JP6361197B2 - Position detecting device, recording medium sending device, image forming device, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a position detection device, a recording medium sending device, an image forming device, and a program.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an elevating unit that raises and lowers a sheet stacking plate on which sheets are stacked, and a pull-in member that contacts the uppermost sheet positioned at a predetermined feeding height and feeds the uppermost sheet. Are disclosed. In the sheet feeding apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the sheet height is reset every reference time or every time the power is turned on.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a paper feeding device including a feed roll that takes out and feeds paper from a storage unit by rotating in contact with the surface of the paper stored in the storage unit.

JP 2002-326726 A JP-A-2005-187150

  The object of the present invention is to identify the position of the sending means and detect the presence or absence of the recording medium as compared with the case where the sensor for detecting the position of the supporting member that supports the sending means and the sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the recording medium are individually provided. The present invention provides a position detection device, a recording medium sending device, an image forming device, and a program that can simplify a configuration that contributes to the above.

The position detection device according to claim 1 is provided on a support member that supports a sending unit that sends out a recording medium that has come into contact, and is supported by the recording medium and a first displacement member that is displaced according to the position of the support member, Detects light irradiated through a second displacement member that is displaced according to the presence or absence of a recording medium, a first displacement path in which the first displacement member is displaced, and a second displacement path in which the second displacement member is displaced. The amount of deviation between the take-in position for taking in the recording medium by the pair of rolls for taking in the recording medium sent by the sending means and the reference position of the support member during the sending of the recording medium by the sending means is predetermined. was the light is blocked by the first displacement member only when said support member is a the specific position position of the support member to become more displacement amount has reached the second displacement member Including a detection means provided at a position where the light is blocked by the second displacement member only when the recording medium to lifting is gone.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the position detecting device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the position detecting device is provided on a supporting member that supports a sending unit that sends out the recording medium that comes into contact. A second displacement member that is provided and supported by the recording medium and is displaced according to the presence or absence of the recording medium; a first displacement path through which the first displacement member is displaced; and a second displacement through which the second displacement member is displaced. The supporting position during the feeding of the recording medium by the feeding means and the take-in position where the recording medium is taken in by the pair of rolls that take in the recording medium sent by the sending means and detect the light irradiated through the path to support the case where the supporting member is a the specific position position of the support member reaches and the second displacement member which displacement amount becomes equal to or greater than the deviation amount defined in advance as a reference position of the member Including a detection means provided at a position of interruption of the light is released by the first displacement member and said second displacement member only if the recording medium runs out.

  In the position detection device according to claim 1, as in the invention according to claim 3, the second displacement member is displaced by its own weight when there is no recording medium supporting the second displacement member. It is a displacement member that blocks the light.

  3. The position detection device according to claim 2, wherein, as in the invention according to claim 4, the second displacement member is a recording medium that supports the second displacement member in a state where the support member is in a standby position. The first displacement member is provided so that the light is blocked by the first displacement member and the second displacement member by being displaced by its own weight when it is lost.

  5. The position detection device according to claim 4, wherein, as in the invention according to claim 5, the first displacement member has an opening shielded by the second displacement member. When the recording medium supporting the second displacement member runs out, the recording medium is released by releasing the shielding state of the opening by the second displacement member as the second displacement member slides.

A recording medium delivery device according to claim 6 is a position detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a delivery means for delivering the recording medium in contact, and a loading platform on which the recording medium is loaded. Control means for performing at least one of control of moving means for moving the recording medium and control for notifying the informing means of the presence or absence of a recording medium on the loading table based on a detection result by the detecting means included in the position detecting device And including.

The recording medium delivery device according to claim 6 , wherein, as in the invention according to claim 7 , the generated driving force is applied to the support member so that the delivery means does not contact the recording medium. Driving means for moving the recording medium to a contact position for contacting the recording medium, and the control means further controls the moving means based on the driving state of the driving means and the detection result.

In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a recording medium sent out by the recording medium sending apparatus according to the sixth or seventh aspect and sending means included in the recording medium sending apparatus. Image forming means for forming an image on a medium.

A program according to claim 9 is a program for causing a computer to function as control means in the recording medium sending device according to claim 6 or claim 7 .

According to the inventions according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 6 , claim 8 , and claim 9 , a sensor that detects the position of the support member that supports the delivery means, and a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the recording medium, As compared with the case where the recording medium is individually provided, it is possible to simplify the configuration that contributes to the specification of the position of the sending means and the detection of the presence or absence of the recording medium.
According to the inventions according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 6, claim 8, and claim 9, the specific position is not a position where the amount of deviation from the take-in position is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount of deviation. Compared to the case, it can be detected with a simple configuration that the support member is displaced from the take-in position by a predetermined amount or more.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to simplify the configuration for blocking light when the recording medium runs out, compared to blocking light using a member that does not displace due to its own weight when the recording medium runs out. .

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the recording medium runs out with the support member in the standby position, the first displacement member and the second displacement member are released from light blocking by being displaced by their own weight. Compared with the case where the 2nd displacement member is not provided in the 1st displacement member, interception of light can be canceled by simple composition.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the recording medium runs out, the blocking of light is released by releasing the shielding state of the opening by the second displacement member as the second displacement member slides. Compared to the case where the light source is not provided, it is possible to cancel light blocking with a simple configuration.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the positional relationship between the sending means and the loading platform is highly accurate compared to the case where the moving means is not controlled based on the driving state of the driving means and the detection result by the detecting means. Can be adjusted.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of an image forming apparatus according to first and second embodiments. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a paper storage unit of a paper supply unit included in the image forming apparatus according to the first and second embodiments. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of a sheet feeding unit included in an image forming apparatus according to first and second embodiments. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of a principal part structure of the paper delivery part contained in the paper feed part which concerns on 1st and 2nd embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a feed roll, a feed roll, a support arm, and a position detection device of a paper feed unit included in the paper feed unit according to the first embodiment. It is a state transition diagram which shows an example of the state transition of the rotation member contained in the position detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a state transition diagram which shows an example of the state transition of the protrusion of the support arm contained in the position detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to first and second embodiments. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a sheet feeding unit management process according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a paper feed preparation process according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of paper feed processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a state transition diagram illustrating an example of a state transition of the position detection device and its surroundings when a paper feed unit management process according to the first embodiment is performed. It is a time chart which shows an example of the operation state of various motors and various sensors when judgment is denied in Steps 302 and 326 of paper feed processing concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram illustrating an example of a state transition of the position detection device and its periphery when a negative determination is made in step 302 of the paper feed process according to the first embodiment. 10 is a time chart illustrating an example of operation states of various motors and various sensors when a determination is affirmed in Step 302 of the paper feed process according to the first embodiment and a determination is negative in Step 326; It is a state transition diagram showing an example of a state transition of the position detection device and its periphery when the determination is affirmed in Step 302 of the paper feed process according to the first embodiment. 10 is a time chart illustrating an example of operation states of various motors and various sensors when determination is negative in step 302 of the paper feed process according to the first embodiment and determination is positive in step 326; It is a state transition diagram showing an example of a state transition of the position detection device and its periphery when the determination is affirmed in Step 326 of the paper feed process according to the first embodiment. It is a state transition diagram which shows an example of the position detection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and its surrounding state transition. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a paper feed preparation process according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a paper feed process according to a second embodiment. It is a time chart which shows an example of the operation state of various motors and various sensors when determination is affirmed in Steps 500 and 502 of the paper feed processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram illustrating an example of a state transition of a position detection device and its periphery when a determination is affirmed in Step 500 of the paper feed process according to the second embodiment. 10 is a time chart illustrating an example of operation states of various motors and various sensors when determination is negative in step 500 of the paper feed process according to the second embodiment and determination is positive in step 502; FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram illustrating an example of a state transition of a position detection device and its surroundings when a negative determination is made in step 500 of paper feed processing according to the second embodiment. 10 is a time chart illustrating an example of operation states of various motors and various sensors when a determination is affirmed in Step 500 of the paper feed process according to the second embodiment and a determination is negative in Step 502; FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram illustrating an example of state transition of a position detection device and its surroundings when a determination is negative in step 502 of paper feed processing according to the second embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the modification of a position detection apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the position detection apparatus in case the optical path of a transmission type sensor is interrupted | blocked by the bending piece and the 1st arm. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the position detection apparatus in case the optical path of a transmissive | pervious sensor is interrupted by the former of a bending piece and a 1st arm. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the position detection apparatus when the optical path of a transmissive | pervious sensor is not obstruct | occluded by the bending piece and the 1st arm.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 12 (which is an example of an image forming unit according to the present invention), a paper feeding unit 14 (an example of a recording medium sending device according to the present invention), and A paper transport unit 16 is included.

