JP3908108B2 - Paper stacking apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sheet stacking apparatus that stacks sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copy, and a fax machine, and an image forming system including the sheet stacking apparatus and the image forming apparatus. Is particularly suitable for a system using a multi-function image forming apparatus that executes a plurality of functions by one apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Some current image forming processing devices are equipped with a large capacity discharge tray that can discharge a large amount of paper to the same output tray. When the process is executed, a large amount of paper is accumulated on the paper discharge tray, so that the height difference between the paper discharge port and the paper discharge tray may become large. In such a device, even if there is paper on the paper discharge tray, the newly discharged paper is already discharged on the already discharged paper, so the difference in height between the discharge port and the actual discharge location is small, Proper paper discharge is possible. However, if the paper on the paper discharge tray is removed, the height difference between the paper discharge port and the paper discharge tray will increase by the amount of the removed paper, and then the discharge tray will rise to the proper position. The sheets discharged in the meantime are not stacked on the sheet discharge tray, but are scattered while dropping to the stacking position.
[0003]
As a technique for dealing with such a problem, for example, there is an invention proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-253625. The present invention has an instruction unit for stopping the discharge to the large-capacity discharge tray, and when the stop instruction is instructed by the stop instruction unit, the execution of the job for discharging the sheet to the large-capacity discharge tray is interrupted. Until the stop state is instructed, jobs that are discharged to the large-capacity output tray are prohibited from being accepted. On the other hand, jobs that are output to trays other than the large-capacity output tray are Regardless of the stopped state, it is configured to continue execution as it is. That is, according to the present invention, in order to temporarily stop the discharge to the discharge tray, the job to discharge to the specific discharge tray until the release of the suppression state is instructed by instructing the discharge suppression to the specific discharge tray. Execution of is prohibited.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-253625, in order to release the paper discharge suppression state, the user needs to directly instruct the release of suppression, but in order to remove a large amount of paper on the large-capacity paper discharge tray. In many cases, the user of the apparatus uses both hands to remove the paper. Therefore, under normal circumstances, the paper on the large-capacity discharge tray is removed and the discharge tray is raised, so that normal discharge to the discharge tray is possible (the paper does not scatter even when discharged) (Situation), the user who has both hands blocked cannot give an instruction to cancel the suppression of paper discharge. Therefore, after placing the paper in another place, it is necessary to instruct the cancellation instruction means again. That is, there is a demerit that productivity is reduced because the discharge state remains suppressed (the apparatus is stopped) until the release is instructed from the dischargeable state. . In addition, there is a possibility that it may be troublesome for the user depending on the situation because it is necessary to give another instruction to cancel the stop.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such a state of the art, and a first object of the present invention is to determine a state in which the discharged paper is not scattered, automatically cancel the paper discharge suppression state, and It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper stacking apparatus and an image forming system that enable discharge.
[0006]
In addition, the second purpose is to determine that the discharged paper is not mixed in addition to the state where the discharged paper is not scattered, and automatically cancels the paper discharge suppression state and discharges the paper. It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper stacking apparatus and an image forming system that enable this.
[0007]
In addition, the third purpose is to automatically check whether the discharged paper is not scattered, the paper is not mixed, and the paper can be safely removed, and the paper discharge is automatically suppressed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper stacking apparatus and an image forming system that can release the paper and discharge paper.
[0008]
A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a paper stacking apparatus and an image forming system that can set the timing for canceling the paper discharge suppression state desired by the user.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the object, the first means includes a paper discharge tray on which paper discharged from a paper discharge port is stacked, and the paper discharge tray.Depending on the amount of paper loaded in the paper output trayIn a paper stacking apparatus comprising a lifting and lowering means for lifting and lowering and an instruction means for instructing stoppage of paper discharge to the paper discharge tray,A time detection unit that detects a driving time of the lifting unit; and a control unit that releases the discharge stop by the instruction unit. The control unit stops the discharge to the discharge tray by the instruction unit. When the discharge tray is raised by the elevating means according to the change in the amount of paper on the discharge tray due to the removal of the sheet from the discharge tray when the discharge is stopped, The paper discharge stop by the instructing unit is canceled when the driving time of the elevating unit detected by the time detecting unit reaches a preset time..
