JP2007036898A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately preserve a document created by an image forming apparatus in an appropriate preservation destination and to enable an operator to easily grasp the preservation destination of the relevant document even when temporarily taking out the relevant document and returning it to an original place. <P>SOLUTION: A storage destination management section determines a storage shelf and a storage column to be a storage destination of recording paper sheets and storage destination information indicative of the storage destination is recorded on recording paper by an image forming section 100. A paper sheet ejection mechanism, a paper sheep distribution mechanism 6 and a cabinet 7 convey the recording paper to the determined storage shelf and storage column. Since the recording paper with the document image recorded therein is conveyed to the storage shelf and storage column that become the determined storage destination, the recording paper can be housed without interposing an operator. Furthermore, since the storage destination information is recorded on the recording paper, if the recording paper is taken out from the relevant storage destination, the operator can clearly grasp the original storage place to return the relevant recording paper. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that records an image read by an image reading unit such as a scanner on a recording sheet.

Conventionally, recording paper (documents) output by an image forming apparatus has been stored through human hands. In this case, a person decides where to store each document and stores the document in a place where it should be stored. In addition, a filing system and the like that can be easily searched by systematically classifying documents converted into electronic data according to their types into a database have been proposed today. Furthermore, a document disposal support system that supports smooth disposal processing of documents by efficiently filing documents intended for disposal has also been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
See JP-A-11-339024

  However, if a manual operation is involved in storing and managing a document created by the image forming apparatus, there is a problem that it is not clear whether the document is accurately stored in a place to be stored. Further, when a document once taken out from the storage location is stored again, there is a problem that the operator must reexamine the storage location of the document in order to return the document to the original location accurately. This problem cannot be solved even by the document disposal support system disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and can accurately store a document created by an image forming apparatus in an appropriate storage destination. When the document is once taken out and returned to the original location Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which an operator can easily grasp the storage location of the document.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided image reading means for reading an image on a document,
Recording means for recording the document image read by the image reading means on recording paper;
Storage means having a plurality of storage boxes for storing recording paper on which the document images are recorded by the recording means;
A storage location determination unit that determines the storage box to be a storage location of a recording sheet on which a document image is recorded by the recording unit;
Conveying means for conveying the recording paper on which the document image is recorded by the recording means to the storage box determined by the storage destination determination means;
The recording unit is an image forming apparatus that records storage destination information indicating a storage destination determined by the storage destination determination unit on a recording sheet together with a document image read by the image reading unit.

  In this configuration, the storage destination determination unit determines a storage box that is a storage destination of the recording paper, information indicating the storage destination is recorded on the recording paper by the recording unit together with the original image, and the transport unit stores the recording paper on the recording paper. Transport to the storage box determined by the storage destination determination means. For this reason, since the recording paper on which the document image is recorded is conveyed to the determined storage destination, the recording paper can be stored in the storage means without intervention of the operator's hand. In addition, since the storage location information is recorded on the recording paper, when the notation of the storage location information is a character that can be read by the operator, when the recording paper is taken out from the storage location, The operator can clearly grasp the original storage location where the recording paper should be returned.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising storage location information receiving means for receiving input of storage location information indicating the storage location of the recording paper from the operator. ,
The recording unit records the storage location information received by the storage location information reception unit on the recording paper together with the original image read by the image reading unit,
The conveying means conveys the recording paper to the storage box indicated by the storage destination information received by the storage destination information receiving means.

  According to this configuration, the storage location information received from the operator by the storage location information receiving means is recorded on the recording paper by the recording means together with the original image, and the transport means is placed in the storage box indicated by the storage location information. Transport. For this reason, the operator can store the recording sheet on which the document image is recorded in a desired storage location.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the image data storage means stores data of an image read by the image reading means;
A storage destination information storage unit that stores storage destination information of a recording sheet on which the image data is recorded in association with the image data stored in the image data storage unit.

  According to this configuration, the storage destination information indicating the storage destination of the recording paper on which the image data is recorded is stored in the storage destination storage unit in association with the data of the original image read by the image reading unit. It is possible to link and manage electronic data of an original image and a storage destination of a document made of a paper medium on which the same image is recorded.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the storage destination information storage unit stores the storage destination information.
Based on the storage location information extracted from the image of the original read by the image reading means, the storage location of the original is stored in any of the storage boxes from the storage location information stored in the storage location information storage means. A storage location determination means for determining whether there is,
Informing means for informing the storage box determined by the storage destination determining means.

  According to this configuration, when the operator causes the image reading unit to read the recording sheet on which the storage destination information is recorded, the storage destination determination unit extracts the storage destination information from the document image read by the image reading unit. From the storage location information stored in the storage location information storage means, the storage box that is the storage destination of the recording paper is determined, and the notification means notifies the determined storage box. It is possible to easily grasp the storage destination of the recording paper read by the means, that is, which storage box the document should be returned to.

The invention according to claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the document specifying information receiving means for receiving input of the document specifying information for specifying the document to be searched;
In association with the image data stored in the image data storage means, the storage location information of the recording paper on which the image data is recorded, and the recording paper to identify the recording paper on which the image data is recorded. Information storage means for storing document specific information to be processed;
Document identification information that matches the document identification information received by the document identification information receiving unit is retrieved from the information storage unit, and the storage location of the document indicated by the retrieved document identification information is stored in the information storage unit. Storage location determination means for determining from storage location information stored in association with specific information;
And a notifying unit for notifying the storage destination determined by the storage destination determining unit.

