JP4784227B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, a FAX, or a multifunction machine having a plurality of these functions, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a stacker tray on which continuous sheets on which images are recorded are stacked.

  In a conventional image forming apparatus in which continuous paper is used, the continuous paper on which an image is recorded is discharged to a stacker tray disposed below the discharge port, folded and stacked. The stacker tray is configured to be movable up and down so that the distance between the discharge port and the uppermost surface of the stacked continuous paper bundle is a predetermined distance. When the continuous paper is discharged, the stacker tray is lowered to a predetermined distance. It is configured to keep the distance. Therefore, when all the continuous sheets are discharged, the uppermost surface of the continuous sheet and the discharge port are set at the predetermined distance, and the interval is not so wide, so that it is difficult for the user to take out the continuous sheet as it is.

The following conventional technique (J01) is known as a technique for facilitating the user to take out the continuous paper stacked on the stacker tray.
(J01) Technology described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-165670) Patent Document 1 discloses that when a continuous paper stacked on a stacker tray (stacker table 4) is taken out, the stacker tray is moved downward. The technology for increasing the distance between the discharge port and the uppermost surface of the continuous paper bundle and making it easier to take out is described.

JP 2003-165670 A (“0002” to “0005”, “0010” to “0013”, FIGS. 1 and 2)

(Problems of conventional technology)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram when taking out the continuous paper in the prior art.
In FIG. 10, in the image forming apparatus 02 in which the stacker tray 01 moves downward as in the prior art (J01), the stacker tray 01 moves downward when taking out a bundle of continuous sheets 03 from the stacker tray 01. Therefore, there is a problem that the user who takes out the bundle of continuous paper 03 has to bend. When the continuous paper bundle 03 is a small amount, the continuous paper bundle 03 is lightweight, so that it does not burden the user so much. However, if the continuous paper bundle 03 becomes large, the weight becomes very heavy. There is a problem that it becomes difficult to take out the user and burdens the user. In particular, it is a heavy burden on users who are weak or poor.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has the following description (O01) as a technical problem.
(O01) To be able to easily take out a bundle of continuous paper loaded on the stacker tray.

(Invention)
Next, the present invention that has solved the above problems will be described. In order to facilitate the correspondence between the elements of the present invention and elements of specific examples (examples) of the embodiments described later, Add the code enclosed in parentheses. The reason why the present invention is described in correspondence with the reference numerals of the embodiments described later is to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and not to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments.

(First invention)
In order to solve the technical problem, the image forming apparatus of the first invention is characterized by comprising the following structural requirements (A01) to (A08) .
(A01) A stacker tray (TR2) having a member (1) to be lifted and lowered in the vertical direction, on which continuous paper (P) on which an image is recorded and discharged is stacked,
(A02) A stacker lifting / lowering device (11) for raising and lowering the stacker tray (TR2) according to the stacking amount of the discharged continuous paper (P), wherein the continuous paper (P) is loaded when all the continuous papers (P) are stacked. Stacker lifting / lowering device (11) capable of moving the stacker tray (TR2) between an all-continuous paper discharge position that is the position of the stacker tray (TR2) and a continuous paper take-out position above the all-continuous paper discharge position. ,
(A03) Continuous paper take-out position movement control means (C7) for moving the stacker tray (TR2) from the all continuous paper discharge position to the continuous paper take-out position in response to an input of a continuous paper take-out position movement signal ;
(A04) A slide member (2) that is slidably supported by the raised and lowered member (1) and on which the continuous paper (P) on which an image is recorded and discharged is stacked, the continuous paper ( A stacker tray (TR2) having the slide member (2) movable between a loading position where P) is loaded and a protruding position protruding outward from the loading position to the image forming apparatus;
(A05) In response to an input of a continuous paper take-out position movement signal, the stacker elevating device (11) is controlled in a state where the slide member (2) is moved to the projecting position, and the stacker tray (TR2) is moved to the continuous position. The continuous paper take-out position movement control means (C7) for moving to the paper take-out position;
(A06) A slide device (3 + M3 + G1) for sliding the slide member (2) relative to the lifted / lowered member (1),
(A07) In response to the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement signal, before the continuous paper take-out position is moved, the slide device (3 + M3 + G1) is controlled to move the slide member (2) to the protruding position. Paper removal position movement control means (C7),
(A08) In response to the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement signal, before moving the slide member (2) to the projecting position, the stacker lifting / lowering device (11) is controlled to move the stacker tray (TR2). The continuous paper take-out position movement control means (C7) for moving to a downward movement position below the all continuous paper discharge position.

