JPH10198104A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of avoiding a situation that the number of stacked sheets is over the maximum number without restricting other functions. SOLUTION: The maximum number of stacked sheets in a 1st paper ejection tray 201 is set to 30 when paper size is A4 and 20 when the paper size is A3. In such a case, the maximum number of stacked sheets is set to 20 when the A4 paper and the A3 paper are coexistently ejected to the tray 201 and when 1 sheet of A3 paper just exists in 1 to 20 sheets of the ejected paper. When all of 1 to 20 sheets of the ejected paper are the A4 paper, the ejection of the A3 paper is inhibited thereafter.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a paper discharge tray having a maximum number of sheets to be loaded which varies depending on a sheet size.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a sheet post-processing apparatus, the number of sheets (transfer sheets) stacked on each of a plurality of discharge trays (or sorter bins) is an allowable number (maximum number of sheets).
As for the processing when the number exceeds the limit, a technique described in JP-A-8-22156 is known. This is to stop the copying operation when the output of the sheet on which the image is formed exceeds the maximum number of sheets stacked on the tray. Also, F
A different image data input means is used to switch over-time processing, such as changing the output tray when AX output or printer output is over.

[0003]

By the way, in a paper discharge tray provided directly in a paper discharge part of an image forming apparatus or a paper discharge tray provided in a paper post-processing device connected to a main body of the image forming apparatus, a sheet is formed. The maximum number of sheets that can be loaded may differ depending on the size. When sheets of different sizes are mixedly stacked on such a discharge tray, it is not possible to simply count the number of stacked sheets and take the subsequent steps, as shown in the above-described conventional example. .

[0004] Here, when the maximum number of sheets to be loaded differs depending on the paper size, the processing when the maximum number of sheets to be loaded is exceeded,
For example, when there are a plurality of trays (bins) such as a sorter, excess sheets may be output (discharged) to another tray. However, in this method, a sort mode using a plurality of trays is used. There is a problem that a restriction is imposed on the stack mode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing the maximum number of stacked sheets from being exceeded without causing a restriction on other functions.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus provided with a paper discharge tray having a maximum number of sheets to be loaded which varies depending on the paper size, a predetermined paper discharge tray is provided. Assuming that the maximum number of sheets P1 of the first sheet size to be discharged is N1 and the maximum number of sheets P2 of the second sheet size is N2 larger than N1, at least one sheet P1 is reached by the N1th sheet. When sheets are discharged, the maximum number of sheets to be stacked is fixed at N1, and when all sheets P2 up to the N1th sheet are discharged, the maximum number of sheets to be stacked is set to N2. It is characterized by having means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when discharging a sheet of a selected sheet size, the image is scaled or divided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, images are combined when a sheet of a selected sheet size is discharged.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a digital copying machine showing an embodiment of the present invention. This digital copier comprises a copier body 1, an automatic document feeder (hereinafter ADF) 1
00, a three-bin sorter 200 and a paper feeding unit (hereinafter referred to as a bank) 300.

Hereinafter, the configuration will be described together with the operation.
The copier main body 1 includes a scanner, an image processing unit, a plotter, and the like. The scanner includes a contact glass 10 on which a document is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system is
A first carriage, which is provided with an exposure lamp 11 and a first mirror 12 and is driven by a stepping motor to move at a constant speed when reading a document;
A second carriage which is driven by a stepping motor at the time of reading a document and is driven at half the speed of the first carriage.

An original (not shown) on the contact glass 10 is optically scanned by the first carriage and the second carriage, and the exposure lamp 11, the first mirror 12, the second mirror 13, the third mirror 14, and the lens 15 are moved. Via CC
An image is formed on D16 and photoelectrically converted.

Image signals separated into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors by the CCD 16 are A / D converted by an A / D converter and output to an image processing unit that performs image processing. You. The image processing unit performs various image processing (binarization, multi-level conversion, scaling, editing, etc.) on the image signal from the AD converter, and converts the image signal into a digital signal. The writing unit is
Laser output unit 20, fθ lens 21, mirror 22
The laser output unit 20 includes a laser diode as a laser light source and a polygon motor.

