Image forming system

Abstract

The invention relates to an image forming system. The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus; a selectable accessory feeding device, the other selectable accessory feeding device being connectable to a lower portion of the selectable accessory feeding device; a mounting member; a controller; a communication means; an engaging portion; and a joining detection member. The controller acquires first information on whether the mounting member is connected to the image forming apparatus based on a communication result of the communication component and a detection result of the engagement detection component. The controller acquires second information on a number of selected accessory feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus based on a communication result of the communication section. Based on the first information and the second information, the controller is capable of executing a restriction process for restricting image formation by the image forming apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system in which an option feeding device for feeding a sheet to the image forming apparatus can be connected to the image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, there is an image forming system configured so that a plurality of optional feeding devices for sheet feeding as optional devices can be stacked and mounted to the lower portion of an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic type. This image forming system is configured so that sheets can be conveyed from the optional feeding device to an image forming portion in the image forming apparatus through a sheet conveying path in the optional feeding device and a sheet conveying path in the image forming apparatus. By additionally providing the image forming apparatus with the optional feeding device, a large number of sheets can be fed or sheets of different kinds can be selectively used.

[0003] The weight of the image forming apparatus is heavier than that of the optional part feeding device, so that in the case where many optional part feeding devices are connected to the image forming apparatus, the center of gravity of the image forming system becomes a high position. In addition, when the optional part feeding devices exceeding a predetermined number are connected to the image forming apparatus, even if there is no problem in a normal state, in the case where the floor surface vibrates greatly (such as in the case of an earthquake) or during the movement of the image forming apparatus, etc., there sometimes arises a need to prevent the image forming system from falling over.

[0004] In Japanese Patent Application (JP-A) 2022-117735, a configuration has been proposed in which the operation of an image forming apparatus is restricted when the number of optional component feeding devices is greater than a threshold value that is preset depending on the presence / absence of optional component feeding devices of a type installed on a floor surface for preventing tipping of the image forming system.

[0005] Therefore, by restricting the operation of the image forming apparatus, an operator such as a user or a service person is prompted to check and reassemble the configuration of the image forming system, so that the risk of toppling of the image forming system can be prevented from occurring.

[0006] In the configuration disclosed in JP-A 2022-117735, a plurality of optional part feeding devices that can be additionally connected to the image forming apparatus and optional part feeding devices of the type of floor surface mounting for preventing tipping exist in a mixed manner. In addition, in this configuration, by using an electrical contact provided to each of the optional part feeding devices, the presence / absence of the optional part feeding device for preventing tipping is discriminated. Summary of the invention

[0007] A main object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of limiting image formation by an image forming apparatus based on a result of discrimination of a system configuration.

[0008] This object is achieved by an image forming system according to the present invention. According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming system is provided, comprising: an image forming device, the image forming device being configured to form an image on a sheet; an optional part feeding device, the optional part feeding device being connected to a lower portion of the image forming device and being configured to feed a sheet to the image forming device, wherein another optional part feeding device is connectable to a lower portion of the optional part feeding device so that a plurality of optional part feeding devices are stacked in a vertical direction and are connectable; a mounting member, the mounting member being configured to be mounted on a floor surface and connectable to a lower portion of the optional part feeding member; a controller, the controller being configured to control the operation of the image forming device; a communication member, the communication member being configured to transmit and receive signals between the image forming device and the optional part feeding device; an engaging portion, the engaging portion being provided to the optional part feeding device and is configured to engage with the other optional part feeding device to be connected to the lower part of the optional part feeding device or with the mounting member; and an engagement detection component, which is provided to the optional part feeding device and is configured to detect the engagement of the engagement portion with the other optional part feeding device to be connected to the lower part of the optional part feeding device or with the mounting member, wherein based on the communication result of the communication component and the detection result of the engagement detection component, the controller obtains first information about whether the mounting member is connected to the image forming device, wherein based on the communication result of the communication component, the controller obtains second information about the number of optional part feeding devices connected to the image forming device, and wherein based on the first information and the second information, the controller is able to perform restriction processing for restricting image formation of the image forming device.

[0009] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system.

[0011] Figure 2 Part (a) is a schematic diagram of the optional feeding device. Figure 2 Part (b) is a schematic plan view of the tipping prevention member, Figure 2 Part (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optional feeding device, and Figure 2 Part (d) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fall prevention member.

[0012] Figure 3 Part (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating engagement between the image forming apparatus and the optional part feeding device, Figure 3 Part (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating engagement between the optional part feeding device and another optional part feeding device, and Figure 3 Part (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating engagement between the option feeding device and the tipping prevention member.

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming system.

[0014] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming system.

[0015] Figure 6 Parts (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams for illustrating the configurations of a controller and an option controller, respectively.

[0016] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a process for identifying the configuration of an image forming system.

[0017] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 Flowchart of the procedure of the fall prevention member presence / absence discrimination processing in the process shown in FIG.

[0018] Fig. 9 : is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display in a display operation panel.

[0019] Fig.10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, the image forming system according to the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] [Example 1]

[0022] <Overall Configuration and Operation of Image Forming System>

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming system of this embodiment. Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming system 200 is constructed by connecting four optional feeding devices 101, 102, 103, and 104 and a toppling prevention member 26 to the image forming apparatus 100 so as to be detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus 100. Incidentally, with respect to the image forming system 200 and its elements, the up-down direction refers to up and down in the gravity direction (vertical direction), but does not only mean directly above and directly below, and includes the upper side and the lower side of the horizontal plane passing through the element or position of interest.

[0024] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus main assembly) 100 is a tandem laser beam printer capable of forming a full-color image using an electrophotographic type. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion 31 and a feeding device 15 for feeding a sheet S to the image forming portion 31, and the image forming portion 31 is provided with four image forming units 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K for forming images of yellow (M), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) as a plurality of image forming units. Incidentally, in some cases, elements that provide colors of Y, M, C, and K and have the same or corresponding functions or configurations are collectively described by omitting the suffixes Y, M, C, and K that respectively indicate the elements provided for the associated colors. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 13 is composed of a photosensitive member 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K), a charging roller 2 (2Y, 2M, 2C, 2K), an exposure device 3 (3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K), a developing device 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K), a cleaning device 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 5K), etc.

[0025] During image formation, a rotatable drum-shaped (cylindrical) photosensitive member (photosensitive drum) 1 is rotated in Figure 1 The surface of the rotating photosensitive member 1 is uniformly charged by a charging roller 2 as a charging member, which is a roller-shaped charging member. The charged surface of the photosensitive member 1 is irradiated with a laser beam based on image information by an exposure device (laser scanner) 3 as an exposure member, so that an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) is formed on the photosensitive member 1. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member 1 is developed (visualized) by supplying a toner as a developer by a developing device 4 as a developing member, so that a toner image (toner picture developer image) is formed on the photosensitive member 1.

[0026] Opposite to the four photosensitive members 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, a conveyor belt 9 is provided as a conveying member, which is a recording material carrying member composed of an endless belt. The conveyor belt 9 is stretched by a plurality of stretching rollers 9a, 9b, and 9c. By rotationally driving a driving roller that is one of the plurality of stretching rollers 9a, 9b, and 9c, a driving force is transmitted to the conveyor belt 9, so that the conveyor belt 9 is stretched in a Figure 1 The conveyor belt 9 rotates (circulates and moves) in the clockwise direction in the conveyor belt 9. On the inner peripheral surface side of the conveyor belt 9, opposite to the photosensitive members 1Y, 1M, 1C and 1K, transfer rollers 5Y, 5M, 5C and 5K are provided as transfer members, respectively, which are roller-shaped transfer members. The transfer roller 5 is pressed against the photosensitive member 1, and forms a transfer portion T in which the photosensitive member 1 and the conveyor belt 9 are in contact with each other.

[0027] The toner image formed on the photosensitive member 1 is transferred to a sheet (recording material, recording medium, transfer material) such as a recording sheet which is conveyed by the action of the transfer roller 5 so as to pass through the transfer portion T while being carried on the conveyor belt 9. For example, during full-color image formation, the toner images of the colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black formed on the photosensitive member 1 are successively transferred to the sheet S carried and conveyed by the conveyor belt 9, so that a multi-color image is formed on the sheet S.

[0028] In addition, the transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive member 1 after the transfer is removed and collected from the surface of the photosensitive member 1 by the cleaning device 6 as a cleaning member. The sheet S is fed toward the image forming portion 31 from the feeding device 15 which is a feeding device provided in the image forming apparatus 100 or from the optional feeding devices 101 to 104 which are feeding devices as optional devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100. This sheet S is synchronized with the formation beat of the toner image on the photosensitive member 1 by the registration roller pair 8, and then is conveyed toward the conveyor belt 9. Then, by the action of the adsorption roller 9e which is an adsorption member, this sheet S is adsorbed to and carried on the conveyor belt 9.

