JP2021054638A - Image formation device and method of controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To facilitate handling of jam that occurs at a discharge port.SOLUTION: A paper discharge part 300 includes as multiple loading parts, three discharge trays: a first tray 337; a second tray 336; and a third tray 335. The first tray 337 is a movable loading part that can vertically move. A CPU 100 causes the first tray 337 to go down or go up by controlling a lifting motor 340 in accordance with the determination that jam occurs in the proximity of a first discharge port 187 that corresponds to the first tray 337 or in the proximity of a second discharge port 186 that corresponds to the second tray 336.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a plurality of loading portions for loading discharged sheets and a control method thereof.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus including a plurality of loading portions for loading a sheet on which an image is formed and discharged is known. For example, the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 is designed to save space by providing a plurality of loading portions (including a bin tray) in the space inside the body between the image forming portion and the leader portion above the image forming portion. In this image forming apparatus, the loading portion to be the discharge destination of the sheet can be switched, and a part of the loading portion can be raised and lowered.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-355458

In general, jam (sheet clogging) may occur in the transport path of the image forming apparatus. Normally, when a jam occurs, the image formation can be restarted by the user removing the clogged sheet. However, when a jam occurs near the discharge port, for example, a jam in which a sheet remains at a position straddling the inside of the device and the loading portion, the user usually removes the sheet from the loading portion side.

However, as in Patent Document 1, in a device provided with a plurality of loading portions in the body space, it may be difficult to remove the sheet. For example, from the viewpoint of reducing the space in the vertical direction, the distance between the loading parts adjacent to each other in the vertical direction or the distance between the loading part and the leader part is not so wide. Moreover, since the loading portions are movable, the distance between the loading portions may be narrowed when a jam occurs. If the space corresponding to the jam portion is narrow, it becomes difficult to put a hand in it, so that there is a problem that the work of removing the sheet becomes difficult.

An object of the present invention is to facilitate the processing work of jam generated at the discharge port.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes at least one movable loading section that can be raised and lowered, and a plurality of loading sections for loading sheets discharged from the corresponding discharge ports, and raising and lowering the movable loading section. Means and jam of the seat in the vicinity of the first discharge port corresponding to the movable loading portion, or jam of the seat in the vicinity of the second discharging port corresponding to the loading portion immediately below the movable loading portion. In response to the determination means for determining whether or not the occurrence of a sheet has occurred and the determination means for determining that a sheet jam has occurred in the vicinity of the first discharge port or the vicinity of the second discharge port. It is characterized by having a control means for controlling the elevating means to lower or raise the movable loading portion.

According to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the processing work of jam generated at the discharge port.

It is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus. It is a control block diagram of an image forming apparatus. It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a paper ejection part. It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a needle binding processing part and its periphery. It is a flowchart of an image formation process (print process). It is the flowchart of the 1st ascending / descending processing. It is a flowchart of the 2nd elevating process. It is a figure which shows the state of lowering the 1st tray when the jam which straddles the 1st discharge port occurs. It is a figure which shows the state of raising the 1st tray when the jam which straddles the 2nd discharge port occurs. It is a figure which shows the appearance of the jam which straddles the 1st discharge port and the 2nd discharge port during the needle binding process.

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

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 is configured as, for example, a multifunction device having an image forming function and a post-processing function.

The image forming apparatus 1 has a paper feed cassette 151 in which the sheet P used for the printing process is housed. The sheets P are fed by the cassette pick roller 161 and separated and fed one by one by the cassette feed / retard roller 162. The presence / absence of the sheet P housed in the paper feed cassette 151 is detected by the presence / absence sensor 152. After the sheet P fed from the paper feed cassette 151 is conveyed to the resist roller 163, it is detected by the resist sensor 164 whether or not the sheet P is conveyed at an appropriate timing.

On the other hand, the image forming process is started in time for the sheet P to reach the transfer unit 145. First, the photoconductor drum 141 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charging roller 142. The optical unit 144 emits a laser beam modulated according to the image information onto the photoconductor drum 141 to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 141 is developed as a toner image by adhering toner to the developing roller 143. The toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 141 reaches the nip portion formed by the photoconductor drum 141 and the transfer unit 145 by the rotation of the photoconductor drum 141.

The sheet P that has passed through the resist sensor 164 is conveyed to the transfer unit 145 at a timing synchronized with the toner image on the photoconductor drum 141. Then, a transfer voltage is applied to the photoconductor drum 141 by the transfer unit 145, and the toner image on the photoconductor drum 141 is transferred to the sheet P. After that, the sheet P is conveyed from the transfer unit 145 to the fixing unit 171, and the toner image is fixed at the fixing unit 171 by heat and pressure.

