Image forming system

Abstract

To provide an image forming system that may prohibit image formation on the basis of a system configuration.SOLUTION: An image forming unit, in which a plurality of option feeding devices are connected to a lower side of an image forming device and an installing member 26 can be connected to a lower side of the option feeding device on a lowest stage, has a control part, communicating means for communicating the image forming device with the option feeding devices, fitting parts 72b-72e provided on the option feeding devices, and fitting sensing means 25b-25e provided on the option feeding devices. The control part obtains first information for determining whether the installing member 26 is connected thereto or not, on the basis of results of the communication by the communicating means and sensed results by the fitting sensing means 25b-25e, and obtains second information concerning the number of the connected option feeding devices, on the basis of the results of the communication by the communicating means, and can execute processing for prohibiting the image forming device from forming an image, on the basis of the first information and the second information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system in which an optional feeding device for feeding sheets to an image forming apparatus can be connected to the image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is an image forming system that is configured so that multiple optional feeding devices for feeding sheets can be stacked and attached as optional devices below an image forming device that uses an electrophotographic method, for example. This image forming system is configured so that sheets can be conveyed from the optional feeding devices to an image forming section in the image forming device through a sheet conveying path in the optional feeding devices and a sheet conveying path in the image forming device. By adding optional feeding devices to the image forming device, it becomes possible to feed a large amount of sheets or to select and use different types of sheets.

[0003] The weight of the image forming apparatus is greater than the weight of the optional feeding devices, and when a large number of optional feeding devices are connected to the image forming apparatus, the center of gravity of the image forming system is at a high position. And when a number of optional feeding devices exceeding a predetermined number are connected to the image forming apparatus, even if there is no problem under normal conditions, it may become necessary to prevent the image forming system from falling over when the floor vibrates significantly due to an earthquake or when the image forming system is moved.

[0004] Patent document 1 proposes a configuration that prohibits the operation of an image forming device when a number of optional feeding devices greater than a preset threshold value depending on whether or not there is an optional feeding device placed on the floor to prevent the image forming device from falling over is connected to the image forming device.

[0005] By prohibiting the operation of the image forming apparatus in this manner, it is possible to prompt an operator such as a user or a service person to check and reconfigure the configuration of the image forming system, thereby preventing the risk of the image forming system tipping over. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-117735 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, there are optional feeding devices that can be connected to an image forming apparatus and can be added, and optional feeding devices that are placed on the floor to prevent the apparatus from falling over. In this configuration, the presence or absence of the optional feeding devices that are placed on the floor to prevent the apparatus from falling over is determined using electrical contacts provided on each optional feeding device.

[0008] However, in the above-described conventional configuration, it is necessary to prepare an optional feeding device that can be connected to the image forming apparatus in multiples and can be expanded, and an optional feeding device that is placed on the floor to prevent it from tipping over, which leads to increased costs for the image forming system.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system that is advantageous in terms of reducing costs and that is capable of prohibiting image formation by an image forming apparatus based on the result of determining the system configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The above object is achieved by an image forming system according to the present invention. In summary, according to the present invention, there is provided an image forming system including an image forming apparatus which forms an image on a sheet, and an optional feeding device which is connected below the image forming apparatus and feeds sheets to the image forming apparatus, wherein the optional feeding device is connectable to another optional feeding device below the optional feeding device, a plurality of the optional feeding devices can be connected below the image forming apparatus in a stacked manner in the vertical direction, and an installation member which is installed on a floor surface can be connected below the optional feeding device, the image forming system including a control unit which controls the operation of the image forming apparatus, communication means which transmits and receives signals between the image forming apparatus and the optional feeding device, and another optional feeding device which is provided in the optional feeding device and connected below the optional feeding device. and an engagement detection means provided on the optional feeding device for detecting that the engagement portion has engaged with another optional feeding device or the installation member connected below the optional feeding device, wherein the control unit obtains first information regarding whether the installation member is connected to the image forming device based on a communication result by the communication means and a detection result by the engagement detection means, and obtains second information regarding the number of optional feeding devices connected to the image forming device based on the communication result by the communication means, and is capable of executing a process to prohibit image formation by the image forming device based on the first information and the second information. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to prohibit image formation by an image forming apparatus based on the result of determining the system configuration, with a configuration advantageous for reducing costs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system. [Diagram 2] 3A and 3B are schematic top and cross-sectional views of an optional feeding device and an anti-tip member. [Diagram 3] 5A to 5C are schematic cross-sectional views for illustrating engagement between an image forming apparatus and an optional feeding device, and engagement between the optional feeding device and another optional feeding device or an anti-toppling member. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a hardware configuration of an image forming system. [Diagram 5] 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a functional configuration of an image forming system; [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of a control unit and an optional control unit. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining the configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 8] 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process for determining the presence or absence of a tip-over prevention member in the procedure shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of displays on a display operation panel. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of an image forming system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The image forming system according to the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [Example 1] <Overall Configuration and Operation of Image Forming System> Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system 200 of this embodiment. In the example of Fig. 1, the image forming system 200 is configured by detachably connecting four optional feeding devices 101, 102, 103, and 104 and a tip-over prevention member 26 to an image forming apparatus 100. Note that, with respect to the image forming system 200 and its elements, the up-down direction refers to the up-down direction in the direction of gravity (vertical direction), but does not mean only directly above or directly below, but also includes the upper side and the lower side of a horizontal plane passing through a target element or position.

[0015] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus main body) 100 is a tandem type laser beam printer capable of forming a full color image using an electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus 100 has an image forming section 31 and a feeding device 15 that feeds a sheet S to the image forming section 31. The image forming section 31 is provided with four image forming units 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K that form images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively, as a plurality of image forming units. Note that elements having the same or corresponding functions or configurations provided for each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black may be generally described by omitting the suffixes Y, M, C, and K that indicate that the element is provided for any one of the colors. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 13 is composed of photoconductors 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K), charging rollers 2 (2Y, 2M, 2C, 2K), exposure devices 3 (3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K), developing devices 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K), cleaning devices 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K), etc.

[0016] During image formation, a rotatable drum-type (cylindrical) photoconductor (photoconductor drum) 1 serving as an image carrier is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 1. The surface of the rotating photoconductor 1 is uniformly charged by a charging roller 2, a roller-shaped charging member serving as charging means. The charged surface of the photoconductor 1 is irradiated with a laser beam based on image information by an exposure device (laser scanner) 3 serving as exposure means, and an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) is formed on the photoconductor 1. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 1 is developed (visualized) by a developing device 4 serving as developing means, which supplies toner as a developer, and a toner image (toner image, developer image) is formed on the photoconductor 1.

[0017] A conveyor belt 9, which is a recording material carrier formed of an endless belt as a conveying means, is disposed facing the four photoreceptors 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. The conveyor belt 9 is stretched around a plurality of tension rollers 9a, 9b, and 9c. The conveyor belt 9 rotates (moves in a circular motion) in a clockwise direction in FIG. 1 by transmitting a driving force to the driving roller, which is one of the tension rollers 9a, 9b, and 9c, which is driven to rotate. On the inner peripheral surface side of the conveyor belt 9, transfer rollers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, which are roller-shaped transfer members as a transfer means, are disposed facing the photoreceptors 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, respectively. The transfer roller 5 is pressed toward the photoreceptor 1 to form a transfer portion T where the photoreceptor 1 and the conveyor belt 9 come into contact with each other.

