JP2003170639A - Imaging apparatus and imaging system with plurality thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus which is low-cost and facilitates taking out sheets, and an imaging system with a plurality of imaging apparatuses. <P>SOLUTION: A height position-detecting means is set for detecting the height position of an operation part 16 held movably in an up-down direction. In accordance with operation part height position information from the height position- detecting means, control means 2 and 15A move a discharge paper-loading means 15b capable of loading sheets discharged to the outside of an apparatus body and moving in the up-down direction to a position according to the height position of the operation part 16, thereby changing a take-out height of sheets discharged to the outside of the apparatus body according to the height position of the operation part 16. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a plurality of image forming apparatuses,
In particular, the present invention relates to those assumed to be used by an operator who uses a wheelchair or the like, in addition to the operation of a healthy person.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a multi-function peripheral, a printer, etc., an operation section is installed on the upper part of the image forming apparatus, and the operation section controls the number of images formed, the image density, and the sheet processing section. A large number of devices that are configured to perform settings such as stapling and the like are widely used. The position of the operation unit is designed to be the height above the floor which is most convenient for a healthy person to stand up.

By the way, in most cases, the operation portion of such an image forming apparatus is fixedly installed in the image forming apparatus, and the height from the floor cannot be changed. Therefore, when used by a person in a wheelchair, the position of the operation unit is too high,
Operation was sometimes difficult.

Therefore, assuming a situation in which an operator using such a wheelchair uses the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus adopting a mechanism capable of vertically moving the operation portion. It is proposed that it can be moved vertically.

Conventionally, for example, two image forming apparatuses are provided, one of the image forming apparatuses reads an original image, and then the read original image is transferred to another image forming apparatus to form another image. An image forming system in which an image is formed on a sheet and output by a device is also widely used. In such an image forming system as well, an image forming apparatus that employs a mechanism that allows the operation unit to move in the vertical direction or an image forming apparatus that allows the image forming apparatus itself to move in the vertical direction is used.

[0006]

However, in the conventional image forming apparatus and image forming system which are supposed to be used by the operator who uses such a wheelchair, when the operating portion is vertically movable. Can increase the operability when performing various setting operations and improve the work efficiency, but the output result of the operator using the wheelchair after image formation, that is, after the image is formed, The operation of taking out the sheets discharged and stacked on the discharged sheet stacking unit is not assumed.

Therefore, the height of the discharged paper stacking means may be too high for an operator using a wheelchair, and in this case, it is difficult to take out the sheet. When the image forming apparatus itself can be moved in the vertical direction, the operability is improved and the sheet can be easily taken out, but the apparatus becomes complicated and the cost is very disadvantageous.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an image forming apparatus having a simple structure and capable of easily taking out sheets, and an image forming system having a plurality of image forming apparatuses. It is intended to be provided.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an image forming apparatus in which an image is formed on a sheet and then the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body. The operation unit is provided so that the position can be changed, and the take-out height of the sheet discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body is changed according to the height position of the operation unit.

Further, according to the present invention, holding means for holding the operating portion movably in the vertical direction, and height position detecting means for detecting the height position of the operating portion held by the holding means, Stack the sheets discharged outside the device body,
In addition, the sheet discharge stacking unit movable in the vertical direction and the sheet discharge stacking unit moved to a position corresponding to the height position of the operation unit according to the height position information of the operation unit from the height position detection unit. And a control means for controlling as described above.

Further, according to the present invention, the control means compares the height information of the operating portion from the height detecting means with a reference value, and if the height position of the operating portion is lower than a predetermined height. When the determination is made, the discharged sheet stacking means is moved to a position corresponding to the height position of the operation portion.

Further, according to the present invention, holding means for holding the operating portion movably in the vertical direction, and height position detecting means for detecting the height position of the operating portion held by the holding means, A plurality of vertically-disposed sheet stacking means for stacking the sheets discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body, and a plurality of sheet-discharging stacking means according to the operation unit height position information from the height position detecting means. Control means for controlling the discharge stacking means at a position corresponding to the height position of the operation portion to discharge the sheets.

Further, according to the present invention, the control means compares the height information of the operating portion from the height detecting means with a reference value, and if the height position of the operating portion is lower than a predetermined height. When the determination is made, the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge stacking unit located at a position corresponding to the height position of the operation unit among the plurality of sheet discharge stacking units.

According to the present invention, the holding means includes an arm member that holds the operating portion and is pivotally supported in the up-down direction with respect to the apparatus main body, and the height position detecting means is the above-mentioned. The rotation angle of the arm member is detected, and the rotation angle of the arm member is output to the control means as the operation portion height position information.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the position detecting means directly detects the height position of the operating portion and outputs the detected height position information of the operating portion to the control means. Is.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the reference value can be arbitrarily set.

Further, according to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus in which an image is formed on a sheet and then the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body so that the orientation of the apparatus main body with respect to the apparatus main body can be changed. The height of the sheet discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body is changed according to the direction of the operation unit.

Further, the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which an image is formed on a sheet and then the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body. It is characterized in that the take-out height of the sheet discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body is changed according to the height position of the section.

Further, according to the present invention, after the image is formed on the sheet, the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body, and after the image is formed on the sheet, the image is formed. An image forming system including a second image forming apparatus capable of transferring image data to the first image forming apparatus while discharging the formed sheet to the outside of the apparatus main body. An operating section is provided on the apparatus main body so that the height position with respect to the apparatus main body can be changed, and the height of taking out the sheet discharged from the first image forming apparatus to the outside of the apparatus main body is adjusted according to the height position of the operating section. The feature is that it is changed.

Further, according to the present invention, holding means for holding the operating portion movably in the vertical direction, and height position detecting means for detecting the height position of the operating portion held by the holding means, Paper discharge stacking means that is provided in the first image forming apparatus, stacks sheets discharged outside the apparatus main body, and is vertically movable, and operation unit height position information from the height position detecting means. Control means for controlling to move the discharged paper stacking means to a position corresponding to the height position of the operation portion in accordance with the above.

According to the present invention, the control means compares the height information of the operating portion from the height detecting means with a reference value, and if the height position of the operating portion is lower than a predetermined height. When the determination is made, the discharged sheet stacking means is moved to a position corresponding to the height position of the operation portion.

Further, according to the present invention, holding means for holding the operating portion so as to be vertically movable, and height position detecting means for detecting the height position of the operating portion held by the holding means, A plurality of discharged sheet stacking units provided in the first image forming apparatus and stacked in the vertical direction for stacking sheets discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body, and operating unit height position information from the height position detecting unit. Control means for controlling to discharge the sheet to the discharge stacking means located at a position corresponding to the height position of the operation section among the plurality of discharge stacking means. It is a thing.

In the present invention, the control means compares the height information of the operating portion from the height detecting means with a reference value, and if the height position of the operating portion is lower than a predetermined height. When the determination is made, the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge stacking unit located at a position corresponding to the height position of the operation unit among the plurality of sheet discharge stacking units.

According to the present invention, the holding means includes an arm member that holds the operating portion and is pivotally supported in the vertical direction with respect to the apparatus main body, and the height position detecting means is the above-mentioned. The rotation angle of the arm member is detected, and the rotation angle of the arm member is output to the control means as the operation portion height position information.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the position detecting means directly detects the height position of the operating portion and outputs the detected height position information of the operating portion to the control means. Is.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the reference value can be arbitrarily set.

Further, according to the present invention, when the image is formed on the sheet on the basis of the image data in both the first and second image forming apparatuses and then the sheet is discharged, the height position information of the operation section is used. The movement control of the discharged sheet stacking means is controlled by the first
It is characterized in that it is possible to set whether to perform only the image forming apparatus or both the first and second image forming apparatuses.

[0028]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is an image forming apparatus and 1A is an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus main body). Is. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 11 that forms an image, a recording paper storage unit 12 that stores recording paper, which is a sheet, an image reading unit 13 that reads image data, and a sheet processing unit 14. I have it.

Here, the image forming section 11 is of a structure for forming an image on a recording sheet by using an electrophotographic technique, and the recording sheet accumulating section 12 is provided below the image forming section 11 and comprises a plurality of recording sheets. It is possible to accumulate some types of recording paper. It should be noted that the recording paper accumulating unit 12 conveys the recording paper of the type desired by the operator to the image forming unit 11 by the control unit 2 (hereinafter referred to as the main body side control unit) provided in the apparatus main body 1A. Has become.

The image reading unit 13 also includes a light source for illuminating the original document placed on the original table and a CCD for converting the reflected light corresponding to the original image from the illuminated original document into an electric signal.
The light source is used to scan the original while irradiating the original, and the reflected light from the original is sent to the CCD through the optical system. The reflected light (original image) sent to the CCD in this manner is converted into electronic image data, and then subjected to various correction processing and image processing by processing desired by the operator, and the main body side control unit 2 Stored in the image memory of.

Further, the image reading unit 13 is provided with an automatic document feeder 13A, which allows a plurality of documents to be automatically read and stored in an image memory.

Further, the sheet processing section 14 is the image forming section 11
The sheet processing unit 14 performs additional processing such as punching processing, stapling processing, and bookbinding processing on the recording paper on which the image forming processing has been performed. A paper discharge tray unit 15 is provided for temporarily accumulating sheets or for accumulating the final image formation result output from the sheet processing unit 14.

Reference numeral 15a is a storage tray for temporarily storing the output recording paper, and 15b is the sheet processing unit 1.
4 is a paper discharge tray that is a paper discharge stacking unit that stacks the recording paper on which the final addition processing has been performed according to item 4. Here, the paper discharge tray 15b is movable in the vertical direction, is provided in the sheet processing unit 14, and is a control unit 15A (hereinafter, the sheet processing unit side control unit) that constitutes a control means together with the main body side control unit 2. It is possible to move to any height position.

Then, the image forming apparatus 1 having such a configuration.
In the case of forming an image on the recording paper, first, the image reading unit 13 reads the document conveyed to the reading position by the automatic document conveying device 13A.

Next, in the image forming unit 11, after generating a line signal based on the image data from the image reading unit 13, an optical signal is output from the line signal and the optical signal is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum. As a result, a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum, and thereafter, the latent image is developed with toner to form a toner image.

On the other hand, in parallel with such a toner image forming operation, the recording paper accumulated in the recording paper accumulating portion 12 is conveyed to the image forming portion 11, and thereafter, the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper, and further. After that, the toner image on the recording paper is fixed. As a result, an image is formed on the recording paper.

After the image is formed in this way, the recording paper on which the image is formed is conveyed to the sheet processing section 14,
In the sheet processing unit 14, the recording paper is subjected to additional processing such as punching processing, stapling processing, and bookbinding processing. After performing such processing, the recording paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 15b of the paper discharge tray unit 15.

