JP3600030B2 - Paper loading device - Google Patents

Description

【００３０】
Ａの状態であれば、図１０のフローチャートに示すように、まず排紙トレイ２を下降させ（Ｓ１）、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６のオン・オフをチェックし（Ｓ２）、非検知になったら、所定距離（Ｌ３＋Ｌ４）下降させた後（Ｓ３）、排紙トレイ２を停止させる（Ｓ４）。所定距離（Ｌ３＋Ｌ４）は、図１１に示すように、排紙トレイ１が用紙受け入れ位置に移動可能で、且つ、排紙トレイ２の用紙を取り出し可能な距離である。Ｌ３は、排紙トレイ１が用紙受け入れ位置に位置したときに占有する高さであり、Ｌ４は排紙トレイ２の用紙を取り出すのに必要なトレイ間隔Ｌ５を確保するための高さである。
この所定距離（Ｌ３＋Ｌ４）の設定は、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６の非検知後、排紙トレイ２の駆動源である上下モータ５１のパルス数をパルスカウンターでカウントすることによりなされる（以下、同じ）。
【００３１】
次に、排紙トレイ１を下降させ（Ｓ５）、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６によりエンドフェンス１ａの上端が検知されたかどうかを判断し（Ｓ６）、検知されたときは排紙トレイ１を停止させる（Ｓ７）。
Ｂの状態であれば、図１２のフローチャートに示すように、一旦排紙トレイ２を上昇させ（Ｓ１）、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６のオン・オフをチェックし（Ｓ２）、検知したら排紙トレイ２を停止させる（Ｓ３）。その後、排紙トレイ２を下降させ（Ｓ４）、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６のオン・オフをチェックし（Ｓ５）、非検知から所定距離（Ｌ３＋Ｌ４）下降させ（Ｓ６）、排紙トレイ２を停止させる（Ｓ７）。その後、排紙トレイ１を下降させ（Ｓ８）、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６によりエンドフェンス１ａの上端が検知されたかどうかを判断し（Ｓ９）、検知されたときは排紙トレイ１を停止させる（Ｓ１０）。
【００３２】
Ｃの状態であれば、事前の排紙トレイの制御はなく、そのままジョブに移る。
Ｄの状態であれば、排紙トレイ１の位置が異常であると判断して、一旦イニシャル動作を行い、Ｂの状態にしてからそれに対応した上記動作を行う。
【００３３】
画像形成装置Ｇの操作部や、画像形成装置Ｇに接続されたコンピュータなどから排紙先として排紙トレイ２が指定（選択）された場合も同様に、まず、退避位置センサーＳＮ５、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６のオン・オフをチェックし、その検知状態で排紙トレイ１，２の状態を判断する。
Ａの状態であれば、図１３のフローチャートに示すように、まず排紙トレイ２を下降させ（Ｓ１）、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６のオン・オフをチェックし（Ｓ２）、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６が非検知となった位置で停止させる（Ｓ３）。
Ｂの状態であれば、図１４のフローチャートに示すように、一旦排紙トレイ２を上昇させ（Ｓ１）、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６のオン・オフをチェックし（Ｓ２）、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６によって検知された後排紙トレイ２を停止させる（Ｓ３）。その後、排紙トレイ２を下降させ（Ｓ４）、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６のオン・オフをチェックし（Ｓ５）、非検知となった位置で停止させる（Ｓ６）。
【００３４】
Ｃの状態であれば、図１５のフローチャートに示すように、まず排紙トレイ１を上昇させ（Ｓ１）、退避位置センサーＳＮ５のオン・オフをチェックし（Ｓ２）、検知された位置で停止させる（Ｓ３）。次に、排紙トレイ２を下降させ（Ｓ４）、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６のオン・オフをチェックし（Ｓ５）、非検知位置で停止させる（Ｓ６）。
Ｄの状態であれば、図１６のフローチャートに示すように、まず排紙トレイ１を上昇させ（Ｓ１）、退避位置センサーＳＮ５のオン・オフをチェックし（Ｓ２）、検知された位置で停止させる（Ｓ３）。次に、排紙トレイ２を上昇させ（Ｓ４）、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６のオン・オフをチェックし（Ｓ５）、検知した位置で停止させる（Ｓ６）。その後下降させ（Ｓ７）、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６のオン・オフをチェックし（Ｓ８）、非検知の位置で停止させる（Ｓ９）。
【００３５】
図１７に示すように、満杯位置センサーＳＮ７は、満杯位置センサーＳＮ７によって排紙トレイ２が検知された後さらに排紙トレイ２が所定距離下降できる位置に配置されている。換言すれば、装置下端と満杯位置センサーＳＮ７との間に所定の距離が確保されている。