[0018] The toner image formed on the photoreceptor 1 is transferred by the action of the transfer roller 5 onto a sheet (recording material, recording medium, transfer material) S such as a recording paper carried on the conveyor belt 9 and conveyed to pass through the transfer section T. For example, when a full-color image is formed, the toner images of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black formed on each photoreceptor 1 are transferred sequentially onto the sheet S carried on the conveyor belt 9 and conveyed, forming a multi-color image on the sheet S. In addition, the transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 1 after transfer is removed and collected from the surface of the photoreceptor 1 by a cleaning device 6 as a cleaning means. The sheet S is fed to the image forming section 31 from a feeding device 15, which is a feeding device provided in the image forming apparatus 100, or from optional feeding devices 101 to 104, which are feeding devices as optional devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100. The sheet S is conveyed toward the conveyor belt 9 by the registration roller 8 in synchronization with the formation of the toner image on the photoreceptor 1. Then, this sheet S is attracted to and supported on the conveyor belt 9 by the action of an attraction roller 9e serving as an attraction means.

[0019] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the conveyor belt 9 and conveyed to a fixing device 10 as a fixing means. The fixing device 10 applies heat and pressure to the sheet S carrying the unfixed toner image, thereby fixing (melting and bonding) the toner image onto the sheet S. The sheet S onto which the toner image has been fixed is discharged (output) by a pair of discharge rollers 11 of a discharge section onto a discharge tray 12 provided outside (on the top) of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0020] In this embodiment, the image forming units 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K, the conveyor belt 9, the transfer rollers 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, etc. constitute an image forming section 31 that forms an image on a sheet S. Also, in this embodiment, in each image forming unit 13, the photoconductor 1, the charging roller 2, the developing device 4, and the cleaning device 6 are integrated into a cartridge to constitute a process cartridge 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K).

[0021] <Sheet feeding> The feeding of the sheet S will be further described. The feeding device (paper feeding device, cassette) 15 provided in the image forming apparatus 100 has a sheet storage section 28a for storing the sheet S, and a feeding section 20a for feeding the sheet S from the sheet storage section 28a one by one. The feeding section 20a is configured to have a pickup roller 21a and a separation conveying roller 22a as a feeding member, a conveying roller 23a as a conveying member, a conveying sensor 24a for detecting the sheet S, and the like. When the sheet S is fed from the feeding device 15 to form an image, the sheet S is separated and fed one by one from the sheet storage section 28a by the pickup roller 21a and the separation conveying roller 22a. The sheet S is conveyed by the conveying roller 23a. Then, as described above, the sheet S is conveyed toward the conveying belt 9 by the registration roller 8. The sheet S fed from the feeding device 15 is detected by the conveying sensor 24a, and the detection result is used for controlling the timing of image formation, etc. Although not shown, the feeding device 15 is also provided with a sheet presence / absence sensor that detects the presence or absence of the sheet S in the sheet storage portion 28a.

[0022] In the example of FIG. 1, optional feeding devices 101-104 are sequentially connected to the bottom of image forming device 100 and are stacked vertically. In this embodiment, four optional feeding devices 101-104 of the same type are connected and attached to image forming device 100. First, the first stage (top stage) optional feeding device 101 directly connected to the bottom of image forming device 100 will be described as an example. Note that for elements in optional feeding device 101 that have the same or corresponding functions or configurations as elements of feeding device 15, "b" is added to the end of the reference numeral instead of "a" in feeding device 15. Optional feeding device (optional paper feeding device, optional cassette) 101 has a sheet storage section 28b that stores sheets S and a feeding section 20b that feeds sheets S one by one from sheet storage section 28b. The feeding section 20b is configured to include a pickup roller 21b and a separation conveying roller 22b as feeding members, a conveying roller 23b as a conveying member, and a conveying sensor 24b for detecting the sheet S. When the optional feeding device 101 feeds the sheet S for image formation, the pickup roller 21b and the separation conveying roller 22b separate and feed the sheet S one by one from the sheet storage section 28b. The sheet S is conveyed by the conveying roller 23b of the optional feeding device 101, and further conveyed by the conveying roller 23a of the feeding device 15 provided in the image forming apparatus 100. Then, as described above, the sheet S is conveyed toward the conveying belt 9 by the registration roller 8. The sheet S fed from the optional feeding device 101 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 detection result is used for controlling the timing of image formation, etc. Although not shown, the optional feeding device 101 is also provided with a sheet presence / absence sensor that detects the presence or absence of the sheet S in the sheet storage portion 28b.

[0023] The second to fourth (lowest) optional feeding devices 102-104 have substantially the same configuration as the uppermost optional feeding device 101. In addition, for elements in the optional feeding devices 102-104 that have the same or corresponding functions or configurations as the elements of the optional feeding device 101, "c", "d", and "e" are added to the end of the reference numerals instead of "b" in the optional feeding device 101. That is, the optional feeding devices 102-104 have sheet storage units 28c, 28d, and 28e, respectively, and feeding units 20c, 20d, and 20e. The feeding units 20c, 20d, and 20e are configured to have pickup rollers 21c, 21d, and 21e, separation and conveying rollers 22c, 22d, and 22e, conveying rollers 23c, 23d, and 23e, conveying sensors 24c, 24d, and 24e, respectively. Further, the optional feeding devices 102-104 are each provided with a sheet presence / absence sensor (not shown). Further, the operation when the optional feeding devices 102-104 feed the sheet S for image formation is the same as the operation when the optional feeding device 101 feeds the sheet S for image formation. However, when the optional feeding devices 102-104 feed the sheet S, the sheet S is conveyed by the conveying rollers 23c, 23d, and 23e of the optional feeding devices 102-104, and is conveyed by the conveying rollers provided further downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet S. Similarly, when the optional feeding devices 102-104 feed the sheet S, the sheet S is detected by the conveying sensors 24c, 24d, and 24e of the optional feeding devices 102-104, and is detected by the conveying sensor provided further downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0024] <Connection of optional feeding device and tip-over prevention member> As described above, in the example of FIG. 1, four optional feeding devices 101-104 are connected below image forming apparatus 100, and tip-over prevention member (pedestal) 26 is connected below the lowest optional feeding device 104.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 100 has a recessed portion 72a as a fitting portion that fits with the optional feeding device 101 or the anti-toppling member 26 connected thereto below. The image forming apparatus 100 also has a fitting detection sensor 25a as a fitting detection means that detects that the recessed portion 72a is fitted with the optional feeding device 101 or the anti-toppling member 26.

[0026] The optional feeding device 101 has a concave portion 72b as a fitting portion that fits with another optional feeding device 102 or the tipping prevention member 26 connected thereto below. The optional feeding device 101 also has a fitting detection sensor 25b as a fitting detection means that detects that the concave portion 72b is fitted with another optional feeding device 102 or the tipping prevention member 26. The optional feeding device 101 also has a convex portion 73b as a fitted portion that fits with the concave portion 72a of the image forming device 100 above or the concave portion of another optional feeding device above (such as the concave portion 72b of the uppermost optional feeding device 101 for the second-stage optional feeding device 102). As described above, the optional feeding devices 102 to 104 have substantially the same configuration as the optional feeding device 101. That is, the optional feeding devices 102 to 104 respectively have concave portions 72c, 72d, and 72e, fitting detection sensors 25c, 25d, and 25e, and convex portions 73c, 73d, and 73e.

[0027] The tip-over prevention member 26 is a member (installation member) placed on the floor surface to make the image forming system 200 less likely to tip over when connected to the image forming apparatus 100 directly or via the optional feeding devices 101 to 104. The tip-over prevention member 26 may be configured to make the image forming system 200 less likely to tip over in this manner. For example, the tip-over prevention member 26 is a member having an installation floor area larger than the installation floor area of ​​the image forming apparatus 100. Here, the installation floor area is represented by the area occupied by the area surrounded by the image forming apparatus 100 and the parts of the tip-over prevention member 26 installed on the floor surface when viewed from above. The tip-over prevention member 26 is typically configured with a continuous plate-shaped member as a whole. However, for example, it may be divided into four members each including the four corners when the image forming apparatus 100 is viewed from above. In addition, the tip-over prevention member 26 is not limited to a member having an installation floor area larger than the installation floor area of ​​the image forming apparatus 100. The anti-tip member 26 may be a member having a weight that can sufficiently lower the center of gravity of the image forming system 200 by connecting it to the image forming apparatus 100 directly or via the optional feeding devices 101 to 104, compared to a case where the image forming apparatus 100 is not connected. The anti-tip member 26 may satisfy either one of the requirements of the installation floor area and weight, or may satisfy both requirements. The anti-tip member 26 may have casters installed on the floor surface as long as the anti-tip member 26 is configured to make the image forming system 200 less likely to tip over as described above. The casters are generally configured to have rotatable wheels, a pivot for turning the wheels, and a stopper for restricting at least one of the rotation or turning of the wheels.

