JP2002226131A - Sorter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve usability of a sorter 5 for sorting recording paper 4 by multiple bins 51-55 having a paper placing plane 71a facing upwardly for placing the recording paper 4. SOLUTION: The recording paper 4 can be dropped into each of the bins 51-55 located directly below the plane 71a by openably constituting the paper placing plane 71a of each of the bins 51-55.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for sorting a recording medium on which an image has been recorded in a recording unit such as a printer or a copying machine by placing the recording medium on a plurality of different bins. Do sorter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a sorter which sorts recording paper discharged from a recording section of a printer, a copying machine or the like, for example, for each copy or for each page (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Sho 62-62).
No. 161673). In this apparatus, a plurality of bins on each of which recording paper is placed are arranged in a vertical direction, and the recording paper discharged from the recording unit is separated for each copy.
Alternatively, the recording papers are sorted by placing them on different bins for each page.

[0003]

By connecting a printer as a recording unit to a network, for example,
It is known that a plurality of users can share and use them. In this case, as a new function of the sorter, the recording paper is discharged to a different bin for each image data output by the user. In some cases, sorting is performed for each output case.

However, in a network environment in which a printer is connected to a network as described above, a user who outputs image data is usually located at a location away from the printer. For this reason, the user does not always immediately remove the recording paper on which the image has been recorded and placed on the bin. As a result, there is a possibility that the recording paper may be left standing with the recording paper placed on the bins, and the recording paper may be left on all the bins. If new image data is output while the recording paper is placed on all the bins as described above, the recording of the image is stopped until the recording paper on any of the bins is removed, or the recording is already performed. The recording paper relating to the new image data must be discharged onto the bin where the paper is placed. When recording is stopped until the recording paper on the bin is removed, the user must remove the recording paper on any of the bins, which is extremely complicated. On the other hand, if the recording paper is newly discharged onto the bin on which the recording paper is already placed, the function of the sorter that performs sorting for each output case is not fulfilled, and in any case, the usability is poor. Becomes

[0005] When sorting is performed for each output, it is preferable to discharge newly output recording paper to the uppermost bin among the vertically arranged bins, in consideration of the user's convenience. .

[0006] However, when a plurality of users share a printer, it is irregular which user removes the recording paper placed on the bin when the recording paper placed on the bin is removed. Is not necessarily in a state where it is not placed. For this reason, among the plurality of bins arranged in the vertical direction, a new recording paper has to be discharged onto any of the bins on which the recording paper is not placed. However, there is a disadvantage that it is extremely difficult to determine which bin the recording paper according to (1) is placed on and which is inconvenient.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a purpose thereof is to improve the usability of a sorter for sorting recording media.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a plurality of bins having an upward mounting surface on which a recording medium is mounted; The recording medium on which recording has been performed is placed on the placement surface of the different bins, and the sorter that sorts the recording medium is targeted. It is a specific matter to provide a moving means for moving. Here, the plurality of bins may be arranged vertically, or may be arranged horizontally, for example.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the moving means moves the recording medium placed between the plurality of bins, so that when the recording medium is placed on the predetermined bin, By moving the recording medium onto another bin, the predetermined bin can be emptied. For this reason, for example, when a new recording medium is output, if the predetermined bin is left empty and the recording medium is placed on the predetermined bin, the newly output recording medium is output. Recording media (latest recording media) can always be placed on a predetermined bin.

As described above, the moving means moves the recording medium, thereby preventing the recording medium from being left on all the bins. When the recording media are sorted in this way, it is possible to prevent the recording from being stopped until one of the bins becomes empty or to prevent the recording medium from being discharged onto the bin on which the recording medium is already placed. Here, if the predetermined bin to which the recording medium is moved is a bin from which the user can easily remove the recording medium (for example, the top bin when a plurality of bins are vertically arranged), a newly output recording is performed. The medium is always placed on a bin from which the user can easily remove the recording medium, and the usability for the user is further improved.

When the recording medium on the predetermined bin is moved to another bin by the moving means, if the recording medium is already placed on the other bin of the destination, If the recording medium on the other bin is moved to another bin, the recording medium is placed on a different bin for each output while providing a bin on which no recording medium is placed. It becomes possible to do. As a result, the user can easily find out in which bin the recording medium relating to the image data output by the user is located, and the usability is improved.

When the plurality of bins are arranged side by side in the up-down direction, the moving means may be, for example, as follows:
The recording medium on the mounting surface of each of the bins may be configured to be dropped on the bin immediately below the bin and moved.

