JP2020050488A - Carrier device, image forming apparatus, and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To load and store a large number of sheets without increasing the size and cost of the apparatus. SOLUTION: A second sheet P is located at a position separated from a first transport path K4 in a direction away from the thickness direction of the sheet P with respect to an upstream portion of a storage unit 30 in which a plurality of sheets P are loaded and stored. The transport path K5 is arranged. Then, the seat P is conveyed to the storage unit 30 via the first transfer path K4 until the load height H of the sheet P of the storage unit 30 detected by the height detecting means 42, 43, 95 reaches a predetermined value A. The fourth switching claw 38 (switching means) is controlled so as to be operated, and after the loading height H detected by the height detecting means 42, 43, 95 reaches a predetermined value A, the sheet P is secondly conveyed. The fourth switching claw 38 is controlled so as to be conveyed to the storage unit 30 via the path K5. [Selection diagram] Fig. 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying a sheet, an image forming apparatus provided with the conveying device, and an image forming system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, there is known a technique of installing a transport device (paper transport device) for transporting and stacking sheets (paper) staying due to a paper jam or the like to a storage unit (purge unit). (For example, see Patent Document 1).

  More specifically, the conveyance device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163873, when it is determined that the paper conveyed to the purge unit (storage unit) cannot be accommodated in the purge unit, transfers a part of the paper to another purge unit connected to the purge unit. The paper is discharged to the paper holding unit (storage unit). Then, the sheet discharged to the purge unit or the sheet holding unit is removed from the image forming apparatus by the user.

  The conventional transport device described above is provided with a plurality of storage sections for storing and storing sheets, so that a relatively large amount of sheets can be stored, but the device has been increased in size and cost. Was.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and can convey a large number of sheets and store the sheets without increasing the size and cost of the apparatus. , And an image forming system.

  The conveyance device according to the present invention includes a storage unit in which a plurality of sheets are stacked and stored, and a height detection unit that directly or indirectly detects a stacking height of the plurality of sheets stacked in the storage unit. A first transport path for transporting a sheet toward the storage section, and a position separated in a direction away from the first transport path in a thickness direction of the sheet with respect to the upstream section of the storage section. A second transport path that transports the sheet toward the storage unit; a switching unit that switches between the first transport path and the second transport path; and a loading height that is detected by the height detection unit. The switching unit is controlled so that the sheet is conveyed to the storage unit via the first conveyance path until the height reaches the predetermined value, and the stacking height detected by the height detection unit reaches the predetermined value. After that, the sheet is transferred through the second conveyance path. A control unit for controlling said switching means so as to be transported to the storage portion through the those equipped with.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a transport device, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system capable of stacking and storing a large amount of sheets without increasing the size and cost of the apparatus. .

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a transport device. It is a figure showing operation of a transportation device. 5 is a flowchart illustrating control of a transport device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference characters, and a repeated description thereof will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

First, the overall configuration and operation of the image forming system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the present embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 1, the post-processing device 50 is detachably installed, and forms one image forming system 100 together with the post-processing device 50.
Further, the image forming apparatus 1 in the image forming system 100 conveys the sheet P staying (stopping conveyance) due to a jam (paper jam) or the like in the image forming system 100 toward the storage unit 30 (purge unit). A transport device 20 for cleaning (purging) the staying sheet P from a transport path in the device is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an intermediate transfer belt 8 is provided above the center of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, photoconductor drums 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K (image forming units) corresponding to the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are arranged side by side so as to face the intermediate transfer belt 8. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 8 is pressed under the secondary transfer roller 15 (secondary transfer belt 16) to form a secondary transfer nip as an image forming unit.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a charging unit 3, a developing unit 4, a cleaning unit 5, a charge removing unit, and the like are arranged around the photosensitive drum 2K corresponding to black. Then, an image forming process (a charging step, an exposure step, a development step, a transfer step, a cleaning step, and a charge removal step) is performed on the photosensitive drum 2K, and a black image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2K. become.

  The periphery of the other three photosensitive drums 2Y, 2M, and 2C is also substantially the same, and images corresponding to the respective toner colors are formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 2Y, 2M, and 2C. Hereinafter, the description of the image forming processes on the other three photosensitive drums 2Y, 2M, and 2C will be appropriately omitted, and only the image forming process corresponding to black will be described.

The photoreceptor drum 2K is driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 1 by a main motor. Then, at the position of the charging unit 3, the surface of the photoconductor drum 2K is uniformly charged (charging step).
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2K reaches the irradiation position of the laser beam emitted from the exposure unit 7, and the width direction at this position (the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1 and the main scanning direction). By the exposure scanning, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to black is formed (this is an exposure step).

Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2K reaches a position facing the developing unit 4, where the electrostatic latent image is developed to form a yellow toner image (a developing step).
Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2K reaches the position where the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the primary transfer roller 6 are opposed to each other. At this position, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2K is placed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 8. The primary transfer is performed (this is a primary transfer step). At this time, untransferred toner slightly remains on the photosensitive drum 2K.

Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2K reaches a position facing the cleaning unit 5, and the untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 2K at this position is collected into the cleaning unit 5 by the cleaning blade (cleaning step). Is.).
Finally, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2K reaches a position facing the charge removing section, and at this position, the residual potential on the photosensitive drum 2K is removed.
Thus, a series of image forming processes performed on the photosensitive drum 2K is completed.

The above-described image forming process is performed on the surfaces of the other photosensitive drums 2Y, 2M, and 2C in the same manner as the black photosensitive drum 2K.
Then, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the surfaces of the respective photosensitive drums 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K are primary-transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 in a superimposed manner. Thus, a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

  Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 8 on which the toner images of the respective colors are superimposed and primary-transferred reaches a position facing the secondary transfer roller 15 (secondary transfer belt 16). At this position, the secondary transfer opposing roller 9 forms a secondary transfer nip (image forming section) by sandwiching the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the secondary transfer belt 16 between the secondary transfer roller 15 and the secondary transfer roller 15. Then, the four color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 are secondarily transferred onto a sheet P such as paper conveyed to the position of the secondary transfer nip (this is a secondary transfer step). . At this time, untransferred toner not transferred to the sheet P remains on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 8 reaches the position of the intermediate transfer cleaning unit. At this position, extraneous matter such as untransferred toner adhered to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 8 is removed.
Thus, a series of transfer processes performed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is completed.

Here, referring to FIG. 1, a sheet P conveyed to a position of a secondary transfer nip (image forming unit) is fed from a sheet feeding unit 10 disposed below the image forming apparatus 1 to a sheet feeding roller 11. The sheet is conveyed via a conveyance path K1 in which the registration rollers 12 and the like are arranged.
More specifically, a plurality of sheets P such as sheets are stored in the sheet feeding unit 10 in a stacked manner. When the paper feed roller 11 is driven to rotate in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1, the uppermost sheet P is fed between the rollers of the registration rollers 12 via the transport path K1.

  The sheet P conveyed to the registration roller 12 temporarily stops at the position of the roller nip of the registration roller 12 whose rotation has been stopped. Then, the registration roller 12 is driven to rotate in synchronization with the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 8, and the sheet P is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip (image forming unit). Thus, a desired color image is transferred onto the sheet P.

Thereafter, the sheet P on which the color image has been transferred at the position of the secondary transfer nip is conveyed by the secondary transfer belt 16 and separated from the secondary transfer belt 16, and then moved to the position of the fixing unit 19 by the conveyance belt 18. Conveyed. Then, at this position, the color image transferred to the front surface is fixed on the sheet P by heat and pressure by the fixing belt and the pressure roller (this is a fixing step).
Thereafter, the sheet P is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 by the discharge roller 25 via the discharge conveyance path K2.
Further, the sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 is conveyed into the post-processing device 50 and subjected to post-processing such as punching and binding in the post-processing device 50. Then, the post-processed sheet P (sheet bundle PT) is discharged to the discharge tray 59. The configuration and operation of the post-processing device 50 will be described later in detail.
Thus, a series of image forming processes (image forming operation) in the image forming apparatus 1 is completed.

In addition, referring to FIG. 2 in addition to FIG. 1, if the “double-sided print mode” for performing printing on both sides (the front side and the back side) of the sheet P is selected, The sheet P on which the surface fixing process has been completed is discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 by the operation of the first and second switching claws 35 and 36 as it is when the above-mentioned “single-sided print mode” is selected. Without being guided to the vertical transport path K3. Then, the sheet P guided to the vertical transport path K3 is guided to the second transport path K5 by the operation of the third and fourth switching claws 37 and 38. Then, after the sheet P guided to the second conveyance path K5 has its conveyance direction reversed by the drive switching from the normal rotation to the reverse rotation of the second reversing roller 27, the third and fourth switching claws 37, 38 The operation leads to the horizontal transport path K6. Then, the sheet P guided to the horizontal transport path K6 is transported again to the position of the secondary transfer nip (image forming unit). Then, at the position of the secondary transfer nip, an image is formed on the back surface of the sheet P by the same image forming process (image forming operation) as described above, and then, through a fixing process in the fixing unit 19. Is discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 via the discharge conveyance path K2.
That is, when the “double-sided print mode” is selected, the vertical transport path K3, the second transport path K5, and the horizontal transport path K6 function as a double-sided transport path.