[0029] The sheet S on which the toner image is transferred is separated from the conveyor belt 9 and conveyed toward a fixing device 10 as a fixing member. The fixing device 10 fixes (melts, adheres) the toner image on the sheet S by heating and pressurizing the sheet S carrying the unfixed toner image thereon. The sheet S on which the toner image is fixed is discharged (output) by a discharge roller pair 11 of a discharge portion onto a discharge tray 12 provided outside (upper portion) of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0030] Here, in this embodiment, the image forming portion 31 for forming an image on a sheet S is constituted by the image forming units 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K, the conveyor belt 9, and the transfer rollers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, etc. In addition, in this embodiment, in each of the image forming units 13, the photosensitive member 1, the charging roller 2, the developing device 4, and the cleaning device 6 are integrally assembled into a cartridge, and thus constitute a process cartridge 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K).

[0031] <Sheet Feeding>

[0032] The feeding of the sheet S will be further described. The embodiment device (sheet feeding device, box) 14 provided in the image forming apparatus 100 includes a sheet accommodating portion 28a for accommodating the sheet S, and a feeding portion 20a for feeding the sheet S one by one from the sheet accommodating portion 28a. The feeding portion 20a is composed of a pickup roller 21a and a separation conveying roller pair 22a as a feeding member, a conveying roller pair 23a as a conveying member, a conveying sensor 24a for detecting the sheet S, and the like. In the case where the sheet S is fed from the feeding device 15 and an image is formed on the sheet S, the sheet S is separated and fed one by one from the sheet accommodating portion 28a by the pickup roller 21a and the separation conveying roller pair 22a. This sheet S is conveyed by the conveying roller pair 23a. Then, this sheet S is conveyed toward the conveyor belt 9 by the registration roller pair 8 as described above. In addition, the sheet S fed from the feeding device 15 is detected by the conveying sensor 24a, and the result is used to control the timing of image formation, etc. In addition, although omitted from the illustration, the feeding device 15 is also provided with a sheet presence / absence sensor for detecting the presence / absence of the sheet S in the sheet accommodating portion 28a.

[0033] In addition, Figure 1In the embodiment of the embodiment, in the lower part of the image forming apparatus 100, optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 are connected successively, and are stacked in the vertical (up and down) direction and additionally provided. In this embodiment, four optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 of the same kind are connected and installed to the image forming apparatus 100. First, the optional part feeding device 101 in the first level (uppermost level) directly connected to the lower part of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described as an example. Incidentally, with respect to the elements in the optional part feeding device 101 having the same or corresponding functions or configurations as those of the feeding device 15, "b" is added as a suffix of the reference number in place of "a" in the feeding device 15. The optional part feeding device (optional sheet feeding device, optional box) 101 includes a sheet accommodating portion 28b for accommodating sheets S, and a feeding portion 20b for feeding sheets S one by one from the sheet accommodating portion 28b. The feeding portion 20b is constituted by including a pickup roller 21b and a separation conveying roller pair 22b as a feeding member, a conveying roller pair 23b as a conveying member, a conveying sensor 24b for detecting a sheet S, and the like. In the case where a sheet S is fed from the optional feeding device 101 and an image is formed on the sheet S, the sheet S is separated and fed one by one from the sheet accommodating portion 28b by the pickup roller 21b and the separation conveying roller pair 22b. This sheet S is conveyed by the conveying roller pair 23b of the optional feeding device 101, and is further conveyed by the conveying roller pair 23a of the feeding device 15 provided in the image forming apparatus 100. Then, this sheet S is conveyed toward the conveyor belt 9 by the registration roller pair 8 as described above. In addition, the sheet S fed from the feeding device 15 is detected by the conveying sensor 24b of the optional feeding device 101 and the conveying sensor 24a of the feeding device 15 provided in the image forming apparatus 100, and the result thereof is used to control the timing of image formation, etc. In addition, although omitted from illustration, the option feeding device 101 is also provided with a sheet presence / absence sensor for detecting the presence / absence of the sheet S in the sheet accommodating portion 28 b .

[0034] The optional part feeding devices 102 to 104 in the second to fourth stages (lowest stages) basically have the same configuration as that of the optional part feeding device 101 in the uppermost stage described above. Incidentally, regarding the elements in the optional part feeding devices 102 to 104 having the same or corresponding functions or configurations as those of the optional part feeding device 101, "c", "d" and "e" are added to the suffixes of the reference numerals in place of "b" in the optional part feeding device 101, respectively. That is, the optional part feeding devices 102 to 104 include sheet accommodating portions 28c, 28d and 28e, and feeding portions 20c, 20d and 20e, respectively. The feeding portions 20c, 20d and 20e are configured by including pickup rollers 21c, 21d and 21e, separation conveying rollers 22c, 22d and 22e, conveying rollers 23c, 23d and 23e, conveying sensors 24c, 24d and 24e, and the like, respectively. In addition, each of the optional feeding devices 102 to 104 is also provided with a sheet presence / absence sensor (not shown). In addition, the operation in the case where the sheet S is fed from each of the optional feeding devices 102 to 104 and an image is formed on the sheet S is similar to the operation in the case where the sheet S is fed from the optional feeding device 101 and an image is formed on the sheet S. However, in the case where the sheet S is fed from any one of the optional feeding devices 102 to 104, the sheet S is conveyed by an associated one of the conveying rollers 23c, 23d, and 23e, and further, is conveyed by a conveying roller provided on the downstream side of the associated conveying roller in the conveying direction of the sheet S. Similarly, in the case where the sheet S is fed from any one of the optional feeding devices 102 to 104, the sheet S is detected by an associated one of the conveying sensors 24c, 24d, and 24e, and further, is detected by a conveying sensor provided on the downstream side of the associated conveying sensor in the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0035] <Connection of optional feeding device and tipping prevention member>

[0036] As mentioned above, in Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , four option feeding devices 101 to 104 are connected to the lower portion of the image forming apparatus 100 , and a fall prevention member (base, seat) 26 is connected to the lower portion of the option feeding device 104 in the lowermost stage.

[0037] The image forming apparatus 100 includes the recessed portion 72a as an engaging portion engageable with the optional part feeding device 101 to be connected to the lower portion thereof or the toppling prevention member 26. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an engagement detection sensor 25a as an engagement detection means for detecting engagement of the recessed portion 72a with the optional part feeding device 101 or the toppling prevention member 26.

[0038] The optional part feeding device 101 includes a recessed portion 72v as an engaging portion engageable with another optional part feeding device 102 to be connected to the lower portion thereof or the toppling prevention member 26. In addition, the optional part feeding device 101 includes an engagement detection sensor 25b as an engagement detection component for detecting engagement of the recessed portion 72b with another optional part feeding device 102 or the toppling prevention member 26. In addition, the optional part feeding device 101 includes a protruding portion 73b as a portion to be engaged with which the recessed portion 72a of the image forming apparatus 100 above the protruding portion 73b or the recessed portion of another optional part feeding device (such as the recessed portion 72b of the optional part feeding device 101 in the uppermost stage relative to the optional part feeding device 102 in the second stage) engages. As described above, the optional part feeding devices 102 to 104 basically have the same configuration as that of the optional part feeding device 101. That is, the option feeding devices 102 to 104 include the recessed portions 72 c , 72 d , and 72 e and the engagement detection sensors 25 c , 25 c , and 25 e , and the protruding portions 73 c , 73 d , and 73 e , respectively.

[0039] The fall prevention member 26 is a floor surface placement member (mounting member) for making the image forming system 200 harder to fall than when the fall prevention member 26 is not connected by being directly connected to the image forming apparatus 100 or connected to the image forming apparatus 100 via the optional feeding devices 101 to 104. The fall prevention member 26 may only need to have a configuration that makes the image forming system 200 harder to fall as described above.