  According to this configuration, when the operator inputs the document specifying information of the document to be searched into the document specifying information receiving unit, the storage location determining unit stores the information in the information storing unit based on the document specifying information. Based on the document identification information and storage location information that has been stored, the storage box that is the storage location of the document is determined, and the notification unit notifies the storage box that has been determined. It is possible to easily grasp the storage box to which the document that has been taken out once or in the past should be returned.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the storage destination information storage unit stores the storage destination information.
Based on the storage location information extracted from the image of the original read by the image reading means, the storage location of the original is stored in any of the storage boxes from the storage location information stored in the storage location information storage means. Storage location discrimination means for discriminating whether there is,
The conveying means conveys the document read by the image reading means to the storage box determined by the storage destination determining means.

  According to this configuration, when the image reading unit reads the recording sheet on which the storage location information is recorded, the storage location determination unit extracts the storage location information from the original image read by the image reading unit, and stores the storage location information. From the storage location information stored in the storage means, it is determined which storage location the document is stored in, and the transport means transports the recording paper to the storage box. The recording paper is stored in an appropriate storage place without performing the operation of storing the paper in an appropriate storage place.

The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of storage boxes are arranged in the storage unit in a horizontal direction, It is configured to store the recording paper in an upright posture,
The transport means transports the recording paper in a horizontal direction in a state in which the recording paper is erected in any of the storage boxes arranged in the horizontal direction according to the storage destination information.

  According to this configuration, the transport unit transports the recording paper in the horizontal direction in a state in which the recording paper is set up according to the storage destination information in any of the storage boxes arranged in the horizontal direction. It is possible to sort the storage boxes at different positions in the horizontal direction. In addition, since the recording sheet is stored in a standing state in the storage box, the operator can easily take out the recording sheet from the storage box.

The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of storage boxes are arranged side by side in the storage means in the vertical direction, Store the recording paper in an upright position,
The transport means transports the recording paper to any of the storage boxes arranged in the vertical direction according to the storage destination information.

  According to this configuration, since the transport unit transports the storage location of the recording paper to one of the storage boxes arranged in the vertical direction according to the storage destination information, the storage location of the recording paper is distributed to the storage boxes at different positions in the vertical direction. It becomes possible. In addition, since the recording sheet is stored in a standing state in the storage box, the operator can easily take out the recording sheet from the storage box.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the bottom portion of the storage box has a downward slope from the front side to the back side of the image forming apparatus. It has the inclination of.

  According to this configuration, since the bottom portion of the storage box is inclined, the recording paper is inclined in the upper direction toward the back side of the image forming apparatus in each storage box, and is arranged in an orderly manner in the storage box. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the recording paper falls due to its own weight and falls apart and cannot be collected.

The invention according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the storage box is arranged in the storage unit in the vertical direction and the recording is performed. A plurality of first storage boxes for storing paper in a standing position; and a plurality of second storage boxes arranged in a horizontal direction in each storage box for storing the recording paper in a standing position;
The transporting means is provided in the first storage box, the first transporting means for transporting the recording paper to any of the first storage boxes, and to any of the second storage boxes And a second transport unit that transports the recording paper in a horizontal direction in a standing state.

  According to this configuration, since the transport unit transports the recording paper to one of the storage boxes arranged side by side in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, the recording paper is stored at different positions in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. In addition, since the recording paper is stored in a standing state in the storage box, the operator can easily take out the recording paper from the storage box.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the recording paper on which the document image is recorded is transported to and stored in the determined storage destination without the operator's hand, the created document is appropriately stored. Can be stored accurately in a safe storage location. In addition, since the storage location information is recorded on the recording paper, when the notation of the storage location information is a character that can be read by the operator, the operator takes out the recording paper from the storage location. Sometimes, it is possible to clearly grasp the original storage location where the recording paper should be returned.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the recording paper is conveyed to the storage box indicated by the storage destination information received from the operator, the operator can store the recording paper on which the document image is recorded in the desired storage. It is possible to store it first.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, it is possible to link and manage the electronic data of the original image and the storage destination of the document composed of the paper medium on which the same image is recorded.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, if the operator causes the image reading unit to read the recording paper on which the storage destination information is recorded, the storage destination of the recording paper is notified. It is possible to easily grasp the storage destination of the recording paper, that is, the storage box in which the document should be returned.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, when the operator inputs the document specifying information of the document to be searched into the document specifying information receiving means, the storage box that is the storage destination of the document is notified. The operator can easily grasp the storage location of the document being searched for, the storage box to which the document once taken out should be returned, and the like.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the operator causes the image reading means to read the recording paper on which the storage destination information is recorded, the recording paper is placed in an appropriate storage box that is the storage destination of the recording paper. Since it is conveyed, the operator can store the recording paper in an appropriate storage location without performing the operation of storing the recording paper in an appropriate storage location.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to allocate the storage locations of the recording paper to the storage boxes at different positions in the horizontal direction. In addition, since the recording sheet is stored in a standing state in the storage box, the operator can easily take out the recording sheet from the storage box.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to distribute the storage locations of the recording paper to the storage boxes at different positions in the vertical direction. In addition, since the recording sheet is stored in a standing state in the storage box, the operator can easily take out the recording sheet from the storage box.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the bottom surface of the storage box is inclined, the recording paper is inclined upward in the storage box toward the back side of the image forming apparatus. Arranged orderly. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the recording paper falls due to its own weight and falls apart and cannot be collected.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to distribute the recording paper storage locations to various storage boxes at different positions in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. In addition, since the recording sheet is stored in a standing state in the storage box, the operator can easily take out the recording sheet from the storage box.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The multifunction device 1 has functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The multi-function device 1 includes a main body 2 having an image forming unit (recording unit) 100, a document transport mechanism 3 serving as a document presser and an original reading unit 4 installed on the upper part of the main body 2, and the main body 2. The paper feeding unit 5, the paper sorting mechanism 6, and the cabinet (housing means) 7 installed in the lower part of FIG.