図１７は、排紙トレイ２の満杯状態を示している。排紙トレイ２に大量排紙がなされ、排紙トレイ２が徐々に下降して満杯位置センサーＳＮ７により検知され、且つ、排紙位置センサーＳＮ６により紙面が検知されたときは、制御手段１００は排紙トレイ２が満杯になったと判断する。
排紙トレイ２が満杯になった場合には、制御手段１００は、排紙トレイ２を満杯位置より下方に所定距離下降させる。この所定距離は、図１８に示すように、Ｌ６であるが、この所定距離Ｌ６は、図１１で示した所定距離（Ｌ３＋Ｌ４）以上の距離に設定されており、このため、排紙トレイ２が満杯状態で放置された場合でも、排紙トレイ１を用紙受け入れ位置に位置付けることができ、排紙トレイ１の使用が可能となる。
所定距離Ｌ６の設定は、所定距離（Ｌ３＋Ｌ４）と同様に、満杯位置センサーＳＮ７の非検知後、排紙トレイ２の駆動源である上下モータ５１のパルス数をパルスカウンターでカウントすることによりなされる。
【００３６】
【発明の効果】
請求項１記載の発明によれば、上側の排紙トレイが排出口より下方から退避位置に移動する際は、排紙ローラよりも排出方向外側に回避する構成としたので、排出口の構成を複雑にすることなく用紙の揃え性を向上させることができる。
【００３７】
請求項２記載の発明によれば、下側の排紙トレイの退避位置が検知手段を用いることなく決定されるので、コスト低下を図ることができる。また、退避位置を満杯位置より上方に設定でき、この退避位置から移動させることができるので、排紙先として指定された場合の用紙受け入れ位置への移動時間を短縮することができる。
【００３８】
請求項３記載の発明によれば、所定距離を、上側の排紙トレイが用紙受け入れ位置に移動可能で且つ下側の排紙トレイの用紙を取り出し可能な距離としたので、用紙の取り出し性を確保した上で排紙トレイの切り替え時間（移動時間）を短くすることができる。
【００３９】
請求項４記載の発明によれば、下側の排紙トレイが満杯となった場合でも、下側の排紙トレイを下降できることによってさらに用紙を積載することができる。
【００４０】
請求項５記載の発明によれば、下側の排紙トレイが満杯の状態で放置されている場合でも上側の排紙トレイを用紙受け入れ位置に位置付けて使用することができ、装置側面の排紙スペースを有効に使用することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施例に係る用紙積載装置としての用紙後処理装置の概要側面図である。
【図２】制御ブロック図である。
【図３】排紙トレイの昇降機構の概要正面図である。
【図４】下側の排紙トレイの駆動機構を示す斜視図である。
【図５】排紙位置検知手段の構成及び動作を示す概要側面図である。
【図６】上側の排紙トレイが用紙受け入れ位置に対応している状態の排紙トレイの昇降機構の概要側面図である。
【図７】上側の排紙トレイの排出口の通過動作を示す概要側面図である。
【図８】下側の排紙トレイが用紙受け入れ位置に対応している状態の排紙トレイの昇降機構の概要側面図である。
【図９】排紙トレイのイニシャル動作のフローチャートである。
【図１０】上側の排紙トレイが指定された場合の制御動作のフローチャートである。
【図１１】下側の排紙トレイの退避位置を示す概要側面図である。
【図１２】上側の排紙トレイが指定された場合の制御動作のフローチャートである。
【図１３】下側の排紙トレイが指定された場合の制御動作のフローチャートである。
【図１４】下側の排紙トレイが指定された場合の制御動作のフローチャートである。
【図１５】下側の排紙トレイが指定された場合の制御動作のフローチャートである。
【図１６】下側の排紙トレイが指定された場合の制御動作のフローチャートである。
【図１７】下側の排紙トレイの満杯状態を示す概要側面図である。
【図１８】下側の排紙トレイを満杯状態からさらに下降させ、上側の排紙トレイを用紙受け入れ位置に位置付けた状態を示す概要側面図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 上側の排紙トレイ
１ａ エンドフェンス
２ 下側の排紙トレイ
１００ 制御手段
Ｅ２ 排出口
ＳＮ６ 排紙位置センサー
ＳＮ７ 満杯位置検知センサー[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, or a sheet stacking apparatus such as a sheet post-processing apparatus provided in the image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
JP-A-8-26579 discloses a sheet post-processing device as a sheet stacking device. This paper post-processing apparatus has one paper output tray on the side of the apparatus, and temporarily stacks the image-formed paper received from the image forming apparatus on a tray in the apparatus and performs a binding process. And a function of directly discharging to the discharge tray without performing a binding process. There is also known a paper discharge tray capable of moving up and down so as to discharge a large amount of paper.