The paper ejection unit 300 includes three ejection trays, that is, a first tray 337 in the upper stage, a second tray 336 in the middle stage, and a third tray 335 in the lower stage as a plurality of loading units. In the paper discharge unit 300, a first discharge port 187, a second discharge port 186, and a third discharge port 185 are provided corresponding to the first tray 337, the second tray 336, and the third tray 335, respectively. The sheet P for which the image formation is completed is conveyed to the paper ejection unit 300, and is ejected to one of the ejection trays with the printing side facing down.

The sheet P that has passed through the fixing portion 171 is discharged to a designated discharge destination. For example, when the user specifies the third tray 335 as the discharge destination, the sheet P is guided to the lower stage side by the first flapper 312, and is discharged from the third discharge port 185 by the third discharge roller 311. It is loaded on the third tray 335. When the second tray 336 is designated as the discharge destination, the sheet P is first guided to the middle and upper stages by the first flapper 312. After that, the sheet P is guided to the middle stage side by the second flapper 313, discharged from the second discharge port 186 by the second discharge roller 314, and loaded on the second tray 336.

When the first tray 337 is designated as the discharge destination, the sheet P is first guided to the middle and upper stages by the first flapper 312. After that, the sheet P is guided to the upper stage side by the second flapper 313, passes through the transfer roller 315 and the transfer roller 316, passes through the processing tray 338, and then passes through the first discharge port 187 by the pair of first discharge rollers 317. Is discharged from the tray and loaded on the first tray 337.

When needle binding is specified by the user, the sheet P is conveyed to the first tray 337 via the transfer roller 316. Then, the plurality of sheets P are subjected to needle binding processing (described later in FIG. 4) by the jogger 322 and the needle binding device 321 in the transport path to generate a needle binding sheet bundle. After that, the needle binding sheet bundle is discharged by the first discharge roller 317 and loaded on the first tray 337. A pair of joggers 322 are provided on the processing tray 338 on the front side and the back side of the drawing. The jogger 322 can be moved in the seat width direction orthogonal to the transport direction by the jogger motor 342 (FIG. 2). The jogger 322 is driven by the jogger motor 342 to align the sheet P on the processing tray 338 in the sheet width direction.

The operation display unit 120 is used for displaying print information, warnings, inputting print settings, and the like. The document reading unit 130 is a reading unit that reads a document, and reads a document placed on the upper surface of the document reading unit 130 by an optical sensor to generate print information.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus 1. The electrical control configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU 100, a ROM 101, a RAM 102, an I / F 110, an operation display unit 120, a document reading unit 130, an image forming unit 140, a paper ejection unit 300, and the like. The user gives a printing instruction including designation of the paper type, size, image, etc. of the paper to be used for printing to the image forming apparatus 1 from the external device 2 such as a personal computer via the I / F 110 or from the document reading unit 130. (Print job) can be sent. The CPU 100 acquires a print job and controls the image forming unit 140, the paper ejection unit 300, and the like to perform printing processing. At that time, the CPU 100 reads a program for performing printing processing and the like from the ROM 101 and executes the program, and uses the RAM 102 to store the processing result.

The paper ejection unit 300 includes an upper limit sensor 331, a lower limit sensor 332, a first full load sensor 333, a second full load sensor 334, a third full load sensor 330, an elevating motor 340 (elevating means), a staple motor 341, a jogger motor 342, and a plurality of sheets. It has a transport sensor 181. The plurality of transport sensors 181 are arranged at a plurality of predetermined positions on the transport path, and detect the presence or absence of a sheet (not shown in FIG. 1). The CPU 100 determines whether or not a jam (paper jam) has occurred based on the detection results of the plurality of transport sensors 181. The CPU 100 is jammed by, for example, one sensor that detects the sheet P (the output is turned on) among the plurality of transport sensors 181 or a combination of two or more sensors that are turned on. It is possible to determine whether or not the jam has occurred and to identify the location where the jam has occurred. When the CPU 100 detects a jam by a plurality of transport sensors 181 during the printing process, the CPU 100 stops each control unit (each unit operating for the printing process) and stops the printing process of the sheet P. Then, the CPU 100 displays a jam warning prompting the removal of the jammed sheet P on the operation display unit 120. The CPU 100 periodically checks the detection results of the plurality of transport sensors 181 and restarts the printing process when the removal of the corresponding sheet P can be confirmed. Further, the CPU 100 cancels the display of the jam warning on the operation display unit 120.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the paper ejection unit 300. The printed sheet P is discharged to a designated discharge destination among the three-stage discharge trays of the third tray 335, the second tray 336, and the first tray 337.