  The document transport mechanism 3 includes a document placement unit 301, a carry-in drive unit 302 including a pair of carry-in rollers, a transport roller pair 303, a discharge roller pair 304, a paper discharge table 305, and a document that detects the presence or absence of a document. A detection switch 306 is provided, and the originals placed on the original placement unit 301 are automatically conveyed one by one in contact with the contact glass 402, and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 305 after exposure scanning of the originals. .

  The document reading unit (image reading unit) 4 includes a scanner unit (image reading unit, not shown) that generates image data from an optically acquired document image, and has a contact glass 401 and a contact glass 402 on its upper surface. Is provided. Then, the document reading unit 4 reads image data obtained from a document placed on the contact glass 401 or a document transported so as to be in contact with the contact glass 402 by the document transport mechanism 3 with a scanner unit. It outputs to the control part mentioned later.

  The paper feeding unit 5 includes paper feeding cassettes 501 and 502 and manual paper feeding units 503 that store paper of each size and vertical and horizontal types. The sheet feeding unit 5 includes a conveyance path 504 that conveys sheets from the sheet feeding cassettes 501 and 502 to the image forming unit 100, and a conveyance path 505 that conveys sheets from the manual sheet feeding unit 503 to the image forming unit 100. . Each of the paper feed cassettes 501 and 502 and the manual paper feed unit 503 includes pickup rollers 506, 507, and 508 for taking out the stored paper (recording paper), and a pair of paper feed rollers for feeding the paper one by one to the transport path. 509, 510, 511.

  The conveyance path 504 includes a conveyance roller pair 512 and 513 that conveys a sheet, and a registration roller pair 514 that makes the sheet conveyed in front of the image forming unit 100 stand by at a predetermined position. Further, the transport path 505 joins the transport path 504 on the upstream side of the registration roller pair 514.

  The image forming unit 100 includes a drum-shaped photosensitive member 101 that is rotatably supported, a charging unit 102 disposed around the photosensitive member 101, a developing unit 103, a cleaning unit 104, and a laser scanning unit 105. A transfer roller 106 and a fixing roller pair 107. The charging unit 102 uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor 101 to a predetermined potential. The laser scanning unit 105 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive member 101 with a laser beam based on the image data transmitted from the control unit 10 (FIG. 7), and forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive member 101.

  The developing unit 103 attaches toner to the electrostatic latent image to make the image appear. The transfer roller 106 transfers the exposed toner image to a sheet. The fixing roller pair 107 The toner image transferred to the paper is fixed. The cleaning unit 104 cleans toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 101 after image transfer.

  In addition, a paper discharge unit 108 is provided in the upper part of the main body 2, and the paper conveyed from the fixing roller pair 107 is conveyed by the discharge roller pair 109 and discharged to the paper discharge unit 108. The discharge roller pair 110 discharges the sheet conveyed from the fixing roller pair 107 to the sheet distribution mechanism 6. The discharge roller pair 110 is driven by a discharge branch guide 111 driven according to a control signal from the control unit 10. The discharge direction can be switched between the discharge roller pair 109 side and the discharge roller pair 110 side.

  When forming images on both sides of the recording paper, the image forming unit 100 forms an image on one side of the recording paper, and then the recording paper is nipped by the discharge roller pair 109. In this state, the pair of discharge rollers 109 is reversed to switch back the recording paper, and the recording paper is sent to the paper transport path L and transported again to the upstream area of the image forming unit 100. Then, the recording paper is discharged to the paper discharge unit 108 or conveyed to the paper distribution mechanism 6.

  The paper distribution mechanism 6 distributes the recording paper discharged from the discharge roller pair 110 of the main body 2 to one of the storage shelves (storage box, first storage box) 71, 72, 73 of the cabinet 7 and conveys it. To do. The conveyance path 60 provided in the paper distribution mechanism 6 has an end on the main body 2 side connected to a paper discharge port provided in the main body 2 near the discharge roller pair 110, and the downstream side in the recording paper conveyance direction is The paper is branched into a paper conveyance path 61 directed to the storage shelf 71 of the cabinet 7 and a paper conveyance path 62 directed to the storage shelves 72 and 73. The paper transport path 62 further branches into a paper transport path 622 that goes to the storage shelf 72 and a paper transport path 623 that goes to the storage shelf 73.

  At the branch point of the paper transport path 61 toward the storage shelf 71 and the paper transport path 62 toward the storage shelves 72 and 73, the discharge destination of the recording paper transported through the transport path 60 is the paper transport path 61 or the paper transport path. A branch guide 63 for switching to any one of 62 is provided. The branch guide 63 is configured to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 631, and the operation is driven and controlled according to a control signal from the control unit 10.

  At the branch point between the paper conveyance path 622 toward the storage shelf 72 and the paper conveyance path 623 toward the storage shelf 73, the discharge destination of the recording paper conveyed through the paper conveyance path 62 is the paper conveyance path 622 or the paper conveyance path. A branch guide 64 for switching to 623 is provided. The branch guide 64 is also configured to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 641, and the operation is driven and controlled in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 10. In addition, a conveyance roller 65 for conveying the recording paper is provided in a main portion of the paper conveyance path 61, the paper conveyance path 62, the paper conveyance path 622, and the paper conveyance path 623.

