JP2005084439A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of protecting the secrecy of a printed matter and also enabling a user to surely receive the printed matter. <P>SOLUTION: The side surfaces and the back surfaces of a printer unit 30 forming an image on paper, a paper supply unit 40 supplying the paper to the printer unit 30, and a paper ejection unit 50 to which the image formed paper is ejected are surrounded by an outer wall part 100, and the front surfaces thereof are surrounded by front doors 101a and 101b which can be opened/closed, and then the upper side of the unit 50 is covered with a scanner unit 20 driven in an up-and-down direction. In a state where the front doors 101a and 101b are closed, respective reporting parts 371 to 373 radiating light transmitted through a cover member 102 report the outside on the states of the respective units 30 to 50. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that can protect the confidentiality of printed matter and can be reliably received.

  From an environment where an original image is copied using an analog copying machine, a system in which an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer and an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction machine are connected under a communication network is constructed. There is a shift to an environment in which digitized image data is transmitted and an image forming apparatus executes processing such as printing. In such a system, an original image can be transmitted by electronic data to be printed, and the electronic data can be stored and managed in a storage means such as an HDD (HDD: Hard Disk Drive). However, since the information of the document converted into electronic data can be easily copied, altered, transferred, etc., it is desired to enhance the protection of confidentiality in data management.

  In addition, since it is possible to request processing from an information processing apparatus installed at a location remote from the image forming apparatus, for example, in an output instruction using a printer function, a print job is sent from the information processing apparatus side to the image forming apparatus After the transmission, the printed material is left on the discharge tray until the user actually picks up the printed material. In particular, a user who has instructed to output data that spans multiple pages is going to pick up the printed material that was output when printing was completed. In addition, there is a problem that it may be taken out and lost by mistake.

Therefore, conventionally, an image forming apparatus equipped with a confidential printing function that temporarily stores a print job transmitted from an information processing apparatus and starts output when a user inputs a password and is authenticated. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-60-25385

  However, since the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is configured to execute print processing based on a print job stored at the stage of authentication by a password and start output, the user can obtain a printed material. There is a problem that it is necessary to stand by in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus until it is output. In addition, if the user leaves the image forming apparatus while the printing process or the output process is being performed, the printed matter is left on the paper discharge tray, which means that the confidential printing function is used. It has a problem that information leakage by another user can occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and includes a discharge sheet storage unit that stores a sheet discharged after image formation, a structure that covers at least the discharge sheet storage unit, and an inner side of the structure. And an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently processing received image data and reliably receiving a printed matter by a user who requested the processing. The purpose is to provide.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a unit that receives image data, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the received image data, and a supply sheet that stores a sheet to be supplied to the image forming unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a storage unit; a unit that discharges a sheet formed by the image forming unit; and a discharge sheet storage unit that stores the discharged sheet. At least the discharge sheet among the units. A structure that covers the outside of the housing means, a detection means that detects the state of one or more means provided inside the structure, and a notification means that notifies the state of the means detected by the detection means. Features.

  In the present invention, when the image-formed sheet is discharged, the outer side is discharged to the discharge sheet storage means covered with the structure, and the state inside the structure is notified by the notification means. Therefore, the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged in a state where it cannot be easily visually recognized from the outside. Further, the state of the inside of the structure such as the sheet discharge state is notified by the notification unit.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the structure covers the sheet storage means for supply.

  In the present invention, since the supply sheet storage means for storing the sheet to be supplied to the image forming means is covered with the structure together with the discharge sheet storage means, the supply sheet storage means is accessed from the outside. It is difficult to take out the accommodated sheet.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the structure covers the image forming means.

  In the present invention, since the image forming means is covered with the structure together with the discharge sheet accommodating means, it is difficult to access the image forming means from the outside, and an unauthorized person who is not familiar with the inside of the apparatus. Operation is prevented.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the structure includes one or a plurality of opening / closing sections.

  In the present invention, since the structure includes one or a plurality of opening / closing parts, it is necessary to replenish the consumable member used when it is necessary to check the state of the means provided inside the structure. In some cases, access is possible by opening the opening / closing part. In addition, when an opening / closing part provided so as to cover the discharge sheet storage means and an opening / closing part provided so as to cover other parts are provided, the sheet discharged to the discharge sheet storage means In the protected state, operations such as inspection of image forming means, confirmation of details, replenishment of consumable members, and the like can be performed.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that part or all of the structure has translucency.

  In the present invention, since part or all of the structure has translucency, information to be notified to the user is notified by light transmitted through the structure.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a part of the structure is formed of a slit-like translucent member.

  In the present invention, since a part of the structure is formed by the slit-like translucent member, information to be notified to the user is informed through the slit-like translucent member.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the detection unit is a unit that detects the presence / absence of the sheet discharged to the discharge sheet storage unit, and the notification unit reports the presence / absence of the sheet detected by the detection unit. It is characterized by being done.

  In the present invention, the presence / absence of the sheet discharged to the discharge sheet storage means is detected and the detection result is notified, so that the user can check the discharge state of the image-formed sheet from the outside of the apparatus. It becomes possible to confirm.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the detection unit is a unit that detects the remaining amount of the sheet stored in the supply sheet storage unit, and the notification unit is configured to detect the remaining sheet amount detected by the detection unit. It is characterized by being informed.

  In the present invention, since the remaining amount of the sheet stored in the supply sheet storing means is detected and the detection result is notified, the user can determine the remaining amount of the stored sheet outside the apparatus. It becomes possible to confirm from.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the detection unit is a unit that detects an operation state of the image formation unit, and the notification unit is configured to notify the operation state of the image formation unit. And

  In the present invention, since the operation status of the image forming means is detected and the result is detected, it can be confirmed from the outside whether or not the apparatus is in a usable state.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the detection unit is a unit that detects a remaining amount of the consumable member used in the image forming unit, and the notification unit is configured to notify the remaining amount of the consumable member. It is characterized by being.

  In the present invention, since the remaining amount of the consumable member used in the image forming means is detected and the result is detected, it is confirmed from the outside whether or not the apparatus is in an operable state. Can do.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the notification means includes a light emitting element.

  In the present invention, since the notification means includes a light emitting element, there are structures such as the presence / absence of a discharged sheet, the remaining amount of the stored sheet, the operation status of the image forming means, the remaining amount of the consumable member, etc. Is informed by light from the light emitting element.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the light emitting element is provided inside the structure.