The black image signal output from the image processing unit is
The laser beam is converted into a laser beam having an intensity corresponding to the image signal, shaped into a light beam having a predetermined shape by a collimator lens, an aperture, and a cylinder lens, irradiated to a polygon motor, and output from a laser output unit 20. .

The laser beam output from the laser output unit 20 is applied to the photosensitive drum 30 via the fθ lens 21 and the mirror 22. Also, f
The laser beam that has passed through the θ lens 21 is applied to a beam sensor that generates a main scanning synchronization detection signal PMSYNC disposed outside the image area.

The red image signal output from the image processing unit is
The data is buffered so as to match the writing position with the black image signal, sent to the LED writing unit 31, and irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 30.

The ADF 100 feeds a document one by one to a contact glass 10 of the copying machine main body 1 and discharges the document after copying. Documents are stacked on a document feed table 101 and are aligned in the width direction by side guides. The document on the document feeder 101 is separated and fed one by one from the lowermost document by a feed roller 102,
The reference numeral 03 indicates that the document is sent onto the contact glass 10 of the copying machine body 1.

The original on the contact glass 10 is discharged to a discharge tray 105 by a conveyor belt 103 and a discharge roller 104 after reading is completed. When reading a two-sided document, the two-sided document on the document feeder 101 is separated and fed one by one from a lowermost document by a feed roller 102, and is conveyed by a conveyor belt 103 to a contact glass of the copying machine body 1. 10 and set on the contact glass 10.

After reading the surface of the original, the original is transported by the transport belt 103,
After being inverted by 6, it is set again on the contact glass 10, and the back surface is read. The document whose both sides have been read in this manner is transported to the discharge tray 1 by the transport belt 103 and the discharge rollers 104.
05 is discharged.

The transfer sheets stacked on the first tray 50 of the copying machine body 1 and the second tray 310, the third tray 320, and the fourth tray 330 of the bank 300 are respectively supplied to the first paper feeder 51 and the second paper feeder 51. Paper device 311, third paper feed device 321, fourth paper feed device
The paper is fed by the paper feeding device 331, and is conveyed toward the transfer unit by the bank vertical conveyance unit 340 and the main body vertical conveyance unit 60. When the leading edge of the transfer sheet is detected by the registration sensor 52, the transfer sheet is conveyed for a predetermined time and then stopped by the registration roller 53.

This transfer paper receives an image valid signal (FGAT).
E) is sent out onto the photosensitive drum 30 at the tip of
After the image is transferred by the transfer charger and separated from the photoreceptor, the image is transferred by the transfer device 54, fixed by the fixing device 55 having a fixing roller and a pressure roller, and discharged to the 3-bin sorter 200 by the discharge roller 56. It has become so.

An image is formed on the photoreceptor by irradiating the laser beam with the electric charge charged on the photoreceptor drum 30 by the first charging device, and an electrostatic latent image is formed by the black developing device 32. This is performed by forming an image on 30. Thereafter, the photosensitive drum 3 is charged by the second charging device.
On the photosensitive drum 30, the second electrostatic latent image is formed by the LED writing unit 31, and an image is formed on the photosensitive drum 30 by the second developing device 33.

When performing double-sided printing using the double-sided unit 40, the transfer paper from the fixing device 55 is supplied to the switching claw 57.
Is fed to the two-sided conveyance path 41, and the feed roller 42,
The sheet passes through the separation roller 43 and is stacked on a double-sided tray. The transfer papers accumulated on the tray come into contact with the feed roller 42 by raising the tray, are sent to the main body vertical conveyance unit 60 by the rotation of the feed roller 42, and are re-fed to the registration roller 53. Printing is performed on the back side.

The three-bin sorter 200 includes a first discharge tray 201, a second discharge tray 202, and a third discharge tray 20.
3. There is a tray 204 only for reversing, and each tray 2
It is configured so that the transfer paper can be output (discharged) as it is or in reverse on 01 to 204.