However, since all the sheet groups or sheet bundle groups are stacked on one sheet discharge tray without distinction, there is a problem that, for example, when there are a plurality of users, the distinction cannot be made.
In recent years, the usage of image forming apparatuses has been expanded and combined with not only copy functions but also network printers, facsimile machines, and the like. It has become increasingly important.
[0003]
By providing another discharge port and a corresponding proof tray (discharge tray) in addition to the discharge tray having a large-volume discharge structure, the above problem can be solved to some extent. However, even in this case, since each of the discharge ports and the discharge tray correspond one-to-one, the sorting mode, the binding mode, and the like are limited, and when outputting to the proof tray, the advantage of high added value such as the binding process cannot be enjoyed. Remains.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-48559 discloses a tray unit in which the entire side surface of a sheet post-processing apparatus having one discharge port is used as an end fence and a tray unit to which a plurality of discharge trays are fixed is provided so as to be able to move up and down. A technique has been disclosed in which the amount of movement of the paper discharge tray is controlled so that a designated paper discharge tray is arbitrarily made to correspond to a paper discharge port.
However, according to the paper stacking technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-48559, a plurality of paper output trays can be arbitrarily assigned to one paper outlet, so that the function of sorting the discharged paper can be enhanced. However, there is a problem that a large amount of sheets cannot be discharged because each sheet discharge tray is fixed as one unit.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-73107 discloses that one lead tray extending in the vertical direction can be moved up and down by engaging one discharge tray with one lead screw. A technique is disclosed in which the distance between adjacent paper discharge trays is variable.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 8-119518 discloses that at least one of a plurality of vertically arranged discharge trays can be moved up and down, that is, a large amount of paper can be discharged, and this movable tray is designated. Discloses a technique of moving a sheet from a standby position after removing a sheet to correspond to a discharge port.
[0005]
Further, in this type of paper stacking apparatus, there is a problem that the rear end of the paper remains at the time of paper discharge and the paper alignment becomes poor unless the paper discharge roller at the discharge port protrudes from the end fence as a side surface of the apparatus in the discharge direction. However, in order to cope with this problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-110259 discloses a technique in which the paper discharge unit can be retracted. At the time of paper discharge, the paper discharge section is made to protrude, and when the paper discharge tray is moved, it is retracted to avoid interference.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
According to the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-73107, the distance between the paper discharge trays can be adjusted arbitrarily, so that a large amount of paper discharge is possible. However, as a whole, a plurality of paper discharge trays are simultaneously moved. Therefore, an increase in the size of the drive source cannot be avoided.
In the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 8-119518, the position where the stacked sheets are removed is recognized as the standby position. However, when a large amount of sheets are discharged, the discharge tray may reach the lower limit position. However, there is a problem that it takes a long time to move from the standby position (lower limit position) to the discharge port.
The lower limit position of the discharge tray in the case of large-volume discharge is inevitably near the lower end of the apparatus main body because it is necessary to fully satisfy the function. When moving from the lower limit position to the discharge port, the time required for the movement is long, and the waste of the movement time may hinder the processing speed of the image forming apparatus. In order to solve this, the lifting / lowering speed of the paper discharge tray must be changed as necessary, and complicated control is required.
[0007]
In each of the above-mentioned prior arts in which the side surface of the apparatus is used as an end fence, the stacked paper flows backward to the discharge port when the discharge tray passes through the discharge port. However, there is a problem in that the shutter configuration and the like disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-209400 are required, and the configuration of the discharge port (paper discharge unit) is complicated.
The configuration in which the paper discharge unit can be retracted also makes the paper discharge unit more complicated.
[0008]
Therefore, the present invention is capable of discharging a large amount of paper without enlarging the driving source, and preventing backflow of the stacked paper without complicating the discharge port, or forming the paper without complicating the discharge port. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet stacking apparatus capable of improving the alignment property or shortening the time required for moving a discharge tray to a discharge port.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has a configuration in which the discharge tray is independently driven, and an end fence is integrally provided on the discharge tray passing through the discharge port. Further, the paper discharge tray passing through the discharge port can be displaced in order to avoid interference with the discharge rollers of the discharge port.