In the figure, reference numeral 16 denotes an operation unit. The operation unit 16 allows the operator to perform detailed image formation of various functions provided by the image forming apparatus 1 by the operator. It plays the role of an interface for instructing the device 1. Further, the operation unit 16 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction, and by making the operation unit 16 movable in the vertical direction in this manner, it is convenient for an operator who is using a wheelchair or the like. Trying to improve.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of such an operating portion 16, in which 16a is an operating portion main body, 21 is an arm which is an arm member supporting the operating portion main body 16a,
Reference numeral 22 is a joint shaft that is provided at the tip of a holding arm 22A protruding from the apparatus main body 1A and holds the arm 21 rotatably in the vertical direction. The operating portion 16 is held by the holding means composed of the joint shaft 22 and the arm 21 so as to be vertically rotatable (movable).

Then, in this way, the operation portion main body 16a is
By attaching to the tip of the arm 21 rotatably supported by the holding arm 22A via the joint shaft 22, the operation portion main body 16a can be moved in the vertical direction as shown by the broken line in FIG. Has become. As a result, the height position of the operation unit 16 (operation unit body 16a) with respect to the apparatus body 1A can be moved to a height position (hereinafter simply referred to as “height”) that is easy for the operator to use.

By the way, in the present embodiment, an encoder for measuring the angle of the joint shaft 22 is built in the joint shaft 22, and the angle of the joint shaft 22 measured by this encoder, that is, the arm 21. The main body side control unit 2 operates the operation unit 16 (operation unit main body 16a) based on the rotation angle of
The height from the floor surface is detected by calculation.

By detecting the height of the operating section 16 from the floor in this way, it is determined whether or not the operating section 16 has been lowered. If it is determined that the operating section 16 has been lowered, It is determined that the operation unit 16 is operated by an operator using a wheelchair.

Further, when it is determined that the operation section 16 is operated by the operator using the wheelchair, the height of the sheet discharge tray 15b is set via the sheet processing section side control section 15A. The height is set according to the height of the operating portion 16, and in the present embodiment, is close to the height of the operating portion 16.

Here, the height of the operating portion 16 from the floor can be obtained by the following conversion formula. In this equation, the coordinates (x, y, 0) are reference coordinates, that is, the coordinates when the angle of the joint shaft 22 is 0, and h ₀ is the mounting position height of the joint shaft 22, and the coordinate (x ′ , Y ′, h ′) indicates the coordinates when the angle of the joint axis 22 is θ. That is, when the rotation angle is θ, the height of the operation unit 16 from the floor surface is h ′.

[0046]

[Equation 1]

Next, the process for obtaining the height of the operating portion 16 from the floor will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, this process is called when the image forming apparatus 1 is changed to the copy-operable state, and is always executed when the copy-operation is possible.

When this processing is started, first in S (step) 101, the main body side control section 2 is an encoder which is a height position detecting means for measuring the angle of the joint shaft 22 which is the rotation angle of the arm 21. The measured value of, that is, the joint angle is read. After the joint angles have been read in this way, the process waits for the copy key to be pressed in S102.

The copy key pressing operation serves as a trigger for determining the moving height of the paper discharge tray 15b based on the height of the operation unit 16 from the floor surface, and the copy key is operated by the operator. If the copy key is pressed, the operation unit 1 is determined from the angle of the joint shaft 22 when the copy key is pressed in S103.
The height from the floor of 6 is calculated. If the pressing operation of the copy key is not detected, the process of reading the angle of the joint shaft 22 is continued until the pressing operation of the copy key is detected.

Next, after the height of the operating section 16 from the floor is calculated in S103, the calculated height information from the floor of the operating section 16 is calculated in S104. Notify 15A.

When the height information from the floor of the operation unit 16 is notified in this way, the sheet processing unit side control unit 15 is provided.
A performs a movement control process of the paper discharge tray 15b shown in FIG. That is, first, the calculated height of the operation unit 16 is read as shown in S201.

Next, in S202, the process waits until the copy operation in progress is completed, and when the copy operation is completed, S2
In 03, the operation unit 1 read in S201
The calculated height of 6 is compared with a threshold value that is a predetermined reference value. Here, if the calculated height of the operation unit 16 is larger than the threshold value, it is determined that the operator who is a healthy person stands up and is performing the process, and the discharge tray is set to a predetermined operation, for example, a healthy person. This process is terminated without moving the recording paper from the predetermined paper ejection position where it is easy for the person to take out the recording paper.

On the other hand, if the calculated height of the operating unit 16 is less than or equal to the threshold value, the operator using the wheelchair is operating the operating unit 1
It is determined that 6 is operated, and thereafter, in S204,
In order that an operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the discharged recording paper, the height of the discharge tray 15b is set to a height close to the calculated height of the operation unit 16 as a target value. The movement processing control of 15b is performed. Then, after the movement of the sheet discharge tray 15b is completed, this processing is completed.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 3, in S105, a loop is formed to wait this process from the start of the copy operation detected in S102 to the end of this copy operation. And after the copy operation is finished,
The process is returned to S101. It should be noted that this process is interrupted / stopped when the image forming apparatus transitions from the copy-enabled state to the copy-disabled state.

Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which an operator using a wheelchair is utilizing the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention.

When an operator using a wheelchair uses the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in the figure, when the operator lowers the operation portion 16 to move it to a position where it is easy to operate, Accordingly, the processing shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 described above is performed, and the height of the paper discharge tray 15b on which recording paper is stacked is determined from the height of the operation unit when the copy key is pressed. As a result, the discharge tray 15b is set to a height that is easy for the operator to use.
The user can easily take out the recording paper on which the image has been formed, even if the operator is using a wheelchair.

In this way, the operating section 16 adjusted by the operator
The height of the sheet is detected, and the operator uses the wheelchair by moving the paper discharge tray 15b to a height that is easy for the operator to use based on the detected height information of the operation unit 16. Even in such a case, the recording paper can be easily taken out. As a result, the convenience of the operator using the wheelchair is enhanced, and the structure is simplified,
It is possible to prevent an increase in cost.

In the above description, the case where the position of the operating portion 16 is obtained from the rotation angle of the arm 21 (joint shaft 22) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the height position detection. As means, the height measuring means for directly measuring the height position of the operation portion 16 (distance between the floor surface and the operation portion 16) is provided in the operation portion, and the operation portion 16 is calculated from the value measured by this height measuring means. The position of may be calculated.

By setting the threshold value to be compared with the read operation height of the operation unit 16 to an arbitrary value, the position of the paper discharge tray 15b is set to a height at which recording paper can be taken out more easily. As a result, the convenience of the operator using the wheelchair can be further enhanced.

In the above description, the case where the paper discharge tray 15b is moved according to the position of the operation unit 16 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of paper discharge trays are provided. In the case of the image forming apparatus, instead of moving the paper discharge tray, the recording paper may be discharged to a paper discharge tray at a position corresponding to the position of the operation unit 16 among the plurality of paper discharge trays. .

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 6 is provided with a plurality of paper discharge trays according to the present embodiment, and the recording paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray at a position corresponding to the position of the operation unit 16 among the plurality of paper discharge trays. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a paper discharge tray in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

Next, the discharge tray determination process will be described with reference to this flowchart. It should be noted that this process is executed by the sheet processing unit side control unit 15A, and S104 of FIG.
The process of is started as a trigger.

When this processing is started, first, S3
At 01, the calculated height of the operation unit 16 obtained in FIG. 3 and transmitted to the sheet processing unit 14 is read. Then, after the operation height of the operation unit 16 is read in this way, S302
At, initialization processing is performed to set the value of the parameter i indicating a plurality of paper discharge trays to 0. As a result, the calculated height of the operation unit 16 and the threshold value corresponding to each paper discharge tray, that is, the height of each paper discharge tray can be compared in order from the highest paper discharge tray.

Next, after performing the initialization processing in this way,
In step S303, the parameter i indicating the paper discharge tray is compared with the number of paper discharge trays of the image forming apparatus 1. here,
If the value of the parameter i indicating the discharge tray is smaller than the number of discharge trays, the height of the operation unit 16 and the threshold value [i] for determining whether to discharge to the i-th discharge tray in step S304. Compare with.

If the height of the operation unit 16 is smaller than the threshold value [i], that is, if the operation unit 16 is higher than the i-th discharge tray, the discharge tray for discharging the recording paper is set to the i-th discharge tray in S306. Select the output tray.

On the other hand, if the height of the operation unit 16 is higher than the threshold value [i], that is, if the operation unit 16 is lower than the i-th paper ejection tray, the value of the parameter i indicating the paper ejection tray is incremented in S305. Perform processing. Then, after this increment processing, the processing is returned to S303 and a loop is formed to determine the paper discharge tray for discharging the recording paper.

Then, after that, if the value of the parameter i indicating the discharge trays is equal to or larger than the number of discharge trays in S303, in other words, it is determined that all the discharge trays are located higher than the operation section 16. If so, the discharge tray for discharging the recording paper is determined to be the bottom discharge tray in S306.

After the paper discharge tray is determined in this way, a process of notifying the apparatus body side control unit 2 of the paper discharge tray position information for paper discharge is performed in S307, and after this notification is completed, This process ends.

Then, by configuring in this way,
As shown in FIG. 5 described above, when the operator using the wheelchair lowers the operation unit 16 to move it to a position where it is easy to operate, the process shown in FIG. 6 described above is performed, and the copy key is pressed. The paper discharge tray is determined according to the height of the operation unit at that time, and then the recording paper processed by the sheet processing unit 14 is stacked on the paper discharge tray. As a result, even an operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the recording paper.

In this way, the operating section 16 adjusted by the operator
Based on the height information of the paper, the operator determines the paper ejection tray from which the operator can easily take out the recording paper, and ejects the recording paper to this paper ejection tray Even when using a wheelchair, the recording paper can be easily taken out.
As a result, the convenience of the operator using the wheelchair is enhanced, the structure is simplified, and the increase in cost can be prevented.

By the way, the embodiment in which the operating portion 16 is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the apparatus main body 1A and the height position of the operating portion 16 is changed has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. Without the operation unit 16
When the image forming apparatus 1 is used by an operator who is rotatably mounted on A and uses a wheelchair or the like, the direction of the display surface of the operation unit is changed by rotating the operation unit. You can

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention in which such an operating portion is rotatably provided on the apparatus main body 1A will be described.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same or corresponding portions.

In the figure, reference numeral 16A denotes an operating portion which is held by the apparatus main body 1A so as to be vertically rotatable. And
This operation unit 16A is, as shown in FIG.
At the tip of the arm 22A provided in the above, an operation portion main body 16a provided so as to be vertically rotatable via the joint shaft 22 is provided. In addition, the arm 22A and the joint shaft 22 constitute a holding unit that rotatably holds the operation unit 16A.