A third full load sensor 330 is provided on the third tray 335. The third full load sensor 330 detects the full load state of the sheet P loaded on the third tray 335. A second full load sensor 334 is provided on the second tray 336. The second full load sensor 334 detects the full load state of the sheet P loaded on the second tray 336. The first full load sensor 333 is provided on the first tray 337. The first full load sensor 333 as the detection means detects the full load state of the sheet P loaded on the first tray 337. The first tray 337 is a movable loading unit that can be raised and lowered. The upper limit sensor 331 and the lower limit sensor 332 detect that the first tray 337 is at the upper limit position in the movable direction (elevating direction) and at the lower limit position (dotted line position in FIG. 3), respectively.

When the first full load sensor 333 detects that the sheet P discharged on the first tray 337 has reached a predetermined height from the first discharge port 187, it outputs an on signal (high level). In normal elevating control, when the first full load sensor 333 detects the sheet P, the CPU 100 lowers the first tray 337 until the first full load sensor 333 does not detect the sheet P. Alternatively, the CPU 100 lowers the first tray 337 until the lower limit sensor 332 detects the first tray 337 and outputs an on signal.

When the lower limit sensor 332 detects the first tray 337 and outputs an on signal, and the first full load sensor 333 detects the sheet P and outputs an on signal, the CPU 100 determines that the first tray 337 is in a full load state. judge. In the full load state, the user removes the sheet P on the first tray 337, so that the first full load sensor 333 does not detect the sheet P. Then, the CPU 100 raises the first tray 337 until the first full load sensor 333 detects the sheet P or the upper limit sensor 331 detects the first tray 337 and outputs an on signal.

Since neither the second tray 336 nor the third tray 335 has an elevating function, their respective positions are fixed. The second full load sensor 334 outputs an on signal when it detects that the sheet P discharged on the second tray 336 has reached a predetermined height from the second discharge port 186. When the second full load sensor 334 outputs an ON signal, the CPU 100 determines that the second tray 336 is in the full load state. The third full load sensor 330 outputs an on signal when it detects that the sheet P discharged to the third tray 335 has reached a predetermined height from the third discharge port 185. When the third full load sensor 330 outputs an ON signal, the CPU 100 determines that the third tray 335 is in the full load state.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the needle binding processing unit and its surroundings. FIG. 4 describes the basic configuration and operation of the needle binding processing unit. The needle binding processing unit mainly includes a needle binding device 321 and a jogger 322, a jogger motor 342 (FIG. 2), and a processing tray 338. The needle binding device 321 for needle binding the sheet bundle is provided in the transport path from the second flapper 313 to the first tray 337. The pair of first discharge rollers 317 are configured to be separated in the vertical direction from the contact state by a separation solenoid (not shown).

The pair of first discharge rollers 317 can be forward-reversed, and when they are reversed, the sheet P is abutted against the abutting portion 318 to align the sheet P with respect to the transport direction. Further, in the processing tray 338, a space is formed in the vertical direction so that a sheet bundle can be formed between the abutting portion 318 and the first discharge port 187. The height of the space is set to a height at which the needle binding device 321 can perform matching processing on the maximum number of sheets P that can be needle bound.

The pair of joggers 322 are provided on the front side and the back side of the drawing in the sheet width direction orthogonal to the transport direction on the processing tray 338. The pair of joggers 322 are formed in a plate shape in order to align the sheets when performing the needle binding process. The jogger 322 is moved in the seat width direction by the jogger motor 342, and by abutting the side surface of the jogger 322 against each end in the seat width direction, alignment with respect to the width direction is possible.

When needle binding is specified by the user, the sheet P is once loaded on the processing tray 338. The sheet P loaded on the processing tray 338 is pulled back to the rear in the transport direction by reversing the first discharge roller 317. The pulled back sheet P hits the abutting portion 318 and stops. The sheet P loaded on the processing tray 338 and abutted against the abutting portion 318 is aligned by the jogger 322. When all the target sheets P are loaded on the processing tray 338 and matched, the needle binding device 321 performs the needle binding process. The needle binding sheet bundle after the needle binding process is discharged to the first tray 337 by rotating the first discharge roller 317 in the normal direction.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an image forming process (printing process). This process is realized by the CPU 100 expanding the program stored in the ROM 101 into the RAM 102 and executing the program. This process is started, for example, when the device is turned on.

First, in step S101, the CPU 100 waits until a print job is submitted. That is, the CPU 100 waits until the print instruction (print request) by the operation display unit 120 or the print instruction received from the external device 2 is confirmed from the I / F 110. When the print job is submitted, the CPU 100 performs a print process according to the print job in step S102.

In step S103, the CPU 100 determines whether or not a jam has occurred based on the detection results of the plurality of transport sensors 181. When no jam has occurred, the CPU 100 determines whether or not the first tray 337 is designated as the ejection destination of the sheet P on which the contents of the print job of this time are printed. When the first tray 337 is not specified as the ejection destination of the sheet P, the elevating process for the first tray 337 is not required, so that the CPU 100 continues the printing process without performing the elevating process. Then, the process proceeds to step S111. When the first tray 337 is designated as the discharge destination of the sheet P, the CPU 100 will be described later in order to prevent the sheet P loaded on the first tray 337 from blocking the first discharge port 187. The first elevating process (FIG. 6) is executed, and the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S111, the CPU 100 determines whether or not all the printing processes related to the current printing job have been completed. Then, if all the printing processes have not been completed, the CPU 100 returns the processes to step S102. As a result, the printing process that has not been performed is restarted. On the other hand, when all the printing processes are completed, the CPU 100 returns the processes to step S101.

