81 can be reduced. That is, for example, when only the regulating member 96 is provided, an upward force is applied to the shaft 81 as a load when the recording medium 9B is pressed. Further, for example, when only the regulating member 97 is provided, a downward force is applied to the shaft 81 as a load when the recording medium 9B is pressed. Thus, when a load in a specific direction is applied to the shaft 81, the shaft 81 may be broken. On the other hand, by providing both of the regulating members 96 and 97, the load on the shaft 81 can be reduced, so that the possibility of the shaft 81 being damaged can be reduced.

[Modification 2-3]
Modifications 1-1 to 1-3 and 1-5 of the first embodiment may be applied to the image forming apparatus 2 according to the embodiment.

[Other modifications]
Also, two or more of these modifications may be combined.

<3. Third embodiment>
Next, an image forming apparatus 3 according to a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, for example, when the user does not pull out the recording medium 9A from the discharge port 49 at a predetermined time, the recording medium 9A is collected into the image forming apparatus. The same reference numerals as in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts, and a description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 23 shows an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 3 includes a lever 111, a collection roller 112, and a medium storage unit 113.

  The lever 111 is disposed between the fixing unit 40 and the discharge sensor 47, and switches the path along which the recording medium 9A is transported. The lever 111 is pivotable about a shaft 111A, and a position (reference position) for opening the path from the fixing unit 40 to the discharge sensor 47 and a position for opening the path from the discharge sensor 47 to the medium storage unit 113. Movable between and configured. The lever 111 is driven by a lever drive unit 115 (described later).

  The collection roller 112 is a pair of rollers disposed across the collection conveyance path 119 from the lever 111 to the medium storage unit 113. The collection roller 112 transports the recording medium 9A toward the medium storage unit 113 when the lever 111 opens the path from the discharge sensor 47 to the medium storage unit 113.

  The medium storage unit 113 stores the recording medium 9A conveyed by the collection roller 112.

  FIG. 24 shows an example of a control system in the image forming apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 3 includes a conveyance control unit 114, a lever drive unit 115, and a control unit 117.

  The conveyance control unit 114 controls the conveyance operation of the recording medium 9 by the medium supply roller 11 and the conveyance rollers 13, 15, 16 by controlling the operation of various motors based on an instruction from the control unit 117. The conveyance operation of the recording medium 9A by the conveyance roller 18, the discharge roller 48, and the collection roller 112 is controlled. Further, the conveyance control unit 114 also has a function of controlling the operation of the lever 111 via the lever drive unit 115.

  The lever driving unit 115 is configured using, for example, a motor, and drives the lever 111 based on an instruction from the conveyance control unit 114.

  The control unit 117 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 3 by controlling the operation of each block in the image forming apparatus 3.

  25A and 25B illustrate an example of the discharge operation of the recording medium 9A in the image forming apparatus 3. The operations in steps S101 to S110 are the same as in the image forming apparatus 1 (FIG. 4) according to the first embodiment. In steps S101 to S110, the conveyance control unit 114 sets the position of the lever 111 to a position (reference position) where the path from the fixing unit 40 to the discharge sensor 47 is opened.

  26A to 26E schematically show an example of the discharge operation of the recording medium 9A. FIG. 26A shows a state where the discharge sensor 47 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9A. FIG. 26B shows the discharge roller 48 26C shows a state in which the forward rotation operation has been started, FIG. 26C shows a state in which the discharge sensor 47 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A, and FIG. 26D shows a state in which the discharge roller 48 starts reverse rotation operation. FIG. 26E shows a state in which the discharge sensor 47 has detected the recording medium 9A. 26A to 26E respectively correspond to FIGS. 5A to 5E according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 26A, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9A (“Y” in step S102), the discharge roller 48 starts forward rotation (step S104). As a result, as shown in FIG. 26B, the discharge roller 48 conveys the recording medium 9A in the conveyance direction F1. Then, as shown in FIG. 26C, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A (“Y” in step S105), the discharge roller 48 starts reverse rotation operation (step S107). As a result, as shown in FIG. 26D, the discharge roller 48 conveys the recording medium 9A in the conveyance direction F2. Then, as shown in FIG. 26E, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A (“Y” in step S108), the discharge roller 48 stops its rotation operation (step S110). As a result, the recording medium 9A stops at a position across the discharge port 49 and is held by the discharge roller 48. The end of the recording medium 9A reaches the position of the discharge sensor 47. Therefore, when the user subsequently pulls out the recording medium 9A from the discharge port 49, the discharge sensor 47 can detect that the recording medium 9A has been pulled out.