Then, the operation section main body 16a is
By attaching to the apparatus main body 1A via the joint shaft 22, the operation portion main body 16a can be rotated in the vertical direction as shown by the broken line in the figure. This makes it possible to adjust the operation unit 16A (operation unit main body 16a) in a direction that is easy for the operator to use.

On the other hand, inside the joint shaft 22, the joint shaft 2
An encoder that measures the angle 2 is built in, and the direction of the operation surface of the operation unit 16A, that is, the rotation angle of the operation unit 16A is detected based on the angle of the joint shaft 22 measured by this encoder. ing.

By detecting the turning angle of the operating portion 16A in this manner, it is determined whether or not the operating portion 16A has been turned, and when it is determined that the operating portion 16A has been turned downward. Determines that the operation unit 16A is operated by an operator using a wheelchair.

Further, when it is determined that the operation section 16A is operated by the operator using the wheelchair, the height of the sheet discharge tray 15b is set via the sheet processing section side control section 15A. A height corresponding to the height of the operation unit 16A,
In the present embodiment, the height is close to the height of the operation portion 16A.

Here, the orientation of the operating portion 16A can be obtained by the following conversion formula. In this equation, the vector (x, y, z) is a reference vector, that is, the joint axis 2
This is a vector when the angle of 2 is 0. The vector (x ′, y ′, z ′) indicates the vector when the angle of the joint axis 22 is θ. That is, it is a vector indicating the direction of the operation surface of the operation unit 16A when the rotation angle is θ.

[0081]

[Equation 2]

Next, a process for obtaining the orientation of the operation surface of the operation unit 16A will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, this process is called when the image forming apparatus 1 is changed to the copy-operable state, and is always executed when the copy-operation is possible.

When this processing is started, first in S401, the main body side control section 2 reads the measured value of the encoder for measuring the angle of the joint shaft 22, that is, the joint angle. And
After reading the joint angles in this way, S402
Wait for the copy key to be pressed at.

Next, when the copy key is pressed by the operator thereafter, the operation unit 16A (the display unit thereof) is operated from the angle of the joint shaft 22 when the copy key is pressed in S403.
Direction, that is, the rotation angle of the operation unit 16A is calculated. In addition, when the pressing operation of the copy key is not detected,
The process of reading the angle of the joint shaft 22 is continued until the pressing operation of the copy key is detected.

Next, after calculating the rotation angle of the operating portion 16A in this way, in S404, the calculated operating portion 1
The rotation angle of 6A is notified to the sheet processing unit side control unit 15A. Here, when the rotation angle of the operation unit 16A is notified in this manner, the sheet processing unit side control unit 15A performs the movement control process of the sheet discharge tray 15b illustrated in FIG. That is, first, the direction (rotation angle) of the operation unit 16A transmitted as shown in S501 is read.

Next, the process waits until the copy operation being executed in S502 ends, and when the copy operation ends, S5
In 03, the operation unit 1 read in S501
The direction (rotation angle) of 6A is compared with a threshold value that is a predetermined reference value. Here, if the rotation angle of the operation unit 16A is larger than the threshold value, it is determined that the operator who is a normal person is standing and is performing the process, and the paper discharge tray position is not moved from the predetermined paper discharge position, Terminate the process.

On the other hand, if the direction (rotation angle) of the operation surface of the operation section 16A is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is judged that the operator using the wheelchair is operating the operation section 16A, and thereafter , S504, the height of the discharge tray 15b is set to a height corresponding to the direction of the operation surface of the operation unit 16A so that the operator using the wheelchair can easily take out the discharged recording paper. Is set as a target value, and the movement processing control of the discharge tray 15b is performed. Then, after the movement of the sheet discharge tray 15b is completed, this processing is completed.

As shown in FIG. 9, in S405, a loop is formed to wait this process from the start of the copy operation detected in S402 to the end of this copy operation. And after the copy operation is finished,
The process is returned to S401. It should be noted that this process is interrupted / stopped when the image forming apparatus transitions from the copy-enabled state to the copy-disabled state.

Then, by configuring in this way,
When an operator using a wheelchair uses the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 11, when the operation unit 16A is rotated downward and the operation unit 16A is moved to a position where it is easy to operate,
The above-described processing shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is performed, and the height of the discharge tray 15b on which the recording sheets are stacked is determined from the direction of the operation unit 16A (operation surface) when the copy key is pressed.
As a result, even an operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the recording sheet on which an image has been formed, which improves convenience and prevents an increase in cost.

On the other hand, in the above description, the case where the paper discharge tray 15b is moved in accordance with the direction of the operating portion 16A has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of paper discharge trays are provided. In the case of an image forming device,
Instead of moving the paper discharge tray, the recording paper may be discharged to the paper discharge tray at a position corresponding to the direction of the operation unit 16A among the plurality of paper discharge trays.

Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 12 is provided with a plurality of paper discharge trays according to the present embodiment, and among the plurality of paper discharge trays, the operation unit 1
6A is a flowchart showing a paper discharge tray determination process in the image forming apparatus that discharges recording paper to a paper discharge tray located at a position corresponding to the direction of the operation surface of 6A.

Next, the discharge tray determination process will be described with reference to this flowchart. Note that this processing is executed by the sheet processing unit-side control unit 15A, and the above-described S404 of FIG. 9 is performed.
The process of is started as a trigger.

When this processing is started, first, S6
In 01, the joint angle indicating the orientation of the operation unit 16A obtained in FIG. 9 and transmitted to the sheet processing unit 14 is read,
From this joint angle, the optimum paper discharge height when the operation unit 16A is operated in such a direction is determined.

After the direction of the operation surface of the operation section 16A is read in this way, in step S602, initialization processing is performed to set the value of the parameter i indicating a plurality of paper discharge trays to 0. As a result, in order from the uppermost paper ejection tray,
It is possible to compare the value of the discharge height corresponding to the rotation angle of the operation unit 16A with a threshold value, that is, the height of each discharge tray.

Next, after performing the initialization processing in this way,
In step S603, the parameter i indicating the paper discharge tray is compared with the number of paper discharge trays of the image forming apparatus 1. here,
If the value of the parameter i indicating the paper discharge tray is smaller than the number of paper discharge trays, then in step S604, the operation unit 16A is operated.
Direction, that is, the discharge height, is compared with the threshold value [i] of the i-th discharge tray to determine whether or not the recording paper is discharged to the i-th discharge tray.

If the rotation angle of the operating portion 16A is smaller than the threshold value [i], the discharge tray for discharging the recording paper is determined to be the i-th discharge tray in S606.

On the other hand, if the height of the operation unit 16A is higher than the threshold value [i], the process of incrementing the value of the parameter i indicating the discharge tray is performed in S605. Then, after this increment processing, the processing is returned to S603 and a loop is formed to determine the paper discharge tray for discharging the recording paper.

After that, if the value of the parameter i indicating the paper ejection trays is equal to or larger than the number of paper ejection trays in S603, in other words, all the paper ejection trays are operated by the operation unit 16A.
If it is at a position higher than that, the paper ejection tray for ejecting the recording paper is determined to be the bottom paper ejection tray in S606.

Then, after the paper discharge tray is determined in this way, a process of notifying the apparatus main body side control unit 2 of the paper discharge tray position information for paper discharge is performed in S607, and after this notification is completed, This process ends.

Then, by configuring in this way,
When the operator using the wheelchair rotates the operation unit 16A so as to be in an easy-to-operate direction as shown in FIG. 11 described above, the process shown in FIG. 12 described above is performed, and the copy key is pressed. The discharge tray on which the recording sheets are stacked is determined based on the direction of the operation unit 16A at the time of pressing. As a result, even an operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the recording paper.

In this way, the operating section 16 adjusted by the operator
Based on the rotation angle (orientation) of A, a paper ejection tray from which the operator can easily take out the recording paper is determined from among the plurality of paper ejection trays, and the recording paper is ejected to this paper ejection tray. The recording paper can be easily taken out even when the operator is using a wheelchair.

By the way, the change control of the take-out height of the discharged sheet when the operation units 16 and 16A are moved or rotated in one image forming apparatus has been described so far. Not limited to this, for example, two image forming apparatuses are provided, one of the image forming apparatuses reads an original image, and then the read image data (original image) is transferred to the other image forming apparatus, and the other image forming apparatus is transferred. It can also be applied to an image forming system in which an image is formed on a sheet and output in the image forming apparatus.

Next, an image forming system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an image forming system according to this embodiment. In addition, in FIG.
The same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts.

In the figure, reference numeral 50 denotes an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a first image forming section) which does not have an image reading section. When an image is formed by the first image forming apparatus 50, the operation is first performed. Unit 16 and image reading unit 1
Document image information (image data) read by the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as the second image forming apparatus) including
Is transferred to the first image forming apparatus 50 via the transfer line 51, and thereafter, the first image forming apparatus 50 forms an image on the recording paper based on the document image information.

After forming the image on the recording paper in this way, the first image forming apparatus 50 discharges the recording paper to the paper discharge tray 15b provided in the first image forming apparatus 50. . In addition, this paper discharge tray 15b has a second
Similar to the paper discharge tray 15b of the image forming apparatus 1, it is movable in the vertical direction and can be moved to an arbitrary height position by the sheet processing unit side controller 15A provided in the first image forming apparatus 50. There is.

Here, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that the operating section 16 is operated by the operator using the wheelchair, the sheet processing section side control section 15A is used to output the sheet ejection tray. The height of 15b is set to a height corresponding to the height of the operating portion 16, that is, a height close to the height of the operating portion 16 in the present embodiment.

Next, the process for obtaining the height of the operating portion 16 from the floor will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, this process is the second
It is called when the image forming apparatus 1 transits to a state in which it can be read, and is always executed when copying is possible.

When this processing is started, first in S701, the measured value of the encoder for measuring the angle of the joint shaft 22 of the arm 21 (see FIG. 2) supporting the operating portion 16, that is, the joint angle is read. After the joint angle has been read in this way, the process waits for the copy key to be pressed in S702.

When the copy key is pressed, S7
At 03, the height of the operation unit 16 from the floor surface is calculated from the angle of the joint shaft 22 when the copy key is pressed. If the pressing operation of the copy key is not detected, the process of reading the angle of the joint shaft 22 is continued until the pressing operation of the copy key is detected.

Next, after the height of the operation unit 16 is calculated in this way, in S704, the calculated height information of the operation unit 16 is used as the sheet processing unit side control unit 1 of the second image forming apparatus 1.
Notify 5A. Then, after that, in S705,
It is determined whether or not the copy process generated by the copy key pressing operation in S <b> 702 transfers the image data and the first image forming apparatus 50 is set to perform the output process.

Here, the setting transfers the image data, and the first
If the image forming apparatus 50 is set to perform output processing, then the image data is transferred, the output processing is performed in the first image forming apparatus 50, and the height position information of the operation unit 16 is set to the first position in S706. It is determined whether or not the setting is such that the image data is transferred to one image forming apparatus 50. And
If set in this way, in S707, the height position information of the operation unit 16 is notified to the first image forming apparatus 50 that is the transfer destination.