[0028] In this embodiment, the tip-over prevention member 26 is configured to have a tip-over prevention plate 26a, which is a plate-like member having an area larger than the installation floor area of ​​the image forming apparatus 100 and is substantially rectangular in plan view, and four casters 26b attached near the four corners of the lower surface of the tip-over prevention plate 26a. By connecting the tip-over prevention member 26 to the image forming apparatus 100, the installation floor area of ​​the image forming system 200 is increased compared to the case where the tip-over prevention member 26 is not connected, and the center of gravity of the image forming system 200 is lowered, making the image forming system 200 less likely to tip over. The tip-over prevention member 26 also has a convex portion 73f as a fitting portion into which the concave portion 72a of the upper image forming apparatus 100 or the concave portion 72e of the upper optional feeding device (the lowest optional feeding device 104 in the case of multiple stacking) fits.

[0029] Thus, in the example of FIG. 1, the image forming system 200 has a fitting mechanism 27a between the image forming apparatus 100 and the uppermost optional feeding device 101 connected thereto. This fitting mechanism 27a is configured with a concave portion 72a of the image forming apparatus 100 and a convex portion 73b of the optional feeding device 101. The image forming system 200 also has a fitting mechanism 27b between the optional feeding device 101 and another optional feeding device 102 connected thereto. This fitting mechanism 27b is configured with a concave portion 72b of the optional feeding device 101 and a convex portion 73c of the other optional feeding device 102. Similarly, the image forming system 200 has a fitting mechanism 27c between the optional feeding device 102 and another optional feeding device 103, and a fitting mechanism 27d between the optional feeding device 103 and another optional feeding device 104. Furthermore, the image forming system 200 has a fitting mechanism 27e for fitting the bottommost optional feeding device 104 and the anti-toppling member 26 connected thereto. The fitting mechanism 27e is configured with a concave portion 72e of the optional feeding device 104 and a convex portion 73f of the anti-toppling member 26.

[0030] The fitting of the optional feeding devices 101-104 to the image forming apparatus 100 or other optional feeding devices 101-104, and the fitting of the tip-over prevention member 26 to the image forming apparatus 100 or optional feeding devices 101-104 will be further described.

[0031] Fig. 2(a) is a schematic top view of optional feeding devices 101-104, and Fig. 2(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view at position d1 in Fig. 2(a). Fig. 2(c) is a schematic top view of anti-toppling member 26, and Fig. 2(d) is a schematic cross-sectional view at position d2 in Fig. 2(c).

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2(a) and (b), the optional feeding devices 101-104 have recessed portions 72b-72e and drawer connectors 70b-70e as electrical connection portions on their undersides. The recessed portions 72b-72e of the optional feeding devices 101-104 are mechanisms for physically fitting with another optional feeding device or a tip-over prevention member 26 connected below the optional feeding devices 101-104. The optional feeding devices 101-104 also have fitting detection sensors 25b-25e in the recessed portions 72b-72e, respectively. In this embodiment, the fitting detection sensors 25b-25e are configured to have mechanical switches whose output signals change when at least a part of them is physically moved. The drawer connectors 70b to 70e of the optional feeding devices 101 to 104 are electrically connected to other optional feeding devices connected below the optional feeding devices 101 to 104 to transmit and receive signals.

[0033] Further, the optional feeding devices 101-104 have convex portions 73b-73e and drawer connectors 71b-71e as electrical connection portions on their upper surfaces. The convex portions 73b-73e of the optional feeding devices 101-104 are mechanisms for physically fitting with the image forming device 100 or another optional feeding device connected above the optional feeding devices 101-104. The drawer connectors 71b-71e of the optional feeding devices 101-104 are electrically connected to the image forming device 100 or another optional feeding device connected above the optional feeding devices 101-104 to transmit and receive signals.

[0034] FIG. 3(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the fitting mechanism 27a in FIG. 1, and shows a state in which the image forming apparatus 100 and the uppermost optional feeding device 101 are connected.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the image forming apparatus 100 has a recessed portion 72a and a drawer connector 70a as an electrical connection portion on its underside. The recessed portion 72a of the image forming apparatus 100 is a mechanism for physically fitting with the optional feeding device 101 or the tip-over prevention member 26 connected below the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 also has a fitting detection sensor 25a in the recessed portion 72a. In this embodiment, the fitting detection sensor 25a is configured to have a mechanical switch whose output signal changes when at least a part of it is physically moved. The drawer connector 70a of the image forming apparatus 100 is electrically connected to the optional feeding device 101 connected below the image forming apparatus 100 to transmit and receive signals.

[0036] 3(a), when the convex portion 73b of the optional feeding device 101 is inserted into the concave portion 72a of the image forming apparatus 100, the fitting detection sensor 25a in the concave portion 72a is physically pressed by the convex portion 73b. This changes the output logic of the fitting detection sensor 25a. Furthermore, the concave portion 72a and the convex portion 73b are fitted together, so that the drawer connector 70a of the image forming apparatus 100 and the drawer connector 71b of the optional feeding device 101 are connected. This enables signals to be transmitted and received between the image forming apparatus 100 and the optional feeding device 101 via the drawer connector 70a and the drawer connector 70b.

[0037] FIG. 3(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the fitting mechanism 27b in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the topmost optional feeding device 101 and the second optional feeding device 102 are connected. As shown in FIG. 3(b), when the convex portion 73c of the optional feeding device 102 is inserted into the concave portion 72b of the optional feeding device 101, the fitting detection sensor 25b in the concave portion 72b is physically pushed by the convex portion 73c. ​​This changes the output logic of the fitting detection sensor 25b. In addition, the concave portion 72b and the convex portion 73c are fitted together, so that the drawer connector 70b of the optional feeding device 101 and the drawer connector 71c of the optional feeding device 102 are connected. This allows signals to be transmitted and received between the image forming apparatus 100 and the optional feeding device 102 via the drawer connector 70b and the drawer connector 71c. The fitting mechanisms 27c and 27d in FIG. 1 are similar to the fitting mechanism 27b, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] FIG. 3(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the fitting mechanism 27e in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the topmost optional feeding device 104 and the tip-prevention member 26 are connected. As shown in FIG. 3(c), when the convex portion 73f of the tip-prevention member 26 is inserted into the concave portion 72e of the optional feeding device 104, the fitting detection sensor 25e in the concave portion 72e is physically pressed by the convex portion 73f. This changes the output logic of the fitting detection sensor 25e. The tip-prevention member 26 does not have a drawer connector or a microcontroller, which will be described later. Therefore, no communication is performed between the image forming device 100 and the tip-prevention member 26. In addition, when the tip-prevention member 26 is directly connected to the image forming device 100, the concave portion 72a of the image forming device 100 and the convex portion 73f of the tip-prevention member 26 are fitted together. As a result, the fitting detection sensor 25a in the recessed portion 72a of the image forming apparatus 100 is pressed by the protruding portion 73f, and the output logic of the fitting detection sensor 25a changes.

[0039] The mating detection sensors 25a to 25e are not limited to those having mechanical switches. The mating detection sensors 25a to 25e may have any configuration as long as they can detect the presence or absence of mating. For example, the mating detection sensors 25a to 25e may be optical detection sensors having a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section, and the output signal changes depending on the presence or absence or amount of light emitted from the light-emitting section and received by the light-receiving section. Alternatively, any other detection means may be used.