  Next, the conveyance control unit 114 confirms whether or not a predetermined determination time T has elapsed since the discharge roller 48 stopped rotating in step S110 (step S301). If the predetermined determination time T has not yet elapsed (“N” in step S301), the conveyance control unit 114 confirms whether the discharge sensor 47 has detected that the recording medium 9A has been pulled out. (Step S111). If the recording medium 9A is not removed ("N" in step S111), the process returns to step S301. When the recording medium 9A is pulled out (“Y” in step S111), the transport control unit 114 determines that the recording medium 9A has been discharged, and the flow ends.

  In step S301, when the predetermined determination time T has elapsed since the discharge roller 48 stopped the rotation operation ("Y" in step S301), the conveyance control unit 114 sets the position of the lever 111 from the reference position. The path from the discharge sensor 47 to the medium storage unit 113 is moved to the open position (step S302). That is, when the user does not pull out the recording medium 9A from the discharge port 49 in the predetermined judgment time T, the image forming apparatus 3 collects the recording medium 9A in the medium storage unit 113. The path to the housing portion 113 is opened.

  Next, the conveyance control unit 114 controls the discharge roller 48 to start the reverse rotation operation, and controls the collection roller 112 to start the rotation operation (step S303).

  26F and 26G schematically show an example of the discharge operation of the recording medium 9A, and FIG. 26F shows a state in which the position of the lever 111 is moved, and FIG. 26G shows the reverse rotation operation of the discharge roller 48. Indicates a state in which As shown in FIG. 26F, the lever 111 rotates about the shaft 111A, and opens the path from the discharge sensor 47 to the medium storage unit 113. Then, as shown in FIG. 26G, the discharge roller 48 starts the reverse rotation operation, and the collection roller 112 starts the rotation operation. Thus, the recording medium 9A is transported toward the medium storage unit 113.

  Next, the conveyance control unit 114 detects that the discharge sensor 47 does not have the recording medium 9A within a predetermined time T4 corresponding to the medium length of the recording medium 9A after the discharge roller 48 starts the reverse rotation operation. It is checked whether or not it has been made (step S304). The predetermined time T4 is set, for example, by adding a predetermined margin to the time obtained by dividing the medium length of the recording medium 9A by the transport speed in the transport direction F2.

  FIG. 26H schematically shows an example of the ejection operation of the recording medium 9A, and shows a state in which the ejection sensor 47 detects that the recording medium 9A is not present. When the recording medium 9A is conveyed toward the medium storage unit 113, the discharge sensor 47 detects that the recording medium 9A is not present. Thereafter, as the collection roller 112 continues the rotation operation, the recording medium 9A is accommodated in the medium accommodation unit 113.

  In step S304, when discharge sensor 47 does not detect the absence of recording medium 9A within the predetermined time T4 (“N” in step S304), control unit 117 operates the operation of image forming apparatus 3 The display operation unit 52 displays an error indicating that the recording medium 9A is jammed (step S305). And this flow ends.

  In step S304, if the discharge sensor 47 detects that the recording medium 9A is not present within the predetermined time T4 (“Y” in step S304), the conveyance control unit 114 then determines that the predetermined time T5 has been reached. When it has elapsed, control is performed to stop the reverse rotation operation of the discharge roller 48 and the rotation operation of the collection roller 112 (step S306). The predetermined time T5 is set, for example, to the time until the recording medium 9A is conveyed along the recovery conveyance path 119 and accommodated in the medium accommodation unit 113.