When the transfer paper discharged from the copying machine main body 1 is discharged to the front side, the switching claw 207 causes the transfer tray 2 to be discharged.
The sheet is guided in the directions of 01 to 203, and is discharged to a preset tray. When the paper is discharged to the second paper discharge tray 202, the second tray switching claw 205 is
When the sheet is discharged to No. 3, the third tray switching claws 206 are operated to guide the transfer sheet.

In the case of reverse discharge, the transfer paper is guided toward the reverse tray 204 by the switching claw 207, and when the rear end of the transfer paper passes the reverse detection sensor 208, the transport roller 209 reverses the transfer paper. Paper is in the output tray 2
The paper is guided in directions 01 to 203 and is discharged to a preset tray. In addition, the first discharge tray 201
Has a function of shifting the tray back and forth and a function of shifting the tray up and down. The shift function is used when sorting transfer papers, and the up / down function is used to stack a large amount of transfer papers while ensuring alignment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the operation unit of the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 400 × 2 in the center of the operation unit 400
A 56-dot liquid crystal display (LCD) 401 and a touch panel are provided. The liquid crystal display unit 401 displays functions (copy, FAX) incorporated in the machine, and the user operates the machine according to the display.
Switching of functions (copy, facsimile) is performed by function switching keys 412 and 413.

On the right side of the liquid crystal display 401, a numeric keypad 402 commonly used for copy and facsimile,
Various keys such as a stop key 403, a start key 404, a program key 405, a job recall key 406, a mode clear / preheat key 407, an interrupt key 408, and a pause / redial key 40 used exclusively for fax.
9, keys such as a shortcut key 410 and a reception key 411 are arranged.

On the left side of the liquid crystal display unit 401, an FA
An X switching key 412, a copy switching key 413, an initial setting key 414, a guidance key 415, and an LCD density adjustment volume 416 are provided. Further on the left part of this key is a display unit 417 dedicated to FAX.
Is provided. The display unit 417 displays various LEDs such as “communicating” and “memory full” and displays the communication status.
An LCD of 0 characters (20 characters × 2 lines) is provided.

FIG. 3 is an overall control block diagram of the digital copying machine shown in FIG. The control unit of the multifunctional digital copier shown in FIG. 1 includes an operation unit controller 500 that performs liquid crystal / LED display and various key input controls, a main controller 501 that performs sheet feeding, conveyance, fixing, process control, and the like, and image control / scanner reading. Image processing controller 5 for controlling
02, an ADF controller 503 for performing ADF control, a sorter controller 504 for controlling a sorter, a paper feed tray controller 505 for controlling a paper feed unit, FA
A FAX controller 506 performs transmission / reception management and file management of X, a G3 controller 507 performs protocol control of G3, and a G4 controller 508 controls protocol of G4.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus of the digital copying machine shown in FIG. An image processing controller 502 shown in FIG. 3 includes a CPU 600, a ROM 601, a RAM
602 is provided. The image processing block includes a scanner control circuit 604, a timing control circuit 606, a signal processing circuit 608, an AD converter 609, a shading correction circuit 610, an image processing unit 611 in a narrow sense, a selector 612, write control units 613, 615, and the like. I have.

CPU 6 of image processing controller 502
When the main controller 501 receives an instruction to start reading, it transmits the instruction to the scanner control circuit 604. The scanner control circuit 604 turns on the exposure lamp 11 and operates the motor 605, so that the first
The carriage and the second carriage are moved to the reading reference position, and reading is started after detection by the position sensor 603.

At this time, the sub-scanning effective period signal FGATE
(Active at start of reading, negative at end of reading) and sent to timing control circuit 606. The timing control circuit 606 generates and outputs an image synchronization clock CLK, a main scanning synchronization signal LSYNC, and a main scanning enable signal LGATE.

The flow of the image is as follows. The original 607 placed on the contact glass 10 is illuminated by the light source 11, the reflected light is imaged on the color CCD 16, and red (R), green (G), and blue ( The analog image signal separated into B) is amplified / light quantity corrected by the signal processing circuit 608, converted into a digital multi-value signal by the AD converter 609, subjected to shading correction by the shading correction circuit 610, and sent to the image processing unit 611. It is a flow that can be done.