Specifically, in the first aspect of the present invention, the outlet having a discharge roller that discharges the sheet, have a plurality of paper discharge tray capable of handling this discharge port, among the plurality of paper discharge tray At least two or more paper discharge trays are provided so as to be independently movable up and down, and control means for controlling the elevation of these paper discharge trays and making the specified paper discharge tray correspond to the above-mentioned paper outlet is provided. In the stacking device, the discharge roller is provided so as to protrude outward in the sheet discharging direction from the side plate of the apparatus, and the retracted position of the upper discharge tray among the discharge trays that can be raised and lowered independently is provided above the discharge port. When the upper discharge tray is moved from below the discharge port to the retracted position, the upper discharge tray avoids the discharge roller outside the paper discharge direction .
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, a discharge position sensor for positioning a discharge tray at the discharge port is provided, and a lower discharge tray among the discharge trays that can move up and down independently. The retracted position of the paper tray is set at a predetermined distance below the paper receiving position positioned by the paper discharge position sensor .
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to the second aspect , the predetermined distance is a distance at which the upper discharge tray can move to the sheet receiving position and can take out the paper from the lower discharge tray. There is a configuration that there is.
[0012]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the second aspect, a full position detecting sensor for detecting a full position of the lower sheet ejection tray is provided, and the full position detecting sensor detects the full position by the full position detecting sensor. The rear lower discharge tray is arranged at a position movable downward by a predetermined distance .
[0013]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the fifth aspect , the predetermined distance is set to be longer than the predetermined distance of the third aspect .
[0015]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram of a finisher (sheet post-processing device) as a sheet stacking device. An entrance sensor SN1 and an entrance roller 4 are provided in the vicinity of the sheet transfer site J with the copying machine G as an image forming apparatus. The paper taken in by the entrance roller 4 is discharged according to the processing mode. The sheet is discharged from the outlet E1 to the proof tray P formed on the upper surface of the apparatus (clear mode), or is directly discharged from the discharge port E2 as an upper sheet discharge tray or a lower sheet discharge tray without performing a binding process. And is discharged to the discharge tray 2 serving as a large-volume discharge tray (non-binding processing mode), or discharged from the discharge port E2 to the discharge tray 1 or 2 through the binding processing (binding processing mode). I have.
The paper discharge tray 1 integrally has an end fence 1a for aligning the trailing edge of the paper.
[0016]
The transport route to the proof tray P is switched by a branching claw 21 provided on the downstream side of the entrance roller 4, and the paper is transported by the transport roller 5 a and discharged by the paper discharge roller 7. The branch claw 21 is driven by a solenoid 21a (FIG. 2), and when the solenoid 21a is turned off, the sheet is conveyed toward the proof tray P as shown by a solid line in FIG. Reference numeral SN2 indicates a paper ejection sensor. The conveying roller and the discharge roller shown here mean a pair configuration of a driving roller and a driven roller (the same applies hereinafter).
When the solenoid 21a is turned on and the branch claw 21 is at the position shown by the two-dot chain line, the sheet is sent to the horizontal transport path. A branch claw 20 is provided downstream of the branch claw 21, and the sheet fed in the horizontal direction is selectively sent by the branch claw 20 to a non-staple route where no binding process is performed or a staple route where binding processing is performed. The branching claw 20 is driven by a solenoid 20a (FIG. 2), and when the solenoid 20a is turned on to reach a position shown by a two-dot chain line, the sheet is fed to the staple route A in the vertical direction. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the solenoid 20a is turned off and the sheet is conveyed to the non-staple route B.
[0017]
In the non-staple route B, the sheet is transported by the transport roller 5b, and is discharged to the discharge tray 1 or 2 by the discharge roller 8 (strictly in cooperation with the driven roller 8a). Reference numeral SN4 indicates a paper ejection sensor. The discharge trays 1 and 2 are individually driven by different driving sources, and the position of the discharge tray E2 is controlled by the control means 100. This will be described later.
In the staple route A, the sheet is transported by the transport roller 5c, sent to the staple unit 12, and subjected to a binding process. The bound sheets (bundle) are discharged to the discharge tray 1 or 2 by the discharge roller 8. Reference numeral SN3 indicates a paper ejection sensor.
[0018]
Next, the operation when the staple mode is selected will be described.