Next, when the height position information is notified in this way, in the first image forming apparatus 50, the reception of the height position information is used as a trigger to discharge the paper discharge tray 15 shown in FIG.
The movement control process of b is started. When the height position information is not set to be notified, the first image forming apparatus 50 performs normal output processing, that is, discharges the recording paper to the paper discharge tray 15b at the predetermined paper discharge position. .

When this movement control process is started, first, as shown in S801, the calculated height of the operation unit 16 of the second image forming apparatus 1 is read. Next, in S802, the process waits until the copy operation being executed is completed, and when the copy operation is completed, in S803, the read operation height of the operation unit 16 is compared with a threshold value that is a predetermined reference value. Here, if the calculated height of the operation unit 16 is larger than the threshold value, it is determined that the operator who is a healthy person is standing and performing the process, and the discharge tray position of the first image forming apparatus 50 is set to the predetermined discharge position. This process is terminated without moving from the position.

On the other hand, if the calculated height of the operating unit 16 is less than or equal to the threshold value, the operator using the wheelchair is operating the operating unit 1
It is judged that 6 is operated, and thereafter, in S804,
In order that an operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the discharged recording paper, the height of the discharge tray 15b of the first image forming apparatus 50 is set to a height close to the calculated height of the operation unit 16. Is set as a target value, and the movement processing control of the discharge tray 15b is performed. Then, after the movement of the sheet discharge tray 15b is completed, this processing is completed.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 14, in S708, a loop is formed to wait for this processing from the start of the copy operation detected in S702 to the end of this copy operation. Then, after the copy operation is completed, the process is returned to S701. In addition, this process is interrupted / stopped when the second image forming apparatus 1 transits from the copy-enabled state to the copy-disabled state.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing how an operator using a wheelchair uses the image forming system of the present invention.

Then, as shown in FIG. 14, when the operator using the wheelchair lowers the operation portion 16 of the second image forming apparatus 1 to move it to a position where it is easy to operate, the operation shown in FIGS. The process shown is performed, and the height information of the operation unit at the time when the copy key is pressed is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus 50, whereby the paper discharge tray 15 of the first image forming apparatus 50.
The height of b is determined.

As a result, the paper discharge tray 15b is moved to a height that is easy for the operator to use, and even an operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the recording paper on which an image has been formed.

As described above, the operation unit 16 adjusted by the operator
By detecting the height of the sheet, and moving the sheet discharge tray 15b on the first image forming apparatus side to a height that is easy for the operator to use based on the detected height information of the operating section 16. Even if the person is using a wheelchair, the recording paper can be easily taken out. As a result, the convenience of the operator using the wheelchair can be increased and the cost can be prevented from increasing.

In the description so far, the first image forming apparatus 50 forms an image on the recording paper 3 based on the document image information read by the second image forming apparatus 1, and thereafter the first image forming apparatus is formed. Although the case where the recording paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 15b of 50 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and based on the document image information read by the second image forming apparatus 1 as well as the first image forming apparatus 50. The second image forming apparatus itself may form an image, and thereafter, the recording sheet may be discharged to the sheet discharge tray 15b of the second image forming apparatus 1.

Further, when the recording paper is discharged after the image is formed by both the first and second image forming apparatuses 1 and 50 in this way, the discharge tray 15b is moved according to the height position information of the operation section 16. Control the first and second image forming apparatuses 1, 50
By setting so as to perform both of the above, even when the operator using the wheelchair performs the work using the first image forming apparatus 50 and the second image forming apparatus 1, respectively,
The convenience of each operator can be improved.

In the above description, the case where the position of the operating portion 16 is obtained from the rotation angle of the joint shaft 22 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the inside of the operating portion serves as height position detecting means. Is equipped with a height measuring means for directly measuring the height position of the operating portion (distance between the floor surface and the operating portion),
The position of the operation unit 16 may be calculated from the value measured by this height measuring means.

Further, by making it possible to set the threshold value to be compared with the read operation height of the operation section 16 to an arbitrary value, the position of the paper discharge tray 15b is set to a height at which recording paper can be taken out more easily. As a result, the convenience of the operator using the wheelchair can be further enhanced.

By the way, in the above description, the case in which the paper discharge tray 15b is moved according to the position of the operation unit 16 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first image forming apparatus may include a plurality of units. In the case of a device provided with a paper ejection tray, the paper ejection tray is not moved but the recording paper is ejected to a paper ejection tray at a position corresponding to the position of the operation unit 16 among the plurality of paper ejection trays. May be.

Next, the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 17 is provided with a plurality of paper discharge trays according to the present embodiment, and the operation unit 16 among the plurality of paper discharge trays.
5 is a flowchart showing a paper discharge tray determination process in the image forming system including the first image forming apparatus configured to discharge the recording paper to the paper discharge tray located at the position corresponding to the position.

Next, the discharge tray determination process will be described with reference to this flowchart. Note that this processing is executed by the sheet processing unit-side control unit 15A, and the above-described S70 of FIG.
The reception of the operation unit height position information by 7 is started as a trigger. When the operation unit height position information is not received, the process is not performed and the normal image output process is performed.

When this processing is started, first, S9
In 01, the sheet processing unit side control unit 15A of the first image forming apparatus 50 performs a process of reading the calculated height of the operation unit 16 received by the first image forming apparatus 50 and received in FIG.

Then, after the calculated height of the operation unit 16 is read in this way, an initialization process for setting the value of the parameter i indicating the discharge tray to 0 in S902 is performed. As a result, the calculated height of the operation unit 16 and the threshold value corresponding to each paper discharge tray, that is, the height of each paper discharge tray can be compared in order from the highest paper discharge tray.

Next, after performing the initialization processing in this way,
In step S903, the parameter i indicating the discharge tray is compared with the number of discharge trays of the first image forming apparatus 50. Here, if the value of the parameter i indicating the paper discharge tray is smaller than the number of paper discharge trays, then in step S904, the operation unit 1
The height of 6 is compared with the threshold value [i] of the i-th sheet ejection tray to determine whether or not to eject the recording sheet to the i-th sheet ejection tray.

If the height of the operation unit 16 is smaller than the threshold value [i], that is, if the operation unit 16 is higher than the i-th discharge tray, the discharge tray for discharging the recording paper is set to the i-th discharge tray in S906. Select the output tray.

On the other hand, if the height of the operation unit 16 is higher than the threshold value [i], that is, if the operation unit 16 is lower than the i-th paper ejection tray, the value of the parameter i indicating the paper ejection tray is incremented in S905. Perform processing. After the increment processing, the processing is returned to S903 and a loop is formed to determine the paper discharge tray for discharging the recording paper.

Then, after that, if the value of the parameter i indicating the paper ejection trays is equal to or larger than the number of paper ejection trays in S903, in other words, it is determined that all the paper ejection trays are located higher than the operation section 16. If so, the discharge tray for discharging the recording paper is determined to be the bottom discharge tray in S906.

After the paper discharge tray is determined in this manner, a process of notifying the apparatus main body side control unit 2 of the second image forming apparatus 1 of the paper discharge tray position information for discharging the paper is performed in S907. After this notification ends, this process ends.

Then, by configuring in this way,
As shown in FIG. 16 described above, when the operator using the wheelchair lowers the operation unit 16 to move it to a position where it is easy to operate, the process shown in FIG. 17 described above is performed, and the copy key is pressed. The paper discharge tray is determined according to the height of the operation unit at that time, and then the sheet processing unit 14 is added to the paper discharge tray.
The recording paper processed in (1) is stacked. As a result, even an operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the recording paper.

As described above, the operation unit 16 adjusted by the operator
Based on the height information of the paper, the operator determines the paper ejection tray from which the operator can easily take out the recording paper, and ejects the recording paper to this paper ejection tray Even when using a wheelchair, the recording paper can be easily taken out.
As a result, the convenience of the operator using the wheelchair is enhanced, the structure is simplified, and the increase in cost can be prevented.

By the way, although the embodiment in which the operation portion 16 is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the apparatus main body 1A of the second image forming apparatus 2 and the height position of the operation portion 16 is changed has been described above. The present invention is not limited to this, and the operation unit 16 is rotatably provided on the apparatus main body 1A, and when an operator who is using a wheelchair or the like uses the image forming system, the operation unit is rotated. By doing so, the orientation of the display surface of the operation unit may be changed.

Next explained is the seventh embodiment of the invention in which such an operating portion is rotatably provided in the apparatus main body 1A.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an image forming system according to this embodiment. In addition, in FIG.
The same reference numerals as in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 16A denotes an operation portion rotatably held by the apparatus main body 1A. Then, as shown in FIG. 8 described above, the operation section 16A is provided at the tip of an arm 22A provided in the apparatus body 1A so as to be vertically rotatable via a joint shaft 22. 16a.

Then, in this way, the operation section main body 16a is
By attaching to the apparatus main body 1A via the joint shaft 22, the operation portion main body 16a can be rotated in the vertical direction as shown by the broken line in FIG. This makes it possible to adjust the operation unit 16A (operation unit main body 16a) in a direction that is easy for the operator to use.

On the other hand, inside the joint shaft 22, the joint shaft 2
An encoder that measures the angle 2 is built in, and the direction of the operation surface of the operation unit 16A, that is, the rotation angle of the operation unit 16A is detected based on the angle of the joint shaft 22 measured by this encoder. ing.

By detecting the rotation angle of the operating portion 16A in this manner, it is determined whether the operating portion 16A has been rotated, and when it is determined that the operating portion 16A has been rotated downward. Determines that the operation unit 16A is operated by an operator using a wheelchair.

Further, when it is determined that the operation section 16A is operated by the operator using the wheelchair, the height of the paper discharge tray 15b is set via the sheet processing section side control section 15A. A height corresponding to the height of the operation unit 16A,
In the present embodiment, the height is close to the height of the operation portion 16A.

Here, the orientation of the operating portion 16A can be obtained by the following conversion formula. In this equation, the vector (x, y, z) is a reference vector, that is, the joint axis 2
This is a vector when the angle of 2 is 0. The vector (x ′, y ′, z ′) indicates the vector when the angle of the joint axis 22 is θ. That is, it is a vector indicating the direction of the operation surface of the operation unit 16A when the rotation angle is θ.

[0148]

[Equation 3]

Next, the processing for obtaining the direction of the operation surface of the operation section 16A will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, this process is the second
It is called when the image forming apparatus 1 transits to a readable state, and is always executed when a copying operation is possible.

When this processing is started, first, in S1001, the main body side control unit 2 measures the value of an encoder that measures the angle of the joint shaft 22 of the arm 21 (see FIG. 8) supporting the operation unit 16A, That is, the joint angle is read. Then, after the joint angles have been read in this way, S1
In 002, the copy key is pressed.

