JP2001075421A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate detachment of recording paper and to improve the easiness of operation by reproducing an image on recording paper of the same size in the length direction while allowing the image rotated in the case of copying an original in the lateral direction. SOLUTION: In this image forming device, images are transferred on recording paper fed from a selected paper feeding port (1005). The recording paper on which the image is formed is transported to a sorter, discharged on a group of trays and sorted (1006). In this case when the original is set in the lateral direction (1003 in Y), the device selects the paper feeding port being in the same size as the original and is set in the length direction from a plurality of paper feeding means, and feeds the recording paper from the selected paper feeding port. At this time, the image on the original is rotated by 90 deg. or by 270 deg. (1004) by image rotating means, and the image is transferred on the recording paper being fed (1005). The recording paper on which the image is transferred is transported to a sorter, discharged on the group and assorted on the tray group (1006). In such a manner, every piece of the recording paper is contained in a state of oriented in the length direction, and hence it is made easily to take out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having an image rotating function for rotating an image and outputting the image, and a sorting function for sorting discharged recording sheets.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a recording sheet copied by an image forming apparatus is sorted by a sorter, a large number of trays (also referred to as bins) are provided at a position for receiving the recording sheet copied and discharged. Each tray is arranged vertically at appropriate intervals, and many trays move up and down at once, each tray moves up and down individually, and each tray has an individual outlet. There is a fixed tray type.
In either case, a predetermined tray is positioned at the recording paper discharge port, and the discharged recording paper is placed on the tray. Then, sorting can be performed by moving the tray up and down or switching the discharge port in accordance with the timing of the recording paper to be discharged.

[0003]

The uppermost tray out of a large number of trays is usually used when a sorter is not used. That is, normally (not used as a sorter), only the uppermost tray is used, and recording paper is sequentially discharged onto that tray. As a result, the discharged recording paper is stacked on the uppermost tray, so that the upper part thereof is open, so that the recording paper can be easily taken out. When used as a sorter, a sorting process is performed by using a tray lower than the second tray and sequentially discharging the tray onto a predetermined tray. At this time, in order to sort a larger number of copies, the number of trays below the second tray is increased, and accordingly, the interval between the trays is reduced. If recording paper of a small size in the short direction is stacked there, the operator must reach between the narrow trays to the back of the sorter, making it difficult to take out the recording paper.

[0004] In this case, when ordinary recording papers that are not sorted are stacked on the uppermost tray, if the sorting process is performed using a tray lower than the second tray, the sheets are sorted by the recording paper of the uppermost tray. When removing the sorted recording paper from the sorter, the visibility of the recording paper
This leads to the occurrence of leftovers.

The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and a first object of the present invention is to copy an original in a short direction and rotate the image to copy it on a longitudinal recording paper of the same size. By doing so, the leading end of the recording paper extends in the removal direction, so that the removal of the recording paper is facilitated and the operability is improved.

A second object is to improve the visibility of the recording paper by rotating the image and copying the recording paper on the recording paper in the short direction when the recording paper is discharged to a specific discharge stage. The purpose is to prevent paper from being left behind.

[0007]

In order to achieve the first object, the first means comprises an image rotating means for rotating and outputting an image and a sorting means for sorting discharged recording sheets. Means for determining the setting direction of the document in the forming apparatus, and when the determination means determines that the document is set in the longitudinal direction, an image is formed in the longitudinal direction as it is, and the document is set in the short direction. When it is determined that the image has been printed, the image is formed in the longitudinal direction by rotating the image, and a control unit for performing the sorting by the sorting unit is provided.

In this case, there is further provided means for selecting whether or not to perform sorting when the recording paper is discharged.
The control may be executed when the sorting is selected by the selecting unit.

In order to achieve the second object, the second means is an image forming apparatus comprising: a means for rotating and outputting an image; and a sorting means for sorting discharged recording sheets. Means for determining the setting direction of the document, and when the determining means determines that the document is set in the short direction, an image is formed in the short direction as it is, and the document is set in the long direction. Control means for rotating the image to form an image on the recording paper in the short direction, and discharging the paper to a specific paper discharge stage without performing the sorting by the sorting means.

In this case, there is further provided means for selecting whether or not to perform the sorting when the recording paper is discharged. The control means controls the control when the selecting means selects not to perform the sorting. It may be configured to execute.