  Next, the conveyance control unit 114 moves the position of the lever 111 to a position (reference position) where the path from the fixing unit 40 to the discharge sensor 47 is opened (step S307). Thus, the image forming apparatus 3 prepares for the next image forming operation. And this flow ends.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 3, the lever 111 is provided between the fixing unit 40 and the discharge sensor 47. Further, in the image forming apparatus 3, when the predetermined determination time T has elapsed since the discharge roller 48 stopped the rotation operation in step S 110, the position of the lever 111 is changed from the reference position to the medium storage unit 113 from the reference position. While moving the path to the open position, the discharge roller 48 starts the reverse rotation operation. Thereby, in the image forming apparatus 3, when the user does not pull out the recording medium 9A, for example, in a predetermined time, the recording medium 9A can be collected in the medium storage unit 113.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 3, when the discharge sensor 47 detects that the recording medium 9A is not present within the predetermined time T4 after the discharge roller 48 restarts the reverse rotation operation in step S303, the image is discharged after that. The rotation operation of the roller 48 is stopped. Thereby, in the image forming apparatus 3, one discharge sensor 47 detects whether the recording medium 9A has been conveyed normally, and detects whether the recording medium 9 is held or extracted by the user, and recording is performed. Since whether or not the medium 9A has been recovered normally can be detected, the number of parts can be reduced, and the configuration can be simplified.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the discharge sensor detects that there is no recording medium within a predetermined time T4 after the discharge roller starts the reverse rotation operation again, the rotation operation of the discharge roller is subsequently performed. Since it was made to stop, composition can be simplified. The other effects are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[Modification 3-1]
In the above embodiment, the recording medium 9A is collected after the judgment time T has elapsed in step S301. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and instead, for example, the user operates the display operation unit 52 When an instruction to collect the recording medium 9A is given by operating the above-mentioned operation, the recording medium 9A may be collected.

[Modification 3-2]
Each modification of the first embodiment may be applied to the image forming apparatus 3 according to the above embodiment.

<4. Fourth embodiment>
Next, an image forming apparatus 4 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The present embodiment is configured such that the recording medium 9A can be collected in the image forming apparatus, and the discharge sensor is configured using a mechanical sensor. The same reference numerals as in the image forming apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts, and a description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 27 shows one configuration example of the image forming apparatus 4. The image forming apparatus 4 includes a discharge sensor 120. The discharge sensor 120 detects the recording medium 9A. The discharge sensor 120 is disposed between the fixing unit 40 and the discharge roller 48 in the conveyance path 7. The discharge sensor 120 is configured using, for example, a mechanical sensor. Further, the discharge sensor 120 also has a function of guiding the recording medium 9A to the collection conveyance path 119 by the sensor lever 121 (described later) when collecting the recording medium 9A.

  FIG. 28 shows a configuration example of the discharge sensor 120. As shown in FIG. FIG. 28 also shows the fixing unit 40 and the discharge roller 48 in addition to the discharge sensor 120. The ejection sensor 120 includes a sensor lever 121, an optical sensor 122, and a regulating member 123.

  The sensor lever 121 detects the recording medium 9A by coming into contact with the recording medium 9A passing through the conveyance path 7. The sensor lever 121 is configured to be rotatable around an axis 121A provided above the transport path 7. When the recording medium 9A is not in contact with the sensor lever 121, the sensor lever 121 is disposed at a position crossing the transport path 7 by its own weight as shown in FIG. The sensor lever 121 has a protrusion 121B. Similar to the optical sensor 90 (FIGS. 10 and 11) according to the second embodiment, the projection 121B can block the light path from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit in the optical sensor 122. .

  The optical sensor 122 is a transmissive optical sensor (photo interrupter). The optical sensor 122 has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit as in the optical sensor 90 (FIGS. 10 and 11) according to the second embodiment. The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are disposed to face each other across a path along which the protrusion 121B of the sensor lever 121 moves when the sensor lever 121 is rotated.

  The regulating member 123 is provided upstream of the sensor lever 121 when the recording medium 9A is transported in the transport direction F1 in the transport path 7, and regulates the angle of the sensor lever 121 by interfering with the sensor lever 121. is there. The restricting member 123 restricts the angle of the sensor lever 121 by interfering with the lower end of the sensor lever 121 when the sensor lever 121 is pivoted to the upstream side of the conveyance path 7 around the shaft 121A. Thereby, the sensor lever 121 is configured to guide the recording medium 9A to the collection conveyance path 119 when collecting the recording medium 9A as described later.

  FIG. 29 shows an example of a control system in the image forming apparatus 4. The image forming apparatus 4 includes a conveyance control unit 124 and a control unit 127.

