Media discharge system and image forming apparatus

Abstract

In a media discharge system having a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the displacement caused by the media, the present invention provides a media discharge system that improves the accuracy of sorting. [Solution] The media discharge system comprises a sensor that outputs a signal indicating the presence of media when it is displaced by the conveyed media, and outputs a signal indicating the absence of media when the displacement is resolved; a pair of discharge rolls positioned downstream of the sensor in the media conveying direction and discharging the media to the discharge section; a moving member that moves the pair of discharge rolls in the width direction which is the direction intersecting the media conveying direction; and a processor. The processor controls the timing of operation of the moving member based on the time when the sensor starts outputting a signal indicating the presence of media and the length information of the media.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium discharge system and an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a recording medium discharge device that increases the offset amount without increasing the machine size and improves the paper alignment performance.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a medium discharge system that improves the sorting accuracy in a medium discharge system having a sensor that outputs a signal according to the displacement of a medium, as compared with a configuration in which a moving member is operated based on a signal without a medium by the sensor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The medium discharge system according to the first aspect includes a sensor that outputs a signal with a medium by being displaced by the conveyed medium and outputs a signal without a medium when the displacement is eliminated, a discharge roll pair that is disposed downstream of the sensor in the conveyance direction of the medium and discharges the medium to a discharge unit while sandwiching the medium, a moving member that moves the discharge roll pair in the width direction, which is the direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the medium, and a processor. The processor controls the operation timing of the moving member based on the time when the sensor starts to output a signal with a medium and the length information of the medium.

[0006] The second embodiment of the media discharge system is the first embodiment of the media discharge system, further comprising a measuring unit positioned upstream of the sensor in the conveying direction of the media, which measures the length of the media in the conveying direction, and the processor obtains the length information from the measuring unit.

[0007] The third embodiment of the image forming apparatus comprises a forming unit for forming an image on the medium, a fixing unit for fixing the image formed on the medium, and a medium discharge system according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the sensor is positioned downstream of the fixing unit in the medium transport direction.

[0008] The image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment is a medium discharge system of the third embodiment, wherein the moving member starts operating after the rear end of the medium on which the image is fixed has passed the fixing section and before the sensor outputs a signal indicating the absence of the medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the first embodiment, in a media discharge system having a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the displacement caused by the media, the sorting accuracy is improved compared to a configuration in which the sensor outputs a signal without media.

[0010] According to the second embodiment, sorting accuracy can be improved compared to a configuration in which length information of the transport direction of the medium is obtained from job data.

[0011] According to the third embodiment, an image forming apparatus can be provided that offers improved sorting accuracy compared to a configuration in which the sensor outputs a signal without a medium.

[0012] According to the fourth embodiment, the space between the fixing unit and the discharge roll pair becomes more compact compared to a configuration in which the moving member starts operating after the sensor outputs a signal without a medium. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the processor according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing the media discharge system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the state in which an actuator-type sensor, pushed up at the tip of the sheet member P, is outputting an ON signal in the media discharge system according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the state in which the actuator-type sensor in contact with the rear end of the sheet member P in the media discharge system according to this embodiment continues to output an ON signal from the state shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a front view showing the state in which the arm of the actuator-type sensor has returned to its basic position and is outputting an OFF signal in the media discharge system according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing the sheet material, sandwiched between a pair of discharge rolls, in its basic position or sorting position. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the sorting of sheet members on which images have been fixed in the processor of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] An example of an image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In the figures, arrow H indicates the vertical direction of the apparatus, arrow W indicates the horizontal direction of the apparatus width, and arrow D indicates the horizontal direction of the apparatus depth.

[0015] (Overall configuration of the image forming apparatus) As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on the sheet member P. The sheet member P is an example of a medium. The image forming apparatus 10 houses each component inside a box-shaped apparatus main body 10a. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a storage unit 18, a conveyance unit 14, and an image forming unit 12. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a fixing unit 34, a sorting unit 60, and a controller 70. An opening 10b and a tray 10c are formed in the apparatus main body 10a. The opening 10b extends in the depth direction and is an opening through which the sheet member P after image formation is discharged from the inside of the apparatus main body 10a. The tray 10c is a part of the apparatus main body 10a having a plate surface on which the sheet member P discharged from the opening 10b is placed. The tray 10c is an example of a discharge unit.

[0016] (Storage Unit) The storage unit 18 is formed in a box shape with an open top and is disposed below the inside of the apparatus main body 10a. The storage unit 18 stores a plurality of sheet members P in a stacked state.