In order to achieve the first object, the third means includes a paper feeding means having a plurality of paper feeding ports for feeding recording paper, and a paper feeding means which is set in each paper feeding port of the paper feeding means. Detecting means for detecting the size and direction of the recording paper, storage means for storing a plurality of pages of image data, and recording paper fed from the paper feeding means with the image data read from the storage means. And a sorter in which a plurality of trays for accommodating a plurality of ejected recording papers are provided in a stack. When the recording paper on which the original in the original direction is copied is sorted by the sorter, the address read by the conversion means is converted so that the image is rotated by 90 ° or 270 °, and the recording paper having the same size but different in the setting direction is converted. Control means for switching the paper feed port of the paper feed means so as to feed the paper.

Further, in order to achieve the second object,
The fourth means includes a paper feeding means having a plurality of paper feeding ports for feeding recording paper, a detecting means for detecting a size and a direction of the recording paper set in each paper feeding port of the paper feeding means, Storage means for storing image data for a plurality of pages; image recording means for recording image data read from the storage means on recording paper fed by the paper feeding means; and image data from the storage means. It has a converting means for converting an address at the time of reading, and a sorter in which a plurality of trays for accommodating a plurality of ejected recording sheets are stacked in a plurality of stages, and the image is rotated by 90 ° or 270 ° by the designated tray of the sorter. Control means for converting the address read by the conversion means and switching the paper supply port of the paper supply means so as to feed recording papers of the same size and different setting directions.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a digital copying machine is schematically shown as a copying machine body 1, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 100, and a sorting device (sorter) 20.
0 and a paper feed unit (bank) 300.

The automatic document feeder 100 includes a document feeder 10
The originals stacked on the original 1 are fed one by one onto a contact glass 10 of the copying machine main body 1, and are discharged onto a discharge tray 105 after reading an image.

The document on the document feed table 101 is aligned in the width direction by a side fence (not shown).
The sheet is separated from the lowermost document by 02 and fed, and is fed onto the contact glass 10 by the transport belt 103. A document width detection sensor 108 is provided in the feeding unit 107.
And a document length detection sensor 109. The size of the document sent from the automatic document feeder 100 is detected by the two sensors.

After the reading of the original on the contact glass 10 is completed, the original is discharged onto a discharge tray 105 by a conveyor belt 103 and a discharge roller 104. When reading a double-sided document, the document on the document feeder 101 is separated from the lowermost document by the feed roller 102 and fed, and passes over the contact glass 10 by the transport belt 103. The sheet is reversed by the reversing claw 106, fed again onto the contact glass 10, and the back surface is read. Next, the original on the contact glass 10 is conveyed by the conveyor belt 103 after the back surface reading is completed, and
And the paper is fed again onto the contact glass 10 and the surface is read. Then, the document after the front surface reading is completed is discharged onto a discharge tray 105 by the transport belt 103 and the discharge roller 104.

As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic document feeder 10
0 is opened and closed about hinges 81 and 82, and a claw 83 is provided on the upper surface of the copying machine main body 1 near the hinge 81, and the claw 83 is provided when the automatic document feeder 100 is closed. A hole 84 is provided on the lower surface of the automatic document feeder 100 at a position opposite thereto, and the claw 83 is inserted into the hole 84 when the automatic document feeder 100 is closed. Inside the automatic document feeder 100 adjacent to the hole 84, a lift-up detection sensor 85 and a document detection timing sensor 86 for detecting the presence or absence of a claw 83 inserted through the hole 84 are provided. Lift-up detection sensor 85
When the automatic document feeder 100 is completely closed (lift-down), the claw 83 is detected and turned on, and when the automatic document feeder 100 is opened (lift-up), it is turned off. . The completely closed state refers to a state in which a part of the lower surface of the automatic document feeder 100 is in contact with the upper surface of the copying machine main body 1.

On the other hand, the document detection timing sensor 86
It is provided to control the timing of detecting the size of the document on the contact glass 10 based on the detection result of the document size detection sensor described later, and when the opening angle of the automatic document feeder 100 is within a predetermined angle, Nail 8
5 is detected and turned on. This predetermined angle is a slight angle, and when the automatic document feeder 100 is manually opened by the operator, the lift-up detection sensor 8
5 and the document detection timing sensor 86 are both turned off. In addition, 87 and 88 are end face scales.

As shown in FIG. 3, the contact glass 10
Document size detection sensors 91 to 93 are provided below the document. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the document size detection sensors 91 to 93 scatters light emitted from one light emitting diode 91a into three beams and irradiates the reflected light with three beams inside the optical system. This is a reflection type sensor that receives light with the light receiving element 91b, and detects only the reflected light from the document surface through the contact glass 10 from inside the optical system to detect the presence or absence of the document.