The sheet guided to the staple route A is stacked on the staple tray by the conveying roller 5c and the sheet discharging roller 6. In this case, the alignment in the vertical direction (conveying direction) is performed by the hitting roller 9 for each sheet, and the alignment in the horizontal direction (width direction) is performed by the jogger fence 11. The staple S is driven by a staple signal from the control unit 100 between the end of the job, that is, between the last sheet of the sheet bundle and the leading sheet of the next sheet bundle, and the binding process is performed. The sheet bundle on which the binding process has been performed is immediately sent to the discharge roller 8 by the discharge belt 10a having the discharge claw 10, and discharged onto the predetermined discharge tray 1 or 2 corresponding to the discharge port E2.
The hitting roller 9 is returned around the fulcrum 9a and is driven to rotate by a solenoid 9b (FIG. 2). The hitting roller 9 acts intermittently on the sheet fed to the staple tray to hit the sheet against the rear end fence 46. At this time, since the discharge roller 6 includes the brush roller 6a, the backflow of the rear end of the sheet is prevented by this. The hitting roller 9 rotates counterclockwise. Reference numeral SN8 denotes a home position detection sensor of the ejection claw 10.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2, the control means 100 as a microcomputer has a CPU 102, an I / O interface 104, and the like, and switches (SW) of a control panel of a device main body (not shown) and signals from each sensor. Is input to the CPU 102 via the I / O interface 104. The CPU 102 controls the vertical motor 50 for the discharge tray 1, the vertical motor 51 for the discharge tray 2, the solenoid 20a, the solenoid 21a, the return solenoid 9b, and the transport rollers 5a, 5b, and 5c based on the input signal. A transport motor 52 for driving, a discharge motor 53 for driving the discharge rollers 7 and 8, a staple motor 54 for driving the staple S, a discharge motor 55 for driving the discharge belt 10a, a staple moving motor 56 for moving the staple S, The jogger motor 57 for driving the jogger fence 11 and the like are driven. The pulse signal of the transport motor 52 for driving the transport roller 5c is input to the CPU 102 and counted, and the return solenoid 9b is controlled according to the count.
[0020]
An evacuation position sensor as evacuation position detecting means for detecting the evacuation (upper limit) position of the paper output tray 1 when the paper output tray 2 is made to correspond to the output port E2 in order from the upper side to the output port E2 side of the apparatus main body. SN5, a discharge position sensor SN6 as a discharge position detecting means for detecting a sheet receiving position when the discharge tray 1 or 2 is made to correspond to the discharge port E2, and for detecting a full position of the discharge tray 2. A full position sensor SN7 is provided as a full position detecting means for detecting the full position . Detection signals from these sensors are input to the CPU 102 via the I / O interface 104.
[0021]
A processing mode and a discharge tray are set (designated) from an operation unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus G or a computer connected to the image forming apparatus G. In this case, if the binding mode is selected in spite of the fact that the discharge destination is the proof tray P, the discharge destination has priority and the mode setting is released.
[0022]
Next, a mechanism for elevating the paper discharge trays 1 and 2 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge tray 1 is attached to a base 40 fixed between the side plates 39a and 39b. A rotatable guide roller 44 is attached to the side plates 39a and 39b via a short axis (not shown), and the guide roller 44 is movably provided by being engaged with the inside of the guide rails 30a and 30b having a U-shaped cross section. ing. Further, since the guide rollers 44 are positioned by assembling the side plates 39a and 39b and the base 40, the guide rollers 44 are prevented from coming off from the guide rails 30a and 30b.
A timing belt 37 is hung on a drive shaft 33a driven by the vertical motor 50 and a driven shaft 33b via a timing pulley 36 with tension. A part of the side plates 39a and 39b is fixed to a part of the timing belt 37, and the unit including the sheet discharge tray 1 is suspended so as to be able to move up and down by this configuration.
[0023]
The paper discharge tray 2 is attached to a base 43 fixed between the side plates 42a and 42b, similarly to the paper discharge tray 1. A rotatable guide roller 44 is attached to the side plates 42a and 42b via a short axis (not shown), and the guide roller 44 is movably provided by being engaged with the inside of the guide rails 30a and 30b having a U-shaped cross section. ing. Further, since the guide rollers 44 are positioned by assembling the side plates 42a, 42b and the base 43, the guide rollers 44 are prevented from coming off from the guide rails 30a, 30b.
A timing belt 35 is tensioned around a drive shaft 41a driven by the vertical motor 51 and a driven shaft 41b via a timing pulley. A part of the side plates 42a and 42b is fixed to a part of the timing belt 35, and a unit including the sheet discharge tray 2 is suspended so as to be able to move up and down by this configuration.