[0040] For example, the toppling prevention member 26 is a member having an installation floor area larger than the installation floor area of ​​the image forming device 100. Here, with respect to the installation floor area, in the case where the image forming device 100 and the toppling prevention member 26 are viewed from above, the area surrounded by the portion where each of the image forming device 100 and the toppling prevention member 26 is installed on the floor surface is represented by the occupied area. The toppling prevention member 26 is generally constituted by including a plate-like member that is continuous as a whole. However, for example, the toppling prevention member 26 may be divided into four members that respectively include four corners in the case where the image forming device 100 is viewed from above. In addition, the toppling prevention member 26 is not limited to a member having an installation floor area larger than the installation floor area of ​​the image forming device 100. The toppling prevention member 26 may also be a member having a weight that makes the center of gravity of the image forming system 200 sufficiently lower than the case where the toppling prevention member 26 is not connected by being directly connected to the image forming device 100 or connected to the image forming device 100 via the optional feeding devices 101 to 104. The tipping prevention member 26 may be a member that satisfies one of the requirements of the installation floor area and the weight, or a member that satisfies two of the above elements. In addition, when the configuration that makes the image forming system 200 difficult to fall down as described above is adopted, the tipping prevention member 26 may include a caster mounted on the floor surface. The caster is composed of a rotatable wheel, a pivot for rotating the wheel, and a stopper for limiting at least one of the rotation and rotation of the wheel.

[0041] In this embodiment, the toppling prevention member 26 includes an anti-toppling plate 26a which is a rectangular plate-shaped member in a plan view, and four casters 26b installed in the vicinity of the four corners of the lower surface of the toppling prevention member 26. This toppling prevention member 26 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100, thereby making the installation floor area of ​​the image forming system 200 larger than the installation floor area in the case where the toppling prevention member 26 is not connected, and in addition, the center of gravity of the image forming system 200 is lowered, making it difficult for the image forming system 200 to fall. In addition, the toppling prevention member 26 includes a protruding portion 73 as a portion to be engaged with which the recessed portion 72a of the image forming apparatus above the toppling prevention member 26 or the recessed portion 72e of the optional part feeding device (the optional part feeding device 104 in the lowest stage in the case where the optional part feeding device is stacked in multiple stages) above the toppling prevention member 26 is engaged.

[0042] Therefore, in Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming system 200 includes a coupling mechanism 27a between the image forming apparatus 100 and the uppermost optional part feeding device 101 connected to the lower part of the image forming apparatus 100. This coupling mechanism 27a is constituted by including a recessed portion 72a of the image forming apparatus 100 and a protruding portion 73b of the optional part feeding device 101. In addition, the image forming system 200 includes a coupling mechanism 27b between the optional part feeding device 101 and another optional part feeding device 102 connected to the lower part of the optional part feeding device 101. This coupling mechanism 27b is constituted by including a recessed portion 72b of the optional part feeding device 101 and a protruding portion 73c of another optional part feeding device 102. Similarly, the image forming system 200 includes a coupling mechanism 27c between the optional part feeding device 102 and another optional part feeding device 103 and a coupling mechanism 27d between the optional part feeding device 103 and another optional part feeding device 104. In addition, the image forming system 200 includes an engagement mechanism 27e between the option feeding device 104 and the fall prevention member 26 connected to the lower portion of the lowermost option feeding device 104. This engagement mechanism 27e is constituted by including the recessed portion 72e of the option feeding device 104 and the protruding portion 73f of the fall prevention member 26.

[0043] Engagement of the option feeding devices 101 to 104 with the image forming apparatus 100 or with the other of the option feeding devices 101 to 104 and engagement of the falling prevention member 26 with the image forming apparatus 100 or with the option feeding devices 101 to 104 will be further described.

[0044] Figure 2 Part (a) is a schematic top plan view of the optional feeding devices 101 to 104, and Figure 2 Part (b) is an optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 in Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the position of d1 in part (a). In addition, Figure 2 Part (c) is a schematic top plan view of the tipping prevention member 26, and Figure 2 The portion (d) is the tipping prevention member 26 in Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of the position of d2 in part (c).

[0045] like Figure 2As shown in parts (a) and (b) of the drawings, the option feeding devices 101 to 104 include recessed portions 72b to 72e and drawer connectors 70b to 70e as electrical connection portions at their lower portions. The recessed portions 72b to 72e of the option feeding devices 101 to 104 are mechanisms for physically engaging with another option feeding device or a tipping prevention member 26 connected to the lower portion of the option feeding devices 101 to 104. In addition, the option feeding devices 101 to 104 include engagement detection sensors 25b to 25e in the recessed portions 72b to 72e, respectively. In this embodiment, each of the engagement detection sensors 25b to 25e is constructed by including a mechanical switch that changes in an output signal by being physically moved at least at a portion thereof. The drawer connectors 70 b to 70 e of the option feeding devices 101 to 104 transmit and receive signals by being electrically connected to another option feeding device connected to the lower portion of the option feeding devices 101 to 104 .

[0046] In addition, the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 include protruding portions 73b to 73e and drawer connectors 71b and 71e as electrical connection portions at their upper portions, respectively. The protruding portions 73b to 73e of the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 are mechanisms for physically engaging with the image forming apparatus 100 or another optional part feeding device connected to their upper portions. In addition, the drawer connectors 71b to 71e of the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 transmit and receive signals by being electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 100 or another optional part feeding device connected to their upper portions.

[0047] Figure 3 Part (a) is used to illustrate Figure 1 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the engaging mechanism 27 a in FIG. 1 , and shows a state in which the image forming apparatus 100 and the option feeding device 101 in the uppermost stage are connected to each other.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown in part (a) of the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a recessed portion 72a and a drawer connector 70a as an electrical connection portion at its lower surface. The recessed portion 72a of the image forming apparatus 100 is a mechanism for physically engaging with an optional component feeding device 101 or a tipping prevention member 26 connected to the lower portion of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an engagement detection sensor 25a in the recessed portion 72a. In this embodiment, the engagement detection sensor 25a is constructed by including a mechanical switch that changes in an output signal by being physically moved at least at a portion thereof. The drawer connector 70a of the image forming apparatus 100 transmits and receives signals by being electrically connected to an optional component feeding device connected to the lower portion of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0049] Then, if Figure 3 As shown in part (a) of , when the protruding portion 73b of the optional part feeding device 101 is inserted into the recessed portion 72a of the image forming apparatus 100, the engagement detection sensor 25a in the recessed portion 72a is physically pressed by the protruding portion 73b. As a result, the output logic of the engagement detection sensor 25a is changed. In addition, the recessed portion 72a and the protruding portion 73b are engaged with each other, so that the drawer connector 70a of the image forming apparatus 100 and the drawer connector 71a of the optional part feeding device 101 are connected to each other. As a result, through the drawer connector 70a and the drawer connector 70b, it is possible to transmit and receive signals between the image forming apparatus 100 and the optional part feeding device 101.

[0050] Figure 3 Part (b) is used to illustrate Figure 1 27b in the uppermost stage and the optional part feeding device 101 and the optional part feeding device 102 in the second stage are connected to each other. Figure 3 As shown in part (b) of , when the protruding portion 73c of the optional part feeding device 102 is inserted into the recessed portion 72b of the optional part feeding device 101, the engagement detection sensor 25b in the recessed portion 72b is physically pressed by the protruding portion 73c. ​​As a result, the output logic of the engagement detection sensor 25b is changed. In addition, the recessed portion 72b and the recessed portion 73c engage with each other, so that the drawer connector 70b of the optional part feeding device 101 and the drawer connector 71c of the optional part feeding device 102 are connected to each other. As a result, through the drawer connector 70b and the drawer connector 71c, transmission and reception of signals between the image forming apparatus 100 and the optional part feeding device 102 are enabled. About Figure 1 The engaging mechanisms 27c and 27d in FIG. 2 are similar to the engaging mechanism 27b and thus will be omitted from the description.

[0051] Figure 3 Part (c) is used to illustrate Figure 1 27e in the schematic cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism 27e, and shows the state in which the option feeding device 104 and the falling prevention member 26 in the lowermost stage are connected to each other. Figure 3As shown in part (c) of , when the protruding portion 73f of the tipping prevention member 26 is inserted into the recessed portion 72e of the optional feeding device 104, the engagement detection sensor 25e in the recessed portion 72e is physically pressed by the protruding portion 73f. As a result, the output logic of the engagement detection sensor 25e is changed. The tipping prevention member 26 does not include a drawer connector and a microcontroller described later. For this reason, communication is not performed between the image forming device 100 and the tipping prevention member 26. In addition, in the case where the tipping prevention member 26 is directly connected to the image forming device 100, the recessed portion 72a of the image forming device 100 and the protruding portion 73f of the tipping prevention member 26 engage with each other. As a result, the engagement detection sensor 25a in the recessed portion 72a of the image forming device 100 is pressed by the protruding portion 73f, so that the output logic of the engagement detection sensor 25a is changed.