[0017] (Conveyance Unit) The conveyance unit 14 conveys the sheet member P to each part within the apparatus main body 10a. In the present embodiment, the conveyance unit 14 conveys the sheet member P along a conveyance path 14a extending in the vertical and width directions within the apparatus main body 10a. The conveyance unit 14 includes a feed roll 20, an anti - skew roll pair 22, an adjustment roll pair 24, a discharge roll pair 26, a registration sensor 28, and a chute 64.

[0018] The feed roll 20 is a cylinder along the depth direction and is disposed above the storage unit 18. The feed roll 20 feeds the sheet member P stored in the storage unit 18 to the conveyance path 14a.

[0019] The anti - skew roll pair 22 is a pair of cylinders along the depth direction and is disposed above the feed roll 20 along the conveyance path 14a. The anti - skew roll pair 22 prevents double - feeding of the sheet member P fed by the feed roll 20.

[0020] The adjustment roll pair 24 is a pair of cylinders aligned in the depth direction and is positioned above the prevention roll pair 22 along the transport path 14a. The adjustment roll pair 24 adjusts the timing of feeding the sheet material P toward the transport path 14a (secondary transfer section) downstream of the adjustment roll pair 24.

[0021] The discharge roll pair 26 has a shaft 27 at its center and is a pair of cylinders aligned in the depth direction. The discharge roll pair 26 is positioned above the adjustment roll pair 24 along the transport path 14a. The discharge roll pair 26 faces the opening 10b of the device body 10a and discharges the sheet member P through the opening 10b to the tray 10c. The discharge roll pair 26 is rotatably supported relative to the device body 10a. The discharge roll pair 26 is rotated around the depth direction by a drive unit (not shown) located at the depth end.

[0022] The discharge roll pair 26 has an upper discharge roll 26a and a lower discharge roll 26b, as shown in Figure 3.

[0023] The upper discharge roll 26a is positioned above the transport path 14a and rotates counterclockwise when discharging the sheet material P.

[0024] The lower discharge roll 26b is positioned below the transport path 14a and rotates clockwise in conjunction with the rotation of the upper discharge roll 26a when discharging the sheet material P. The lower discharge roll 26b is rotatably supported by the device body 10a while being pressed from below by the upper discharge roll 26a. In other words, when the sheet material P is discharged from the opening 10b, the sheet material P is sandwiched between the upper discharge roll 26a and the lower discharge roll 26b.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the register sensor 28 is positioned upstream of the transport path 14a of the prevention roll pair 22 and upstream of the transport path 14a of the adjustment roll pair 24. The register sensor 28 detects the presence or absence of the sheet material P in the transport path 14a. The register sensor 28 is an example of a measuring unit.

[0026] The chute 64 extends in the depth direction and is inclined in the vertical direction as a plate. The chute 64 is located downstream of the fixing section 34 (described later) and upstream of the discharge roll pair 26. The chute 64 constitutes part of the transport path 14a. The chute 64 has a lower chute 64a and an upper chute 64b.

[0027] The lower chute 64a guides the sheet member P from below. The upper chute 64b is positioned to straddle the transport path 14a together with the lower chute 64a, and guides the sheet member P on the transport path 14a from above. The lower chute 64a and the upper chute 64b each have multiple ribs (not shown) arranged in the depth direction. These ribs guide the sheet member P as part of the transport path 14a.

[0028] (Image forming unit 12) The image forming unit 12 forms a toner image on the sheet member P using an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 12 is an example of a forming unit. The toner image is also an example of an image. The image forming unit 12 is located above the storage unit 18. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming unit 12 comprises a toner image forming unit 30 and a transfer unit 32.

[0029] Multiple toner image forming units 30 are provided to form toner images for each color. In this embodiment, toner image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K for a total of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are provided.

[0030] In the following explanation, if it is not necessary to distinguish between yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), the letters Y, M, C, and K attached to the symbols will be omitted.

[0031] Each toner image forming unit 30 for each color is basically configured the same way, except for the toner used. The toner image forming unit 30 performs the charging, exposure, and development processes for each color.

[0032] The transfer unit 32 transfers the toner image formed in the toner image forming unit 30 to the sheet member P. As shown in Figure 1, the transfer unit 32 comprises a transfer belt 50, a primary transfer roll 52, and a winding roll 56. The transfer unit 32 also comprises a drive roll 58 and a secondary transfer roll 54.