[0013] The moving means for dropping and moving the recording medium may be, for example, as described in claim 3, a close state in which the mounting surfaces of the bins are formed close to each other, or the recording medium falls apart from each other. It may be constituted by a pair of wall members disposed opposite to each other and capable of moving between the possible separated states.

[0014] In contrast, for example, as described in claim 4, each of the bins is pivotally attached to one end thereof to form a mounting surface of the bin, and the recording medium can be dropped. The space between them may be constituted by a wall member that can rotate mutually.

[0015] Further, for example, as described in claim 5, an extended state in which the recording medium is dropped by extending in a direction approaching each other to form a mounting surface of each bin and contracting in a direction away from each other is possible. It may be constituted by a pair of wall members that can be mutually extended and contracted and that are arranged facing each other.

A plurality of bins are arranged in the vertical direction, and a moving means is configured to drop and move the recording medium, and a recording medium to be newly output is always placed on the uppermost bin. With such a configuration, when the recording media are arranged in a new order for each output case from the upper stage to the lower stage of the bins arranged in the up-down direction, for example, as described in claim 6, out of the plurality of bins, A storage unit for storing a recording medium on which an image has been recorded may be provided below the lowermost bin.

With this arrangement, the recording medium which has passed for a long time after the recording in the recording section moves sequentially from the uppermost bin to the lowermost bin, but is placed on the lowermost bin. The recording medium can be further moved to a storage unit below the recording medium. This avoids a situation in which the recording medium is placed on all of the plurality of bins, allows the recording medium to be sorted for each output case, and the recording medium to be newly output is placed on the top bin. Can be placed on the

The storage unit may be configured such that the lowest bin among the plurality of bins also serves as a storage unit for storing a recording medium on which an image has been recorded, for example. Good.

Further, when the loaded recording medium is moved between a plurality of bins, for example,
In each bin or in the vicinity of each bin, display means for performing a display for specifying the recording medium placed on the mounting surface of the bin is provided, so that the display means corresponds to the movement of the recording medium. May be configured to change the display content.

Thus, even if the recording medium moves between a plurality of bins, the user can easily find the recording medium related to the image data output by the user by looking at the display on the display means. .

To explain this by taking an example, each of the above-mentioned display means is configured to be able to display any one of the symbols “A” to “E”, and is used when the user outputs image data to the recording unit. Any one of the symbols “A” to “E” (for example, symbol “A”) is notified to the user. At the same time, the symbol "A" is displayed on the display means corresponding to the bin on which the recording medium relating to the image data output by the user is placed.
To be displayed.

When the recording medium is moved to another bin by the moving means, the display means corresponding to the other bin at the destination displays the symbol "A" while the symbol "A" is displayed. The display means which displayed "A" displays a code other than the above-mentioned code "A". By configuring each display means to change the display content in accordance with the movement of the recording medium, the user can display the code "A" even if the recording medium moves. It can be seen that the recording medium relating to the image data output by the user is placed on the bin corresponding to. Thus, even when the recording medium is moved between a plurality of bins, the user can easily specify the recording medium related to the image data output by the user, and the usability is improved. .

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the recording medium in which a plurality of bins having an upward mounting surface on which the recording medium is mounted are arranged side by side, and the image is recorded in the recording section. The sorter that sorts the recording media by placing the bins on the placing surfaces of the different bins is targeted, and the bins are configured to be movable so that the arrangement order of the bins is changed. It is assumed that.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, each bin is:
Since it is configured to be movable so that the arrangement order of the bins is changed, for example, when newly ejecting a recording medium, by moving a bin on which a recording medium is not placed to a predetermined arrangement position, It is possible to keep the bins located at the predetermined arrangement positions always empty.

This makes it possible to discharge the newly discharged recording medium onto the bin where the recording paper is not placed, which is located at the above-mentioned predetermined arrangement position, and the usability is improved.

Here, the bins may be moved so that the recording media are arranged in a new order for each output case. In this case, the user can easily find out in which bin the recording medium related to the image data output by the user is located, and the usability is improved.

When each bin is configured to be moved in this way, for example, as described in claim 10, each bin is replaced with a recording medium mounted on the mounting surface of the bin. You may make it have the holding means which hold | maintain at the time of movement.

That is, if the bin is moved with the recording medium mounted thereon, the recording medium may fall from the bin mounting surface due to disturbance such as wind. Therefore,
As described in claim 10, when the bin is moved, the recording medium is held by the holding means, so that even if the bin is moved, it is ensured that the recording medium falls from the mounting surface. Is prevented.

