JP7035937B2 - Image forming equipment and medium transfer equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium and a medium conveying apparatus for conveying a recording medium.

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

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-250429

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

It is desirable to provide an image forming apparatus and a medium conveying apparatus capable of realizing a simple configuration.

The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming unit, a transport member, a discharge member, a sensor, and a control unit. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium. The transport member transports a recording medium on which an image is formed by an image forming unit. The discharge member is provided between the transport member and the discharge port, and has a first operation of transporting the recording medium in the first direction toward the discharge port along the transport path and a recording medium opposite to the first direction. It is possible to perform the second operation of transporting in the second direction of the above, and has a pair of rollers arranged across the transport path . The sensor is arranged between the transport member and the discharge member to detect the recording medium. The control unit controls the discharge member to start the second operation when the sensor detects the rear end of the recording medium when the discharge member is performing the first operation, and then the sensor performs the second operation. When the recording medium is detected, the ejection member stops the second operation, the pair of rollers controls to hold the recording medium, and the sensor does not have the recording medium after the ejection member stops the second operation. Is detected, it is determined that the recording medium has been ejected .

The medium transfer device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a transfer member, a discharge member, a sensor, and a control unit. The transport member transports a recording medium. The discharge member is provided between the transport member and the discharge port, and has a first operation of transporting the recording medium in the first direction toward the discharge port along the transport path and a recording medium opposite to the first direction. It is possible to perform the second operation of transporting in the second direction of the above, and has a pair of rollers arranged across the transport path . The sensor is arranged between the transport member and the discharge member to detect the recording medium. The control unit controls the discharge member to start the second operation when the sensor detects the rear end of the recording medium when the discharge member is performing the first operation, and then the sensor performs the second operation. When the recording medium is detected, the ejection member stops the second operation, the pair of rollers controls to hold the recording medium, and the sensor does not have the recording medium after the ejection member stops the second operation. Is detected, it is determined that the recording medium has been ejected .

According to the image forming apparatus and the medium transporting apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the discharging member performs the first operation and the sensor detects the rear end of the recording medium, the discharging member is the first. Since the operation of 2 is controlled to start, and then the discharge member stops the second operation when the sensor detects the recording medium, a simple configuration can be realized.

It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the developing part shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows one configuration example of the control system of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on other modification. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on other modification. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the discharge sensor shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the sensor lever and an optical sensor shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows one configuration example of the control system of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows one operation example of the discharge sensor shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows one operation example of the discharge sensor which concerns on a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the regulation angle in the discharge sensor. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the regulation angle in the discharge sensor. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the regulation angle in the discharge sensor. It is another explanatory diagram which shows one operation example of the discharge sensor shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows one operation example of the discharge sensor which concerns on other comparative examples. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the discharge sensor which concerns on a modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows one operation example of the discharge sensor shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the discharge sensor which concerns on other modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows one operation example of the discharge sensor shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing one configuration example of the control system of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23. It is a flowchart which shows one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is another flowchart which shows one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 23. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the discharge sensor shown in FIG. 27. It is a block diagram which shows one configuration example of the control system of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. It is a flowchart which shows one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. It is another flowchart which shows one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. It is explanatory drawing which shows one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 27. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 32. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 32. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 32. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 32. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 32. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 32. It is another explanatory diagram showing one operation example of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 32.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The explanation will be given in the following order.
1. 1. First Embodiment 2. Second embodiment 3. Third embodiment 4. Fourth Embodiment 5. Fifth Embodiment

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

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

The medium holder 10 rotatably holds the roll around which the recording medium 9 is wound. As the recording medium 9, for example, so-called continuous paper can be used.

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

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

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

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

The transport roller 15 is a member composed of a pair of rollers sandwiching the transport path 7, and the recording medium 9 transported from the transport roller 13 is carried along the transport path 7 based on the power transmitted from a motor (not shown). It is to be transported.

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

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

The transport roller 18 is a member composed of a pair of rollers sandwiching the transport path 7, and a recording medium 9 cut by a cutter unit 17 is carried along the transport path 7 based on a power transmitted from a motor (not shown). It is to be transported. Hereinafter, the recording medium 9A will be appropriately used as a representation of the cut recording medium 9.

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

Each of the three developing units 20 forms a toner image. Specifically, the developing unit 20C forms a cyan (C) toner image, the developing unit 20M forms a magenta (M) toner image, and the developing unit 20Y is yellow (Y). ) Form a toner image. In this example, the three developing units 20 are arranged in the order of the developing units 20C, 20M, and 20Y in the transport direction F1 of the recording medium 9A.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The toner accommodating unit 26 accommodates toner. Specifically, the toner accommodating portion 26 of the developing unit 20C accommodates cyan-colored toner, the toner accommodating portion 26 of the developing unit 20M accommodates magenta-colored toner, and the toner accommodating portion 26 of the developing unit 20Y is yellow. It is designed to accommodate toner.

The three exposure heads 29 (FIG. 1) are members that irradiate the photosensitive drum 21 of the corresponding developing unit 20 with light. Specifically, the exposure head 29C irradiates the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20C with light, the exposure head 29M irradiates the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20M with light, and the exposure head 29Y. Light is applied to the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20Y. The exposure head 29 has, for example, a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged side by side in the main scanning line direction (depth direction in FIG. 1), and the light emitting diodes are used to emit light to the photosensitive drum 21 in dot units. Irradiate. As a result, these photosensitive drums 21 are exposed by the corresponding exposure head 29, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

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

The transfer belt 31 transports the recording medium 9A along the transport path 7 toward the transport direction F1. The transfer belt 31 is stretched (tensioned) by the drive roller 33 and the driven roller 34. The transfer belt 31 is circulated and transported in the transport direction F1 according to the rotation of the drive roller 33.