(Operation of the first invention)
In the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention having the structural requirements (A01) to (A08) , the lifted member (1) of the stacker tray (TR2) is lifted and lowered in the vertical direction. The continuous paper (P) on which the image is recorded and discharged is stacked on the stacker tray (TR2). The stacker lifting / lowering device (11) that lifts and lowers the stacker tray (TR2) according to the stacking amount of the discharged continuous paper (P) is the stacker tray (TR2) when all the continuous paper (P) is stacked. The stacker tray (TR2) is moved between the all continuous paper discharge position, which is the position of the continuous paper discharge position, and the continuous paper discharge position above the all continuous paper discharge position. The continuous paper take-out position movement control means (C7) controls the stacker lifting / lowering device (11) in response to the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement signal to move the stacker tray (TR2) from the all continuous paper discharge position. Move to the continuous paper take-out position.
Accordingly, in the image forming apparatus of the first invention, the stacker tray (TR2) moves to the continuous paper take-out position above the all continuous paper discharge position, so that the continuous paper (P) loaded on the stacker tray (TR2) is moved. The bundle becomes easy to take out. As a result, the burden on the user can be reduced.

In the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the slide member (2) on which the continuous paper (P) that is supported by the lifted member (1) so as to be slidable and on which the image is recorded and discharged is stacked. Can move between a stacking position where the continuous paper (P) is stacked and a protruding position protruding outward from the stacking position. The continuous paper take-out position movement control means (C7) controls the stacker lifting / lowering device (11) with the slide member (2) moved to the protruding position in response to the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement signal. The stacker tray (TR2) is moved to the continuous paper take-out position.
Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of the first invention, the stacker tray (TR2) moves to the continuous paper take-out position above the all-continuous paper discharge position with the slide member (2) moved to the protruding position. A bundle of continuous paper (P) stacked on the slide member (2) of the tray (TR2) can be easily taken out.

In the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention , the slide device (3 + M3 + G1) slides the slide member (2) relative to the lifted / lowered member (1). The continuous paper take-out position movement control means (C7) controls the slide device (3 + M3 + G1) and moves the slide member (2) before the continuous paper take-out position is moved in response to the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement signal. ) Is moved to the protruding position. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention , the slide member (2) is automatically moved to the protruding position by the slide device (3 + M3 + G1), so that convenience is improved.

In the image forming apparatus of the first invention , the continuous paper take-out position movement control means (C7) moves the slide member (2) to the protruding position in response to the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement signal. Then, the stacker lifting / lowering device (11) is controlled to move the stacker tray (TR2) to a downward movement position below the all continuous paper discharge position. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention , the slide member (2) is moved to the downward movement position before being moved to the protruding position, so that the uppermost surface of the bundle of continuous paper (P) and the stacker tray (TR2) are moved. Contact with the upper constituent member can be prevented, and contamination of the continuous paper (P) and damage to the constituent member can be prevented.

(First Embodiment 1)
An image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the first invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the following configuration requirement (A09) is provided.
(A09) A take-out position movement switch input discriminating means (C7A) for judging whether or not the continuous paper take-out position movement signal outputted in response to the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement switch (UI4) is inputted.
(Operation of Form 1 of the First Invention)
In the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the first invention having the configuration requirement (A09), the take-out position movement switch input determining means (C7A) is output in response to the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement switch (UI4). It is determined whether or not the continuous paper take-out position movement signal is input.

The above-described present invention has the following effect (E01).
(E01) A bundle of continuous sheets stacked on the stacker tray can be easily taken out.