[0029]

As described above, according to the sorter of the present invention, the moving means moves the recording medium between a plurality of bins.
A predetermined bin can be left empty. As a result, while the newly ejected recording medium is always placed on a predetermined bin, the recording medium can be placed and sorted on different bins for each output, thereby improving usability. I do.

Further, by arranging each bin so as to be movable so that the arrangement order of the bins is changed, when a new recording medium is ejected, the empty bin is positioned at a predetermined arrangement position. Thus, the new recording medium can be placed on the bin, and the usability can be improved.

[0031]

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

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows an image recording apparatus P having a sorter 5 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
The image recording apparatus P includes a recording unit 2 that records an image on recording paper 4 as a recording medium in accordance with image data, and a supply unit 3 that supplies the recording paper 4 to the recording unit 2.
The sorter 5 is a bin having an upward mounting surface 71a (see FIGS. 3 to 6) on which the recording unit 2 performs image recording and on which the recording paper 4 discharged from the discharge port 2a is mounted. (In the illustrated example, the first to fifth bins 51 to 55, 5)
And the recording paper 4 is provided with the different bins 51 to
By placing the recording paper 4 on the placement surface 71a of the 55, the recording paper 4 is sorted for each page or for each copy, and further, for each image data output case.

The recording section 2 is of an ink jet type, and has an ink jet head 21 for discharging a black, yellow, cyan and magenta color ink onto the recording paper 4 to record a color image. Although not shown, the inkjet head 21 includes a piezoelectric actuator having a piezoelectric element that is deformed and driven so that the volume of the pressure chamber in which the inks of the respective colors are individually stored is increased or decreased.
It is configured to be an on-demand type in which ink is ejected from nozzles provided in the pressure chamber by being driven at a desired timing. Note that the type of the ink jet head 21 is not limited to the above, and may be configured in another type. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink jet head 21 is guided by a carriage shaft 22 extending in the main scanning direction (X direction shown in FIG. 2), and is supported and fixed to a carriage 23 that reciprocates in the X direction. The carriage 23 has spare tanks 24a to 24d in which the inks of the respective colors supplied to the pressure chambers are individually stored.
Are attached, and these spare tanks 24a to 24
“d” is connected to main tanks 25 a to 25 d (see FIG. 1) for individually storing the inks of the respective colors via supply tubes.

[0034] Each of the two sides of the ink jet head 21 in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) orthogonal to the main scanning direction is provided with a paper discharge side comprising a pair of rollers and Feeding-side conveying rollers 27a, 2
7b are provided, and each of the transport rollers 27a, 27
b, the recording paper 4 is conveyed below the ink jet head 21 in the Y direction.

With such a configuration, the recording unit 2
Is such that a desired image is formed on the recording paper 4 by discharging the ink toward the recording paper 4 while moving the carriage 23 in the X direction and the recording paper 4 in the Y direction. It is configured.

The supply section 3 includes a paper feed tray (not shown) in which a large number of recording papers 4 are stored, and a pickup roller 32 that feeds out the recording papers 4 stored in the paper feed tray one by one. I have. Then, the recording paper 4 sent out from the paper feed tray is configured to be sent out to the transport roller 27b through a paper feed path 33 connecting the pickup roller 32 and the transport roller 27b on the paper feed side. I have.

In the vicinity of the discharge port 2a of the recording section, there is provided a discharge roller 6 for discharging the recording paper 4 on which an image has been recorded from the discharge port 2a.

In the sorter 5, first to fifth bins 51 to 55 are arranged in the Z direction from the top in the Z direction, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the Z direction. Each of the bins 51 to 55 is configured to be movable in the Z direction by a lifting means (not shown), so that, for example, recording paper is placed on bins 51 to 55 that are different from each other for each page or each copy. When the paper 4 is sorted, the recording unit 2 is used.
The first to fifth bins 51 to 55 are sequentially positioned at the positions of the outlets 2a in response to the end of the recording of the image on the recording paper 4 in, and the outlets 2a are placed on the bins 51 to 55, respectively. The recording paper 4 having an image recorded thereon discharged from the printer is placed on each page or each copy. In addition, even if the bins 51 to 55 are not moved to sort the recording paper 4, for example, individual discharge paths from the discharge port 2 a to the bins 51 to 55 are provided, and Recorder 2
The recording paper 4 on which an image has been recorded in the bins 51 to 5 is transferred via a different discharge path for each page or each copy.
5, the recording paper 4 may be sorted.