  The image forming unit 12 includes a photoconductive drum 20, and the photoconductive drum 20 rotates in the direction indicated by an arc shown in FIG. 1 by receiving a driving force of a drum motor (not shown). On the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 20, a charger 22, an exposure unit 24, a developing unit 26, a transfer roll 28, and a cleaner 30 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 20.

  When the rotation of the photosensitive drum 20 is started, the charger 22 charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20. The exposure device 24 irradiates the outer peripheral surface of the charged photosensitive drum 20 with laser light corresponding to image information indicating an image, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20. The developing unit 26 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20 with toner, thereby forming a toner image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20. The transfer roll 28 is disposed so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 20, and the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 20 with respect to the paper P (an example of the recording medium according to the present invention) conveyed from the paper conveying unit 16. The toner image on the surface is transferred.

  The image forming unit 12 includes a fixing device 32 and a discharge roll 34. The fixing device 32 is disposed downstream of the transfer roll 28 in the conveyance direction of the paper P, and fixes the toner image transferred onto the paper P by the transfer roll 28 onto the paper P. The discharge roll 34 is disposed downstream of the fixing device 32 in the conveyance direction of the paper P, takes in the paper P sent out from the fixing device 32, and discharges it to the paper receiver 36.

  The paper transport unit 16 includes a plurality of transport rolls 40. The plurality of transport rolls 40 are rotated by receiving a driving force of a transport motor (not shown), take in the paper supplied from the paper supply unit 14, and transfer positions (the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer roll 28 are in contact with each other). To the position where

  The paper feed unit 14 includes a paper storage unit 50, an elevating unit 52, and a paper delivery unit 54, which are provided for each size of the paper P. The sheet storage unit 50 is formed in a box shape with an upper opening, and includes a stacking base 56, a rear end regulating member 58, and a side end regulating member 59 as shown in FIG. The loading table 56 is a table on which the sheets P are stacked, and is attached to the inner wall 50A of the sheet storage unit 50 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The trailing edge regulating member 58 is the position of the edge (edge) of the sheet P in the direction opposite to the direction in which the sheet P is sent out to the sheet conveying unit 16 (hereinafter referred to as “paper feeding direction”). To regulate. One side edge of the paper P in the width direction is abutted against the inner wall 50A of the paper container 50, and the side edge regulating member 59 regulates the other side edge of the paper P in the width direction. The rear end regulating member 58 is attached to the paper accommodating portion 50 so as to be slidable in the paper feeding direction, and the side end regulating member 59 is slidable in the width direction of the paper P. Is attached.

  As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the elevating unit 52 includes a pulley 60, a wire 62, and an elevating motor 64 (an example of a moving unit according to the present invention). The wire 62 is hung on the pulley 60. One end of the wire 62 is fixed to the loading table 56, and the other end of the wire 62 is fixed to the drive shaft 64 </ b> A of the lifting / lowering motor 64. Accordingly, the loading table 56 is raised when the drive shaft 64A of the elevating motor 64 is normally rotated, and is lowered when the drive shaft 64A of the elevating motor 64 is reversely rotated.

  The paper delivery unit 54 includes a delivery roll 70 (an example of delivery means according to the present invention (a roll corresponding to a roll generally called a pickup roll)), a feed roll 72, and a retard roll 74. These are rotatably attached to the frame 78. Further, as shown in FIG. 4 as an example, the sheet delivery unit 54 includes a sheet feeding motor 130 and a solenoid 134 which is an example of a driving unit according to the present invention. The solenoid 134 applies the generated driving force to a support arm 80 described later, thereby depressing the delivery roll 70 and moving the delivery roll 70 from the non-contact position to the contact position. Here, the non-contact position refers to a position where the delivery roll 70 is not brought into contact with the uppermost sheet P (hereinafter referred to as “uppermost sheet P”) loaded on the stacking table 56, and the contact position refers to the delivery roll. This refers to the position where 70 is brought into contact with the uppermost sheet P. In the first embodiment, a stepping motor is employed as an example of the paper feeding motor 130. In the first embodiment, when the solenoid 134 is turned on, the energization operation for the solenoid 134 is started, and when the solenoid 134 is turned off, the energization stop operation for the solenoid 134 is started. To do.

  As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the delivery roll 70 rotates by receiving a driving force from the outside, contacts the surface of the uppermost sheet P, takes out the sheet P from the sheet storage unit 50, and sends it out in the sheet feeding direction. The feed roll 72 and the retard roll 74 are disposed downstream of the feed roll 70 in the paper feeding direction. The feed roll 72 rotates by receiving a driving force from the outside. The feed roll 72 is disposed opposite to the retard roll 74, and the outer peripheral surface of the feed roll 72 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the retard roll 74. The retard roll 74 has torque by a torque limiter (not shown), and is driven in contact with the feed roll 72. Accordingly, the paper P delivered by the delivery roll 70 is taken in by the feed roll 72 and the retard roll 74 and delivered to the paper transport unit 16. In the following, for convenience of explanation, a position where the paper P is taken in by the feed roll 72 and the retard roll 74 (for example, a position where the outer peripheral surface of the feed roll 72 and the outer peripheral surface of the retard roll 74 are in contact) is referred to as “paper. This is referred to as “take-in position”.