Next, specific examples (examples) of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a printer U as an image forming apparatus is supported on a printer support surface PS. A UI (user interface) is provided at the upper center of the printer U. The UI (user interface) is provided with a power switch, a display, a continuous paper take-out position movement switch (UI 4), etc. (not shown).
A drum-shaped photoconductor (image carrier) PR is rotatably supported on the upper right side of the printer U, and a ROS (latent image forming apparatus) is supported on the upper right side of the photoconductor PR. A charger (charge corotron) CC, a developing device D, a transfer device (transfer corotron) Tc, and a cleaner CL are arranged around the photosensitive member PR along the rotation direction. The transfer unit Tc and the charging unit CC may be roll type.
The surface of the rotating photoconductor PR is uniformly charged by a charger CC, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the charged photoconductor PR surface by a laser beam L emitted from a ROS (latent image forming device). It is formed. The electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor PR is developed into a toner image by the developing device D. The toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor PR is conveyed to a transfer region Q1 facing the transfer device Tc.

The printer U has a continuous paper storage portion TR1 for storing continuous paper P with feed holes. The continuous paper P with feed holes stored in the continuous paper storage unit TR1 is transported to the transfer region Q1 by a paper transporting tractor K1 and a guide roll Ra. A paper feed side paper sensor SN1 is disposed in the tractor K1. The transfer device Tc transfers the toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor PR to the continuous paper P when the continuous paper P with feed holes passes through the transfer region Q1.
The continuous paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred is guided to a fixing area Q2 by being guided by a guide roll Ra, a tractor K2, a sheet guide G1, and the like. The toner image on the continuous paper P passing through the fixing area Q2 is heated and fixed by being irradiated with fixing light by a fixing device F using a flash lamp.
The continuous paper P on which the toner image is heated and fixed by the fixing device F when passing through the fixing region Q2 is guided by the sheet guide G2 through the paper discharge roll Rb, and on the stacker tray TR2 in the lower continuous paper discharge space V. To be discharged.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part of a stacker tray portion of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of the stacker tray.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the stacker tray.
2 to 4, the stacker tray TR <b> 2 has a flat plate-like member 1. The elevating member 1 has a base portion 1a and an upper plate portion 1b integrally formed on the upper surface of the base portion, and a pair of slide guides extending in the left-right direction at both front and rear ends of the upper plate portion 1b. Part 1c is formed. A slide member 2 is supported on the lifted member 1. The slide member 2 has a stacking plate 2a on which the discharged continuous paper P is stacked on the upper surface. A pair of projecting portions 2b projecting downward to surround the upper plate portion 1b are formed at both front and rear end portions of the stacking plate 2a, and the projecting portions 2b are slidably supported by the slide guide portion 1c. A guided portion 2c is formed. Therefore, the slide member 2 is supported so as to be slidable relative to the lifted member 1. The slide member 2 is provided with a stopper (not shown) to prevent the slide member 2 from coming off the lifted member 1.

A gear engagement member 3 extending in the left-right direction, in which a gear engagement portion 3a is formed in a sawtooth shape, is supported on the front end surface of the front protrusion 2b (see FIG. 2). 3 and 4, a left / right front portion of the lifted / lowered member 1 is supported by a tray entrance / exit motor M3 that can rotate forward and backward, and the motor shaft M3a of the tray entrance / exit motor M3 is connected to the gear meshing portion 3a. The meshing drive gear G1 is fixed (see FIG. 2). Note that a harness (not shown) is connected to the tray loading / unloading motor M3, and driving power, a control signal, and the like are input via the harness.
Therefore, between the inner stacking position where the continuous sheets P are stacked by the rotation and reverse rotation of the tray loading / unloading motor M3, and the continuous sheet unloading position where the slide member 2 protrudes outward with respect to the lifted / lowered member 1. It is configured to be movable.
A slide device (3 + M3 + G1) according to the first embodiment is configured by the gear meshing member 3, the tray moving motor M3, the drive gear G1, and the like.

  1 and 2, a tray lifting / lowering device 11 is disposed on the side surface of the continuous paper discharge space V. The tray lifting / lowering device 11 has a rail-shaped tray guide member 12 extending in the vertical direction. A pair of upper and lower drive pulleys 13 and a driven pulley 14 are arranged inside the tray guide member 12 (on the right side, + Y side), and an endless lifting belt 16 is stretched between the pair of pulleys 13 and 14. It is built. The tray guide member 12 supports a guided member 17 supported by the raised and lowered member 1 of the stacker tray TR2 so as to be slidable (up and down) in the vertical direction. A belt connecting member 18 is supported on the guided member 17, and the belt connecting member 18 is fixedly supported on the elevating belt 16.