The transfer roller 32C is arranged to face the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20C via the transport path 7 and the transfer belt 31, and the transfer roller 32M is the photosensitive drum of the developing unit 20M via the transport path 7 and the transfer belt 31. The transfer roller 32Y is arranged to face the 21, and the transfer roller 32Y is arranged to face the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20Y via the transport path 7 and the transfer belt 31. A transfer voltage is applied to each of the transfer rollers 32C, 32M, and 32Y by the image formation control unit 53 (described later). As a result, in the image forming apparatus 1, the toner image formed by each developing unit 20 is transferred onto the transferred surface of the recording medium 9A, respectively.

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

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

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

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

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

The pressure roller 43 is a member that applies pressure to the toner on the recording medium 9A, and is arranged so as to form a pressure contact portion with the heat roller 41. The pressurizing roller 43 is rotated by the power transmitted from the fixing motor (not shown).

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

The discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A. The discharge sensor 47 is arranged between the fixing portion 40 and the discharge roller 48 in the transport path 7. The emission sensor 47 can be configured by using, for example, a reflection type optical sensor.

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

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

The communication unit 51 communicates using, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) or LAN (Local Area Network), and receives, for example, a print data DP transmitted from a host computer (not shown). be.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Overview of overall operation)
First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, an outline of the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. When the communication unit 51 receives the print data DP transmitted from the host computer (not shown), the control unit 57 controls the operation of each block so that the image forming apparatus 1 performs the image forming operation. The transfer control unit 54 controls the transfer operation of the recording medium 9 by the medium supply roller 11 and the transfer rollers 13, 15 and 16 by controlling the operation of the motor. The medium sensors 12 and 14 detect the recording medium 9. The cutting control unit 54A of the transport control unit 54 controls the operation of the cutter unit 17. The transfer control unit 54 controls the transfer operation of the cut recording medium 9A by the transfer roller 18 by controlling the operation of the motor. The writing sensor 19 detects the recording medium 9A. The medium length detection unit 54B of the transfer control unit 54 detects the medium length of the recording medium 9A based on the detection result of the writing sensor 19 and the transfer speed of the recording medium 9A.

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

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

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

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

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

Next, the transport control unit 54 confirms whether or not the discharge sensor 47 has detected the tip of the recording medium 9A within a predetermined time T1 after the writing sensor 19 has detected the tip of the recording medium 9A (step). S102). The predetermined time T1 adds a predetermined margin to the time obtained by, for example, dividing the distance between the position of the write sensor 19 and the position of the discharge sensor 47 by the transfer speed in the transfer direction F1. It is set by doing.

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

In step S102, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the tip of the recording medium 9A within this predetermined time T1 (“Y” in step S102), the transfer control unit 54 causes the discharge roller 48 to perform a forward rotation operation. It is controlled to start (step S104).

5A and 5B schematically show an example of the ejection operation of the recording medium 9A, FIG. 5A shows a state in which the ejection sensor 47 detects the tip of the recording medium 9A, and FIG. 5B shows the ejection roller 48. Indicates the state in which the forward rotation operation is started. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the tip of the recording medium 9A, the discharge roller 48 starts a forward rotation operation. As a result, the discharge roller 48 transports the recording medium 9A in the transport direction F1 as shown in FIG. 5B.

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

If the discharge sensor 47 does not detect the rear end of the recording medium 9A within the predetermined time T2 in step S105 (“N” in step S105), the process proceeds to step S103. As a result, the control unit 57 stops the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, and the display operation unit 52 displays an error indicating that the recording medium 9A is clogged, and this flow ends.

In step S105, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A within the predetermined time T2 (“Y” in step S105), the fixing control unit 56 has the fixing unit 40 as the recording medium 9. The transport control unit 54 controls the discharge roller 48 to stop the rotational operation (step S106).

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

5C and 5D schematically show an example of the ejection operation of the recording medium 9A, FIG. 5C shows a state in which the ejection sensor 47 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A, and FIG. 5D shows an ejection roller. 48 shows a state in which the reverse rotation operation is started. As shown in FIG. 5C, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A, the discharge roller 48 starts the reverse rotation operation. As a result, the discharge roller 48 transports the recording medium 9A in the transport direction F2 as shown in FIG. 5D.

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

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

In step S108, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A within the predetermined time T3 (“Y” in step S108), the transport control unit 54 causes the discharge roller 48 to stop the rotational operation. (Step S110).

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

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

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

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1, one discharge sensor 47 is provided between the fixing portion 40 and the discharge roller 48. Then, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A while the recording medium 9A is being transported in the transport direction F1, the discharge roller 48 starts the reverse rotation operation (step S105). ~ S107). Then, if the discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A while the recording medium 9A is being transported in the transport direction F2, the discharge roller 48 is configured to stop the rotational operation (steps S108 and S110). As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can realize the presenter function with a simple configuration.

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

On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 1, when the discharge sensor 47 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A, the discharge roller 48 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the position of the recording medium 9A is reached until the discharge sensor 47 can detect the recording medium 9A. I tried to return. As a result, the discharge sensor 47 can detect that the recording medium 9 is normally conveyed, and can also detect whether the recording medium 9 is held or pulled out by the user. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 1, only one sensor needs to be provided, and the number of parts can be reduced, so that the configuration can be simplified. As a result, for example, the size of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

[effect]
As described above, in the present embodiment, one discharge sensor is provided between the fixing portion and the discharge roller, and the discharge sensor detects the rear end of the recording medium when the recording medium is transported in the transport direction F1. If this is the case, the discharge roller starts the reverse rotation operation, and then, if the discharge sensor detects the recording medium while the recording medium is being transported in the transport direction F2, the discharge roller rotates. Since it is stopped, the configuration can be simplified.

[Modification 1-1]
In the above embodiment, the fixing portion 40 is configured by using two rollers, but the fixing portion 40 is not limited to this. Instead of this, for example, as in the fixing portion 40A shown in FIG. 6, a belt may be used to form the fixing portion. The fixing portion 40A has a fixing belt 44, a heater 45, and a pressure roller 43. The fixing belt 44 is an endless elastic belt and is configured to be able to be circulated and conveyed. The heater 45 is arranged inside the path through which the fixing belt 44 is circulated and conveyed. The pressure roller 43 is provided at a position corresponding to the position where the heater 45 is provided in the path where the fixing belt 44 is circulated and conveyed. The pressurizing roller 43 is rotated by the power transmitted from the fixing motor (not shown).