If a jam occurs as a result of the determination in step S103, the CPU 100 executes a stop process in step S106 to stop each part operating for the print process. After that, in step S107, the CPU 100 executes a second elevating process (FIG. 7) described later, and advances the process to step S108. In step S108, the CPU 100 causes the operation display unit 120 to display the jam warning display. In this jam warning display, the CPU 100 displays a message that a jam has occurred, a location where the jam has occurred, a message prompting the removal of the sheet P that has caused the jam, and the like. The jam warning may be a voice notification.

In step S109, the CPU 100 monitors the detection results of the plurality of transport sensors 181 and waits until the sheet P causing the jam is removed. When it is determined that the sheet P causing the jam has been removed, the CPU 100 clears (cancels) the jam warning display on the operation display unit 120 in step S110, and proceeds to the process in step S105.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the first elevating process executed in step S105 of FIG. First, in step S201, the CPU 100 determines whether or not the output of the first full load sensor 333 is ON (outputs an ON signal). If the output of the first full load sensor 333 is not ON, the CPU 100 attempts to raise the first tray 337 in step S202 or later. When the first full load sensor 333 is ON, the CPU 100 attempts to lower the first tray 337 in step S205 and subsequent steps.

First, in step S202, the CPU 100 determines whether or not the output of the upper limit sensor 331 is ON. When the output of the upper limit sensor 331 is ON, the first tray 337 cannot be raised more than the present. Therefore, the CPU 100 proceeds to step S212 to stop the first tray 337, and the first tray shown in FIG. Ends the lifting process. On the other hand, when the output of the upper limit sensor 331 is not ON, there is room for raising the first tray 337, so the raising process of the first tray 337 is executed. Here, the CPU 100 starts ascending when the first tray 337 is not ascending, and continues the ascending process when it is ascending. In step S204, the CPU 100 determines whether or not the output of the first full load sensor 333 is ON. If the output of the first full load sensor 333 is not ON, the CPU 100 returns the process to step S202. However, when the output of the first full load sensor 333 is ON, the first tray 337 has risen to a position suitable for discharging the sheet P, so that the CPU 100 executes step S212.

In step S205, the CPU 100 determines whether or not the output of the lower limit sensor 332 is ON. If the lower limit sensor 332 is not ON, there is room for lowering the first tray 337, so the CPU 100 executes the lowering process of the first tray 337 in step S206. Here, the CPU 100 starts descending when the first tray 337 is not descending, and continues the descending process when it is descending. In step S207, it is determined whether or not the output of the first full load sensor 333 is OFF (OFF) (not ON). As a result of the determination, if the output of the first full load sensor 333 is not OFF, the CPU 100 returns the process to step S205. However, when the output of the first full load sensor 333 is OFF (off) (it is no longer ON), the first tray 337 is lowered to a position suitable for discharging the sheet P, so that the CPU 100 performs processing. Proceed to step S212.

As a result of the determination in step S205, when the output of the lower limit sensor 332 is ON, the first tray 337 is in a fully loaded state, and the first tray 337 cannot be lowered any more than the present. Proceed to step S208. The CPU 100 stops the first tray 337 in step S208, and causes the operation display unit 120 to display a full load warning in step S209. In this full load warning, a message indicating that the first tray 337 is full, a message prompting the removal of the sheet P loaded on the first tray 337, and the like are displayed. The full load warning may be a voice notification.

Next, in step S210, the CPU 100 waits until the output of the first full load sensor 333 is turned off (not turned on). When the output of the first full load sensor 333 is turned off by the user removing the sheet P on the first tray 337 or the like, the CPU 100 advances the process to step S211. In step S211 the CPU 100 clears (cancels) the full load warning displayed on the operation display unit 120, and proceeds to the process in step S202.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the second ascending / descending process executed in step S107 of FIG. This treatment facilitates the removal of the jam-caused sheet P when a jam occurs in the vicinity of the first discharge port 187 or the second discharge port 186 so that the sheet P remains (stops). This is a process of expanding the work space by displacing the first tray 337. In this process, the CPU 100 corresponds to the determination means and the control means in the present invention. 8 to 10 outline a specific example of the second elevating process.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the first tray 337 is lowered when a jam that straddles the first discharge port 187 occurs. When a jam occurs in which the sheet P remains in the first discharge port 187 corresponding to the first tray 337, the user puts his / her hand in the space above the first tray 337 in order to remove the remaining sheet P. Is normal. However, there is a bottom surface of the document reading unit 130 above the first tray 337. Therefore, the space between the upper surface of the first tray 337 or the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P loaded on the first tray 337 and the document reading unit 130 becomes a space that can be used to remove the sheet P. Here, due to the first elevating process (FIG. 6), the upper surface of the first tray 337 (or the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P) is located near the first discharge port 187, so that the above interval is sufficient. It is not wide and difficult to remove.