[0010]
  The second means isA paper discharge tray for stacking paper discharged from the paper discharge port; elevating means for raising and lowering the paper discharge tray according to the amount of paper stacked on the paper discharge tray; and paper discharge to the paper discharge tray A sheet accumulating apparatus comprising an instruction means for instructing to stop the operation, a time detecting means for detecting a driving time of the elevating means, and a control means for releasing the discharge stop by the instruction means,
The control means is configured such that when the instruction means instructs to stop the discharge to the discharge tray and the discharge is stopped, the amount of paper on the discharge tray by removing the paper from the discharge tray. When the discharge tray is raised by the lifting / lowering means in accordance with the change in the height of the discharge tray, even if the drive time of the lifting / lowering means detected by the time detection means is before a preset time, Control means for releasing the discharge stop by the instruction means when driving of the elevating means is stopped when the discharge tray is raised to a position corresponding to the upper paper amount;
It is characterized by having.
[0011]
  The third means isA paper discharge tray for stacking paper discharged from the paper discharge port; elevating means for raising and lowering the paper discharge tray according to the amount of paper stacked on the paper discharge tray; and paper discharge to the paper discharge tray In the paper stacking apparatus, the time detecting means for detecting the drive time of the lifting means, and the instruction means instructing the stop of the discharge to the paper discharge tray. When the paper discharge tray is raised by the lifting / lowering means in response to a change in the amount of paper on the paper discharge tray due to the removal of paper from the paper discharge tray when the paper is stopped, the time detection means detects The driving of the lifting / lowering means is stopped when the driving time of the lifting / lowering means is a preset time or when the discharge tray is raised to a position corresponding to the amount of paper on the discharge tray. When Zurekani, and cancels the paper discharge stop by the instruction means.
[0012]
  The fourth means isIn the first to third means, the preset time starts to rise from the position where the discharge tray is lowered to the lowest limit, and the paper is discharged normally when discharged from the discharge port to the discharge tray. It is a time required to ascend to a position where it can be generated.
[0013]
  The fifth means isA paper discharge tray for stacking paper discharged from the paper discharge port; elevating means for raising and lowering the paper discharge tray according to the paper stacking amount; and instruction means for instructing stop of paper discharge to the paper discharge tray; In the sheet stacking apparatus, a position detection unit that detects the position of the discharge tray, a sheet detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a sheet on the discharge tray, and a control that releases the discharge stop by the instruction unit The control means is configured to remove the paper from the paper discharge tray when the instruction means instructs to stop paper discharge to the paper discharge tray and is in a paper discharge stop state. When the paper discharge tray is raised by the lifting / lowering means according to the change in the amount of paper on the tray, there is no paper on the paper discharge tray, and the position of the paper discharge tray detected by the position detection means is Set in advance from the paper exit When it is height difference, and cancels the paper ejection stop.
[0014]
  The sixth means isA paper discharge tray for stacking paper discharged from the paper discharge port; elevating means for raising and lowering the paper discharge tray according to the paper stacking amount; and instruction means for instructing stop of paper discharge to the paper discharge tray; In the sheet stacking apparatus, a position detection unit that detects the position of the discharge tray, a sheet detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a sheet on the discharge tray, and a control that releases the discharge stop by the instruction unit The control means is configured to remove the paper from the paper discharge tray when the instruction means instructs to stop paper discharge to the paper discharge tray and is in a paper discharge stop state. When the paper discharge tray is raised by the lifting / lowering means according to the change in the amount of paper on the tray, there is no paper on the paper discharge tray, and the position of the paper discharge tray detected by the position detection means is Set in advance from the paper exit When a predetermined time has elapsed from the time it becomes a height difference, and cancels the paper ejection stop.
[0015]
  The seventh means isThe sixth means is characterized by further comprising means for the user to set the predetermined time.
[0016]
  The eighth means isThe sheet stacking apparatus in the first to seventh means and the image forming apparatus provided with the image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium are configured integrally or separately.
[0017]
  The ninth means isThe eighth means is characterized in that the instruction means is provided on the image forming apparatus side.
[0018]
  The tenth means isThe eighth means is characterized in that means for setting the continuous time is provided on the image forming apparatus side.
[0019]
  The eleventh means isThe eighth means is characterized in that the control means is provided on the image forming apparatus side.