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

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

[Modification 1-4]
In the above embodiment, the emission sensor 47 is configured by using the reflection type optical sensor, but the emission sensor 47 is not limited to this, and instead, the emission sensor is configured by using, for example, a transmission type optical sensor. Alternatively, a mechanical sensor may be used to configure the discharge sensor.

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

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

<2. Second Embodiment>
Next, the image forming apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the discharge sensor is configured by using a mechanical sensor. The components substantially the same as those of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

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

The medium supply roller 72 is a member that takes out the recording media 9B set in the medium supply tray 71 one by one from the uppermost portion thereof and sends the taken out recording media 9B to the transport path 7.

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

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

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

The sensor lever 80 detects the recording medium 9B by coming into contact with the recording medium 9B passing through the transport path 7. The sensor lever 80 is configured to be rotatable about a shaft 81A provided above the transport path 7. As shown in FIG. 10, the sensor lever 80 is arranged at a position across the transport path 7 due to its own weight when the recording medium 9B is not in contact with the sensor lever 80. The sensor lever 80 has a shaft 81, two hook-shaped portions 82 (hook-shaped portions 821, 822), and arm portions 83, 84. The shaft 81, the two hook-shaped portions 82, and the arm portions 83, 84 can be formed, for example, integrally.

The shaft 81 rotatably supports the sensor lever 80 about the shaft 81A.

The hook-shaped portions 821 and 822 are provided at the lower ends of the sensor lever 80 and have a hook shape that bends in the direction of the discharge port 49 (X direction). The hook-shaped portions 821 and 822 are arranged side by side in the Y direction, and the upper portions of the hook-shaped portions 821 and 822 are connected to the arm portions 83, respectively. Each of the hook-shaped portions 821 and 822 has surfaces 86 and 87. The surface 86 is inclined when viewed from the surface 85 of the arm portion 83, and the surface 87 is inclined when viewed from this surface 86. As shown in FIG. 11, the tip portion of the hook-shaped portions 821 and 822 near the surface 87 is slightly lifted in the Z direction. The hook shape portions 821 and 822 have a shape that can be bent in two stages in this way.

The arm portion 83 is provided on the lower side of the shaft 81 and connects the shaft 81 and the hook-shaped portions 821 and 822.

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

The optical sensor 90 is a transmissive optical sensor (photointerruptor). As shown in FIG. 11, the optical sensor 90 has a light emitting unit 91 and a light receiving unit 92. The light emitting unit 91 emits light, and is configured by using, for example, a light emitting diode. The light receiving unit 92 detects the light emitted from the light emitting unit 91, and is configured by using, for example, a photodiode. The light emitting unit 91 and the light receiving unit 92 are arranged so as to face each other with a path in which the arm unit 84 of the sensor lever 80 moves when the sensor lever 80 rotates.

With this configuration, the discharge sensor 77 can detect the presence / absence of the recording medium 9B. Specifically, for example, when the sensor lever 80 is not in contact with the recording medium 9B, the sensor lever 80 is arranged at a position crossing the transport path 7 as shown in FIG. In this case, the arm portion 84 of the sensor lever 80 is located in the space between the light emitting portion 91 and the light receiving portion 92, and blocks the optical path from the light emitting portion 91 to the light receiving portion 92. The light emitted from the light emitting unit 91 is not detected. In this case, the discharge sensor 77 detects that the recording medium 9B is absent. When the sensor lever 80 is pushed by the recording medium 9B and the arm portion 84 of the sensor lever 80 comes out of the space between the light emitting unit 91 and the light receiving unit 92, the light receiving unit 92 causes the light receiving unit 91 to move. Detects the light emitted from. In this case, the discharge sensor 77 is adapted to detect the presence of the recording medium 9B.

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 13A, when the recording medium 9B comes into contact with the sensor lever 80 and pushes the sensor lever 80, the sensor lever 80 rotates to the downstream side of the transport path 7 about the shaft 81A. As a result, the arm portion 84 of the sensor lever 80 is separated from the space between the light emitting portion 91 and the light receiving portion 92, and the light emitted from the light emitting portion 91 is detected by the light receiving portion 92. In this way, the discharge sensor 77 detects the tip of the recording medium 9B.

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

Then, as shown in FIG. 13C, when the recording medium 9B is transported in the transport direction F1 and the recording medium 9B is separated from the sensor lever 80, the sensor lever 80 rotates about the shaft 81A. It returns to the original position across the transport path 7. As a result, the arm portion 84 of the sensor lever 80 is located in the space between the light emitting unit 91 and the light receiving unit 92, and blocks the optical path from the light emitting unit 91 to the light receiving unit 92. Therefore, the light receiving unit 92 is the light emitting unit. The light emitted from 91 is not detected. In this way, the discharge sensor 77 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9B.

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

Then, as shown in FIG. 13E, the recording medium 9B is conveyed in the transfer direction F2, so that the recording medium 9B comes into contact with the sensor lever 80, and when the sensor lever 80 is pushed, the sensor lever 80 causes the shaft 81A to move. It rotates to the upstream side of the transport path 7 in the center. As a result, the arm portion 84 of the sensor lever 80 is separated from the space between the light emitting portion 91 and the light receiving portion 92, and the light emitted from the light emitting portion 91 is detected by the light receiving portion 92. In this way, the discharge sensor 77 detects the recording medium 9B.

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

After that, when the user pulls out the recording medium 9B from the discharge port 49, the sensor lever 80 rotates about the shaft 81A and returns to the original position across the transport path 7. As a result, the arm portion 84 of the sensor lever 80 is located in the space between the light emitting unit 91 and the light receiving unit 92, and blocks the optical path from the light emitting unit 91 to the light receiving unit 92. Therefore, the light receiving unit 92 is the light emitting unit. The light emitted from 91 is not detected. In this way, the discharge sensor 77 can detect that the recording medium 9B has been pulled out.