[0052] Incidentally, the engagement detection sensors 25a to 25e are not limited to sensors having mechanical switches. The engagement detection sensors 25a to 25e may only need to have a configuration capable of detecting the presence / absence of engagement. For example, the engagement detection sensors 25a to 25e may also be optical detection sensors that include a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and that change in an output signal due to changes in the presence / absence of light emitted from the light emitting portion and received by the light receiving portion and the amount of light. In addition, the engagement detection sensors 25a to 25e may also be another arbitrary detection component.

[0053] In addition, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned recessed parts 72a to 72e have substantially the same shape, and the above-mentioned protruding parts 73b to 73e have substantially the same shape. In this embodiment, each of the recessed parts 72a to 72e is composed of a cylindrical hole, and each of the protruding parts 73a to 73e is composed of a cylindrical member. However, the engagement mechanism is not limited to being composed of the protruding part and the recessed part as in this embodiment.

[0054] In addition, each of the image forming apparatus 100 and the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 may include a plurality of engaging portions (recessed portions), and each of the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 and the falling prevention member 26 may include a plurality of to-be-engaged portions (protruding portions). Figure 2As shown in parts (a) and (c) of , each of the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 and the tipping prevention member 26 includes an associated one of the above-mentioned protrusions 73b to 73f near one of the four corners when the associated optional part feeding device or the tipping prevention member is viewed from above. In addition, each of the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 and the tipping prevention member 26 includes an associated one of the other protrusions 75b to 75f near at least another one of the four corners. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 and the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 are provided with recessed portions corresponding to the above-mentioned other protrusions 75b to 75f. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 100, the optional part sheet feeding devices 101 to 104, and the tipping prevention member 26 can be more securely connected to each other.

[0055] In addition, any fixing means (screws, screw holes, bolts, nuts, etc.) for fixing the image forming apparatus 100 , the option feeding devices 101 to 104 , and the fall prevention member 26 to each other may be further provided.

[0056] <Control Structure of Image Forming System>

[0057] Figure 4 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the image forming system 200 , and is used to illustrate the control configuration of the image forming system 200 in this embodiment.

[0058] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller 30 constituted by a microcontroller, and a joint detection sensor input circuit 87a for inputting an output logic of the joint detection sensor 25a to an I / O port of the controller 30. In addition, the option feeding devices 101 to 104 respectively include option controllers 40b to 40e each constituted by a microcontroller, switches 41b to 41e, and joint detection sensor input circuits 87b to 87e each for inputting an output logic of an associated one of the joint detection sensors 25b to 25e.

[0059] Figure 5 2 is a block diagram showing an overview of the functional configuration of the image forming system 200, and is used to illustrate the control configuration of the image forming system 200 in this embodiment. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the control configuration of the image forming system 200 will be further described.

[0060] The controller 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 is constituted by a microcontroller. The controller 30 receives print image data transmitted from an external device 300 such as a personal computer (PC), and transmits the state of the image forming apparatus 100 to the external device 300. The controller 30 includes a communication section 47a as a communication means, an initial communication section 48 as an initial communication means, an option ID information storage section 49, a restriction section 46 as a restriction means, and an option management section 36.

[0061] The communication section 47a communicates with a device directly or indirectly connected to the image forming apparatus 100. The initial communication section 48 establishes communication with the option feeding devices 101 to 104 during the power-on period (during the start of power supply, during power ON) of the image forming apparatus 100 (image forming system 200). The initial communication section 48 successively establishes communication with the option feeding devices 101 to 104, and specifies IDs (option device identifiers) to the option feeding devices 101 to 104 with which the communication is established. Then, the initial communication section 48 causes the option ID information storage section 49 to store these multiple pieces of ID information (option ID information).

[0062] The restriction portion 46 performs control so that the image forming apparatus 100 does not form an image even when the restriction portion 46 receives an image forming instruction from the external device 300. Here, the present invention is not limited to the restriction portion 46 prohibiting all operations of the image forming apparatus 100. The restriction portion 46 may only need to prevent the occurrence of the risk of toppling (falling down) of the image forming system 200 by prompting an operator (such as a user or a service person) to check or reassemble the configuration of the image forming system 200 by substantially disabling the use of the image forming apparatus 100. From this point of view, the restriction portion 46 may only need to prohibit at least the image formation of the image forming apparatus 100 (specifically, the formation of a toner image on the photosensitive member 1). For this reason, even when the restriction portion 46 performs control so as to restrict the image formation of the image forming apparatus 100 (and further provides notification as described later), for example, the adjustment operation of the image forming apparatus 100, the operation of the fan, etc. may be performed. The restriction portion 46 may also perform control so as to restrict substantially all operations of the image forming apparatus 100 (except for the turning off (OFF) of the power supply of the image forming apparatus 100).

[0063] The optional component management part 36 includes a toppling prevention member presence / absence discrimination part 38 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "presence / absence discrimination part") as a toppling prevention member presence / absence discrimination part, a constituent condition information storage part 37, and an operation possibility (enable / disable) discrimination part 39 as an operation possibility (possibility) discrimination part. The presence / absence discrimination part 38 discriminates whether the toppling prevention member is connected based on the number of the optional component feeding devices 101 to 104 with which communication is established through the communication part 48 and the logical information (detection results) of the engagement detection sensors 25a to 25e. Incidentally, the presence / absence discrimination part 38 (controller 30) acquires the logical information of the engagement detection sensors 25a to 25e through the communication part 47a. In the constituent condition information storage part 37, constituent condition information is stored, which is information about the combination conditions of the optional component devices for allowing the image forming apparatus 100 to perform image formation. In this embodiment, in the composition condition information storage section 37, as composition condition information, table data as shown in Table 1 is stored.

[0064] Table 1

[0065] --------------------------------------

[0066] NFPM *1 WFPM *2

[0067] --------------------------------------

[0068] NOAOFD *3 3 or less 4 or less

[0069] --------------------------------------

[0070] *1: “NFPM” means no fall prevention mechanism.

[0071] *2: “WFPM” has a fall prevention member.

[0072] *3: “NOAOFD” is the number of allowed optional feeding devices.

[0073] The operation possibility discriminating portion 39 discriminates enablement / disablement of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 based on information on whether the option feeding devices 101 to 104 can establish communication with the image forming apparatus 100 through the initial communication portion 48, the discrimination result of the presence / absence discriminating portion 38, and the constituent condition information stored in the constituent condition information storage portion 37.

[0074] In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a display operation panel 35 as a display operation member connected to the controller 30. The display operation panel 35 includes a display portion for displaying information by control of the controller 30, and an input portion for inputting information (signals) to the controller 30 in response to an operation of an operator. Thus, the display operation panel 35 receives an operation from the operator and notifies the operator of a message. The display operation panel can be composed of, for example, a touch panel.

[0075] In addition, the joining detection sensor 25a, the feeding part 20a, the image forming part 31, the conveying part 32 (registration roller pair 8, etc.), the fixing part 33 (fixing device 10, etc.), and the discharge part 34 (discharge roller pair 11, etc.) provided in the image forming apparatus 100 are connected to the controller 30.

[0076] Each of the option controllers 40b to 40e of the option feeding devices 101 to 104 is constituted by a microcontroller. The option controllers 40b to 40e include communication parts 47b to 47e as communication components, respectively. The feeding parts 20b to 20e and the joint detection sensors 25b to 25e are connected to the option controllers 40b to 40e, respectively. The option controllers 40b to 40e communicate with the controller 30 via the serial interface (I / F) through the communication parts 47b to 47e. Together with this, the option controllers 40b to 40e respectively control the feeding parts 20b to 20e to perform feeding of the sheet S so that the sheet S is moved to the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, the option controllers 40b to 40e transmit various pieces of information (signals) indicating the detection results of the joint detection sensors 25b to 25e through the communication parts 47b to 47e, respectively.

[0077] like Figure 6As shown in part (a) of the control unit 30, the microcontroller constituting the controller 30 is constituted by including an operation processing part 81, a storage part 82, an input / output part 83, etc. The above-mentioned communication part 47a is constituted by the input / output part 83, etc. of the controller 30. In addition, the above-described initial communication part 48, the restriction part 46, and the tipping prevention member presence / absence discrimination part 38 and the operation possibility discrimination part 39 of the optional part management part 36 are realized by executing a program stored in the storage part 82 of the controller 30 by the operation processing part 81 of the controller 30. In addition, the above-mentioned optional part ID information storage part 49 and the composition condition information storage part 37 of the optional part management part 36 are realized by the storage part 82 of the controller 30. As shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in part (b) of the embodiment, the microcomputer constituting each of the option controllers 40b to 40e is constituted by including an arithmetic processing section 84, a storage section 85, an input / output section 86, etc. The above-mentioned communication sections 47b to 47e are respectively realized by the input / output section 86, etc. of the option controllers 40b to 40e.