  The paper delivery unit 54 includes a first position sensor 136 and a second position sensor 138. The first position sensor 136 detects the paper P that passes through the first position. The second position sensor 138 detects the paper P that passes through the second position. Here, both the first position and the second position exist between the paper take-in position and the entrance of the paper transport unit 16 (the take-in port for taking in the paper P sent out from the paper feed unit 14). The first position is present upstream of the second position in the paper feeding direction.

  As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, the feed roll 70 and the feed roll 72 are connected by a support arm 80 (an example of a support member according to the present invention). The support arm 80 is swingably attached to the frame 78, and swings about the support shaft 72 </ b> A of the feed roll 72 in response to the driving force of the solenoid 134.

  The paper delivery unit 54 has a return spring 81. One end of the return spring 81 is fixed to the upper surface of the support frame 80, and the other end of the return spring 81 is fixed to a surface of the frame 78 that faces the upper surface of the support frame 80. The support arm 80 is urged upward (in the upward direction of the loading platform 56) by the return spring 81. When the solenoid 134 is turned on, the support arm 80 is pushed down against the urging force of the return spring 81, and the delivery roll 70 is Then, it is displaced by the support arm 80. Further, when the solenoid 134 is turned off, the support arm 80 is pulled up to the standby position by the return spring 81, and the delivery roll 70 is moved by the support arm 80 and displaced. Here, the standby position refers to a limit position (upper limit position) when the support arm 80 is pulled up by the elastic force of the return spring 81, for example. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the position of the delivery roll 70 when the support arm 80 is in the standby position is referred to as a “roll standby position”.

  As an example, as shown in FIG. 5, an interlocking gear 82 is provided on the support shaft 70 </ b> A of the feed roll 70, and an interlocking gear 84 is provided on the support shaft 72 </ b> A of the feed roll 72. The feed roll 72 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 by receiving the driving force of the paper feed motor 130 (see FIG. 4) via the interlocking gear 84. The interlocking gear 84 is connected to the interlocking gear 82 via the intermediate gear 86. Accordingly, the rotational force of the interlocking gear 84 is transmitted to the interlocking gear 82 via the intermediate gear 86, and the delivery roll 70 rotates in the same direction in synchronization with the feed roll 72.

  As an example, as shown in FIG. 5, the paper delivery unit 54 includes a position detection device 79. The position detection device 79 includes a transmissive sensor 96 (an example of a detection unit according to the present invention), a projecting piece 80A (an example of a first displacement member according to the present invention), and a rotating member 90 (a second displacement member according to the present invention). Example).

  The projecting piece 80 </ b> A protrudes from the main body 80 </ b> B of the support arm 80 in the direction opposite to the paper feeding direction, and is displaced according to the position of the support arm 80. The rotating member 90 has a support shaft 92 and a bent piece 94. The support shaft 92 is rotatably supported by a bearing 77 (see FIG. 16) of the frame 78, and the bent piece 94 is attached to the support shaft 92. The rotating member 90 is supported from below by the paper P and is displaced according to the presence or absence of the paper P.

  The transmissive sensor 96 is attached to the frame 78. The transmissive sensor 96 includes an irradiation unit 96A and a light receiving unit 96B. The irradiation unit 96A continuously irradiates light from the time when the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on until the power is turned off. Further, the irradiation unit 96A passes through a first displacement path 97 (see FIG. 7) in which the projecting piece 80A is displaced and a second displacement path 99 (see FIG. 6) in which a later-described long piece 94A is displaced (see, for example, the first piece). Light is irradiated so that the first displacement path 99 and the second displacement path 97 overlap each other. The light receiving unit 96B receives the light irradiated by the irradiation unit 96A. In the first embodiment, the case where the transmissive sensor 96 is turned on means the case where the light irradiated by the irradiation unit 96A is not received by the light receiving unit 96B. In the first embodiment, the case where the transmissive sensor 96 is turned off is a case where the light irradiated by the irradiation unit 96A is received by the light receiving unit 96B.

  As an example, as shown in FIG. 6, the bent piece 94 of the rotating member 90 is bent in an L shape, and has a long piece 94A and a short piece 94B. The long piece 94A is pivotally supported by a support shaft 92, and the rotating member 90 (one end of the long piece 94A and one end of the short piece 94B in the example shown in FIG. 6) is the uppermost sheet P stacked on the stacking base 56. Is supported by. In a state where the rotating member 90 is supported by the uppermost sheet P, the optical path α (light) of the light irradiated by the irradiation unit 96 </ b> A is not blocked by the rotating member 90. The stacking base 56 has a through hole 56 </ b> A penetrating in the vertical direction, and one end of the short piece 94 </ b> B is disposed above the through hole 56 </ b> A through the paper P. When the state in which the rotating member 90 is supported by the paper P is released by the absence of the paper P on the stacking table 56, the rotating member 90 rotates by its own weight around the support shaft 92, and the short piece 94B becomes the through hole 56A. And the optical path α is blocked by the long piece 94A. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a state in which the rotating member 90 is supported by the paper P is referred to as a “supported state”.

  On the other hand, before the support arm 80 reaches a specific position (a limit position (lower limit position) pushed down by the solenoid 134), as shown in FIG. 7 as an example, the optical path α is not blocked by the projecting piece 80A. When the support arm 80 reaches a specific position, the optical path α is blocked by the projecting piece 80A as shown in FIG. 7 as an example. Here, the specific position refers to, for example, a frequency at which the occurrence frequency of paper jam caused by the positional relationship between the position of the uppermost paper P and the paper take-in position is determined in advance (for example, by experiment or simulation). It is a position determined in advance as a position that is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency). Here, as an example of the specific position, a deviation amount between the reference position of the support arm 80 and the paper take-in position during the feeding of the paper P (≈a deviation amount between the contact position and the paper take-in position) is determined in advance. The position of the support arm 80 that is greater than the amount (for example, 10 millimeters) is employed. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the position in the height direction (for example, the stacking direction of the sheets P) of the feed roll 70 when the support arm 80 is in the specific position is referred to as “roll specific position”.

  As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a controller 100. The controller 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 102, a primary storage unit 104, and a secondary storage unit 106. The primary storage unit 104 is a volatile memory (for example, RAM (Random Access Memory)) used as a work area or the like when executing various programs. The secondary storage unit 106 is a non-volatile memory (for example, a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive)) that stores in advance a control program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 and various parameters. The CPU 102, the primary storage unit 104, and the secondary storage unit 106 are connected to each other via a bus 108.

  The secondary storage unit 106 stores a paper feed unit management program 110. The CPU 102 reads the paper feed unit management program 110 from the secondary storage unit 106, develops it in the primary storage unit 104, and executes the paper feed unit management program 110. The CPU 102 operates as a control unit according to the present invention by executing the paper feed unit management program 110.