In the image forming apparatus 2, the sensor lever 80 is provided with hook-shaped portions 821 and 822 that bend in the direction (X direction) of the discharge port 49. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 13E, when the discharge roller 48 holds the recording medium 9B while sandwiching it, and the user pushes in the recording medium 9B, the image is as shown below. It is possible to reduce the risk of damaging the inside of the forming device 2.

FIG. 14 shows the operation of the discharge sensor 77 when the user pushes in the recording medium 9B. In the state shown in FIG. 13E, when the user pushes the recording medium 9B, the recording medium 9B further pushes the sensor lever 80, and the sensor lever 80 further rotates to the upstream side of the transport path 7 about the shaft 81A. Then, the end portion of the recording medium 9B slides along the surface 86 of the sensor lever 80 and reaches the boundary between the surface 86 and the surface 87 as shown in FIG. When the sensor lever 80 is tilted at this angle (regulation angle θ), the surface 86 located on the upper side of the transport path 7 is tilted toward the direction (X direction) of the discharge port 49, and is on the lower side of the transport path 7. The surface 87 located at is similarly inclined toward the direction (X direction) of the discharge port 49. Therefore, the end portion of the recording medium 9B is caught at the boundary between the surface 86 and the surface 87, and as a result, the angle of the sensor lever 80 is restricted. Since the angle of the sensor lever 80 is restricted in this way, even if the user further pushes the recording medium 9B, the sensor lever 80 is more difficult to push. In this way, since the angle of the sensor lever 80 is restricted in the image forming apparatus 2, it is possible to reduce the possibility of damaging the inside of the image forming apparatus 2 when the user pushes in the recording medium 9B.

That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the sensor lever 80R1 having no hook-shaped portions 821 and 822 is used, when the user pushes in the recording medium 9B, the sensor lever 80R1 is centered on the shaft 81A. It rotates to the upstream side of the transport path 7. In this example, since the angle of the sensor lever 80R1 is not regulated, the sensor lever 80R1 is disengaged from the transport path 7, and the end portion of the recording medium 9B reaches the fixing portion 40. In this case, the fixing portion 40 may be damaged.

On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, since the sensor lever 80 is provided with hook-shaped portions 821 and 822 that bend in the direction of the discharge port 49 (X direction), the angle of the sensor lever 80 is restricted. , The sensor lever 80 remains at a position that blocks the transport path 7. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility of damaging the inside of the image forming apparatus 2 when the user pushes in the recording medium 9B. When the recording medium 9B is pushed in, it is desirable that there is sufficient clearance between the sensor lever 80 and the fixing portion 40.

The regulation angle θ of the sensor lever 80 is determined by the size of the sensor lever 80 and the position of the sensor lever 80, as shown below.

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

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

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

As described above, the regulation angle θ of the sensor lever 80 can be determined by the size of the sensor lever 80 and the position of the sensor lever 80. By appropriately setting this regulation angle θ, it is possible to reduce the possibility of damaging the inside of the image forming apparatus 2.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 2, the two hook-shaped portions 821 and 822 are arranged side by side in the width direction (Y direction) of the recording medium 9B, so that the user pushes in the recording medium 9B as shown below. In some cases, the sensor lever 80 can stably support the recording medium 9B.

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

That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, when the sensor lever 80R2 having a single hook-shaped portion 82R is used, when the user pushes the recording medium 9B, the sensor lever 80R2 stabilizes the recording medium 9B. It may not be possible to support it. Specifically, for example, when a force FR is applied to the right side of the recording medium 9B by pushing the right side of the recording medium 9B, the recording medium 9B may be tilted in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. There is. Similarly, for example, if a force FL is applied to the left side of the recording medium 9B by pushing the left side of the recording medium 9B, the recording medium 9B may tilt in the clockwise direction in FIG.

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

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the sensor lever is provided with the hook-shaped portion, the image is formed when the user pushes in the recording medium while the ejection roller holds the recording medium while sandwiching it. It is possible to reduce the risk of damaging the inside of the device.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the two hook-shaped portions are arranged side by side in the width direction of the recording medium, the sensor lever stably supports the recording medium when the user pushes in the recording medium. Can be done.

Other effects are the same as in the case of the first embodiment.

[Modification 2-1]
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the hook-shaped portions 821 and 822 of the sensor lever 80 have a shape that bends in two stages in this way, but the present invention is not limited to this. do not have. Instead of this, the hook-shaped portion may have a shape that bends in three or more steps, for example. Further, for example, the discharge sensor 77A shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 may have a curved shape. The discharge sensor 77A has a sensor lever 80A. The sensor lever 80A has hook-shaped portions 821A and 822A. Each of the hook shape portions 821A and 822A has a curved surface 86A. As shown in FIG. 19, the tip portions of the hook-shaped portions 821A and 822A are slightly raised. When the user pushes in the recording medium 9B and the sensor lever 80A tilts at a certain angle (regulation angle θ), as shown in FIG. 20, the surface of the curved surface 86A located on the upper side of the transport path 7 is eliminated. The surface of the curved surface 86A located below the transport path 7 is inclined toward the exit 49 (X direction), and is similarly inclined toward the discharge port 49 (X direction). As a result, the angle of the sensor lever 80A is restricted, and even if the user further pushes the recording medium 9B, the sensor lever 80A is more difficult to be pushed.

[Modification 2-2]
In the above embodiment, the hook shape portions 821 and 822 regulate the angle of the sensor lever 80, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as in the discharge sensor 77B shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. , The angle of the sensor lever 80 may be regulated by the regulating member. The discharge sensor 77B has regulatory members 96 and 97. The regulating member 96 is provided downstream of the sensor lever 80 and regulates the angle of the sensor lever 80 by interfering with the sensor lever 80. The regulatory member 96 has a surface 98. This surface 98 is a surface that comes into contact with the sensor lever 80 when the sensor lever 80 rotates to the upstream side of the transport path 7 about the shaft 81A. The regulating member 97 is provided upstream of the sensor lever 80 and regulates the angle of the sensor lever 80 by interfering with the sensor lever 80. The regulatory member 97 has a surface 99. This surface 99 is a surface that comes into contact with the sensor lever 80 when the sensor lever 80 rotates to the upstream side of the transport path 7 about the shaft 81A. When the user pushes in the recording medium 9B and the sensor lever 80A is tilted at a certain angle (regulation angle θ), the surface 98 of the regulation member 96 is above the shaft 81 in the sensor lever 80, as shown in FIG. It interferes by coming into contact with the surface 88 on the downstream side of the arm portion 84. Further, the surface 99 of the regulating member 97 interferes with the surface 89 of the sensor lever 80 on the upstream side of the arm portion 83 below the shaft 81. The angle of the sensor lever 80 is regulated by interfering with these regulating members 96 and 97.