[0040] In this embodiment, the concave portions 72a to 72e have substantially the same shape, and the convex portions 73b to 73f have substantially the same shape. In this embodiment, the concave portions 72a to 72e are each formed of a cylindrical hole, and the convex portions 73b to 73f are each formed of a cylindrical member. However, the fitting mechanism is not limited to being formed of a convex portion and a concave portion as in this embodiment.

[0041] Further, the image forming apparatus 100 and the optional feeding apparatuses 101-104 may each have a plurality of fitting portions (concave portions), and correspondingly, the optional feeding apparatuses 101-104 and the anti-tip member 26 may each have a plurality of fitted portions (convex portions). For example, as shown in Figs. 2(a) and 2(c), the optional feeding apparatuses 101-104 and the anti-tip member 26 each have the above-mentioned convex portions 73b-73f near one of the four corners when viewed from above. The optional feeding apparatuses 101-104 and the anti-tip member 26 may each have another convex portion 75b-75f near at least one other of the four corners. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100 and the optional feeding apparatuses 101-104 are provided with a concave portion corresponding to the above-mentioned another convex portion 75b-75f. This allows the image forming apparatus 100, the optional feeding devices 101 to 104, and the tip-over prevention members 26 to be more firmly connected to one another.

[0042] Any fixing means (screws, screw holes, bolts, nuts, etc.) for fixing the image forming apparatus 100, the optional feeding devices 101 to 104, and the anti-toppling member 26 to one another may further be provided.

[0043] <Control configuration of image forming system> FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the image forming system 200 for explaining the control configuration of the image forming system 200 in this embodiment.

[0044] The image forming apparatus 100 has a control unit 30 configured with a microcontroller, and a fitting detection sensor input circuit 87a that inputs the output logic of the fitting detection sensor 25a to an I / O port of the control unit 30. Also, the optional feeding devices 101-104 have option control units 40b-40e configured with a microcontroller, switches 41b-41e, and fitting detection sensor input circuits 87b-87e that input the output logic of the fitting detection sensors 25b-25e to an I / O port, respectively.

[0045] 5 is a block diagram showing an outline of the functional configuration of the image forming system 200 for explaining the control configuration of the image forming system 200 in this embodiment. The control configuration of the image forming system 200 will be further explained with reference to FIGS.

[0046] The control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 is composed of a microcontroller. The control unit 30 receives print image data transmitted from an external device 300 such as a personal computer (PC) via a communication interface, and transmits the status of the image forming apparatus 100 to the external device 300. The control unit 30 has a communication unit 47a as a communication means, an initial communication unit 48 as an initial communication means, an option ID information storage unit 49, a prohibition unit 46 as a prohibition means, and an option management unit 36.

[0047] The communication unit 47a communicates with devices directly and indirectly connected to the image forming apparatus 100. The initial communication unit 48 establishes communication with the optional feeding devices 101-104 when the image forming apparatus 100 (image forming system 200) is powered on (when power supply starts, when the power is turned ON). The initial communication unit 48 establishes communication with the optional feeding devices 101-104 in sequence, and assigns IDs (optional device identifiers) to the optional feeding devices 101-104 with which communication has been established. Then, the initial communication unit 48 stores this ID information (optional ID information) in the option ID information storage unit 49.

[0048] The prohibition unit 46 controls the image forming apparatus 100 not to form an image even if an image formation instruction is received from the external device 300. Here, the present invention is not limited to the prohibition unit 46 prohibiting all operations of the image forming apparatus 100. It is sufficient that the image forming apparatus 100 is substantially disabled from use, and an operator such as a user or a service person is prompted to check or reconfigure the configuration of the image forming system 200, thereby preventing the risk of the image forming system 200 falling over. From this viewpoint, the prohibition unit 46 may at least prohibit the image forming apparatus 100 from forming an image (more specifically, forming a toner image on the photoconductor 1). Therefore, even after the prohibition unit 46 controls the image forming apparatus 100 to prohibit image formation (and further to issue a notification as described later), for example, an adjustment operation of the image forming apparatus 100, an operation of a fan, etc. may be performed. The prohibition unit 46 may control the image forming apparatus 100 to prohibit substantially all operations (except turning off the power of the image forming apparatus 100).

[0049] The option management unit 36 ​​has a tip-prevention member presence / absence determination unit (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "presence determination unit") 38 as a tip-prevention member presence / absence determination means, a configuration condition information storage unit 37, and an operation possibility determination unit 39 as an operation possibility determination means. The presence / absence determination unit 38 determines whether or not a tip-prevention member is connected based on the number of optional feeding devices 101-104 with which communication has been established by the initial communication unit 48 and the logic information (detection results) of the fitting detection sensors 25a-25e. The presence / absence determination unit 38 (control unit 30) acquires the logic information of the fitting detection sensors 25b-25e by the communication unit 47a. The configuration condition information storage unit 37 stores configuration condition information, which is information on the combination conditions of optional devices for the image forming system 200 to perform image formation. In this embodiment, the configuration condition information storage unit 37 stores table data as shown in Table 1 as the configuration condition information.

[0050] [Table 1]

[0051] The operation feasibility determination unit 39 determines whether the image forming device 100 can operate based on information regarding whether the optional feeding devices 101-104 can establish communication with the image forming device 100 via the initial communication unit 48, the determination result of the presence / absence determination unit 38, and the configuration condition information stored in the configuration condition information memory unit 37.

[0052] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 has a display operation panel 35 as a display operation means connected to the control unit 30. The display operation panel 35 is configured to have a display unit that displays information under the control of the control unit 30, and an input unit that inputs information (signals) to the control unit 30 in response to operations by an operator. This allows the display operation panel 35 to receive operations from the operator and notify the operator of messages. The display operation panel may be configured, for example, as a touch panel.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 30 is connected to the engagement detection sensor 25a, the feeding unit 20a, the image forming unit 31, the conveying unit 32 (such as the registration roller 8), the fixing unit 33 (such as the fixing device 10), and the discharge unit 34 (such as the discharge roller pair 11), which are provided in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0054] The option control units 40b-40e of the option feeding devices 101-104 are each configured with a microcontroller. The option control units 40b-40e each have a communication unit 47b-47e as a communication means. The feeding units 20b-20e and the fitting detection sensors 25b-25e are connected to the option control units 40b-40e, respectively. The option control units 40b-40e communicate with the control unit 30 through a serial interface by the communication units 47b-47e, respectively. At the same time, the option control units 40b-40e each control the above-mentioned feeding units 20b-20e to feed the sheet S and move the sheet S to the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, the option control units 40b-40e transmit information (signals) indicating the detection results of the fitting detection sensors 25b-25e, respectively, to the control unit 30 by the communication units 47b-47e.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the microcontroller constituting the control unit 30 is configured to have an arithmetic processing unit 81, a storage unit 82, an input / output unit 83, etc. The communication unit 47a described above is configured to have the input / output unit 83 of the control unit 30, etc. The initial communication unit 48, the prohibition unit 46, the fall prevention member presence / absence determination unit 38 of the option management unit 36, and the operation possibility determination unit 39 are realized by the arithmetic processing unit 81 of the control unit 30 executing a program stored in the storage unit 82 of the control unit 30. The option ID information storage unit 49 and the configuration condition information storage unit 37 of the option management unit 36 ​​are realized by the storage unit 82 of the control unit 30. As shown in FIG. 6(b), the microcomputer constituting the option control units 40b to 40e is configured to have an arithmetic processing unit 84, a storage unit 85, an input / output unit 86, etc. The communication units 47b to 47e described above are realized by the input / output units 86 of the option control units 40b to 40e, etc.