The image processing unit 611 performs basic image quality processing such as MTF correction, γ correction, black image generation, color image generation, binary processing, and multi-value processing, and digital-specific processing such as scaling, editing, and marker detection. Of the black data DATA0
7, color data DATAC is output. The image data output from the image processing unit 611, the synchronization signal generated from the timing control circuit 606, and the write reference signal PMSYNC are input to the image selector 612.

In the case of copying, the black image is sent from the writing control unit (black) 613 to the LD 614, and the color image is
An image is formed by being sent from the writing control unit (color) 615 to the LED 616 and irradiating the photosensitive drum 30 (FIG. 1).

When performing FAX transmission, the selector 612 is used.
Is transferred to the FAX memory inside the main controller 501. The FAX reception output is obtained by expanding the data received from the line and developing the data in the FAX memory, and then inputting the data to the image selector 612 together with the image data and the synchronization signal to perform writing.

FIG. 5 is a main block diagram for explaining the flow of an image at the time of facsimile transmission / reception. At the time of FAX image storage / transmission, data read from the scanner is subjected to various image processing by the image processing controller 502, and then stored in the image memory 620 of the main controller 501 from the selector 612. Thereafter, the compression / expansion device 622
Is compressed into the specified compression code (MH, MR, MMR) and stored in the SAF memory 623 on the FAX controller 506.

At this time, if it is more efficient to transmit the data stored in the image memory 620 while rotating the data such as A4 width or B5 width, when transferring the data from the image memory 620 to the compression / expansion unit 622, , Rotator 621
Use to rotate and compress the image.

The data stored in the SAF memory 623 is stored in the line buffer 6 in the G3 controller 507.
24, recompressed by the compression / decompression device 627 according to the mode of the receiver, and then transmitted through the modem 625 to the NCU 626.
Sent from Similarly, in the case of G4, the data is transferred to the line buffer 628 in the G4 controller 508, compressed by the compression / decompression device 631 according to the mode of the receiver, and
It is transmitted via SDN control section 629 and transformer 630.

At the time of facsimile reception / printing, data transmitted from the line is transmitted to the NCU 626 and the modem 625 via the SCU.
It is stored in the AF memory 623. The data stored in the SAF memory 623 is decompressed by a compression / decompression device 622 on the main controller 501, and the image data 620
Expanded above.

If it is more efficient to rotate and print the image in A4 landscape or B5 landscape at the time of decompression, the image is rotated using the rotator 621 when the data is transferred from the compression / expansion unit 622 to the image memory 620. Let it stretch. The data developed on the image memory 620 is sent to the image processing controller 502, passed from the selector 612 to the writing control unit, and printed.

Next, the contents of the control for avoiding the excess of the maximum number of stacked sheets in the sheet discharge tray according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the first to third discharge trays 2
It is assumed that the digital copier to which the 3-bin sorter 200 including the printers 01 to 203 is connected is operated in a mode in which one copy operation is performed to obtain one copy sheet from one document in one copy operation. Further, A4 paper and A3 paper are contained in the paper feed tray, and a first embodiment (corresponding to claim 1) shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and a second embodiment shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, the maximum number of sheets that can be stacked on the first discharge tray 201 is 30 when the sheet size is A4 and 20 when the sheet size is A3, and the copy operation is performed in a mode using a single tray. Shall be

Since the A4 and A3 papers may be mixed in the discharge tray, the operation specifications are as follows. (1) When at least one A3 sheet is included in the output (discharge) of 1 to 20 sheets, the maximum number of sheets to be stacked is 20 sheets. (2) If all the outputs of 1 to 20 sheets are A4, then A3
Is prohibited

The three-bin sorter 200 and the copying machine body 1
Are performed independently by the sorter controller 504 and the main controller 501 (see FIG. 3), and the processing is performed while notifying / accepting the event. In this case, there are the following three types of events. (1) Notification of paper removal (3-bin sorter 200 → copier 1) (2) Notification of output request (copier 1 → 3-bin sorter 20)
0) (3) Output completion notification (3-bin sorter 200 → copier body 1)