The original size detecting sensors 91 to 93 are always operating, and each light receiving element has
When an original is detected, it is on, and when no original is detected, it is off. The document size detection sensors 91 to 93 are arranged according to the sizes of a plurality of types of documents placed at predetermined positions on the contact glass 10. Thus, it is determined whether or not the original is on the contact glass 10 and the size of the original on the contact glass 10 is detected.

As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine body 1 has a scanner for reading a document, an image processing unit, a plotter, and the like. The scanner has a contact glass 10 for placing a document and an optical scanning system.
1, first mirror 12, second mirror 13, third mirror 1
4, a lens 15, a full-color CCD 16, and the like. The exposure lamp 11 and the first mirror 12 are mounted on a first carriage, and the first carriage is moved in the sub-scanning direction at a constant speed by a stepping motor when reading a document. The second mirror 13 and the third mirror 14 are mounted on a second carriage, and the second carriage is moved by a stepping motor at half the speed of the first carriage when reading a document. The original on the contact glass 10 is optically scanned by the movement of the first and second carriages, and the lens 15 is moved.
Thus, an image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 16 and photoelectrically converted.

The image signals separated into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) by the full-color CCD 16 are subjected to A / D conversion and the like by an image processing circuit, and then subjected to an image processing section 604 shown in FIG. , Various image processings are performed, and at the time of copying, the image is copied onto recording paper by a writing unit. The writing unit is a laser output unit 20, f
a laser output unit 20 includes a laser diode (LD) as a laser light source;
It has a polygon mirror and a polygon motor (not shown). At the time of copying, the laser output unit 20 emits a laser beam of a black signal modulated according to the image read by the scanner, and a latent image is formed on the photoconductor 30. Around the photoconductor 30, a black developing device 32, an LED writing unit 31 for writing a red signal image, a second red developing device 33, a transfer device and a separator (not shown), and the like are arranged. The upper toner image is recorded on the paper.

The paper is stored in the duplex unit 40 in the copier body 1.
And the first tray 50 and a pair of rollers of the feed roller 42 and the separation roller 43, respectively, selectively from one of the second tray 310, the third tray 320, and the fourth tray 330 in the sheet feeding unit 300; Paper is fed by the device 51, the second paper feeding device 311, the third paper feeding device 321, and the fourth paper feeding device 331. As shown in FIG. 7, the size and the setting direction of the recording paper set in each tray are detected by the combination of ON / OFF of a plurality of push switches 401 in the size lever 400 in the tray.

The paper fed from the duplex unit 40 and the first tray 50 is transported upward by the vertical transport unit 60 and fed from the second tray 310, the third tray 320, and the fourth tray 330. The sheet is transported upward by the bank vertical transport unit 340 and the vertical transport unit 60. Then, after a predetermined time after the leading edge of the sheet is detected by the registration sensor 52, the sheet abuts against the registration roller 53 and temporarily stops, and the sub-scanning effective period signal (F
GATE), the toner image is conveyed by the registration roller 53, and the toner image on the photoconductor 30 is transferred. Next, after the sheet is separated from the photoconductor 30, the sheet is conveyed by the conveying device 54, and the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 55. The sheet after the fixing is discharged to the sorter 200 by the switching claw 57 and the discharge roller 56 at the time of single-sided printing and after double-sided printing.

The sorter 200 positions a predetermined tray on the discharge roller 204, and places the discharged paper on the tray. The tray can be sorted by moving the tray up and down in accordance with the timing of the discharged recording paper. Usually, the top tray 201 among the many trays is the sorter 2
00 is not used (when the sorting process is not selected). That is, normally (when the sorting process is not selected), the uppermost tray 2
01, and the recording paper is sequentially discharged onto the tray 201. When the sorting process is selected, 2
The sorting process is performed by using the tray group 202 lower than the second tray and sequentially discharging the tray group onto a predetermined tray. When sorting by the sorter 200, as shown in FIG. 8, the trays are arranged vertically at appropriate intervals, and the trays individually move up and down in order. The tray is set in the two helical cam shafts 203 and the groove 205 of the side plate. When the tray lift motor 206 rotates forward and backward, the tray is raised and lowered along the groove.