[0078] Incidentally, the controller 30 and the optional controllers 40b to 40e may be constituted by the cooperation of a CPU and another ASIC, or may be constituted only by an ASIC. That is, in this document, the controller 30 and the optional controllers 40b to 40e are described as the main part of the processing in some cases, but the main part of the processing is not necessarily limited to the controller 30 and the optional controllers 40b to 40e constituted by a microcontroller in this embodiment.

[0079] <Communication Interface Between Image Forming Apparatus and Optional Parts Feeding Device>

[0080] refer to Figure 4 , the communication interface between the image forming apparatus 100 and the option feeding devices 101 to 104 will be described.

[0081] First, the communication between the image forming apparatus 100 and the option feeding devices 101 to 104 through the communication portions 47 a to 47 e will be described.

[0082] The controller 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 and the option controllers 40b to 40e of the option feeding devices 101 to 104 are cascade-connected (cascade / series-connected). In addition, the controller 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 and the option controllers 40b to 40e of the option feeding devices 101 to 104 are configured to be able to communicate with each other through a shared serial communication line.

[0083] As for the interface signal, as a clock signal for realizing synchronization of communication (hereinafter, this signal is also referred to as "CLK signal" etc.), the controller 30 outputs a CLK transmission (transmission) signal 201. On the other hand, the CLK transmission signal 201 is input to each of the option controllers 40b to 40e sides as an associated one of the CLK reception signals 211b to 211e.

[0084] In addition, as a command signal (hereinafter, this signal is also referred to as a "CMD signal" or the like) transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 to each of the option feeding devices 101 to 104, the controller 30 outputs a CMD transmission signal 202. On the other hand, the CMD transmission signal 202 is input to each of the option controllers 40b to 40e sides as an associated one of the CMD reception signals 212b to 212e.

[0085] In addition, as a status signal (hereinafter, this signal is also referred to as an "STS signal" or the like) transmitted (replied) from the option feeding devices 101 to 104 to the image forming apparatus 100, an STS reception signal 203 is input to the controller 30 side. On the other hand, the option controllers 40b to 40e output the STS transmission signals 213b to 213e input as the STS signal 203 to the controller 30 side.

[0086] Each of the CMD reception signals 212b to 212e is branched into two signals. One is a command interrupt signal (hereinafter, also referred to as a "CMD interrupt signal") 214b, 214c, 214d, or 214e. The other is a CMD reception signal 212b, 212c, 212d, or 212e. The CMD interrupt signals 214b to 214e are input to the interrupt ports of the option controllers 40b to 40e, respectively, and are set so that when each of these signals 214b to 214e becomes a low level, an interrupt occurs.

[0087] Next, initial communication by the initial communication portion 48 during turning on of the power of the image forming apparatus 100 (image forming system 200 ) will be described.

[0088] The switches 41b to 41e are capable of switching the communication connection state (connection or non-connection) of the option controllers 40b to 40e connected in cascade to each other. In the following, a method of successively performing transmission and reception of CMD signals between the controller 30 and the option controllers 40b to 40e while switching the switches 41b to 41e and giving respective IDs (option device identifiers) to the option feeding devices 101 to 104 is described.

[0089] During the power-on period of the image forming apparatus 100, all the option feeding devices 101 to 104 are in a state where the ID is not registered (not set). In this case, the option controllers 40b to 40e of the option feeding devices 101 to 104 put the switches 41b to 41e in a non-connection state (OFF state) so that the CMD signal is not input. That is, in this case, all the switches 41b to 41e are in a non-connection state.

[0090] Here, the controller 30 (specifically, the initial communication section 48) of the image forming apparatus 100 transmits a command for designating ID = 1 in the form of a CMD signal. Only the option controller 40b of the option feeding device 101 in the uppermost stage can receive this command. The option controllers 40c to 40e of the option feeding devices 102 to 104 in the second to last (lowest) stages cannot receive the command because all the switches 41b to 41e are in a non-connected state.

[0091] The option controller 40a of the option feeding device 101 in the uppermost stage, when receiving the designation command of ID=1 in the state where the ID is not registered (not set), stores the ID=1 of the option feeding device 101 and switches the state of the switch 41b to the connection state. In addition, the option controller 40b transmits (replies) to the effect that ID=1 is registered to the controller 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 through the STS signal. The controller 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 causes the option ID information storage section 49 to store the ID information.

[0092] When the controller 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 checks that the option feeding device 101 in the uppermost stage is registered by the STS signal, a command for designating ID=2 is subsequently sent. In the present state of the switches 41b to 41e, the state of the switch 41b of the option feeding device 101 in the uppermost stage is placed in the connected state, so that the option controllers 40b and 40c of the option feeding devices 101 and 102 in the uppermost stage and the second stage can receive this command. The option controller 40b of the option feeding device 101 in the uppermost stage has already stored (set) the ID, and thus ignores the new ID registration command. On the other hand, the option controller 40c of the option feeding device in the second stage receives the ID=2 registration command in the state in which the ID is not registered, and thus stores the ID=2 of the option feeding device 102, and then switches the state of the switch 41c to the connected state. Then, by the STS signal, the option controller 40c sends (replies) to the controller 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 to the effect that ID=2 is registered. The controller 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 causes the option ID information storage portion 49 to store the ID information.

[0093] Subsequently, in a similar manner, the switches 41c and 41d of the option feeding devices 102 and 103 in the second and third stages are successively placed in the connection state. Thus, ID=3 is registered in the option controller 41d of the option feeding device 103 in the third stage, and ID=4 is registered in the option controller 41e of the option feeding device 104 in the lowest stage. In addition, the controller 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 causes the option ID information storage section 49 to store these multiple pieces of ID information. Incidentally, the ID information of the option feeding device 104 in the last stage is registered, so that the switch 41e of the option feeding device 104 in the last stage is also placed in the connection state.

[0094] <System configuration identification>

[0095] Next, the system configuration discrimination processing during the turning-on of the power of the image forming system 200 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 This is the flowchart of this process. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Flowchart of the process of S105. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the image forming system 200 has Figure 1 The system configuration shown in . In addition, in the configuration condition information storage section 37, the configuration condition information of Table 1 is stored.

[0096] When the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on (ON), the controller 30 (initial communication part 48) performs initial communication with the optional part feeding device 101 connected to the lower part of the image forming apparatus 100 (S101). Next, the controller 30 (initial communication part 48) discriminates whether the controller 30 (initial communication part 48) can communicate with the optional part feeding device 101 (S102). In the case where the controller 30 (initial communication part 48) cannot communicate with the optional part feeding device 101, the controller 30 (initial communication part 48) discriminates that the initial communication with the optional part feeding device is completed (S104). In this embodiment, the case where the optional part feeding device 101 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is taken as an example, and therefore, the controller 30 (initial communication part 48) can communicate with the optional part feeding device 101 in S102. In this case, the controller 30 (initial communication part 48) issues an ID (ID=1) to the optional part feeding device 101 and causes the optional part ID information storage part 49 to store the issued ID information (S103). In S103, the controller 30 (initial communication part 48) issues IDs (ID=1 to ID=4) to the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104, respectively, and causes the optional part ID information storage part 49 to store the issued multiple pieces of ID information. Then, when the controller 30 (initial communication part 48) has completely issued IDs to the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104, the controller 30 (initial communication part 48) recognizes that the initial communication with the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 is completed (S104). Next, the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination part 38) performs the presence / absence discrimination process of the toppling prevention member 26 (S105).