Therefore, when rotation from a tray lifting / lowering motor (not shown) is transmitted to the drive pulley 13, the lifting / lowering belt 16 rotates and is guided by the tray guide member 12 to raise / lower the stacker tray TR2.
A tray upper limit sensor (stacker tray sensor) SN2 that detects whether or not the stacker tray TR2 has moved to the upper limit height or the lower limit height by detecting the guided member 17 is provided above and below the tray guide member 12. The tray lower limit sensor (stacker tray sensor) SN3 is supported. In the continuous paper discharge space V, a paper discharge side paper sensor SN4 is disposed, and the disturbance of the continuous paper P and the height of the continuous paper P are detected based on the output result of the paper sensor. Since the paper discharge side paper sensor SN4 is conventionally known (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-81837), detailed description thereof is omitted.
Therefore, the continuous paper P conveyed to the stacker tray TR2 having the above-described configuration is stacked on the stacker tray TR2 in a state of being folded along a folding line or a sewing line (not shown). Then, the stacker tray TR2 automatically moves downward in accordance with the height of the stacked continuous paper P, and the position where the continuous paper P sequentially conveyed is stacked (the position of the uppermost surface of the bundle of continuous paper P). ) Is always kept constant.

(Description of the control part of Example 1)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram (function block diagram) illustrating the functions of the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 5, the controller C stores an I / O (input / output interface) for performing input / output of signals to / from the outside and adjustment of input / output signal levels, a program and data for performing necessary processing, and the like. ROM (read-only memory), hard disk, RAM (random access memory) for temporarily storing necessary data, CPU (central processing unit) that performs processing according to programs stored in the ROM, etc., and It is constituted by a microcomputer having a clock oscillator or the like, and various functions can be realized by executing a program stored in the ROM or the like.

(Signal input element connected to the controller C)
The controller C receives signals from signal input elements such as a UI (user interface), a paper feed side paper sensor SN1, a tray upper limit sensor SN2, a tray lower limit sensor SN3, and a paper discharge side paper sensor SN4.
The UI includes input keys such as a power switch UI1, a display unit (notification member) UI2, a numeric keypad UI3, an extraction position movement switch UI4, a tray storage switch UI5, and detects that these are input, The detection signal (continuous paper take-out position movement signal or the like) is input to the controller C.
The paper feed side paper sensor SN1 detects the end of the continuous paper P by detecting the presence or absence of the continuous paper P fed from the continuous paper storage unit TR1.
The tray upper limit sensor (continuous paper take-out position detection sensor) SN2 detects whether or not the stacker tray TR2 has moved to the upper limit height.
The tray lower limit sensor (downward movement position detection sensor) SN3 detects whether or not the stacker tray TR2 has moved to the lower limit height.
The paper discharge side sensor SN4 detects the continuous paper P on which images are recorded and stacked on the stacker tray TR2.

(Control element connected to the controller C)
The controller C is connected to a main motor drive circuit D1, a sheet transport motor drive circuit D2, a tray in / out motor drive circuit D3, a tray lifting / lowering motor drive circuit D4, a power supply circuit E, and other control elements, and controls their operations. A signal is being output.
The power supply circuit E includes a development power supply circuit Ea, a charging power supply circuit Eb, a transfer power supply circuit Ec, a fixing power supply circuit Ed, and the like.
The developing power supply circuit Ea applies a developing bias to the developing roll of the developing device D.
The charging power supply circuit Eb applies a charging bias to the charger CC.
The transfer power supply circuit Ec applies a transfer bias to the transfer device Tc.
The fixing power supply circuit Ed supplies light for light emission to the flash fixing type fixing device F.

The main motor drive circuit D1 rotationally drives the photoconductor PR, the developing roll of the developing device D, and the like via the main motor M1.
The paper transport motor drive circuit D2 drives the paper transport devices K1, K2, and Rb via the paper transport motor M2.
The tray input / output motor drive circuit D3 slides the slide member 2 of the stacker tray TR2 via the tray input / output motor M3.
The tray lifting / lowering motor driving circuit D4 moves the member to be lifted / lowered 1 of the stacker tray TR2 through the tray lifting / lowering motor M4.

