Patent ID: 6986511
Filing Date: 2006-01-17
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A finisher for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a paper outlet for discharging papers; a plurality of trays movable up and down independently of each other and including at least an upper tray retractable to a position above said paper outlet and a lower tray retractable to a position below said paper outlet when said upper tray is used; control means for selectively locating said upper tray or said lower tray at said paper outlet; lower limit position sensing means responsive to a lower limit position assigned to said lower tray and defined below said paper outlet for allowing said lower tray to be used as a mass discharge tray; and stand-by position sensing means responsive to a stand-by position assigned to said lower tray as a home position and defined between said paper outlet and said lower limit position; wherein said control means uses, when a number of papers stacked on said lower tray is greater than a predetermined number, said lower limit position as said retracted position or uses, when said number is smaller than a predetermined number, said stand-by position as said retracted position.