Further, when the “reverse discharge mode” in which the front side and the back side of the sheet P are reversed and the sheet P is discharged is selected, the sheet P that has completed the fixing process on the front side (or both sides) is By the operation of the first and second switching claws 35 and 36, they are guided to the vertical transport path K3 without being discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 as it is. The leading end of the sheet P guided to the vertical transport path K3 is guided to the first transport path K4 by the operation of the third and fourth switching claws 37 and 38. The sheet P guided to the first conveyance path K4 is vertically conveyed by the operation of the second switching claw 36 after the conveyance direction of the sheet P is reversed by the drive switching from the forward rotation to the reverse rotation of the first reversing roller 26. It is guided to the discharge conveyance path K2 via the path K3. Then, the inverted sheet P is discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 via the discharge conveyance path K2.
That is, when the “reverse discharge mode” is selected, the vertical transport path K3, the first transport path K4, and the discharge transport path K2 function as a reverse discharge path.
The “single-sided print mode”, “double-sided print mode”, and “reverse discharge mode” are selected by the user operating the operation display panel 95 (installed on the exterior part of the image forming apparatus 1).

Hereinafter, the post-processing device 50 will be described in detail.
First, the sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 is fed (conveyed) into the post-processing apparatus 50 by the entrance roller 51.
When the “normal processing mode” is selected in advance by the user on the operation display panel 95, the sheet P is discharged by the discharge roller 58 via the linear conveyance path K11 by switching the conveyance path by the switching claw 57. The sheet is discharged onto the tray 59 as it is.
At this time, if “punch processing” is additionally selected in advance on the operation display panel 95 by the user, when the sheet P passes through the punch processing unit 70, the punch processing Is applied.
When “sort processing” is additionally selected on the operation display panel 95 by the user in advance, the sheet P functions as a sort processing unit when the sheet P is discharged onto the discharge tray 59 by the discharge roller 58. The discharge roller 58 moves in the width direction at the timing of sorting the sheets P, and the sheets P discharged to the discharge tray 59 are sorted.

  On the other hand, when the “binding processing mode” is previously selected by the user on the operation display panel 95 of the image forming apparatus 1, the switching of the transport path by the switching claw 57 causes the sheet P to be transferred to the binding processing transport path. The sheet is conveyed to the loading section 61 via K12. Then, the sheet aligning section 60 performs an aligning process in the conveying direction and the width direction on the sheets P (the sheet bundle PT) stacked on the stacking section 61.

More specifically, each time a sheet P (sheet bundle PT) is placed on the placement surface of the stacking unit 61, the hitting roller 56 disposed above the sheet P is moved from the retracted position around the rotation axis each time. The hitting roller 56 is rotated to the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1 by rotating to a position where it contacts the upper sheet P, and the sheet P is conveyed (moved) toward the end fence 62. As a result, the rear ends of the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) abut against the end fence 62, and the positions of the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) in the transport direction are aligned.
Further, in the present embodiment, each time a sheet P (sheet bundle PT) is placed on the placement surface of the loading unit 61, the stopper 64 held on the belt surface of the transport belt 65 is The traveling of the conveying belt 65 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1 moves so as to push the leading end of the sheet P, and the sheet P is transported (moved) toward the end fence 62. As a result, the rear ends of the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) abut against the end fence 62, and the positions of the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) in the transport direction are aligned.
When the sheet bundle PT is aligned in the transport direction in this manner, the side fences (jogger fences) installed at both ends in the width direction of the stacking unit 61 load the sheets P on the stacking unit 61. Each time the sheet P is placed (or after a desired number of sheets P are stacked), the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) is sandwiched in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction and perpendicular to the sheet of FIG. 1). The sheet P (sheet bundle PT) is aligned in the width direction.

Then, the stapler 80 performs a binding process on the rear end of the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) in which the conveying direction and the width direction are respectively aligned by the sheet aligning device 60.
Thereafter, the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) on which the binding process has been performed moves obliquely upward along the inclination of the mounting surface by the movement of the stopper portion 64 also functioning as a discharge claw in the paper discharge direction, and is discharged and conveyed. After passing through the path K13, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 59 by the conveyance by the discharge roller 58.
Note that, even in the binding processing mode, if “punch processing” is additionally selected in advance on the operation display panel 95 by the user, when the sheet P passes through the punch processing section 70, the punch processing section 70 The sheet P is subjected to a punching process.