[0020]
  The twelfth means isThe eleventh means is characterized in that the control means realizes the release of the stop of paper discharge to the paper discharge tray by restarting job execution on the image forming apparatus side.
[0022]
  For example,When the paper is continuously discharged to the paper discharge tray, the height difference between the paper discharge port and the paper discharge tray becomes large as the paper is accumulated on the paper discharge tray. When there is paper on the paper discharge tray, newly discharged paper is already discharged onto the already discharged paper, so the height difference between the discharge port and the actual discharge location is small, and proper paper discharge is possible. However, if the paper on the paper output tray is removed, the height difference between the paper output slot and the paper output tray will increase by the amount of the removed paper, and then the paper output tray will reach the proper position. If the paper discharge operation is continued while the paper is rising, the discharged paper is scattered and the machine becomes difficult to use. When the paper discharge tray is a large-capacity paper discharge tray capable of discharging a large capacity, this situation is particularly likely to occur.
[0023]
Therefore, in order to eliminate such a state, an instruction means for instructing suppression of discharge to a specific paper discharge tray is provided, and when discharge suppression is instructed by the instruction means, the discharge is performed until the cancellation of the suppression state is instructed. Discharging to the paper tray is prohibited, but at that time, even if there is no instruction to cancel the discharge stop from the user of the device, the paper tray and paper discharge outlet are Discharge stop is automatically canceled when the height difference is small (the paper discharge and other malfunctions do not occur even if paper discharge continues). Disappears, improving usability.
[0024]
For example, when removing paper from a large-capacity paper discharge tray, the paper is often removed using both hands. At this time, since the user holds the paper with both hands, the user cannot instruct to cancel the paper discharge stop until the paper is released, but if the user automatically returns it according to the position of the paper output tray, the user Even if it is in a situation where it is not possible to give an instruction to cancel the paper discharge suppression because the printer has paper, the paper discharge operation, that is, the image forming operation is automatically continued. be able to.
[0026]
  First to fourth meansThen, even if there is no lift tray (paper discharge tray) position detection sensor, if the paper discharge tray raising motor is driven for a certain time or more, the paper discharge tray position is raised to the extent that no paper scatter occurs (= discharge). It can be estimated that the height difference between the paper mouth and the paper discharge tray has become smaller.
[0027]
  Fourth meansIn this case, the waiting time is set to the time required for the lifting / lowering tray (discharge tray) to rise from the position farthest from the discharge port to a position where normal discharge is possible. In addition, the job can be restarted in a short time.
[0028]
  Second meansEven if there is no sensor for detecting the position of the discharge tray, if the lift motor stops driving after the discharge tray has started to rise, the position of the discharge tray has risen to a position where it can be safely discharged. I understand. Therefore, it is determined that the motor is stopped, and the paper discharge operation, that is, the image forming job is resumed. This eliminates the need for tray position detection means such as a paper discharge tray position detection sensor, so that the same effect can be expected at low cost.
[0029]
  5th meansIf there is a large amount of paper on the paper output tray and you try to remove them in multiple batches, the paper output is automatically stopped due to the difference in height between the position of the lifting tray and the paper output port. If it is released, the stop is released without permission even while the paper is being removed, which may be inconvenient. For example, as a result of performing the first removal operation in an attempt to remove a large amount of paper in two steps, the paper discharge operation is resumed when the height difference condition is satisfied. In this case, the unremoved sheets still remain on the discharge tray, and the newly restarted discharged sheets are stacked on top of each other, and the printed matter with different jobs (originals) gets mixed up. There is a risk. Therefore, the paper discharge stop state is automatically canceled only when no paper is present on the paper discharge tray. With this configuration, the discharge stop is not canceled before the user completely removes the sheet, and the above-described mixed printed matter does not occur.
[0030]
  Sixth meansIn this case, after it is determined that the sheet has been completely removed from the sheet discharge tray, the discharge stop state is canceled to improve the usability. That is, it may be inconvenient if the device starts moving immediately after the user removes the paper from the paper discharge tray. For example, from the viewpoint of the user, the timing at which the sheet presence / absence detection unit in the sheet discharge tray detects the absence of sheet is considered to be in the midst of removing the sheet from the sheet discharge tray. When the paper ejection stop state is canceled at this timing, the next paper is ejected while the paper is being removed, and the paper is ejected so that it can be reliably stacked on the paper ejection tray. Is no longer limited. Therefore, after a sufficient time has elapsed since the paper was removed, it is determined that the paper has been completely removed, and the usability is improved so as to release the stop state.