The paper after front-side printing during double-sided printing is guided to the double-sided conveyance path 41 by the switching claw 57, inverted by the feed roller 42 and the separation roller 43, and accumulated on the double-sided unit 40. The paper on the duplex unit 40 comes into contact with the feed roller 42 by raising the tray, and is sent to the vertical transport unit 60 by rotation of the feed roller 42 to form an image on the back surface.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control system of the digital copying machine. In the figure, an operation unit controller 500, an image processing controller 502, an ADF controller 503, a paper feed tray controller 504, a FAX controller 505, and a printer controller 506 are connected to a system controller 501. Among them, the operation unit controller 500 controls display of the liquid crystal and various LEDs of the operation unit and various key input controls, and the system controller 501 controls sheet feeding, conveyance, fixing,
Perform double-sided printing, process control, etc. The image processing controller 502 performs image control and scanner reading control,
The ADF controller 503 controls the automatic document feeder 100. The paper feed tray controller 504 controls the paper feed tray, the FAX controller 505 manages FAX transmission and reception, and file management, and the printer controller 506 manages printer data reception and file management.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an image processing circuit of the digital copying machine. The original 600 on the contact glass 10 is illuminated by the exposure lamp 11, and the reflected light is read by the color CCD 16. Then color CC
An analog image signal separated into R, G, and B by D16 is amplified by a signal processing circuit 601 and corrected for light amount, converted into a digital image signal by an AD converter 602, and subjected to shading correction by a shading correction circuit 603. The image is sent to the image processing unit 604. The image processing unit 604 performs various image quality processing such as MTF correction, γ correction, black image generation, color image generation, binary processing, and multi-value processing, and outputs black data and color data to the selector 605. The selector 605 performs a switching process of switching the destination of the image signal to the scaling unit 606 or the image memory controller 608. The image signal that has passed through the scaling unit 606 is scaled according to the scaling factor and sent to the writing unit 607. Image memory controller 60
8 and the selector 605, the image signal can be input and output in both directions. The image processing apparatus further includes a CPU 609 for setting the image memory controller 608 and the like and controlling a reading unit and a writing unit, and a ROM 610 and a RAM 611 for storing programs and data thereof. Further C
The PU 609 can write and read data in the image memory 612 via the memory controller 608.

An image memory controller 608 is used for the original image.
The image sent to the image memory 608 is sent to the image memory 612 after the image data is compressed by an image compression device in the image memory controller 608. By performing image compression, a limited image memory can be used effectively. Further, since a large number of document image data can be stored at one time, the stored document image data can be output in page order. In this case, when outputting the image, the image memory 61 is used.
2 is output while sequentially decompressing the data of No. 2 by the decompression device in the memory controller 608.

It is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 63-195313 that the document image data stored in this manner is output in the order of pages, the document image is rotated by the number of copies, and is output on recording paper.
No., published in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. On the other hand, at the time of facsimile transmission, the selector 605 stores the black data in the facsimile image memory 6.
13 is transferred. Also, at the time of FAX reception, after the received data is demodulated and expanded from the line, expanded in the FAX image memory 613, the data is sent to the writing unit 607 by the selector 605. Further, upon receiving the printer data, the data is expanded in the printer image memory 614 and then sent to the writing unit 607 by the selector 605.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the setting state of a document on the document table 101, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for determining whether to rotate the image according to the setting direction of the document and forming an image. .

As shown in FIG. 10, when the sorting process is selected by key input from the operation unit in step 1001,
As shown in FIG. 9, the document table 10 of the automatic document feeder 100
The originals set to 1 are sent to original size detection sensors 91-9.
3 to determine the document size and the setting direction (step 1002). Document size detection sensors 91 to 9
In the case where the original 700 detected in Step 3 is set in the longitudinal direction (N in Step 1003), a paper feed port set in the same size and in the same direction as the original 700 is selected from a plurality of paper feeding means, Feed the recording paper. The image is transferred onto the recording paper fed from the selected paper feed port (step 1005). The recording paper on which the image has been transferred is conveyed to the sorter 200, discharged to the tray group 202 and sorted (step 1006), and this operation is repeated until the transfer of the image of all the originals is completed (steps 1002 to 100).
7).

On the other hand, when the original 701 detected by the original size detecting means 91 to 93 is set in the short direction (Y in step 1003), the plural originals are fed to the same size as the original 701 by the plural feeding means. A paper feed port set in the direction is selected, and recording paper is fed from the selected paper feed port. At this time, the image of the original 701 is rotated by 90 ° or 270 ° by the image rotating means (step 1).
004), the image is transferred onto the fed recording paper (step 1005). The recording paper on which the image was transferred was Sorter 2.
, And are discharged to the tray group 202 and sorted (step 1006), and this operation is repeated until the transfer of the images of all the originals is completed (steps 1002 to 1007).