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

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

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

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

<3. Third Embodiment>
Next, the image forming apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, for example, when the user does not pull out the recording medium 9A from the discharge port 49 at a predetermined time, the recording medium 9A is collected in the image forming apparatus. The components substantially the same as those of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

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

The lever 111 is arranged between the fixing portion 40 and the discharge sensor 47, and switches the path through which the recording medium 9A is conveyed. The lever 111 is rotatable about the shaft 111A, and has a position (reference position) for opening the path from the fixing portion 40 to the discharge sensor 47 and a position for opening the path from the discharge sensor 47 to the medium accommodating portion 113. It is configured to be movable between and. The lever 111 is driven by a lever drive unit 115 (described later).

The recovery roller 112 is a pair of rollers arranged so as to sandwich the recovery transport path 119 from the lever 111 to the medium accommodating portion 113. The recovery roller 112 is adapted to convey the recording medium 9A toward the medium accommodating portion 113 when the lever 111 opens the path from the discharge sensor 47 to the medium accommodating portion 113.

The medium accommodating unit 113 accommodates the recording medium 9A conveyed by the recovery roller 112.

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

The transfer control unit 114 controls the operation of various motors based on the instructions from the control unit 117 to control the transfer operation of the recording medium 9 by the medium supply rollers 11 and the transfer rollers 13, 15 and 16. It controls the transfer operation of the recording medium 9A by the transfer roller 18, the discharge roller 48, and the recovery roller 112. Further, the transport control unit 114 also has a function of controlling the operation of the lever 111 via the lever drive unit 115.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In step S301, when a predetermined determination time T has elapsed since the discharge roller 48 stopped the rotational operation (“Y” in step S301), the transfer control unit 114 moves the position of the lever 111 from the reference position. , Move to a position where the path from the discharge sensor 47 to the medium accommodating portion 113 is opened (step S302). That is, when the user does not pull out the recording medium 9A from the discharge port 49 in the predetermined determination time T, the image forming apparatus 3 collects the recording medium 9A in the medium storage unit 113, so that the medium is collected from the discharge sensor 47. The route to the accommodating portion 113 is opened.

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

26F and 26G schematically show an example of the ejection operation of the recording medium 9A, FIG. 26F shows a state in which the position of the lever 111 is moved, and FIG. 26G shows a state in which the ejection roller 48 rotates in the reverse direction. Indicates the state in which. As shown in FIG. 26F, the lever 111 rotates about the shaft 111A to open a path from the discharge sensor 47 to the medium accommodating portion 113. Then, as shown in FIG. 26G, the discharge roller 48 starts the reverse rotation operation, and the recovery roller 112 starts the rotation operation. As a result, the recording medium 9A is conveyed toward the medium accommodating unit 113.

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

FIG. 26H schematically shows an example of the ejection operation of the recording medium 9A, and shows a state in which the ejection sensor 47 detects that the recording medium 9A is absent. As the recording medium 9A is conveyed toward the medium accommodating portion 113, the discharge sensor 47 detects that the recording medium 9A is absent. After that, the collection roller 112 continues to rotate, so that the recording medium 9A is accommodated in the medium accommodating portion 113.

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

When the discharge sensor 47 detects that the recording medium 9A does not exist within the predetermined time T4 in step S304 (“Y” in step S304), the transport control unit 114 then sets the predetermined time T5. When the elapse has passed, the reverse rotation operation of the discharge roller 48 and the rotation operation of the recovery roller 112 are controlled to be stopped (step S306). The predetermined time T5 is set to, for example, the time until the recording medium 9A is conveyed along the recovery transfer path 119 and accommodated in the medium accommodating unit 113.

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

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 3, the lever 111 is provided between the fixing portion 40 and the discharge sensor 47. Further, in the image forming apparatus 3, when a predetermined determination time T has elapsed since the discharge roller 48 stopped the rotational operation in step S110, the position of the lever 111 is moved from the reference position to the discharge sensor 47 to the medium accommodating portion 113. The discharge roller 48 was started to rotate in the reverse direction while moving the path to the opening position. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 3, when the user does not pull out the recording medium 9A in a predetermined time, for example, the recording medium 9A can be collected in the medium accommodating unit 113.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 3, when the ejection sensor 47 detects that the recording medium 9A is not present within a predetermined time T4 after the ejection roller 48 restarts the reverse rotation operation in step S303, the image forming apparatus 3 is ejected thereafter. The rotation operation of the roller 48 is stopped. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 3, one discharge sensor 47 detects whether or not the recording medium 9A is normally conveyed, detects whether or not the recording medium 9 is held or is pulled out by the user, and records the image. Since it is possible to detect whether or not the medium 9A has been recovered normally, the number of parts can be reduced, and the configuration can be simplified.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the discharge sensor detects that there is no recording medium within T4 for a predetermined time after the discharge roller restarts the reverse rotation operation, the discharge roller is subsequently rotated. Since it is stopped, the configuration can be simplified. Other effects are the same as in the case of the first embodiment.

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

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

<4. Fourth Embodiment>
Next, the image forming apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the recording medium 9A is configured so that it can be collected in the image forming apparatus, and the ejection sensor is configured by using a mechanical sensor. The components substantially the same as those of the image forming apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

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

FIG. 28 shows an example of the configuration of the discharge sensor 120. In addition to the discharge sensor 120, FIG. 28 also shows a fixing portion 40 and a discharge roller 48. The discharge sensor 120 has a sensor lever 121, an optical sensor 122, and a regulating member 123.