  In the present invention, since the light emitting element is provided inside the structure, the presence / absence of the discharged sheet, the remaining amount of the stored sheet, the operating state of the image forming unit, the remaining amount of the consumable member, etc. The state inside the structure is notified by light transmitted through the translucent member.

  In the case of the present invention, when the image-formed sheet is discharged, the outer side is discharged to the discharge sheet storage means covered with the structure, and the state inside the structure is notified by the notification means. The sheet on which the image is formed can be discharged in a state where it cannot be visually recognized from the outside, and the content of the image reproduced on the sheet can be protected. In addition, since the user can be notified that the sheet has been discharged, the user can reliably receive the discharged sheet.

  In the case of the present invention, since the discharge sheet storage means and the supply sheet storage means are covered with a structure, for example, special paper such as paper with a watermark or paper with a logo is stored. Even so, it is possible to prevent those sheets from being taken out by a third party. Further, both the discharge sheet storage means and the supply sheet storage means are designed to be covered with a structure, and can be installed without destroying the office environment of the installation destination.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the discharge sheet storage means and the image forming means are covered with the structure, it is possible to prevent, for example, a person who is not familiar with the inside of the apparatus from operating the image forming means. In addition, both the discharge sheet storage unit and the image forming unit are designed to be covered with a structure, and can be installed without destroying the office environment of the installation destination.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the structure includes one or a plurality of opening / closing portions, the discharged sheet can be protected, and the supply sheet storage means, the discharge sheet storage means, and the image formation Access to the means is facilitated. In addition, for example, in the case where an opening / closing part provided so as to cover the discharge sheet storage means and an opening / closing part provided so as to cover other parts are provided, the sheet is discharged to the discharge sheet storage means With the sheet protected, operations such as inspection of image forming means, confirmation of details, replenishment of consumable members, and the like can be performed.

  Furthermore, in the case of the present invention, since part or all of the structure has translucency, even if the notification means is provided on the inside of the structure, the inside state with respect to the outside user is maintained. Can be notified.

  Furthermore, in the case of the present invention, since a part of the structure is formed by the slit-like translucent member, information to be notified to the user can be informed through the slit-like translucent member. it can.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the presence or absence of the sheet discharged to the discharge sheet storage means is detected and the detection result is notified, the user can check the discharge state of the sheet on which the image has been formed. It becomes possible to confirm from.

  Further, according to the present invention, the remaining amount of the sheet stored in the supply sheet storing means is detected and the detection result is notified, so that the user can determine the remaining amount of the stored sheet in the apparatus. It is possible to confirm from the outside.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the operation status of the image forming apparatus is detected and the detection result is notified, the user can be operating, waiting, warming up, saving electricity, stopping trouble, etc. The operation status of the image forming means can be confirmed from outside the apparatus.

  Further, in the case of the present invention, the remaining amount of the consumable member used in the image forming means is detected and the result is detected, so it is confirmed from the outside whether or not the apparatus is in an operable state. be able to.

  Further, in the case of the present invention, since the notifying means includes a light emitting element, the presence / absence of discharged sheets, the remaining amount of sheets accommodated, the operating status of the image forming means, the remaining amount of consumable members, etc. The user can be notified by turning on or off the light emitting element based on the state inside the object.

  Further, in the case of the present invention, since the light emitting element is provided inside the structure, the presence or absence of discharged sheets, the remaining amount of sheets accommodated, the operating status of the image forming means, the remaining amount of consumable members, etc. The light emitting element can be caused to emit light based on the state inside the structure, and the state inside the structure can be notified to the user by the light transmitted through the translucent member.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system using an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus will be described as an embodiment applied to a multifunction machine having a printer function, a copy function, and a scanner function. A plurality of information processing apparatuses 2, 2,..., 2 are connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a communication network N. The information processing apparatus 2 is specifically a personal computer, a workstation, or the like, and a driver program (printer program) for using the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication network N is installed in the information processing apparatus 2 in advance. Therefore, a print job is generated using the printer driver, and the generated print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 so that the print process is executed.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a print unit that forms an image by an electrophotographic method, a paper feed unit that supplies a sheet of paper, an OHP film (hereinafter simply referred to as paper) to the printer unit, and printing by the printer unit. A paper discharge unit for discharging the printed paper is provided (see FIG. 3). The four sides of these units are surrounded by an outer wall portion 100 and front doors 101a and 101b formed of an opaque synthetic resin material, and the upper side is covered by a scanner unit 20 for reading an image of a document. The printer unit, the paper feed unit, and the paper discharge unit are not easily visible from the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, on the upper surface of the scanner unit 20, there are a user authentication unit 26 for performing user authentication, an operation unit for receiving operation instructions from the user, and a display unit for displaying information to be notified to the user. An operation panel 25 is provided.

  The outer wall portion 100 is formed by a plate member having a U-shaped horizontal cross section, and surrounds both side surfaces and the back surface of the image forming apparatus 1. Rectangular plate-shaped front doors 101 a and 101 b are rotatably attached to the front side of the outer wall portion 100, and by rotating one of the front doors 101 a with respect to the outer wall portion 100, the inside of the image forming apparatus 1. The left front surface of the image forming apparatus 1 can be exposed, and the right front surface inside the image forming apparatus 1 can be exposed by rotating the other front door 101b with respect to the outer wall portion 100. Further, the front doors 101a and 101b are configured such that a slit in the vertical direction is formed in the vicinity of the center when the front doors 101a and 101b are closed. The slits are the cover members 102 attached to the front door 101a. Covered by. The cover member 102 is made of a translucent synthetic resin material or glass material, and prevents the paper discharged to the paper discharge unit, the printer unit, and the paper supply unit from being directly visible from the outside. It is configured to transmit light having more than the light quantity.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal state of the image forming apparatus 1. When both front doors 101a and 101b are opened, the printer unit 30, the paper feed unit 40, and the paper discharge unit 50 are exposed. In the image forming apparatus 1, the printer unit 30 is provided on the upper side of the paper supply unit 40, and the paper discharge unit 50 is further provided on the upper side thereof.

  The printer unit 30 includes a printing unit equipped with a printing unit for each color that forms a multicolor image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method (see FIG. 7), and notifies the operation status of the printer unit 30. For this purpose, a status notification unit 372 including a plurality of light emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) is mounted. Here, the information notified by the status notification unit 372 includes information such as the operation of the printer unit 30, standby, warm-up, power saving, and trouble stop. A CPU (see FIG. 12), which is the main control unit of the image forming apparatus 1, communicates with the printer unit 30 to acquire the various information described above, and controls the lighting of the light emitting elements of the status notification unit 372.