(Function of the controller C)
The controller C has a function (control means) for executing a process according to an output signal from each signal output element and outputting a control signal to each control element. The function (control means) of the controller C will be described next.
C1: Job control means (image recording control means)
The job control means C1 controls the operations of the ROS, the photoreceptor PR, the transfer device Tc, the fixing device F, etc. according to the input of the image data to be printed, and performs a job (printing operation, copying operation) as an image recording operation. Operation).
C2: Power supply circuit control means The power supply circuit control means C2 includes a development power supply control means C2A, a charging power supply control means C2B, a transfer power supply control means C2C, and a fixing power supply control means C2D, and controls the power supply circuit E. The power supply to each member of the image forming apparatus U is controlled.

C2A: Development power control means The development power control means C2A controls the development power supply circuit Ea to control the development bias.
C2B: Charging power supply control means The charging power supply control means C2B controls the charging power supply circuit Eb to control the charging bias.
C2C: Transfer Power Supply Control Unit The transfer power supply control unit C2C controls the transfer power supply circuit Ec to control the transfer bias (transfer voltage).
C2D: Fixing Power Supply Control Unit The fixing power supply control unit C2D controls the light emission (flash) of the flash fixing type fixing device F by controlling the fixing power supply circuit Ed.

C3: Job Interruption Control Unit The job interruption control unit C3 interrupts the job being executed when the end of the continuous paper P (paper end) is detected, or when a paper jam or the like is detected.
C4: Paper end discrimination means The paper end discrimination means C4 detects the end of the continuous paper P based on the detection results of the paper feed side paper sensor SN1 and the paper discharge side paper sensor SN4, It is determined whether or not the position of the paper discharge side paper sensor SN4 has passed.
C5: Stacker lift control means The stacker lift control means C5 controls the drive of the tray lift motor M4 via the tray lift motor drive circuit D4 to raise and lower the member 1 to be lifted.
C6: Slide control means The slide control means C6 controls the drive of the tray in / out motor M3 via the tray in / out motor drive circuit D3, and slides the slide member 2 of the stacker tray TR2. The slide control means C6 according to the first embodiment is configured to control the entry / exit of the slide member 2 by driving the tray entry / exit motor M3 during a preset entry / exit time.

C7: Continuous paper take-out position movement control means The continuous paper take-out position movement control means C7 includes a continuous paper take-out position movement signal input determination means C7A, a pre-slide lowering control means C7B, a protruding position slide control means C7C, and a continuous paper take-out And a stack raising / lowering device 11 and a slide device (3 + M3 + G1) via the stacker raising / lowering control means C5 and the slide control means C6 according to the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement signal. The stacker tray TR2 is moved to the continuous paper take-out position.
C7A: Continuous paper take-out position movement signal input determination means The continuous paper take-out position movement signal input determination means C7A has a take-out position movement switch input determination means C7A1, and is a continuous paper for moving the stacker tray TR2 to the continuous paper take-out position. It is determined whether or not the take-out position movement signal is input to the continuous paper take-out position movement control means C7 of the controller C.
C7A1: Take-out position movement switch input determination means The take-out position movement switch input determination means C7A1 determines whether or not a continuous paper take-out position movement signal that is output when the take-out position movement switch UI4 is input is input.

C7B: Pre-slide lowering control means The pre-slide lowering control means C7B controls the stacker lifting / lowering device 11 before moving the slide member 2 to the protruding position in response to the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement signal. The tray TR2 is moved to a downward movement position below the all continuous paper discharge position, which is the position of the stacker tray TR2 when all the continuous paper P is discharged. The pre-slide lowering control means C7B of the first embodiment lowers the stacker tray TR2 to the lower limit height as the downward movement position.
C7C: Projection Position Slide Control Unit The projection position slide control unit C7C controls the slide device (3 + M3 + G1) to move the slide member 2 to the projection position after the stacker tray TR2 has moved to the lower limit height.
C7D: Continuous paper take-out position raising control means The continuous paper take-out position raising control means C7D moves the stacker tray TR2 to the continuous paper take-out position by controlling the stacker lifting / lowering device 11 with the slide member 2 moved to the protruding position. Let In Example 1, the continuous paper take-out position is set to the upper limit height.

