Paper discharging system for use with an image forming apparatus and a discharging method using the paper discharging system

A recording medium discharging method for use with an image forming apparatus, comprising:

• detecting a front end of the recording medium being conveyed through the image forming apparatus by an entry detecting sensor disposed at an entry side of a fixing unit;
• and
• after the entry detecting sensor detects a rear end of the recording medium, determining that a normal state is in effect if the front end of the recording medium is detected by a exit detecting sensor disposed at an exit side of the fixing unit within a predetermined time, and determining that a jammed state is in effect if the front end of the recording medium is not detected within the predetermined time.

A recording medium discharging method for use with an image forming apparatus, comprising:

• detecting a first end of the recording medium being conveyed along a conveying path through the image forming apparatus by a first sensor disposed upstream of a fixing unit along the conveying path;
• and
• determining that a normal state is in effect if the first end of the recording medium is detected by a second sensor disposed at an exit side of the fixing unit within a predetermined time, and determining that a jammed state is in effect if the first end of the recording medium is not detected within the predetermined time.