If the sorting mode is not selected in step 1001, ordinary processing without image rotation or the like is executed (step 1008), and a copying operation is performed (step 1009). The sheet is discharged to the uppermost tray 201 (step 1010). This operation is repeated until the transfer of the images of all the originals is completed (steps 1008 to 1011).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for aligning the direction of the paper to be discharged to the uppermost tray in the transverse direction so that the presence of the recording paper discharged to the second and subsequent trays can be easily understood and the paper can be easily removed. It is. Step 1
Since the processing from 001 to step 1007 is the same as the case where the sorting mode shown in FIG. 10 is selected, the same reference numerals are given and the duplicate description will be omitted.

In this process, first, in step 1001, the sorting process is not selected, and when recording paper is discharged and stacked on the uppermost tray 201 of the sorter 200 in a normal copying operation, the original size detecting means 91 to 93 operate. The size of the document is detected, and the setting direction of the document is determined (step 1).
101). If the detected original 700 is set in the longitudinal direction (Y in step 1102), a paper feed port which is the same size as the original 700 and is set in the lateral direction is selected from a plurality of paper feeding means. The recording paper is fed from the selected paper feed port. At this time, the image of the original 700 is rotated by 90 ° or 270 ° by the image rotating means (step 1103), and the image is transferred onto the fed recording paper (1104). The recording paper on which the image has been transferred is conveyed to the sorter 200 and discharged to the uppermost tray 201. This operation is repeated until the transfer of the images of all the originals is completed (steps 1101 to 1106).

Document size detecting means 108, 109
If the document 701 detected in the step 701 is set in the short direction (N in step 1102), a paper feed port set in the same size and in the same direction as the document 701 is selected from the plurality of paper feed means. And feed the recording paper. The image is transferred onto the recording paper fed from the selected paper feed port (step 1104). The recording paper on which the image was transferred was Sorter 2.
00 and is discharged to the uppermost tray 201.
This operation is repeated until the transfer of the images of all the originals is completed (steps 1101 to 1106).

[0039]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the means for judging the setting direction of the original, and when the judging means judges that the original is set in the longitudinal direction, Form an image in the longitudinal direction as it is,
When it is determined that the original is set in the short direction, the image forming apparatus includes control means for rotating the image to form an image in the longitudinal direction and performing sorting by the sorting means. By copying on the recording paper in the longitudinal direction of the size, the leading end of the recording paper extends in the removal direction, so that the recording paper can be easily removed and operability can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a means for selecting whether or not to perform the sorting when the recording paper is discharged, and the control means of the first aspect when the sorting is selected. Since the control is executed, the effect of the invention described in claim 1 can be obtained according to the intention of the user.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the means for judging the setting direction of the original, and when the judging means judges that the original is set in the short direction, the image is kept in the short direction as it is. Is formed, and if it is determined that the original is set in the longitudinal direction, the image is rotated to form an image on the recording paper in the short direction, and the specific discharge stage is not sorted by the sorting unit. Control means for discharging paper to a specific paper discharge stage.
By rotating the image and copying it on the recording paper in the transverse direction of the same size, the visibility of the recording paper stacked on the tray below the specific discharge stage is improved, and the recording paper is not left behind. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a means for selecting whether or not to perform the sorting when the recording paper is discharged, and the control means according to the third aspect when the non-sorting is selected. Since the control is executed, the effect of the invention described in claim 3 can be obtained according to the user's intention.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the paper feeding means having a plurality of paper feeding ports for feeding the recording paper, and the size and the size of the recording paper set in each paper feeding port of the paper feeding means. Detecting means for detecting a direction, storage means for storing image data for a plurality of pages, image recording means for recording image data read from the storage means on recording paper fed by the paper feeding means, A conversion unit for converting an address when reading image data from the storage unit; and a sorter having a plurality of stacked trays for accommodating a plurality of discharged recording sheets,
In the case where the recording paper on which the original in the short direction is copied is sorted by the sorter, the address read by the conversion means is converted so that the image is rotated by 90 ° or 270 °, and the recording is performed in the same size but different in the setting direction. Control means for switching the paper supply port of the paper supply means so as to feed the paper, so that the image is rotated and copied on a longitudinal recording paper of the same size so that the leading end of the recording paper is taken out. Since the recording paper extends in the direction, the recording paper can be easily taken out, and the operability can be improved.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a paper feeding means having a plurality of paper feeding ports for feeding recording paper, and the size and the size of the recording paper set in each paper feeding port of the paper feeding means. Detecting means for detecting a direction, storage means for storing image data for a plurality of pages, image recording means for recording image data read from the storage means on recording paper fed by the paper feeding means, A conversion unit for converting an address when reading image data from the storage unit; and a sorter having a plurality of stacked trays for accommodating a plurality of discharged recording sheets,
The sheet feeding means converts the address read by the conversion means so that the image is rotated by 90 ° or 270 ° by the designated tray of the sorter, and feeds recording paper of the same size but different in the setting direction. Control means for switching the paper feed port of the designated tray, so that the designated tray is rotated to copy the image onto the recording paper of the same size in the short direction, so that the designated tray can be moved to a tray below the designated tray. It is possible to improve the visibility of the stacked recording paper and prevent the recording paper from being left behind.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which an automatic document feeder of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 is released.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement state of a document size detection sensor.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of a document size detection sensor.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control system of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an image processing circuit of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a mechanism for detecting a size and a setting direction of a recording sheet set on a tray of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an essential part perspective view showing a sorter of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a setting state of a document on a document table of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for determining whether to rotate an image in accordance with a document setting direction and forming an image.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for discharging the paper to be discharged to the uppermost tray while aligning the direction of the paper with the widthwise direction.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Copying Machine 100 Automatic Document Feeder 200 Sorting Device 300 Paper Feed Unit 500 Operation Unit Controller 501 System Controller 502 Image Processing Controller 503 ADF Controller 504 Paper Feed Tray Controller 505 FAX Controller 506 Printer Controller 608 Memory Controller 609 CPU 612 Image Memory