[0097] refer to Figure 8 , will describe Figure 7 The presence / absence discrimination processing of the toppling prevention member 26 in S105 of the present invention is performed. First, the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination part 38) checks the output logic of the engagement detection sensor 25a of the image forming apparatus 100, that is, discriminates whether the engagement detection sensor 25a detects engagement (S111). In the case where the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination part 38) discriminates in S111 that the engagement detection sensor 25a detects engagement in the engagement mechanism 27a, the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination part 38) checks the presence / absence of connection with the toppling prevention member 26 (S112 to S115). In this embodiment, a case where the optional component feeding device 101 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is taken as an example, and in Figure 7In S103 of FIG. 1 , IDs are issued to the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104. For this reason, the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination section 38) successively checks the presence / absence of connection with the tipping prevention member 26 from the optional part feeding device 101 in the uppermost stage to the optional part feeding device 104 in the lowermost stage in the following manner under the assumption that the optional part feeding device 101 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100. First, the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination section 38) substitutes 1 for a variable N indicating the number of stages of the optional part feeding device as the inspection object (S112). Then, the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination section 38) checks the output logic of the engagement detection sensor of the Nth stage optional part feeding device, that is, discriminates whether the engagement detection sensor detects engagement (S113). Now, N=1 is set, and therefore, the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination section 38) checks the logic value of the engagement detection sensor 25b of the first stage (uppermost stage) optional part feeding device 101. That is, the controller 30 (presence / absence discriminating section 38) sends a command signal to the optional part feeding device 101 by using the communication section 47a. Then, the optional part feeding device 101 returns the logic value of the engagement detection sensor 25b as a state signal. In the case where the controller 30 (presence / absence discriminating section 38) discriminates in S113 that the engagement detection sensor 25a detects engagement, the controller 30 (presence / absence discriminating section 38) discriminates whether the controller 30 (presence / absence discriminating section 38) can communicate with the (N+1)th level (i.e., second level) optional part feeding device 102 (S114). In this embodiment, when the ID information of the second level optional part feeding device 102 exists in the optional part ID information storage section 49, the controller 30 (presence / absence discriminating section 38) discriminates that it is communicable with the second level optional part feeding device 102. Then, the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination section 38 ) adds 1 to a variable N indicating the number of stages of the option feeding device as the inspection object ( S115 ).

[0098] In the case where the engagement detection sensor of the Nth option feeding device does not detect engagement in S113, the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination section 38) performs the following operation. That is, in this case, its detection result indicates that no device is connected to the lower part of the lowest communicable option feeding device, so that the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination section 38) discriminates that the tipping prevention member 26 is not connected to the lowest communicable option feeding device (S117).

[0099] In addition, in the case where communication with the (N+1)th optional part feeding device is impossible in S114, the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination portion 38) performs the following operation. That is, in this case, the result indicates that an element other than the optional part feeding device is connected to the lower portion of the Nth optional part feeding device. The optional part feeding device or the toppling prevention member 26 may be connected to the lower portion of the optional part feeding device, so that in this case, the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination portion 38) discriminates that the toppling prevention member 26 is connected to the Nth optional part feeding device (S116).

[0100] In addition, in the case where the engagement detection sensor 25a of the image forming apparatus 100 does not detect engagement in S111, the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination portion 38) performs the following operation. That is, in this case, the detection result thereof indicates that the optional part feeding device and the toppling prevention member 26 are not connected to the image forming apparatus 100, so that the controller 30 (presence / absence discrimination portion 38) discriminates that the toppling prevention member 26 is not connected to the image forming apparatus 100 (S117).

[0101] Incidentally, in this embodiment, the presence / absence of the tipping prevention member 26 is discriminated after the initial communication with all the option feeding devices 101 to 104 is ended, but the presence / absence of the tipping prevention member 26 may be discriminated while the initial communication with all the option feeding devices 101 to 104 is established. For example, the presence / absence of the tipping prevention member 26 may be discriminated in the following manner. Similarly to this embodiment, the controller 30 successively establishes communication from the option feeding device 101 close to the image forming apparatus 100 and switches the switches 41b to 41e. Then, in the case where the engagement detection sensor 25a of the image forming apparatus 100 detects engagement, the controller 30 attempts communication with the first (level) option feeding device 101, and in the case where communication is established, the controller 30 checks the output logic of the engagement detection sensor 5a of the image forming apparatus 100. Then, in the case where the engagement detection sensor 25b of the first option feeding device 101 detects engagement, the controller 30 attempts communication with the second option feeding device 102. Subsequently, the controller 30 discriminates the presence / absence of the fall preventing member 26 while successively establishing communications in a similar manner.

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, the presence / absence of the fall prevention member 26 is discriminated after the initial communication with the option feeding devices 101 to 104 is ended. For this reason, at the start of the presence / absence discrimination process, the number of the option feeding devices 101 to 104 provided to the image forming system 200 is known. Thus, the presence / absence of the fall prevention member 26 can also be discriminated by checking the output logic of the engagement detection sensor 25e of only the lowermost option feeding device 104.

[0103] Next, we will describe Figure 7 S106 and subsequent processing. When the presence / absence discrimination processing of the tipping prevention member 26 is completed in S105, the controller 30 (operation possibility discrimination part 39) discriminates the possibility of the combination of optional part feeding devices (the possibility of operation of the image forming apparatus 100) by using the constituent condition information stored in the constituent condition information storage part 37 (S106). In the constituent condition information storage part 37, the constituent condition information of Table 1 is stored. Thus, in a case where, for example, four optional part feeding devices are connected to the image forming apparatus 100 and the tipping prevention member 26 is connected to the optional part feeding devices, the controller 30 (operation possibility discrimination part 39) discriminates that the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is possible. In addition, in a case where, for example, four optional part feeding devices are connected to the image forming apparatus 100 but the tipping prevention member 26 is not connected to the optional part feeding devices, the controller 30 (operation possibility discrimination part 39) discriminates that the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is impossible.

[0104] In the case where it is discriminated in S106 that the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is impossible, the controller 30 (restriction section 46) performs control so as to restrict various operations of the image forming apparatus 100 (S107). Specifically, the controller 30 (restriction section 46) performs control so that the image forming apparatus 100 does not perform the image forming operation even when the image forming apparatus 100 receives the print image data from the external device 300.

[0105] Therefore, when the tipping prevention member 26 is not connected to the image forming apparatus 100 when the number of optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than the first threshold value (3 in this embodiment), the controller 30 performs a process for limiting image formation of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, when the tipping prevention member 26 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 when the number of optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than the second threshold value (4 in this embodiment), the controller 30 performs the above-mentioned restriction process. Usually, the first threshold value is lower than the second threshold value. However, the first threshold value and the second threshold value are not limited thereto, but can be appropriately set depending on the configuration of the image forming apparatus, the optional feeding device, the tipping prevention member, etc. from the viewpoint of preventing the occurrence of the risk of tipping of the image forming system 200.

[0106] In addition, in this embodiment, the controller 30 (restriction section 46) performs control so as to notify the operator that the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is restricted (S108). Fig. 9 As shown in , the controller 30 (restriction part 46) can cause the display operation panel 35 to display a message prompting the operator to check and reassemble the composition of the image forming system 200. For example, this display is performed on the entire screen of the display operation panel 35, and the keys for inputting various settings about image formation and the start instruction of image formation are blocked from display, so that the controller 30 (restriction part 46) can prevent the operator from performing these operations. In addition, the controller 30 (restriction part 46) can also send an error message to the external device 300. Depending on this error message, the external device 300 can make a display similar to the above display in its display part. In addition, in the case where the image forming device 100 is provided with a speaker function (sound generating part), notification can be made by lighting, flashing, etc. of a warning light. In addition, notification can also be made by any method other than these methods.

[0107] By the above control, the controller 30 can distinguish the option feeding devices 101 to 104 from the fall prevention member 26. In addition, in the case of a system configuration in which there is a risk of falling of the image forming system 200, the controller 30 can prompt the operator to check and reorganize the configuration of the image forming system 200 by limiting the operation of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0108] The image forming system 200 includes an image forming device 100 for forming an image on a sheet, and an optional component feeding device 101 connected to the lower part of the image forming device 100 and for feeding a sheet S to the image forming device 100, wherein another optional component feeding device 102 can be connected to the lower part of the optional component feeding device 101, so that a plurality of optional component feeding devices 101 to 104 are stacked and connectable in a vertical direction, and wherein a mounting member (topple preventing member) 26 to be mounted on a floor surface can be connected to the lower part of the optional component feeding devices 101 to 104. In addition, in this embodiment, the image forming system 200 includes a controller 30 for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, a communication section (communication portion) 47a for transmitting and receiving signals (data such as CMD signals, STS signals) between the image forming apparatus 100 and the option feeding devices 101 to 104, an engaging portion (recessed portion) 72b provided to the option feeding device 101 and engaged with another option feeding device 102 to be connected to the lower portion of the option feeding device 101 or with the mounting member 26, and a control unit 30 for detecting the engagement of the engaging portion 72b with the option feeding device 102 to be connected to the lower portion of the option feeding device 101. 01 or an engagement detection member (engagement detection sensor) 25b for engagement with the mounting member 26, wherein based on the communication result of the communication member 47a and the detection result of the engagement detection member 25b, the controller 30 acquires first information about whether the mounting member 26 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100, wherein based on the communication result of the communication member 47a, the controller 30 acquires second information about the number of the optional feeding devices 101 to 104 connected to the image forming apparatus 100, and wherein based on the first information and the second information, the controller 30 is able to perform restriction processing for restricting image formation of the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, in the case where the controller 30 performs restriction processing, the controller 30 performs processing for notifying information about the restriction processing. In this embodiment, in a case where the engagement detection component 25b of the optional part feeding device 101 detects the engagement of the engagement portion 72b of the optional part feeding device 101 with a lower element which is either another optional part feeding device 102 or the mounting member 26, when the controller 30 is unable to communicate with the lower element through the communication component 47a, the controller 30 recognizes that the mounting member 26 is connected to the lower portion of the optional part feeding device 101, and when the controller is able to communicate with the lower element through the communication component 47a, the controller 30 recognizes that the another optional part feeding device 102 is connected to the lower portion of the optional part feeding device 101.