  The cabinet 7 is provided with a plurality (three in the present embodiment) of storage shelves 71, 72, 73 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a plurality of storage columns (storage box, second storage box) arranged in the horizontal direction are provided inside each storage shelf 71, 72, 73 (described later). In each of these storage columns, the recording paper conveyed from the main body 2 can be stored. Each storage shelf 71, 72, 73 is provided with pocket portions 711, 721, 731. The pocket portions 711, 721, and 731 are places where the recording paper conveyed from the main body portion 2 is received, and the recording paper conveyed to the pocket portions 711, 721, and 731 is stored in the pocket portions 711, 721, and 731. The paper is sorted and transported to one of the storage columns by the transport roller and the transport path toward each storage column, and stored in the storage column of the transport destination.

  Each of the storage shelves 71, 72, 73 is configured to be slidable in the horizontal direction, and drawer handles 712, 723, 733 are provided on the front side of each of the storage shelves. The operator inserts a finger into the pulling handles 712, 723, and 733 and pulls the storage shelf forward, so that the top of each storage column in the storage shelf is opened, and the operator takes out the recording paper in the storage column. Be able to. In the present embodiment, the recording paper once stored in the cabinet 7 is referred to as “document”.

  Next, details of the cabinet 7 will be described. FIG. 2 is a view showing a pocket portion 711 portion provided on the storage shelf 71 of the cabinet 7. Pocket portions 721 and 731 provided in the storage shelves 72 and 73 have the same configuration. The pocket portion 711 provided in the storage shelf 71 receives a recording paper connected to a recording paper discharge port near the conveyance roller 65 at the downstream end of the paper conveyance path 61 in the paper distribution mechanism 6 in the recording paper conveyance direction. Recording paper is carried into the pocket portion 711 from the inlet 711a. The recording paper at this time is conveyed by the conveying force of the conveying roller 65 on the sheet distribution mechanism 6 side. After the recording paper received in the pocket portion 711 from the recording paper receiving port 711a is separated from the nip by the transport roller 65, it falls by its own weight and reaches the recording paper stock portion 711b.

  3 is a perspective view showing a storage shelf 71 and an internal storage column, FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing a pocket portion 711, a transport roller, and a transport path provided in the storage shelf 71, and FIG. 4A and 4B are side views showing a provided conveyance roller, in which FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a conveyance roller position when a recording paper is carried in, and FIG. is there.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of storage fields 71 a, 71 b, 71 c, 71 d, 71 e are provided inside the storage shelf 71. However, the number of storage columns is not particularly limited. Further, the pocket portion 711 is provided with conveyance rollers 701 for conveying the recording paper carried into the pocket portion 711 in the horizontal direction in a standing state on both sides of the pocket portion 711. The transport roller 701 has a configuration in which a plurality of rotating rollers 701b are attached to a plurality of rotating shafts 701a extending in the vertical direction. When the rotating shaft 701a rotates by a rotational driving force from a driving source (not shown), Along with this, the rotation roller 701b rotates.

  At least one of the rotation shafts 701a on both sides forming the conveyance roller 701 is configured to be movable in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the recording paper conveyance direction. When the recording paper is carried in from the paper distribution mechanism 6, as shown in FIG. 5A, the rotation shafts 701a disposed on both sides of the recording paper have a constant interval from the recording paper. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the recording paper is moved to a separated position and the transported recording paper is started to the storage columns 71a to 71e, the recording paper is moved in the horizontal direction to a position in contact with the recording paper. Yes. In this case, a mechanism is adopted in which a support plate (not shown) that supports a plurality of conveying rollers 701 (rotating shaft 701a) disposed on one side of the recording paper is moved in the horizontal direction by a solenoid or the like.

  Further, a transport path 713 is provided from the pocket portion 711 toward the storage fields 71a to 71e. The conveyance path 713 has a shape that can be conveyed with the recording sheet upright, and conveyance rollers 714 and the like for conveying the recording sheet are provided on both sides of the conveyance path 713 at the main points. This conveyance path 713 is in the vicinity of the arrangement of the storage columns 71a to 71e and is directed to each of the storage columns 71a to 71e (only the conveyance paths 713a, 713b, and 713c of the storage columns 71a, 71b, and 71c in FIG. 4). Branching).

  A branch guide (not shown) is provided at each branch point of the transport path 713 and the transport paths 713a, 713b, 713c and the like. In this branching guide, the sorting / conveying control unit 66 (FIG. 7) of the sheet distribution mechanism 6 controls the rotation operation in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 10 and stores the recording paper conveyed through the conveying path 713. Guidance is provided to any of the columns 71a to 71e. Each of the transport paths 713a, 713b, 713c, etc. is provided with a transport roller 714 near the downstream end in the recording paper transport direction.

  FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing the storage columns 71 a to 71 c provided in the storage shelf 71. Each bottom portion 710 of the storage columns 71a to 71c is provided with a slope that is inclined downward from the front side to the back side of the cabinet 7 (multifunction machine 1) (the same applies to the storage columns 71d and 71e). The recording paper conveyed from the conveying paths 713a, 713b, 713c, etc. due to the inclination provided in the bottom portion 710 is stored in the storage columns 71a to 71e so as to be biased toward the back side of the cabinet 7, so that the recording paper Are neatly arranged in the storage box. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the recording paper falls down in various directions due to its own weight and cannot be collected.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the multifunction machine 1. The multifunction machine 1 is provided with a control unit 10 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus. The control unit 10 is connected to a scanner unit 40 including an exposure lamp 41 and a CCD 42 that can read an original image and an image forming unit 100. Further, the control unit 10 can store an image memory 82 used as a work area for temporarily storing document data read by the scanner unit 40 and original image data read by the scanner unit 40. A large capacity HDD (internal storage device, image data storage means) 80 is connected.