Hereinafter, the transport device 20 that is characteristic of the image forming apparatus 1 (image forming system 100) according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.
In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the sheet P staying due to a jam (paper jam) or the like in the image forming system 100 is directed to the storage unit 30 (purge unit) at a position adjacent to the paper supply unit 10. A transport device 20 for transport is provided. The jam detection sensor 41 installed near the paper discharge roller 25 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the jam detection sensor 54 installed near the entrance roller 51 of the post-processing apparatus 50. When a jam (paper jam) state of the sheet P is optically detected by the jam detection sensors disposed at a plurality of positions, the conveyance path to the storage unit 30 of all the sheets P staying in the conveyance path is determined. All the sheets P that can be secured are conveyed toward the storage unit 30 by driving the conveying rollers.
In addition, such a control mode is hereinafter appropriately referred to as “purge processing”.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the transport device 20 includes a storage unit 30 (purge unit), a first transport path K4, a second transport path K5, a switching claw 38 as a switching unit, and a height detecting unit (a 1, the second photosensors 42 and 43, the operation display panel 95), the control unit 90, and the like.

The storage section 30 is a section where a plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) are stacked and stored. More specifically, the storage unit 30 is configured to store sheets P staying in the image forming apparatus main body 1 and to take out the stored sheets P (sheet bundle PT) to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body 1. .
More specifically, referring to FIG. 2, in storage section 30, a curved storage guide section 49 (curved guide plate) that guides and stacks conveyed sheets P, and whether storage section 30 has sheets P? The third photo sensor 44 (sheet detecting means) for detecting whether or not the sheet bundle PT is provided, the stopper 31 (wall portion) for aligning the sheet bundle PT stacked on the storage guide 49, and the like.
The sheet P (sheet bundle PT) stored in the storage unit 30 is appropriately removed from the image forming apparatus main body 1 by a user. Specifically, in a state where the opening / closing door 32 which also functions as an exterior part of the storage unit 30 is opened and the storage unit 30 is exposed, an unnecessary sheet bundle PT stacked on the storage guide unit 49 is taken out. Will be disposed of by the user.

Here, in the present embodiment, two transport paths (the first transport path K4 and the second transport path K5) for transporting the sheet P (retained and unnecessary sheet P) toward the storage unit 30 are used. Is provided, and at a predetermined timing, one of the two transport paths is selected and switched by the switching unit.
The first transport path K4 reverses the sheet P on which an image has been formed by passing through the image forming unit (secondary transfer nip) of the image forming apparatus main body 1 as described above with reference to FIG. This transport path also functions as a part of the reverse discharge path that discharges the image forming apparatus 1 to the outside.
Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 1 and the like, the second transport path K5 reverses the sheet P on which an image has been formed by passing through the image forming unit (secondary transfer nip) of the image forming apparatus main body 1. This is a conveyance path that also functions as a part of a double-sided conveyance path that conveys the image toward the image forming unit (secondary transfer nip).

Here, the second transport path K5 is in the thickness direction of the sheet P with respect to the first transport path K4 with reference to the upstream part of the storage unit 30 (the upper part of the area surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 2). (Right side of FIG. 2). In other words, the second transport path K5 is disposed at a position away from the first transport path K4 in the direction in which the stacking height increases with respect to the upstream portion of the storage unit 30.
In particular, in the present embodiment, each of the first transport path K4 and the second transport path K5 is configured to transport the sheet P from above to below in a substantially vertical direction. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first transport path K4 is formed by a guide plate 47 (opposite guide plate) extending in a substantially vertical direction. Similarly, the transport path of the second transport path K5 is also formed by a guide plate 48 (opposing guide plate) extending in a substantially vertical direction. The first transport path K4 and the second transport path K5 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the storage guide portion 49 installed in the storage portion 30 has a second position with respect to a position where the sheet P is discharged from the first transport path K4 (the lower end of the guide plate 47). A guide portion that curves downward to a position beyond the vertically lower position of the second transport path K5, with the position in the direction away from the transport path K5 as the upper starting point (the portion surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 2). It is.
That is, the storage guide portion 49 has its upper end located to the left of the lower end of the guide plate 47 of the first transport path K4, extends substantially vertically downward from that position, and then extends downward. It has a guide surface that curves rightward toward.
At the end point (the lower right end) of the storage guide portion 49, a stopper portion 31 is provided as a wall portion that rises substantially vertically upward. The sheet P discharged from the first transport path K4 (or the second transport path K5) slides down to the lower end position along the curved guide surface of the storage guide portion 49 (or the sheet P on the guide surface). By contacting the distal end portion with the stopper portion 31, the posture in the transport direction (sliding direction) is determined and aligned. Therefore, the user can take out the sheet bundle PT that has been properly aligned from the storage unit 30.