  The conveyance control unit 124 controls the conveyance operation of the recording medium 9 by the medium supply roller 11 and the conveyance rollers 13, 15, 16 by controlling the operation of various motors based on an instruction from the control unit 127. The conveyance operation of the recording medium 9A by the conveyance roller 18, the discharge roller 48, and the collection roller 112 is controlled.

  The control unit 127 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 4 by controlling the operation of each block in the image forming apparatus 4.

  FIGS. 30A and 30B show an example of the discharge operation of the recording medium 9A in the image forming apparatus 4. FIG. The operations in steps S101 to S110 are the same as in the image forming apparatus 3 (FIG. 25A) according to the third embodiment.

  31A to 31E schematically show an example of the discharge operation of the recording medium 9A, and FIG. 31A shows a state where the discharge sensor 120 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9A, and FIG. 31B shows the discharge roller 48. 31C shows a state in which the forward rotation operation has been started, FIG. 31C shows a state in which the discharge sensor 120 has detected the rear end of the recording medium 9A, and FIG. 31D shows a state in which the discharge roller 48 has started reverse rotation operation. FIG. 31E shows a state in which the discharge sensor 120 has detected the recording medium 9A. 31A to 31E correspond to FIGS. 26A to 26E according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 31A, when the recording medium 9A comes in contact with the sensor lever 121 and pushes the sensor lever 121, the sensor lever 121 pivots to the downstream side of the transport path 7 around the shaft 121A. As a result, the protrusion 121B of the sensor lever 121 deviates from the space between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor 122, and the light emitted from the light emitting unit is detected by the light receiving unit. Thus, the discharge sensor 120 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9A. When the discharge sensor 120 detects the leading edge of the recording medium 9A ("Y" in step S102), the discharge roller 48 starts forward rotation (step S104). As a result, as shown in FIG. 31B, the discharge roller 48 conveys the recording medium 9A in the conveyance direction F1.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 31C, when the recording medium 9A is separated from the sensor lever 121 by the recording medium 9A being conveyed in the conveyance direction F1, the sensor lever 121 pivots about the shaft 121A. It returns to the original position which traverses the conveyance path 7. Thus, the projection 121B of the sensor lever 121 is located in the space between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor 122 and blocks the light path from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit. Does not detect emitted light. Thus, the discharge sensor 120 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A. When the discharge sensor 120 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A ("Y" in step S105), the discharge roller 48 starts reverse rotation operation (step S107). As a result, as shown in FIG. 31D, the discharge roller 48 conveys the recording medium 9A in the conveyance direction F2.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 31E, the recording medium 9A is conveyed in the conveyance direction F2, and when the recording medium 9A comes in contact with the sensor lever 121 and pushes the sensor lever 121, the sensor lever 121 rotates the shaft 121A. It pivots to the upstream side of the transport path 7 at the center. Thus, the lower end of the sensor lever 121 interferes with the regulating member 123, and the sensor lever 121 guides the recording medium 9A to the recovery conveyance path 119. At this time, the protrusion 121B of the sensor lever 121 deviates from the space between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor 122, and the light emitted from the light emitting unit is detected by the light receiving unit. Thus, the discharge sensor 120 detects the recording medium 9A. When the discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A ("Y" in step S108), the discharge roller 48 stops its rotation operation (step S110). As a result, the recording medium 9A stops at a position across the discharge port 49 and is held by the discharge roller 48. The end of the recording medium 9A reaches the position of the discharge sensor 120. Therefore, when the user subsequently pulls out the recording medium 9A from the discharge port 49 from the discharge port 49, the discharge sensor 120 can detect that the recording medium 9A has been pulled out.

  Next, the conveyance control unit 124 confirms whether or not a predetermined determination time T has elapsed since the discharge roller 48 stopped rotating in step S110 (step S301). If the predetermined determination time T has not yet passed (“N” in step S301), the conveyance control unit 124 confirms whether the discharge sensor 120 has detected that the recording medium 9A has been pulled out. (Step S111). If the recording medium 9A is not removed ("N" in step S111), the process returns to step S301. When the recording medium 9A is pulled out (“Y” in step S111), the transport control unit 124 determines that the recording medium 9A has been discharged, and the flow ends.

  In step S301, when the predetermined determination time T has elapsed since the discharge roller 48 stopped the rotation operation (“Y” in step S301), the conveyance control unit 124 starts the reverse rotation operation of the discharge roller 48. The collection roller 112 is controlled to start the rotation operation (step S303).