Next, when the copy key is pressed thereafter, the rotation angle of the operating portion 16A is calculated from the angle of the joint shaft 22 when the copy key is pressed in S1003. In addition, when the pressing operation of the copy key is not detected,
The process of reading the angle of the joint shaft 22 is continued until the pressing operation of the copy key is detected.

Next, after the turning angle of the operating section 16A is calculated in this way, in S1004, the calculated turning angle (direction) information of the operating section 16A is used for the sheet processing section (sheet processing section side control section 15A). ) To. And after this,
In step S1005, it is determined whether the copy processing generated by the copy key pressing operation in step S1002 transfers image data and the first image forming apparatus 50 is set to perform output processing.

Here, the setting transfers the image data, and the first
If the image forming apparatus 50 is set to perform output processing, the image data is transferred thereafter, the output processing is performed in the first image forming apparatus 50, and the rotation angle information of the operation unit 16A is set to the first value in S1006. 1 image forming apparatus 5
It is determined whether or not the transfer is set to 0. Then, when the setting is made in this way, in S1007, the operation unit 1 is transferred to the first image forming apparatus 50 that is the transfer destination.
The rotation angle (direction) information of 6 is notified.

Here, in S1007,
When the rotation angle information is notified, the reception of this rotation angle information is used as a trigger in the first image forming apparatus 50 in FIG.
The movement control process of the discharge tray 15b shown in 0 is started.
If the rotation angle information is not set to be notified, the first image forming apparatus 50 performs a normal output process.

When this movement control process is started, first, as shown in S1101, the direction (rotation angle) of the operating portion 16A of the second image forming apparatus 1 is read. Then S
At 1102, the process waits until the copy operation being executed ends, and when the copy operation ends, the read orientation (rotation angle) of the operation unit 16A is compared with a threshold value that is a predetermined reference value in S1103. Here, the operation unit 16A
If the rotation angle of the first image forming apparatus 5 is larger than the threshold value, it is determined that the operator who is a normal person is standing and performing the process.
Do not move the output tray position of 0 from the specified output position,
This process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the direction (rotation angle) of the operation surface of the operation unit 16A is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that the operator using the wheelchair is operating the operation unit 16A, and thereafter , S1104, so that the operator using the wheelchair can easily take out the discharged recording paper,
The movement processing control of the paper discharge tray 15b is performed with the height of the paper discharge tray 15b of the first image forming apparatus 50 set to a height corresponding to the direction of the operation surface of the operation unit 16A as a target value. Then, after the movement of the sheet discharge tray 15b is completed, this processing is completed.

As shown in FIG. 19, in S1008, from the start of the copy operation detected in S1002,
A loop is formed to wait for this processing until the copy operation is completed. After the copy operation is completed, the process is returned to S1001. Also,
This process is interrupted / stopped when the image forming apparatus 1 transits from the copy-enabled state to the copy-disabled state.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing how an operator using a wheelchair is utilizing the image forming system of the present invention.

When an operator using a wheelchair rotates the operating portion 16 of the second image forming apparatus 1 downward to move it to a position where it can be easily operated, as shown in FIG.
9, the processing shown in FIG. 20 is performed, and the operation unit direction (rotation angle) information at the time of pressing the copy key is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus 50, and the paper discharge tray of the first image forming apparatus 50. The height of 15b is determined.

As a result, the paper discharge tray 15b is moved to a height where the operator can easily use it, and even an operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the recording paper on which an image has been formed.

In this way, the operation section 16 adjusted by the operator
The orientation (rotation angle) of the image forming side is detected, and the discharge tray 15b on the image forming side is moved to a height that is easy for the operator to use based on the detected orientation information of the operation unit 16A. Even if the person is using a wheelchair, the recording paper can be easily taken out.
As a result, the convenience of the operator using the wheelchair can be increased and the cost can be prevented from increasing.

On the other hand, in the above description, the case where the paper discharge tray 15b is moved according to the direction of the operating portion 16A has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first embodiment is not limited thereto.
When the image forming apparatus is provided with a plurality of paper ejection trays, the paper ejection trays are not moved, but the paper ejection trays at the positions corresponding to the orientation of the operation surface of the operation unit 16A are selected from among the plurality of paper ejection trays. The recording paper may be discharged to the paper tray.

Next, the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 22 is provided with a plurality of paper ejection trays according to the present embodiment, and among the plurality of paper ejection trays, the operation unit 1
6A is a flowchart showing a discharge tray determination process in an image forming system including an image forming apparatus configured to discharge recording paper to a discharge tray located at a position corresponding to the direction of 6A.

Next, the discharge tray determination process will be described with reference to this flowchart. It should be noted that this processing is executed by the sheet processing unit side control unit 15A, and S10 of FIG.
The reception of the orientation (rotation angle) information of the operation unit 16A by 07 is started as a trigger. If the operation unit orientation information is not received, the process is not performed and the normal image output process is performed.

When this processing is started, first, S1
In 201, the rotation angle of the operation unit 16 that is obtained in FIG.
The sheet processing unit side control unit 15A of the image forming apparatus 50 reads the operation unit 16 in such a direction from this rotation angle.
The optimum discharge height when A is operated is determined.

After the turning angle of the operating portion 16 is read in this way, initialization processing is performed to set the value of the parameter i indicating the discharge tray to 0 in S1202. As a result, the operation unit 16A is arranged in order from the uppermost paper discharge tray.
It is possible to compare the value of the sheet discharge height corresponding to the rotation angle of the sheet with a threshold value, that is, the height of each sheet discharge tray.

Next, after performing the initialization processing in this way,
The parameter i indicating the discharge tray in S1203
And the number of paper discharge trays of the first image forming apparatus 50 are compared.
Here, if the value of the parameter i indicating the paper ejection tray is smaller than the number of paper ejection trays, then in step S1204, the direction of the operation unit 16, that is, the paper ejection height and the threshold value [i] of the i-th paper ejection tray are set. By comparison, it is determined whether or not the recording paper is discharged to the i-th paper discharge tray.

If the value of the orientation of the operating section 16 is smaller than the threshold value [i], that is, if the operating section 16 is higher than the i-th sheet ejection tray, the sheet ejection tray for ejecting the recording sheet is set to the i-th sheet ejection tray in S1206. Select the paper output tray.

On the other hand, the value of the orientation of the operation unit 16 is the threshold value [i].
If it is higher, that is, if the operation unit 16 is lower than the i-th paper ejection tray, a process of incrementing the value of the parameter i indicating the paper ejection tray is performed in S1205.
Then, after this increment processing, the processing is returned to S1203, and a loop is formed to determine the discharge tray for discharging the recording paper.

Next, after that, if the value of the parameter i indicating the paper ejection trays is equal to or larger than the number of paper ejection trays in S1203, in other words, all the paper ejection trays are operated by the operation unit 16.
When it is determined that the position is higher than the value of
In 1206, the discharge tray for discharging the recording paper is determined to be the bottom discharge tray.

After the paper discharge tray is determined in this way, a process of notifying the device body side control unit 2 of the second image forming apparatus 1 of the paper discharge tray position information for paper discharge is performed in S1207, After this notification ends, this process ends.

By configuring in this way,
If the operator using the wheelchair rotates the operation unit 16A so that it can be operated easily as shown in FIG. 21, the process shown in FIG. 22 is performed and the copy key is pressed. A paper discharge tray is determined according to the direction of the operation unit 16A at that time, and thereafter, the recording paper processed by the sheet processing unit 14 is stacked on the paper discharge tray. As a result, even an operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the recording paper.

As described above, the operation section 16 adjusted by the operator
Based on the direction (rotation angle) of A, a paper ejection tray from which the operator can easily take out the recording paper is determined from among the plurality of paper ejection trays, and the recording paper is ejected to this paper ejection tray. The recording paper can be easily taken out even when the operator is using a wheelchair. As a result, the convenience of the operator using the wheelchair can be increased and the cost can be prevented from increasing.

By the way, in the image forming apparatus and the image forming system described above, by operating the operation sections 16 and 16A attached to the apparatus main body 1A,
Although it has been described that the ejection height of the discharged sheet is controlled to be changed, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation unit is separated from the main body of the image forming apparatus and a remote control operation unit capable of remote control is used. It can also be applied to the image forming apparatus. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus including such a remote control type operation unit. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same or corresponding portions.

In the figure, 16B is a remote control type operation unit (hereinafter referred to as a remote control operation unit), and 17 is the apparatus main body 1
The receiving unit is provided in A and receives various setting signals and the like from the remote controller operating unit 16B. The various setting signals and the like received by the receiving unit 17 are input to the main body side control unit 2. . Then, as described above, the image forming apparatus 1
By making it possible to perform detailed settings of various functions provided by, the convenience of an operator who is using a wheelchair or the like is improved.

By the way, the receiving unit 17 is the remote controller operating unit 1.
It functions as height position detecting means for detecting the height position of 6B (light emission height position). Note that FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining such a remote control operation unit height detection operation of the receiving unit 17.

In the figure, reference numeral 31 designates a remote controller operating section 16.
The light emitting parts 17A and 17B of B are the first and second receiving parts constituting the receiving part 17, and the first and second receiving parts 17 are provided.
A and 17B are light receiving lenses 32 and 33 and light receiving surfaces 34 and 3
It is equipped with 5. A plurality of light receiving elements are arranged on the light receiving surfaces 34 and 35 to generate a voltage proportional to light input thereto.

As a result, when a remote control signal (optical signal) is transmitted from the light emitting section 31 of the remote controller operating section 16B to the image forming apparatus 1, the remote control signal is first transmitted to the light receiving lens 32 of the receiving section 17. 33
The light is condensed and converged by and is projected onto the light receiving surfaces 34 and 35.

Here, when the control signal is projected in this way, a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged to generate a voltage proportional thereto in the light receiving element. Then, by amplifying this voltage by the amplifier circuit and inputting it to the main body side control unit 2, the remote control signal from the remote controller operating unit 16B is input to the main body side control unit 2.

By the way, these two pairs of light receiving lenses 32, 3
3 and the light receiving surfaces 34 and 35 are arranged at positions separated from each other in the height direction, and by arranging in this manner, the light is transmitted from the remote controller operation unit 16B (light emitting unit 31), and the light receiving surface 3
The optical signals projected on 4, 35 are projected on different positions. Assuming that the distance from the center projected on one light receiving surface 34 is d1 and the distance from the center projected on the other light receiving surface 35 is d2, the remote controller operation unit 16 is calculated from the difference between d1 and d2. It is possible to estimate the height of (the light emitting portion 31 of).

Then, based on the difference between d1 and d2 when the remote control signal is received, the height of the light emitting section 31 of the remote controller operating section 16, that is, the remote controller operating section 1
By estimating the transmission position height of No. 6, it becomes possible to judge whether or not the remote controller operation unit 16B has been operated by an operator using a wheelchair.