[0031]
  Seventh meansNow, it is possible to arbitrarily set the time until paper discharge is canceled, in other words, the time until paper discharge is automatically continued, and the paper discharge stop state can be canceled according to the user's usage status and usage environment. In this way, the usability is further improved. Thus, by arbitrarily setting the time until automatic continuation, it becomes possible to release the stop state according to the situation, and the device is easy to use. This time setting may be set in advance before the execution of the job (image formation execution request), or may be input by the user when instructing to stop the discharge. By setting this time to infinity, it is naturally possible to prevent the paper discharge stop from being canceled without permission unless the paper discharge stop cancellation is intentionally instructed.
[0032]
  Ninth to tenth meansThen, when an image forming system is constructed by the paper stacking apparatus and the image forming apparatus, various control means provided on the paper stacking side can be provided on the image forming apparatus side, and instructions can be given from the image forming apparatus side to the paper stacking apparatus side. I did it. Thereby, the stop of the job (image forming operation) and the stop of the paper discharge accompanying the paper discharge presentation can be controlled by the control means on the image forming apparatus side, and centralized control becomes possible. In addition, the setting can be changed from the operation / display unit of the image forming apparatus, for example, so that the setting can be changed on the image forming apparatus side. This makes it easier for the user to use.
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0034]
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035]
The digital copying machine according to the present embodiment includes a copying machine main body 1, an automatic document feeder [ADF] 2, a finisher 3 with a stapler and a shift tray (large-capacity discharge tray 8), a double-sided reverse discharge unit 4, an extended feed. It is composed of seven units: a paper tray 5, a large-capacity paper feed tray [LCT] 6 and a 1-bin paper discharge tray 7. The copying machine main body 1 includes a scanner unit, a writing unit, a photoconductor unit, a developing unit, a fixing unit, a transfer unit, a paper feeding unit, and the like. These are known configurations. Further, the finisher 3 is provided with a paper discharge suppression button 10, and when the paper discharge suppression button 10 is pressed, a paper discharge operation from the paper discharge port 9 to the large-capacity paper discharge tray 8 of the finisher 3 is performed. Can be suppressed. Further, the finisher 3 is provided with a paper discharge tray position detection sensor 3b for knowing a current position of a large capacity paper discharge tray 8 which will be described later. The paper discharge tray position detection sensor 3b is provided on the finisher 3 side.
[0036]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control configuration of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.
[0037]
The copying machine of the present invention includes a controller 11, a copying machine main body 1, an ADF 2, a finisher 3, and an operation / display unit 12. A job reception unit 11 a in the controller 11 includes a copy application 13 and a FAX application 14. Then, a request (job) from an application such as the printer application 15 is received, and an execution request is issued to the copying machine main body 1 in accordance with the execution timing. The copying machine main body 1 that has received the execution request communicates with the finisher 3 to discharge the paper to the designated tray if it is necessary to discharge the paper to the finisher 3. When the discharge suppression button 10 provided in the finisher 3 is pressed, the button is pressed from the control unit 3a of the finisher 3 to the control unit 11b of the controller 11 via the control unit 1a of the copying machine main body 1. It has come to be notified. As a result, the controller control unit 11b that recognizes the button press can stop the execution of the job for discharging the large-capacity discharge tray 8 of the finisher 3. Further, the finisher 3 is notified of the discharge tray position information from the discharge tray position detection sensor 3b to the controller control unit 11b, and the controller 11 discharges the paper based on the discharge tray position information. It is possible to determine whether to cancel the suppression state.
[0041]
    <FirstEmbodiment>
  Of the present inventionFirst10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of job stop and job restart according to the embodiment. The mechanical configuration and control configuration of the digital copying machine 1 areEmbodiment described aboveSince they are the same as in and, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts, and the duplicated explanation is omitted.