  When the scanner unit 40 reads a document, the image processing unit 81 converts an analog image signal output from the scanner unit 40 into a digital image, performs image processing to improve image quality, and then converts the image into a compressed image. This compressed image is written in the image memory 82. The control unit 10 stores the compressed image written in the image memory 82 in the HDD 80 as file data to be managed by the document. At the time of printing out the registered document, the file data (compressed image) to be printed out is written out to the image memory 82 from the HDD 80 or each computer on the network, and the image processing unit 81 stores the compressed file data. For example, in the case of laser exposure, analog modulation is performed on the laser signal. The image forming unit 100 prints out based on the analog-modulated signal.

  The control unit 10 also functions as a scanner controller 11, a facsimile controller 12, a printer controller 13, a copy controller 14, and a network controller 15 that control each function that can be executed by the multifunction device 1.

  The scanner controller 11 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the operation of the scanner unit 40. The facsimile controller 12 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the facsimile operation, and controls the facsimile communication unit 74 that adjusts data necessary for facsimile communication. The facsimile communication unit 74 includes an NCU (Network Control Unit) that controls connection of a telephone line with a destination facsimile that is a data transmission / reception partner. The copy controller 14 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the copy operation. The printer controller 13 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the printer operation. The network controller 15 controls data transmission / reception performed between the multifunction machine 1 and a computer on the network. Data transmission / reception with an external device connected to the MFP 1 is performed via the interface unit 75.

  Further, an operation panel unit (storage location information receiving unit, document specifying information receiving unit) 78 for inputting various operation instructions from an operator is provided in the multi-function device 1, and this operation panel unit 78 is also controlled by the control unit 10. Be controlled. The operation key unit 781 includes a start key for inputting a print execution instruction by the operator, a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies, and the like. A display unit (notification unit) 782 displays operation guide information and the like for various copying operations, and includes a liquid crystal display or the like having a touch panel function for inputting various settings. Using these numeric keys and a touch panel, document specifying information, which will be described later, is input to the multifunction device 1 by the operator.

  Further, the control unit 10 determines the transport destination and storage destination of the recording paper that has been recorded by the image forming unit 100 (which storage column of the storage shelf in the cabinet 7 stores the recorded recording paper). It also functions as a destination management unit (storage destination determination means) 17. Further, the storage location management unit 17 indicates the document specification information input from the operation panel unit 78 by the operator based on the document specification information stored in the management memory 76 and the storage location information associated therewith. It is determined which storage shelf of the cabinet 7 stores the document. Further, the storage location management unit 17 extracts storage location information or document specifying information from the original image read by the scanner unit 40, and based on the extracted storage location information, the document to be read becomes a cabinet. 7 is stored in the storage column of the storage shelf, and the storage column of the storage shelf in the cabinet 7 where the document indicated by the extracted document specifying information is stored.

  A paper discharge mechanism (conveying means) 79 is a discharge roller provided at an important point of the paper conveyance path for discharging the recording paper on which an image has been recorded from the main body unit 2 to the paper distribution mechanism 6 or the paper discharge unit 108. A transport roller such as a pair 110 and a drive mechanism of the transport roller. The paper discharge mechanism 79 is driven and controlled by the control unit 10.

  The management memory 76 includes an information storage unit (storage destination information storage means, information storage means) 760 that stores storage destination information and document specifying information. The information storage unit 760 stores information on which storage column of which storage shelf in the cabinet 7 the storage destination of the recording paper (document) recorded by the image forming unit 100 (that is, storage destination information). Each paper (document) is stored in association with the document specifying information of the recording paper (document) and the original image data of the document stored in the HDD 80. In addition, the information storage unit 760 stores individual specific information attached to each recording sheet in order to specify the recording sheet (document) on which an image has been recorded. This document specifying information is also stored in association with the storage location information of the recording paper (document) indicated by the document specifying information and the original image data.

  The management memory 76 stores a barcode image indicating the storage location determined by the storage location management unit 17. A barcode image indicating each storage column provided in each storage shelf of the cabinet 7 is stored. When the storage destination management unit 17 determines the storage destination of the recording sheet on which the document image has been recorded, the control unit 10 reads the barcode image indicating the storage destination determined from the management memory 76 from the management memory 76. The image forming unit 100 records the barcode image on a recording sheet.

  The paper distribution mechanism (conveyance means) 6 includes a conveyance mechanism 67 and a distribution conveyance control unit 66. The transport mechanism 67 is a transport roller 65, branch guides 63, 64, and the like and their drive mechanisms. The sorting conveyance control unit 66 controls driving of the conveyance mechanism 67 based on an instruction from the control unit 10 of the main body unit 2 (control of driving or stopping of necessary conveyance rollers, rotation control of the branch guides 63 and 64). Then, the recording paper conveyed from the main body 2 is conveyed to the storage shelves 71, 72, 73 of the cabinet 7.