  The paper feed unit 40 includes three paper feed cassettes 401, 402, and 403, and stores a plurality of types of papers having different sizes, orientations, materials, and the like. Each of the paper feed cassettes 401, 402, and 403 includes a paper remaining amount detector (not shown), and the paper stored in each of the paper feed cassettes 401, 402, and 403 based on the output of the paper remaining amount detector. The remaining amount level is detected, and the detection result is notified by the remaining amount level notification unit 373. The remaining amount level notification unit 373 includes a light emitting element such as an LED, and has a configuration in which a predetermined number of the light emitting elements are arranged in the vertical direction with respect to each of the paper feed cassettes 401, 402, and 403.

  The paper discharge unit 50 includes four paper discharge trays 501 to 504 for storing discharged paper, paper detectors (not shown) provided on the paper discharge trays 501 to 504, and outputs of the paper detectors. And a paper discharge status notification unit 371 that notifies the presence or absence of paper on each of the paper discharge trays 501 to 504. The paper discharge status notifying unit 371 includes light emitting elements L1 to L4 such as LEDs provided one for each of the paper discharge trays 501 to 504. Further, as the paper detector, for example, an optical sensor composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element can be used. The light emitting element emits light toward the placement surface, and the state where the paper is placed is placed. The presence or absence of the sheet is detected by detecting the difference in the amount of reflected light from the state where the sheet is not placed by the light receiving element.

  Each of these notification units 371 to 373 is provided at a position facing the cover member 102 when the front doors 101a and 101b are closed, and uses the state inside the image forming apparatus 1 by the light transmitted through the cover member 102. To let others know.

  Furthermore, in a proper place such as the back side of the front doors 101a and 101b and the surface of the printer unit 30, a coping method when a trouble such as a paper jam or a printing error occurs, a paper filling procedure to the paper feeding unit 40, a printer A sheet describing a loading procedure of the toner cartridge used in the unit 30 is pasted, and detailed information of the image forming apparatus 1 from the paper feed unit 40 to the printer unit 30 and the paper discharge unit 50 is put together. I try to present it. Since these pieces of information are presented when the front doors 101a and 101b are opened, it is possible to give an accurate instruction to the user when trouble occurs.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the keyholes H1 and H2 provided in the printer unit 30 and appropriate portions on the back surface of the front doors 101a and 101b so that the keyholes H1 and H2 are inserted when the front doors 101a and 101b are closed. The front doors 101a and 101b are locked during normal use by locking the front doors 101a and 101b from the outside to the printer unit 30, the paper feed unit 40, and the paper discharge unit 50. Access is prohibited. Also, when trouble such as paper jam or printing error occurs, it is necessary to replenish consumables such as toner and paper, or the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 performs a predetermined operation through the operation panel 25. Can be unlocked.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the locking mechanism of the front doors 101a and 101b. Lock pins P1 and P2 that are movable in directions intersecting with the keyholes H1 and H2 are provided inside the printer unit 30, and the lock pins P1 and P2 are brought close to the protrusions K1 and K2. The lock pins P1 and P2 are inserted into the insertion holes KH1 and KH2 provided for locking, and the lock pins P1 and P2 are separated to be unlocked.

  FIG. 5 is a front view of the image forming apparatus 1. As described above, the discharge status notification unit 371, the status notification unit 372, and the remaining amount level notification unit 373 emit light from a light emitting element such as an LED, and thereby the sheets discharged onto the discharge trays 501 to 504, respectively. Information about the presence / absence, the operating status of the printer unit 30, and the remaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed cassettes 401 to 403 is notified.

  Since each of the light emitting elements L1 to L4 provided in the paper discharge status notification unit 371 is provided for each of the paper discharge trays 501 to 502, a corresponding paper discharge destination (for example, the paper discharge tray 501) when the paper is discharged. ) By turning on the light emitting element (for example, the light emitting element L1), the user can be informed of the paper discharge status even when the front doors 101a and 101b are closed. The status notification unit 372 is configured by two light emitting elements arranged vertically as shown in the figure. For example, when the printer unit 30 is on standby, the upper light emitting element is lit in green to operate. The light emitting element blinks when it is in the middle, and when the trouble is stopped, the lower light emitting element is lit in yellow so that the user can be informed of the operating status of the printer unit 30. . As shown in the figure, the remaining amount level notifying unit 373 is configured by three light emitting elements arranged one above the other for each of the paper feed cassettes 401, 402, and 403. The remaining amount of paper stored in the paper cassettes 401, 402, and 403 is schematically shown. For example, when the remaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed cassette 401 is small, only the lowermost light emitting element among the three light emitting elements provided in the paper feed cassette 401 is turned on, and the remaining paper amount is reduced. When it is medium, the lowermost light emitting element and the middle light emitting element are turned on, and when the remaining amount of paper is sufficient, all three light emitting elements are turned on. The same applies to the remaining amount of paper in the paper feed cassettes 402 and 403.

  The image forming apparatus 1 has a configuration in which the paper discharge unit 50 is covered with the front doors 101a and 101b, the outer wall portion 100, and the scanner unit 20, so that the printed matter discharged to the paper discharge unit 50 is received from a third party. Although it cannot be easily seen, it cannot be said that it is easy for the user who has executed the printing process to take out the print. Therefore, when the user authentication unit 26 provided in the scanner unit 20 performs user authentication, the scanner unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 are moved upward. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. When the image forming apparatus 1 receives the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2, the printer unit 30 is stopped with the scanner unit 20 stopped just above the paper discharge unit 50 as shown in FIG. Then, an image is formed on the paper, and the paper on which the image has been formed is discharged to one of the paper discharge trays 501 to 504, and the light emitting elements (L1 to L4) provided on the discharge destination tray are caused to emit light. When the user of the information processing apparatus 2 performs user authentication at the user authentication unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 prints the printed matter discharged by the user to the paper discharge unit 50. Is displayed on the operation panel 25, and a message is displayed to ask the user whether or not to receive the printed matter immediately (see FIG. 6B). When the user selects to receive the printed matter by operating the operation panel 25, the scanner unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 are raised to appropriate positions so that the paper discharged to the paper discharge unit 50 can be easily taken out. (See FIG. 6C). When it is detected by the aforementioned paper detector that the reception has been completed, the light emitting elements (L1 to L4) that are turned on are turned off.