  FIG. 31F schematically shows an example of the discharge operation of the recording medium 9A, and shows a state in which the discharge roller 48 has started the reverse rotation operation. The discharge roller 48 starts the reverse rotation operation, and the collection roller 112 starts the rotation operation. Thus, the recording medium 9A is transported toward the medium storage unit 113.

  Next, the conveyance control unit 124 detects that the recording medium 9A is not present in the predetermined time T4 according to the medium length of the recording medium 9A after the discharge roller 48 starts the reverse rotation operation. It is checked whether or not it has been made (step S304).

  FIG. 31G schematically shows an example of the ejection operation of the recording medium 9A, and shows a state in which the ejection sensor 120 detects that the recording medium 9A is not present. When the recording medium 9A is separated from the sensor lever 121 by the recording medium 9A being conveyed toward the medium storage portion 113, the sensor lever 121 is pivoted about the shaft 121A to move the conveyance path 7 from the original. Return to position. Thus, the discharge sensor 120 detects that the recording medium 9A is not present. Thereafter, as the collection roller 112 continues the rotation operation, the recording medium 9A is accommodated in the medium accommodation unit 113.

  In step S304, when discharge sensor 120 does not detect the absence of recording medium 9A within the predetermined time T4 (“N” in step S304), control unit 127 operates the image forming apparatus 4 The display operation unit 52 displays an error indicating that the recording medium 9A is jammed (step S305). And this flow ends.

  In step S304, when the discharge sensor 120 detects that the recording medium 9A is not present within the predetermined time T4 (“Y” in step S304), the conveyance control unit 124 thereafter performs the predetermined time T5. When it has elapsed, control is performed to stop the reverse rotation operation of the discharge roller 48 and the rotation operation of the collection roller 112 (step S306). And this flow ends.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 4, the discharge sensor 120 having the sensor lever 121 is provided, and the angle of the sensor lever 121 is restricted when collecting the recording medium 9 </ b> A. Thus, in the image forming apparatus 4, when collecting the recording medium 9A, unlike the image forming apparatus 3 (FIG. 23) according to the third embodiment, the recording medium 9A is collected and conveyed without driving the lever 111. It can lead to 119. As described above, the image forming apparatus 4 does not have to drive the lever, so the configuration can be simplified.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the discharge sensor having the sensor lever is provided, and when collecting the recording medium, the angle of the sensor lever is restricted, so the configuration can be simplified. The other effects are similar to those of the third embodiment.

[Modification 4-1]
In the above embodiment, the transmission type optical sensor is used to configure the optical sensor 122 of the discharge sensor 120. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, a reflection type optical sensor is used to perform optical The sensor 122 may be configured. Further, although the attitude of the sensor lever 121 is detected using the optical sensor 122, the present invention is not limited to this, and various sensors capable of detecting the attitude of the sensor lever 121 can be used.

[Modification 4-2]
In the above embodiment, when the recording medium 9A is separated from the sensor lever 121, the sensor lever 121 is returned to the original position crossing the transport path 7 by its own weight, but is not limited to this . Instead of this, for example, a spring may be provided, and the sensor lever may return to the original position of traversing the transport path 7 by the biasing force of the spring.

[Modification 4-3]
In the above embodiment, the restricting member 123 is provided, and the lower end of the sensor lever 121 interferes with the restricting member 123 to restrict the angle of the sensor lever 121. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When recovering the medium 9A, various methods can be applied which can regulate the angle of the sensor lever 121. For example, the angle of the sensor lever 121 may be regulated by providing a regulating member that interferes with the protrusion 121B of the sensor lever 121.

[Modification 4-4]
Modifications 1-1 to 1-3 and 1-5 of the first embodiment may be applied to the image forming apparatus 4 according to the embodiment.

<5. Fifth embodiment>
Next, an image forming apparatus 5 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, an operation similar to that of the discharge sensor 120 in the fourth embodiment is realized using another configuration. The same reference numerals as in the image forming apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts, and a description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 32 shows an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 5. The image forming apparatus 5 includes a lever 131, a regulating member 133, and a discharge sensor 47.