C8: Tray storage control means The tray storage control means C8 has a tray storage switch input determination means C8A and a stack position slide control means 8B, and controls the slide device (3 + M3 + G1) in accordance with the input of the tray storage switch UI5. Then, the slide member 2 moved to the continuous paper take-out position is moved to the stacking position and stored therein.
C8A: Tray storage switch input determination means The tray storage switch input determination means C6 determines whether or not the input of the tray storage switch UI5 has been performed.
C8B: Loading Position Slide Control Unit The loading position slide control unit C8B controls the slide device (3 + M3 + G1) according to the input of the tray storage switch UI5 to move the slide member 2 to the loading position.

FL1: Job interruption flag The job interruption flag FL1 has an initial value "0", and is "1" when the job is interrupted, and "0" when the job interruption is canceled.
FL2: Paper end flag The initial value of the paper end flag FL2 is “0”. When the end of the continuous paper P (paper end) is detected, the paper end flag FL2 becomes “1”, and when a new continuous paper P is loaded, 0 ".
FL3: Continuous paper take-out position movement determination flag The initial value of the continuous paper take-out position movement determination flag FL3 is “0”, “1” when moved to the continuous paper take-out position, and “0” when moved to the stacking position. .

(Explanation of flowchart)
(Explanation of paper end discrimination processing)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the paper end determination process according to the first embodiment.
The processing of each ST (step) in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is performed according to a program stored in the ROM or hard disk of the controller C. This process is executed in a multitasking manner in parallel with other various processes of the image forming apparatus U.
The flowchart in FIG. 6 is started when the printer U is powered on.

In ST1 of FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not a job that is an image forming operation is started. If no (N), ST1 is repeated, and if yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST2.
In ST2, it is determined whether or not the paper supply side paper sensor SN1 detects the absence of paper. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST3. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST7.
In ST3, the job interruption flag FL1 is set to “1” to interrupt the job. Then, the process proceeds to ST4.
In ST4, the operation of the paper conveying devices K1, K2, Rb, the fixing device F, etc. is controlled to start the paper discharge operation for discharging all the continuous paper P to the stacker tray TR2. Then, the process proceeds to ST5.
In ST5, it is determined whether or not the paper discharge side paper sensor SN4 detects the absence of paper. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST6, and if no (N), ST5 is repeated.
In ST6, the paper end flag FL2 is set to “1”, and it is determined that all the continuous sheets P are stacked on the stacker tray TR2. Then, the process returns to ST1.
In ST7, it is determined whether or not the job is finished. If yes (Y), the process returns to ST1, and if no (N), the process returns to ST2.

(Description of tray moving process)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the tray movement process according to the first embodiment.
The processing of each ST (step) in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is performed according to a program stored in the ROM or hard disk of the controller C. This process is executed in a multitasking manner in parallel with other various processes of the image forming apparatus U.
The flowchart in FIG. 7 is started when the printer U is powered on.

In ST11 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the take-out position movement switch UI4 has been input. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST12. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST21.
In ST12, it is determined whether or not the paper end flag FL2 is “1”. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST13, and if yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST14.
In ST13, the display unit UI2 displays that the continuous paper P still remains (the end of the continuous paper P is not discharged to the stacker tray TR2), and notifies the user. Then, the process returns to ST11.
In ST14, the tray lifting / lowering motor M4 of the stacker lifting / lowering device 11 is driven to move the lifted / lowered member 1 of the stacker tray TR2 toward the lower limit height. Then, the process proceeds to ST15.
In ST15, it is determined whether or not the stacker tray TR2 has moved to the lower limit height. That is, it is determined whether or not the tray lower limit sensor SN3 detects the stacker tray TR2. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST16, and if no (N), ST15 is repeated.

In ST16, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST17.
(1) The drive of the tray lifting / lowering motor M4 is stopped.
(2) The drive of the tray in / out motor M3 of the slide device (3 + M3 + G1) is started, and the slide member 2 of the stacker tray TR2 is moved toward the protruding position.
In ST17, it is determined whether or not the slide member has moved to the protruding position. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST18, and if no (N), ST17 is repeated.
In ST18, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST19.
(1) Stop driving the tray in / out motor M3.
(2) The tray lifting / lowering motor M4 is driven to move the lifted / lowered member 1 of the stacker tray TR2 toward the upper limit height.
In ST19, it is determined whether or not the stacker tray TR2 has moved to the upper limit height (continuous paper take-out position), that is, whether or not the tray upper limit sensor SN2 has detected the stacker tray TR2. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST20. If no (N), ST19 is repeated.
In ST20, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process returns to ST11.
(1) The drive of the tray lifting / lowering motor M4 is stopped.
(2) The continuous paper take-out position movement determination flag FL3 is set to “1”.