Therefore, the CPU 100 lowers the first tray 337. For example, the CPU 100 lowers the first tray 337 to the maximum within the movable range of the first tray 337 (until the output of the lower limit sensor 332 is turned on). As a result, the distance between the upper surface of the first tray 337 (or the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P) and the document reading unit 130 is widened.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing how the first tray 337 is raised when a jam that straddles the second discharge port 186 occurs. When a jam occurs in which the sheet P remains in the second discharge port 186 corresponding to the second tray 336, in order for the user to remove the remaining sheet P, between the first tray 337 and the second tray 336. It is normal to get your hands on the space. However, this space is not very large due to its compact design. In particular, when a plurality of sheets P are loaded on the first tray 337, the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P on the first tray 337 is set to the first discharge port 187 by the first elevating process (FIG. 6). The first tray 337 is in the lowered position so as to be located nearby. Therefore, the distance between the first tray 337 and the second tray 336 is further narrowed, and it is difficult to perform the removal work.

Therefore, the CPU 100 raises the first tray 337 within the movable range of the first tray 337 (within the range until the output of the upper limit sensor 331 is turned on). At that time, if the sheet P is not loaded on the first tray 337, the CPU 100 raises the first tray 337 to the maximum (until the output of the upper limit sensor 331 is turned on). However, when the sheet P is loaded on the first tray 337, the CPU 100 raises the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P to a height at which it does not come into contact with the document reading unit 130. As a result, the distance between the first tray 337 and the second tray 336 is widened.

10 (a) and 10 (b) are diagrams showing a state in which jams straddling the first discharge port 187 and the second discharge port 186 occurred during the needle binding process, respectively. When a jam occurs in which the sheet P'remains in the vicinity of the first discharge port 187 and the second discharge port 186 while the sheet P is in the processing tray 338 in order to perform the needle binding process (FIG. 4). Does not raise and lower the first tray 337 by the CPU 100.

First, as shown in FIG. 10A, it is assumed that a jam occurs in which the sheet P'remains in the vicinity of the first discharge port 187 with the sheet P (dotted line) in the processing tray 338. In this state, the vicinity of the tip of the sheet P (dotted line) to be processed may be supported so as to lean against the first tray 337. In this situation, if the sheet P'remains in the first discharge port 187 and the first tray 337 is lowered, the sheet P (dotted line) loses its support in the vicinity of its tip. Then, as shown by the solid line, the sheet P may slip through the first discharge port 187 and fall due to its own weight. For this reason, the lowering process of the first tray 337 is not performed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, it is assumed that a jam occurs in which the sheet P'remains in the vicinity of the second discharge port 186 while the sheet P is in the processing tray 338. The sheet P to be bound is straddling the first discharge port 187. In such a situation, when another print job for ejecting a sheet to the second tray 336 is input by an interrupt in the middle of a print job using the processing tray 338, a jam occurs in the interrupted print job. Is. In this case, if the first tray 337 is raised, the bundle of sheets P loaded on the first tray 337 pushes up the sheet P to be bound. Then, there is a possibility that the sheet P to be bound is bent near the first discharge port 187. For this reason, the raising process of the first tray 337 is not performed.

In step S301 of FIG. 7, the CPU 100 determines whether or not the first tray 337 is in the fully loaded state. Whether or not it is in the full load state is determined by whether or not the full load warning displayed on the operation display unit 120 in step S209 of FIG. 6 maintains the display. Alternatively, it may be determined by whether or not the outputs of the upper limit sensor 331 and the first full load sensor 333 are both ON. As a result of the determination, when the first tray 337 is in the fully loaded state, the first tray 337 is in the lowest position and cannot be lowered any further. Further, if the raising process is performed in the fully loaded state, the distance between the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P on the first tray 337 and the lower end of the document reading unit 130 becomes narrower, and the user removes the sheet P on the first tray 337. It becomes difficult. Moreover, in the fully loaded state, the user may perform the work of removing the sheet P loaded on the first tray 337. Therefore, when the first tray 337 is in a fully loaded state, the CPU 100 stops the first tray 337 in step S311 without performing the ascending process or the descending process, and performs the second elevating process shown in FIG. finish.