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure on the 3-bin sorter side in the maximum stacking number excess avoidance control according to the embodiment of the present invention. When the power is turned on (Y in S1), it is checked whether or not paper has been extracted from the paper discharge tray (S2). The condition that the sheet is removed is satisfied when the state of the sheet is changed from a state where the sheet is present to a state where the sheet is not present. If the paper is removed, a notice of paper removal is issued to the copying machine body 1 (S3).

Next, it is checked whether or not there is an output request notification from the copying machine 1 (S4). If there is an output request notification, the output of the copied paper is started (S
5) After waiting for the output completion (Y in S6), an output completion notice is issued to the copying machine body 1 (S7). If there is no notification of the output request, the process returns to the check as to whether or not the sheet has been removed without doing anything.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a first example of the processing procedure on the copying machine main body side in the control for avoiding the maximum stacking number excess according to the embodiment of the present invention. When the power is turned on (Y in S11), first, the output sheet counter is set to 0, the MAX (maximum) value is set to 30, and the copy permission flag is turned on as initial values (S12). The output number counter is
It is incremented by one for each copy, and is cleared to 0 when there is a notice of paper removal. The MAX value defines the maximum number of sheets to be loaded according to the sheet size. The copy permission flag is for permitting / prohibiting the next copy start when the maximum number of stacked sheets is reached, and is permitted when on, and prohibited when off.

Next, it is checked whether there is a notice of paper removal from the 3-bin sorter 200 (S13), and if so, the output sheet counter is set to 0, the MAX value is set to 30, and the copy permission flag is turned on (S14). If the copy permission flag is off (Y in S15), the copy start is prohibited, and the process returns to the check of the paper removal notification without doing anything.

If the copy permission flag is on (S
15 and N), and checks the copy start (S16),
If it is not a copy start, do nothing and return to the check of the paper removal notification.

When copying is started (Y in S16), the document is first scanned (S17), and the size is detected (S18). If the detected size is A3 (S
At 19), the MAX value is set to 20 (S20), otherwise (A4), the MAX value is kept at 30. This MAX value is compared with the current output sheet number counter (S2).
1) If the output number counter is equal to or greater than the MAX value, the maximum number of stacked sheets is exceeded, so that the copy permission flag is turned off (S22), and thereafter, the process returns to the check of the sheet removal notification without doing anything.

Next, the output sheet number counter is set to the sheet size A3.
(S23), and if it is not less than 20, the paper size is set to A4 (S24). 2
If it is less than 0, the detected document size is set as the paper size (S25). The paper of the determined size is fed from the paper feed tray (S26), and after the read image is printed (S27), an output request notification is issued to the 3-bin sorter 200 side (S28). And 3 bin sorter 20
After waiting for the output completion notification from the 0 side (Y in S29), the output sheet number counter is incremented (S30), and the process returns to the check of the paper removal notification event. By doing so, if at least one A3-size original is scanned from the first sheet to the twentieth sheet, the MAX value becomes 20, and
The maximum number of sheets to be stacked becomes 20, and subsequent copying is prohibited.

Also, the first to twentieth sheets are all A4 size.
In the case of a document of a size, the MAX value is 30, and the maximum number of sheets to be loaded is 30 (in this case, the document size is changed from A4 to the paper size A4). For the 21st to 30th copies, even if the document size is A3, A4 is selected as the paper size. Therefore, it is possible to output a number of sheets exceeding the maximum stacking number 20 of A3).

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a second example of the processing procedure on the copying machine main body side in the control for avoiding the excess of the maximum number of stacked sheets according to the embodiment of the present invention. The second example of the processing procedure on the copying machine main body 1 side shown in this flowchart is:
This is a replacement of the portion surrounded by the dotted line in the first example shown in FIG. In this example, division can be set, and when no division is set, the magnification is appropriately set.