[0024]
The drive configuration of the discharge tray 2 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. The power generated by the vertical motor 51 is transmitted via the worm gear 58 to the last gear of the gear train fixed to the drive shaft 41a. Because of the worm gear 58, the paper discharge tray 2 can be held at a fixed position. The driving configuration of the paper discharge tray 1 is the same.
As shown in FIG. 4, the full position sensor SN7 is provided so as to be located between the belts of the timing belt 35, and is turned on / off by a part of the side plates 42a, 42b fixed to the belt piece on the discharge direction side. The retreat position sensor SN5 is also installed. In FIG. 4, the driven roller 8a is omitted.
[0025]
The paper discharge position sensor SN6 is provided near the center of the discharged paper, and is provided so as to be detectable on a surface with which the rear end contacts, that is, on the side plate 32 as a rear end fence.
More specifically, the paper discharge position sensor SN6 is a microswitch, and as shown in FIG. 5, a fixing portion 62 fixed to a fixing member 60 of the apparatus main body, and one end of the fixing portion 62 is supported by the fixing portion 62. And a movable piece 64 and the like. A part of the movable piece 64 protrudes from the side plate 32 in the sheet discharging direction, and is turned on / off by the rear end of the sheet discharging tray 2 or the upper surface of the stacked sheets. The same configuration is employed for the retreat position sensor SN5 and the full position sensor SN7.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the paper discharge roller 8 protrudes from the side plate 32 in order to prevent the paper from being caught on the side plate 32 when the paper is discharged from the discharge port E2. In the retracting movement (upward movement) of the paper discharge tray 1 described later, the paper discharge tray 1 and the paper discharge rollers 8 interfere. In order to avoid this, as shown in FIG. 6, a bent portion 31 is provided on the guide rails 30a and 30b. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the discharge tray 1 corresponds to the discharge port E2 and the discharge tray 2 is retracted. When the discharge tray 2 moves upward when the discharge tray 2 corresponds to the discharge port E2, as shown in FIG. 7, the discharge tray 1 is moved away from the discharge port E2 by the displacement of the guide rollers 44 in the discharge direction. It moves, thereby avoiding interference with the discharge roller 8. The distance L1 between the guide rollers 44 in the discharge tray 1 is set to be longer than the length L of the bent portion 31.
The tension with respect to the timing belt 37 changes due to the displacement movement of the sheet discharge tray 1. To avoid this problem, as shown in FIG. 68 and can be displaced. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the discharge tray 2 is retracted so that the discharge tray 2 corresponds to the discharge port E2.
[0027]
Hereinafter, the control operation of the discharge trays 1 and 2 by the control unit 100 will be described.
First, the home position (the position when the power is turned on) of the paper discharge tray 1 and the paper discharge tray 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the home position of the discharge tray 1 is a position where the upper end of the end fence 1a is detected by the retreat position sensor SN5, and the home position of the discharge tray 2 is detected by the discharge position sensor SN6. It is a position that is lowered by a predetermined distance from the position where the touched position is.
The initial operation of the discharge trays 1 and 2, that is, the operation of positioning the discharge trays 1 and 2 at the home position will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the power is turned on, an initial operation starts (S1), and the control unit 100 checks on / off of the retreat position sensor SN5 (S2). If the retreat position sensor SN5 is in the non-detection state, it is determined that the discharge tray 1 is below, and the discharge tray 1 is raised (S3), and stopped at the time when the retreat position sensor SN5 detects it (S4). ).
Next, the on / off state of the paper discharge position sensor SN6 is checked (S5). If it is not detected, the paper discharge tray 2 is raised, and if it is detected by the paper discharge position sensor SN6, it is stopped at the non-detection position. When the paper discharge position sensor SN6 is in the detection state, it is determined that the paper discharge tray 2 is overrun, and the paper discharge tray 2 is lowered (S7), and ON / OFF of the paper discharge position sensor SN6 is checked (S8). Stop at the non-detected position (S9)
[0028]
When the discharge tray 1 is specified (selected) as a discharge destination from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus G or a computer connected to the image forming apparatus G, first, the retreat position sensor SN5 and the discharge position sensor SN6 are used. On / off is checked, and the state of the paper discharge trays 1 and 2 is determined based on the detected state. The relationship between the detection states of these sensors and the states of the discharge trays 1 and 2 has the following patterns. In the following pattern display, the retreat position sensor SN5 is simply abbreviated as SN5, and the discharge position sensor SN6 is simply abbreviated as SN6.