On the other hand, when the first tray 337 is not in the fully loaded state, the CPU 100 determines in step S302 whether or not there is a sheet P in the processing tray 338 based on the content of the print job. If the processing tray 338 has a sheet P, as described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, there is a possibility of affecting the sheet P to be needle-bound processed loaded on the processing tray 338. .. Therefore, the CPU 100 advances the process to step S311 without performing the ascending process or the descending process. If there is no sheet P in the processing tray 338, the CPU 100 proceeds to step S303 to determine whether to perform the lowering process or the ascending process.

In step S303, the CPU 100 determines whether or not the sheet P remains in the vicinity of the first discharge port 187 corresponding to the first tray 337. For example, the CPU 100 has a sheet P in the vicinity of the first discharge port 187 when two sensors 181 arranged inside and outside the first discharge port 187 of the plurality of transport sensors 181 output ON. Is determined to remain. The CPU 100 determines that the sheet P remains in the vicinity of the first discharge port 187 when one sensor 181 arranged in the vicinity of the first discharge port 187 outputs ON. You may.

As a result of the determination, if the sheet P does not remain in the vicinity of the first discharge port 187, the CPU 100 causes the sheet P to move in the vicinity of the second discharge port 186 corresponding to the second tray 336 in step S304. Determine if it remains. For example, the CPU 100 has a sheet P in the vicinity of the second discharge port 186 when two sensors 181 arranged inside and outside the second discharge port 186 of the plurality of transport sensors 181 output ON. Is determined to remain. The CPU 100 determines that the sheet P remains in the vicinity of the second discharge port 186 when one sensor 181 arranged in the vicinity of the second discharge port 186 outputs ON. You may.

As a result of the determination, if the sheet P does not remain in the vicinity of the second discharge port 186, the sheet P is in a transport path that is neither in the vicinity of the first discharge port 187 nor in the vicinity of the second discharge port 186. Is judged to remain. Therefore, the CPU 100 advances the process to step S311 without performing the ascending process or the descending process.

As a result of the determination in step S303, when the sheet P remains in the vicinity of the first discharge port 187 (see FIG. 8), the CPU 100 steps the process in order to attempt the lowering process of the first tray 337. Proceed to S305. In step S305, the CPU 100 determines whether or not the output of the lower limit sensor 332 is ON. When the output of the lower limit sensor 332 is ON, the first tray 337 cannot be lowered more than the present, so that the CPU 100 advances the process to step S311 without performing the lowering process. However, when the output of the lower limit sensor 332 is not ON (OFF), the CPU 100 executes the lowering process of the first tray 337. Here, the CPU 100 starts descending when the first tray 337 is not descending, and continues the descending process when it is descending. After that, the CPU 100 returns the process to step S305. Therefore, the first tray 337 descends to the lowest position in the movable range (until the output of the lower limit sensor 332 turns ON). As a result, the distance between the upper surface of the first tray 337 (or the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P) and the document reading unit 130 is widened.

As a result of the determination in step S304, when the sheet P remains in the vicinity of the second discharge port 186 (see FIG. 9), the CPU 100 steps the process in order to attempt the ascending process of the first tray 337. Proceed to S307. In step S307, the CPU 100 determines whether or not the output of the upper limit sensor 331 is ON. When the output of the upper limit sensor 331 is ON, the first tray 337 cannot be raised more than the present, so the CPU 100 advances the process to step S311. However, when the output of the upper limit sensor 331 is not ON (OFF), the CPU 100 raises the first tray 337 in step S308.

Next, in step S309, the CPU 100 determines whether or not the output of the first full load sensor 333 is ON. If the output of the first full load sensor 333 is not ON, there is room for raising the first tray 337, so the CPU 100 returns the process to step S307. However, when the output of the first full load sensor 333 is ON, it is necessary to limit the ascent of the first tray 337 so that the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P on the first tray 337 does not come into contact with the lower end of the document reading unit 130. There is. Therefore, in step S310, after starting the ascent of the first tray 337 in step S308 (during the ascent), a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the output of the first full load sensor 333 is first turned on in step S309. Determine if it has been done. Here, due to the first elevating process (FIG. 6), the distance between the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P on the first tray 337 and the lower end of the document reading unit 130 is constant regardless of the load capacity of the sheet P. .. In this example, the above spacing is known and is about 50.0 mm. Therefore, since the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P on the first tray 337 does not come into contact with the lower end of the document reading unit 130, a margin (10.0 mm) is provided so that the first tray 337 is set to 40.0 mm (predetermined amount). Only raise. Since the displacement speed of the first tray 337 is known, the time required for the 40.0 mm rise is also known. The predetermined time is set to the required time for raising 40.0 mm.

As a result of the determination in step S310, if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the CPU 100 returns the process to step S307. However, when the predetermined time has elapsed, it can be estimated that the distance between the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P on the first tray 337 and the lower end of the document reading unit 130 is 10.0 mm, which is a margin value, so that the CPU 100 can perform the CPU 100. , The process proceeds to step S311.

