JP7404693B2 - Paper loading device, image forming system and transport control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a paper stacking device, an image forming system, and a transport control method.

Generally, image forming devices (printers, copiers, facsimile machines, etc.) that utilize electrophotographic process technology irradiate (expose) a charged photoreceptor drum (image carrier) with laser light based on image data. to form an electrostatic latent image. Then, by supplying toner from a developing device to the photoreceptor drum on which the electrostatic latent image has been formed, the electrostatic latent image is visualized and a toner image is formed. Further, this toner image is directly or indirectly transferred onto a sheet of paper, and then heated and pressurized in a fixing nip to fix it, thereby forming a toner image on the sheet of paper.

At this time, if a paper stacking device is arranged (connected) downstream of the image forming apparatus, the paper on which the toner image has been formed (hereinafter also referred to as "printed paper") is ejected from the image forming apparatus. Paper is ejected from the paper section and stacked on a tray in a paper stacking device. In general, a paper stacking device has a function of stacking and storing printed paper on a tray (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, the paper loading device is configured to maintain a constant height position of the topmost sheet of stacked paper while stacking a large amount of paper by raising and lowering a paper stacking section such as a tray according to the amount of paper loaded. It has been known.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-94584

By the way, many conventional paper loading devices employ a method in which an arm is installed below the paper output port of the machine, a tray is installed on the arm, and the paper is loaded onto the tray. . When transporting paper to the outside of such a paper loading device, the door of the paper loading device is opened using an arm attached to a carrier such as a trolley, the carrier is inserted into the device, and the paper is loaded. Each tray receives and carries out the paper.

On the other hand, in such conventional paper loading devices, the tray loaded with paper is transferred to a trolley for transportation, so the paper is not ejected from the image forming device until the paper on the tray is removed and the tray is reset in the device. It was pointed out that there was a problem with poor productivity due to the inability to accept (load) paper.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, we have developed a paper stacking device that temporarily stacks paper ejected from the image forming apparatus (first tray, etc.), and a carrier, etc. to store the temporarily stacked paper. It is conceivable to provide a structure (a second tray, etc.) for transferring the materials to be carried out. With such a configuration, the loading process and the conveying process can be handled separately (independently), so it is expected that productivity will improve.

On the other hand, even with such a configuration, it is necessary to activate a safety device to stop the apparatus in order to ensure the safety of the worker's work when opening and closing the door in the transport process. Here, if the apparatus stops, it becomes impossible to improve productivity in the conveyance process, and a trade-off problem arises between ensuring worker safety and improving productivity.

An object of the present invention is to provide a paper loading device, an image forming system, and a transport control method that can improve productivity while ensuring the safety of workers.

The paper loading device according to the present invention includes:
a paper transport unit that transports paper ;
a first stacking tray capable of stacking the paper transported by the paper transporting section; and a second stacking tray that receives the paper stacked on the first stacking tray and discharges the stacked paper to the outside. a paper loading section including;
an opening/closing part that can be opened and closed when taking out the paper stacked on the second stacking tray ;
When the open/close state of the opening/closing section is fully closed, the paper is conveyed to the first stacking tray, and when the opening/closing section is fully open, the paper is transported to the first stacking tray. First, a control unit that controls the paper transport unit to transport the paper to the first stacking tray when the opening/ closing state of the opening / closing unit is an intermediate state between the fully open state and the fully closed state. and,
Equipped with

The image forming system according to the present invention includes:
an image forming device that forms an image on paper;
the above-described paper stacking device that stacks the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming device;
Equipped with

The transport control method according to the present invention includes:
a paper transport unit that transports paper;
a first stacking tray capable of stacking the paper transported by the paper transporting section; and a second stacking tray that receives the paper stacked on the first stacking tray and discharges the stacked paper to the outside. a paper loading section including;
an opening/closing part that can be opened and closed when taking out the paper stacked on the second stacking tray;
A transport control method executed in a paper stacking device comprising:
When the open/close state of the opening/closing section is fully closed, the paper is conveyed to the first stacking tray, and when the opening/closing section is fully open, the paper is transported to the first stacking tray. First, when the open/ close state of the opening/closing section is an intermediate state between the fully open state and the fully closed state, the paper is conveyed to the first stacking tray .

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve productivity while ensuring worker safety.

1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing main parts of a control system of an image forming system according to an embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing main parts of the paper stacking device from the left side (downstream side in the paper conveyance direction) of FIG. 1. FIG. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an operation of moving a stack of sheets stacked on a first tray to a second tray in a paper stacking device. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the sheet stacking device after the sheet stack is moved to the second tray. FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the paper stacking device after the second tray and the like on which the stack of papers is placed are pulled out. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating the work of carrying out the bundle of sheets stacked on the second stacking tray and the subsequent work in the paper stacking device. FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating the work and the like when returning the second tray and the like to the paper stacking device.

Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of an image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the main parts of the entire control system included in the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 and a paper stacking apparatus 3 from the upstream side along the conveyance direction of the paper S. In this embodiment, the image forming device 2 and the paper stacking device 3 are connected in-line.

The image forming apparatus 2 is an intermediate transfer type color image forming apparatus using electrophotographic process technology. That is, the image forming device 2 primarily transfers each color toner image of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) formed on the photoreceptor drum 413 to the intermediate transfer belt 421, After the four-color toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 421, an image is formed by secondarily transferring the toner images onto the paper S sent out from the paper feed tray units 51a to 51c of the paper feed section 51.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 2, photosensitive drums 413 corresponding to four colors of YMCK are arranged in series in the running direction of the intermediate transfer belt 421, and toner images of each color are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 421 in one step. A tandem system is used.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an image reading section 10, an operation display section 20, an image processing section 30, an image forming section 40, a paper transport section 50, a fixing section 60, and a control section 100.

The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, and the like. The CPU 101 reads a program according to the processing content from the ROM 102, loads it in the RAM 103, and centrally controls the operation of each block of the image forming apparatus 2 in cooperation with the loaded program. At this time, various data stored in the storage section 72 are referred to. The storage unit 72 includes, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) or a hard disk drive.