  If the user authentication unit 26 confirms the presence of the user, but the user's printed matter has not been discharged to the paper discharge unit 50, the user can use the copy function, scanner function, or It is determined that the facsimile function is used, and only the scanner unit 20 is raised to a proper position.

  FIG. 7 is a front sectional view for explaining the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the scanner unit 20, the printer unit 30, the paper feed unit 40, and the paper discharge unit 50.

  The scanner unit 20 includes a light source unit 24a, a mirror unit 24b, and a CCD reading unit 24c (CCD: Charge Coupled Device). The scanner unit 20 is placed on a platen glass document table 29 using the light source unit 24a and the mirror unit 24b. The image of the placed document is read by the CCD reading unit 24c. The light source unit 24a is a light source that irradiates reading illumination light to an appropriate position on the document table 29, and a 45 ° anti-slope surface with respect to the surface of the document table 29 in order to change the optical path of reflected light from the document by 90 ° Is moved in parallel with the surface of the document table 29 by a stepping motor (not shown), and is applied to the entire surface of the document placed on the document table 29 or a selected partial region. It is comprised so that illumination light may be irradiated. The mirror unit 24b is composed of a pair of mirrors arranged so that the reflecting surfaces are orthogonal to each other, and further changes the optical path of the light reflected by the mirror of the light source unit 24a by 180 °. The CCD reading unit 24c includes a CCD element, an AD converter, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and the like, and an image of a document is captured by an imaging lens provided in the middle of a path from the mirror unit 24b to the CCD reading unit 24c. An image is formed on a CCD element, and an analog signal obtained by the CCD element is converted into a digital signal by an AD converter. The digital signal obtained by the AD conversion is corrected by the DSP for light distribution characteristics of the light source at the time of reading the document, sensitivity variation of the CCD element, and the like, and then stored as image data through a scanner IF described later as digital image data. (See FIG. 12). Further, the scanner unit 20 includes an automatic document feeder that sequentially supplies and conveys a plurality of documents, and is configured to quickly read a large number of documents.

  The printer unit 30 includes a tandem type printing unit 34 on which printing units 340a to 340d for respective colors are mounted in order to form a multicolor image. Each of the printing units 340a, 340b, 340c, and 340d is a charger that charges the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, and emits a laser beam based on the image data transferred from the image memory to electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. A laser writing device for generating an image, a developing device for developing toner by supplying toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum, and a toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum being transferred onto a sheet The image forming (printing) is performed on a sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit 40 by an electrophotographic method.

  The paper feed unit 40 includes paper feed cassettes 401, 402, and 403 for containing a plurality of types of paper having different sizes, orientations, materials, and the like, and is provided so as to be positioned near the leading end of the stored paper. The pickup rollers 401a, 402a, and 403a separate and feed the sheets one by one, and the conveyance rollers 401b, 402b, and 403b are rotated to convey the sheets to the printing unit 34.

  Hereinafter, an operation when the image forming apparatus 1 executes the printing process will be described. The paper supplied by the paper supply unit 40 is conveyed to the printing unit 34 of the printer unit 30 by the conveyance roller 301 and is temporarily held by a registration roller 302 provided immediately before the printing unit 340a. A pre-registration detection switch (not shown) is installed in the vicinity of the registration roller 302, and the sheet held by the registration roller 302 is positioned at a predetermined timing in order to align the toner image on the photosensitive member with the sheet. Thus, the sheet is conveyed to a position facing the photosensitive drum of the printing unit 340a. The toner image on the photosensitive drum is transferred by the transfer unit to the sheet conveyed to the position facing the photosensitive drum of the printing unit 340a.

  The sheet on which the toner image is transferred by the printing unit 340a is sequentially conveyed by the conveying belt 303 to the position opposite to the other printing units 340b, 340c, and 340d, and at a predetermined timing by each printing unit 340b, 340c, 340d. Each color toner image is transferred to form a multicolor toner image on the paper. The sheet on which the toner image of each color is transferred from the printing units 340a to 340d is conveyed toward the fixing unit 304 configured by a pair of fixing rollers. The toner image on the paper is fixed by heat supplied by the fixing roller of the fixing unit 304. The sheet on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed toward the paper discharge unit 50 by the conveyance roller 305.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a double-sided document conveyance path 309 for forming an image on both sides of the sheet, and the conveyance roller 305 rotates in the direction opposite to that when the sheet is conveyed toward the sheet discharge unit 50. To the double-sided document conveyance path 309 via the conveyance roller 308. The sheet conveyed through the double-sided document conveying path 309 is guided again to the printing unit 34, and a multicolor toner image is formed on the back side of the sheet by the printing units 340a to 340d. The multicolor toner image is fixed by the heat supplied by the fixing roller of the fixing unit 304, and a rotation driving force is applied to the conveyance roller 305 to convey the sheet on which the multicolor toner image is fixed toward the paper discharge unit 50.

  In the paper discharge unit 50, four paper discharge trays 501, 502, 503, and 504 for storing the discharged paper are stacked. In this embodiment, the discharge destination is set according to the function used by the user. Is distributed. For example, when the copy function is used, the transport path switching units 306a to 306c are controlled so that the paper is transported to the paper discharge roller 307d provided at the top, and the paper transported by the transport roller 305 is conveyed. Is discharged to the uppermost sheet discharge tray 501 through the sheet discharge roller 307d. In addition, when the printer function is used, the transport path switching units 306a to 306c are configured so that the paper is transported to the paper discharge roller 307a provided in the lower stage or the paper discharge rollers 307b and 307c provided in the middle stage. The controlled sheet conveyed by the conveying roller 305 is discharged to the lowermost sheet discharge tray 504 through the sheet discharge roller 307a, or discharged to the middle sheet discharge trays 502 and 503 through the sheet discharge rollers 307b and 307c. The Note that when the printer function is used, the discharge destination may be configured such that the user himself selects one of the plurality of discharge trays 502 to 504 from the printer driver. The image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to automatically distribute according to the original.

  When paper printed on any of the paper discharge trays 501 to 504 is discharged, a paper detector provided in the paper discharge trays 501 to 504 detects the paper, and a lighting control unit ( 12) is controlled, and the light emitting elements L1 (L2 to L4) provided on the paper discharge trays 501 (502 to 504) from which the sheets are discharged are turned on.