  In this process, when the discharge suppression button 10 is pressed during execution of a job for discharging to the large-capacity discharge tray 8 (step 201), the press of the discharge suppression button 10 from the finisher 3 to the controller control unit 11b is performed. The information is transmitted and the controller 11 interrupts execution of the job (step 202). If the sheet is removed from the large-capacity discharge tray 8 after the job is stopped (step 203), there is a difference in height between the discharge outlet 9 and the uppermost sheet position of the discharge tray 8. In order to fill, the discharge tray 8 starts to move up (step 204). At this time, the controller controller 11b receives the start of the raising operation of the paper discharge tray 8, and the timer starts counting the rising time (step 205). When the rising time count is equal to or greater than a certain value T (step 206-Yes), the rising time counting process is stopped (step 207), and execution of the interrupted job is resumed (step 208).
[0042]
  By this operation, the height difference between the discharge port 9 and the discharge tray 8 is reduced.When the sheet is discharged from the discharge port 9 to the discharge tray 8, the maximum height difference between the discharge port 9 and the discharge tray 8 so that the sheet can be normally discharged to the discharge tray 8.Since the job can be resumed only when there is no possibility that it is larger than H, the paper is scattered because the height difference is too large when the job is resumed after removing the paper from the paper discharge tray 8. There is nothing. Here, the fixed time T is a time required to start rising from the state where the paper discharge tray 8 is lowered to the maximum and to rise to a position where the paper is not scattered.
[0044]
      <SecondEmbodiment>
  Of the present inventionSecond10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of job stop and job restart according to the embodiment. The mechanical configuration and control configuration of the digital copying machine 1 areEmbodiment described aboveSince they are the same as in and, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts, and the duplicated explanation is omitted.
[0045]
In this process, when the discharge suppression button 10 is pressed during execution of a job for discharging to the large-capacity discharge tray 8 (step 301), the press of the discharge suppression button 10 from the finisher 3 to the controller control unit 11b is performed. The information is transmitted and the controller 11 interrupts execution of the job (step 302). If the paper is removed from the large-capacity paper discharge tray 8 after the job is stopped (step 303), there is a difference in height between the paper discharge outlet 9 and the top surface of the paper in the paper discharge tray 8. In order to fill it, the discharge tray starts to move up (step 304). At this time, the controller control unit 11b monitors the rising operation state of the discharge tray 8, and after the discharge tray 8 starts to rise once, the lift operation of the discharge tray 8 from the finisher control unit 3a is stopped. (Step 305—Yes), the execution of the interrupted job is resumed (step 306).
[0046]
As a result of this operation, only when it is determined that the raising of the discharge tray has stopped, that is, it has been determined that normal discharge is possible because the height difference between the discharge outlet 9 and the discharge tray has been eliminated. Since the job can be resumed, it is possible to prevent the paper from being scattered due to the difference in height when the job is resumed when the paper is removed from the paper discharge tray.
[0047]
  In such a large-capacity discharge tray 8, when the sheets are discharged onto the discharge tray and stacked and reach the level of the discharge outlet 9, the discharge outlet 9 is closed. A descent operation is performed to match the height of the. When the discharge suppression button 10 is pressed before the discharge tray is lowered to the lowering limit value, the discharge tray ascending operation after removing the sheet is referred to the flowchart in the second embodiment. The paper discharge tray 8 may stop before the described fixed time T elapses. In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the execution of the interrupted job could not be resumed until the predetermined time T has elapsed. However, by adding the processing of this embodiment, the raising operation of the discharge tray 8 is stopped even before the predetermined time T has elapsed. In this case, the job that has been stopped can be resumed. On the contrary, since the fixed time T may elapse before the lifting operation of the discharge tray 8 is stopped, the second embodiment and the third embodiment have the above-described effects. It is possible to combine the processes, and a combination of both can realize a faster job resuming operation.
[0048]
    <ThirdEmbodiment>
  Of the present inventionThird10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of job stop and job restart according to the embodiment. The mechanical structure and control structure of the digital copying machine 1 are different from each other only in that the finisher 3 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a sheet presence / absence sensor 3c in addition to the sheet discharge tray position sensor 3b. The aboveEmbodimentSince they are the same as in and, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts, and the duplicated explanation is omitted. Further, the sheet presence sensor 3c includes, for example, a light reflection sensor (so-called photo reflector), and is provided on the paper discharge tray 8 of the finisher 3.