If the first tray 337 becomes full while the first tray 337 is being raised in response to the remaining sheet P in the vicinity of the second discharge port 186, then the first tray is loaded by a predetermined amount. 337 may be raised. For example, in step S310, a mechanism for detecting the displacement amount or the current position of the first tray 337 is provided instead of determining the passage of a predetermined time, and when the first tray 337 rises by 40.0 mm, the rise is stopped. May be good. As a mechanism for detecting the displacement amount or the current position of the first tray 337, the cumulative value of the number of output pulses of the elevating process may be used. The margin value is not limited to 10.0 mm as long as the contact between the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P on the first tray 337 and the lower end of the document reading unit 130 can be avoided. Therefore, the amount of rise of the first tray 337 may be larger than 40.0 mm as long as it is within the movable range.

According to the present embodiment, the CPU 100 controls the elevating motor 340 in response to the determination that a jam has occurred in the vicinity of the first discharge port 187 or the vicinity of the second discharge port 186. The first tray 337 is lowered or raised. This makes it possible to facilitate the work of handling jam generated at the discharge port.

Specifically, when a jam occurs in the vicinity of the first discharge port 187, the CPU 100 lowers the first tray 337 (S306). As a result, the distance between the upper surface of the first tray 337 (or the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P) and the document reading unit 130 can be widened, and the sheet P remaining in the vicinity of the first ejection port 187 can be easily removed. Become. In particular, since the CPU 100 lowers the first tray 337 to the lowest position within the movable range (S305, S306), the above-mentioned interval can be secured as wide as possible.

Further, when a jam occurs in the vicinity of the second discharge port 186, the CPU 100 raises the first tray 337 (S308). As a result, the distance between the lower end of the first tray 337 and the upper end of the second tray 336 can be widened, and the sheet P remaining in the vicinity of the second discharge port 186 can be easily removed. In particular, when a jam occurs in the vicinity of the second discharge port 186 when the sheet P is not loaded on the first tray 337, the output of the first full load sensor 333 does not turn ON in step S309, and the step In S307, the output of the upper limit sensor 331 is turned ON. Therefore, since the first tray 337 rises to the uppermost position within the movable range, the above-mentioned interval can be secured as wide as possible. On the other hand, when the sheet P is loaded on the first tray 337 and a jam occurs in the vicinity of the second discharge port 186, the CPU 100 processes as follows. That is, the CPU 100 uses the first tray within a range in which the uppermost sheet P on the first tray 337 does not come into contact with the document reading unit 130, which is a component existing above the first tray 337, and within a movable range. Raise 337 (S307-S310). As a result, it is possible to secure a wide interval while avoiding contact between the sheet P on the first tray 337 and the document reading unit 130.

Further, when the first tray 337 is fully loaded, even if it is determined that a jam has occurred in the vicinity of the first discharge port 187 or the vicinity of the second discharge port 186, the first tray 337 The elevating process is not started (S301). As a result, first, when the first tray 337 is in the lowest position, it is possible to avoid an attempt at unnecessary lowering processing. Further, since the user may perform the work of removing the sheet P loaded on the first tray 337, it is possible to avoid the difficulty of removing the sheet P on the first tray 337.

Further, during the needle binding process, even if it is determined that a jam has occurred in the vicinity of the first discharge port 187 or the second discharge port 186, the first tray 337 is lifted and lowered. Is not implemented (S302). As a result, it is possible to avoid affecting the sheet P to be post-processed in a state where the sheet P straddles the first discharge port 187 as in the needle binding process. Although the needle binding process has been exemplified as the post-processing, it is not limited to the needle binding process.

The movable loading unit that can be raised and lowered, which is the target of the raising and lowering control of the present invention, is one of the first trays 337, but may be two or more. The elevating control of the present invention can be applied to each movable loading unit. Further, when raising the first tray 337 in the second raising / lowering process (FIG. 7), the component existing above the first tray 337 and for which contact avoidance should be considered is the document reading unit 130. However, in the case of a configuration in which another loading portion is present above the first tray 337, the other loading portion is a target for which contact avoidance should be considered. Therefore, the CPU 100 raises the first tray 337 within a range in which the uppermost sheet P loaded on the first tray 337 does not come into contact with the other loading portions.

The amount of descent and the amount of ascent of the first tray 337 are not limited to the amounts described in FIG. 7. For example, it is not essential to move the upper limit sensor 331 or the lower limit sensor 332 up and down until the output is turned ON. By lowering or raising the first tray 337 from the current position, the effect of widening the vertical distance between the first tray 337 can be obtained.