In the first to fifth bins 51 to 55,
As shown in FIG. 1, detecting means 51a to 51d for detecting whether the recording paper 4 is placed on the bins 51 to 55 or not.
55a are provided. Each of these detecting means 51a to 55
a is, for example, a light emitting unit that emits light toward the recording paper 4;
It is also possible to provide a light receiving section for receiving the reflected light reflected on the recording paper 4 and to use a reflection type photosensor for detecting the presence or absence of the recording paper based on the presence or absence of the reflected light.

Each of the bins 51 to 55 is provided with a display section 51b to 55b as a display means. Each of the display sections 51b to 55b can display "A" to "E". Have been. The symbols “A” to “E” displayed on the display units 51b to 55b are used to specify the bins 51 to 55 from which the recording paper 4 on which the image data is recorded is discharged when the user outputs the image data. This code is configured to be notified to the user who has output the image data. Thus, the user may find that the recording paper 4 related to the image data output by the user is on the bins 51 to 55 where the notified code (for example, “A”) is displayed on the display units 51b to 55b. It is configured to understand.

The display units 51b to 55b change the display in accordance with the movement when the loaded recording paper 4 is moved between the plurality of bins 51 to 55, as described later. The display unit 51
b. The recording paper 4 on the first bin 51 in which “A” is displayed in b.
When moved to the second bin 52, the second bin 52
Is displayed on the display section 52a of the first bin 51, and any of the reference signs "B" to "E" other than "A" is displayed on the display section 51b of the first bin 51.

Further, the fifth lowest position in the Z direction
Below the bin 55, a storage section 56 for storing the recorded recording paper 4 is provided. The storage unit 56
May be configured so that the fifth bin 55 also serves as a storage unit. That is, the fifth bin 55 may not be provided with a moving unit 5a described later.

The bins 51 to 55 are shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 6 (in the illustrated example, the first bin 51), a placing bottom wall 71 having an upward placing surface 71a on which the recording paper is placed.
And a regulating vertical wall 72, which extends upward from both ends in the X direction of the placing bottom wall 71 and regulates the falling of the recording paper 4 placed on the placing bottom wall 71. It is formed in a shape. 3 to 6, the left side in the drawing is the left side in the X direction, the right side in the drawing is the right side in the X direction,
Hereinafter, it is referred to as such.

The both end portions in the Y direction of the mounting bottom wall 71 and the two regulating vertical walls 72, 72 are constituted by a substantially frame-shaped frame 74, while the Y of the mounting bottom wall 71 is in the Y direction.
The central part in the direction is a left bellows member 73 located on the left side in the X direction.
a of the right bellows member 73b located on the right side in the X direction,
Each is constituted by a pair of members (wall members) that can expand and contract.

Each of the bellows members 73a and 73b is provided with a rod-shaped core 75 extending in the Y direction and arranged in parallel with each other.
This pair of cores 7 is located between a pair of adjacent cores 75,75.
5 and 75 are connected to each other.
It is configured to be foldable inside.

A guide groove 74a extending from the mounting bottom wall 71 to the regulating vertical wall 72 is formed in the frame 74. Both ends of each core 75 in the Y direction are formed in the guide groove 74a. Have been interpolated. Accordingly, each core 75 is configured to be movable in the X direction or the Z direction along the guide groove 74a. The left bellows member 7
The core 75a at the left end in the X direction in 3a is fixed to the upper end of a guide groove 74a formed in the regulating vertical wall 72 at the left in the X direction, while the core 75b at the right end in the X direction in the right bellows member 73b is X It is fixed to the upper end of a guide groove 74a formed in the regulating vertical wall 72 on the right side in the direction.

With such a configuration, when the core members 75 of the left and right bellows members 73a and 73b are in the extended state of the bellows members 73a and 73b separated from each other,
A core 75 at the right end in the X direction of the left bellows member 73a
c and the core 7 at the left end in the X direction of the right bellows member 73b.
5d are arranged near the center of the mounting bottom wall 71 in the X direction and separated from each other by a predetermined small interval.
Thus, the left and right bellows members 73a, 73b
Thus, a placement surface 71a on which the recording paper 4 is placed is formed (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

On the other hand, the left and right bellows members 7
In the contracted state of the bellows members 73a, 73b where the respective core members 75 of 3a, 73b substantially abut each other, the core member 75c at the right end in the X direction of the left bellow member 73a and the left end of the right bellow member 73b in the X direction. Are located near the left and right regulating vertical walls 72 in the X direction, respectively. Thereby, the portion of the mounting surface 71a is opened (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

As described above, each of the bins 51 to 55 constitutes the mounting bottom wall 71 and extends in the direction approaching each other.
A pair of bellows arranged opposite to each other, which are mutually expandable and contractible between an extended state forming the mounting surface 71a of the 〜55 and a contracted state in which the recording paper 4 can be dropped in a direction away from each other. The recording paper 4 placed on the placement surface 71a of each of the bins 51 to 55 is moved by the members 73a and 73b to the bin 5 immediately below the recording paper.
A moving means 5a for dropping and moving on 1 to 55 is configured.