[0033] The transfer belt 50 is a band formed in an endless manner, extending in the depth direction and along the width and vertical directions. The toner images of each color are superimposed onto the transfer belt 50 by the toner image forming unit 30.

[0034] The primary transfer roll 52 is a cylinder oriented in the depth direction. The primary transfer rolls 52 are positioned on opposite sides of each toner image forming unit 30, with the transfer belt 50 in between. The primary transfer rolls 52 transfer the toner image formed in the toner image forming unit 30 to the transfer belt 50. In this embodiment, four primary transfer rolls 52 are arranged according to the toner color.

[0035] The winding roll 56 is a cylinder oriented in the depth direction. The transfer belt 50 is wound around the outer circumference of the winding roll 56.

[0036] The drive roll 58 is a cylinder aligned with the depth direction and rotates around the depth direction when driven by a drive unit (not shown). The transfer belt 50 is wrapped around the drive roll 58 and transmits rotational force to the transfer belt 50. As a result, the transfer belt 50 rotates in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0037] The secondary transfer roll 54 is positioned on the opposite side of the winding roll 56, with the transfer belt 50 in between, and transfers the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 50 to the sheet member P. A transfer nip NT is formed between the secondary transfer roll 54 and the transfer belt 50, which transfers the toner image to the sheet member P. The secondary transfer roll 54 is positioned downstream of the adjustment roll pair 24 in the transport direction. In other words, the adjustment roll pair 24 feeds out the sheet member P in conjunction with the transfer (secondary transfer) at the transfer nip NT.

[0038] In this configuration, the toner image is first transferred to the transfer belt 50 by the primary transfer roll 52 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The toner image is then transferred from the transfer belt 50 to the sheet member P, which is transported sandwiched between the transfer belt 50 and the secondary transfer roll 54, by the secondary transfer roll 54.

[0039] (Fixing part) As shown in Figure 1, the fixing unit 34 is a pair of cylinders aligned in the depth direction and is positioned downstream of the transfer nip NT in the transport direction of the sheet member P. The fixing unit 34 heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred to the sheet member P to fix it to the sheet member P.

[0040] (Sorting Department) The sorting unit 60 is located downstream of the fixing unit 34 in the conveying direction of the sheet member P, and upstream of the discharge roll pair 26 in the conveying direction. The sorting unit 60 is responsible for preparing the sheet member P for sorting. Sorting means discharging the sheet member P toward different positions in the depth direction. Preparation for sorting means acquiring the information necessary for sorting by the discharge roll pair 26. The necessary information is that the rear end of the sheet member P has passed the fixing unit 34. The sorting unit 60 includes an actuator-type sensor 62, a stopper 66, and a drive unit (not shown). The actuator-type sensor 62 is an example of a sensor.

[0041] The actuator-type sensor 62 detects the leading edge of the sheet member P in the transport direction. The actuator-type sensor 62 is positioned downstream of the register sensor 28 in the transport direction and is supported by the device body 10a. More specifically, the actuator-type sensor 62 is positioned downstream of the fixing unit 34 in the transport direction and is supported by the device body 10a.

[0042] Furthermore, the actuator-type sensor 62 is positioned upstream of the discharge roll pair 26 in the conveying direction of the sheet member P. In other words, the discharge roll pair 26 is positioned downstream of the actuator-type sensor 62 in the conveying direction of the sheet member P. The actuator-type sensor 62 has a support portion 62a and an arm 62b.

[0043] The support portion 62a is supported by the main body of the device 10a at a position away from the transport path 14a. The support portion 62a is positioned so that it does not come into contact with the sheet member P transported from the fixing portion 34.

[0044] The arm 62b is an elongated plate having a rotation axis (not shown) and is supported by the support portion 62a so as to be rotatable around the depth direction. The arm 62b is rotatable between multiple ribs in the portion of the chute 64 where the sheet member P is conveyed.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, the arm 62b is rotatably supported at its base end by the support portion 62a, and its tip end is positioned in a basic position with its rotation restricted clockwise by a restricting member (not shown) while intersecting the transport path 14a. In the basic position, the tip of the arm 62b is positioned between multiple ribs of the lower chute 64a.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, when the arm 62b is pushed up by a predetermined counterclockwise angle by the tip of the sheet member P conveyed from the fixing unit 34, it assumes a starting position to begin outputting an ON signal. In other words, the actuator-type sensor 62 outputs an ON signal when it is displaced by the conveyed sheet member P. The ON signal is an example of a signal with a medium.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, when the rear end of the sheet member P passes, the arm 62b rotates clockwise due to the restoring force of the torsion spring (not shown) and returns to its basic position (see Figure 6). When the arm 62b passes the starting position during the process of returning to the basic position, it outputs an OFF signal. In other words, the actuator-type sensor 62 outputs an OFF signal when it takes the starting position. The OFF signal is an example of a signal without a medium. In Figure 5, the sheet member P shown by the solid line is the case when it is transported to the upper chute 64b side. The sheet member P shown by the dashed-dot line is the case when it is transported to the lower chute 64a side.