The sensor lever 121 detects the recording medium 9A by coming into contact with the recording medium 9A passing through the transport path 7. The sensor lever 121 is configured to be rotatable about a shaft 121A provided above the transport path 7. When the recording medium 9A is not in contact with the sensor lever 121, the sensor lever 121 is arranged at a position across the transport path 7 due to its own weight, as shown in FIG. 28. The sensor lever 121 has a protrusion 121B. The protrusion 121B can block the optical path from the light emitting portion to the light receiving portion in the optical sensor 122, similarly to the optical sensor 90 (FIGS. 10 and 11) according to the second embodiment. ..

The optical sensor 122 is a transmissive optical sensor (photointerruptor). The optical sensor 122 has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, similarly to the optical sensor 90 (FIGS. 10 and 11) according to the second embodiment. These light emitting portions and light receiving portions are arranged so as to face each other with a path in which the protrusion 121B of the sensor lever 121 moves when the sensor lever 121 rotates.

The regulating member 123 is provided upstream of the sensor lever 121 when the recording medium 9A is transported in the transport direction F1 in the transport path 7, and regulates the angle of the sensor lever 121 by interfering with the sensor lever 121. be. The regulating member 123 regulates the angle of the sensor lever 121 by interfering with the lower end of the sensor lever 121 when the sensor lever 121 rotates to the upstream side of the transport path 7 about the shaft 121A. As a result, the sensor lever 121 guides the recording medium 9A to the recovery transfer path 119 when the recording medium 9A is collected, as will be described later.

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

The transfer control unit 124 controls the operation of various motors based on the instructions from the control unit 127 to control the transfer operation of the recording medium 9 by the medium supply roller 11 and the transfer rollers 13, 15 and 16. It controls the transfer operation of the recording medium 9A by the transfer roller 18, the discharge roller 48, and the recovery roller 112.

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 31A, when the recording medium 9A comes into contact with the sensor lever 121 and pushes the sensor lever 121, the sensor lever 121 rotates to the downstream side of the transport path 7 about the shaft 121A. As a result, the protrusion 121B of the sensor lever 121 is separated from the space between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 122, and the light emitted from the light emitting portion is detected by the light receiving portion. In this way, the discharge sensor 120 detects the tip of the recording medium 9A. When the discharge sensor 120 detects the tip of the recording medium 9A (“Y” in step S102), the discharge roller 48 starts a forward rotation operation (step S104). As a result, the discharge roller 48 transports the recording medium 9A in the transport direction F1 as shown in FIG. 31B.

Then, as shown in FIG. 31C, when the recording medium 9A is transported in the transport direction F1 and the recording medium 9A is separated from the sensor lever 121, the sensor lever 121 rotates about the shaft 121A. It returns to the original position across the transport path 7. As a result, the protrusion 121B of the sensor lever 121 is located in the space between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 122, and blocks the optical path from the light emitting portion to the light receiving portion. Does not detect emitted light. In this way, the discharge sensor 120 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A. When the discharge sensor 120 detects the rear end of the recording medium 9A (“Y” in step S105), the discharge roller 48 starts the reverse rotation operation (step S107). As a result, the discharge roller 48 transports the recording medium 9A in the transport direction F2 as shown in FIG. 31D.

Then, as shown in FIG. 31E, the recording medium 9A is conveyed in the transfer direction F2, so that the recording medium 9A comes into contact with the sensor lever 121, and when the sensor lever 121 is pushed, the sensor lever 121 causes the shaft 121A to move. It rotates to the upstream side of the transport path 7 in the center. As a result, the lower end of the sensor lever 121 interferes with the regulating member 123, and the sensor lever 121 guides the recording medium 9A to the recovery transport path 119. At this time, the protrusion 121B of the sensor lever 121 is separated from the space between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 122, and the light emitted from the light emitting portion is detected by the light receiving portion. In this way, the discharge sensor 120 detects the recording medium 9A. When the discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A (“Y” in step S108), the discharge roller 48 stops the rotational operation (step S110). As a result, the recording medium 9A is stopped at a position straddling the discharge port 49 and is held by the discharge roller 48. The end of the recording medium 9A reaches the position of the discharge sensor 120. Therefore, when the user subsequently pulls out the recording medium 9A from the discharge port 49 from the discharge port 49, the discharge sensor 120 can detect that the recording medium 9A has been pulled out.

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

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

FIG. 31F schematically shows an example of the ejection operation of the recording medium 9A, and shows a state in which the ejection roller 48 has started the reverse rotation operation. The discharge roller 48 starts the reverse rotation operation, and the recovery roller 112 starts the rotation operation. As a result, the recording medium 9A is conveyed toward the medium accommodating unit 113.

Next, the transport control unit 124 detects that the discharge sensor 120 does not have the recording medium 9A within a predetermined time T4 according to the medium length of the recording medium 9A after the discharge roller 48 starts the reverse rotation operation. It is confirmed whether or not it has been done (step S304).

FIG. 31G schematically shows an example of the ejection operation of the recording medium 9A, and shows a state in which the ejection sensor 120 detects that the recording medium 9A is absent. When the recording medium 9A is conveyed toward the medium accommodating portion 113 and the recording medium 9A is separated from the sensor lever 121, the sensor lever 121 rotates about the shaft 121A and crosses the transfer path 7. Return to position. As a result, the discharge sensor 120 detects that the recording medium 9A is absent. After that, the collection roller 112 continues to rotate, so that the recording medium 9A is accommodated in the medium accommodating portion 113.

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

When the discharge sensor 120 detects that the recording medium 9A does not exist within the predetermined time T4 in step S304 (“Y” in step S304), the transport control unit 124 then sets the predetermined time T5. When the elapse has passed, the reverse rotation operation of the discharge roller 48 and the rotation operation of the recovery roller 112 are controlled to be stopped (step S306). And this flow ends.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 4 is provided with the discharge sensor 120 having the sensor lever 121, and regulates the angle of the sensor lever 121 when collecting the recording medium 9A. As a result, when the image forming apparatus 4 collects the recording medium 9A, unlike the image forming apparatus 3 (FIG. 23) according to the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus 4 collects the recording medium 9A without driving the lever 111. It can lead to 119. As described above, in the image forming apparatus 4, it is not necessary to drive the lever, so that the configuration can be simplified.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the discharge sensor having the sensor lever is provided and the angle of the sensor lever is regulated when collecting the recording medium, the configuration can be simplified. Other effects are the same as in the case of the third embodiment.