Next, means for expanding and contracting the bellows members 73a and 73b will be described. Above left bellows member 73
a at the right end in the X direction in FIG.
A mounting piece 77a is provided on each of the core members 75d at the left end in the X direction in FIG.
4, a first pulley 78a is provided at the left end in the X direction, and a second pulley 78b is provided at the right end in the X direction.

A wire member 77b is attached to the attachment piece 77a of the left bellows member 73a among the two attachment pieces 77a.
Is attached, and from this mounting piece 77a, X
After extending to the left in the direction, the first pulley 78a
And extend to the right in the X direction. The base end of the wire member 77b is wound around the second pulley 78b, and a part of the wire member 77b between the first and second pulleys 78a and 78b is
It is attached to the attachment piece 77a of the right bellows member 73b. Note that, in the wire member 77b, a portion of the right bellows member 73b to be attached to the attachment piece 77a and the second
A buffer 77c made of a tension spring is provided between the pulley 78b and the pulley 78b.

The second pulley 78b is provided with a stopper 78c which engages with the peripheral side surface of the second pulley 78b. The stopper 78c is engaged with the second pulley and the second pulley 78b
The state can be changed to a disengaged state retracted from the state (see the arrow in the figure).
While the rotation of the pulley 78b is restricted, in a disengaged state, the second pulley 78b is urged to rotate counterclockwise by a spring (not shown).

A third pulley 79a is disposed at a predetermined distance from the second pulley 78b, and a driving belt 78d is provided between the second and third pulleys 78b and 79a. Is wrapped around. The rotation of the third pulley 79a is transmitted to the second pulley 78b by the drive belt 78d.

The third pulley 79a includes a pulley portion around which the drive belt 79a is wound, and a gear portion configured to rotate integrally with the pulley portion at the same rotation center as the pulley portion. The gear portion is provided with each of the bins 5.
It is configured to mesh with a timing belt 79b that extends in the Z direction to the right in the X direction with respect to 1 to 55. The timing belt 79b includes a pair of pulleys 79c, 79c spaced apart from each other in the Z direction.
Between the pair of pulleys 79c, 7
One of the driving belts 9c is configured as a driving pulley, and is configured to rotate the timing belt 79b counterclockwise (see the arrow in the figure).

The third pulley 79a is provided with one end of a crank 78e bent substantially in an L shape, and this crank 78e is configured to be able to swing about the bent portion. . Accordingly, the third pulley 79a is configured to be able to change its state between a meshing state in which it meshes with the timing belt 79b and a retracted state away from the timing belt 79b as the crank 78e swings. (See the arrow in the figure). The above crank 7
The swing control of 8e is performed by a solenoid 78f and a tension spring 78g attached to the other end of the crank 78e (an end opposite to the attachment side of the third pulley 79a with respect to the bent portion). Usually, the swinging position of the crank 78e is positioned by the tension spring 78g such that the third pulley 79a is in the retracted state, while the third pulley 79a is engaged by operating the solenoid 78f. The swing position of the crank 79a is positioned so as to be in the state.

When the timing belt 79b is rotated counterclockwise with the third pulley 79a engaged, the third pulley 70a rotates clockwise,
The second pulley 78b also rotates clockwise by the drive belt 78d. Then, the wire member 77b is wound around the second pulley 78d, and the core 75c at the right end in the X direction of the left bellows member 73a moves to the left in the X direction, while the core 75 at the left end in the X direction of the right bellows member 73b is moved.
d moves rightward in the X direction. Each heartwood 75
With the movement of c and 75d, the other core members 75 also move, and the core members 75 of the left and right bellow members 73a and 73b are brought into contraction with the bellow members 73a and 73b substantially abutting on each other. The portion is opened (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

Even after the third pulley 79a is retracted in the contracted state where the mounting surface 71a is opened,
When the stopper 78c is engaged with the second pulley 78b, the rotation of the second pulley 78d in the counterclockwise direction is restricted.
The portion a is left open.