The control unit 100 transmits and receives various data to and from an external device (for example, a personal computer) connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) via the communication unit 71. conduct. For example, the control unit 100 receives image data (input image data) transmitted from an external device, and forms an image on the sheet S based on this image data. The communication unit 71 is composed of a communication control card such as a LAN card, for example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 10 includes an automatic document feeding device 11 called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), a document image scanning device 12 (scanner), and the like.

The automatic document feeder 11 uses a conveyance mechanism to convey the document D placed on the document tray and sends it to the document image scanning device 12 . The automatic document feeder 11 makes it possible to continuously read images (including both sides) of a large number of documents D placed on a document tray at one time.

The document image scanning device 12 optically scans the document conveyed onto the contact glass from the automatic document feeder 11 or the document placed on the contact glass, and converts light reflected from the document into a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). ) An image is formed on the light receiving surface of the sensor 12a and the original image is read. The image reading unit 10 generates input image data based on the reading result by the original image scanning device 12. This input image data is subjected to predetermined image processing in the image processing section 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation display unit 20 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel, and functions as a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22. The display unit 21 displays various operation screens, image status, operating status of each function, etc. in accordance with display control signals input from the control unit 100. The operation unit 22 includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, receives various input operations from the user, and outputs operation signals to the control unit 100.

The image processing unit 30 includes a circuit and the like that performs digital image processing on input image data according to initial settings or user settings. For example, the image processing unit 30 performs gradation correction based on gradation correction data (gradation correction table) under the control of the control unit 100. The image processing unit 30 also performs various correction processes such as color correction and shading correction, compression processing, etc. in addition to gradation correction on the input image data. The image forming section 40 is controlled based on the image data subjected to these processes.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 40 includes image forming units 41Y, 41M, and 41C for forming images using colored toners of Y component, M component, C component, and K component based on input image data. , 41K, an intermediate transfer unit 42, and the like.

Image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K for Y component, M component, C component, and K component have similar configurations. For convenience of illustration and explanation, common components are indicated by the same reference numerals, and when distinguishing between them, Y, M, C, or K is added to the reference numeral. In FIG. 1, only the constituent elements of the image forming unit 41Y for the Y component are labeled, and the constituent elements of the other image forming units 41M, 41C, and 41K are omitted.

The image forming unit 41 includes an exposure device 411, a developing device 412, a photosensitive drum 413, a charging device 414, a drum cleaning device 415, and the like.

The photoreceptor drum 413 is, for example, an organic photoreceptor in which a photosensitive layer made of a resin containing an organic photoconductor is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a drum-shaped metal base.

The control unit 100 rotates the photoreceptor drum 413 at a constant circumferential speed by controlling a drive current supplied to a drive motor (not shown) that rotates the photoreceptor drum 413.

The charging device 414 is, for example, a charging charger, and uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductive drum 413 to a negative polarity by generating corona discharge.

The exposure device 411 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser, and irradiates the photoreceptor drum 413 with laser light corresponding to an image of each color component. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of each color component is formed on the image area of the surface of the photoreceptor drum 413 irradiated with the laser beam due to the potential difference with the background area.

The developing device 412 is a two-component reversal type developing device, and makes the electrostatic latent image visible by attaching developer of each color component to the surface of the photoreceptor drum 413 to form a toner image.

To the developing device 412, for example, a DC developing bias having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the charging device 414, or a developing bias in which a DC voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the charging device 414 is superimposed on an AC voltage is applied. As a result, reversal development is performed in which toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image formed by the exposure device 411.

The drum cleaning device 415 is in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor drum 413 and has a flat drum cleaning blade made of an elastic material, and remains on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 413 without being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 421. Remove toner.

The intermediate transfer unit 42 includes an intermediate transfer belt 421, a primary transfer roller 422, a plurality of support rollers 423, a secondary transfer roller 424, a belt cleaning device 426, and the like.

The intermediate transfer belt 421 is an endless belt, and is stretched around a plurality of support rollers 423 in a loop shape. At least one of the plurality of support rollers 423 is configured as a driving roller, and the others are configured as driven rollers. For example, it is preferable that a roller 423A disposed downstream of the primary transfer roller 422 for the K component in the belt running direction is a driving roller. This makes it easier to maintain a constant running speed of the belt in the primary transfer section. As the drive roller 423A rotates, the intermediate transfer belt 421 runs in the direction of arrow A at a constant speed.

The intermediate transfer belt 421 is a conductive and elastic belt, and has a high resistance layer on its surface. Intermediate transfer belt 421 is rotationally driven by a control signal from control section 100.

The primary transfer roller 422 is arranged on the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 421, facing the photosensitive drum 413 of each color component. By pressing the primary transfer roller 422 against the photoreceptor drum 413 with the intermediate transfer belt 421 in between, a primary transfer nip for transferring the toner image from the photoreceptor drum 413 to the intermediate transfer belt 421 is formed.

The secondary transfer roller 424 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 421, facing the backup roller 423B, which is arranged downstream of the drive roller 423A in the belt running direction. By pressing the secondary transfer roller 424 against the backup roller 423B with the intermediate transfer belt 421 in between, a secondary transfer nip for transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 421 to the paper S is formed.

When the intermediate transfer belt 421 passes through the primary transfer nip, the toner images on the photoreceptor drum 413 are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 421 in a sequentially overlapping manner. Specifically, by applying a primary transfer bias to the primary transfer roller 422 and applying an electric charge of opposite polarity to the toner to the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 421, that is, the side that contacts the primary transfer roller 422, the toner image is The image is electrostatically transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 421.

Thereafter, when the paper S passes through the secondary transfer nip, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 421 is secondarily transferred to the paper S. Specifically, by applying a secondary transfer bias to the secondary transfer roller 424 and applying an electric charge of opposite polarity to the toner to the back side of the paper S, that is, the side that comes into contact with the secondary transfer roller 424, the toner image is is electrostatically transferred to the paper S. The paper S onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed toward the fixing section 60.

The belt cleaning device 426 removes transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 421 after the secondary transfer.