[0029]

[0030]
In the case of the state A, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, first, the discharge tray 2 is lowered (S1), and the on / off state of the discharge position sensor SN6 is checked (S2). After lowering by a predetermined distance (L3 + L4) (S3), the discharge tray 2 is stopped (S4). As shown in FIG. 11, the predetermined distance (L3 + L4) is a distance at which the paper discharge tray 1 can move to the paper receiving position and at which paper can be taken out from the paper discharge tray 2. L3 is a height occupied when the paper discharge tray 1 is located at the paper receiving position, and L4 is a height for securing a tray interval L5 necessary for taking out paper from the paper discharge tray 2.
The setting of the predetermined distance (L3 + L4) is performed by counting the number of pulses of the vertical motor 51, which is the drive source of the paper discharge tray 2, by a pulse counter after the non-detection of the paper discharge position sensor SN6 (the same applies hereinafter). .
[0031]
Next, the discharge tray 1 is lowered (S5), and it is determined whether or not the upper end of the end fence 1a is detected by the discharge position sensor SN6 (S6). When the upper end is detected, the discharge tray 1 is stopped (S6). S7).
In the state of B, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, the discharge tray 2 is once raised (S1), and the on / off state of the discharge position sensor SN6 is checked (S2). Is stopped (S3). Thereafter, the discharge tray 2 is lowered (S4), the on / off state of the discharge position sensor SN6 is checked (S5), and the discharge tray 2 is lowered by a predetermined distance (L3 + L4) from non-detection (S6), and the discharge tray 2 is stopped. (S7). Thereafter, the discharge tray 1 is lowered (S8), and it is determined whether or not the upper end of the end fence 1a is detected by the discharge position sensor SN6 (S9). If the upper end is detected, the discharge tray 1 is stopped (S10). ).
[0032]
In the state C, there is no prior control of the paper discharge tray, and the process proceeds to the job as it is.
In the state of D, it is determined that the position of the discharge tray 1 is abnormal, the initial operation is performed once, the state is changed to the state of B, and the above-described operation corresponding thereto is performed.
[0033]
Similarly, when the discharge tray 2 is specified (selected) as the discharge destination from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus G or a computer connected to the image forming apparatus G, first, the retreat position sensor SN5, the discharge position The ON / OFF state of the sensor SN6 is checked, and the state of the sheet discharge trays 1 and 2 is determined based on the detected state.
In the case of the state A, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, first, the discharge tray 2 is lowered (S1), and ON / OFF of the discharge position sensor SN6 is checked (S2). Stop at the non-detected position (S3).
In the state B, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, the discharge tray 2 is once raised (S1), and the on / off state of the discharge position sensor SN6 is checked (S2). After the detection, the discharge tray 2 is stopped (S3). Thereafter, the discharge tray 2 is lowered (S4), and the on / off state of the discharge position sensor SN6 is checked (S5), and the discharge is stopped at the non-detected position (S6).
[0034]
In the state of C, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15, first, the discharge tray 1 is raised (S1), and the on / off state of the retreat position sensor SN5 is checked (S2) and stopped at the detected position. (S3). Next, the paper discharge tray 2 is lowered (S4), the ON / OFF of the paper discharge position sensor SN6 is checked (S5), and the discharge tray 2 is stopped at the non-detection position (S6).
In the state of D, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, first, the sheet discharge tray 1 is raised (S1), the on / off state of the retreat position sensor SN5 is checked (S2), and the discharge position is stopped at the detected position. (S3). Next, the paper discharge tray 2 is raised (S4), and the on / off state of the paper discharge position sensor SN6 is checked (S5), and stopped at the detected position (S6). Thereafter, it is lowered (S7), and the on / off state of the paper discharge position sensor SN6 is checked (S8), and stopped at the non-detection position (S9).
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 17, the full position sensor SN7 is disposed at a position where the discharge tray 2 can be further lowered by a predetermined distance after the discharge tray 2 is detected by the full position sensor SN7. In other words, a predetermined distance is secured between the lower end of the apparatus and the full position sensor SN7.
FIG. 17 shows a state where the discharge tray 2 is full. When a large amount of paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 2, the paper discharge tray 2 is gradually lowered and detected by the full position sensor SN7, and when the paper surface is detected by the paper discharge position sensor SN6, the control means 100 discharges. It is determined that the paper tray 2 is full.