Next, the processing for obtaining the height of the remote control operating portion 16B from the floor will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, this process is called when the image forming apparatus 1 is changed to the copy-operable state, and is always executed when the copy-operation is possible.

When this process is started, first, in S1301, the process waits for reception of a copy start signal from the remote controller operation unit 16B. Here, this copy start signal serves as a trigger for determining the moving height of the paper discharge tray based on the height of the remote controller operation unit 16B from the floor surface, and when the copy start signal is received, S130.
2, the distances d1 and d2, which are the distances from the central portion of the signal projection positions on the light receiving surfaces 24 and 25 when the copy start signal is received, described in FIG. 24 are read. In addition,
When the copy start signal is not received, it waits until the copy start signal is received.

Next, in step S1303, the height from the floor of the light emitting unit that transmits the copy start signal of the remote control operation unit 16B is calculated from d1 and d2 thus read. Then, after that, in S1304, the calculated height from the floor surface of the remote controller operation unit 16B (light emitting unit) is notified to the sheet processing unit side control unit 15A.

Here, in this way, the remote controller operation unit 16B
When the height information from the floor surface is notified, the sheet processing unit side control unit 15A performs the movement control process of the sheet discharge tray 15b illustrated in FIG. That is, first, the calculated height of the remote controller operating unit 16B (light emitting unit) transmitted is read as shown in S1401.

Next, in S1402, the process waits until the copy operation being executed is completed, and when the copy operation is completed, S
The calculated height of the remote controller operation unit 16B read in 1403 is compared with a threshold value that is a predetermined reference value. Here, if the calculated height of the remote controller operation unit 16B is larger than the threshold value, it is determined that the operator who is a normal person is standing and performing the process, and the paper discharge tray position is not moved from the predetermined paper discharge position. This process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the calculated height of the remote controller operation unit 16B is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that the operator using the wheelchair is operating the remote controller operation unit 16B, and thereafter, in S1404. , So that the operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the discharged recording paper,
The movement processing control of the paper discharge tray 15b is performed with the height of the paper discharge tray 15b close to the calculated height of the remote controller operation unit 16B as a target value. Then, such a discharge tray 15b
After the movement of is completed, this processing is completed.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 25, in S1305, a loop for waiting this process from the start of the copy operation by receiving the copy start in S1301 to the end of the copy operation is performed. Is forming. After the copy operation is completed, the process is returned to S1301. It should be noted that this process is interrupted / stopped when the image forming apparatus transitions from the copy-enabled state to the copy-disabled state.

Here, FIG. 27 is a diagram showing how an operator using a wheelchair is using the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention.

Then, as shown in the figure, when an operator using a wheelchair uses the image forming apparatus 1, if the operator uses the remote control operating portion 16B at a position where it is easy to operate, the operation described above will be accompanied. The discharge tray 1 on which recording sheets are stacked from the height of the remote controller operation unit 16B at the time when the copy start signal is transmitted after the processing shown in FIGS.
The height of 5b is determined. As a result, the paper discharge tray 15b moves to a height that is easy for the operator to use, and even an operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the recording paper on which an image has been formed.

As described above, the height of the remote controller operating portion 16B when the operator operates it is detected, and the height of the remote controller operating portion 16B is detected, and the height of the detected remote controller operating portion 16B is set so that the operator can easily use the discharge tray. By moving 15b, the recording paper can be easily taken out even when the operator is using a wheelchair.
As a result, the convenience of the operator using the wheelchair can be increased and the cost can be prevented from increasing.

Further, the read remote control operation unit 16
If the threshold value to be compared with the calculated height of B can be set to an arbitrary value, the position of the paper discharge tray 15b can be set to a height at which the recording paper can be taken out more easily. The convenience of the operator who is using can be improved more.

In the above description, the case where the paper discharge tray 15b is moved according to the height of the remote controller operating portion 16B has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of paper discharge trays may be used. In the case of the provided image forming apparatus, instead of moving the paper discharge tray, the recording paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray at a position corresponding to the position of the remote controller operation unit 16B among the plurality of paper discharge trays. May be.

Next explained is the tenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 is provided with a plurality of paper ejection trays according to the present embodiment, and the recording paper is ejected to a paper ejection tray at a position corresponding to the position of the remote controller operation unit 16B among the plurality of paper ejection trays. 6 is a flowchart showing a paper discharge tray determination process in the image forming apparatus.

Next, the discharge tray determination process will be described with reference to this flowchart. It should be noted that this processing is executed by the sheet processing unit side control unit 15A, and is performed in S13 of FIG.
The process of 04 is started as a trigger.

When this processing is started, first, S1
In step 501, the calculated height of the remote controller operating unit 16B, which is obtained in FIG. 25 and transmitted to the sheet processing unit 14, is read. Then, after the calculated height of the remote controller operating unit 16B is read in this way, initialization processing is performed to set the value of the parameter i indicating a plurality of paper discharge trays to 0 in S1502. This makes it possible to compare the calculated height of the remote controller operating unit 16B and the threshold value corresponding to each paper ejection tray, that is, the height of each paper ejection tray in order from the highest paper ejection tray.

Next, after performing the initialization processing in this way,
In step S1503, the parameter i indicating the paper discharge tray
And the number of paper discharge trays of the image forming apparatus 1 are compared. Here, if the value of the parameter i indicating the paper discharge tray is smaller than the number of paper discharge trays, the height of the remote controller operation unit 16B and whether or not to discharge to the i-th paper discharge tray are determined in step S1504. Compare with threshold [i].

If the height of the remote controller operation unit 16B is smaller than the threshold value [i], that is, if it is higher than the height of the i-th paper discharge tray, the paper discharge tray for discharging recording paper is discharged to the i-th paper discharge tray in step S1506. Select the paper tray.

On the other hand, if the height of the remote controller operating portion 16B is higher than the threshold value [i], that is, if it is lower than the height of the i-th paper discharge tray, the process of incrementing the value of the parameter i indicating the paper discharge tray in S1505. I do.
After this increment processing, the processing is returned to S1503, and a loop is formed to determine the paper discharge tray for discharging the recording paper.

Then, after that, if the value of the parameter i indicating the paper discharge tray is equal to or larger than the number of paper discharge trays in S1503, in other words, it is determined that all the paper discharge trays are located higher than the remote controller operating portion 16B. When judged, S
In 1506, the discharge tray for discharging the recording paper is determined to be the bottom discharge tray.

After the paper discharge tray is determined in this way, in S1507, the apparatus main body side control unit 2 is notified of paper discharge tray position information for paper discharge, and after this notification is completed, This process ends.

By configuring in this way,
When the operator using the wheelchair uses the remote controller operation unit 16B at a position where it is easy to operate as shown in FIG. 27, the processing shown in FIG. 28 described above is performed, and when the copy start signal is transmitted. From the height of the remote control operation unit 16B at, the discharge tray 15b on which recording sheets are stacked is determined,
Thereafter, the recording paper processed by the sheet processing unit 14 is stacked on the paper discharge tray. As a result, even an operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the recording paper.

In this way, based on the height information of the remote controller operating section 16B adjusted by the operator, the one to be used by the operator to easily take out the recording paper is determined from among the plurality of paper discharge trays. By ejecting the recording paper to the paper ejection tray, the recording paper can be easily taken out even when the operator is using a wheelchair. As a result, the convenience of the operator using the wheelchair can be increased and the cost can be prevented from increasing.

Next, an image forming system according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described in which an image is formed on a sheet and output using an image forming apparatus having such a remote controller operating section 16B. To do.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing an image forming system according to this embodiment. In addition, in FIG.
The same reference numerals as 3 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0208] In the figure, 1B is a remote control operation unit 16
B is the second image forming apparatus including the image reading unit 13, and when forming an image by the first image forming apparatus 50, original image information (image data) read by the second image forming apparatus 1B. Via transfer line 51
The image is transferred to the image forming apparatus 50, and thereafter, the first image forming apparatus 50 forms an image on the recording paper based on the document image information.

Here, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that the remote controller operation unit 16B is operated by the operator using the wheelchair, the sheet processing unit side control unit 15A is used to eject the sheet. The height of the tray 15b is set to a height corresponding to the height of the remote controller operating section 16B, or in the present embodiment, a height close to the height of the remote controller operating section 16B.

Next, the process for obtaining the height of the remote control operating unit 16B from the floor will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, this process is called when the second image forming apparatus 1B transitions to a read operation possible state, and is always executed when a copy operation is possible.

When this processing is started, first, in S1601, it waits for reception of a copy start signal from the remote controller operation unit 16B. When the copy start signal is received, the distances d1 and d2 from the center of the signal projection position on the light receiving surfaces 24 and 25 when the copy start signal is received are read in S1602. If the copy start signal is not received, the process waits until the copy start signal is received.

Next, in step S1603, the height of the remote control operating portion 16B (the light emitting portion thereof) from the floor is calculated from d1 and d2 thus read. Then, after calculating the height of the remote controller operation unit 16B in this manner, S1604
The height of the remote controller operation unit 16B (light emitting unit) calculated in step S3 is set to the sheet processing unit side control unit 1 of the second image forming apparatus 1B.
Notify 5A. Then, after that, in S1605, it is determined whether or not the copy process generated by the copy start signal in S1601 transfers the image data and the first image forming apparatus 50 is set to perform the output process.

Here, the setting transfers the image data, and the first
If the image forming apparatus 50 is set to perform output processing, the image data is transferred thereafter, the output processing is performed in the first image forming apparatus 50, and the height position information of the remote controller operation unit 16B is displayed in S1606. It is determined whether or not the transfer is set to the first image forming apparatus 50. Then, if such a setting is made, S1
At 607, the height position information of the remote controller operation unit 16B is notified to the first image forming apparatus 50 that is the transfer destination.

Next, when the height position information is notified in this way, thereafter, in step S1607, the first image forming apparatus 5 is notified.
0 starts the movement control process of the discharge tray 15b shown in FIG. 31 triggered by the reception of the height position information. If the height position information is not set to be notified, the first image forming apparatus 50 performs normal output processing.

When this movement control process is started, first, as shown in S1701, the second image forming apparatus 1B
The calculated height of the remote controller operation unit 16B is read. next,
Waiting until the copy operation being executed in S1702 ends, and when the copy operation ends, in S1703,
The read calculation height of the remote controller operation unit 16B is compared with a threshold value that is a predetermined reference value. Here, if the calculated height of the remote controller operation unit 16B is larger than the threshold value, it is determined that the operator who is a healthy person is standing and performing the process, and the discharge tray position of the first image forming apparatus 50 is set to the predetermined discharge position. This process is terminated without moving from the paper position.