[Modification 4-1]
In the above embodiment, the optical sensor 122 of the emission sensor 120 is configured by using a transmissive optical sensor, but the present invention is not limited to this, and instead, for example, a reflection type optical sensor is used for optics. The sensor 122 may be configured. Further, the posture of the sensor lever 121 is detected by using the optical sensor 122, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various sensors capable of detecting the posture of the sensor lever 121 can be used.

[Modification 4-2]
In the above embodiment, when the recording medium 9A is separated from the sensor lever 121, the sensor lever 121 returns to the original position across the transport path 7 by its own weight, but the present invention is not limited to this. .. Instead of this, for example, a spring may be provided so that the sensor lever returns to the original position across the transport path 7 by the urging force of the spring.

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

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

<5. Fifth Embodiment>
Next, the image forming apparatus 5 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The present embodiment realizes the same operation as the discharge sensor 120 in the fourth embodiment by using another configuration. The components substantially the same as those of the image forming apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

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

The lever 131 is movable by coming into contact with the recording medium 9A passing through the transport path 7. The lever 131 is configured to be rotatable about a shaft 131A provided above the transport path 7. When the recording medium 9A is not in contact with the lever 131, the lever 131 is arranged at a position across the transport path 7 due to its own weight, as shown in FIG. 32.

The regulating member 133 is provided upstream of the lever 131 when the recording medium 9A is transported in the transport direction F1 in the transport path 7, and regulates the angle of the lever 131 by interfering with the lever 131. The regulating member 133 regulates the angle of the lever 131 by interfering with the lower end of the lever 131 when the lever 131 rotates to the upstream side of the transport path 7 about the shaft 131A. As a result, the lever 131 guides the recording medium 9A to the recovery transfer path 119 when the recording medium 9A is collected, as will be described later.

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

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

The transfer control unit 134 controls the operation of various motors based on the instructions from the control unit 137 to control the transfer operation of the recording medium 9 by the medium supply roller 11 and the transfer rollers 13, 15 and 16. It controls the transfer operation of the recording medium 9A by the transfer roller 18, the discharge roller 48, and the recovery roller 112.

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

33A to 33G schematically show an example of the ejection operation of the recording medium 9A, FIG. 13A shows a state in which the ejection sensor 47 detects the tip of the recording medium 9A, and FIG. 33B shows the ejection roller 48. 33C shows a state in which the discharge sensor 47 has detected the rear end of the recording medium 9A, and FIG. 33D shows a state in which the discharge roller 48 has started a reverse rotation operation. FIG. 33E shows a state in which the discharge sensor 47 has detected the recording medium 9A, FIG. 33F shows a state in which the discharge roller 48 has started a reverse rotation operation, and FIG. 33 (G) shows a state in which the discharge sensor 47 detects the recording medium 9A. Indicates the state in which it was detected that there is no such thing. 33A to 33G correspond to FIGS. 31A to 31E according to the fourth embodiment, respectively.

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

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

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

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

Then, as shown in FIG. 33G, when the recording medium 9A separates from the lever 131, the lever 131 rotates about the shaft 131A and returns to the original position across the transport path 7. After that, the collection roller 112 continues to rotate, so that the recording medium 9A is accommodated in the medium accommodating portion 113.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 5, the discharge sensor 47 and the lever 131 are provided, and the angle of the lever 131 is regulated when collecting the recording medium 9A. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 5, the recording medium 9A is used. At the time of collection, unlike the image forming apparatus 3 (FIG. 23) according to the third embodiment, the recording medium 9A can be guided to the collection transfer path 119 without driving the lever 111. As described above, in the image forming apparatus 5, it is not necessary to drive the lever, so that the configuration can be simplified.

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

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

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

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

For example, in each of the above embodiments, the present technology is applied to the image forming apparatus, but the present technology is not limited to this, and can be applied to the medium conveying apparatus that conveys the recording medium. This medium transfer device includes, for example, a transfer roller, a discharge sensor, and a discharge roller. This medium transfer device is provided, for example, after the image forming device, and the discharge roller of the medium transfer device holds the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming device while sandwiching it. As a result, the user can pull out the recording medium from the discharge port of the medium transfer device.

1 to 5 ... image forming apparatus, 10 ... medium holder, 11 ... medium supply roller, 12 ... medium sensor, 13 ... transfer roller, 14 ... medium sensor, 15 ... transfer roller, 16 ... transfer roller, 17 ... cutter unit, 18 ... Conveying roller, 19 ... Writing sensor, 20, 20C, 20M, 20Y ... Development unit, 21 ... Photosensitive drum, 22 ... Charging roller, 23 ... Development roller, 24 ... Development blade, 25 ... Supply roller, 26 ... Toner storage Unit, 29, 29C, 29M, 29Y ... Exposure head, 30 ... Transfer unit, 31 ... Transfer belt, 32, 32C, 32M, 32Y ... Transfer roller, 33 ... Drive roller, 34 ... Driven roller, 35 ... Cleaning device, 40 , 40A ... Fixing part, 41 ... Heat roller, 42 ... Heater, 43 ... Pressurizing roller, 44 ... Fixing belt, 45 ... Heater, 46 ... Conveying roller, 47 ... Discharge sensor, 48 ... Discharge roller, 49 ... Discharge port, 51 ... communication unit, 52 ... display operation unit, 53 ... image formation control unit, 54, 104, 114, 124, 134 ... transfer control unit, 54A ... cutting control unit, 54B, 104B ... medium length detection unit, 55 ... belt Control unit, 56 ... Fixing control unit, 57,107,117,127,137 ... Control unit, 60B ... Discharge unit, 61 ... Belt, 62,63 ... Driven roller, 64 ... Belt, 65 ... Driven roller, 66 ... Drive Roller, 71 ... Medium supply tray, 72 ... Medium supply roller, 73 ... Conveyor roller, 77 ... Discharge sensor, 80, 80A ... Sensor lever, 81 ... Shaft, 81A ... Shaft, 821,821A, 822,822A ... Hook shape , 83, 84 ... arm part, 85-89 ... surface, 86A ... curved surface, 90 ... optical sensor, 91 ... light emitting part, 92 ... light receiving part, 96, 97 ... regulatory member, 98, 99 ... surface, 111 ... lever, 111A ... Shaft, 112 ... Recovery roller, 113 ... Medium accommodating section, 115 ... Lever drive section, 119 ... Recovery transport path, 120 ... Discharge sensor, 121 ... Sensor lever, 121A ... Shaft, 121B ... Projection, 122 ... Optical sensor , 123 ... Regulatory member, 131 ... Lever, 131A ... Axis, 133 ... Regulatory member, F1, F2 ... Transport direction, θ ... Regulatory angle.