[0109] In addition, in this embodiment, the image forming system 200 includes a coupling portion (recessed portion) 72a provided to the image forming apparatus 100 and coupled with an optional component feeding device 101 connected to the lower portion of the image forming apparatus 100 or with the mounting member 26, and a coupling detection component 25a provided to the image forming apparatus 100 and used to detect the coupling of the coupling portion 72a of the image forming apparatus 100 with the optional component feeding device 101 or the mounting member 26.

[0110] In this embodiment, the engaging portions 72a to 72e are recessed portions that engage with the protruding portions 73b to 73f provided to the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 or the mounting member 26, and wherein the engagement detecting parts 25a to 25e include sensors provided in the recessed portions and for detecting engagement between the recessed portions and the protruding portions. In addition, in this embodiment, the mounting member 26 is provided with a plate-like member (anti-tilting plate) 26a having an installation floor area larger than that of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0111] As described above, according to this embodiment, by detecting the connection or non-connection of the tipping prevention member (base seat portion) 26 through a plurality of optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 that can be additionally provided and connected to the image forming apparatus 100, the possibility of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 can be discerned. For this reason, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of optional part feeding devices that can be additionally provided and connected to the image forming apparatus and a floor-mounted optional part feeding device for preventing tipping, each of which is provided with an electrical contact and a microprocessor. Thus, the cost required for the development, manufacture, etc. of the image forming system 200 can be suppressed. In addition, according to this embodiment, by utilizing the configuration (protruding portion, recessed portion) for joining the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 and the tipping prevention member 26, the connection or non-connection of the tipping prevention member 26 can be detected. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 and the tipping prevention member 26 with a dedicated configuration for discerning the presence / absence of the tipping prevention member 26.

[0112] Thus, according to this embodiment, the presence / absence of the fall prevention member 26 is discriminated using a configuration that is advantageous for cost reduction, and based on the result, image formation of the image forming apparatus 100 can be restricted depending on the system configuration. Thus, the operator is prompted to check and reassemble the configuration of the image forming system 200, so that the risk of the image forming system 200 falling can be prevented from occurring.

[0113] [Example 2]

[0114] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic configuration and operation of the image forming system of this embodiment are the same as those of the image forming system of Embodiment 1. Therefore, elements having the same or corresponding functions or configurations as those of the image forming system of Embodiment 1 will be omitted from the detailed description by adding the same reference numerals or symbols as those in Embodiment 1 thereto.

[0115] In Embodiment 1, the image forming system 200 is constituted by detachably attaching the optional feeding devices 101 to 104 and the falling prevention member 26 to the image forming apparatus 100. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the image forming system 200 is constituted by further detachably attaching an optional device that acts on the sheet S after image formation to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0116] Fig.10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming system 200 of this embodiment. Fig.10 In the example of , the image forming system 200 is constituted by connecting three optional part feeding devices 101 to 103, an optional part intermediate conveying device 111, an optional part discharge device (optional part sheet (paper) discharge device) 112, and a fall prevention member 26 to the image forming apparatus 100. The optional part intermediate conveying device 111 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 so as to be positioned on the discharge tray 12 provided at the upper part of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, the optional part discharge device 112 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 in a state where the optional part discharge device 112 is connected to the optional part intermediate conveying device 111 so as to be positioned outside the image forming apparatus 100 when the image forming apparatus 100 is viewed from above.

[0117] The option intermediate conveying device 111 is an option device that receives the sheet S from the image forming apparatus 100 and delivers the sheet S to the option discharge device 112. The option intermediate conveying device 111 is configured by including conveying rollers 52, 53, and 54 as conveying members, conveying sensors 50 and 51, and the like.

[0118] The optional part discharge device 112 is an optional part provided to receive the sheet S from the optional part intermediate conveying device 111 and discharge the sheet S to the outside of the image forming system 200. The optional part discharge device 112 includes a plurality of discharge bins 63, 64, and 65. The optional part discharge device 112 receives the sheet S from the optional part intermediate conveying device 111 and discharges the sheet S to any one of the plurality of discharge bins 63, 64, and 65. In addition, the optional part discharge device 112 is configured by including conveying rollers 61 and 62, conveying sensors 60 and 66, and the like.

[0119] The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the option intermediate conveying device 111 and the option discharge device 112 by hardware signals via the electrical connection portion. Thus, the controller 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 recognizes the connection with each of the option intermediate conveying device 111 and the option discharge device 112, and provides an instruction of the timing of each process to each of the option intermediate conveying device 111 and the option discharge device 112.

[0120] <System configuration identification>

[0121] In this embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the image forming system 200, the optional part intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional part discharging device 112 are connected to the image forming apparatus 100. Thus, the position of the center of gravity of the image forming system 200 is different from (higher than) that of the image forming system 200 of Embodiment 1. Thus, in this embodiment, it is necessary to discriminate the possibility of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 including the optional part intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional part discharging device 112.

[0122] For this reason, in this embodiment, in the composition condition information storage part 37, composition condition information to which information on the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 is added is stored. In this embodiment, in the composition condition information storage part 37, as the composition condition information, table data as shown in Table 2 below is stored. Incidentally, the optional intermediate conveying device 111 is an optional device for sending the sheet S to the optional discharge device 112. For this reason, as shown in Table 2, in the case where only either one of the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is impossible (inoperable).

[0123] Table 2

[0124]

[0125] *1: “ODD” is an optional ejection device.

[0126] *2: “OICD” is the optional intermediate transfer device.

[0127] *3: "NFPM" means no falling prevention member (no falling prevention member exists).

[0128] *4: "WFPM" means having a fall prevention member (presence of a fall prevention member).

[0129] *5: “N” is the number of optional feeding devices allowed.

[0130] The procedure of the system configuration identification process when the power of the image forming system 200 in this embodiment is turned on is the same as that described in Embodiment 1. Figure 7 and Figure 8 However, in this embodiment, Figure 7 In S106 of the embodiment, the controller 30 (operation possibility discriminating section 39) discriminates the possibility of the combination of the optional device (the possibility of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100) by using the configuration condition information shown in Table 2 stored in the configuration condition information storage section 37. That is, in this embodiment, the possibility of the combination of the optional device (the possibility of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100) is discriminated, including the connection state of the optional intermediate transfer device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 with the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the optional intermediate transfer device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 via the electrical connection section by hardware signals.

[0131] For this reason, the controller 30 (operation possibility discriminating portion 39) can discriminate the connection states of the option part intermediate conveying device 111 and the option part discharging device 112 based on the output logic of the hardware signal.

[0132] Therefore, in this embodiment, an optional device 112 different from the optional feeding devices 101 to 104 is further connectable to the image forming apparatus 100, and the controller 30 is capable of performing processing for limiting image formation of the image forming apparatus 100 based on first information about whether the mounting member (falling prevention member) 26 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100, second information about the number of the optional feeding devices 101 to 104 connected to the image forming apparatus 100, and third information about whether the above-mentioned optional device 112 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned optional device 112 is a device (optional discharge device) for receiving the sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 and for conveying the sheet S toward the outside of the image forming system 200.