[0049]
In this process, when the discharge suppression button 10 is pressed during execution of a job for discharging to the large-capacity discharge tray 8 (step 401), the press of the discharge suppression button 10 from the finisher 3 to the controller control unit 11b is performed. The information is transmitted, and the controller 11 interrupts execution of the job (step 402). If the sheet is removed from the large-capacity discharge tray 8 after the job is stopped (step 403), there is a difference in height between the discharge outlet 9 and the uppermost sheet position of the discharge tray 8. In order to fill, the discharge tray 8 starts to move up (step 404). At this time, the discharge tray position information detected by the discharge tray position detection sensor 3b is transmitted to the controller control unit 11b.
[0050]
When the difference between the position of the paper discharge tray 8 and the position of the paper discharge port 9 is equal to or less than a predetermined value H (step 405-Yes), the controller control unit 11b performs the paper discharge tray using the paper presence / absence detection sensor 3c. Only when there is no sheet on the 8 (step 406-Yes), the execution of the interrupted job is resumed (step 407).
[0051]
As a result of this operation, if the height difference between the paper discharge outlet 9 and the paper discharge tray 8 is greater than a certain value H, the job does not resume even if the paper is removed, and the height difference is a certain value H. Since the job can be resumed in the following cases, when the paper is removed from the paper discharge tray 8, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon that the paper is scattered because the height difference is too large. Furthermore, even when the paper is removed in several batches, the job is not restarted when the paper is halfway and remains on the paper discharge tray 8, so that the paper is mixed when the job is resumed. The phenomenon can also be prevented.
[0052]
In the present embodiment, the restart of the job is determined on the condition that the height difference is equal to or less than a certain value and the presence or absence of paper on the paper discharge tray 8, but in combination with the second and third embodiments (constant The passage of time and the presence or absence of paper, the stop of the ascending motor and the presence or absence of paper may be used. Also in this embodiment, when the sheet is discharged from the discharge port 9 to the discharge tray 8 as in the first embodiment, the sheet can be normally discharged to the discharge tray 8 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the maximum height difference between the discharge port 9 and the discharge tray 8 is set.
[0053]
    <4thEmbodiment>
  Of the present invention4th10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of job stop and job restart according to the embodiment. The mechanical configuration and control configuration of the digital copying machine 1 areThirdSimilar to the above embodiment, the only difference is that the finisher 3 is provided with a paper presence sensor 3c.Embodiment described aboveSince they are the same as in and, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts, and the duplicated explanation is omitted. Further, the sheet presence sensor 3c includes, for example, a light reflection sensor (so-called photo reflector), and is provided on the paper discharge tray 8 of the finisher 3.
[0054]
In this process, when the discharge suppression button 10 is pressed during execution of a job for discharging to the large-capacity discharge tray 8 (step 501), the finisher 3 and the controller control unit 11b press the discharge suppression button 10 The information is transmitted, and the controller 11 interrupts the execution of the job (step 502). If the paper is removed from the large-capacity paper discharge tray 8 after the job is stopped, there will be a difference in height between the paper discharge outlet 9 and the top surface of the paper in the paper discharge tray 8. The paper tray 8 starts to move up (step 504). At this time, the discharge tray position information obtained from the discharge tray position detection sensor 3b is transmitted to the controller control unit 11b. When the difference between the position of the paper discharge tray 8 and the position of the paper discharge port 9 is equal to or less than a predetermined value H (step 505-Yes), the controller control unit 11b uses the paper presence / absence detection sensor 3c to output the paper discharge tray. Only when there is no sheet on the top 8 (step 506-Yes), the execution of the interrupted job is resumed (step 509).
[0055]
As a result of this operation, as in the fourth embodiment, if the height difference between the paper discharge outlet 9 and the paper discharge tray is greater than a certain value H, the job will not resume even if the paper is removed. Since the job can be resumed when the height difference becomes a certain value H or less, when the paper is removed from the paper discharge tray, the paper is scattered because the height difference is too large. Can be prevented. In addition, even if the paper is removed in several batches, the job is not restarted when the paper is halfway and remains on the paper output tray, so paper will be mixed when the job is restarted Can also be prevented.
[0056]
Further, in this embodiment, when the above-mentioned step 506 satisfies the condition that the height difference is equal to or smaller than a certain value and there is no sheet on the paper discharge tray, the resumption operation suspension time is counted for a certain period (step 507). The job is not resumed unless the counting time is counted over a certain value N (step 508 → 509). With this control, since the job is resumed immediately after the user removes the paper, the user-friendliness such as the user's trouble removing the paper is eliminated.