Here, the transfer device 20 is provided with a switching claw (a fourth switching claw 38) as a switching means for switching between the first transfer path K4 and the second transfer path K5 during the purge process.
The fourth switching claw 38 as switching means is disposed downstream of an upstream transport path (vertical transport path K3) that is connected to the upstream section of the first transport path K4 and the upstream section of the second transport path K5. ing. Then, during the purging process, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the fourth switching claw 38 is rotated by the control of the control unit 90 so as to close the upstream portion of the second transport path K5, it has passed through the vertical transport path K3. The sheet P is transported to the storage unit 30 via the first transport path K4. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the fourth switching claw 38 is rotated by the control of the control unit 90 so as to close the upstream portion of the first transport path K4 during the purge process, the vertical transport path K3 Is transported to the storage section 30 via the second transport path K5.

Further, the conveyance device 20 is provided with a height detection unit that directly or indirectly detects the stacking height H (see FIG. 3) of the plurality of sheets P (the sheet bundle PT) stacked in the storage unit 30. Have been.
In the present embodiment, as such a height detecting unit, a first photosensor 42 (number detecting unit) that detects the number of sheets P conveyed to the storage unit 30 via the first conveying path K4. And a second photo sensor 43 (second number detecting means) for detecting the number of sheets P conveyed to the storage unit 30 via the second conveyance path K5, and the first and second conveyance paths K4 and K5. An operation display panel 95 for indirectly detecting the thickness of the sheet P conveyed to the storage unit 30 via the user input information is used, which will be described later in detail.

  Then, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the control unit 90 controls the sheet until the loading height H detected by the height detecting means 42, 43, 95 reaches the predetermined value A. The fourth switching claw 38 (switching means) is controlled such that P is transported to the storage unit 30 via the first transport path K4. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, after the stacking height H detected by the height detecting units 42, 43, and 95 reaches the predetermined value A, the control unit 90 causes the sheet P to be removed. The fourth switching claw 38 (switching means) is controlled so as to be transported to the storage section 30 via the second transport path K5.

  That is, no sheet P is placed on the storage guide 49, or the stacking height H (the number of sheets × sheet thickness) of the sheet bundle PT stacked on the storage guide 49 has reached the predetermined value A. When there is no sheet P, as shown in FIG. 3A, the sheet P is conveyed to the storage section 30 via the first conveyance path K by the purge process, and the sheet P is gradually stacked on the storage guide section 49. Will be. Then, when the stacking height H (number of sheets × sheet thickness) of the sheet bundle PT stacked on the storage guide section 49 becomes equal to or more than the predetermined value A, the conveyance from the first conveyance path K4 is stopped, and FIG. As shown in B), the sheet P is conveyed to the storage unit 30 via the second conveyance path K by the purge process, and the sheet P is further stacked on the storage guide unit 49.

  The “predetermined value A” is a value determined so that the sheet P discharged from the first transport path K4 does not collide with the rear end of the sheet bundle PT on the storage guide 49 as described later. . Specifically, referring to FIG. 3 (A), the sheet P discharged from the first transport path K <b> 4 falls on the storage guide portion 49 in the left range with respect to the virtual trajectory where the sheet P falls vertically downward. The “predetermined value A” is determined so that the rear end of the sheet bundle PT is located.

As described above, by switching the conveyance path according to the stacking height H of the sheets P stacked in the storage unit 30, the purge processing can be performed without increasing the size and cost of the image forming apparatus 1 (the conveyance apparatus 20). Accordingly, a large number of sheets P can be stacked and stored. That is, when the sheet P is conveyed to the storage unit 30 using only one conveyance path, if the stacking height H of the sheet bundle PT stacked on the storage guide unit 49 is increased to some extent, then the conveyance is performed. The sheet P conveyed from the path collides with the rear end of the sheet bundle PT (the portion indicated by the broken line in FIG. 2), and further stacking cannot be performed.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a second conveyance path K5 shifted in the stacking direction is provided separately from the first conveyance path K4, and the stacking height H of the sheet bundle PT stacked on the storage guide 49 is provided. Since the transport route for transporting to the storage section 30 has been switched from the first transport route K4 to the second transport route K5 when the height of the storage portion 30 has increased to some extent, such a problem is reduced. Therefore, the trouble of the user to frequently take out the sheet bundle PT from the storage unit 30 can be reduced.

In particular, in the present embodiment, a part of the existing reverse sheet discharging path is used as the first conveying path K4 for purging, and a part of the existing double-sided conveying path is used as the second conveying path for purging. Since it is used as K5, it is possible to further suppress an increase in the size and cost of the apparatus as compared with a case where the transport paths K4 and K5 are provided exclusively.
Further, as described above, the problem that the stacking height H of the sheet bundle PT stacked on the storage guide unit 49 is increased to some extent and the sheet P conveyed from the conveyance path collides with the sheet bundle PT is reduced. Therefore, alignment failure of the sheet bundle PT stacked on the storage guide 49 is less likely to occur. Therefore, the work of the user to take out the sheet bundle PT from the storage unit 30 is also performed favorably.