Claims (16)

An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium,
A transport member that transports the recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and
What is the first operation of transporting the recording medium between the transport member and the discharge port in the first direction toward the discharge port along the transport path, and the first operation of transporting the recording medium in the first direction? It is possible to perform a second operation of transporting in the opposite second direction, and a discharge member having a pair of rollers arranged across the transport path, and a discharge member.
A sensor arranged between the transport member and the discharge member to detect the recording medium, and
When the discharge member is performing the first operation, when the sensor detects the rear end of the recording medium, the discharge member is controlled to start the second operation, and then the discharge member is controlled to start the second operation. When the sensor detects the recording medium, the discharge member stops the second operation, controls the pair of rollers to hold the recording medium, and the discharge member performs the second operation. A control unit for determining that the recording medium has been ejected when the sensor detects that the recording medium does not exist after the sensor is stopped is provided .
The sensor has a lever member that can rotate in the first direction and the second direction around a rotation axis provided at a position away from the transport path by coming into contact with the recording medium. Then, the recording medium is detected by detecting the posture of the lever member.
The lever member is rotated so as to be disengaged from the transport path when rotated in the first direction and remain in the transport path when rotated in the second direction.
Image forming device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge member stops the second operation at a position where the recording medium straddles the discharge port and holds the recording medium. The first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit determines that an error has occurred when the sensor does not detect the tip of the recording medium when the discharge member is performing the first operation. Image forming device. When the discharging member is performing the first operation, the control unit detects the rear end of the recording medium within a predetermined time from the timing when the sensor detects the front end of the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein it is determined that an error has occurred when the error does not occur. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the transport member is a fixing member for fixing an image on the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the lever member includes a hook-shaped portion having a hook shape that bends in the first direction. When the hook-shaped portion is rotated to a predetermined angle in the second direction, the hook-shaped portion has a first surface inclined in the first direction on the upper side of the transport path and the hook shape portion on the lower side of the transport path. Has a second surface tilted in a first direction
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 . The lever member has a hook shape that bends in the first direction, and has a first hook shape portion and a second hook shape portion that are juxtaposed in a third direction corresponding to the width direction of the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The sensor regulates the rotation angle of the lever member so that the sensor interferes with a part of the lever member so that the lever member remains in the transport path when the lever member rotates in the second direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or 8 , further comprising a member. The lever member has a first arm portion arranged below the rotation axis.
The regulating member is provided on the side opposite to the side where the discharge port is provided when viewed from the lever member, and the first arm portion interferes with the first arm portion to regulate the rotation angle of the lever member. Have regulatory members
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 . The lever member has a second arm portion arranged above the rotation axis.
The regulating member is provided on the side where the discharge port is provided when viewed from the lever member, and the second regulating member that regulates the rotation angle of the lever member by interfering with the second arm portion is provided. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 . The sensor is
The light emitting part that emits light and
It has a light receiving unit that is provided at a position facing the light emitting unit and is separated from the light emitting unit and can detect the light.
The light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are arranged so as to sandwich a path through which the second arm portion moves due to the rotation of the lever member.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the sensor detects the recording medium by detecting the posture of the lever member based on the detection result by the light receiving unit. An accommodating unit for accommodating the recording medium and
It is provided with a route switching unit arranged between the transport member and the discharge member and capable of guiding the recording medium transported in the second direction to a route toward the accommodating portion.
The control unit controls the discharge member to resume the second operation after the discharge member stops the second operation, and then the sensor detects that the recording medium is absent. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the discharge member is subsequently controlled to stop the second operation. The control unit controls the discharge member to restart the second operation after a predetermined time has elapsed after the discharge member first stopped the second operation.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 13 . The path switching portion and the lever member are integrally configured.
The lever member disengages from the transport path when rotated in the first direction, remains in the transport path when rotated in the second direction, and guides the recording medium to the accommodating portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14 , which rotates. A transport member that transports the recording medium and
What is the first operation of transporting the recording medium between the transport member and the discharge port in the first direction toward the discharge port along the transport path, and the first operation of transporting the recording medium in the first direction? It is possible to perform a second operation of transporting in the opposite second direction, and a discharge member having a pair of rollers arranged across the transport path, and a discharge member.
A sensor arranged between the transport member and the discharge member to detect the recording medium, and
When the discharge member is performing the first operation, when the sensor detects the rear end of the recording medium, the discharge member is controlled to start the second operation, and then the discharge member is controlled to start the second operation. When the sensor detects the recording medium, the discharge member stops the second operation, controls the pair of rollers to hold the recording medium, and the discharge member performs the second operation. A control unit for determining that the recording medium has been ejected when the sensor detects that the recording medium does not exist after the sensor is stopped is provided .
The sensor has a lever member that can rotate in the first direction and the second direction around a rotation axis provided at a position away from the transport path by coming into contact with the recording medium. Then, the recording medium is detected by detecting the posture of the lever member.
The lever member is rotated so as to be disengaged from the transport path when rotated in the first direction and remain in the transport path when rotated in the second direction.
Medium transfer device.

Images