[0057]
Even if the job resumption condition is satisfied, the execution is not started immediately, and the resumption of execution is suspended for a predetermined time N. The processing of this embodiment may be combined with the first to fourth embodiments described above. Is possible. In addition, the resumption hold time N can be set in advance before starting a job, for example, using the operation / display unit 12, or can be set from when the paper discharge suppression button 10 is pressed until it is released. The device user can set it freely. If configured in this way, in this case, the apparatus can be more easily used in that the user can determine his / her preferred execution suspension time.
[0058]
Further, if the operation / display unit 12 of the digital copying machine can be used to instruct the stop time of the paper discharge operation, a paper discharge operation stop instruction means is provided not on the finisher 3 side but on the operation / display unit 12 of the digital copier. It is possible to provide an instruction to stop the discharge operation in response to an instruction from the apparatus, and in general, considering that the user stands in front of the copying machine main body 1 and operates it, Become.
[0059]
As described above, even when the paper discharge operation stop instructing means is provided in the operation / display unit 1 of the digital copying machine or other parts instead of the finisher 3, the paper discharge operation stop information obtained from the instruction means is controlled by the controller. If the information is transmitted to the unit 11b, an image forming system having an equivalent function can be configured.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
    As described above, according to the present invention, the stop of the discharge to the discharge tray is instructed,Since the paper discharge tray is released when the rising time of the paper discharge tray detected by the time detection means exceeds the preset time in the paper discharge stop state,Further, when the lifting / lowering unit once starts the lifting / lowering operation and then stops the operation, the paper discharge stop is canceled. Therefore, it is determined that the discharged paper is not scattered and the paper discharge suppression state is automatically canceled to Can be discharged.
[0061]
In addition, according to the present invention, the sheet detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of the sheet on the sheet discharge tray is further provided, and when the sheet detection unit detects that the sheet is not on the sheet discharge tray, the discharge stop is released. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the discharge sheets are not mixed and automatically cancel the discharge suppression state to enable discharge of the sheets.
[0062]
In addition, according to the present invention, it is detected that a state in which there is no paper on the paper discharge tray continues for a preset time, and it is determined that it is now possible to safely remove the paper. Thus, it is possible to release the paper discharge suppression state and to discharge the paper.
[0063]
Further, according to the present invention, since the user is provided with means for setting the continuous time, it is possible to set the release timing of the paper discharge suppression state desired by the user.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control configuration of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example in which a sheet presence / absence sensor is further provided in the control configuration of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 of the present inventionFirst10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of job stop and job restart according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 shows the present invention.Second10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of job stop and job restart according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 shows the present invention.Third10 is a flowchart showing job stop and job lowest order processing procedures according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 shows the present invention.4th10 is a flowchart showing job stop and job lowest order processing procedures according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Copier body
1a Control unit
2 Automatic document feeder
3 Finisher (paper stacking device)
3a Control unit
3b Output tray position sensor
3c Paper presence sensor
8 Output tray
9 Paper exit
10 Paper ejection suppression button
11 Controller
11a Job reception part
11b Control unit
12 Operation / display section
13 Copy application
14 FAX application
15 Printer application

Claims (12)

A paper discharge tray for stacking paper discharged from the paper outlet,
Elevating means for elevating and lowering the paper discharge tray according to the amount of paper stacked on the paper discharge tray;
Instruction means for instructing stoppage of paper discharge to the paper discharge tray;
In a paper stacking apparatus provided with
Time detecting means for detecting the driving time of the elevating means;
Control means for releasing the paper discharge stop by the instruction means,
The control means includes
In response to a change in the amount of paper on the paper discharge tray due to removal of paper from the paper discharge tray when the instruction means instructs to stop paper discharge to the paper discharge tray and the paper discharge is stopped. When the discharge tray is raised by the lifting / lowering means, the discharge stop by the instruction means is canceled when the driving time of the lifting / lowering means detected by the time detection means reaches a preset time.