[0048] The stopper 66 is plate-shaped and positioned above the transport path 14a, between multiple ribs of the upper chute 64b in the depth direction. The stopper 66 limits the range of rotation of the arm 62b around the depth direction when it comes into contact with the arm 62b of the actuator-type sensor 62.

[0049] The drive unit moves the discharge roll pair 26 along the depth direction between a basic position Q1 and a sorting position Q2 located in front of the basic position Q1 in the depth direction (see Figure 7). The drive unit is, for example, a geared motor. The drive unit is an example of a moving member. The depth direction is also an example of the width direction of the medium.

[0050] (controller) The controller 70 is located on the main body 10a of the apparatus and gives instructions to each component of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, the controller 70 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 72A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 72C, storage 72D, an input / output unit 78, and a network interface (Network I / F) 80. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 72E so that they can communicate with each other.

[0052] The CPU 72A is the central processing unit, which executes various programs and controls various components. Specifically, the CPU 72A reads programs from ROM 72B or storage 72D and executes them using RAM 72C as the working area. The CPU 72A controls the above components and performs various calculations according to the programs recorded in ROM 72B or storage 72D.

[0053] The CPU 72A controls the operating timing of the sorting unit 60 drive unit based on the time when the actuator-type sensor 62 starts outputting an ON signal and the length information of the sheet member P in the transport direction. The operating timing of the sorting unit 60 drive unit includes at least the start and end times of the movement of the discharge roll pair 26 in the depth direction. The CPU 72A is an example of a processor. The system consisting of the CPU 72A, the actuator-type sensor 62, the discharge roll pair 26, and the drive unit is an example of a media discharge system.

[0054] ROM72B stores various programs and data. RAM72C temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage72D consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data.

[0055] The input / output unit 78 receives signals between the various components of the image forming apparatus 10 in order to perform the functions of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0056] Network I / F80 is an interface for communicating with other devices such as databases and servers (not shown in the diagram), and uses standards such as Ethernet®, FDDI, and Wi-Fi®.

[0057] (Main part configuration) Next, we will explain in detail the sorting of the sheet members P on which images have been fixed by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, CPU 72A accepts the job in step S10. Then, CPU 72A proceeds to step S20.

[0059] In step S20, the CPU 72A starts the job. In this embodiment, it sorts the sheet members P on which the image will be formed. Then, the CPU 72A proceeds to step S30.

[0060] In step S30, CPU 72A determines, based on the job data, whether sorting of the sheet material P is necessary.

[0061] [When sorting is not required] If the result of step S30 is "N", indicating negation, the CPU 72A determines that sorting of the image-fixed sheet members P is unnecessary and proceeds to step S40.

[0062] In step S40, the CPU 72A performs the basic discharge operation. As shown by the solid line in Figure 7, the drive unit rotates the discharge roll pair 26, which remains in its basic position Q1, in the R direction, causing the sheet material P to be discharged toward the tray 10c by the discharge roll pair 26. Then, the CPU 72A proceeds to step S90.

[0063] [When sorting is required] On the other hand, if the result of step S30 is "Y" indicating a positive result, the CPU 72A determines that sorting of the image-fixed sheet members P is necessary and proceeds to step S50.

[0064] In step S50, the CPU 72A starts measuring the length of the sheet member P. Specifically, the CPU 72A acquires the timing when the adjustment roll pair 24 feeds out the sheet member P. The CPU 72A also acquires the timing when an OFF signal is output from the register sensor 28. Based on these timings and the transport speed of the transport unit 14, the CPU 72A measures the length of the sheet member P from the leading edge to the trailing edge in the transport direction. The measured length is an example of length information.

[0065] Then, CPU72A proceeds to step S60.

[0066] In step S60, the CPU 72A determines whether the actuator-type sensor 62 has output an ON signal.

[0067] If the judgment result is "N", the CPU 72A returns to step S60, stating that the sheet member P has not reached the actuator-type sensor 62.