In ST21, it is determined whether or not the tray storage switch UI5 has been input. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST22. If no (N), the process returns to ST11.
In ST22, it is determined whether or not the continuous paper take-out position movement determination flag FL3 is “1”. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST23, and if yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST24.
In ST23, the display UI1 is informed that the slide member 2 has moved to the internal stacking position. Then, the process returns to ST11.
In ST24, the tray in / out motor M3 is driven to move the slide member 2 toward the stacking position. Then, the process proceeds to ST25.
In ST25, it is determined whether or not the slide member 2 has moved to the loading position. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST26, and if no (N), ST25 is repeated.
In ST26, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process returns to ST11.
(1) Stop driving the tray in / out motor M3.
(2) The continuous paper take-out position movement determination flag FL3 is set to “0”.

(Operation of Example 1)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which all the continuous sheets are discharged and the stacker tray TR2 is moved to the all continuous sheet discharge position. It is explanatory drawing of the state which moved to the downward movement position (lower limit height).
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment, FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the slide member of the stacker tray has moved to the protruding position, and FIG. 9B is the continuous paper take-out position (upper limit height). It is explanatory drawing of the state which moved to ().

1, 8, and 9, in the printer U according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, the image forming operation is continued, image recording is performed up to the end of the continuous paper P, and the end of the continuous paper P is the stacker tray. It is discharged to TR2 (see FIG. 8A).
When the continuous paper take-out position movement switch UI4 is input with the end of the continuous paper P being discharged, the stacker tray TR2 descends from the full continuous paper discharge position shown in FIG. 8A to the lower limit height shown in FIG. 8B. (Refer to ST11 to ST15 in FIG. 7). The all continuous paper discharge position differs depending on the amount of continuous paper P.
When the stacker tray TR2 moves to the downward movement position (lower limit height), the tray in / out motor M3 of the slide device (3 + M3 + G1) operates (see ST16 to ST17 in FIG. 7), and the slide member 2 on which the continuous paper P is stacked. However, it moves from the loading position shown in FIGS. 1, 8A and 8B to the protruding position shown in FIG. 9A.
When the slide member 2 of the stacker tray TR2 moves to the protruding position, the stacker tray TR2 moves to the continuous paper take-out position (upper limit height) shown in FIG. 9B (see ST18 to ST20 in FIG. 7).
When the tray storage switch UI5 is input after the user takes out the bundle of continuous paper P, the slide member 2 moved to the outward projecting position is stored inside (see ST21 to ST26 in FIG. 7).

Therefore, in the printer U according to the first embodiment, the stacker tray TR2 moves to the upper continuous paper take-out position instead of the all continuous paper discharge position or the lower movement position, so that the user can easily take out the continuous paper P. As a result, the burden on the user due to bending when the continuous paper P is taken out is reduced. Therefore, a user having a weak force or a user who cannot place a burden on the waist can easily take out the bundle of continuous paper P.
In the printer U according to the first embodiment, the slide member 2 of the stacker tray TR2 is automatically moved to the protruding position by the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement switch UI4. Therefore, the user bends and manually slides the slide member. There is no need. As a result, convenience is improved and the burden on the user can be reduced.
Furthermore, in the printer U according to the first embodiment, the stacker tray TR2 temporarily moves to the downward movement position before the slide member 2 moves to the protruding position. Therefore, the sheets at the upper end of the stack of continuous paper P that is stacked are caught or contacted with a member such as the guide G2 or an actuator (not shown), so that the continuous paper is soiled or the guide G2 is damaged. Can be prevented.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H07) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to a printer, but can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a FAX, or a multifunction peripheral. Further, the present invention is not limited to a monochrome image forming apparatus, and can be applied to a color image forming apparatus. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as an inkjet recording system.