On the other hand, if the calculated height of the remote controller operating unit 16B is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that the operator using the wheelchair is operating the remote controller operating unit 16B, and then in S1704. , So that the operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the discharged recording paper,
The movement processing control of the sheet discharge tray 15b is performed with the height of the sheet discharge tray 15b of the first image forming apparatus 50 set to a target value which is close to the calculated height of the remote controller operation unit 16B. Then, after the movement of the sheet discharge tray 15b is completed, this processing is completed.

As shown in FIG. 30, in S1608, from the copy start received in S1601,
A loop is formed to wait for this processing until the copy operation is completed. After the copy operation is completed, the process is returned to S1601. Also,
This process is interrupted / stopped when the second image forming apparatus 1B transitions from the copy-enabled state to the copy-disabled state.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a state where an operator using a wheelchair is utilizing the image forming system of the present invention.

When an operator using a wheelchair uses the remote controller operating portion 16B of the second image forming apparatus 1B at a position where it is easy to operate, as shown in FIG. The process shown in FIG. 31 is performed, and the height of the paper discharge tray 15b on which recording paper is stacked is determined from the height of the remote controller operation unit 16B at the time of transmitting the copy start signal. As a result, the paper discharge tray 15b moves to a height that is easy for the operator to use, and even an operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the recording paper on which an image has been formed.

In this way, the height of the remote controller operating portion 16B when the operator operates it is detected, and based on the detected height information of the remote controller operating portion 16B, the height at which the operator can easily use the discharge tray. By moving 15b, the recording paper can be easily taken out even when the operator is using a wheelchair.
As a result, the convenience of the operator using the wheelchair can be increased and the cost can be prevented from increasing.

In the above description, the first image forming apparatus 50 forms an image on the recording paper 3 based on the document image information read by the second image forming apparatus 1B.
After that, the case where the recording paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 15b of the first image forming apparatus 50 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and not only the first image forming apparatus 50 but also the second image forming apparatus 1B. Second based on the document image information read by
The image forming apparatus itself may form an image, and thereafter, the recording sheet may be set to be discharged to the sheet discharge tray 15b of the second image forming apparatus 1.

Further, when the recording paper is discharged after the image is formed by both the first and second image forming apparatuses 1B and 50 in this way, the discharge tray 15b according to the height position information of the remote controller operation unit 16B is used. By setting the movement control to be performed by both the first and second image forming apparatuses 1B and 50, an operator using a wheelchair can operate the first image forming apparatus 50 and the second image forming apparatus 1B, respectively. Even when the work is performed by using it, the convenience of each operator can be enhanced.

By the way, in the above description, the case where the paper discharge tray 15b is moved in accordance with the position of the remote controller operating portion 16B has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first image forming apparatus 50 can be used. In the case of a device provided with a plurality of paper ejection trays, the remote control operation unit 16 of the plurality of paper ejection trays is not moved, instead of moving the paper ejection tray.
The recording paper may be discharged to a position corresponding to the position B.

Next, the twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 33 is provided with a plurality of paper ejection trays according to the present embodiment, and the operation unit 16 among the plurality of paper ejection trays.
9 is a flowchart showing a process of determining a paper discharge tray in an image forming system including an image forming apparatus that discharges recording paper to a paper discharge tray located at a position corresponding to the position B.

Next, the discharge tray determination process will be described with reference to this flowchart. It should be noted that this processing is executed by the sheet processing unit side control unit 15A, and is performed in S13 of FIG.
The process of 04 is started as a trigger.

When this processing is started, first, S2
In step 801, the calculated height of (the light emitting section of) the remote controller operating section 16B which is obtained in FIG. 25 and transmitted to the sheet processing section 14 is read. Then, in this way, the remote control operation unit 16
After reading the calculated height of B, in step S2802, an initialization process is performed to set the value of the parameter i indicating a plurality of discharge trays to 0. This makes it possible to compare the calculated height of the remote controller operating unit 16B and the threshold value corresponding to each paper ejection tray, that is, the height of each paper ejection tray in order from the highest paper ejection tray.

Next, after performing the initialization processing in this way,
Parameter i indicating the paper discharge tray in S2803
And the number of paper discharge trays of the image forming apparatus 1 are compared. If the value of the parameter i indicating the paper discharge tray is smaller than the number of paper discharge trays, the height of the remote controller operation unit 16B and whether or not to discharge to the i-th paper discharge tray are determined in step S2804. Compare with threshold [i].

If the height of the remote controller operation section 16B is smaller than the threshold value [i], that is, if it is higher than the height of the i-th paper discharge tray, the paper discharge tray for discharging recording paper is discharged to the i-th paper discharge tray in S2806. Select the paper tray.

On the other hand, if the height of the remote controller operation part 16B is higher than the threshold value [i], that is, if it is lower than the height of the i-th paper discharge tray, the process of incrementing the value of the parameter i indicating the paper discharge tray in S2805. I do.
After this increment processing, the processing is returned to S2803, and a loop is formed to determine the paper discharge tray for discharging the recording paper.

Next, after that, if the value of the parameter i indicating the paper ejection trays is equal to or larger than the number of paper ejection trays in S2803, in other words, if all the paper ejection trays are located at a position higher than the remote control operating portion 16B. Determines the paper discharge tray for discharging the recording paper in S2806 as the lowermost paper discharge tray.

After the paper discharge tray is determined in this way, a process of notifying the apparatus body side control unit 2 of the second image forming apparatus 1B of the paper discharge tray position information for paper discharge is performed in S2807, After this notification ends, this process ends.

Then, by configuring in this way,
When the operator using the wheelchair uses the remote control operation unit 16B at a position where it is easy to operate as shown in FIG. 27, the processing shown in FIG. 33 described above is performed, and when the copy start signal is transmitted. The height of the paper discharge tray 15b on which recording paper is stacked is determined from the height of the remote control operation unit 16B at this point, and thereafter, the recording paper processed by the sheet processing unit 14 is stacked on this paper discharge tray. As a result, even an operator using a wheelchair can easily take out the recording paper.

In this way, based on the height information of the remote controller operating section 16B adjusted by the operator, a paper ejection tray from which the operator can easily take out the recording paper is determined from among the plurality of paper ejection trays, By ejecting the recording paper to the paper ejection tray, the recording paper can be easily taken out even when the operator is using a wheelchair. As a result, the convenience of the operator using the wheelchair can be increased and the cost can be prevented from increasing.

[0235]

As described above, according to the present invention, the discharged sheet stacking means is moved to a position corresponding to the height position of the operation section according to the height position or the direction of the operation section, Discharging and stacking sheets at the position corresponding to the height position of the operation section among the plurality of sheet discharge stacking means by discharging the sheets to the sheet stacking means, or the height position of the operation section, or the direction By discharging the sheet to the means, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses and an image forming apparatus that is low in cost and that can easily take out the sheet.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus so as to be vertically movable.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process for obtaining a height of the operation unit from a floor surface.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a movement control process of a discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which an operator using a wheelchair uses the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a paper discharge tray determination process in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper discharge trays according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus so as to be vertically rotatable.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for obtaining the orientation of the operation unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a movement control process of a paper discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state where an operator using a wheelchair uses the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a paper discharge tray determination process in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper discharge trays according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an image forming system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing for obtaining the height of the operation unit from the floor surface in the image forming system.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a paper discharge tray movement control process in the image forming system.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state where an operator using a wheelchair uses the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a paper discharge tray determination process in the image forming system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an image forming system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a process for obtaining the orientation of the operation unit in the image forming system.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a paper discharge tray movement control process in the image forming system.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a state where an operator using a wheelchair uses the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a paper discharge tray determination process in the image forming system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24 is a view for explaining the principle of detecting the height of a remote controller operating unit in the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a process for obtaining the height of the operation unit from the floor.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a movement control process of a discharge tray provided in the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 27 is a view showing a state where an operator using a wheelchair uses the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a paper discharge tray determination process in the image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper discharge trays according to the tenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing an image forming system according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing processing for obtaining the height of the operation unit from the floor surface in the image forming system.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a paper discharge tray movement control process in the image forming system.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a state in which an operator using a wheelchair uses the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a paper discharge tray determination process in the image forming system according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 image forming apparatus (second image forming apparatus) 1A device body 2 Main unit side control unit 15b Paper output tray 15A Sheet processing unit side control unit 16 Operation part 16a Operation unit main body 16A operation part 16B Remote control operation unit 17 Receiver 17A, 17B First and second receivers 21 arms 22 Joint axis 22A arm 31 Light emitting part (of remote control operation part) 50 First Image Forming Apparatus

Continued front page    F term (reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 AP07 BB10 CC07                       CQ02                 3F054 AA01 AC01 BA02 BC12 BC13                       BD02 BJ02 DA01 DA17                 5C062 AA02 AA05 AB23 AB35 AD01                       AD06 BA04