[0068] On the other hand, if the judgment result is "Y", the CPU 72A determines that the sheet member P has reached the actuator-type sensor 62 and proceeds to step S70.

[0069] In step S70, the CPU 72A determines whether the rear end of the sheet member P has passed the fixing section 34. Specifically, the CPU 72A determines whether time has elapsed since the detection of the ON signal output by the actuator-type sensor 62, which corresponds to the length of the sheet member P measured in step S50, for the sheet member P to be transported.

[0070] If the result of the judgment is "N", the CPU 72A returns to step S70, stating that the rear end of the sheet member P has not passed through the fixing section 34 and that the sorting preparation is not complete.

[0071] On the other hand, if the judgment result is "Y", the CPU 72A determines that the rear end of the sheet member P has passed through the fixing section 34 and that it is ready for sorting, and proceeds to step S80.

[0072] In step S80, the CPU 72A performs a sorting and discharge operation. In the sorting and discharge operation, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 7, the drive unit moves the discharge roll pair 26 to the sorting position Q2 on the front side in the depth direction while rotating the discharge roll pair 26 in the R direction. The drive unit also causes the discharge roll pair 26 to discharge the sheet material P toward the tray 10c.

[0073] In this embodiment, the drive unit starts operating after the rear end of the sheet member P on which the image is fixed has passed the fixing unit 34, and before the actuator-type sensor 62 outputs an OFF signal.

[0074] Then, CPU72A proceeds to step S90.

[0075] [Flow termination determination] CPU72A determines in step S90 whether all jobs have finished.

[0076] If the result of the judgment is "N", CPU72A returns to step S30, assuming that not all jobs have finished.

[0077] On the other hand, if the result is "Y", CPU72A terminates the flow, assuming that all jobs have finished.

[0078] Based on the above, the sheet members P on which images have been fixed by the image forming apparatus 10 are sorted.

[0079] <Effects and Effects> The media discharge system of this embodiment comprises an actuator-type sensor 62, a pair of discharge rolls 26, a drive unit, and a CPU 72A. More specifically, the media discharge system of this embodiment comprises an actuator-type sensor 62 that outputs an ON signal when pushed up by a predetermined angle by a conveyed sheet member P, and outputs an OFF signal when the displacement by the pushed-up angle is resolved; a pair of discharge rolls 26 positioned downstream of the actuator-type sensor 62 in the conveying direction of the sheet member P, which discharges the sheet member P to a tray 10c; a drive unit that moves the pair of discharge rolls 26 in the depth direction which is the direction intersecting the conveying direction of the sheet member P; and a CPU 72A. The CPU 72A controls the timing of operation of the drive unit based on the time when the actuator-type sensor 62 starts outputting an ON signal and the length information of the sheet member P.

[0080] According to this configuration, in a media discharge system having a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the displacement of the sheet member P, the sorting accuracy is improved compared to a configuration in which the actuator type sensor 62 outputs an OFF signal when the displacement of the sheet member P is eliminated.

[0081] Furthermore, the media discharge system of this embodiment is further equipped with a register sensor 28 positioned upstream of the actuator-type sensor 62 in the transport direction of the sheet member P, which measures the length of the sheet member P in the transport direction, and the CPU 72A obtains the length information from the register sensor 28.

[0082] This configuration improves sorting accuracy compared to a configuration in which length information for the sheet member P in the transport direction is obtained from job data determined according to the size of the sheet member P.

[0083] The image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment comprises an image forming unit 12 for forming a toner image on a sheet member P, a fixing unit 34 for fixing the toner image formed on the sheet member P, and the media discharge system, and the actuator type sensor 62 is positioned downstream of the fixing unit 34 in the transport direction of the sheet member P. This configuration provides an image forming apparatus with improved sorting accuracy compared to a configuration in which the displacement of the sheet member P is eliminated, causing the actuator-type sensor 62 to output an OFF signal.

[0084] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the drive unit starts operating after the rear end of the sheet member P on which the toner image has been fixed has passed the fixing unit 34, but before the actuator-type sensor 62 outputs the OFF signal.

[0085] With this configuration, the space between the fixing unit 34 and the discharge roll pair 26 becomes more compact compared to a configuration in which the shaft 27 starts operating after the actuator-type sensor 62 outputs an OFF signal.

[0086] (modified version) Although this disclosure has described specific embodiments in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of this disclosure.

[0087] The image forming unit 12 is not limited to an electrophotographic system, but may also be an inkjet system. Furthermore, even if the image forming unit 12 is an electrophotographic system, it is not limited to a color system, but may also be a monochrome system.