[0056] The control unit 30 and the option control units 40b-40e may be configured by cooperation between the CPU and other ASICs, or the control unit 30 and the option control units 40b-40e may be configured only by ASICs. In other words, although the control unit 30 and the option control units 40b-40e are sometimes described here as being the subject of processing, the subject of processing is not necessarily limited to the control unit 30 and the option control units 40b-40e configured by the microcontroller in this embodiment.

[0057] <Communication interface between image forming device and optional feeding device> With reference to FIG. 4, a communication interface between image forming apparatus 100 and optional feeding devices 101 to 104 will be described.

[0058] First, communication between image forming apparatus 100 and optional feeding devices 101-104 via communication units 47a-47e will be described.

[0059] The control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 and the option control units 40b to 40e of the optional feeding devices 101 to 104 are connected in a cascade (vertical / series) manner. In addition, the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 and the option control units 40b to 40e of the optional feeding devices 101 to 104 are capable of communicating with each other via a common serial communication line.

[0060] As an interface signal, the control unit 30 outputs a CLK transmission signal 201 as a clock signal (hereinafter also referred to as a "CLK signal") for synchronizing communications. On the other hand, the CLK transmission signal 201 is input to the option control units 40b to 40e as CLK reception signals 211b to 211e.

[0061] Moreover, the control unit 30 outputs a CMD transmission signal 202 as a command signal (hereinafter also referred to as a "CMD signal") to be transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100 to the optional feeding devices 101-104. On the other hand, the CMD transmission signal 202 is input to the optional control units 40b-40e as CMD reception signals 212b-212e.

[0062] Also, an STS reception signal 203 is input to the control unit 30 as a status signal (hereinafter, also referred to as an "STS signal") to be transmitted (returned) from the optional feeding devices 101-104 to the image forming apparatus 100. On the other hand, the optional control units 40b-40e output STS transmission signals 213b-213e which are input to the control unit 30 as the STS reception signal 203.

[0063] The CMD reception signals 212b-212e are branched into two signals within the option feeders 101-104. One is a command interrupt signal (hereinafter also referred to as a "CMD interrupt signal") 214b-214e. The other is a CMD reception signal 212b-212e. The CMD interrupt signal 214b-214e is input to an interrupt port of the option control units 40b-40e, and is set to generate an interrupt when this signal goes to a low level.

[0064] Next, initial communication by initial communication section 48 when image forming apparatus 100 (image forming unit 200) is powered on will be described.

[0065] The switches 41b-41e can switch the communication connection state (connected or not connected) of the cascaded optional control units 40b-40e. The following describes a method of assigning individual IDs (optional device identifiers) to the optional feeding devices 101-104 by sequentially transmitting and receiving CMD signals between the control unit 30 and the optional control units 40b-40e while switching the switches 41b-41e.

[0066] When the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on, all of the optional feeding devices 101-104 are in an unregistered (unset) ID state. In this case, the option control units 40b-40e of the optional feeding devices 101-104 keep the switches 41b-41e in a non-connected state (OFF state) so that the CMD signal is not input. That is, in this case, the switches 41b-41e are all in a non-connected state.

[0067] Here, control unit 30 (more specifically, initial communication unit 48) of image forming apparatus 100 transmits a command specifying ID=1 using a CMD signal. Only option control unit 40b of optional feeding device 101 at the top stage can receive this command. Option control units 40c-40e of optional feeding devices 102-104 at the second to final stages cannot receive the command because all of switches 41b-41e are in a non-connected state.

[0068] When the option control unit 40b of the topmost optional feeding device 101 receives a designation command for ID=1 while the ID is unregistered (unset), it stores the ID=1 of the optional feeding device 101 and switches the switch 41b to the connected state. Then, the option control unit 40b transmits (replies) an STS signal to the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 to the effect that ID=1 has been registered. The control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 stores this ID information in the option ID information storage unit 49.

[0069] When the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 confirms by the STS signal that the topmost optional feeding device 101 has been registered with ID=1, it next transmits a command specifying ID=2. In the current state of the switches 41b-41e, the switch 41b of the topmost optional feeding device 101 is in a connected state, so the option control units 40b, 40c of the topmost and second-stage optional feeding devices 101, 102 can receive this command. The option control unit 40b of the topmost optional feeding device 101 has already stored (set) an ID, so it ignores the new ID registration command. On the other hand, the option control unit 40c of the second-stage optional feeding device 102 has received a command specifying ID=2 when the ID has not been registered, so it stores the ID=2 of the optional feeding device 102 and switches the switch 41c to the connected state. Then, the option control unit 40c transmits (responds) an STS signal to the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 to the effect that ID=2 has been registered. The control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 stores this ID information in the option ID information storage unit 49.

[0070] Thereafter, in a similar manner, switches 41c, 41d of second-stage and third-stage optional feeders 102, 103 are successively set to the connected state. As a result, ID=3 is registered in option control unit 41d of third-stage optional feeder 103, and ID=4 is registered in option control unit 41e of bottom-stage optional feeder 104. Control unit 30 of image forming apparatus 100 stores this ID information in option ID information storage unit 49. Note that, as the ID information of final-stage optional feeder 104 is registered, switch 41e of final-stage optional feeder 104 is also set to the connected state.

[0071] <System configuration determination> Next, the system configuration determination process when the image forming system 200 in this embodiment is turned on will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of this process. Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the process of S105 in Fig. 7. It is assumed here that the image forming system 200 has the system configuration shown in Fig. 1. It is also assumed that the configuration condition information storage unit 37 stores the configuration condition information in Table 1.

[0072] When the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on, the control unit 30 (initial communication unit 48) performs initial communication with the optional feeding device 101 connected below the image forming apparatus 100 (S101). Next, the control unit 30 (initial communication unit 48) judges whether or not communication with the optional feeding device 101 is possible (S102). If the control unit 30 (initial communication unit 48) cannot communicate with the optional feeding device 101 in S102, it judges that the initial communication with the optional feeding device is completed (S104). Here, since the case where the optional feeding device 101 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is taken as an example, the control unit 30 (initial communication unit 48) can communicate with the optional feeding device 101 in S102. In this case, the control unit 30 (initial communication unit 48) issues an ID (ID=1) to the optional feeding device 101 and stores the issued ID information in the option ID information storage unit 49 (S103). In S103, the control unit 30 (initial communication unit 48) issues IDs (ID=1-4) to all optional feeding devices 101-104 connected to the image forming apparatus 100 as described above, and stores the issued ID information in the optional ID information storage unit 49. Then, when the control unit 30 (initial communication unit 48) has finished issuing IDs to the optional feeding devices 101-104, it determines that the initial communication with the optional feeding devices 101-104 is complete (S104). Next, the control unit 30 (presence determination unit 38) performs a process of determining the presence or absence of the tip-over prevention member 26 (S105).

[0073] With reference to Fig. 8, the process of determining whether or not the anti-tip member 26 is present in S105 of Fig. 7 will be described. First, the control unit 30 (presence determination unit 38) checks the output logic of the fitting detection sensor 25a of the image forming apparatus 100, that is, determines whether or not the fitting detection sensor 25a detects fitting (S111). If the fitting detection sensor 25a detects fitting in the fitting mechanism 27a in S111, the control unit 30 (presence determination unit 38) checks whether or not the anti-tip member 26 is connected (S112 to S115). Here, a case is taken as an example where the optional feeding device 101 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100, and IDs are issued to the optional feeding devices 101 to 104 in S103 of Fig. 7. Therefore, the control unit 30 (presence / absence determination unit 38) checks whether the tip-over prevention member 26 is connected from the topmost optional feeding device 101 to the bottommost optional feeding device 104, assuming that the optional feeding device 101 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100, as follows. First, the control unit 30 (presence / absence determination unit 38) assigns 1 to a variable N indicating the stage number of the optional feeding device to be checked (S112). Next, the control unit 30 (presence / absence determination unit 38) checks the output logic of the fitting detection sensor of the Nth stage optional feeding device, that is, determines whether the fitting detection sensor detects fitting (S113). Now, since N=1, the control unit 30 checks the logic value of the fitting detection sensor 25b of the first stage (top stage) optional feeding device 101. That is, the control unit 30 (presence / absence determination unit 38) transmits a command signal to the optional feeding device 101 using the communication unit 47a. Then, the optional feeder 101 returns the logical value of the fitting detection sensor 25b as a status signal. If the fitting detection sensor 25b detects fitting in S113, the control unit 30 (presence determination unit 38) determines whether communication with the N+1th stage, i.e., the second stage optional feeder 102 is possible (S114). In this embodiment, if the option ID information storage unit 49 contains ID information of the second stage optional feeder 102, the control unit 30 (presence determination unit 38) determines that communication with the second stage optional feeder 102 is possible. Then, the control unit 30 (presence determination unit 38) adds 1 to the variable N indicating the stage number of the optional feeder to be confirmed (S115).