  In the present embodiment, when the stacking of the sheets P is started from a state where the sheets P are not stacked on the storage guide section 49, the sheets P are transported (discharged) using the first transport path K4. If the sheet P is conveyed (discharged) using the second conveyance path K5 when the sheet P is started to be stacked from a state where the sheet P is not stacked on the section 49, the sheet P follows the curved surface of the storage guide section 49. As a result, the sheet bundle PT stacked on the storage guide portion 49 is likely to be misaligned. Therefore, when the stacking of the sheets P is started from a state where the sheets P are not stacked on the storage guide portion 49 as in the present embodiment, it is useful to convey the sheets P using the first conveyance path K4.

Here, in the present embodiment, the height detecting means is a first photo as a number detecting means (first number detecting means) for detecting the number of sheets P conveyed to the storage section 30 from the first conveying path K4. The stacking height is determined based on the detection results of the sensor 42 and the operation display panel 95 as a thickness detection unit that indirectly detects the thickness of the sheet P conveyed from the first conveyance path K4 to the storage unit 30. The state where the height H has reached the predetermined value A is detected.
More specifically, the first photo sensor 42 (the number detecting means) is disposed upstream of the first transport path K4 (the portion of the guide plate 47 where the light transmitting portion is provided) and passes through the position. The number of sheets P to be detected is detected by a change in the on / off signal. On the other hand, the operation display panel 95 (thickness detecting means) indirectly indicates the thickness of the sheet P passing through the first transport path K4 from the information of the sheet P input by the user (information on the sheet thickness and type). Is detected (recognized). Then, the control unit 90 multiplies the information (the number of sheets × sheet thickness) to obtain the stacking height H of the sheet bundle PT on the storage guide unit 49, and sets a predetermined “predetermined value A”. Is determined.
In the present embodiment, the thickness (sheet thickness) of the sheet P is indirectly detected based on information input to the operation display panel 95. On the other hand, the thickness of the sheet P can be directly detected by, for example, installing a thickness sensor on the first transport path K4.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the loading height H detected by the height detecting means exceeds the “predetermined value A” and reaches the “predetermined threshold B”, the control unit 90 performs the second transport. The transfer from the path K5 to the storage unit 30 is stopped.
That is, as shown in FIG. 3B, in the purging process, after the switching to the conveyance to the storage unit 30 via the second conveyance path K5, the stacking height of the sheet bundle PT stacked on the storage guide unit 49. When the height H reaches a predetermined threshold B (> predetermined value A), it is determined that the upper limit of the stacking height in the storage unit 30 has been reached, and the purging process is stopped until the sheet bundle PT in the storage unit 30 is removed. . This prevents the sheet P stored in the storage unit 30 from being overloaded and jammed.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the height detecting means includes a second photo sensor 43 serving as a second number detecting means for detecting the number of sheets P conveyed from the second conveying path K5 to the storage unit 30; The stacking height H is determined based on the respective detection results of the operation display panel 95 as a thickness detecting unit that indirectly detects the thickness of the sheet P conveyed from the second conveyance path K5 to the storage unit 30. Is detected when the threshold value B has been reached.
More specifically, the second photo sensor 43 (second number detecting means) is disposed on the upstream side of the second transport path K5 (the portion where the light transmitting portion is provided in the guide plate 47), and its position is provided. Is detected by the change of the on / off signal. On the other hand, the operation display panel 95 (thickness detection means) indirectly indicates the thickness of the sheet P passing through the second transport path K5 from the information of the sheet P input by the user (information on the sheet thickness and type). Is detected (recognized). The information is multiplied by the control unit 90 (the number of sheets × sheet thickness), and the stacking height H of the sheet bundle PT on the storage guide unit 49 (the amount added from the predetermined value A). Is determined, and a magnitude relationship with a preset “threshold value B” is determined.
In the present embodiment, the thickness (sheet thickness) of the sheet P is indirectly detected based on information input to the operation display panel 95. On the other hand, the thickness of the sheet P can be directly detected by, for example, installing a thickness sensor on the second transport path K5.

Here, in the transporting device 20 in the present embodiment, the third photosensor 44 as a sheet detecting unit for detecting the presence or absence of the sheet P stored in the storage unit 30 includes the storage guide unit 49 (a light transmitting unit is provided). The part is located below. Specifically, whether or not the sheet P is present on the storage guide 49 is determined based on whether the output of the third photosensor 44 is on or off.
When the third photo sensor 44 (sheet detecting means) detects a change from the state where the sheet P is stored in the storage section 30 to the state where the sheet P is not stored, the first photo sensor 42 (number detecting means) The number of sheets P (the value counted by the counter of the control unit 90) detected by the control unit 90 is reset, and the number of sheets P detected by the second photo sensor 43 (second number detecting means) is controlled. (The value counted by the counter of the unit 90).
Thus, even after the sheet bundle PT stacked and stored in the storage unit 30 is taken out by the user, the stacking height H is accurately detected based on the height detection units 42, 43, and 95, and the first conveyance is performed. Switching from the route K4 to the second transport route K5 and stopping the transport to the storage unit 30 can be performed at an optimal timing.