Sheet stacking apparatus according to claim. A paper discharge tray for stacking paper discharged from the paper outlet,
Elevating means for elevating and lowering the paper discharge tray according to the amount of paper stacked on the paper discharge tray;
Instruction means for instructing stoppage of paper discharge to the paper discharge tray;
In a paper stacking apparatus provided with
Time detecting means for detecting the driving time of the elevating means;
Control means for releasing the paper discharge stop by the instruction means,
The control means includes
In response to a change in the amount of paper on the paper discharge tray due to removal of paper from the paper discharge tray when the instruction means instructs to stop paper discharge to the paper discharge tray and the paper discharge is stopped. When the paper discharge tray is raised by the lifting / lowering means, the amount of paper on the paper discharge tray is reduced even before the driving time of the lifting / lowering means detected by the time detection means reaches a preset time. Control means for releasing the discharge stop by the instructing means when the driving of the elevating means is stopped due to the discharge tray being raised to a corresponding position;
A paper stacking apparatus comprising: A paper discharge tray for stacking paper discharged from the paper outlet,
Elevating means for elevating and lowering the paper discharge tray according to the amount of paper stacked on the paper discharge tray;
Instruction means for instructing stoppage of paper discharge to the paper discharge tray;
In a paper stacking apparatus provided with
Time detecting means for detecting the driving time of the elevating means;
In response to a change in the amount of paper on the paper discharge tray due to removal of paper from the paper discharge tray when the instruction means instructs to stop paper discharge to the paper discharge tray and the paper discharge is stopped. When the paper discharge tray is raised by the lifting / lowering means, when the driving time of the lifting / lowering means detected by the time detection means reaches a preset time, or corresponding to the amount of paper on the paper discharge tray When the drive of the lifting / lowering means is stopped due to the discharge tray being raised to a position, the discharge stop by the instruction means is cancelled.
Sheet stacking apparatus according to claim. Time required for the preset time to start rising from the position where the discharge tray has been lowered to the lowest limit and to rise to a position where it can be discharged normally when discharged from the discharge port to the discharge tray The paper stacking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper stacking apparatus is a paper stacking apparatus. A paper discharge tray for stacking paper discharged from the paper outlet,
Elevating means for elevating and lowering the paper discharge tray according to the amount of paper stacked on the paper discharge tray;
Instruction means for instructing stoppage of paper discharge to the paper discharge tray;
In a paper stacking apparatus provided with
Position detecting means for detecting the position of the paper discharge tray;
Paper detection means for detecting the presence or absence of paper on the paper discharge tray;
Control means for releasing the paper discharge stop by the instruction means,
The control means includes
In response to a change in the amount of paper on the paper discharge tray due to removal of paper from the paper discharge tray when the instruction means instructs to stop paper discharge to the paper discharge tray and the paper discharge is stopped. When the paper discharge tray is raised by the lifting / lowering means, there is no paper on the paper discharge tray, and the position of the paper discharge tray detected by the position detection means is set to a height difference set in advance from the paper discharge outlet. Cancel the paper discharge stop when
Sheet stacking apparatus according to claim. A paper discharge tray for stacking paper discharged from the paper outlet,
Elevating means for elevating and lowering the paper discharge tray according to the amount of paper stacked on the paper discharge tray;
Instruction means for instructing stoppage of paper discharge to the paper discharge tray;
In a paper stacking apparatus provided with
Position detecting means for detecting the position of the paper discharge tray;
Paper detection means for detecting the presence or absence of paper on the paper discharge tray;
Control means for releasing the paper discharge stop by the instruction means,
The control means includes
In response to a change in the amount of paper on the paper discharge tray due to removal of paper from the paper discharge tray when the instruction means instructs to stop paper discharge to the paper discharge tray and the paper discharge is stopped. When the paper discharge tray is raised by the lifting / lowering means, there is no paper on the paper discharge tray, and the position of the paper discharge tray detected by the position detection means is set to a height difference set in advance from the paper discharge outlet. Canceling the paper discharge stop when a predetermined time has passed since
Sheet stacking apparatus according to claim. 7. The paper stacking apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means for a user to set the predetermined time. A paper stacking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium;
Is formed as a single body or as a separate body . The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the instruction unit is provided on the image forming apparatus side . 9. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein means for setting the continuous time is provided on the image forming apparatus side. 9. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the control means is provided on the image forming apparatus side . Said control means, said release paper discharge stop of the sheet to the discharge tray, the image forming system according to claim 11, characterized in that realized by resuming the job executed in the image forming apparatus.

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