  Here, the case where the paper feed unit management program 110 is read from the secondary storage unit 106 is illustrated, but it is not necessary to store it in the secondary storage unit 106 from the beginning. For example, the paper feed unit management program 110 is first stored in an arbitrary portable storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), an IC card, a magneto-optical disk, or a CD-ROM that is connected to the image forming apparatus 10. You may leave it. Then, the CPU 102 may acquire and execute the paper feed unit management program 110 from these portable storage media. Further, the sheet feeding unit management program 110 may be stored in a storage unit of an external computer such as a computer or server device connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a communication line. In this case, the CPU 102 acquires and executes the paper feed unit management program 110 from the external electronic computer.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes an input / output interface (I / O) 112 that electrically connects the CPU 102 and various input / output devices to control transmission / reception of various information between the CPU 102 and various input / output devices. It has. The image forming apparatus 10 is connected to the I / O 112, and as an input / output device electrically connected to the CPU 102 via the bus 108, a reception unit 114, a display unit 116, and an external interface (I / F) 118. , And a communication I / F 120. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 12, a paper feeding unit 14, and a paper transport unit 16 as input / output devices.

  The accepting unit 114 accepts, for example, an operation input by a user of the image forming apparatus 10 or a contractor who performs maintenance / inspection of the image forming apparatus 10. As an example of the accepting unit 114, an input device such as a transmissive touch panel that is used to overlap the display, an operation button for turning on the main power, an operation button for setting various information, and a scroll key can be cited.

  The display unit 116 displays various information. An example of the display unit 116 is a liquid crystal display. Note that the image forming apparatus 10 employs a touch panel display formed by superimposing a touch panel which is a part of the receiving unit 114 on a liquid crystal display as the display unit 116.

  The external I / F 118 is connected to an external device (for example, a USB memory), and manages transmission / reception of various types of information between the external device and the CPU 102.

  The communication I / F 120 is connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, for example, and transmits / receives various information to / from an external device 122 (for example, a personal computer) connected to the communication network. To manage.

  In the first embodiment, the communication I / F 120 receives image formation request information from the external device 122. The image formation request information includes image information indicating an image to be formed on the paper P and instruction information indicating various instructions used for image formation. The image formation request information is transmitted from the external apparatus 122 to the image forming apparatus 10 for each job (for example, a unit of processing executed in response to one execution instruction). The CPU 102 acquires image formation request information via the communication I / F 120 and stores the acquired image formation request information in the primary storage unit 104. Then, the image forming request information is acquired from the primary storage unit 104 at a predetermined timing, and the image forming unit 12, the paper feeding unit 14, and the paper conveying unit 16 are controlled based on the acquired image forming request information.

  Further, the CPU 102 controls the elevating motor 64, the paper feeding motor 130, and the solenoid 134. Further, the CPU 102 acquires the detection result of the transmissive sensor 96 and executes processing according to the acquired detection result (for example, processing based on each determination of step 250, step 256, step 302, and step 326 described later). To do. In addition, the CPU 102 acquires the detection result of the first position sensor 136, and executes processing according to the acquired detection result (for example, each processing in step 306 and step 314 described later). Further, the CPU 102 acquires the detection result of the second position sensor 138, and executes processing according to the acquired detection result (for example, each processing in step 310 and step 318 described later).

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

  When the image formation request information is acquired by the CPU 102, the paper P is supplied to the paper transport unit 16 by the paper supply unit 14, and the supplied paper P is transported to the image forming unit 12 by the paper transport unit 16. In the image forming unit 12, under the control of the CPU 102, image formation by electrophotography based on the image formation request information is executed, and the toner image is transferred onto the paper P. Then, the sheet P on which the toner image is transferred is discharged to the sheet receiver 36 via the fixing device 32.

  Incidentally, in the image forming apparatus 10, there is a case where the paper P is insufficient or a paper jam occurs depending on the remaining amount of the paper P and the position of the stacking table 56. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, a paper feed unit management process (see FIG. 9) for managing the paper feed unit 14 is performed.

  Next, a paper feed unit management process performed by the image forming apparatus 10 when the CPU 102 executes the paper feed unit management program 110 when the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the paper feed unit management process shown in FIG. 9, first, in step 200, the CPU 102 determines whether or not a condition for starting a paper feed preparation process described later (paper feed preparation start condition) is satisfied. The paper feed preparation start condition refers to, for example, a condition that the paper storage unit 50 in which the paper P is stacked on the stacking table 56 is loaded in the image forming apparatus 10. In step 200, if the paper feed preparation start condition is not satisfied, the determination is negative, and the routine proceeds to step 202. In step 200, if the paper feed preparation start condition is satisfied, the determination is affirmed, and the routine proceeds to step 204.

  In step 202, the CPU 102 determines whether or not a condition for starting a paper feed process described later (paper feed start condition) is satisfied. The paper feed start condition refers to, for example, a condition that a later-described preparation completion flag is turned on (see step 264 in FIG. 10) and the CPU 102 has acquired image formation request information. If the paper feed start condition is satisfied in step 202, the determination is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 206. If the paper feed start condition is not satisfied at step 202, the determination is negative and the routine proceeds to step 208.

  In step 204, the CPU 102 executes the paper feed preparation process shown in FIG. 10 as an example, and then proceeds to step 208.

  Here, the paper feed preparation process will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, for convenience of explanation, when the paper feed preparation start condition is satisfied, the paper feed motor 130 and the solenoid 134 are turned off, the feed roll 70 is in the roll specific position, and the support state is released. A description will be given on the assumption that the In the following, for convenience of explanation, the description will be made on the assumption that the driving of the elevating motor 64 and the paper feed motor 130 is stopped when the paper feed preparation start condition is satisfied. In the following, for convenience of explanation, turning on the lifting motor 64 means that the lifting motor 64 is driven so that the drive shaft rotates forward, and turning off the lifting motor 64 means lifting motor. This means that the driving of 64 is stopped.

  In the paper feed preparation process shown in FIG. 10, first, in step 250, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the transmissive sensor 96 is on. If it is determined in step 250 that the transmissive sensor 96 is off, the determination is negative and the process proceeds to step 260. In step 250, if the transmission sensor 96 is on, the determination is affirmative and the routine proceeds to step 252. The case where the determination is affirmed in this step 250 indicates a case where the optical path α is blocked by the protruding piece 80A and the long piece 94A as shown in FIG. 12 as an example. The case where the determination is negative in this step 250 indicates a case where the optical path α is not blocked by the protruding piece 80A and the long piece 94A.

  In step 252, the CPU 102 turns on each of the elevating motor 64 and the solenoid 134, and then proceeds to step 254.

  In step 254, the CPU 102 displays lift-up information (for example, a message or image indicating that lift is being performed) on the display unit 116 indicating that the lift is being lifted (the loading platform 56 is being lifted). Then, the process proceeds to step 256. The case where the lift-up is in progress refers to a case where, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, the processing of step 252 is executed and the delivery roll 70 is pushed down to the roll specific position.

  In step 256, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the transmission sensor 96 is off. If it is determined in step 256 that the transmissive sensor 96 is on, the determination is negative and the process proceeds to step 258. If the transmissive sensor 96 is off in step 256, the determination is affirmative and the routine proceeds to step 262. When the determination in step 256 is affirmative, as shown in FIG. 12 as an example, the protruding piece 80A and the long piece are in a supported state and the feed roll 70 is pulled up through the paper P by the stacking base 56. This refers to the case where the optical path α is not blocked by 94A.