[0133] By the way, in Fig.10 In the configuration of the image forming system 200 of this embodiment shown in , the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with the engagement detection sensor 25a. However, the image forming system 200 may have a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 100 is not provided with the engagement detection sensor 25a. In the configuration in which the image forming apparatus 100 is not provided with the engagement detection sensor 25a, in the case where no optional feeding devices 101 to 104 are connected to the image forming apparatus 100, the controller 30 cannot distinguish whether the toppling prevention member 26 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, for example, Figure 7In S106 of , the controller 30 refers to the discrimination condition of the system configuration allowed in the absence of the toppling prevention member 26 and the discrimination condition of the system configuration allowed in the presence of the toppling prevention member 26. In addition, when the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is impossible under any one of the discrimination conditions, the controller 30 can discriminate that the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is impossible. For example, in the case where any one of the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104, the optional part intermediate conveying device 111, and the optional part discharging device 112 is not connected to the image forming apparatus 100, from the configuration condition information of Table 2, the controller 30 discriminates that the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is possible regardless of the presence / absence of the toppling prevention member 26. In addition, in the case where the optional part feeding devices 101 to 104 are not connected to the image forming apparatus 100 and both the optional part intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional part discharging device 112 are connected to the image forming apparatus 100, the controller 30 recognizes from the configuration condition information of Table 2 that the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is impossible when the toppling prevention member 26 is not present. In addition, even when the toppling prevention member 26 is connected, the controller 30 recognizes that the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is impossible.

[0134] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Table 2, in the case where the optional part intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional part discharge device 112 are connected to the image forming apparatus 100, when the tipping prevention member 26 does not exist, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is impossible. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the risk of tipping of the image forming system 200 is sufficiently low, in this case, for example, the number of allowed optional part feeding devices may also be changed to two or less (the number is less than the number in the case where the tipping prevention member 26 exists).

[0135] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Table 2, depending on the presence / absence of the option intermediate conveying device 111 and the option discharging device 112, each of the number of option feeding devices allowed when the tipping prevention member 26 does not exist and the number of option feeding devices allowed when the tipping prevention member 26 exists is different. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on the configuration of the option intermediate conveying device 111 and the option discharging device 112, etc., between the presence and absence of these devices, at least one of the number of option feeding devices allowed when the tipping prevention member 26 does not exist and the number of option feeding devices allowed when the tipping prevention member 26 exists may be the same.

[0136] Therefore, when the tipping prevention member 26 is not connected to the image forming apparatus 100 and the optional part discharge device 112 is not connected to the image forming apparatus 100, when the number of optional part feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than a first threshold value (3 in this embodiment), the controller 30 performs processing for limiting image formation of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0137] Therefore, when the dumping prevention member 26 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 but the option part discharge device 112 is not connected to the image forming apparatus 100, in the case where the number of option part feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than the second threshold value (4 in this embodiment), the controller 30 performs the above-mentioned restriction processing. In addition, when the dumping prevention member 26 is not connected to the image forming apparatus 100 but the option part discharge device 112 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100, in the case where the number of option part feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than the third threshold value (0 in this embodiment), the controller 30 performs the above-mentioned restriction processing. In addition, when the dumping prevention member 26 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 and the option part discharge device 112 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100, in the case where the number of option part feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than the fourth threshold value (three in this embodiment), the controller 30 performs the above-mentioned restriction processing. Generally, the first threshold value is lower than the second threshold value, the third threshold value is lower than the fourth threshold value, and the fourth threshold value is the second threshold value or less. However, the first to third thresholds are not limited thereto but may be appropriately set depending on the configurations of the image forming apparatus, the option feeding device, the option discharging device, and the falling preventing member from the viewpoint of preventing the occurrence of the risk of falling of the image forming system 200 .

[0138] By the above-described control, even in the image forming system 200 to which an optional device that acts on the sheet S after image formation is connected, image formation by the image forming apparatus 100 can be restricted depending on the system configuration.

[0139] Incidentally, in this embodiment, as examples of optional devices acting on the sheet S after image formation, the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 are listed. However, the optional devices acting on the sheet S after image formation are not limited to the above-mentioned devices in this embodiment. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the optional intermediate conveying device is not provided and in which the sheet S is conveyed from the image forming device to the optional discharge device. In addition, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of optional discharge devices 112 each provided with a single discharge box may be connected to the image forming device 100. In addition, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of kinds of optional feeding devices having different functions may be connected to the image forming device. In the constituent condition information storage part 37, combined information on the category and number of optional devices as constituent elements of the image forming system 200 is stored.

[0140] In addition, in this embodiment, hardware signals are used to transmit and receive information between the image forming apparatus 100 and each of the optional part intermediate transfer device 111 and the optional part discharge device 112, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may transmit and receive information between itself and each of the optional part intermediate transfer device 111 and the optional part discharge device 112 through serial interface communication.

[0141] [Other embodiments]

[0142] In the above, the present invention is described based on the specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the image forming system includes a color image forming device using an electrophotographic type as the image forming device, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The image forming device may be an image forming device of a type other than the electrophotographic type (such as an inkjet type), and may also be a monochrome image forming device.

[0144] In addition, in Example 2, the optional device different from the optional device feeding device is the optional device discharge device (and the optional device intermediate transfer device), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the optional device different from the optional device feeding device may also be an image reader (image reading device), an automatic original (document) feeding device (AFD), a finisher (post-processing device), etc.

[0145] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming system, comprising: an image forming device configured to form an image on a sheet; an optional part feeding device connected to a lower portion of the image forming apparatus and configured to feed a sheet to the image forming apparatus, wherein another optional part feeding device is connectable to the lower portion of the optional part feeding device so that a plurality of optional part feeding devices are stacked in a vertical direction and connectable; a mounting member configured to be mounted on a floor surface and connectable to a lower portion of the option feeding member; a controller configured to control the operation of the image forming apparatus; a communication component configured to transmit and receive signals between the image forming apparatus and the optional part feeding device; an engaging portion provided to the option feeding device and configured to engage with the other option feeding device to be connected to a lower portion of the option feeding device or with the mounting member; as well as an engagement detection part provided to the option feeding device and configured to detect engagement of the engagement portion with the other option feeding device to be connected to a lower portion of the option feeding device or with the mounting member, wherein the controller acquires first information on whether the mounting member is connected to the image forming device based on a communication result of the communication section and a detection result of the engagement detection section, wherein the controller acquires second information on the number of option feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus based on a communication result of the communication means, and The controller is capable of executing a restriction process for restricting image formation by the image forming device based on the first information and the second information. 2 . The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein in a case where the controller executes the restriction process, the controller executes a process for notifying information about the restriction process.

3. The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein in a case where the engagement detection part of the option feeding device detects engagement of the engagement portion of the option feeding device with a lower element that is either one of the other option feeding device and the mounting member, When the controller cannot communicate with the lower element, the controller recognizes that the mounting member is connected to the lower portion of the option feeding device, and When the controller is able to communicate with the lower element, the controller recognizes that the other option feeding device is connected to the lower portion of the option feeding device.

4. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein when the mounting member is not connected to the image forming apparatus, the controller performs the restriction processing if the number of option feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus is greater than a first threshold value, and When the mounting member is connected to the image forming apparatus, the controller executes the restriction process if the number of option feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus is greater than a second threshold value. 5 . The image forming system according to claim 4 , wherein the first threshold value is lower than the second threshold value.

6. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising: another engaging portion provided to the image forming apparatus and configured to engage with the optional part feeding device connected to a lower portion of the image forming apparatus or with the mounting member; as well as an engagement detection member provided to the image forming apparatus and configured to detect engagement of the other engagement portion of the image forming apparatus with the option feeding device or the mounting member.

7. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein an option device different from the option feeding device is connectable to the image forming apparatus, and The controller is capable of executing the restriction process based on the first information, the second information, and third information regarding whether the option device is connected to the image forming apparatus. 8 . The image forming system according to claim 7 , wherein the option device is a device for receiving a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus and for conveying the sheet toward the outside of the image forming system.

9. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein when the mounting member is not connected to the image forming apparatus and the option device is not connected to the image forming apparatus, the controller performs the restriction process if the number of option feeding devices is higher than a first threshold value, wherein when the mounting member is connected to the image forming apparatus and the option device is not connected to the image forming apparatus, the controller performs the restriction process if the number of option feeding devices is higher than a second threshold value, wherein when the mounting member is not connected to the image forming apparatus and the option device is connected to the image forming apparatus, the controller performs the restriction process if the number of option feeding devices is higher than a third threshold value, wherein when the mounting member is connected to the image forming apparatus and the option device is connected to the image forming apparatus, the controller executes the restriction process if the number of option feeding devices is higher than a fourth threshold value. 10 . The image forming system according to claim 9 , wherein the first threshold is lower than the second threshold, the third threshold is lower than the fourth threshold, and the fourth threshold is the second threshold or less.

11. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the engaging portion is a recessed portion that engages with a protruding portion provided to the optional part feeding device or the mounting member, and wherein the engagement detection means includes a sensor provided in the recessed portion and for detecting engagement between the recessed portion and the protruding portion.

12. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the mounting member is provided as a plate-like member having a mounting floor area larger than that of the image forming apparatus.

Images