  The lever 131 is movable by coming into contact with the recording medium 9A passing through the conveyance path 7. The lever 131 is configured to be pivotable about an axis 131A provided above the transport path 7. When the recording medium 9A is not in contact with the lever 131, as shown in FIG. 32, the lever 131 is disposed at a position crossing the transport path 7 by its own weight.

  The restriction member 133 is provided upstream of the lever 131 when the recording medium 9A is conveyed in the conveyance direction F1 in the conveyance path 7, and interferes with the lever 131 to restrict the angle of the lever 131. The restricting member 133 restricts the angle of the lever 131 by interfering with the lower end of the lever 131 when the lever 131 is pivoted to the upstream side of the transport path 7 around the shaft 131A. Thereby, the lever 131 guides the recording medium 9A to the collection conveyance path 119 when collecting the recording medium 9A as described later.

  The discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A as in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the image forming apparatus 5 includes a conveyance control unit 134 and a control unit 137.

  The conveyance control unit 134 controls the conveyance operation of the recording medium 9 by the medium supply roller 11 and the conveyance rollers 13, 15, 16 by controlling the operation of various motors based on an instruction from the control unit 137. The conveyance operation of the recording medium 9A by the conveyance roller 18, the discharge roller 48, and the collection roller 112 is controlled.

  The control unit 137 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 5 by controlling the operation of each block in the image forming apparatus 5.

  33A to 33G schematically illustrate an example of the discharging operation of the recording medium 9A. FIG. 13A shows a state in which the discharging sensor 47 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9A. FIG. 33C shows a state in which the forward rotation operation has been started, FIG. 33C shows a state in which the discharge sensor 47 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A, and FIG. 33D shows a state in which the discharge roller 48 starts reverse rotation operation. FIG. 33E shows a state in which the discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A, FIG. 33F shows a state in which the discharge roller 48 starts reverse rotation operation, and FIG. 33G shows a state in which the discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A. Indicates a state where it is detected that there is no. FIGS. 33A to 33G respectively correspond to FIGS. 31A to 31E according to the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 33A, when the recording medium 9A comes in contact with the lever 131 and pushes the lever 131, the lever 131 is pivoted to the downstream side of the transport path 7 about the shaft 131A. Then, the discharge sensor 47 disposed downstream of the lever 131 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9A. When the discharge sensor 47 detects the leading end of the recording medium 9A, the discharge roller 48 starts the forward rotation operation. As a result, as shown in FIG. 33B, the discharge roller 48 conveys the recording medium 9A in the conveyance direction F1. Then, as shown in FIG. 33C, the recording medium 9A is conveyed in the conveyance direction F1, and when the recording medium 9B is separated from the lever 131, the recording medium 9A pivots about the lever 131 and the shaft 131A, Return to the original position across the.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 33C, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A, the discharge roller 48 starts reverse rotation. As a result, as shown in FIG. 33D, the discharge roller 48 conveys the recording medium 9A in the conveyance direction F2.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 33E, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A, the discharge roller 48 stops its rotation operation. As a result, the recording medium 9A stops at a position across the discharge port 49 and is held by the discharge roller 48. Thereafter, when the user pulls out the recording medium 9A from the discharge port 49, the discharge sensor 47 can detect that the recording medium 9A is pulled out.

  When a predetermined determination time T elapses after the discharge roller 48 stops its rotation, as shown in FIG. 33F, the discharge roller 48 starts reverse rotation and the collection roller 112 starts its rotation. When the recording medium 9A comes into contact with the lever 131 and pushes the lever 131, the lever 131 is pivoted to the upstream side of the transport path 7 about the shaft 131A. As a result, the lower end of the lever 131 interferes with the regulating member 133, and the lever 131 guides the recording medium 9A to the recovery conveyance path 119. Thus, the recording medium 9A is transported toward the medium storage unit 113.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 33G, when the recording medium 9A separates from the lever 131, the lever 131 pivots about the shaft 131A and returns to the original position across the transport path 7. Thereafter, as the collection roller 112 continues the rotation operation, the recording medium 9A is accommodated in the medium accommodation unit 113.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 5, the discharge sensor 47 and the lever 131 are provided, and the angle of the lever 131 is restricted when collecting the recording medium 9A. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 5, the recording medium 9A is used. Unlike the image forming apparatus 3 (FIG. 23) according to the third embodiment, the recording medium 9A can be guided to the collection conveyance path 119 without driving the lever 111 when the collection is performed. As described above, the image forming apparatus 5 does not have to drive the lever, so the configuration can be simplified.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the discharge sensor and the lever are provided, and the angle of the lever is restricted when collecting the recording medium. Therefore, the configuration can be simplified.