  In step 258, the CPU 102 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed since the execution of the processing in step 254. If it is determined in step 258 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the processing of step 254 has been executed, the determination is negative and the routine proceeds to step 256. In step 258, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the process of step 254, the determination is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 260.

  In step 260, the CPU 102 executes an error process, and thereafter ends the paper feed preparation process. In this step 260, the error processing refers to processing for displaying information (for example, a message or an image) on the display unit 116 indicating that the main paper feed preparation processing has not been executed normally.

  In step 262, the CPU 102 turns off the lifting motor 64 and the solenoid 134, and then proceeds to step 264. When the solenoid 134 is turned off by executing the processing of step 262, the delivery roll 70 is pulled up to the roll standby position by the return spring 81 as shown in FIG.

  In step 264, the CPU 102 turns on a preparation completion flag indicating that preparation for paper feed processing has been completed, and then proceeds to step 266.

  In step 266, the CPU 102 causes the display unit 116 to display preparation completion information (for example, a message or image indicating that preparation for paper feed processing has been completed) indicating that preparation for paper feed processing has been completed. Then, the paper feed preparation process is terminated. Note that the case where the preparation for the paper feeding process is completed means that, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the support state is achieved by executing step 262 and the delivery roll 70 is pulled up to the roll standby position. Point to.

  Returning to FIG. 9, in step 206, the CPU 102 executes the paper feed process shown in FIG. 11 as an example, and then proceeds to step 208.

  Here, the paper feed process will be described with reference to FIG. Here, for convenience of description, turning on the paper feed motor 130 indicates that an operation of applying an excitation voltage to the paper feed motor 130 is started as shown in FIG. 13 as an example. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the pulse voltage application operation to the paper feed motor 130 is started with a delay from the start of the excitation voltage application operation to the paper feed motor 130. In the first embodiment, for convenience of explanation, turning off the paper feeding motor 130 means that the pulse voltage application stop operation is started as shown in FIG. 13 as an example. As shown in FIG. 13 as an example, the operation for stopping the application of the excitation voltage to the paper feeding motor 130 is started with a delay after the operation for stopping the application of the pulse voltage is started.

  In the paper feed process shown in FIG. 11, first, in step 300, the CPU 102 turns on the paper feed motor 130 and the solenoid 134, and then proceeds to step 302.

  In step 302, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the transmissive sensor 96 is on. In step 302, as an example, if the transmissive sensor 96 is off as shown in FIG. 13, the determination is negative and the routine proceeds to step 304. In step 302, as an example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the transmission sensor 96 is on, the determination is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 312.

  If the determination in step 302 is affirmative, the CPU 102 causes the display unit 116 to display information (for example, a message or an image) indicating that the delivery roll 70 has reached the roll specific position while being in the support state. You may do it. In this case, the CPU 102 may turn on a flag indicating that the feeding roll 70 has reached the roll specific position while being in the support state.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the case where the determination is negative in this step 302 is the optical path α by the projecting piece 80 </ b> A and the long piece 94 </ b> A due to the support state and the delivery roll 70 not reaching the roll specific position. The case where is not obstructed. In this case, the CPU 102 may display information (for example, a message or an image) indicating that the sending roll 70 has not reached the roll specific position on the display unit 116 while being in the support state. In this case, the CPU 102 may turn on a flag indicating that the feeding roll 70 has not reached the roll specific position while being in the support state.

  The case where the determination in step 302 is affirmed is a case where the optical path α is blocked by the projecting piece 80A due to the delivery roll 70 reaching the roll specific position in the supported state as shown in FIG. 16 as an example. Point to.

  In this case, since the optical path α is already blocked by the projecting piece 90A (because the projecting piece 80A has been detected), a region that overlaps the optical path α and the projecting piece 80A (hereinafter referred to as “overlapping region”). Even if there is a long piece 94A, there is no problem at this point. However, when the delivery roll 70 is pulled up from the roll specific position to the roll standby position in the support state, if the long piece 94A is in a position overlapping the overlapping region, the optical path α is caused by the long piece 94A even though it is in the support state. It will be intercepted (the long piece 94A is detected). Therefore, in the first embodiment, in order to avoid the detection of the long piece 94A when the delivery roll 70 is pulled up from the roll specific position to the roll standby position in the support state, the bearing 77 is moved in the vertical direction (vertical direction). ) In the shape of a long groove. The support shaft 92 is displaced (slids) in the vertical direction in the bearing 77 by its own weight according to the position of the uppermost sheet P. Here, when the short piece 94B is supported by the uppermost sheet P in a state where the support shaft 92 is held down at the lower end of the bearing 77, the long piece 94A is not in the overlapping region. Therefore, even if the delivery roll 70 is pulled up from the roll specific position to the roll standby position in the support state before the process of step 320 described later is executed (see step 314), the optical path α is blocked by the long piece 94A. Absent.

  As described above, the method of displacing the support shaft 92 in the bearing 77 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the detection of the long piece 94A may be avoided using other methods. For example, the rotating member 90, the projecting piece 90A, and the transmission type photosensor 96 are arranged so as to avoid the detection of the long piece 94A when the delivery roll 70 is pulled up from the roll specific position to the roll standby position in the support state. You may make it design.

  In step 304, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the leading edge of the paper P has passed the first position based on the detection result of the first position sensor 136. If the leading edge of the paper P has passed the first position in step 304 (in the example shown in FIG. 13, the first position sensor 136 is on), the determination is affirmative and the routine proceeds to step 306. In step 304, if the leading edge of the paper P has not passed the first position (in the example shown in FIG. 13, the first position sensor 136 is off), the determination is negative and the determination in step 304 is performed again. Do.

  In step 306, the CPU 102 turns off the solenoid 134, and then proceeds to step 308. When the solenoid 134 is turned off by executing the processing of this step 306, as shown in FIG. 14 as an example, the delivery roll 70 is pulled up to the roll standby position by the return spring 81.

  In step 308, the CPU 102 determines whether the leading edge of the paper P has passed the second position based on the detection result of the second position sensor 138. In step 308, if the leading edge of the paper P has passed the second position (in the example shown in FIG. 13, the second position sensor 138 is on), the determination is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 310. In step 308, if the leading edge of the paper P has not passed the second position (in the example shown in FIG. 13, the second position sensor 138 is off), the determination is negative and the determination in step 308 is performed again. Do.

  In step 306, the CPU 102 turns off the paper feeding motor 130 and then proceeds to step 326.

  In steps 312 to 318, the CPU 102 executes processing corresponding to the processing in steps 304 to 310, and then proceeds to step 320.

  In step 320, the CPU 102 turns on the lifting motor 64 as shown in FIG. 15 as an example, and then proceeds to step 324. When the elevating motor 64 is turned on in step 320, the stacking table 56 is raised as shown in FIG. 16 as an example.