  8 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 when the scanner unit 20 is used, and FIG. 9 is a front sectional view. As shown in the figure, when the scanner unit 20 is used, the scanner driving unit described above is driven to move the scanner unit 20 up to an appropriate height position, and the discharge unit 50 is provided. The upper sheet discharge tray 501 is exposed. The scanner driving unit is composed of, for example, a lifting motor, a pinion shaft attached to a rotation shaft of the lifting motor, and a guide guide fixed to the support 310 and meshing with the pinion shaft. The scanner unit 20 is moved up and down by rotating the lift motor in response to a drive control signal output from a scanner drive control unit, which will be described later, and transmitting the rotational force of the lift motor to the guide guide. .

  Since the paper printed using the copy function is discharged to the paper discharge tray 501, the user can easily take it out, and based on the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 at this time. When the printing process is executed, the printed paper is discharged to the lower paper discharge trays 502 to 504 than the paper discharge tray 501, so that it can be easily seen by the user who is performing the copying operation. It has no configuration.

  10 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 when the paper discharge unit 50 is raised, and FIG. 11 is a front sectional view. When the user receives the printed paper, the paper discharge unit 50 is moved up in addition to the scanner unit 20. The paper discharge unit 50 is supported by a support member 320, and the support member 320 is moved up and down by a tray driving unit (see FIG. 12), so that the paper discharge unit 50 is positioned between a position close to the printer unit 30 and a position separated from the printer unit 30. 50 is displaced. As with the scanner drive unit, the tray drive unit includes a lift motor, a pinion shaft attached to the rotary shaft of the lift motor, a guide guide fixed to the support 320 and meshing with the pinion shaft. The sheet discharge unit 50 is moved up and down by rotating the lifting motor in response to a drive control signal output from a tray drive control unit, which will be described later, and transmitting the rotational force of the lifting motor to the guide guide. It is the composition which makes it.

  When the paper discharge unit 50 is raised, all the paper discharge trays 501 to 504 are exposed, and the user can easily take out the paper printed by the printer function or the scanner function. .

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU 11. Various hardware such as a ROM 13, a RAM 14, an image memory 15, a communication IF 16, a facsimile communication IF 17, a scanner unit 20, and a printer unit 30 are connected to the CPU 11 via the bus 12. Connected. The ROM 13 stores in advance a control program for controlling each part of the hardware, and the CPU 11 reads and executes the control program, thereby causing the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention to function. The RAM 14 is a volatile semiconductor memory that stores various data generated during the execution of the control program, data received through the communication IF 16, or various data input through the operation panel 25 installed in the scanner unit 20. Temporarily stored.

  The image memory 15 is a volatile semiconductor memory, and temporarily stores image data developed based on a print job received through the communication IF 16, image data acquired by the scanner unit 20, and the like. The stored image data is read at a timing instructed by the CPU 11 and transferred to the printer unit 30. The communication IF 16 includes a line termination circuit for connecting the information processing apparatus 2 such as a personal computer to the outside, and receives a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 via the communication network N. Information to be notified from the image forming apparatus 1 to the information processing apparatus 2 is transmitted via the communication network N. The communication IF 16 controls transmission / reception of such various information.

  The scanner unit 20 includes an image reading unit 24, an operation panel 25, and a user authentication unit 26 connected via an internal bus 22. These hardware units are connected to the bus 12 described above via a scanner IF 23. It is connected to the.

  The image reading unit 24 includes the light source unit 24a, the mirror unit 24b, and the CCD reading unit 24c described above, and reads the image of the document placed on the document table 29 to acquire image data. The operation panel 25 is composed of a liquid crystal display having a touch panel type software key. The operation panel 25 receives a user's instruction through the software key and inputs information to be notified from the image forming apparatus 1 to the user. Displayed information. The user authentication unit 26 includes, for example, an optical sensor for reading a fingerprint and a semiconductor memory that stores the fingerprint image of the user, and the fingerprint image acquired by the optical sensor and the user's fingerprint image registered in advance. The user is authenticated by checking. That is, information such as the direction of ridge flow that represents the characteristics of the fingerprint, the end points or branch points on the ridges are extracted from the fingerprint image acquired by the optical sensor, and are compared with those on the pre-registered fingerprint image. If it is determined that the user is registered, it is determined that the user is registered, and if the user does not match, it is determined that the user is not registered.

  Each hardware part in the scanner unit 20 exchanges data with each other hardware part connected to the bus 12 via the scanner IF 23. For example, when an instruction to read a document is given through the operation panel 25, the CPU 11 gives a command for instructing to start reading a document to the light source unit 24a of the image reading unit 24 through the scanner IF 23, and the light source unit 24a that has received the command. Scans the document by turning on the light source and driving a stepping motor (not shown) to read an image in the range designated by the instruction. Then, the image data acquired by the CCD reading unit 24c by reading the document is transferred to the image memory 15 through the scanner IF 23, and temporarily stored in the image memory 15 as image data for printing.

  In addition, information related to the determination result of the user authentication by the user authentication unit 26 is transferred to the CPU 11 via the scanner IF 23 and used as a determination criterion when the scanner unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 are moved upward.

  The printer unit 30 includes a printing unit 34, a scanner drive control unit 35, a tray drive control unit 36, a lighting control unit 37, and an HDD device 38 connected via an internal bus 32. The printer is connected to the internal bus 32 via the printer IF 33.

  As described above, the printing unit 34 includes the printing units 340a to 340d corresponding to the respective colors. The image data obtained by developing the print job received through the communication IF 16 is acquired by the image reading unit 24 of the scanner unit 20. An image is formed on a sheet based on the image data. The scanner drive control unit 35 generates a drive control signal to be given to the scanner drive unit 350 in order to move the scanner unit 20 up and down. As the drive control signal generated by the scanner drive control unit 35, when the user is confirmed by the user authentication unit 26, an ascending instruction signal for moving the scanner unit 20 up and down, the scanner unit 20 that is moving up and down is appropriately selected. A stop instruction signal for stopping at a position, a lowering instruction signal for moving the scanner unit 20 downward when an operation by the user is finished, and the like. The drive control signal generated by the scanner drive control unit 35 is sent to the scanner drive unit 350, and the scanner unit 20 is moved up and down by rotating the lift motor. Similarly, the tray drive control unit 36 generates a drive control signal to be given to the tray drive unit 360 described above to move the paper discharge unit 50 up and down. The drive control signal generated by the tray drive control unit 36 includes an ascending instruction signal for raising the paper discharge unit 50 when a user comes to receive the paper discharged to the paper discharge unit 50, and paper discharge during up-and-down movement. A stop instruction signal for stopping the unit 50 at an appropriate position, a lowering instruction signal for lowering the paper discharge unit 50 when the user finishes taking out the paper, and the like. The drive control signal generated by the tray drive control unit 36 is sent to the tray drive unit 360, and the discharge unit 50 is moved up and down by rotating the lift motor.