[0074] If the fitting detection sensor of the Nth optional feeding device does not detect fitting in S113, the control unit 30 (presence determination unit 38) performs the following procedure: In other words, since this indicates that nothing is connected below the lowest communicable optional feeding device, it is determined that the tip-over prevention member 26 is not connected (S117).

[0075] Furthermore, if communication with the N+1th stage optional feeding device is not possible in S114, the control unit 30 (presence determination unit 38) proceeds as follows. That is, in this case, it indicates that an element other than the optional feeding device is connected below the Nth stage optional feeding device. Since an optional feeding device or tip-over prevention member 26 can be connected below the optional feeding device, in this case it is determined that tip-over prevention member 26 is connected (S116).

[0076] Furthermore, in the case where the fitting detection sensor 25a of the image forming apparatus 100 does not detect the fitting in S111, the control unit 30 (presence determination unit 38) performs the following procedure: In other words, in this case, since it indicates that neither the optional feeding device nor the anti-tip member 26 is connected, it is determined that the anti-tip member 26 is not connected (S117).

[0077] In this embodiment, the presence or absence of the tip-over prevention member 26 is determined after the initial communication with all the optional feeding devices 101-104 is completed, but the presence or absence of the tip-over prevention member 26 may be determined while performing the initial communication with the optional feeding devices 101-104. For example, the presence or absence of the tip-over prevention member 26 can be determined as follows. As in this embodiment, the control unit 30 establishes communication with the optional feeding device 101 closest to the image forming device 100, and switches the switches 41b-41e. Then, when the fitting detection sensor 25a of the image forming device 100 detects the fitting, the control unit 30 attempts to communicate with the first-stage optional feeding device 101, and when communication is successful, checks the output logic of the fitting detection sensor 25b of the first-stage optional feeding device 101. Then, when the fitting detection sensor 25b of the first-stage optional feeding device 101 detects the fitting, the control unit 30 attempts to communicate with the second-stage optional feeding device 102. Thereafter, the presence or absence of the tip-over prevention member 26 is determined while performing initial communications in the same manner.

[0078] In this embodiment, the presence or absence of the anti-tip member 26 is determined after the initial communication with the optional feeding devices 101-104 is completed. Therefore, the number of optional feeding devices 101-104 provided in the image forming system 200 is known at the start of the process of determining the presence or absence of the anti-tip member 26. Therefore, the presence or absence of the anti-tip member 26 may be determined by checking only the output logic of the fitting detection sensor 25e of the bottommost optional feeding device 104.

[0079] Next, the process after S106 in FIG. 7 will be described. When the process of determining the presence or absence of the tip-over prevention member 26 in S105 ends, the control unit 30 (operation possibility determination unit 39) uses the configuration condition information stored in the configuration condition information storage unit 37 to determine whether the optional devices can be combined (whether the image forming device 100 can operate) (S106). The configuration condition information storage unit 37 stores the configuration condition information of Table 1. Therefore, for example, when four optional feeding devices are connected and the tip-over prevention member 26 is connected, the control unit 30 (operation possibility determination unit 39) determines that the image forming device 100 can operate. Also, for example, when four optional feeding devices are connected and the tip-over prevention member 26 is not connected, the control unit 30 (operation possibility determination unit 39) determines that the image forming device 100 cannot operate.

[0080] When it is determined in S106 that the image forming apparatus 100 is not allowed to operate, the control unit 30 (prohibition unit 46) controls the image forming apparatus 100 to prohibit various operations (S107). Specifically, the control unit 30 (prohibition unit 46) prevents the image forming apparatus 100 from performing an image forming operation even if the image forming apparatus 100 receives print image data from the external device 300.

[0081] In this way, when the tip-over prevention member 26 is not connected to the image forming apparatus 100, the control unit 30 executes a process of prohibiting image formation by the image forming apparatus 100 if the number of optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than the first threshold value (3 in this embodiment). Also, when the tip-over prevention member 26 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100, the control unit 30 executes the above-mentioned prohibition process if the number of optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than the second threshold value (4 in this embodiment). Typically, the first threshold value is smaller than the second threshold value. However, the first threshold value and the second threshold value are not limited to this, and can be appropriately set according to the configuration of the image forming apparatus, the optional feeding device, the tip-over prevention member, etc., from the viewpoint of preventing the occurrence of the risk of tipping over of the image forming unit 200.

[0082] In this embodiment, the control unit 30 (prohibition unit 46) controls to notify the operator that the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is prohibited (S108). For example, the control unit 30 (prohibition unit 46) can display a message on the display operation panel 35, as shown in FIG. 9, to prompt the operator to confirm or reconfigure the configuration of the image forming system 200. For example, this display may be displayed over the entire screen of the display operation panel 35 so that various settings related to image formation and keys for inputting an instruction to start image formation are not displayed, so that the operator cannot perform these operations. In addition, the control unit 30 (prohibition unit 46) may transmit error information to the external device 300. In response to this error information, the external device 300 can display the same information as above on the display unit of the external device 300. In addition, if the image forming apparatus 100 has a speaker function (sound generating unit), the notification may be made by voice. In addition, if the image forming apparatus 100 has a warning lamp (light emitting unit), the notification may be made by turning on or blinking the warning lamp. In addition, the notification may be made by any method other than these methods.

[0083] Through the above control, control unit 30 can distinguish between optional feeding devices 101-104 and anti-toppling member 26. When the system configuration has a risk of image forming system 200 tipping over, control unit 30 can prohibit operation of image forming apparatus 100 and prompt the operator to check or reconfigure the configuration of image forming system 200.