  In step 324, the CPU 102 determines whether a condition for turning off the lifting motor 64 (motor off condition) is satisfied. The motor-off condition refers to, for example, a condition that the stacking base 56 has been increased by a predetermined amount of increase (for example, an amount of increase in which the height difference between the position of the uppermost sheet P and the sheet take-in position is eliminated). . The determination as to whether or not the loading platform 56 has increased by a predetermined increase amount is made based on, for example, the elapsed time since the execution of the process of step 322.

  If the motor-off condition is satisfied in step 324, the determination is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 325. If the motor-off condition is not satisfied in step 324, the determination is negative and the determination in step 324 is performed again.

  In step 325, the CPU 102 turns off the lifting motor 64 as shown in FIG. 15 as an example, and then proceeds to step 326.

  In step 326, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the transmissive sensor 96 is on. In step 326, if the transmissive sensor 96 is off as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 15 as an example, the determination is negative and the routine proceeds to step 330. In step 326, if the transmission sensor 96 is on as shown in FIG. 17 as an example, the determination is affirmed, and the routine proceeds to step 328. When the determination in step 326 is affirmative, as shown in FIG. 18 as an example, the delivery roll 70 is pulled up to the roll standby position by the return spring 81 and the support state is released. This refers to the case where the optical path α is blocked by 94A.

  In step 328, the CPU 102 sends out-of-paper information (for example, a message or image indicating that the paper P is out of the stacking table 56) to the display unit 116. Then, the paper feed process is terminated.

  In step 330, the CPU 102 determines whether or not to continue the paper supply to the paper supply unit 14. The determination as to whether or not to continue the paper supply to the paper supply unit 14 is made, for example, based on whether or not there is an image to be formed on the paper P. In step 330, when the paper feeding unit 14 continues to feed paper, the determination is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 300. If it is determined in step 330 that the paper feeding unit 14 does not continue paper feeding, the determination is negative and the paper feeding process is terminated.

  Returning to FIG. 9, in step 208, the CPU 102 determines whether a condition (end condition) for ending the paper feed unit management process is satisfied. As an example of the end condition of this step 208, there is a condition that the receiving unit 114 has received an instruction to end the paper feed unit management process. In addition to this, there is a condition that a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has passed without executing any of the paper feed preparation process and the paper feed process after the power is turned on. If the end condition is not satisfied at step 208, the determination is negative and the routine proceeds to step 200. In step 208, if the end condition is satisfied, the determination is affirmed, and the paper feed unit management process is ended.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10, the optical path α is blocked by the projecting piece 80A when the delivery roll 70 reaches the roll specific position, and the optical path α is blocked by the rotating member 90 when the support state is released. A transmissive sensor 96 is arranged as shown. This simplifies the configuration that contributes to the specification of the position of the delivery roll 70 and the detection of the presence or absence of the paper P, compared to the case where the sensor that detects the position of the support arm 80 and the sensor that detects the presence or absence of the paper P are individually provided. Is done.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a rotating member 90 that blocks the optical path α by being displaced by its own weight when the support state is released. This simplifies the configuration for blocking the optical path α when the support state is released, as compared with the case where the optical path α is blocked using a member that is not displaced by its own weight when the support state is released.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 10, the support arm 80 is displaced from the sheet take-in position by a predetermined amount as compared with a case where the specific position is not a position where the amount of deviation from the paper take-in position is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount. It is detected with a simple configuration that the amount is more than the amount.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, the elevating motor 64 is controlled by the CPU 102 based on the detection result of the transmissive sensor 96 (steps 252, 262, 320, 325). As a result, the position of the loading platform 56 is adjusted with higher accuracy than when the transmission sensor 96 is not provided.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 10, the presence / absence of the sheet P on the stacking table 56 is notified based on the detection result by the transmission type sensor 96 (steps 266 and 328). As a result, the presence or absence of the paper P on the stacking table 56 can be grasped with higher accuracy than when the transmission sensor 96 is not provided.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 10, the elevating motor 64 is controlled based on the driving state of the solenoid 134 and the detection result by the transmission type sensor 96 (steps 252, 262, 320, 325). As a result, the positional relationship between the delivery roll 70 and the loading platform 56 is highly accurate compared to the case where the configuration for controlling the lifting / lowering motor 64 based on the driving state of the solenoid 134 and the detection result by the transmission sensor 96 is not provided. Adjusted.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the case where the transmission type sensor 96 is turned on when the delivery roll 70 is in the roll specific position is illustrated, but in the second embodiment, when the delivery roll 70 is in the roll specific position. A case where the transmission sensor 96 is turned off will be described. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As an example, as shown in FIG. 19, the image forming apparatus 10 </ b> A according to the second embodiment is different in that it includes a position detection device 349 instead of the position detection device 79 described in the first embodiment. The position detection device 349 is different from the position detection device 79 in that it has a protrusion 350 instead of the protrusion 80A and a sliding member 352 instead of the rotating member 90. The projecting piece 350 has an opening 354. The opening 354 is a rectangular opening that penetrates the protruding piece 350 along the axial direction of the delivery roll 70.

  The sliding member 352 is formed in a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the opening 354. A groove 352A is formed in the sliding member 352, and the groove 352A is fitted into a rail 356 formed on the outer periphery of the opening 354 in the protruding piece 350, so that the sliding member 352 can freely slide on the protruding piece 350. It is attached. The sliding member 352 opens and closes the opening 354 by sliding on the rail 356 of the protruding piece 350. The sliding member 356 is disposed on the through hole 56 </ b> A via the paper P stacked on the stacking table 56, and is supported by the paper P. In the second embodiment, the state in which the sliding member 356 is supported by the uppermost sheet P is referred to as a “supported state”.

  In the second embodiment, when the delivery roll 70 is in the roll specific position, the optical path α is located above the protruding piece 350 and is not blocked by the protruding piece 350 and the sliding member 352. Further, before the delivery roll 70 reaches the roll specific position (a section on the way from the roll standby position to the roll specific position), the optical path α is blocked by the projecting piece 350 or the sliding member 352. When the delivery roll 70 is in the roll standby position and the support state is released, the sliding member 352 is released from the projecting piece 350, so that the opening 354 is fully opened, whereby the optical path α is opened. It passes through 354 and is not blocked by the projecting piece 350 and the sliding member 352.

  In the second embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the case where the delivery roll 70 is in the roll standby position and the support state is released, the case where the sliding member 352 is detached from the projecting piece 350 is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the delivery roll 70 is in the roll standby position and the support state is released, the sliding member 352 is prevented from being detached from the protruding piece 350 by a stopper (not shown) of the rail 356. Good.

  As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus 10 </ b> A according to the second embodiment is different from the image forming apparatus 10 described in the first embodiment in that the sheet feeding unit management program 110 is used instead of the sheet feeding unit management program 110. The difference is that the program 110 </ b> A is stored in the secondary storage unit 106.