First, when no division is selected (S3
1) N) will be described. If the first to twentieth sheets are all output in A4 size (N in S32), the detected document size is set as the paper size (S33), and the default magnification is 100% without setting the scaling factor. I do. Thereafter, from the 21st to 30th sheets (Y in S32), A3
Is prohibited, but output is possible in A4, and the same A4 size as the first to twentieth sheets is selected (S4).
34). 100% which is the default without setting the magnification
Shall be

Here, the document size is checked (S3
5) If it is A4, leave it as it is, and if it is A3, set the magnification to 71% (S36). As a result, the image of A3 is reduced and placed on A4, so that the missing image can be eliminated. After that, paper feeding (S37) and printing (S37)
38), issue an output request notice (S39), wait for an output completion notice (Y in S40), and increment the output sheet counter (S41).

Next, when division is selected (S31)
The following describes Y). When the division is selected, the A3 image is divided into two A4 size images and output. When the first to twentieth sheets are all output in A4 size (N in S42), the detected document size is set as the paper size (S43), and thereafter, steps S44 to S44 are performed.
At 48, the same processing as in steps S37 to S41 described above is executed. From then on, from the 21st to 30th sheets (Y in S42), output at A3 is prohibited,
4 can be output, the paper size is set to A4 (S4
9) Check the document size (S50). If the document size is A4, the process proceeds to step S44.

If the document size is A3, paper is fed (S51), half of the scanned document image is printed (S52), and an output request notification is issued to the 3-bin sorter 200 (S53). Then, it waits for the output completion notice (S5
4 and Y), the output sheet counter is incremented (S
55). Subsequently, the remaining half of the scanned document image is printed (S45), and an output request notification is issued to the 3-bin sorter 200 (S46). Then, after waiting for the output completion notification (Y in S47), the output sheet number counter is incremented (S48). That is, the output sheet counter is incremented twice. By doing so, A3
Image is divided and mounted on two A4 size sheets, so that image missing can be eliminated.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a third example of the processing procedure on the copying machine main body side in the control for avoiding the excess of the maximum number of stacked sheets according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the maximum number of sheets that can be stacked on the first discharge tray 201 is 20 sheets for A4 and 30 sheets for A3. The processing procedure on the 3-bin sorter 200 side and the notification / acceptance event between the 3-bin sorter 200 and the copying machine body 1 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, when a large-size sheet has a larger maximum number of sheets to be loaded and output is possible in A3 but output is prohibited in A4, the images of two originals are combined and output in A3. The operation specifications are as follows. (1) The image content of an A4 document is printed on one side of A3 paper, and when the next document is A4, printed on the other side of A3 paper. (2) The image content of the A4 document is printed on one side of A3 paper, and when the next document is A3, it is reduced to 71% and printed on the other side of A3 paper.

The processing procedure up to the start of copying is as follows.
That is, steps S51 to S55 are the same as steps S11 to S15 shown in FIG. When copying starts (Y in S56), the document is first scanned (S56).
57), the size is detected (S58). If the detected size is A4 (Y in S59), the MAX value is set to 20 (S60), otherwise (N in S59), ie, A
If it is 3, the MAX value is kept at 30. This MAX value is compared with the current output sheet counter (S61). If the output sheet counter is equal to or greater than the MAX value, the maximum stacking number is exceeded, and the copy permission flag is turned off (S62).
After that, the process returns to the check of the paper removal notification without doing anything.

Next, the output sheet number counter is set to the sheet size A4.
(S63), and if it is less than 20 (1 to 20), the detected document size is set as the paper size (S64). 20 sheets or more (21 to 30
Sheet size, the paper size is set to A3 (S6).
5). The document size is checked (S66), and if it is A3, nothing is performed. If the document size is A4, the process proceeds to scanning of the next document (S67), and after scanning, the document size is detected (S68).

If the document size is A4 (S
Y at 69), the image of the previous document and the image of this document are magnified, and if the document size is A3 (N at S69),
Only the image of the original is reduced to 71% (S70), and A3
Moves on to the process of printing on the paper.