[0084] Thus, in this embodiment, the image forming unit 200 comprises an image forming device 100 that forms an image on a sheet S, and an optional feeding device 101 that is connected below the image forming device 100 and feeds the sheet S to the image forming device 100, and the optional feeding device 101 is capable of connecting another optional feeding device 102 below the optional feeding device 101, and multiple optional feeding devices 101-104 can be connected in a vertically stacked manner below the image forming device 100, and an installation member (anti-tip member) 26 that is installed on the floor surface can be connected below the optional feeding devices 101-104. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 200 includes a control unit 30 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, a communication unit (communication unit) 47a that transmits and receives signals (data such as a CMD signal and an STS signal) between the image forming apparatus 100 and the optional feeding devices 101 to 104, a fitting portion (concave portion) 72b that is provided in the optional feeding device 101 and that fits with another optional feeding device 102 or an installation member 26 connected below the optional feeding device 101, and a fitting portion (concave portion) 72b that is provided in the optional feeding device 101 and that fits with another optional feeding device 102 or an installation member 26 connected below the optional feeding device 101. 2 or the fitting detection means (fitting detection sensor) 25b for detecting that the installation member 26 is fitted to the image forming apparatus 100, and the control unit 30 obtains first information on whether the installation member 26 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 based on the communication result by the communication unit 47a and the detection result by the fitting detection means 25b, and obtains second information on the number of optional feeding devices 101-104 connected to the image forming apparatus 100 based on the communication result by the communication unit 74a, and is capable of executing a process of prohibiting the image formation by the image forming apparatus 100 based on the first information and the second information. In this embodiment, when the control unit 30 executes the prohibition process, it executes a process of notifying information on the process.In this embodiment, when the engagement detection means 25b of the optional feeding device 101 detects that the engagement portion 72b of the optional feeding device 101 has engaged with a lower element, which is either another optional feeding device 102 or an installation member 26, if the control unit 30 cannot communicate with the lower element via the communication means 47a, it determines that the installation member 26 is connected below the optional feeding device 101, and if it can communicate with the lower element via the communication means 47a, it determines that another optional feeding device 102 is connected below the optional feeding device 101. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 200 is provided in the image forming apparatus 100 and has a fitting portion (concave portion) 72a that fits with the optional feeding device 101 or the installation member 26 connected below the image forming apparatus 100, and a fitting detection means 25a that is provided in the image forming apparatus 100 and detects that the fitting portion 72a of the image forming apparatus 100 is fitted with the optional feeding device 101 or the installation member 26. In this embodiment, the fitting portions 72a to 72e are concave portions that fit with the convex portions 73b to 73f provided in the optional feeding devices 101 to 104 or the installation member 26, and the fitting detection means 25a to 25e are provided in the concave portions and have sensors that detect the fitting between the concave portions and the convex portions. In this embodiment, the installation member 26 is provided with a plate-shaped member (anti-tip plate) 26a having an installation floor area larger than the installation floor area of ​​the image forming apparatus 100.

[0085] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to detect whether the tip-over prevention member (pedestal) 26 is connected via the optional feeding devices 101-104 that can be connected to the image forming apparatus 100 in multiple units and can be added, and to determine whether the image forming apparatus 100 can operate. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare an optional feeding device that can be connected to the image forming apparatus in multiple units and can be added, each of which has an electrical contact and a microcontroller, and an optional feeding device that is placed on the floor to prevent tip-over. This makes it possible to reduce costs for developing and manufacturing the image forming system 200. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to detect whether the tip-over prevention member 26 is connected by utilizing the configuration (convex portion, concave portion) for fitting the optional feeding devices 101-104 and the tip-over prevention member 26. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated configuration for determining the presence or absence of the tip-over prevention member 26 in the optional feeding devices 101-104 and the tip-over prevention member 26.

[0086] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the presence or absence of the tip-over prevention member 26 can be determined with a configuration advantageous for reducing costs, and based on the result, image formation by the image forming apparatus 100 can be prohibited according to the system configuration. This makes it possible to prompt the operator to check and reconfigure the configuration of the image forming system 200, and to prevent the risk of the image forming system 200 tipping over in advance.

[0087] [Example 2] 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, in the image forming system of this embodiment, elements having the same or corresponding functions or configurations as those of the image forming system of embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals as those of embodiment 1, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0088] In the first embodiment, the image forming system 200 is configured by detachably connecting the optional feeding devices 101-104 and the tip-over prevention member 26 to the image forming apparatus 100. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the image forming system 200 is configured by detachably connecting an optional device that acts on the sheet S after the image formation to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0089] Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system 200 of this embodiment. In the example of Fig. 10, the image forming system 200 is configured by connecting three optional feeding devices 101 to 103, an optional intermediate conveying device 111, an optional discharge device (optional paper discharge device) 112, and a tip-over prevention member 26 to an image forming device 100. The optional intermediate conveying device 111 is connected to the image forming device 100 so as to be located on a discharge tray 12 provided on the upper part of the image forming device 100. The optional discharge device 112 is connected to the image forming device 100 in a state where it is connected to the optional intermediate conveying device 111 so as to be located outside the image forming device 100 when the image forming device 100 is viewed from above.

[0090] The optional intermediate conveying device 111 is an optional device that receives the sheet S from the image forming apparatus 100 and delivers the sheet S to an optional discharge device 112. The optional intermediate conveying device 111 is configured to include conveying rollers 52, 53, and 54 as conveying members, conveying sensors 50 and 51, and the like.

[0091] Optional discharge device 112 is an optional device that receives sheet S from optional intermediate conveying device 111 and discharges sheet S to the outside of image forming system 200. Optional discharge device 112 has multiple discharge bins 63, 64, and 65. Optional discharge device 112 receives sheet S from optional intermediate conveying device 111 and discharges it to one of the multiple discharge bins 63, 64, and 65. Optional discharge device 112 is also configured with conveying rollers 61 and 62, conveying sensors 60 and 66, and the like.

[0092] The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 by hardware signals via electrical connection sections. This allows the control section 30 of the image forming apparatus 100 to determine the connection of each of the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112, and to instruct each of the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 on the timing of each process.

[0093] <System configuration determination> In this embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the image forming system 200 in the first embodiment, an optional intermediate conveying device 111 and an optional discharge device 112 are connected to the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, the position of the center of gravity of the image forming system 200 is different from that of the image forming system 200 in the first embodiment (the center of gravity is in a higher position). Therefore, in this embodiment, it is necessary to determine whether the image forming apparatus 100 can operate, including the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112.

[0094] Therefore, in this embodiment, the configuration condition information storage unit 37 stores configuration condition information to which information on the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 is added. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the configuration condition information storage unit 37 stores table data as shown in Table 2 as the configuration condition information. Note that the optional intermediate conveying device 111 is an optional device for sending the sheet S to the optional discharge device 112. Therefore, as shown in Table 2, when only one of the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 cannot operate.

[0095] [Table 2]

[0096] The procedure of the system configuration determination process when the image forming system 200 in this embodiment is turned on is the same as the procedure of the flowcharts in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 described in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, in S106 in FIG. 7, the control unit 30 (operability determination unit 39) determines whether the optional devices can be combined (whether the image forming device 100 can operate) by using the configuration condition information shown in Table 2 stored in the configuration condition information storage unit 37. That is, in this embodiment, the control unit 30 determines whether the optional devices can be combined (whether the image forming device 100 can operate) including the connection status of the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 to the image forming device 100. In this embodiment, the image forming device 100 is connected to the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 by hardware signals via electrical connection units. Therefore, the control unit 30 (operability determination unit 39) can determine the connection status of the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 based on the output logic of this hardware signal.

[0097] In this manner, in this embodiment, an optional device 112 different from the optional feeding devices 101-104 can be further connected to the image forming device 100, and the control unit 30 can execute a process of prohibiting image formation by the image forming device 100 based on first information on whether or not an installation member (anti-tip member) 26 is connected to the image forming device 100, second information on the number of optional feeding devices 101-104 connected to the image forming device 100, and third information on whether or not the optional device 112 is connected to the image forming device 100. In this embodiment, the optional device 112 is a device (optional discharge device) that receives the sheet S discharged from the image forming device 100 and conveys it toward the outside of the image forming system 200.

[0098] In the configuration of the image forming system 200 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with the fitting detection sensor 25a. However, the image forming system 200 may be configured such that the image forming apparatus 100 does not have the fitting detection sensor 25a. In a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 100 does not have the fitting detection sensor 25a, if none of the optional feeding devices 101 to 104 are connected to the image forming apparatus 100, the control unit 30 cannot determine whether the tip-over prevention member 26 is connected to the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, for example, in S106 of FIG. 7, the control unit 30 refers to both the judgment conditions of the allowable system configuration in the absence of the tip-over prevention member 26 and the judgment conditions of the allowable system configuration in the presence of the tip-over prevention member 26. Then, if the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is not possible in either judgment condition, the control unit 30 can determine that the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 is not possible. For example, when none of the optional feeding devices 101-104, the optional intermediate conveying device 111, and the optional discharge device 112 are connected to the image forming device 100, it is determined from the configuration condition information in Table 2 that the image forming device 100 can operate regardless of the presence or absence of the tip-over prevention member 26. Also, when the optional feeding devices 101-104 are not connected to the image forming device 100 and both the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 are connected, it is determined from the configuration condition information in Table 2 that the image forming device 100 cannot operate without the tip-over prevention member 26. Also, it is determined that the image forming device 100 cannot operate even if the tip-over prevention member is connected.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Table 2, when the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 are connected to the image forming device 100, the image forming device 100 cannot operate without the tip-over prevention member 26. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If the risk of tip-over of the image forming system 200 is sufficiently low, the number of optional feeding devices allowed in this case may be set to, for example, two or less (a number less than when the tip-over prevention member 26 is present).