When the stopper 78c is disengaged from the second pulley 78b, the second pulley 78 is rotated counterclockwise by the mainspring, and the wire member wound around the second pulley 78b is rotated. 77b
Will be paid out. Accordingly, the core 75c at the right end in the X direction of the left bellows member 73a moves to the right in the X direction, the core 75d at the left end in the X direction of the right bellows member 73b moves to the left in the X direction, and the other cores 75 also move. , Left and right bellows members 73a, 73
The bellows members 73 in which the respective core members 75 are separated from each other.
a and 73b are in the extended state, and the mounting surface 71a is formed in the mounted state (see FIGS. 3 and 4). With the above-described means, the bellows members 73a and 73b are configured to expand and contract.

Next, the operation of the sorter 5 will be described. The sorter 5 is configured to sort the recording paper 4 for each page or set, and to sort the recording paper 4 for each output. As described above, when the recording paper 4 is sorted for each page or each copy, the first to first recordings are performed in response to the end of the recording of the image on the recording paper 4 in the recording unit 2.
The fifth bins 51 to 55 are sequentially positioned at the positions of the outlets 2a, and the outlets 2a are placed on the respective bins 51 to 55.
The recording paper 4 with the image recorded thereon discharged from the printer is placed on each page or each copy.

On the other hand, when the recording papers 4 are sorted for each output case, the recording papers 4 to be newly output are discharged onto the first bin 51, while the recording papers 4 are discharged in the first to fifth order. , So that they are arranged in the new order for each output.

That is, when the user inputs image data to the image recording apparatus P, the recording section 2 records an image on the recording paper 4 according to the image data. At the same time, the sorter 5 positions the first bin 51 at the position of the discharge port 2a, and transfers the recording paper 4 discharged from the recording section 2 to the bin 5a.
1a is mounted on the mounting surface 71a. Thus, a bundle of the recording papers 4 is formed on the first bin 51. At this time, the user who has output the image data is notified of the symbol “A” and the first bin 51
Is displayed on the display section 51b.

Next, when new image data is input to the image recording apparatus P, first, the recording paper 4 is placed on the first bin 51 by the detecting means 51a provided on the first bin 51. Is detected. When the recording paper 4 is not placed (when the user has already removed the recording paper 4), as described above, the first bin 51 is placed in the outlet 2
The recording paper 4 discharged from the recording unit 2 is placed on the placement surface 71a of the bin 51a while being positioned at the position a.

On the other hand, when the recording paper 4 is placed on the first bin 51 (when the user has not yet removed the recording paper 4), the moving means 5a removes the recording paper 4 on the first bin 51. The recording paper 4 is dropped and the second bin 52
Move up. As a result, the first bin 51 becomes an empty bin on which the recording paper 4 is not placed. At this time,
In the display section 52a of the second bin 52, the symbol "A"
Is displayed on the display unit 51a of the first bin 51, for example, "B" is displayed (see FIG. 1). Then, the recording unit 2 records an image on the recording paper 4 according to the new image data, and discharges the recording paper 4 on which the image has been recorded onto the first bin 51. In this way, the recording paper 4 on which new image data is recorded is placed on the first bin 51, and the recording paper 4 output before the recording paper 4 on the first bin 51 is placed on the first bin 51. Second bin 52 below one bin
It will be placed on top.

Further, when new image data is input to the image recording device P, the first and second bins 5
When the recording paper 4 is placed on both sides of the recording papers 1 and 52,
The recording paper 4 on the second bin 52 is moved to the third bin by the moving means 5a.
The recording paper on the first bin 51 is moved onto the second bin 52 by the moving means 5a while being moved onto the bin 53. In this manner, the recording is performed with the first bin 51 set to the empty bin, and the recording paper 4 on which the image is recorded in the recording unit 2 is formed.
Is discharged onto the first bin 51.

Further, all the first to fifth bins 51
When new image data is input to the image forming apparatus A in a state where the recording paper 4 is placed on the recording papers 4 to 55, the recording paper 4 on the fifth bin 55 is moved downward by the moving means 5a. It is moved to the storage unit 56 provided on the side. Thus,
The first bin 51 can always be empty.

As described above, the recording paper 4 to be newly output is
Can always be discharged onto the first bin 51,
For example, the recording paper 4 is placed on the bin on which the recording paper 4 is already placed.
Is prevented from being discharged, the usability can be improved, and the recording paper is discharged onto the uppermost first bin 51 where the recording paper 4 is most easily taken out, thereby improving the user's convenience. Can be.

Further, the space between the plurality of bins 51 to 55 is
When the display unit 51 moves, the display units 51a to 55a provided in the bins 51 to 55 change the display in accordance with the movement of the recording paper 4, so if the display of the display units 51a to 55a is viewed, The user can easily find out in which bin the recording paper 4 related to the image data output by the user is placed.