(H02) In the above embodiment, the slide member 2 is automatically moved between the protruding position and the loading position by the slide device (3 + M3 + G1). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the slide member 2 is configured to be moved manually. Is also possible. At this time, a sensor for detecting whether the slide member 2 is moved to the loading position or the protruding position is provided, and the stacker tray TR2 is detected in the state of detecting the movement to the protruding position. It is desirable that the printer is moved up and moved to the continuous paper take-out position.
(H03) In the above embodiment, the lifted / lowered member 1 is once moved to the downward movement position. However, if there is a sufficient distance from the guide G2, the movement to the downward movement position is omitted. It is also possible to do.

(H04) In the above embodiment, the lifted / lowered member 1 is moved to the lower limit height. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be configured to be lowered by a predetermined amount from the all continuous paper discharge position. is there.
(H05) In the above embodiment, as an example in which the continuous paper take-out position movement signal is input to the controller C, the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement switch UI4 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. In such a case (when the paper end flag FL2 becomes “1”), it is also possible to output the continuous paper take-out position movement signal. That is, when the paper end is detected, the stacker tray TR2 can be automatically moved to the continuous paper take-out position.
(H06) In the above-described embodiment, the movement to the downward movement position or the continuous paper take-out position is controlled using the height sensors SN2 and SN3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to perform control based on the amount of rotation and the like.
(H07) In the above embodiment, the slide member 2 of the stacker tray TR2 can be omitted. In this case, it is desirable that the guide G2 and the like can be retracted so that the stacker tray TR2 can move to the continuous paper take-out position.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory view of a main part of a stacker tray portion of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of the stacker tray. FIG. 4 is a side view of the stacker tray. FIG. 5 is a block diagram (function block diagram) illustrating the functions of the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the paper end determination process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the tray movement process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which all the continuous sheets are discharged and the stacker tray TR2 is moved to the all continuous sheet discharge position. It is explanatory drawing of the state which moved to the downward movement position (lower limit height). FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment, FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the slide member of the stacker tray has moved to the protruding position, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the state which moved to (). FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram when taking out the continuous paper in the prior art.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Member to be lifted,
2 ... slide member,
3 + M3 + G1 ... slide device,
11 ... Stacker lifting device,
C7: Continuous paper take-out position movement control means,
C7A ... Extraction position movement switch input discrimination means,
P: Continuous paper,
TR2 ... Stacker tray,
UI4: Continuous paper take-out position movement switch.

Claims (2)

An image forming apparatus comprising the following configuration requirements (A01) to (A08) :
(A01) A stacker tray having a member to be raised and lowered in the vertical direction, on which a continuous sheet on which an image is recorded and discharged is stacked,
(A02) A stacker raising / lowering device that raises and lowers the stacker tray according to the stack amount of the discharged continuous paper, wherein all the continuous paper discharge positions are positions of the stacker tray when all the continuous papers are stacked. A stacker lifting / lowering device capable of moving the stacker tray between a continuous paper take-out position above the all continuous paper discharge position,
(A03) Continuous paper take-out position movement control means for moving the stacker tray from the all continuous paper discharge position to the continuous paper take-out position in response to an input of a continuous paper take-out position movement signal ;
(A04) A slide member that is supported by the member to be lifted so as to be slidable and on which the continuous paper on which an image is recorded and discharged is stacked, the stacking position on which the continuous paper is stacked, and the stacking The stacker tray having the slide member movable between a projecting position projecting outward from the position and the image forming apparatus;
(A05) The continuous moving the stacker tray to the continuous paper take-out position by controlling the stacker lifting device in a state where the slide member is moved to the protruding position in response to the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement signal. Paper removal position movement control means,
(A06) a slide device that slides the slide member with respect to the lifted member;
(A07) The continuous paper take-out position movement control means for controlling the slide device to move the slide member to the protruding position before the continuous paper take-out position is moved in response to the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement signal. ,
(A08) Before moving the slide member to the protruding position in accordance with the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement signal, the stacker lifting device is controlled to lower the stacker tray below the all continuous paper discharge position. The continuous paper take-out position movement control means for moving the sheet to the lower movement position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the following configuration requirements (A09):
(A09) A take-out position movement switch input discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the continuous paper take-out position movement signal outputted in response to the input of the continuous paper take-out position movement switch is inputted.

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