[0088] In the media discharge system of this embodiment, the CPU 72A obtains the length information from the register sensor 28, but is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 72A may obtain the length information from job data.

[0089] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the drive unit is configured to start operating before the actuator-type sensor 62 outputs the OFF signal, but it is not limited to this configuration.

[0090] (Note) (((1))) A sensor that outputs a signal indicating the presence of a medium when it is displaced by the transported medium, and outputs a signal indicating the absence of a medium when the displacement is resolved. A pair of discharge rolls are positioned downstream of the sensor in the conveying direction of the medium, and the medium is sandwiched between them and discharged to the discharge section. A moving member moves the pair of discharge rolls in the width direction which is the direction intersecting the conveying direction of the medium, Equipped with a processor, The processor controls the timing of the movement of the moving member based on the time when the sensor starts outputting a signal indicating the presence of a medium and the length information of the medium. Media discharge system. (((2))) The system further comprises a measuring unit positioned upstream of the sensor in the transport direction of the medium, which measures the length of the medium in the transport direction, The processor obtains the length information from the measuring unit. The media discharge system described in (((1))). (((3))) A forming unit for forming an image on the aforementioned medium, A fixing unit for fixing the image formed on the aforementioned medium, The system comprises a media discharge system as described in (((1))) or (((2))), The sensor is positioned downstream of the fixing section in the transport direction of the medium. Image forming apparatus. (((4))) The moving member starts operating after the rear end of the medium on which the image is fixed has passed the fixing section and before the sensor outputs a signal without the medium. The image forming apparatus described in (((3))).

[0091] According to the media discharge system described in (((1))), in a media discharge system having a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the displacement caused by the media, the sorting accuracy is improved compared to a configuration in which the sensor outputs a signal without media. The media discharge system described in (((2))) improves sorting accuracy compared to a configuration that obtains length information of the media in the transport direction from job data. The image forming apparatus according to (((3))) provides an image forming apparatus with improved sorting accuracy compared to a configuration in which the sensor outputs a signal without a medium. According to the image forming apparatus described in (((4))), the space between the fixing unit and the discharge roll pair becomes more compact compared to a configuration in which the moving member starts operating after the sensor outputs a signal without a medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10 Image forming apparatus 10a Main unit of the device 10b opening 10c Tray (Example of discharge section) 12 Image forming section (an example of an image forming section) 14 Conveying section 14a Conveyor Route 18. Detention Unit 20 delivery rolls 22 Prevention Rolls 24 Adjustable Rolls 26 Discharge rolls 26a Upper discharge roll 26b Lower discharge roll 28 Resistor Sensor (Example of Measurement Unit) 30 Toner image forming unit 32 Transfer section 34 Fixing section 50 Transfer Belts 52 Primary Transfer Roll 54 Secondary transfer roll 56 Rolls 58 Drive Roll 60 Sorting Department 62 Actuator-type sensors (an example of a sensor) 62a Support part 62b Arm 64 shots 64a Lower shot 64b Upper shot 66 Stopper 70 Controllers 72A CPU72A (an example of a processor) NT Transfer Nip P sheet material (an example of a medium) Q1 Basic position Q2 Sorting location D Depth direction (an example of the width direction of the medium)

Claims

1. A sensor that outputs a signal indicating the presence of a medium when it is displaced by the transported medium, and outputs a signal indicating the absence of a medium when the displacement is resolved. A pair of discharge rolls are positioned downstream of the sensor in the conveying direction of the medium, and the medium is sandwiched between them and discharged to the discharge section. A moving member moves the pair of discharge rolls in the width direction which is the direction intersecting the conveying direction of the medium, Equipped with a processor, The processor controls the timing of the movement of the moving member based on the time when the sensor starts outputting a signal indicating the presence of a medium and the length information of the medium. Media discharge system.

2. The system further comprises a measuring unit positioned upstream of the sensor in the transport direction of the medium, which measures the length of the medium in the transport direction, The processor obtains the length information from the measuring unit. The media discharge system according to claim 1.

3. A forming unit for forming an image on the aforementioned medium, A fixing unit for fixing the image formed on the aforementioned medium, The system comprises the media discharge system according to claim 1 or 2, The sensor is positioned downstream of the fixing section in the transport direction of the medium. Image forming apparatus.

4. The moving member starts operating after the rear end of the medium on which the image is fixed has passed the fixing section and before the sensor outputs a signal without the medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

Images