Claims (45)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus in which an image is formed on a sheet and then the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the height of taking out the sheet discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body is changed according to the height position of the operation section. 2. A holding means for holding the operating portion so as to be vertically movable, a height position detecting means for detecting a height position of the operating portion held by the holding means, and the apparatus main body. A sheet discharge stacking unit that stacks sheets discharged to the outside and is movable in the vertical direction, and the sheet discharge stacking unit of the operation unit according to the height position information of the operation unit from the height position detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit that controls to move to a position corresponding to a height position. 3. The control means compares the height information of the operating portion from the height detecting means with a reference value, and determines that the height position of the operating portion is lower than a predetermined height. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the discharged sheet stacking unit is moved to a position corresponding to a height position of the operation unit. 4. A holding means for holding the operating portion so as to be vertically movable, a height position detecting means for detecting a height position of the operating portion held by the holding means, and the apparatus main body. Out of the plurality of discharged sheet stacking means arranged in the up-down direction for stacking sheets discharged to the outside, and among the plurality of discharged sheet stacking means according to the height information of the operation portion from the height position detecting means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit that controls to discharge the sheet to a discharged sheet stacking unit located at a position corresponding to a height position of the operation unit. 5. The control means compares the height information of the operating portion from the height detecting means with a reference value, and determines that the height position of the operating portion is lower than a predetermined height. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the sheet is discharged to a sheet discharge stacking unit located at a position corresponding to a height position of the operation unit among the plurality of sheet discharge stacking units. apparatus. 6. The holding means includes an arm member that holds the operation portion and is pivotally supported in the up and down direction with respect to the apparatus main body, and the height position detecting means includes the arm member. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a rotation angle is detected, and the rotation angle of the arm member is output to the control means as the operation portion height position information. . 7. The position detecting means directly detects the height position of the operating portion, and outputs the detected height position information of the operating portion to the control means.
6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reference value can be set arbitrarily. 9. An image forming apparatus in which an image is formed on a sheet and then the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the take-out height of the sheet discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body is changed according to the direction of the operation section. 10. A holding means for holding the operating portion so as to be vertically rotatable, a rotation angle detecting means for detecting a rotation angle of the operating portion held by the holding means, and an outside of the apparatus main body. Sheet stacking means for stacking the sheets discharged onto the sheet and moving the sheet in the vertical direction, and the sheet stacking means for rotating the sheet discharge stacking means in accordance with rotation angle information from the rotation angle detecting means. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a control unit that controls to move the position to a position according to. 11. The control means compares the rotation angle information from the rotation angle detection means with a reference value, and when it is determined that the rotation angle of the operation portion is larger than a predetermined angle, 2. The discharge stacking means is moved to a position corresponding to a rotation angle of the operation portion.
The image forming apparatus according to item 0. 12. A holding means for holding the operating portion rotatably in the vertical direction, a rotation angle detecting means for detecting a rotation angle of the operating portion held by the holding means, and an outside of the apparatus main body. A plurality of vertically arranged sheet discharge stacking means for stacking sheets discharged onto the sheet, and the operation section of the plurality of sheet discharge stacking means according to the rotation angle information from the rotation angle detection means. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a control unit that controls the sheet discharge stacking unit located at a position corresponding to the rotation angle of the sheet to discharge the sheet. 13. The control means compares the rotation angle information from the rotation angle detection means with a reference value, and when it is determined that the rotation angle of the operation portion is larger than a predetermined angle. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the sheet is discharged to a sheet discharge stacking unit located at a position corresponding to a rotation angle of the operation unit among the plurality of sheet discharge stacking units. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the reference value can be set arbitrarily. 15. An image forming apparatus in which an image is formed on a sheet and then the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus is provided with an operation section for remotely operating the apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus, wherein a take-out height of a sheet discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body is changed according to the position. 16. A height position detecting means for detecting a height position of the operation portion, a discharge stacking means for stacking sheets discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body and vertically movable. Control means for controlling to move the discharged sheet stacking means to a position according to the height position of the operation portion according to the height position information of the operation portion from the height position detection means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15. 17. The control means compares the height information of the operating portion from the height detecting means with a reference value, and determines that the height position of the operating portion is lower than a predetermined height. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the discharged paper stacking means is moved to a position corresponding to a height position of the operation section. 18. A height position detecting means for detecting a height position of the operation portion, and a plurality of vertically stacked paper discharge stacking means for stacking sheets discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body, According to the height position information of the operation portion from the height position detecting means, the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge stacking means at a position corresponding to the height position of the operation portion of the plurality of discharge stacking means The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus. 19. The control means compares the height information of the operating portion from the height detecting means with a reference value, and determines that the height position of the operating portion is lower than a predetermined height. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the sheet is discharged to a sheet discharge stacking unit located at a position corresponding to a height position of the operation unit among the plurality of sheet discharge stacking units. apparatus. 20. The height position detecting means is provided in the apparatus main body, has a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion for receiving a signal from the operating portion, and has the first receiving portion. Second
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein a difference between received signals in a receiving unit is output to the control unit as the operation unit height position information. 21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the reference value can be set arbitrarily. 22. A first image forming apparatus configured to discharge an image-formed sheet after the image is formed on the sheet, and an image is formed after the image is formed on the sheet. While the sheet is discharged to the outside of the device body,
In an image forming system including a second image forming apparatus capable of transferring image data to the first image forming apparatus, a height position of the second image forming apparatus relative to the apparatus main body can be changed. An image forming system characterized in that an operation section is provided in the image forming apparatus, and a take-out height of a sheet discharged from the first image forming apparatus to the outside of the apparatus main body is changed according to a height position of the operation section. 23. Holding means for holding the operating portion movably in the vertical direction; height position detecting means for detecting the height position of the operating portion held by the holding means; A sheet discharge stacking unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus, stacks sheets discharged outside the apparatus main body, and is movable in the vertical direction; 23. The image forming system according to claim 22, further comprising: a control unit that controls to move the discharged sheet stacking unit to a position corresponding to a height position of the operation unit. 24. When the control means compares the height information of the operating portion from the height detecting means with a reference value and determines that the height position of the operating portion is lower than a predetermined height. 24. The image forming system according to claim 23, wherein the discharged paper stacking means is moved to a position corresponding to a height position of the operation section. 25. Holding means for holding the operating portion movably in the vertical direction, height position detecting means for detecting the height position of the operating portion held by the holding means, and the first Depending on the height position information from the height position detecting means, a plurality of vertically arranged sheet stacking means provided in the image forming apparatus for stacking sheets discharged to the outside of the apparatus body, and 23. The control means for controlling to discharge the sheet to the discharged paper stacking means located at a position corresponding to the height position of the operation section among the plurality of discharged paper stacking means. The image forming system described. 26. The control means compares the height information of the operating portion from the height detecting means with a reference value, and determines that the height position of the operating portion is lower than a predetermined height. 26. The image forming apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the sheet is discharged to a sheet discharge stacking unit located at a position corresponding to a height position of the operation unit among the plurality of sheet discharge stacking units. system. 27. The holding means holds the operating portion,
Further, an arm member pivotally supported in the up-down direction with respect to the apparatus main body is provided, and the height position detecting means detects a rotation angle of the arm member, 27. The image forming system according to claim 23, wherein the image forming system outputs the operation unit height position information to the control unit. 28. The position detecting means directly detects the height position of the operating portion, and outputs the detected height position information of the operating portion to the control means. 27. The image forming system according to any one of 26. 29. The image forming system according to claim 24, wherein the reference value can be arbitrarily set. 30. When the sheet is ejected after forming an image on the sheet based on the image data by both the first and second image forming apparatuses, the sheet ejection according to the height position information of the operation unit. 3. It is possible to set whether the movement control of the stacking means is performed only by the first image forming apparatus or by both the first and second image forming apparatuses.
30. The image forming system according to any one of 3 to 29. 31. A first image forming apparatus configured to discharge an image-formed sheet after forming an image on the sheet, and an image formed on the sheet after the image is formed on the sheet. While the sheet is discharged to the outside of the device body,
In an image forming system including a second image forming apparatus capable of transferring image data to the first image forming apparatus, an operation is performed so that an orientation of the second image forming apparatus with respect to the apparatus main body can be changed. The image forming system is characterized in that a height of a sheet discharged from the first image forming apparatus to the outside of the apparatus main body is changed according to the direction of the operation section. 32. A holding means for holding the operating portion so as to be vertically rotatable, a rotation angle detecting means for detecting a rotation angle of the operating portion held by the holding means, and the first image. A sheet discharge stacking unit, which is provided in the forming apparatus, stacks the sheets discharged outside the apparatus main body, and is movable in the vertical direction, and the sheet discharge unit according to the rotation angle information from the rotation angle detection unit. 32. The image forming system according to claim 31, further comprising: a control unit that controls the stacking unit to move to a position according to a rotation angle of the operation unit. 33. The control means compares the rotation angle information from the rotation angle detection means with a reference value, and when it is determined that the rotation angle of the operation portion is larger than a predetermined angle, 4. The discharge stacking means is moved to a position according to a rotation angle of the operation section.
2. The image forming system described in 2. 34. Holding means for holding the operating portion rotatably in the vertical direction, rotation angle detecting means for detecting a rotation angle of the operating portion held by the holding means, and the first image. A plurality of vertically stacked sheet discharge stacking units provided in the forming apparatus for stacking sheets discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body, and the plurality of sheet discharge stacking units according to the rotation angle information from the rotation angle detection unit. 32. The image according to claim 31, further comprising: a control unit that controls the sheet discharge stacking unit to discharge the sheet to a position corresponding to a rotation angle of the operation unit of the sheet discharge stacking unit. Forming system. 35. The control means compares the rotation angle information from the rotation angle detection means with a reference value, and when it is determined that the rotation angle of the operation portion is larger than a predetermined angle, 35. The image forming system according to claim 34, wherein the sheet is discharged to a sheet discharge stacking unit located at a position corresponding to a rotation angle of the operation unit among the plurality of sheet discharge stacking units. 36. The image forming system according to claim 33, wherein the reference value can be arbitrarily set. 37. When an image is formed on a sheet based on the image data by both the first and second image forming apparatuses, and then the sheet is discharged, the sheet discharge according to the rotation angle information of the operation unit. 4. It is possible to set whether the movement control of the stacking unit is performed by only the first image forming apparatus or both the first and second image forming apparatuses.
The image forming system according to any one of 2 to 36. 38. A first image forming apparatus configured to discharge an image-formed sheet after the image is formed on the sheet, and an image is formed after the image is formed on the sheet. While the sheet is discharged to the outside of the device body,
An image forming system including a second image forming apparatus capable of transferring image data to the first image forming apparatus, comprising: an operation unit for remotely operating an apparatus main body of the second image forming apparatus; An image forming system, wherein a take-out height of a sheet discharged from the first image forming apparatus to the outside of the apparatus main body is changed according to a height position of a sheet. 39. Height position detecting means for detecting the height position of the operation section, and sheets mounted on the first image forming apparatus and discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body, and in the vertical direction. And a discharge stacking means that is movable, and controls to move the discharge stacking means to a position corresponding to the height position of the operation section in accordance with height position information of the operation section from the height position detecting means. 39. The image forming system according to claim 38, further comprising: control means. 40. When the control means compares the height information of the operating portion from the height detecting means with a reference value and determines that the height position of the operating portion is lower than a predetermined height. 40. The image forming system according to claim 39, wherein the discharged paper stacking means is moved to a position corresponding to a height position of the operation section. 41. Height position detection means for detecting the height position of the operation section, and a vertical position for stacking sheets discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body, the sheet being provided in the first image forming apparatus. A plurality of discharged paper stacking means, and a position corresponding to the height position of the operation part of the plurality of paper discharge stacking means in accordance with the operation part height position information from the height position detection means. 39. The image forming system according to claim 38, further comprising: a control unit that controls to discharge the sheet to the discharged sheet stacking unit. 42. When the control means compares the height information of the operating portion from the height detecting means with a reference value and determines that the height position of the operating portion is lower than a predetermined height. 42. The image forming apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the sheet is discharged to a sheet discharge stacking unit located at a position corresponding to a height position of the operation unit among the plurality of sheet discharge stacking units. system. 43. The height position detecting means is provided in the apparatus main body, has a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion for receiving a signal from the operation portion, and has the first receiving portion. Second
The image forming system according to any one of claims 39 to 42, wherein a difference between received signals in a receiving unit is output to the control unit as the operation unit height position information. 44. The image forming system according to claim 40, wherein the reference value can be set arbitrarily. 45. When an image is formed on a sheet based on the image data by both the first and second image forming apparatuses and then the sheet is ejected, the sheet ejection according to the height position information of the operation unit is performed. 4. It is possible to set whether the movement control of the stacking unit is performed by only the first image forming apparatus or both the first and second image forming apparatuses.
The image forming system according to any one of 9 to 44.