The fixing section 60 includes an upper fixing section 60A having a fixing surface side member disposed on the fixing surface of the paper S, that is, the surface on which the toner image is formed, and an upper fixing section 60A disposed on the back surface of the paper S, that is, the surface opposite to the fixing surface. The fixing unit 60B includes a lower fixing section 60B having a back side support member, a heat source, and the like. By pressing the back side support member against the fixing side member, a fixing nip is formed that nip and convey the paper S.

The fixing unit 60 fixes the toner image onto the paper S by heating and pressurizing the paper S to which the toner image has been secondarily transferred and being conveyed using a fixing nip. The fixing section 60 is arranged within the fixing device F as a unit.

The paper transport section 50 includes a paper feed section 51, a paper discharge section 52, a transport path section 53, and the like. The three paper feed tray units 51a to 51c constituting the paper feed section 51 accommodate sheets S (standard paper, special paper) that are identified based on basis weight, size, etc., according to preset types. . The conveyance path section 53 has a plurality of conveyance roller pairs including a registration roller pair 53a.

The sheets S stored in the paper feed tray units 51a to 51c are fed out one by one from the top and conveyed to the image forming section 40 by the conveyance path section 53. In the image forming section 40, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 421 is secondarily transferred all at once onto one surface of the paper S, and then a fixing process is performed in the fixing section 60. The paper S on which the image has been formed is ejected to the outside of the machine (in this example, the paper stacking device 3) by a paper ejection unit 52 that includes a paper ejection roller 52a.

The paper stacking device 3 continuously receives paper S supplied (discharged) from an upstream device (in this example, the image forming device 2), and stacks the received paper S as a paper bundle inside the device main body. , is a device for taking out a stack of paper stacks from the device at an appropriate time. The paper stacking device 3 is suitably used when the image forming apparatus 2 executes a print job in which images are formed on a large number of sheets S, for example, several thousand sheets.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the paper stacking device 3 includes a stacking control section 300, a stacking conveyance section 301, a shutter opening detection section 302, a tray state detection section 303, a first tray drive section 304, and a second tray drive section 304. 305, etc. Further, the paper loading device 3 is provided with a shutter 330 movable up and down on the front side of a substantially box-shaped casing (device main body). Hereinafter, the term "apparatus main body" refers to the casing of the paper stacking device 3 unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the main parts of the paper stacking device 3 from the left side of FIG. 1, that is, from the downstream side in the paper conveyance direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the paper stacking device 3 includes a first stacking tray 310, a second stacking tray 320, a tray set table 321, a shutter 330, a first switch 331, a second switch 332, a third switch 333, etc. have Further, although not shown, the paper stacking device 3 includes a display unit that displays the status of the paper stacking device 3, an operation input unit for user operation, and the like.

Among the above, the first stacking tray 310, the second stacking tray 320, and the tray set table 321 correspond to the "paper stacking section" of the present invention.

Further, the shutter 330 is a member that is opened and closed when taking out the paper (sheet bundle) stacked on the second stacking tray 320 etc. and when returning the second stacking tray 320 etc. into the main body of the apparatus. Corresponds to the "opening/closing part" of

The stacking control unit 300 of the paper stacking device 3 has a function of controlling the entire paper stacking device 3 while communicating with the control unit 100 of the image forming device 2 as appropriate. The stacking control unit 300 of the paper stacking device 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. In this embodiment, the loading control section 300 corresponds to the "control section" of the present invention.

The CPU of the stacking control unit 300 reads a program according to the processing content from the ROM, develops it in the RAM, and centrally controls the operation of each block of the paper stacking device 3 in cooperation with the developed program. At this time, various data stored in the storage section are referred to. The storage section of the loading control section 300 is composed of, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) or a hard disk drive.

The stacking and transporting section 301 has a function of transporting the sheets S discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 and stacking the transported sheets S on the first stacking tray 310 . This stacking conveyance section 301 corresponds to the "paper conveyance section" of the present invention.

The loading and conveying unit 301 includes a conveyance roller (not shown), a conveyance motor that drives the conveyance motor, and the like. The stacking and transporting unit 301 transports the paper S discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 with the transport roller, and transfers the transported paper S to the 1 stacked on the stacking tray 310.

The first tray drive unit 304 includes a drive source (hereinafter referred to as a "first drive source" for convenience) such as a motor (not shown) for moving the first stacking tray 310, a drive circuit, and the like. The first tray drive section 304 corresponds to the "first moving section" of the present invention.

That is, the first tray drive section 304 drives the first drive source under the control of the stacking control section 300 to move the first stacking tray 310 downward, that is, to move it toward the second stacking tray 320. conduct. Further, the first tray drive section 304 drives the first drive source under the control of the stacking control section 300 to move the first stacking tray 310 upward, that is, to move it away from the second stacking tray 320 and return it to the initial position. Perform the action to return. Furthermore, the first tray drive section 304 drives the first drive source under the control of the stacking control section 300 to drive the first stacking tray 310 so that the upper end position of the stacked sheets S is constant. Performs an action to adjust the vertical position.

Furthermore, the first tray driving unit 304 moves (evacuates) the first stacking tray 310 in a predetermined direction in order to transfer the sheets (sheet bundle) stacked on the first stacking tray 310 to the second stacking tray 320. It has an actuator (not shown) for this purpose.

In this embodiment, the first stacking tray 310 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction within the main body of the paper stacking device 3. In one specific example, a guide rail (not shown) is provided in the main body of the paper stacking device 3, and the first stacking tray 310 receives power from the first drive source of the first tray drive unit 304 described above. As a result, it moves vertically along the guide rail.

Note that inside the main body of the paper stacking device 3, there is a top edge detection sensor ( (not shown) is provided. In the paper stacking device 3, the vertical position of the first stacking tray 310 is adjusted based on the detection result of the upper edge detection sensor.

That is, in order to stack the sheets S supplied on the first stacking tray 310 as aligned as possible, it is necessary to align the upper end position of the sheet stack SS on the first stacking tray 310, that is, along the horizontal direction of the uppermost sheet S. It is required to keep the position as constant as possible.

On the other hand, if the first stacking tray 310 is fixed inside the apparatus main body, as the number of stacked sheets S increases, the upper end position of the sheet stack SS will rise, and eventually the paper S will be conveyed incorrectly or jammed. will occur. Therefore, in the paper stacking device 3, it is necessary to lower the position of the first stacking tray 310 as the number of stacked sheets S increases.