(First Modification) Next, a first modification of the moving means will be described.
A modified example will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, the first and second bins 51 to 55 (the first and second bins 51 and 52 in the illustrated example) are both formed in a substantially L-shaped cross section.
And a second pair of wall members 81a, 81b, and the first and second wall members 81a, 81b.
Is one of the regulating vertical walls 72 in the first bin 51,
The first and second wall members 81a and 81b constitute a substantially half portion of the mounting bottom wall 71 in the X direction.
Are disposed in opposition to each other and form a tray-shaped bin 51.
Are formed.

Then, the first and second wall members 81
A and 81b move in the X direction between a close state where the mounting surface 71a of the first bin 51 is formed and a separated state where the mounting surface 71a is opened and the recording paper 4 can drop. When the first and second wall members 81a and 81b are separated from each other, the recording paper placed on the placement surface 71a of the first bin is formed. 4 falls down and is placed on the second bin 52.

(Second Modification) FIG. 8 shows a second modification of the above-mentioned moving means.
55 (the first and second bins 51 and 52 in the example in the figure)
It is constituted by a pair of first and second wall members 82a and 82b formed in a substantially L-shaped cross section, which constitute one of the regulating vertical walls 72 and a substantially half portion of the mounting bottom wall 71 in the X direction. I have. Then, the first and second wall members 82a, 82
The plate-like portion forming the mounting bottom wall 71 in b,
The lower end of the portion forming the regulating vertical wall 72 (the first bin 5
1), and a state in which the mounting surface 71a of the first bin 51 is formed.
(See arrow in FIG. 3). Accordingly, when the portion of the first and second wall members 82a and 82b where the placement bottom wall 71 is formed is rotated so that the portion of the placement surface 71a is opened, the placement surface of the first bin is rotated. The recording paper 4 placed on the recording paper 71a falls down,
It is designed to be placed on a bin 52.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first and second
By changing the shape of the pair of wall members 83a and 83b,
The portion forming the mounting bottom wall 71 in the member 83b of
It is formed so as to extend in the X direction up to the vicinity of the regulating vertical wall 72 on the left side in the X direction, and this portion is formed at the lower end of the portion forming the regulating vertical wall 72 on the right side in the X direction (one side end of the first bin 51) ) To form a mounting surface 71a of the first bin 51, and a state where the mounting surface 71a is opened to allow the recording paper 4 to fall. It may be configured to be rotatable (see the arrow in the figure). In this case as well, when the formation portion of the above-described placement bottom wall 71 of the second member 83b is rotated, the recording paper 4 placed on the placement surface 71a of the first bin falls downward. , Are placed on the second bin 52.

The bottom wall member (wall member) of the first member 83a is formed so as to extend in the X direction to the vicinity of the regulating vertical wall 72 on the right side in the X direction.
The plate-like portion (wall member) forming the mounting bottom wall 71 in FIG. 7A is moved to the lower end (one side end of the first bin 51) of the portion forming the regulating vertical wall 72 on the right side in the X direction. It may be pivoted.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 10 shows a sorter 5 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which comprises first to fifth bins 51 to 55 arranged side by side in the Z direction. Is different from the first embodiment in that the bins 51 to 55 are configured to move so that the arrangement position of the bins can be changed. The configurations of the recording unit 2 and the supply unit 3 in the image recording apparatus P are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

Then, in the sorter 5, the bottles 51 to 51
55 is located at the position of the discharge port 2 a discharged from the recording unit 2, and the bins 51 to 55 are located laterally in the X direction with respect to the discharge side area 91. 55
Is located at the position of the outlet 2a (in the X direction with respect to the outlet 2a), and a lifting / lowering area 92 is provided.
It is configured to be individually movable in the X direction between the paper discharge side area and the elevating side area 92, and is configured to be individually movable in the Z direction in each of the paper discharge side and the elevating side area. ing.

As a result, the sorter 5 is moved from the state where the first and second bins 51 and 52 are arranged in the first and second order from the top, for example, to the first and the second bins in the first order from the top. And the second
The bins 51 and 52 are configured to be able to be changed to a lined up state. That is, the first bin 51 located at the uppermost position in the paper discharge side area 91 is moved in the X direction and positioned in the elevating side area 92. Next, the elevating area 9
2, the first bin 51 is more Z
Move it down until it is below the direction. Finally, when the first bin is moved in the X direction and positioned in the paper discharge side area 91, in the paper discharge side area 91, the first and second bins 51 and 52 are arranged in the second and first order from the top. Can be arranged side by side (see the arrow and the two-dot chain line in the figure).