  Next, a sheet feeding unit management process according to the second embodiment performed by the image forming apparatus 10A when the CPU 102 executes the sheet feeding unit management program 110A when the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. To do. The paper feed unit management process according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is different from the paper feed unit management process described in the first embodiment above in that it has step 400 instead of step 204, and instead of step 206. The difference is that step 402 is included. Therefore, in the following, the same processes as those included in the paper feed unit management process described in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same step numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted, and described in the first embodiment. Differences from the paper feed unit management process will be described.

  In the paper feed unit management process according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, in step 400, the CPU 102 executes the paper feed preparation process shown in FIG. 20 as an example, and then proceeds to step 208.

  Here, the paper feed preparation process will be described with reference to FIG. The paper feed preparation process shown in FIG. 20 differs from the paper feed preparation process shown in FIG. 10 in that step 450 is provided instead of step 250, and step 452 is provided instead of step 256. Therefore, in the following description, the same processes as those included in the paper feed preparation process shown in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same step numbers and description thereof is omitted, and differences from the paper feed preparation process shown in FIG. 10 are described. To do.

  In the paper feed preparation process shown in FIG. 20, in step 450, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the transmissive sensor 96 is off. If the transmissive sensor 96 is off at step 450, the determination is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 252. If it is determined in step 450 that the transmissive sensor 96 is on, the determination is negative and the routine proceeds to step 260. The case where the determination in step 450 is affirmed indicates a case where the optical path α is not blocked by the projecting piece 350 and the sliding member 352 as shown in FIG. 19 as an example. The case where the determination is negative in this step 450 indicates a case where the optical path α is blocked by the projecting piece 350 or the sliding member 352.

  In step 452, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the transmissive sensor 96 is on. If it is determined in step 452 that the transmissive sensor 96 is on, the determination is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 262. If it is determined in step 452 that the transmissive sensor 96 is off, the determination is negative and the process proceeds to step 258. When the determination in step 452 is affirmative, as shown in FIG. 19 as an example, it is in a supported state and slides when the feed roll 70 is pulled up to the roll specific position via the paper P by the loading table 56. This refers to the case where the optical path α is blocked by the member 352.

  In the second embodiment, when the solenoid 134 is turned off by executing the process of step 262, as shown in FIG. 19 as an example, the delivery roll 70 is pulled up to the roll standby position by the return spring 81. . Then, the optical path α is continuously blocked by the sliding member 352.

  Returning to FIG. 9, in step 402, the CPU 102 executes the paper feed process shown in FIG. 21 as an example, and then proceeds to step 208.

  Here, the paper feed process will be described with reference to FIG. The paper feed process shown in FIG. 21 is different from the paper feed preparation process shown in FIG. 11 in that step 500 is provided instead of step 302 and step 502 is provided instead of step 324. Therefore, in the following, the same processes as those included in the paper feed process shown in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same step numbers and description thereof is omitted, and differences from the paper feed process shown in FIG. 11 will be described.

  In the paper feed process shown in FIG. 21, in step 500, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the transmissive sensor 96 is on. In step 500, if the transmissive sensor 96 is on as shown in FIG. 22 as an example, the determination is affirmed, and the routine proceeds to step 304. In step 500, if the transmission sensor 96 is off as shown in FIG. 24 as an example, the determination is negative and the routine proceeds to step 312.

  If the determination in step 500 is affirmative, as shown in FIG. 23 as an example, the optical path α is blocked by the sliding member 352 because the support roll is in the supported state and the delivery roll 70 has not reached the roll specific position. Refers to the case. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the case where the determination is negative in this step 500 is that the sliding member 352 is also supported by the projecting piece 350 due to the support state and the delivery roll 70 reaching the roll specific position. Indicates the case where the optical path α is not obstructed.

  In the second embodiment, when the solenoid 134 is turned off by executing the processing of step 306, the return roll 81 pulls up the delivery roll 70 to the roll standby position as shown in FIG. 23 as an example. . Then, the optical path α is continuously blocked by the sliding member 352.

  Further, in the second embodiment, when the solenoid 134 is turned off by executing the process of step 314, the return roll 81 pulls up the delivery roll 70 to the roll standby position. Then, when the lifting motor 64 is turned on by executing the process of step 320, as shown in FIG. 25 as an example, the loading table 56 is raised, and the optical path α is blocked by the sliding member 352.

  In step 502, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the transmissive sensor 96 is on. In step 502, if the transmissive sensor 96 is on as shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 24 as an example, the determination is affirmed, and the routine proceeds to step 330. In step 502, as an example, if the transmissive sensor 96 is off as shown in FIG. 26, the determination is negative and the routine proceeds to step 328. In this step 502, the case where the determination is negative refers to a case where the delivery roll 70 is pulled up to the roll standby position by the return spring 81 and the support state is released as shown in FIG. 27 as an example. In this case, when the sliding member 352 is detached from the projecting piece 350 (for example, when the sliding member 352 is dropped through the through hole 56A), the optical path α is also caused by the projecting piece 350 by the sliding member 352. Are not blocked (the optical path α passes through the opening 354).

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10A, the blocking state of the optical path α by the protruding piece 350 and the sliding member 352 is released when the delivery roll 70 reaches the roll specific position and the support state is released. . Thereby, compared with the case where the sensor which detects the position of the delivery roll 70 and the sensor which detects the presence or absence of the paper P are individually provided, the configuration that contributes to the specification of the position of the delivery roll 70 and the detection of the presence or absence of the paper P is simplified. Is done.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 </ b> A, when the delivery roll 70 is in the roll standby position and the sheet P runs out, the sliding member 352 slides with its own weight, so that the optical path α by the projecting piece 350 and the sliding member 352. The blocking state of is released. Thereby, the blocking state of the optical path α is released with a simple configuration as compared with the case where the protruding piece 350 and the sliding member 352 are not provided.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 10 </ b> A, when the sheet P runs out, the shielding state of the opening 354 is released as the sliding member 352 slides. Accordingly, the blocking state of the optical path α is released with a simple configuration as compared with the case where the opening 354 that is opened and closed by sliding of the sliding member 352 is not provided.

  In each of the above embodiments, the position detection device 79 (349) has been exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIG. 28, the position detection device 599 is applied. May be. As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 28, the position detection device 599 includes a rotation member 602, a support arm 606, and a transmission type sensor 608. In the example shown in FIG. 28, a sending roll 604 is shown instead of the sending roll 70 described in the above embodiments.

  The delivery roll 604 is rotatably supported on the support arm 606. An interlocking gear 604B is provided on the rotation shaft 604A of the delivery roll 604, and the interlocking gear 604A rotates the delivery roll 604 by transmitting a driving force received from the outside to the rotation shaft 604A.

The support arm 606 is connected to the solenoid 134. The delivery roll 604 is pushed down by the support arm 606 when the solenoid 134 is turned on, and is pulled up to the roll standby position by the return spring 81 when the solenoid 134 is turned off. . The support arm 606 has a bent portion 606A. The bent portion 606A has a support piece 606A ₁ and the bent piece 606A _2. Support pieces 606A ₁ protrudes upwardly from the upper surface of the side wall for supporting one end portion of the rotary shaft 604A of the support arm 606. Bending piece 606A ₂ is bent in an L-shape, and the distal end is inserted movably in the housing 608A of the transmission type sensor 608.