In this way, in the paper stacking device 3, under the control of the stacking control unit 300, the first tray drive unit 304 is operated so that the top edge position of the paper S (sheet stack SS) detected by the top edge detection sensor is within a certain range. The first driving source is driven, and the vertical position of the first stacking tray 310 is adjusted.

Further, the first stacking tray 310 moves in a predetermined direction by the actuator of the above-mentioned stacking and conveying section 301, and transfers the stacked sheet bundle SS to the second stacking tray 320 (see FIG. 4B etc.). reference). In one specific example, the first stacking tray 310 includes a pair of members facing each other and stacking the sheets S, and these members move so as to retreat to the downstream side and the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheets S, respectively. As a result, the stacked sheet bundle SS is delivered to the second stacking tray 320.

The second tray drive unit 305 includes a drive source (hereinafter referred to as "for convenience") such as an actuator (not shown) for moving the tray set table 321 on which the second stacking tray 320 is placed toward the outside of the paper stacking device 3. (referred to as a "second drive source"), a drive circuit, etc. The second tray drive section 305 corresponds to the "second moving section" of the present invention.

The second stacking tray 320 and the tray set table 321 are configured to be movable in the horizontal direction within the main body of the paper stacking device 3. In one specific example, a guide rail (not shown) is provided in the main body of the paper stacking device 3, and the tray set table 321 is arranged so as to be movable in the horizontal direction (left and right directions in FIG. 3) along the guide rail. has been done.

The size (width in the transport direction and depth direction) of the second stacking tray 320 in plan view is larger than the maximum size of the sheets S stacked in the paper stacking device 3. Further, the width of the tray set table 321 in the conveyance direction in a plan view is slightly smaller than that of the second stacking tray 320.

On the other hand, the size of the tray set table 321 in the depth direction in a plan view is larger than that of the second stacking tray 320. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a rear end 321a protrudes from the rear side of the tray set stand 321, and a front end 321b protrudes from the front side of the tray set stand 321. The size of the tray set table 321 in the depth direction is larger by the portions 321a and 321b.

Here, the rear end 321a of the tray set stand 321 has approximately the same height as the main body of the tray set stand 321, and is formed to face a first switch 331, which will be described later (see FIG. 3). . Further, the tray set table 321 is configured so that even when it is taken out from the paper stacking device 3 (device main body), its back end 321a remains in the device main body (see FIG. 5B, etc.).

On the other hand, the front end 321b of the tray set stand 321 has a lower height than the main body and the back end 321a of the tray set stand 321, as shown in FIG.

The tray state detection unit 303 (see FIG. 2) has a function of detecting whether the tray set table 321 and the second stacking tray 320 are completely stored in the apparatus main body, and outputting the detection result to the stacking control unit 300. have

In this embodiment, the tray state detection unit 303 includes a first switch 331 (see FIG. 3) located at the back of the apparatus main body. The ON/OFF state of the first switch 331 is switched when the first switch 331 is pressed by the back end 321a of the tray set base 321 and when it is no longer pressed. Then, the tray state detection section 303 outputs the ON/OFF state of the first switch 331 as a detection signal to the stacking control section 300.

The shutter 330 has a width that is longer than the width of the second stacking tray 320 in the transport direction. Furthermore, both left and right ends of the shutter 330 in FIG. 1 are assembled so that they can slide along a concave guide portion (not shown) that defines a substantially rectangular opening in the main body of the paper stacking device 3. It is configured to be movable in the vertical direction of the device main body.

In this way, the shutter 330 moves (raises) to the position where the opening degree is the maximum, so that the tray set table 321 and the second stacking tray 320, which will be taken out later, and the maximum stacking on the second stacking tray 320 are moved (raised) to the maximum opening position. It does not interfere with any of the stacks of sheets SS (see FIG. 4B, etc.) stacked up to the same height.

The shutter opening detection section 302 has a function of detecting the opening degree (open/closed state) of the shutter 330 and outputs the detection result to the loading control section 300. In this embodiment, the shutter opening detection section 302 includes a second switch 332 and a third switch 333 provided in the guide section of the main body of the device. Details of these configurations will be described later.

An overview of the operation of the paper stacking device 3 will be explained below.

4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the operation of moving the sheet stack SS stacked on the first stacking tray 310 to the second stacking tray 320 in the paper stacking device 3. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a case where the print job ends with the sheets S being sequentially discharged from the paper discharge section 52 of the image forming apparatus 2 and stacked on the first stacking tray 310 as a stack of sheets SS. ing. Thereafter, under the control of the stacking control section 300, the first drive source of the first tray drive section 304 drives the first stacking tray 310, so that the first stacking tray 310 is moved to the second stacking tray 310 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 4A. It moves downward toward the tray 320.

FIG. 4B shows the state after the sheet stack SS on the first stacking tray 310 is transferred to the second stacking tray 320. In this example, under the control of the stacking control unit 300, the actuator of the first tray drive unit 304 is driven, so that the first stacking tray 310 is moved so as to be divided into an upstream side and a downstream side in the conveyance direction. Then, the sheet stack SS on the first stacking tray 310 is transferred to the second stacking tray 320.

5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the sheet stacking device 3 after the sheet stack SS is moved to the second stacking tray 320.

As can be seen by comparing FIG. 4B and FIG. 5A, after the sheet stack SS has been moved to the second stacking tray 320, the shutter 330 is raised by, for example, a user's manual operation (manual operation), and is fully opened. . Subsequently, the user presses a switch (not shown) to drive the second drive source described above, so that the tray set table 321 and the second stacking tray 320 are moved in front of the paper stacking device 3 (as shown in FIG. 5B). In the figure, the sheet stack SS on the second stacking tray 320 is exposed to the outside.

After this, in the paper stacking device 3, the shutter 330 is lowered (see FIG. 6A), and the first drive source is driven under the control of the stacking control unit 300, so that the first stacking tray 310 is raised to the initial position. (See Figure 6B). At this time, the paper stacking device 3 is in a state where the paper S discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 can be stacked on the first stacking tray 310.