  The cabinet 7 includes a transport mechanism (transport means) 700 and a transport mechanism control unit (transport means) 710. The conveyance mechanism 700 is a conveyance roller 701 provided in the pocket portions 711, 721, and 731 of the storage shelves 71, 72, and 73, a conveyance roller 714 provided in the conveyance path 713, and a drive mechanism thereof. The transport mechanism control unit 710 controls driving of the transport mechanism 700 based on an instruction from the control unit 10 of the main body unit 2 (the transport roller 701 provided in the pocket units 711, 721, and 731 is brought into contact with and separated from the recording paper). Control of the horizontal movement mechanism for driving, control of driving or stopping of the conveyance roller 701 and necessary conveyance roller 714, etc.) and conveying the recording sheet conveyed from the sheet distribution mechanism 6 to any of a plurality of storage columns Let

  Next, a description will be given of a first embodiment of processing executed when the recording paper recorded by the multifunction device 1 is stored in the cabinet 7. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of processing executed when the recording paper recorded by the multifunction device 1 is stored in the cabinet 7.

  When an operator sets a document on the scanner unit 40 and inputs a copy instruction to the operation panel unit 78, the control unit 10 causes the scanner unit 40 to read the set document (S1). Subsequently, the storage location management unit 17 determines the storage location of the recording paper after document image recording (in which storage column of the storage shelves 71 to 73 in the cabinet 7) (S2). The storage destination management unit 17 may determine the storage destination by, for example, (1) determining the storage destination in the order in which the storage shelves and storage columns are arranged, or (2) the operator storing the storage destination management unit. It is also possible to register in advance the order in which the recording papers are stored in 17 and store the recording papers in the storage shelves and storage columns in the registered order.

  As described above, when the storage destination of the recording paper after document image recording is determined, the control unit 10 stores the document image data read by the scanner unit 40 in the HDD 80 and associates it with the document image data. Then, the storage location information determined by the storage location management unit 17 is stored in the information storage unit 760 in the management memory 76 (S3).

  In the multifunction device 1, after the processing of S2 and S3, the control unit 10 causes the image forming unit 100 to record the original image and the barcode image corresponding to the storage destination information on the recording paper (S4). Here, in order to record the barcode image corresponding to the storage location information on the recording paper, the control unit 10 reads the barcode image corresponding to the storage location determined by the storage location management unit 17 from the management memory 76. Then, the image forming unit 100 is made to perform the operation in a place where the original image recording is not hindered. The management memory 76 stores numbers, symbols, and the like indicating the storage columns of the storage shelves 71 to 73, and the control unit 10 stores the images corresponding to the storage destination information in the image forming unit 100. Numbers, symbols, etc. may be recorded.

  The storage location management unit 17 assigns document specifying information, which is unique information for identifying the document image data from other document image data, to the document image data. The information is stored in the information storage unit 760 in association with the storage location information.

  When the recording of the document image and the storage location information on the recording paper is completed, the control unit 10 causes the paper discharge mechanism 79 to discharge the recorded recording paper toward the paper distribution mechanism 6 (S5). When the recording paper arrives at the paper distribution mechanism 6, the distribution conveyance control unit 66 of the paper distribution mechanism 6 faces the designated storage shelf of the cabinet 7 based on an instruction from the control unit 10 of the main body unit 2. The positions of the branch guides 63 and 64 are switched so that the recording paper is distributed and conveyed, and the necessary conveyance roller 65 is driven to convey the recording paper toward the designated storage shelf (S6).

  When the recording paper thus sorted and conveyed reaches one of the designated storage shelves 71 to 73 (here, it will be described as reaching the storage shelf 71), the recording paper falls into the pocket portion 711 by its own weight. Fits in. The transport mechanism control unit 710 of the cabinet 7 drives and controls the transport mechanism 700 based on an instruction from the control unit 10 of the main body unit 2, and is away from the recording paper in the pocket unit 711 (FIG. 5A). Is moved to a position where the rotating roller 701b contacts the recording paper (FIG. 5B) (S7). Subsequently, the transport mechanism control unit 710 causes the transport mechanism 700 to rotate the transport roller (a pair of transport rollers) 701 and the necessary transport roller 714 and switch the position of the branch guide so that the transport path is in a state where the recording paper is set up. According to 713, it is sorted and conveyed to the designated storage column (S8). The recording paper conveyed to the designated storage column is stored in the storage column.

  Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment of processing executed when the recording paper recorded by the multifunction device 1 is stored in the cabinet 7. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of processing executed when the recording paper recorded by the multifunction device 1 is stored in the cabinet 7. In FIG. 9, the same processes as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the storage location management unit 17 has determined the storage location (storage shelf and storage column) of the recorded recording paper. However, the operator gives a copy instruction to the multifunction device 1. Each time it is input (for each copy job), an input of storage location information indicating the storage location of the recorded recording paper is received from the operator, and the multifunction device 1 stores the storage location indicated by the received storage location information. First, the recorded recording paper may be conveyed.

  In this case, when the document image is read by the scanner unit 40 (S1) and an input of storage destination information from the operator is received by the operation panel unit 78 (YES in S11), the control unit 10 of the main body unit 2 controls the sheet. An instruction to convey the recording paper to the storage shelf indicated by the received storage destination information is sent to the distribution transport control unit 66 of the distribution mechanism 6. In accordance with the instruction, the sorting and conveyance control unit 66 causes the conveyance mechanism 67 to distribute and convey the recording paper to a designated storage shelf (S6). Other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, when storage destination information is input from the operator to the operation panel unit 78, the control unit 10 conveys the recording paper to the storage shelf and the storage column indicated by the input storage destination information. When the storage location information is not input from the operator, the same processing as S2 in the first embodiment is performed, and the storage location management unit 17 determines the storage location of the recording paper. You may make it do.