The position of the first tray 337 may be estimated by using the cumulative value of the number of output pulses to the elevating motor 340 during the elevating process of the first tray 337 or the cumulative value of the output time of the elevating process. In this configuration, the CPU 100 first acquires the load capacity of the sheet P by counting the number of ejected sheets or the like. Then, the CPU 100 may determine the ascending / descending amount (displacement amount) according to the acquired load amount. For example, instead of steps S307 to S310, control may be performed as follows. That is, the CPU 100 has the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P on the first tray 337 and the document reading unit 130 in a range equal to or less than the amount corresponding to the first tray 337 reaching the uppermost position according to the load capacity. The amount of rise is determined so that the distance from the lower end is 10.0 mm. Then, the first tray 337 may be raised by the determined amount of rise. Alternatively, instead of steps S305 and S306, the CPU 100 determines the amount of descent in a range equal to or less than the amount corresponding to the amount corresponding to the first tray 337 reaching the lowest position according to the load amount, and the determined amount of descent. Only the first tray 337 may be lowered.

Although the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus, the apparatus to which the present invention is applied may be an apparatus called a post-processing apparatus.

Although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various embodiments within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. included.

100 CPU
187 1st discharge port 186 2nd discharge port 300 Paper discharge part 336 2nd tray 337 1st tray 340 Lifting motor

Claims (13)

A plurality of loading units including at least one movable loading unit that can be raised and lowered, and loading sheets discharged from the corresponding discharge ports, respectively.
Lifting means for raising and lowering the movable loading unit,
A sheet jam occurred in the vicinity of the first discharge port corresponding to the movable loading portion, or a sheet jam occurred in the vicinity of the second discharge port corresponding to the loading portion immediately below the movable loading portion. Judgment means for determining whether or not
In response to the determination by the determination means that the sheet jam has occurred in the vicinity of the first discharge port or the vicinity of the second discharge port, the elevating means is controlled to control the movable loading unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control means for lowering or raising the image. The control means is characterized in that when it is determined by the determination means that a sheet jam has occurred in the vicinity of the first discharge port, the control means controls the elevating means to lower the movable loading portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When the control means lowers the movable loading portion in response to the determination that the sheet jam has occurred in the vicinity of the first discharge port, the control means is at the lowest position within the movable range of the movable loading portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the movable loading portion is lowered to. The control means is characterized in that when it is determined by the determination means that a sheet jam has occurred in the vicinity of the second discharge port, the control means controls the elevating means to raise the movable loading portion. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When the control means raises the movable loading portion in response to the determination that a sheet jam has occurred in the vicinity of the second discharge port in a state where the seat is not loaded on the movable loading portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the movable loading portion is raised to the highest position within the movable range of the movable loading portion. When the control means raises the movable loading portion in response to the determination that a sheet jam has occurred in the vicinity of the second discharge port while the seat is loaded on the movable loading portion. Is within the movable range of the movable loading portion and within a range in which the uppermost sheet loaded on the movable loading portion does not come into contact with the components or other loading portions existing above the movable loading portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the movable loading portion is raised. It has a detecting means for detecting that the movable loading portion is full of sheets.
In the control means, the sheet is moved to the movable loading portion by the detecting means while the movable loading portion is being raised in response to the determination that the sheet jam has occurred in the vicinity of the second discharge port. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when it is detected that the image is fully loaded, the movable loading unit is then raised by a predetermined amount or a predetermined time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the component is a reading unit for reading a document. It has a detecting means for detecting that the movable loading portion is full of sheets.
According to the control means, when the detection means detects that the movable loading portion is full of sheets, the sheet jam occurs in the vicinity of the first discharge port or the second discharge port. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control for lowering or raising the movable loading portion is not started even when the determination is made. According to the control means, during the post-treatment performed with the sheet straddling the first discharge port, the sheet jam occurred in the vicinity of the first discharge port or the second discharge port. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control for lowering or raising the movable loading portion is not performed even when it is determined. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the post-processing is a needle binding process. When the control means lowers or raises the movable loading portion in response to the determination that the sheet jam has occurred in the vicinity of the first discharging port or the second discharging port, the movable loading portion is said. Claim 1 is characterized in that the load capacity of a sheet with respect to a unit is acquired, the displacement amount of the movable load unit is determined according to the acquired load capacity, and the movable load unit is lowered or raised by the determined displacement amount. The image forming apparatus according to. A control method for an image forming apparatus including at least one movable loading unit that can be raised and lowered, a plurality of loading parts for loading sheets discharged from corresponding discharge ports, and a raising and lowering means for raising and lowering the movable loading part. And
A sheet jam occurred in the vicinity of the first discharge port corresponding to the movable loading portion, or a sheet jam occurred in the vicinity of the second discharge port corresponding to the loading portion immediately below the movable loading portion. Judge whether or not
In response to the determination that the sheet jam has occurred in the vicinity of the first discharge port or the vicinity of the second discharge port, the elevating means is controlled to lower or raise the movable loading portion. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus.

Images