First, A3 paper is fed (S71), and printing is performed (S72). Thereafter, an output request notification is issued (S73), and after completion of output (Y in S74),
The output sheet counter is incremented (S75), and the process returns to the check of the sheet removal notification.

In this way, even in the situation where output is possible in A3 but output is prohibited in A4, the image of the A4 document is output on A3 paper and output, and the number of Can be output. Further, thereafter, by suppressing the number of sheets of paper output to the original by consolidation, it is possible to prevent the maximum number of stacked sheets from exceeding.

[0065]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is impossible to output a sheet of paper of the first sheet size, and it is possible to output a sheet of paper of the second sheet size. By selecting and outputting the paper size, it is possible to obtain an output equal to or more than the maximum number of sheets of the first paper size.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the paper size is selected, the original size and the paper size are compared.
By changing the magnification and dividing the output, it is possible to prevent the image from being cut out or the white spot.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the situation where the output cannot be performed on the paper of the first paper size and the output can be performed on the paper of the second paper size, the first paper size is set to the first paper size. If the image is larger than the first sheet size, the images output on the first sheet size are aggregated and output on the second sheet size, thereby reducing the total number of output pages and preventing the maximum stacking number from being exceeded. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a digital copying machine showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an operation unit of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an image processing unit of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a main block diagram showing a flow of an image when the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 1 transmits and receives a facsimile.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure on the 3-bin sorter side in maximum stacking number excess avoidance control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of a processing procedure on the copying machine main body side in a maximum stacking number excess avoidance control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the processing procedure on the copying machine main body side in the maximum stacking number excess avoidance control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a third example of a processing procedure on the copying machine main body side in the maximum stacking number excess avoidance control according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copier main body 10 Contact glass 11 Exposure lamp 12 First mirror 13 Second mirror 14 Third mirror 15 Lens 16 CCD 20 Laser output unit 21 fθ lens 22 Mirror 30 Photoconductor drum 31 LED writing unit 32 Black developing device 33 Second Developing device 40 Double-sided unit 41 Double-sided conveyance path 42 Feed roller 43 Separation roller 50 First tray 51 First paper feeder 52 Registration sensor 53 Registration roller 54 Transport device 55 Fixing device 56 Discharge roller 60 Main body vertical transport unit 100 Automatic document feed Apparatus (ADF) 101 Document feed table 102 Feed roller 103 Conveyor belt 104 Discharge roller 105 Discharge tray 106 Reversing claw 200 3-bin sorter 201 First discharge tray 202 Second discharge tray 203 Third discharge tray 204 Reversing tray 205 Second tray switching claw 206 Third tray switching claw 207 Switching claw 208 Reversing detection sensor 209 Conveyor roller 304 Reversing tray 300 Paper feed unit (bank) 310 Second tray 311 Second paper feeder 320 Third tray 321 Third paper feeder 330 Fourth tray 331 Fourth paper feeder 340 Bank vertical transport unit 400 Operation unit 401 Liquid crystal display (LCD) 402 Numeric keypad 403 Clear / Stop key 404 Start key 405 Program key 406 Job recall key 407 Mode clear / Preheat key 408 Interrupt key 409 Pause / Redial key 410 Shortcut key 411 Receive key 412 FAX switching key 413 Copy switching key 414 Initial setting key 415 Guidance key 416 L D concentration adjusting volume 417 display unit 501 the main controller 504 the sorter controller

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising a paper discharge tray having a maximum number of sheets that varies according to a sheet size, wherein the maximum number of sheets P1 of the first sheet size discharged to a predetermined sheet discharge tray is N1, Paper P of 2 paper size
In the case where at least one sheet P1 is discharged by the N1th sheet when the maximum number of sheets P2 is N2 larger than N1, the maximum number of sheets P1 is fixed to N1 and all the sheets P2 are discharged by the N1th sheet. When printing on paper, set the maximum number of sheets to N2
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs control for continuously selecting the sheet P2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when discharging the sheet of the selected sheet size, the image is scaled or divided. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein images are collected when a sheet of a selected sheet size is discharged.