On the other hand, the sheet stack SS stacked on the second stacking tray 320 and exposed to the outside (front) of the paper stacking device 3 is carried out at an appropriate timing (see FIG. 7A). Here, FIG. 7A illustrates a case where only the sheet stack SS is carried out while leaving the tray set table 321 and the second stacking tray 320.

On the other hand, as another transport method, it is possible to leave only the tray set table 321 and transport the second stacking tray 320 and the sheet bundle SS together. As another method of conveyance, a base part of a cart (not shown) is inserted into the tray set table 321, and a part of the tray set table 321 (top plate side), the second stacking tray 320, and the sheet stack SS are transported. It can also be transported as a whole on a trolley. Note that the structure and method related to conveying the sheet bundle SS are not directly related to the essential parts of the present invention, and therefore illustrations and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Returning to the description of the figures, FIGS. 7B, 8A, and 8B show how the tray set table 321 and the second stacking tray 320 are placed inside the paper stacking device 3 after the stack of sheets SS is carried out using the various methods described above. An example of the case of reverting is shown in chronological order.

That is, when returning the tray set table 321 and the second stacking tray 320 into the paper stacking device 3, the shutter 330 is first raised to expose the lower opening of the main body of the paper stacking device 3, as shown in FIG. 7B. let

Next, the tray set table 321 and the second stacking tray 320 are moved (for example, pushed in by the user) while the shutter 330 remains raised and the opening is secured, thereby storing them in the apparatus main body (as shown in FIG. 8A). Finally, the shutter 330 is lowered to return to the so-called initial state.

In this way, the paper stacking device 3 does not directly transport the stacked paper stack SS from the first stacking tray 310 to the outside of the device, but instead transfers the stacked paper stack SS loaded on the first stacking tray 310 to the second stacking tray 320. It has a configuration in which the sheet stack SS is conveyed by transferring and pulling the second stacking tray 320 out of the apparatus.

According to the paper stacking device 3 having such a configuration, the work of transporting the paper bundle SS and the stacking of the paper S supplied from the upstream device (image forming device 2 in this example) can be performed separately. Productivity improves.

That is, the paper stacking device 3 returns the first stacking tray 310 to the initial position during the work process of transporting the paper stack SS on the second stacking tray 320, and prints the next print job (or if the print job is interrupted due to full loading capacity, etc.). The print job) can be promptly executed (or restarted) and the sheets S can be stacked again.

More specifically, the conventional paper stacking device has a structure in which the paper S supplied from an upstream image forming apparatus is directly transferred to a cart (carrier) along with the stacked tray. For this reason, there is a problem in that the paper stacking device cannot accept (stack) the paper until the paper on the tray is removed and the tray is reset in the main body of the apparatus.

For example, in the paper loading device described in Cited Document 1, if multiple trays for stacking paper are prepared in advance, it is possible to set another tray in the device when transporting the tray with a carrier as described above. , the paper loading device can continue to accept and load paper. However, when operating by preparing multiple trays in advance as described above, there is a problem that the cost increases by the number of trays, and it is inconvenient because it is necessary to secure a storage space for the trays themselves. be.

On the other hand, in the paper stacking device 3 of the present embodiment, as described above, the first stacking tray 310 on which the paper S is stacked and moves up and down within the device main body, and the paper stacked on the first stacking tray 310 are The apparatus is configured to include a second stacking tray 320 that can receive and discharge the received sheets to the outside of the apparatus in a stacked state.

According to this paper stacking device 3, while the second stacking tray 320 holding a large amount of paper (sheet stack SS) received from the first stacking tray 310 is being taken out from the device 3 and being transported, the first stacking tray 320 is being transported. By raising the tray 310 again (see FIG. 6B), it is possible to continue feeding the paper to the paper stacking device 3 (paper stacking process).

By the way, the paper stacking device 3 having the above configuration has the following technical problems.

As an example, when a print job is completed and the second stacking tray 320 loaded with paper S is taken out and transported to another location, the first stacking tray 310 is removed when the next print job is executed. It is assumed that the printer returns to the initial position and receives the paper S discharged from the image forming apparatus 2.

After this, it becomes necessary to transfer the sheets stacked on the second stacking tray 320, empty the second stacking tray 320, and return the second stacking tray 320 into the paper stacking device 3 ( See Figures 8A and 8B).

At this time, in conventional general paper stacking devices or image forming systems, a safety device operates based on the detection result of a sensor that detects the opening/closing of the shutter 330. Operation stops (ie, print job is interrupted). When such a stop or interruption process occurs, there is a problem that the above-mentioned advantage of the paper stacking device 3 of the present embodiment (improved productivity due to continuous paper feeding) is lost.

In order to solve the above problems, for example, a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the shutter 330 is not provided, and the configuration is such that the safety device does not operate when the shutter 330 is opened (the operation of the safety device is prohibited). It is also possible.

However, with such a configuration, the user can freely open and close the shutter 330 while the paper loading device 3 is in operation (that is, the safety device does not operate), so the safety of the user cannot be guaranteed. There are issues that will go away.

Specifically, if the shutter 330 can be opened and closed without limit when the movable parts such as the first stacking tray 310 are lowered (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) or raised (see FIGS. 6A and 6B), the work There is a risk that a person's body (for example, a hand or arm) may be drawn into these moving parts and be injured.

Therefore, in this paper loading device 3, when the opening/closing state of the shutter 330 is an intermediate state (see FIG. 7B, etc.) between the fully open state (see FIG. 5A, etc.) and the fully closed state (see FIG. 3, etc.), the first The configuration is such that the stacking and transporting section 301 is controlled so as to transport the sheets S to the stacking tray 310 (paper stacking section).

That is, when a print job is executed (at the time of execution or during execution), if the shutter 330 is in the fully closed state, the stacking control unit 300 transports the paper S to the first stacking tray 310 while closing the shutter 330. is in the above-mentioned fully open state, the stacking and transporting unit 301 is controlled so as not to transport the sheets S to the first stacking tray 310.