As described above, the arrangement order of the bins 51 to 55 can be changed so that, for example, when the recording paper 4 is placed on the first bin 51 located at the uppermost stage, When new image data is input to the image recording apparatus P, the first bin 51 is moved as described above, and the second bin 52 is moved upward in the paper discharge side area 91. The second bin 52 can be the uppermost bin.

In this way, by moving the bins 51 to 55 so that the recording papers 4 are arranged in a new order from top to bottom for each output, the newly discharged recording papers 4 are positioned at the uppermost stage. In addition, the recording paper 4 can always be discharged onto a bin on which the recording paper 4 is not placed, and the user can easily find out in which bin the recording medium relating to the image data output by the user is located. Improvement is achieved.

Each bin 5 with the recording paper 4 placed thereon
In the case where 1 to 55 are configured to be movable, each bin 5
It is preferable to provide a holding unit 51c for holding the recording paper 4 in 1 to 55 (only the holding unit 51c provided in the first bin 51 is shown in the figure). As the holding means 51c,
A substantially plate-shaped member pivotally attached to the upper end of the regulating vertical wall 72, and each member 51c is connected to the first bin 51.
Of the plate-like member 51c.
And the recording paper 4 between the mounting surface 71a of the first bin 51 and
May be sandwiched. As described above, by providing the holding means 51c, each of the bins 51 to 5 is provided.
5 is moved, the mounting surfaces 71a of the bins 51 to 55 are placed.
It is possible to reliably prevent the recording paper 4 placed thereon from falling due to disturbance such as wind.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a carriage portion.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the bin in a state where a mounting surface is formed.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the bin on which a mounting surface is formed.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the bin in a state where a mounting surface portion is opened;
FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the bin in a state where a mounting surface portion is opened;
FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a moving unit according to a first modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a moving unit according to a second modified example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a moving unit according to a second modification of the first embodiment different from FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sorter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 2 recording unit 4 recording paper (recording medium) 5 sorter 6 wall member 51 to 55 first to fifth bin 56 storage unit 5a moving unit 51b to 55b display unit (display unit) 51c holding unit (holding unit) 71a mounting surface 73a, 73b bellows member (wall member) 81a-83b wall member

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Atsushi Soga, Inventor 1006 Kadoma, Kazuma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 3F050 BA01 BC02 BD06 BE01 LA02 LA07 LB03

Claims (10)

[Claims] A plurality of bins each having an upward mounting surface on which a recording medium is mounted, wherein the recording medium on which an image is recorded in a recording unit is mounted on the mounting surface of the different bins A sorter for sorting the recording medium by placing the recording medium, the sorter comprising moving means for moving the placed recording medium between the plurality of bins. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of bins are arranged in a vertical direction, and the moving unit drops the recording medium on the mounting surface of each of the bins onto the bin immediately below the bin. A sorter that is configured to be moved. 3. The moving means according to claim 2, wherein the moving means can move between a close state in which the mounting surfaces of the bins are formed close to each other and a separated state in which the recording medium can be dropped away from each other. A sorter comprising a pair of wall members arranged opposite to each other. 4. The moving means according to claim 2, wherein the moving means is pivotally attached to one end of each bin to form a mounting surface of the bin and a state in which the recording medium can be dropped. A sorter characterized by comprising mutually rotatable wall members. 5. The moving means according to claim 2, wherein the moving means extends between a direction in which the recording medium extends and a direction in which the recording medium drops. The mutually extendable,
A sorter comprising a pair of wall members arranged opposite to each other. 6. The method according to claim 2, wherein the lowermost bin of the plurality of bins is
A sorter comprising a storage unit for storing a recording medium on which an image has been recorded. 7. The sorter according to claim 2, wherein the lowest bin among the plurality of bins is configured to also serve as a storage unit for storing a recording medium on which an image is recorded. . 8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a display means for displaying a display for specifying a recording medium placed on a placement surface of the bin, at or near each bin. A sorter configured to change display contents in accordance with movement of the recording medium. 9. A plurality of bins having an upward mounting surface on which a recording medium is mounted are arranged side by side, and the recording medium on which an image is recorded in a recording unit is placed on the different bins. A sorter that sorts the recording media by placing the bins on a placement surface, wherein each of the bins is configured to be movable such that the arrangement order of the bins is changed. 10. The storage medium according to claim 9, wherein each of the bins includes a recording medium mounted on a mounting surface of the bin.
A sorter comprising holding means for holding a bottle when it is moved.