In the present embodiment, the first and second photosensors 42 and 43 and the operation display panel 95 are used as height detecting means for detecting the stacking height H of the sheet bundle PT stacked in the storage unit 30. Thus, the stacking height H of the sheet bundle PT is indirectly detected. On the other hand, as a height detecting means for detecting the stacking height H of the sheet bundle PT stacked in the storage unit 30, a distance measuring sensor or the like installed above the storage guide unit 49 is used to detect the sheet bundle PT. The loading height H may be directly detected.
When such a height detecting means is used, it can also be used as a sheet detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of the sheet P stored in the storing section 30.

Finally, the control at the time of the purge process will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when a jam or the like occurs in the image forming system 100 and the purging process is started, the stacking height of the sheet bundle PT stacked in the storage unit 30 is detected by the height detecting units 42, 43, and 95. It is determined whether H is equal to or greater than a predetermined value A (step S1).
As a result, if it is determined that the stacking height H is not greater than or equal to the predetermined value A, it is determined that the succeeding sheet P in the storage unit 30 does not collide with the sheet bundle PT on the storage guide unit 49 and the first transport path Transport from K4 to the storage unit 30 is performed (step S2).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the stacking height H is equal to or larger than the predetermined value A, the succeeding sheet P collides with the sheet bundle PT on the storage guide 49 in the storage 30. As a result, the rotation position of the fourth switching claw 38 is changed (step S3), and the conveyance from the second conveyance path K5 to the storage unit 30 is performed (step S4).
Then, it is determined whether the stacking height H of the sheet bundle PT stacked in the storage unit 30 detected by the height detecting units 42, 43, and 95 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold B (step S5). As a result, when it is determined that the loading height H is not less than or equal to the threshold value B, the conveyance (purge processing) to the storage unit 30 is stopped (step S6).
Then, it is determined whether or not the user has taken out the sheet bundle PT (the sheet P) stacked in the storage unit 30 based on whether or not the third photosensor 44 (the sheet detection unit) has changed on / off (step S7). As a result, when it is determined that the sheet bundle PT (sheet P) has not been taken out, a warning prompting the user to take out the sheet P is displayed on the operation display panel 95 (step S8). On the other hand, if it is determined that the sheet bundle PT (sheet P) has been removed, the number of sheets P detected by the first and second photosensors 42 and 43 is reset (counter clear). Is performed (step S9).

As described above, the transport device 20 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the thickness direction of the sheet P with respect to the first transport path K4 is based on the upstream portion of the storage unit 30 in which a plurality of sheets P are stacked and stored. The second transport path K5 is disposed at a position separated in a direction away from the second transfer path K5. The sheet P is conveyed to the storage unit 30 via the first conveyance path K4 until the stacking height H of the sheet P in the storage unit 30 detected by the height detection units 42, 43, and 95 reaches the predetermined value A. The fourth switching claw 38 (switching means) is controlled so that the sheet P is transported in the second direction after the stacking height H detected by the height detecting means 42, 43, 95 reaches the predetermined value A. The fourth switching claw 38 is controlled so that the fourth switching claw 38 is conveyed to the storage unit 30 via the path K5.
Thus, a large amount of sheets P can be stacked and stored without increasing the size and cost of the transport device 20 (image forming apparatus 1).

In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the transport device 20 installed in the color image forming apparatus 1, but the present invention is naturally applied to the transport device installed in the monochrome image forming apparatus. Can be applied.
Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the transport device 20 installed in the image forming system 100 in which the post-processing device 50 and the image forming device 1 are installed, but the post-processing device 50 is installed. Naturally, the present invention can be applied to a transport device installed in the image forming apparatus 1 that is not installed, and the present invention can also be applied to a transport device installed in a post-processing device.
Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the transport device 20 installed in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Naturally, the present invention can be applied to a transport device installed in an image forming apparatus (for example, an inkjet type image forming apparatus, a stencil printing apparatus, or the like).
Then, even in such a case, the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, the stapler 80, the punch processing unit 70, the sort processing unit 58, and the sheet alignment unit 60 are provided as post-processing mechanisms in the post-processing device 50, but the post-processing mechanism is not limited to these. Alternatively, the post-processing mechanism can be configured to perform another processing such as folding processing or center folding processing, or the post-processing mechanism can be configured to include another combination of the plurality of processing units described above. You can also.
And even in such a case, the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained.