On the other hand, when a print job is executed (at the time of execution or during execution), the stacking control unit 300 transports the paper S to the first stacking tray 310 when the shutter 330 is in the above intermediate state. Controls the loading and conveying section 301.

Here, the "intermediate state" in the open/closed state of the shutter 330 includes an open state where the tray set table 321 and the second loading tray 320 can be taken in and out of the apparatus main body without interfering with the lower side of the shutter 330. (See Figures 7B and 8A).

With the above configuration, when the shutter 330 is in the intermediate state, the paper S sent from the upstream side (image forming apparatus 2) can be received and stacked in the paper stacking device 3. The second stacking tray 320 and the like can be taken in and out without waiting or stopping (interrupting) printing, and productivity can be improved.

In this embodiment, in order to detect the opening states of the shutter 330 corresponding to the above-mentioned "fully open state", "intermediate state", and "fully closed state", the first detection section detects the open/closed state of the shutter 330. A shutter opening detection section 302 is provided to detect the shutter opening degree (see FIG. 2).

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the shutter opening degree detection unit 302 includes a second switch 332 as a fully closed state detection unit that detects whether the open/closed state of the shutter 330 is a fully closed state; A third switch 333 is provided as a fully open state detection unit that detects whether the open/close state of the switch is fully open.

In the present embodiment, the second switch 332 and the third switch 333 are each mechanical switches that are turned ON/OFF by contacting the shutter 330, and are arranged at predetermined positions on the main body of the apparatus through which the edge of the shutter 330 passes. placed in the area. Further, the loading control unit 300 detects or monitors the ON/OFF states of these switches 332 and 333.

In one specific example, the second switch 332 is provided at a height near the upper end of the shutter 330 in the fully closed state (see FIG. 3), and when the shutter 330 in the fully closed state moves upward, the second switch 332 By touching 332, it can be turned on/off. According to this configuration, the loading control unit 300 recognizes that the open/closed state of the shutter 330 has changed from the fully closed state to the intermediate state by detecting the timing at which the second switch 332 is turned on/off. be able to.

Similarly, the third switch 333 is provided at a height position near the upper end of the shutter 330 in the intermediate state (see FIG. 3 as appropriate), and when the shutter 330 in the intermediate state moves upward, the third switch 333 You can turn it on/off by touching it. In this case, the loading control unit 300 can recognize that the open/close state of the shutter 330 has changed from the intermediate state to the fully open state by detecting the timing at which the third switch 333 is turned on/off.

Furthermore, the loading control unit 300 detects the ON/OFF states of the second switch 332 and the third switch to detect the open/close states of the shutter 330 (in this example, the fully closed state, intermediate state, and fully open state). It is possible to distinguish or judge which one is.

In other words, the loading control unit 300 indicates (that is, detects) that the ON/OFF state of the second switch 332 (fully closed state detection unit) is not the fully closed state, and the third switch 333 (fully open state detection unit) If the ON/OFF state indicates (detects) that the shutter 330 is not fully open, it is determined that the open/closed state of the shutter 330 is in the intermediate state.

Note that the height position of each of the second switch 332 and the third switch 333 provided on the device body, in other words, the boundary position between the fully closed state and the intermediate state, and the boundary position between the intermediate state and the fully open state, are determined by the operator. It can be changed arbitrarily depending on convenience, safety, etc.

However, if the shutter 330 is in an intermediate state of opening and closing, if the third switch 333 is set to a too high position so that the user (worker) can have unlimited access to the paper stacking device 3 during operation, the paper stacking device 3 Depending on the operating condition of the tray, there is a risk of injury to the worker's body (particularly the hands touching the tray, etc.).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, for example, when the first stacking tray 310 is lowered, the user (operator) raises the shutter 330 to an intermediate state and inserts his/her hand into the apparatus body. In such a case, there is a risk that the worker's hand may get caught between the first stacking tray 310 and the second stacking tray 320, resulting in injury.

Considering the above, the third switch 333 is set so that the opening degree of the shutter 330 is such that the tray set base 321 and the second stacking tray 320 can be taken in and taken out, and the operator's hand does not enter the main body of the apparatus. It is desirable to set the height position at which ON/OFF is switched (see FIG. 8A).

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a tray state detection section 303 is provided as a second detection section that detects the position of the second stacking tray 320, and by utilizing the detection results of the tray state detection section 303, it is possible to It is also possible to further ensure safety. In this case, when the open/close state of the shutter 330 is in the intermediate state, the stacking control unit 300 transports the paper S to the first stacking tray 310 according to the detection result of the tray status detection unit 303 (second detection unit). It is determined whether or not it is, and the loading and conveying unit 301 is controlled according to the determination result.

That is, when the shutter 330 is in the intermediate open/close state and the tray state detection section 303 detects that the tray set table 321 is not housed in the apparatus main body, the stack control section 300 controls the stack of sheets SS. It is determined that the conveyance process is in progress (see FIG. 7B), and the stacking and conveying unit 301 is controlled to convey the paper S to the first stacking tray 310.

On the other hand, when the shutter 330 is in the intermediate open/close state and the tray state detection section 303 detects that the tray set table 321 is housed in the apparatus main body, the stack control section 300 controls the stack of sheets SS. It is determined that the transport process is not in progress (see FIG. 4A, etc.), and the stacking and transporting unit 301 is controlled so as not to transport the sheets S to the first stacking tray 310. By performing such control, the safety of the worker can be ensured even when the third switch 333 is set to a high position as described above.

In this embodiment, as the tray state detection unit 303, as shown in FIG. 3, a first switch 331 is provided on the wall surface of the apparatus main body facing the tray set table 321. The first switch 331 is a mechanical switch, and in one example, is turned on when pressed against the rear end 321a of the tray set table 321, and turned off when the pressure is released.

In this case, the loading control unit 300 determines whether the tray set table 321 and the second loading tray 320 are completely accommodated in the apparatus main body by detecting ON/OFF of the first switch 331. I can do it.

In one specific example, when the first switch 331 is ON and the second switch 332 and the third switch 333 are OFF, the loading control unit 300 controls the tray set table 321 and the second loading tray as shown in FIG. It is determined that the shutter 320 is completely housed in the apparatus main body and the shutter 330 is in a fully closed state. In this case, the stacking control unit 300 receives execution of the print job by the image forming apparatus 2 and controls the stacking and transporting unit 301 to transport the sheets S to the first stacking tray 310.