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H027 DB10 DC19 DC20 ED19 ED22 FA24 FB13 FD00 FD08 5C062 AA05 AB02 AB20 AB22 AC15 AC24 AC65 BA00 5C076 AA24 BA01 BA02 BA03 BA04 BA05 BA06 9A001 BB06 EE04 EE05 HH23 HKK24 H31

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: means for rotating and outputting an image; and means for sorting discharged recording paper. A means for determining a setting direction of a document. When it is determined that is set in the longitudinal direction, the image is formed in the longitudinal direction as it is, and when it is determined that the document is set in the lateral direction, the image is rotated to form the image in the longitudinal direction. Control means for performing sorting by the sorting means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for selecting whether or not to perform sorting when the recording paper is discharged, wherein the control means executes the control when the selecting means selects sorting. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. An image forming apparatus comprising: means for rotating and outputting an image; and sorting means for sorting discharged recording paper. When it is determined that is set in the short direction, an image is formed in the short direction as it is, and when it is determined that the document is set in the long direction, the image is rotated to record in the short direction. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that forms an image on paper and discharges the paper to a specific paper discharge stage without performing sorting by the sorting unit. 4. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for selecting whether or not to perform sorting when the recording paper is ejected, wherein said control means performs said control when no sorting is selected by said selecting means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is executed. 5. A paper feeding means having a plurality of paper feeding ports for feeding recording paper, a detecting means for detecting a size and a direction of recording paper set in each paper feeding port of the paper feeding means, Storage means for storing image data for a plurality of pages; image recording means for recording image data read from the storage means on recording paper fed by the paper feeding means; and reading image data from the storage means Conversion means for converting the address at the time of printing, and a sorter in which a plurality of trays for accommodating a plurality of ejected recording papers are arranged in a plurality of layers, and the sorter sorts the recording paper obtained by copying the document in the short direction. The system converts the address read by the conversion means so that the image is rotated by 90 ° or 270 °, and switches the paper feeding port of the paper feeding means so as to feed recording paper of the same size and different in the setting direction. An image forming apparatus comprising: the means, 6. A paper feeding means having a plurality of paper feeding ports for feeding recording paper, a detecting means for detecting a size and a direction of a recording paper set in each paper feeding port of the paper feeding means, Storage means for storing image data for a plurality of pages; image recording means for recording image data read from the storage means on recording paper fed by the paper feeding means; and reading image data from the storage means And a sorter in which a plurality of trays for accommodating a plurality of ejected recording papers are stacked one on another, and an image can be rotated 90 ° or 270 by a designated tray of the sorter.
Control means for converting the address read by the conversion means so as to rotate, and switching the paper supply port of the paper supply means so as to feed recording paper of the same size but different in the setting direction. Characteristic image forming apparatus.