  Next, a description will be given of a first embodiment of a recording paper storage destination notification process performed by the multifunction machine 1. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a recording paper storage location notification process performed by the multifunction machine 1. In the multifunction device 1, when the operator takes out and browses a document (recording paper) stored in the storage column of the storage shelf of the cabinet 7 and wants to return it to the original location after browsing, the document is stored in the scanner unit 40. Is read, the storage location of the document is notified.

  When the operator sets the recording paper once taken out from the cabinet 7 to the scanner unit 40 and receives a document image reading instruction (scanning instruction) from the operation panel unit 78, the control unit 10 sets the recording paper to the scanner unit 40. The image of the prepared document is read (S21).

  The storage location management unit 17 extracts a barcode image indicating storage location information from the image data read by the scanner unit 40 (S22). In this bar code image extraction method, (1) the storage location management unit 17 determines whether data matching the bar code image forming data held in the management memory 76 exists in the document image data. If there is matching data, the matching data portion is extracted as a barcode image. When the storage location information is recorded on the recording paper with symbols or numbers, an image at a predetermined position (a location preset as a storage location information storage location) in the read document image data. For example, OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing is performed on the portion, and symbols and numbers recorded as storage destination information are extracted.

  Subsequently, the storage location management unit 17 searches the storage location corresponding to the extracted barcode image based on the correspondence between each barcode image stored in the management memory 76 and each storage location. Then, the storage shelf and storage column of the cabinet 7 which is the storage destination of the recording paper are discriminated (S23). When the storage location information is recorded on the recording paper with symbols, numbers, etc., the storage locations corresponding to the extracted symbols, numbers, etc., are stored as numbers, symbols, etc. held in the management memory 76. A search is performed based on the correspondence with the storage destination, and the storage shelf and storage column of the cabinet 7 that is the storage destination of the recording paper are determined.

  Then, the control unit 10 displays the determined storage shelf and storage column on the display unit 782 (S24), and allows the operator to recognize the original storage location of the recording paper. Note that the notification of the original storage location to the operator is not limited to the notification by the display unit 782, but is provided by another mechanism such as providing a voice generation device and notifying the operator of the original storage location by a voice guide. But you can.

  Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment of recording paper storage destination notification processing by the multifunction machine 1. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of recording paper storage location notification processing by the multifunction machine 1. In FIG. 11, the same processes as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the storage location information is extracted from the document image data read by the scanner unit 40, and the storage location is determined from the storage location information and notified to the operator. However, in the second embodiment, document identification information (consisting of numbers, symbols, etc.) input from the operator to the operation panel unit 78 is accepted (YES in S31), and the storage location management unit 17 is input. The storage location information associated with the document specifying information is read from the information storage unit 760 (S32), and the storage shelf and storage column in which the recording paper is to be stored are determined from the storage location information (S33). In this case, the operator needs to input the document specifying information to the operation panel unit 78. However, since the processing for extracting the barcode image from the document image data as in the first embodiment is unnecessary, the recording is performed. It takes a relatively short time to discriminate the storage shelves and storage columns where the paper should be stored.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the document (recording paper) taken out by the operator from the cabinet 7 is stored only by informing the storage shelf and storage column that are the original storage locations. In the shelf and the storage column, the operator himself stores the document, but as shown in FIG. 12, the recording paper whose image is read by the scanner unit 40 is the read original image data. On the basis of the barcode image extracted from the storage shelf, the storage shelf and storage column to be stored may be determined, and the determined storage shelf and storage column may be automatically transported and stored. In FIG. 12, the same processes as those in the embodiment shown in FIG.

  In this case, a branch toward the sheet distribution mechanism 6 is provided in the sheet conveyance path from the document placement unit 301 to the contact glass 402 serving as the document reading unit of the scanner unit 40, and the sheet distribution mechanism 6 starts from this branch point. A paper conveyance path connected to the conveyance path 60 is provided. Further, a branch guide that can guide the recording paper that has been fed back from the paper discharge tray 305 to the conveyance path 60 of the paper distribution mechanism 6 is provided at the branch toward the paper distribution mechanism 6. In other words, this branch guide guides the recording paper conveyed from the document placing section 301 to the contact glass 402 when reading the recording paper image, and conveys the recording paper to the paper distribution mechanism 6 when the recording paper is conveyed to the paper distribution mechanism 6. Is guided to the paper conveyance path connected to the conveyance path 60 of the paper distribution mechanism 6. When a recording sheet is set on the scanner unit 40 by the operator, the control unit 10 first transports it to the contact glass 402 to read the document image (S41). Then, the storage location management unit 17 determines storage shelves and storage columns to be stored based on the barcode image extracted from the read document image data (S42, S43).

  Thereafter, in a state where a part of the recording paper is nipped by the discharge roller pair 304, the control unit 10 reverses the discharge roller pair 304 and switches the recording paper conveyance direction to the opposite direction to reversely feed (S44). Further, the branch guide is switched to the side where the recording paper is transported to the paper distribution mechanism 6, and the recording paper is transported toward the paper distribution mechanism 6 by the paper discharge mechanism 79 (S45). After the recording paper is conveyed to the paper distribution mechanism 6, in the paper distribution mechanism 6 and the cabinet 7 based on an instruction from the control unit 10 of the main body 2, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. The recording paper is conveyed to the designated storage shelf and storage column (S6, S7, S8).