Furthermore, when the first switch 331 is ON and the second switch 332 and the third switch 333 are each ON, the loading control unit 300 controls the tray set table 321 and the second loading tray 320 to It is determined that the shutter 330 is completely accommodated in the main body and the shutter 330 is fully open. In this case, the stacking control unit 300 transmits to the image forming apparatus 2 a notification that the execution of the print job by the image forming apparatus 2 is not accepted, and controls the stacking and transporting unit 301 so as not to transport the paper S to the first stacking tray 310. do.

Note that although FIG. 5A shows the state after the print job has finished, each switch may also be activated when the shutter 330 is fully opened while the print job is being executed, as shown in FIG. 4A. The states of 331, 332, and 333 are the same as above. Furthermore, as described above, when the third switch 330 is set to a high position and the shutter 330 is in a half-open state close to fully open, the third switch 333 is OFF, but it is necessary to ensure the safety of the user. be. In this case as well, the stacking control unit 300 sends a notification to the image forming apparatus 2 that the execution of the print job by the image forming apparatus 2 is not accepted, and controls the stacking and transporting unit 301 so as not to transport the paper S to the first stacking tray 310. By controlling it, so-called emergency stop processing (functioning as the above-mentioned safety device) is performed.

Further, when the first switch 331 is OFF and the second switch 332 and the third switch 333 are each ON, the loading control unit 300 controls the tray set table 321 and the second loading tray 320 to It is determined that the shutter 330 is not completely housed in the main body and the shutter 330 is fully open. In this case, the stacking control unit 300 transmits to the image forming apparatus 2 a notification that the execution of the print job by the image forming apparatus 2 is not accepted, and controls the stacking and transporting unit 301 so as not to transport the paper S to the first stacking tray 310. do.

Further, when the first switch 331 is OFF, the second switch 332 is ON, and the third switch 333 is OFF, the loading control unit 300 controls a part of the tray set table 321 (the end 321a) as shown in FIG. 6A. ) and the second stacking tray 320 are taken out of the apparatus main body, and it is determined that the shutter 330 is in the intermediate state. In this case, the stacking control unit 300 controls the first stacking tray 310 to return to the initial position (see FIG. 6B), receives execution of the print job by the image forming apparatus 2, and transfers the paper to the first stacking tray 310. The loading and conveying section 301 is controlled to convey S.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the sheets S discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 are stored in the first stacking tray 310 while the sheet stack SS discharged outside the apparatus main body is being transported. It can be loaded, improving productivity.

If the shutter 330 is opened to the full open state due to a user's error during the movement of the paper stack SS, the on/off states of the switches 331 to 333 will be the same as in the case described above with reference to FIG. 5B. become. Therefore, the stacking control unit 300 transmits to the image forming apparatus 2 a message indicating that the execution of the print job by the image forming apparatus 2 is not accepted (that the job should be interrupted), and prevents the paper S from being conveyed to the first stacking tray 310. The loading and conveying unit 301 is controlled. With this control, the supply of paper to the first stacking tray 310 is stopped and the height position of the first stacking tray 310 does not change, so there is a risk that the operator may get injured by putting his/her hand inside the device body. can be reduced.

In addition, during the moving operation of the sheet stack SS, if the paper stack SS is once opened to the fully open state as described above but then returns to the intermediate state, the stacking control unit 300 controls the image formation so that the print job can be resumed. An instruction is sent to the device 2 to control the stacking and transporting section 301 to transport the sheets S to the first stacking tray 310. Through such control, the paper S is again supplied (discharged) from the image forming apparatus 2 and can be accommodated and stacked on the first stacking tray 310, thereby improving productivity.

Thereafter, the same control is executed by the stacking control unit 300 during the operation of returning the tray set table 321 and the second stacking tray 320 into the apparatus main body as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

Note that while the first stacking tray 310 is being lowered due to the end of the print job by the image forming apparatus 2 while the paper stack SS is being moved or the tray set table 321 is being returned into the apparatus main body. When the shutter 330 is opened to a fully open state or a half open state, the stacking control section 300 controls the stacking and conveying section 301 to stop the lowering of the first stacking tray 310. This control can reduce the risk of an operator injuring himself by putting his hand inside the device body.

Thus, the paper stacking device 3 does not transport the paper S to the first stacking tray 310 when the shutter 330 is in the fully open state, and on the other hand, when the shutter 330 is in the fully closed or intermediate state, the paper stacking device 3 does not transport the paper S to the first stacking tray 310. The stacking control section 300 controls the stacking and conveying section 301 so as to convey the sheets S to the first stacking tray 310 after considering the positions of the paper sheets 321 and the like.

According to the paper stacking device 3 and the image forming system 1 of this embodiment that perform such control, productivity can be improved while ensuring the safety of workers. That is, according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve both improvement in productivity and safety of workers.

From another point of view, in the paper loading device 3 and the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment, when the shutter 330 is in an intermediate open/closed state that protects the safety of the worker, it differs from a fully closed state. By performing similar conveyance control, productivity can be improved.

Furthermore, from another point of view, the paper loading device 3 and the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment have a simple configuration in which a so-called safety device operates based on the ON/OFF combination of the switches 331 to 333. It is possible to improve the safety of the worker's work.

In the embodiment described above, the tray state detection section 303 and the shutter opening detection section 302 are each configured using mechanical switches (331 to 333). As another example, the tray state detection section 303 or the shutter opening detection section 302 may be configured using, for example, an optical sensor.

However, in the case of optical sensors, errors may occur due to false detection or software bugs, and in such cases it is difficult to identify the cause of the failure, so mechanical movement is not recommended as described above. It is preferable to use a mechanical switch that can be used to turn ON/OFF.

When using a mechanical switch for the shutter opening detection unit 302, that is, a switch that energizes by mechanical operation, even in a case where ON/OFF does not switch regardless of the opening of the shutter 330, it is possible to It is possible to easily discover that there is a problem.