  The lighting control unit 37 is connected with a paper discharge status notification unit 371, a status notification unit 372, and a remaining amount level notification unit 373, and performs lighting control and extinguishing control of the light emitting elements included in each of the notification units 371 to 373. . The lighting control unit 37 includes a switch circuit connected to each light emitting element and a signal generation circuit that generates a control signal to be given to the switch circuit, and the switch circuit based on a command from the CPU 11 received through the printer IF 33. A signal for controlling on / off of the light emitting element is generated and sent to each switch circuit to perform lighting control and light extinction control of the light emitting element.

  The HDD unit 38 is a non-volatile storage unit having a disk-shaped magnetic recording medium, and a part of the storage area is a system management that stores information on the state of each hardware unit installed in the image forming apparatus 1. It is used as a table 38a, a user management table 38b for managing users of the image forming apparatus 1, and an output management table 38c for managing the paper discharge status, and a read process and a write process are executed as necessary. The Details of each table will be described later.

  Each hardware unit in the printer unit 30 exchanges data with other hardware units connected to the bus 12 via the printer IF 33. For example, when printing is performed based on image data temporarily stored in the image memory 15, the image data read from the image memory 15 and a command to start printing are transferred to the printing unit 34 through the printer IF 33. . Each of the printing units 340 a to 340 d of the printing unit 34 operates the photosensitive drum, the charger, the laser writing device, the developing device, the transfer device, etc. according to the command received through the printer IF 33, and the image transferred from the image memory 15. An image is formed on a sheet based on the data. The CPU 11 determines the paper discharge destination according to the content designated by the print job at this time or the transmission source of the print job, and sets the transport path switches 306a to 306c so that the paper is discharged to the determined paper discharge destination. Control.

  When the user authentication unit 26 of the scanner unit 20 confirms the presence of the user, the CPU 11 performs the reading process of the user management table 38b and the output management table 38c described above, and the confirmed user is It is determined whether or not a print job has been received from the information processing apparatus 2 being used. If it has been received, it is determined whether or not the paper printed according to the print job has been discharged to the paper discharge unit 50. to decide. When the paper printed according to the print job is discharged to the paper discharge unit 50, the CPU 11 gives an instruction to the scanner drive control unit 35 and the tray drive control unit 36 via the printer IF 33, and the scanner unit 20 and The paper discharge unit 50 is moved up.

  Hereinafter, details of each table stored in the HDD device 38 will be described. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the system management table 38a. The CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires information on the status of each hardware by periodically communicating with each hardware in order to manage the status of each hardware component installed, and stores the system management table 38a. It is updated from time to time. Information stored in the system management table 38a includes, as shown in the figure, the presence / absence of paper discharged on the paper discharge trays 501 to 504 (first tray to fourth tray), and the paper feed cassettes 401 to 402 (first). Information on the remaining amount level of the sheets in the sheet feeding cassette to the third sheet feeding cassette), the operation status of the printer unit 30, and the presence or absence of the remaining amount of toner. When the CPU 11 acquires information from these hardware, a writing process is performed on the system management table 38a, and a reading process is performed when lighting control of each of the notification units 371 to 373 is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the system management table 38a is built in the HDD device 38, but it is not necessarily in the HDD device 38. The CPU 11 communicates with each hardware after the power is turned on. A configuration in which information on the configuration and the state is acquired and the system management table as described above is constructed on the RAM 14 according to the control program read from the ROM 13 may be used.

  FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the user management table 38b. In the present embodiment, the communication address of the information processing apparatus 2 and the user information are associated with each other in order to grasp which user has transmitted the print job when the image forming apparatus 1 receives the print job. It is stored in the user management table 38b. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the communication address and the group name to which the user belongs, the user's name, the user's personal information, and information on whether or not the user is associated are stored as user information in association with each other. doing. As the communication address, an IP address (IP: Internet Protocol), a MAC address (MAC: Media Access Control), or the like can be used. The group name to which the user belongs includes, for example, a department name in the workplace, a name assigned to each structural unit constituting the communication network N, and the like. The personal information of the user includes information related to the fingerprint of the user (for example, the storage location of the fingerprint image data, information for identifying the fingerprint, etc.) so that the user can comfortably use the image forming apparatus 1. Information on the height (stop position when the scanner unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 are moved upward) is included.

  FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the output management table 38c. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an output management table 38c for managing the discharge state of printed paper. This output management table 38c includes a communication address (IP address) indicating the transmission source of the print job, personal information of the user who transmitted the print job, date and time when the print job was received, output destination of the printed paper, and Information regarding whether or not the discharged paper has been taken out is stored in association with each other. When the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job, the received date and time, the communication address of the transmission source, and the information on the discharge destination of the printed paper are stored in the output management table 38c, and the information on the transmission source from the user management table 38b. The personal information of the user using the processing device 2 is read and stored in the output management table 38c. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 detects the presence / absence of sheets on the paper discharge trays 501 to 504 at appropriate time intervals, and the detection result information, that is, the paper discharged to the paper discharge trays 501 to 504 is detected. Information on whether or not the sheet has been received is stored in the output management table 38c.

  Hereinafter, a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to flowcharts. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when lighting control of each of the notification units 371 to 373 is performed. First, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 resets a timer (not shown) (step S11), and reads the system management table 38a from the HDD device 38 (step S12). Next, the CPU 11 generates a control signal for the lighting control unit 37 based on the information stored in the read system management table 38a (step S13), and transfers the generated control signal to the lighting control unit 37. Upon receiving the control signal, the lighting control unit 37 turns on or off the LEDs included in the notification units 371 to 373 according to the control signal (step S14).

  Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the timer was reset in step S11 (step S15). If the predetermined time has elapsed (S15: YES), the processing is stepped. Returning to S11, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (S15: NO), it is determined whether or not there is an interrupt process (step S16). If it is determined that there is no interrupt processing (S16: NO), the process returns to step S15. If it is determined that there is interrupt processing (S16: YES), the processing according to this routine is terminated.

  FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts for explaining the procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus when the user operates the image forming apparatus. The CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 first determines whether or not user information has been acquired by the user authentication unit 26 (step S21). When it is determined that user information has not been acquired (S21: NO), the process waits until user information is acquired. If the user authentication unit 26 determines that user information has been acquired (S21: YES), user authentication is performed based on the acquired user information (step S22). Next, by referring to the user management table 38b, it is determined whether or not the authenticated user is an administrator (step S23). As a result of referring to the user management table 38b, when it is determined that the user is not an administrator (S23: NO), it is determined whether or not the user is registered in the user management table 38b (step S24). If it is determined that the user is not registered in advance (S24: NO), an error process is performed by displaying that the image forming apparatus 1 cannot be used (step S25).

  If it is determined that the user is registered in advance in the user management table 38b (S24: YES), information on the communication address of the information processing apparatus 2 used by the user is acquired from the user management table 38b. Then, by searching the output management table 38c using the acquired communication address information as a clue, it is determined whether there is a job history transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 (step S26). When it is determined that there is a job history (S26: YES), the CPU 11 instructs the scanner drive control unit 35 and the tray drive control unit 36 to move the scanner unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 upward (step S27). ). At this time, the scanner unit 20 is controlled to be raised to a predetermined position (for example, the highest position within the movable range), and the paper discharge unit 50 is moved upward until the tray on which the paper is actually discharged is exposed. Take control.

  Next, the CPU 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not the paper has been received based on the output of the paper detector provided on the paper discharge trays 501 to 504 (step S28). When it is determined that the reception has not been completed (S28: NO), the process waits until the reception is completed. If it is determined that the receipt has been completed (S28: YES), the CPU 11 instructs the scanner drive control unit 35 and the tray drive control unit 36 to move the scanner unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 downward (step S29). ). At this time, the CPU 11 controls so that the scanner unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 are lowered to a predetermined position (for example, the lowest position within the movable range).

  If it is determined in step S26 that there is no job history of the authenticated user (S26: NO), it is determined that the user uses the copy function or the scanner function of the image forming apparatus 1, and the scanner drive control unit 35 is informed. An instruction is given to move the scanner unit 20 up (step S30). The stop position when the scanner unit 20 is moved upward may be a predetermined position, and if the personal information item of the user management table 38b includes information such as the height of the user, the use Control that stops at a height suitable for the person is also possible. Based on the image data read by the scanner unit 20, it is determined whether or not to start the copy process (step S31). If it is determined that the copy process is not started (S31: NO), other processes are executed. It is determined whether or not the operation for finishing has been completed (step S35). When it is determined that the operation has not ended (S35: NO), the process waits until the operation ends. If it is determined to start the copy process (S31: YES), the copy process is executed based on the image data read by the scanner unit 20 (step S32). Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the copy process has been completed (step S33). If it is determined that the copy process has not been completed (S33: NO), the process returns to step S32. When it is determined that the copy process is completed (S33: YES), or when it is determined that the operation is completed in step S35 (S35: YES), an instruction is given to the scanner drive control unit 35 to place the scanner unit 20 at a predetermined position. (Step S34).

  If it is determined that the user authenticated in step S23 is an administrator (S23: YES), the front doors 101a and 101b are unlocked (step S41). Then, the CPU 11 operates a timer (not shown) (step S42), and determines whether or not a first predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed (step S43). If the first predetermined time has elapsed without the front doors 101a and 101b being opened after the lock is released (S43: YES), the front doors 101a and 101b are locked (step S44). When the first predetermined time has not elapsed (S43: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the front doors 101a and 101b are opened (step S45), and determines that the front doors 101a and 101b are not opened (S45: NO). ), The process returns to step S43.

  When it is determined that the front doors 101a and 101b are opened (S45: YES), the CPU 11 resets the timer (step S46), and a second predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes) has elapsed since the timer was reset. Whether or not (step S47). If it is determined that the second predetermined time has elapsed (S47: YES), a message that the front doors 101a and 101b should be closed is notified (step S48). When it is determined that the second predetermined time has not elapsed (S47: NO), it is determined whether or not the front doors 101a and 101b are closed (step S49). If it is determined that the front doors 101a and 101b are not closed (S49: NO), the process returns to step S47, and if it is determined that the front doors 101a and 101b are closed (S49: YES), the front doors 101a and 101b. Is locked (step S50).

  Thus, in this embodiment, by enclosing the printer unit 30, the paper feed unit 40, and the paper discharge unit 50 with the front doors 101a, 101b and the like that can be unlocked only by a specific person, an unspecified number of people When access to each unit 30 to 50 is prevented to protect the confidentiality of printed matter and the like, and the state of each unit 30 to 50 is notified by each notification unit 371 to 373 to authenticate the user In addition, the convenience of the image forming apparatus 1 is improved by raising the scanner unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 50 to appropriate height positions.

  In this embodiment, the printer unit 30 is provided on the upper side of the paper supply unit 40. However, the arrangement relationship between the two may be reversed, and the paper supply unit 40 is provided on the upper side of the printer unit 30. There may be. In the present embodiment, the scanner unit 20 is not an essential component, and the present invention can also be applied to a printer apparatus having a configuration in which the scanner unit 20 is removed.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the user authentication unit 26 is configured to authenticate the user by using a fingerprint image. However, physical features such as a palm print, an iris, a retina pattern, a vein pattern, a voice print, a handwriting, a keystroke pattern, or the like The configuration may be such that user authentication is performed using behavioral features. Moreover, the structure which performs user authentication using a password, a password, etc. may be sufficient. Furthermore, a configuration may be used in which user authentication is performed using personal belongings carried by the user such as a magnetic card, an IC card, and a wireless tag.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the printer unit 30, the paper feed unit 40, and the paper discharge unit 50 are covered by the front doors 101a and 101b. However, the front doors 101a and 101b are divided in the vertical direction and the paper discharge unit 50 is divided. The configuration may be divided into a portion that covers the printer unit 30 and a portion that covers the printer unit 30 and the paper feed unit 40.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic front view of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The present embodiment also includes the scanner unit 20 that covers the upper side of the printer unit 30, the paper feed unit 40, and the paper discharge unit 50, and the outer wall portion 100 that covers the side surfaces and the back surface, as in the first embodiment. Yes.