[Modification 5-1]
Modifications 1-1 to 1-3 and 1-5 of the first embodiment may be applied to the image forming apparatus 5 according to the embodiment.

  Although the present technology has been described above by citing some embodiments and modifications, the present technology is not limited to these embodiments and the like, and various modifications are possible.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments and the like, the image is formed on the recording medium by the electrophotographic method. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image may be formed by any method. In each of the above-described embodiments and the like, a color image is formed on the recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a monochrome image may be formed.

  For example, although the present technology is applied to an image forming apparatus in each of the above-described embodiments and the like, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present technology can be applied to a medium conveyance apparatus that conveys a recording medium. The medium conveyance device includes, for example, a conveyance roller, a discharge sensor, and a discharge roller. The medium transport apparatus is provided, for example, at the rear stage of the image forming apparatus, and the discharge roller of the medium transport apparatus holds and holds the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus. Thus, the user can pull out the recording medium from the discharge port of the medium conveyance device.

  1 to 5: image forming apparatus, 10: medium holder, 11: medium supply roller, 12: medium sensor, 13: conveyance roller, 14: medium sensor, 15: conveyance roller, 16: conveyance roller, 17: cutter unit, 18 ... Transport roller, 19 ... Writing sensor, 20, 20C, 20M, 20Y ... Development section, 21 ... Photosensitive drum, 22 ... Charging roller, 23 ... Development roller, 24 ... Development blade, 25 ... Supply roller, 26 ... Toner accommodation , 29, 29C, 29M, 29Y: exposure head, 30: transfer portion, 31: transfer belt, 32, 32C, 32M, 32Y: transfer roller, 33: drive roller, 34: driven roller, 35: cleaning device, 40 , 40A: fixing unit, 41: heat roller, 42: heater, 43: pressure roller, 44: fixing belt, 45: heater, 46: conveying roller, 47: Reference numeral 48: discharge roller, 49: discharge port, 51: communication unit, 52: display operation unit, 53: image formation control unit, 54, 104, 114, 124, 134: conveyance control unit, 54A: cutting control unit , 54B, 104B: medium length detection unit, 55: belt control unit, 56: fixing control unit, 57, 107, 117, 127, 137 ... control unit, 60B: discharge unit, 61: belt, 62, 63: driven roller , 64: belt, 65: driven roller, 66: drive roller, 71: medium supply tray, 72: medium supply roller, 73: conveyance roller, 77: discharge sensor, 80, 80A: sensor lever, 81: shaft, 81A: Axis, 821, 821A, 822, 822A: hook shape portion, 83, 84: arm portion, 85 to 89: surface, 86A: curved surface, 90: optical sensor, 91: light emitting portion, 92: receiving , 96, 97: regulating member, 98, 99: face, 111: lever, 111A: shaft, 112: recovery roller, 113: medium storage portion, 115: lever driving portion, 119: recovery conveyance path, 120: discharge sensor , 121: sensor lever, 121A: axis, 121B: projection, 122: optical sensor, 123: restricting member, 131: lever, 131A: axis, 133: restricting member, F1, F2: conveying direction, θ: restricting angle.

Claims (20)