Thus, by configuring the tray state detection section 303 and the shutter opening detection section 302 using mechanical switches (331 to 333), the loading control section 300 can control the operation of each of the switches 331, 332, and 333. The state of the paper stacking device 3 can be determined with high accuracy based on the ON/OFF combination.

Then, the stacking control unit 300 accurately controls the paper S discharged from the upstream device according to the judgment result of the state of the paper stacking device 3 based on the ON/OFF combination of each switch 331, 332, 333. The stacking conveyance section 301 (paper conveyance section) can be controlled so that the sheets are placed (stacked) on the first stacking tray 310 at the appropriate time.

In addition, the loading control unit 300 controls the loading of the paper at an appropriate time, taking into account the safety of the worker, in accordance with the judgment result of the state of the paper loading device 3 based on the ON/OFF combination of the respective switches 331, 332, and 333. S can be stacked on the first stacking tray 310, and furthermore, the first stacking tray 310 can be raised and lowered.

The above-described embodiment has been described on the premise that the shutter 330 of the paper stacking device 3 is opened and closed by manual operation (manual operation) by the user. As another configuration example, a drive source such as a solenoid (not shown) may be connected to the shutter 330, and the shutter 330 may be automatically opened and closed by the driving force of the drive source under the control of the loading control unit 300.

In the embodiment described above, an image forming system in which the paper stacking device 3 is directly connected to the image forming device 2 has been exemplified. On the other hand, it goes without saying that the configuration example of the image forming system can be modified in various other ways.

As another specific example of the image forming system, various post-processing devices (not shown) may be arranged between the image forming device 2 and the paper stacking device 3 to indirectly connect the paper stacking device 3 and the image forming device 2. A connected configuration may also be used. In this case, the stacking control unit 300 of the paper stacking device 3 may additionally or alternatively issue an instruction to the post-processing device to accept or not accept the execution of the post-processing job in relation to the control of the stacking and conveying unit 301. can be sent to.

Alternatively, as another specific example, a paper processing system may be used in which the image forming device 2 is not included, and a post-processing device that performs post-processing of printed sheets is connected upstream of the paper stacking device 3. In this case, the stacking control unit 300 of the paper stacking device 3 may send an instruction to the post-processing device to accept or not accept the execution of the post-processing job in connection with the control of the stacking and conveying unit 301.

In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples of implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as limited by these. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its gist or main features.

1 Image forming system 2 Image forming apparatus 3 Paper stacking device 300 Loading control section (control section)
301 Loading conveyance section (paper conveyance section)
302 Shutter opening detection section (first detection section)
303 Tray status detection unit (second detection unit)
304 First tray drive unit (first moving unit)
305 Second tray drive unit (second moving unit)
310 First stacking tray (paper stacking section)
320 Second stacking tray (paper stacking section)
321 Tray set stand 321a Back end 321b Front end 330 Shutter (opening/closing part)
331 First switch (mechanical switch)
332 Second switch (fully closed state detection section, mechanical switch)
333 Third switch (fully open state detection section, mechanical switch)

Claims (10)

a paper transport unit that transports paper ;
a first stacking tray capable of stacking the paper transported by the paper transporting section; and a second stacking tray that receives the paper stacked on the first stacking tray and discharges the stacked paper to the outside. a paper loading section including;
an opening/closing part that can be opened and closed when taking out the paper stacked on the second stacking tray ;
When the open/close state of the opening/closing section is fully closed, the paper is conveyed to the first stacking tray, and when the opening/closing section is fully open, the paper is transported to the first stacking tray. First, a control unit that controls the paper transport unit to transport the paper to the first stacking tray when the opening/ closing state of the opening / closing unit is an intermediate state between the fully open state and the fully closed state. and,
A paper loading device comprising: a first moving unit that moves the first stacking tray toward the second stacking tray;
a second moving unit that moves the second stacking tray toward the outside of the paper stacking device;
The paper loading device according to claim 1 , comprising: comprising a first detection unit that detects the open/close state of the opening/closing unit;
The paper loading device according to claim 2 . The first detection unit is
a fully closed state detection unit that detects whether the open/close state of the opening/closing unit is the fully closed state;
a fully open state detection unit that detects whether the open/close state of the opening/closing unit is the fully open state;
Equipped with
When the control unit detects that the fully closed state detection unit is not in the fully closed state and the fully open state detection unit detects that it is not in the fully open state, the control unit changes the open/close state of the opening/closing unit to the intermediate state. judge that
The paper loading device according to claim 3 . comprising a second detection unit that detects the position of the second stacking tray,
When the control unit determines that the opening/closing state of the opening/closing unit is in the intermediate state, the control unit, in response to the detection result of the second detection unit that the second stacking tray is not housed in the apparatus main body , It is determined that the paper is to be transported to the first stacking tray , and in response to the detection result of the second detection unit that the second stacking tray is accommodated in the apparatus main body, the first stacking tray is deciding not to transport the paper ,
The paper loading device according to claim 4 . The fully closed state detecting section, the fully open state detecting section, and the second detecting section each have a switch that is turned ON/OFF depending on the open/closed state of the opening/closing section and the position of the second stacking tray.
The paper loading device according to claim 5 . The control unit controls the paper transport unit based on a combination of ON/OFF of the switch.
The paper loading device according to claim 6 . The switch is a mechanical switch that can be turned ON/OFF by mechanical movement.
A paper stacking device according to claim 6 or 7 . an image forming device that forms an image on paper;
The paper stacking device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , which stacks the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming device;
An image forming system comprising: a paper transport unit that transports paper;
a first stacking tray capable of stacking the paper transported by the paper transporting section; and a second stacking tray that receives the paper stacked on the first stacking tray and discharges the stacked paper to the outside. a paper loading section including;
an opening/closing part that can be opened and closed when taking out the paper stacked on the second stacking tray;
A transport control method executed in a paper stacking device comprising:
When the open/close state of the opening/closing section is fully closed, the paper is conveyed to the first stacking tray, and when the opening/closing section is fully open, the paper is transported to the first stacking tray. first, when the opening/closing state of the opening/closing section is an intermediate state between the fully open state and the fully closed state, transporting the paper to the first stacking tray ;
Conveyance control method.

Images