  Front doors 101UL and 101DL are rotatably mounted on the left side of the front surface of the outer wall portion 100. By rotating the front door 101UL with respect to the outer wall portion 100, the upper left inside of the front surface of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided. Can be exposed, and by rotating the front door 101DL with respect to the outer wall portion 100, the inside of the lower left side of the front surface of the image forming apparatus 1 can be exposed. Similarly, front doors 101UR and 101DR are rotatably attached to the front right side of the outer wall 100, and the front door 101UR is rotated to expose the inside of the upper right side of the front surface of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, by rotating the front door 101DR, the inside of the lower right side of the front surface of the image forming apparatus 1 can be exposed. Similarly to the first embodiment, when the front doors 101UL and 101UR are closed, a vertical slit is formed between them, and a cover member 102U covering the slit is formed on the front door 101UL. It is attached. Also, when the front doors 101DL and 101DR are closed, a slit is formed between them, and a cover member 102D that covers the slit is attached to the front door 101DL. The cover members 102U and 102D are formed of a translucent synthetic resin material or glass material so that the printer unit 30, the paper feed unit 40, and the paper discharge unit 50 are not directly visible from the outside. The light emitted from the light emitting elements included in the paper discharge status notification unit 371, the status notification unit 372, and the remaining amount level notification unit 373 is transmitted so that the state of each unit 30 to 50 can be notified.

  20 is a perspective view when the front doors 101UL and 101UR are opened, and FIG. 21 is a perspective view when the front doors 101DL and 101DR are opened. When the front doors 101UL and 101UR are opened, the paper discharge unit 50 can be exposed as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the paper jam information is notified by the status notification unit 372, the user opens the front doors 101UL and 101UR, and the countermeasure described on the sheet pasted on the back side of the front doors 101UL and 101UR. The jammed paper can be removed according to the method. When the front doors 101DL and 101DR are opened, the printer unit 30 and the paper feeding unit 40 can be exposed as shown in FIG. That is, even when the administrator of the image forming apparatus 1 performs inspection, maintenance, or the like of the printer unit 30, the front doors 101UL and 101UR that surround the outside of the paper discharge unit 50 are closed. The contents written on the discharged paper can be protected.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the first embodiment, the discharge status to the paper discharge unit 50 is notified by lighting the light emitting elements L1 to L4 provided at appropriate positions on the front side of the respective paper discharge trays 501 to 504. The configuration may be such that the notification is performed by illuminating from the back side of the image forming apparatus 1.

  22 and 23 are side sectional views showing the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, an illumination device 600 such as a fluorescent lamp is provided inside or on the front side of the support 320 that supports the paper discharge unit 50. When the CPU 11 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 determines that the sheet has been discharged to any one of the discharge trays 501 to 504 included in the discharge unit 50, the illumination device 600 is turned on. The light from the illumination device 600 is reflected on each of the paper discharge trays 501 to 504 or directly applied to the back surface of the cover member 102, so that the light transmitted through the cover member 102 can be confirmed from the outside of the device. ing. At this time, as shown in the drawing, when the paper P is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 504, the light amount reflected on the paper discharge tray 504 or the light amount directly irradiated on the cover member 102 Will be suppressed. That is, the shadow of the paper P discharged onto the paper discharge tray 504 is reflected on the cover member 102, and the user can check the paper discharge status by adjusting the light transmitted through the cover member 102.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 23, a configuration may be provided in which fluorescent lamps 701 to 704 for irradiating the respective discharge trays 501 to 504 are provided instead of the illumination device 600 such as a fluorescent lamp. In this case as well, the shadow of the paper discharged onto the paper discharge trays 501 to 504 is reflected on the cover member 102, and the user confirms the paper discharge status by adjusting the light transmitted through the cover member 102. can do. Further, for example, when the paper P is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 504, a control may be performed to turn on only the fluorescent lamp 704 to notify the paper discharge status. Furthermore, it is also possible to use fluorescent lamps 701 to 704 that emit different colors of light.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system using an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an internal state of the image forming apparatus. It is a schematic diagram explaining the locking mechanism of a front door. 1 is a front view of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus. 2 is a front sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus when the scanner unit is used. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the image forming apparatus when the scanner unit is used. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus when the paper discharge unit is raised. FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of the image forming apparatus when the paper discharge unit is raised. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a system management table. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a user management table. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of an output management table. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence at the time of carrying out lighting control of each alerting | reporting part. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus when a user operates the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus when a user operates the image forming apparatus. 1 is a schematic front view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a perspective view when a front door is opened. It is a perspective view when a front door is opened. 1 is a side sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. 1 is a side sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Information processing apparatus 11 CPU
13 ROM
14 RAM
15 Image memory 16 Communication IF
20 Scanner unit 30 Printer unit 37 Lighting control unit 371 Paper discharge status notification unit 372 Status notification unit 373 Remaining amount level notification unit 38 HDD device 38a System management table 38b User management table 38c Output management table

Claims (12)

A means for receiving image data; an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on the received image data; a sheet storage means for supplying a sheet to be supplied to the image forming means; and the image forming means In an image forming apparatus comprising: a unit that discharges an image-formed sheet; and a discharge sheet storage unit that stores the discharged sheet.
A structure that covers at least the outside of the discharge sheet storage means among the means, a detection means that detects a state of one or more means provided inside the structure, and a state of the means detected by the detection means An image forming apparatus comprising: an informing means for informing.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the structure covers the sheet supply means for supply.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the structure covers the image forming unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the structure includes one or a plurality of opening / closing sections.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein part or all of the structure has translucency.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part of the structure is formed of a slit-like translucent member.   The detection means is means for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet discharged to the discharge sheet storage means, and the notification means is configured to notify the presence or absence of a sheet detected by the detection means. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The detection means is means for detecting the remaining amount of sheets stored in the supply sheet storage means, and the notification means is configured to notify the remaining amount of sheets detected by the detection means. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.   9. The detection unit according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is a unit that detects an operation state of the image forming unit, and the notification unit is configured to notify the operation state of the image formation unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above.   2. The detection unit is a unit that detects a remaining amount of a consumable member used in the image forming unit, and the notification unit is configured to notify a remaining amount of the consumable member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit includes a light emitting element.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the light emitting element is provided inside the structure.

Images