An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium;
A conveying member for conveying the recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit;
A first operation provided between the transport member and the discharge port for transporting the recording medium in a first direction toward the discharge port, and a second operation in which the recording medium is reverse to the first direction A discharge member capable of performing a second operation of conveying in the direction;
A sensor disposed between the transport member and the discharge member for detecting the recording medium;
When the discharge member is performing the first operation, the discharge member is controlled to start the second operation when the sensor detects the rear end of the recording medium, and thereafter An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to control the discharging member to stop the second operation when the sensor detects the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge member stops the second operation at a position where the recording medium straddles the discharge port, and holds the recording medium. The control unit determines that the recording medium has been discharged when the sensor detects that the recording medium is not present after the discharge member stops the second operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The control unit determines that an error has occurred when the sensor does not detect the leading end of the recording medium when the discharge member is performing the first operation. An image forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. The control unit detects the rear end of the recording medium within a predetermined time from the timing at which the sensor detects the front end of the recording medium when the discharge member is performing the first operation. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein it is determined that an error has occurred when not. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the conveyance member is a fixing member that fixes an image on the recording medium. The sensor is rotatable in the first direction and the second direction about a rotation axis provided above the conveyance path for conveying the recording medium by contacting the recording medium. A recording medium is detected by detecting a posture of the lever member;
The lever member is disengaged from the transport path when pivoted in the first direction, and pivots to remain in the transport path when pivoted in the second direction. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the lever member includes a hook-shaped portion having a hook shape bent in the first direction. When the hook shaped portion is rotated at a predetermined angle in the second direction, the hook shaped portion has a first surface inclined in the first direction on the upper side of the transport path, and the lower side of the transport path. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a second surface inclined in the first direction. The lever member has a hook shape bent in the first direction, and includes a first hook shape portion and a second hook shape portion arranged in parallel in a third direction corresponding to the width direction of the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. The sensor regulates the rotation angle of the lever member such that it remains in the transport path when the lever member is rotated in the second direction by interfering with part of the lever member. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 10, further comprising a member. The lever member has a first arm portion disposed below the rotation axis,
The restricting member is provided on the opposite side of the side where the discharge port is provided when viewed from the lever member, and the first restricting member restricts a turning angle of the lever member by interfering with the first arm portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a restriction member. The lever member has a second arm disposed above the rotation axis,
The restricting member is provided on the side where the discharge port is provided when viewed from the lever member, and interferes with the second arm portion to restrict the pivoting angle of the lever member. An image forming apparatus according to claim 11 or 12. The sensor is
A light emitting unit that emits light;
And a light receiving unit that is provided at a position facing the light emitting unit and is separated from the light emitting unit, and is capable of detecting the light.
The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are disposed so as to sandwich a path along which the second arm moves by rotating the lever member.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the sensor detects the recording medium by detecting an attitude of the lever member based on a detection result of the light receiving unit. A storage unit for storing the recording medium;
A path switching unit disposed between the transport member and the discharge member and capable of guiding the recording medium transported in the second direction to a path toward the storage portion;
The control unit controls the discharge member to resume the second operation after the discharge member stops the second operation, and thereafter, the sensor detects that the recording medium is not present. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, in the case, the discharge member is controlled to stop the second operation thereafter. The controller according to claim 15, wherein the control unit controls the discharge member to resume the second operation after a predetermined time has elapsed after the discharge member first stops the second operation. Image forming device. The path switching unit is provided between the sensor and the transport member, and blocks the first path for opening a first path from the transport member to the sensor and the sensor. A lever member movable between a second position opening a second path from the housing to the receptacle;
The control unit arranges the lever member at the first position when the discharge member is performing the first operation, and the discharge member first stops the second operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the lever member is moved to the second position. The sensor is rotatable in the first direction and the second direction about a rotation axis provided above the conveyance path for conveying the recording medium by contacting the recording medium. A recording medium is detected by detecting a posture of the lever member;
The path switching unit and the lever member are integrally configured.
The lever member is disengaged from the transport path when it is pivoted in the first direction, and remains in the transport path when it is pivoted in the second direction so as to guide the recording medium to the storage section. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the image forming apparatus rotates. The path switching unit is provided between the sensor and the transport member, and by contacting the recording medium, the path switching unit rotates around a rotation axis provided above the transport path for transporting the recording medium. A lever member pivotable in one direction and in the second direction;
The lever member is disengaged from the transport path when it is pivoted in the first direction, and remains in the transport path when it is pivoted in the second direction so as to guide the recording medium to the storage section. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the image forming apparatus rotates. A conveying member for conveying the recording medium;
A first operation provided between the transport member and the discharge port for transporting the recording medium in a first direction toward the discharge port, and a second operation in which the recording medium is reverse to the first direction A discharge member capable of performing a second operation of conveying in the direction;
A sensor disposed between the transport member and the discharge member for detecting the recording medium;
When the discharge member is performing the first operation, the discharge member is controlled to start the second operation when the sensor detects the rear end of the recording medium, and thereafter A control unit configured to control the discharge member to stop the second operation when the sensor detects the recording medium.

Images