[0100] In this embodiment, as shown in Table 2, the number of optional feeding devices permitted when the anti-toppling member 26 is not present and the number permitted when it is present both differ depending on the presence or absence of the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on the configuration of the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112, at least one of the number of optional feeding devices permitted when the anti-toppling member 26 is not present and the number permitted when it is present may be the same depending on whether or not they are present.

[0101] In this manner, when the image forming apparatus 100 is not connected to the tip-over prevention member 26 and the optional discharge device 112, and the number of optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than a first threshold value (3 in this embodiment), the control unit 30 executes the above-mentioned prohibition process when the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the tip-over prevention member 26 and the optional discharge device 112 is not connected, and the number of optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than a second threshold value (4 in this embodiment). When the image forming apparatus 100 is not connected to the tip-over prevention member 26 and the optional discharge device 112 is connected, and the number of optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than a third threshold value (0 in this embodiment), the control unit 30 executes the above-mentioned prohibition process. Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the tip-over prevention member 26 and the optional discharge device 112, the control unit 30 executes the above-mentioned prohibition process if the number of optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus 100 is greater than a fourth threshold (3 in this embodiment). Typically, the first threshold is smaller than the second threshold, the third threshold is smaller than the fourth threshold, and the fourth threshold is equal to or smaller than the second threshold. However, the first to third thresholds are not limited to these, and can be appropriately set according to the configurations of the image forming apparatus, the optional feeding devices, the optional discharge devices, and the tip-over prevention member, from the viewpoint of preventing the occurrence of a risk of tipping over of the image forming unit 200.

[0102] By the above control, even in the image forming system 200 to which an optional device that acts on the sheet S after an image is formed is connected, it is possible to prohibit the image forming apparatus 100 from forming an image according to the system configuration.

[0103] In this embodiment, the optional intermediate conveying device 111 and the optional discharge device 112 are given as examples of optional devices acting on the sheet S after image formation. However, the optional devices acting on the sheet S after image formation are not limited to the configuration of this embodiment. For example, the optional intermediate conveying device may not be provided, and the sheet S may be delivered from the image forming apparatus to the optional discharge device. Also, for example, a configuration may be such that a plurality of optional discharge devices 112 each having one discharge bin can be connected to the image forming apparatus 100. Also, for example, a configuration may be such that a plurality of types of optional discharge devices each having different functions can be connected. The configuration condition information storage unit 37 stores combination information regarding the type and number of optional devices that are components of the image forming system 200.

[0104] In addition, in this embodiment, hardware signals are used to exchange information between the image forming apparatus 100 and the intermediate conveying device and the optional discharge device 112, but this is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may transmit and receive information between the intermediate conveying device and the optional discharge device 112 by serial interface communication.

[0105] [others] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the image forming system includes a color image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system as the image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus may be an inkjet type or other type other than the electrophotographic system, or may be a monochrome image forming apparatus.

[0107] In the second embodiment, the optional device different from the optional feeding device is the optional discharge device (and the optional intermediate conveying device), but the present invention is not limited to this. The optional device different from the optional feeding device may be an image reader (image reading device), an automatic document feeder (ADF), a finisher (post-processing device), etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e Fitting detection sensor (fitting detection means) 26 Anti-tip parts (installation parts) 30 Control section 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e Optional control section 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d, 47e Communication section (communication means) 72 Concave portion (fitting portion) 73 Convex shaped part (mated part) 100 Image forming device 101, 102, 103, 104 Optional feeding device 111 Optional intermediate transport device 112 Optional exhaust device

Claims

1. an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet; an optional feeding device connected below the image forming apparatus and feeding sheets to the image forming apparatus; Equipped with the optional feeding device is connectable to another optional feeding device below the optional feeding device, and a plurality of the optional feeding devices are connectable to the image forming apparatus below the image forming apparatus in a vertically stacked manner; An image forming system in which an installation member to be installed on a floor surface can be connected below the optional feeding device, A control unit for controlling an operation of the image forming apparatus; a communication means for transmitting and receiving signals between the image forming apparatus and the optional feeding device; a fitting portion provided on the optional feeding device and adapted to fit with another optional feeding device or the installation member connected below the optional feeding device; a fitting detection means provided in the optional feeding device and configured to detect that the fitting portion is fitted with another optional feeding device or the installation member connected below the optional feeding device; having The control unit obtains first information regarding whether or not the installation member is connected to the image forming apparatus based on the communication result by the communication means and the detection result by the engagement detection means, and obtains second information regarding the number of optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus based on the communication result by the communication means, and is capable of executing a process to prohibit image formation by the image forming apparatus based on the first information and the second information.

2. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when executing the prohibited process, executes a process for notifying information related to the process.

3. The image forming system of claim 1, wherein when the engagement detection means of the optional feeding device detects that the engagement portion of the optional feeding device has engaged with a lower element which is either another optional feeding device or the installation member, if the control unit is unable to communicate with the lower element via the communication means, it determines that the installation member is connected below the optional feeding device, and if the control unit is able to communicate with the lower element via the communication means, it determines that another optional feeding device is connected below the optional feeding device.

4. the control unit, when the installation member is not connected to the image forming apparatus, executes the prohibition process when a number of the optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus is greater than a first threshold value; The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the installation member is connected to the image forming apparatus, the control unit executes the prohibiting process when the number of optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus is greater than a second threshold value.

5. 5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the first threshold value is smaller than the second threshold value.

6. a fitting portion provided on the image forming apparatus and adapted to be fitted with the optional feeding device or the installation member connected below the image forming apparatus; a fitting detection unit provided in the image forming apparatus and configured to detect that the fitting portion of the image forming apparatus is fitted with the optional feeding device or the installation member; 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. An optional device different from the optional feeding device can be further connected to the image forming apparatus, The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit is capable of executing the prohibition process based on the first information, the second information, and third information regarding whether the optional device is connected to the image forming apparatus.

8. 8. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the optional device is a device that receives a sheet discharged from the image forming device and conveys the sheet to the outside of the image forming system.

9. when the installation member is not connected to the image forming apparatus and the optional device is not connected to the image forming apparatus, if the number of the optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus is greater than a first threshold value, the control unit executes the prohibition process; the control unit, when the installation member is connected to the image forming apparatus and the optional device is not connected, executes the prohibition process when the number of the optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus is greater than a second threshold value; when the installation member is not connected to the image forming apparatus and the optional device is connected to the image forming apparatus, if the number of the optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus is greater than a third threshold value, the control unit executes the prohibition process; The image forming system according to claim 7, characterized in that, when the installation member is connected to the image forming apparatus and the optional device is connected, the control unit executes the prohibiting process when the number of optional feeding devices connected to the image forming apparatus is greater than a fourth threshold value.

10. 10. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein the first threshold value is smaller than the second threshold value, the third threshold value is smaller than the fourth threshold value, and the fourth threshold value is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value.

11. the fitting portion is a concave portion that fits into a convex portion provided on the optional feeding device or the installation member, 11. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the fitting detection unit includes a sensor provided in the recessed portion for detecting the fitting between the recessed portion and the protruding portion.

12. 11. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the installation member comprises a plate-like member having an installation floor area larger than an installation floor area of ​​the image forming apparatus.

Images