  It is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and it is apparent that the present embodiment can be appropriately modified within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, in addition to the suggestions in the present embodiment. is there. Further, the number, position, shape, and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the present embodiment, but can be set to a number, position, shape, and the like suitable for carrying out the present invention.

  In the specification and the like of the present application, the term “sheet” is not limited to normal paper, but includes all sheet-shaped recording media, for example, coated paper, label paper, OHP sheet, metal sheet, film, prepreg, It is defined as including cloth and the like.

1 image forming apparatus,
15 secondary transfer roller (image forming section),
20 transport device,
26 first reversing roller,
27 second reversing roller,
30 storage,
31 stopper part (wall part),
35 first switching claw,
36 second switching claw,
37 third switching claw,
38 fourth switching claw (switching means, switching claw),
42 first photosensors (number detecting means, height detecting means);
43 second photo sensor (second number detecting means, height detecting means),
44 third photo sensor (sheet detecting means),
47, 48 guide plate,
49 storage guide part (guide part),
50 post-processing equipment,
90 control unit,
95 operation display panel (thickness detecting means, height detecting means),
100 image forming system,
K3 vertical transport route (upstream transport route, reverse transport route, double-sided transport route),
K4 first transport route (reverse transport route),
K5 second transport path (double-sided transport path),
K6 horizontal transfer path (double-sided transfer path),
P sheet, PT sheet bundle.

JP 2017-88378 A

Claims (13)

A storage unit in which a plurality of sheets are stacked and stored,
Height detection means for directly or indirectly detecting the stacking height of a plurality of sheets stacked in the storage unit,
A first transport path for transporting the sheet toward the storage unit;
A second transport path that is disposed at a position separated in a direction away from the first transport path in the thickness direction of the sheet with respect to the upstream section of the storage section and transports the sheet toward the storage section; ,
Switching means for switching between the first transport path and the second transport path;
Until the loading height detected by the height detection means reaches a predetermined value, the switching means is controlled so that the sheet is conveyed to the storage section via the first conveyance path, and the height detection is performed. A control unit that controls the switching unit so that a sheet is conveyed to the storage unit via the second conveyance path after the stacking height detected by the unit reaches the predetermined value;
A transport device comprising: The first transport path and the second transport path are each configured to transport a sheet from above to below in a substantially vertical direction,
The storage section is configured such that a position in a direction away from the second transport path with respect to a position where a sheet is discharged from the first transport path is an upper starting point, and a vertically lower part of the second transport path in a downward direction. The transport device according to claim 1, further comprising a guide portion that curves to a position beyond the position.   3. The transport device according to claim 2, further comprising a wall standing upright in a substantially vertical direction at an end point of the guide.   The first transport path is a part of a reverse discharge path that reverses a sheet on which an image is formed by passing through an image forming unit of the image forming apparatus main body and discharges the sheet to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body. The transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein   The second transport path is a part of a double-sided transport path that reverses a sheet on which an image is formed by passing through an image forming unit of an image forming apparatus main body and transports the sheet toward the image forming unit. The transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein   The height detecting means detects the number of sheets transported from the first transport path to the storage section, and detects the thickness of the sheet transported from the first transport path to the storage section. The transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a state in which the stacking height has reached the predetermined value is detected based on the respective detection results of the thickness detecting means. A sheet detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a sheet stored in the storage unit,
When a change from a state where a sheet is stored in the storage unit to a state where the sheet is not stored is detected by the sheet detection unit, the number of sheets detected by the number detection unit is reset. The transfer device according to claim 6.   The control unit may stop transporting from the second transport path to the storage unit when the loading height detected by the height detection unit exceeds the predetermined value and reaches a predetermined threshold. The transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein   The height detecting means detects the number of sheets conveyed from the second conveyance path to the storage section, and the thickness of the sheet conveyed from the second conveyance path to the storage section. 9. The transport device according to claim 8, wherein a state in which the stacking height has reached the predetermined threshold value is detected based on the respective detection results of the thickness detection unit that detects the load. A sheet detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a sheet stored in the storage unit,
When a change from a state where a sheet is stored in the storage section to a state where the sheet is not stored is detected by the sheet detection means, the number of sheets detected by the second number detection means is reset. The transport device according to claim 9, wherein The storage unit is configured to store sheets staying in the image forming apparatus main body, and to be able to take out the sheet stored in the storage unit to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body,
The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit is a switching claw disposed on a downstream portion of an upstream transport route that is connected to an upstream portion of the first transport route and an upstream portion of the second transport route. Item 11. A transport device according to any one of Items 10.   An image forming apparatus comprising the transport device according to claim 1.   13. An image forming system, comprising: the image forming apparatus according to claim 12; and a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing on a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus.

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