When the discharge tray 2 is full, the control unit 100 lowers the discharge tray 2 by a predetermined distance below the full position . The predetermined distance is L6, as shown in FIG. 18, but the predetermined distance L6 is set to be equal to or longer than the predetermined distance (L3 + L4) shown in FIG. Even when the tray is left full, the discharge tray 1 can be positioned at the sheet receiving position, and the discharge tray 1 can be used.
Similarly to the predetermined distance (L3 + L4), the predetermined distance L6 is set by counting the number of pulses of the vertical motor 51, which is the driving source of the paper discharge tray 2, by a pulse counter after the full position sensor SN7 does not detect. .
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the invention, when the upper discharge tray is moved from below the discharge port to the retreat position, the discharge tray is configured to avoid the discharge roller to the outside in the discharge direction from the discharge roller. The paper alignment can be improved without complicating the paper.
[0037]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the retreat position of the lower discharge tray is determined without using the detecting means, so that the cost can be reduced. In addition, since the retreat position can be set above the full position and can be moved from the retreat position, it is possible to reduce the time required to move to the sheet receiving position when the sheet is designated as the discharge destination.
[0038]
According to the third aspect of the invention, the predetermined distance is set to a distance at which the upper discharge tray can be moved to the paper receiving position and the paper can be taken out from the lower discharge tray. In addition, the switching time (movement time) of the paper discharge tray can be shortened after securing.
[0039]
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, even when the lower discharge tray is full, the lower discharge tray can be lowered so that more sheets can be stacked.
[0040]
According to the fifth aspect of the invention, even when the lower discharge tray is left full, the upper discharge tray can be positioned at the paper receiving position and used, and the paper discharge on the side of the apparatus can be performed. Space can be used effectively.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a sheet post-processing apparatus as a sheet stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram.
FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a lifting / lowering mechanism of a discharge tray.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a drive mechanism of a lower discharge tray.
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing the configuration and operation of a sheet discharge position detecting unit.
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a lifting / lowering mechanism of the discharge tray in a state where an upper discharge tray corresponds to a sheet receiving position.
FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing a passing operation of a discharge port of an upper discharge tray.
FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a discharge tray elevating mechanism in a state where a lower discharge tray corresponds to a sheet receiving position.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an initial operation of a paper discharge tray.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a control operation when an upper discharge tray is designated.
FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing a retracted position of a lower discharge tray.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a control operation when an upper discharge tray is designated;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a control operation when a lower discharge tray is designated.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a control operation when a lower discharge tray is designated.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation when a lower discharge tray is designated;
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a control operation when a lower discharge tray is designated.
FIG. 17 is a schematic side view showing a full state of a lower discharge tray.
FIG. 18 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the lower discharge tray is further lowered from a full state, and the upper discharge tray is positioned at a paper receiving position.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 1 upper discharge tray 1a end fence 2 lower discharge tray 100 control means E2 discharge port SN6 discharge position sensor SN7 full position detection sensor

Claims (5)

An outlet having a discharge roller that discharges the sheet, have a plurality of paper discharge tray capable of handling this discharge opening, lifting at least two discharge tray among the plurality of sheet discharge tray are each independently A sheet stacking apparatus provided with a control means for controlling the elevation of these sheet ejection trays to make the designated sheet ejection tray correspond to the above-mentioned ejection opening ;
The discharge roller is provided so as to protrude outward in the sheet discharging direction from the apparatus side plate, and the retracted position of the upper discharge tray among the discharge trays that can be raised and lowered independently is provided above the discharge port. The paper stacking device according to claim 1, wherein when the paper tray moves from below the discharge port to the retreat position, the upper discharge tray avoids the paper discharge roller outside the paper discharge direction . The paper loading device according to claim 1,
A discharge position sensor for positioning the discharge tray at the discharge port is provided, and the retracted position of the lower discharge tray among the independently movable up and down discharge trays is positioned by the discharge position sensor. A sheet stacking device which is set a predetermined distance below a sheet receiving position . The paper loading device according to claim 2 ,
The sheet stacking device , wherein the predetermined distance is a distance at which an upper discharge tray can move to the sheet receiving position and a sheet can be taken out from a lower discharge tray . The paper loading device according to claim 2 ,
A full position detection sensor for detecting a full position of the lower discharge tray is provided, and the full position detection sensor is capable of moving the lower discharge tray downward by a predetermined distance after the detection by the full position detection sensor. sheet stacking apparatus characterized by being arranged to. The paper loading device according to claim 4 ,
4. The sheet stacking device according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined distance is set to be longer than the predetermined distance according to claim 3 .

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