  The rotating member 602 includes a rotating shaft 602A, a first arm 602B, and a second arm 602C. As an example, as shown in FIG. 29, the rotary shaft 602A is rotatably supported on the frame 78 with the direction corresponding to the paper feeding direction as the axial direction, and the base end of the first arm 602B is supported on the rotary shaft 602A. And the base end part of the 2nd arm 602C is being fixed. The first arm 602B is bent in an L shape. The distal end portion of the first arm 602B is inserted into the housing 608A of the transmission sensor 608, and moves in the housing 608A according to the rotation of the rotating member 602.

  The second arm 602C protrudes in a direction away from the delivery roll 606. The tip of the second arm 602C is formed in a spherical shape and contacts the paper P. Since the second arm 602C is heavier than the first arm 602B, when the state in which the second arm 602C is supported by the paper P is released, the rotating member 602 has a weight of the first arm 602b and the second arm 602C. Rotate by difference. A stopper 610 is provided on the lower surface of the housing 608A, and the rotation of the rotating member 602 is stopped when the first arm 602B contacts the stopper 610.

  The transmissive sensor 608 is a transmissive optical sensor. The transmissive sensor 608 includes an irradiation unit 608A and a light receiving unit 608B in a housing 610, and an optical path β of light irradiated from the irradiation unit 608A to the light receiving unit 608B is a transmission roll 604. Are arranged so as to be formed in the axial direction.

As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 as an example, the optical path β, when the solenoid 134 is turned on, is blocked by the support pieces 606A _1. Further, as shown in FIG. 31 as an example, the optical path β, when the solenoid 134 is turned off, not shielded by the support pieces 606A _1. As an example, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the optical path β is not blocked by the first arm 602B when the tip of the second arm 602C is supported by the paper P. As an example, as shown in FIG. 29, the optical path β is blocked by the second arm 602C when the state in which the tip of the second arm 602C is supported by the paper P is released.

The state in which the optical path β is blocked by the bent piece 606A ₂ and the first arm 602B (see FIG. 29), the optical path α by projecting pieces 80A and the rotary member 90 when the determination in step 250 shown in FIG. 10 is YES This corresponds to the state of being blocked (see FIG. 12). The state (FIG. 30) where the optical path β is blocked only by the bending pieces 606A _2, the state in which the determination in step 302 shown in FIG. 11 the optical path α is blocked only by the protrusion 80A in the case where an affirmative (see FIG. 16) It corresponds to. Further, (see FIG. 31) state that the optical path β is not blocked by the bent piece 606A ₂ and the first arm 602B, the optical path α is not blocked by the projecting pieces 80A and the rotary member 90 by the process of step 320 is performed This corresponds to the state (see FIG. 16).

  In each of the above embodiments, the transmissive sensor 96 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of the transmissive sensor 96, the reflected light when the light is irradiated by the irradiation unit is used. A reflective sensor that is turned on by receiving light may be used.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the delivery roll 70 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a slide member with a rubber that feeds the paper P in the paper feeding direction may be used.

  Further, the flow of the paper feed unit management process (see FIG. 9), the flow of the paper feed preparation process (FIGS. 10 and 20), and the flow of the paper feed process (FIGS. 11 and 21) are only described. It is an example. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, and the processing order may be changed within a range not departing from the spirit. Further, the paper feed unit management process, the paper feed preparation process, and the paper feed process may be realized by a hardware configuration such as an ASIC or a programmable logic device. Further, it may be realized by a combination of each processing hardware configuration and software configuration included in the paper feed unit management process, the paper feed preparation process, and the paper feed process.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 56 Loading base 64 Elevating motor 70 Sending roll 79,349 Position detection apparatus 80A, 350 Protruding piece 90,602 Rotating member 96,608 Transmission type sensor 134 Solenoid 352 Sliding member 354 Opening 606A ₂ bending piece

Claims (9)

A first displacement member that is provided on a support member that supports delivery means for sending out the recording medium that has come into contact, and is displaced according to the position of the support member;
A second displacement member supported by the recording medium and displaced according to the presence or absence of the recording medium;
A roll that detects light irradiated through the first displacement path through which the first displacement member is displaced and the second displacement path through which the second displacement member is displaced, and takes in the recording medium sent out by the sending means. Specifying the position of the support member where the shift amount between the take-in position where the recording medium is taken in by a pair and the reference position of the support member during the sending of the recording medium by the sending means is greater than or equal to a predetermined shift amount The light is blocked by the first displacement member only when the support member reaches the position, and the light is blocked by the second displacement member only when there is no recording medium supporting the second displacement member. Detection means provided at a position;
A position sensing device including: A first displacement member that is provided on a support member that supports delivery means for sending out the recording medium that has come into contact, and is displaced according to the position of the support member;
A second displacement member provided on the first displacement member and supported by a recording medium and displaced in accordance with the presence or absence of the recording medium;
A roll that detects light irradiated through the first displacement path through which the first displacement member is displaced and the second displacement path through which the second displacement member is displaced, and takes in the recording medium sent out by the sending means. Specifying the position of the support member where the shift amount between the take-in position where the recording medium is taken in by a pair and the reference position of the support member during the sending of the recording medium by the sending means is greater than or equal to a predetermined shift amount Only when the support member reaches the position and when there is no recording medium supporting the second displacement member, the light is blocked by the first displacement member and the second displacement member. Detection means,
A position sensing device including:   2. The position detection device according to claim 1, wherein the second displacement member is a displacement member that blocks the light by being displaced by its own weight when a recording medium that supports the second displacement member runs out. 3.   The second displacement member is displaced by its own weight when there is no recording medium supporting the second displacement member in a state where the support member is in the standby position, and thereby the first displacement member and the second displacement member The position detection device according to claim 2, wherein the position detection device is provided on the first displacement member so that the blocking of the light is released. The first displacement member has an opening shielded by the second displacement member,
The blocking of the light is canceled by releasing the shielding state of the opening by the second displacement member as the second displacement member slides when there is no recording medium supporting the second displacement member. The position detection apparatus according to claim 4. The position detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
A delivery means for delivering the contacted recording medium;
At least one of the control of the moving means for moving the loading table on which the recording medium is loaded and the control for notifying the reporting means of the presence or absence of the recording medium on the loading table is performed by the detection means included in the position detection device. Control means based on the detection results;
A recording medium delivery apparatus including: A drive unit that moves the delivery unit from a non-contact position that does not contact the recording medium to a contact position that contacts the recording medium by applying the generated driving force to the support member;
The recording medium delivery apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit further controls the moving unit based on a driving state of the driving unit and the detection result. A recording medium delivery device according to claim 6 or 7 ,
Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium sent out by sending means included in the recording medium sending device;
An image forming apparatus including: Computer
The program for functioning as a control means in the recording-medium sending apparatus of Claim 6 or Claim 7 .

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