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the processing shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the storage destination of the recording paper after the original image data is recorded is recorded on the recording paper using a barcode image or the like. You may make it record on a recording paper by the description of the storage place by the possible character. In this case, the operator grasps the original storage location where the recording paper should be returned directly based on the storage destination information recorded on the recording paper without going through the storage destination discrimination processing as shown in FIG. can do.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention has been described as a multifunction peripheral. However, other types of image forming apparatuses may be used as long as the image forming apparatus has a scanner function and a copy function.

  1 to 12 are only one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations and processes shown in FIGS.

1 is a side view schematically showing an internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a figure which shows the pocket part provided in the storage shelf of the cabinet. It is a perspective view which shows a storage shelf and an internal storage column. It is a top view which shows roughly the pocket part provided in the storage shelf, a conveyance roller, and a conveyance path. FIG. 4A is a side view illustrating a conveyance roller provided in a pocket portion. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a conveyance roller position when a recording sheet is carried in, and FIG. FIG. It is a sectional side view which shows the storage column provided in the storage shelf. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the multifunction machine 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of processing executed when a recording sheet recorded by a multifunction peripheral is stored in a cabinet. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of processing executed when a recording sheet recorded by a multifunction peripheral is stored in a cabinet. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a recording paper storage destination notification process performed by the multifunction peripheral. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of recording paper storage destination notification processing by the multifunction peripheral. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process when a recording sheet is transported to an original storage location by a multifunction peripheral.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunction device 4 Original reading part 6 Paper distribution mechanism 7 Cabinet 10 Control part 17 Storage destination management part 40 Scanner part 67 Conveyance mechanism 60 Conveyance path 66 Distribution conveyance control part 61 Paper conveyance path 62 Paper conveyance path 622 Paper conveyance path 623 Paper conveyance path 63, 64 Branch guide 631, 641 Rotating shaft 65 Conveying roller 70 Conveying mechanism 701 Conveying roller 701a Rotating shaft 701b Rotating roller 71, 72, 73 Storage shelf 711, 721, 731 Pocket portion 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d, 71e Storage field 710 Bottom portion 711a Recording paper receiving port 711b Recording paper stock portion 712, 723, 733 Pull-out handle 713 Conveyance path 713a, 713b, 713c Conveyance path 714 Conveyance roller 76 Management memory 760 Information storage section 78 Operation panel section 782 For display unit 79 Ejection mechanism 100 the image forming unit

Claims (10)

Image reading means for reading an image on a document;
Recording means for recording the document image read by the image reading means on recording paper;
Storage means having a plurality of storage boxes for storing recording paper on which the document images are recorded by the recording means;
A storage location determination unit that determines the storage box to be a storage location of a recording sheet on which a document image is recorded by the recording unit;
Conveying means for conveying the recording paper on which the document image is recorded by the recording means to the storage box determined by the storage destination determination means;
The image forming apparatus that records storage destination information indicating a storage destination determined by the storage destination determination unit on a recording sheet together with a document image read by the image reading unit. A storage location information receiving means for receiving input of storage location information indicating the storage location of the recording paper from an operator;
The recording unit records the storage location information received by the storage location information reception unit on the recording paper together with the original image read by the image reading unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit transports the recording sheet to the storage box indicated by the storage destination information received by the storage destination information reception unit. Image data storage means for storing data of an image read by the image reading means;
The storage location information storage means which memorize | stores the storage location information of the recording paper on which the said image data was recorded in correlation with the image data memorize | stored in the said image data storage means. Image forming apparatus. Storage location information storage means for storing the storage location information;
Based on the storage location information extracted from the image of the original read by the image reading means, the storage location of the original is stored in any of the storage boxes from the storage location information stored in the storage location information storage means. A storage location determination means for determining whether there is,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the storage box determined by the storage destination determination unit. Document specifying information receiving means for receiving input of document specifying information for specifying a document to be searched;
In association with the image data stored in the image data storage means, the storage location information of the recording paper on which the image data is recorded, and the recording paper to identify the recording paper on which the image data is recorded. Information storage means for storing document specific information to be processed;
Document identification information that matches the document identification information received by the document identification information receiving unit is retrieved from the information storage unit, and the storage location of the document indicated by the retrieved document identification information is stored in the information storage unit. Storage location determination means for determining from storage location information stored in association with specific information;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the storage destination determined by the storage destination determination unit. Storage location information storage means for storing the storage location information;
Based on the storage location information extracted from the image of the original read by the image reading means, the storage location of the original is stored in any of the storage boxes from the storage location information stored in the storage location information storage means. Storage location discrimination means for discriminating whether there is,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit transports the document read by the image reading unit to the storage box determined by the storage destination determination unit. The plurality of storage boxes are arranged in a horizontal direction in the storage means, and are configured to store the recording paper in an upright posture,
7. The transport device according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit transports the recording paper in a horizontal direction in a state in which the recording paper is erected in any of the storage boxes arranged in the horizontal direction according to the storage destination information. The image forming apparatus described in 1. The plurality of storage boxes are arranged side by side in the storage means in the vertical direction, and store the recording paper in an upright posture,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit transports the recording paper to any of the storage boxes arranged in the vertical direction according to the storage destination information.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a bottom surface portion of the storage box has a downward slope from the front side to the back side of the image forming apparatus. The storage boxes are arranged side by side in the storage means in the vertical direction and store a plurality of first storage boxes that store the recording paper in an upright posture, and the storage boxes are arranged in a horizontal direction in the storage boxes. A plurality of second storage boxes for storing recording paper in an upright position;
The transporting means is provided in the first storage box, the first transporting means for transporting the recording paper to any of the first storage boxes, and to any of the second storage boxes The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second transport unit that transports the recording paper in a horizontal direction in a standing state.

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