JP2016141512A - Image formation apparatus and sheet storage unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus capable of taking out sheets in the state where the pages are collated.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus comprises: an apparatus body; an image formation part; a plurality of storage parts; sheet movement means; a detection part; and a control part which performs control by switching between a first mode for moving the sheets stored in a first storage part and the sheets stored in a second storage part by the sheet movement means and stopping the sheets in an exposed state, and a second mode for moving the sheets stored in the second storage part by the sheet movement means and stopping the sheets in the exposed state on a condition that the state is changed from a state where the detection part detects the sheets to a state where the detection part does not detect the sheets after moving the sheets stored in the first storage part by the sheet movement means and stopping the sheets in the exposed state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a sheet storage unit having a storage unit that temporarily stores a sheet on which an image is formed.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers are provided with a storage unit that temporarily stores a sheet inside the apparatus main body so that only the own sheet on which an image is formed can be taken out.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a plurality of storage units that temporarily store a sheet on which an image is formed inside the apparatus main body, in addition to a normal discharge tray that is jointly used by a plurality of users provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus is provided. In order to take out the sheet stored in the storage unit, user authentication is performed using, for example, an ID card. User authentication is performed when the user causes his / her ID card to be read by an ID card reading means provided in the apparatus. When the user authentication is normally performed, the sheet of the user who instructed to take out the sheet is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body. As a result, the user can take out only his / her own sheet on which an image has been formed, and there is no need to search for his / her sheet from a discharge tray in which his / her sheet and another person's sheet are mixed.

JP 2014-114164 A

  Here, in patent document 1, when the same user's sheet | seat is accommodated in several accommodating parts, the same user's sheet | seat accommodated in these several accommodating parts is accumulated from an opening part by one user authentication. The exposure control is described. Although this control has an advantage that the user's own sheets can be taken out at once, there is a possibility that the usability may be lowered in some cases.

  For example, since the number of sheets printed in one job is large, the printed sheets may not be stored in one storage unit. In such a case, depending on the order in which the sheets are distributed to the plurality of storage units or the positional relationship of the plurality of storage units, the order of the pages of the sheets exposed in a superimposed manner may not be aligned. As a result, the user has to rearrange the order of the pages of the taken-out sheet, and usability has been reduced.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can take out a sheet in a state in which the order of pages is aligned.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an apparatus main body that forms an opening, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. A plurality of accommodating portions accommodated inside the main body and the sheet accommodated in the accommodating portion are moved, and the sheet is stopped in an exposed state in which a part of the sheet is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body from the opening portion. In the image forming apparatus having a sheet moving unit and a detection unit that detects the exposed sheet, the sheet is stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit by the sheet moving unit. The first mode in which the sheet is moved and stopped in the exposed state, and the sheet accommodated in the first accommodating portion is moved by the sheet moving means and stopped in the exposed state. The sheet stored in the second storage unit is moved by the sheet moving means on the condition that the detection unit has changed from a state of detecting the sheet to a state of not detecting the sheet, It has a control part which changes and controls the 2nd mode stopped in the exposure state.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of taking out sheets in a state in which the order of pages is aligned.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the sheet | seat accommodation unit in the Example of this invention. It is a perspective view of the sheet | seat accommodating part in the Example of this invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit and a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a sheet storage unit controller in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart at the time of sheet printing in the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the mode of the sheet | seat accommodation unit at the time of sheet | seat exposure in the Example of this invention. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus when a sheet is exposed in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart regarding the operation | movement in Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example using two accommodating parts in Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example using three accommodating parts in Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other specific example using three accommodating parts in Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart regarding the operation | movement in Example 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example in Example 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other specific example in Example 2 of this invention.

Example 1
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration diagram of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 including a storage unit according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an example of a laser beam printer is shown as the image forming apparatus.

  The apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 101, a supply unit 102 that supplies the sheet S to the image forming unit 101, an apparatus main body 103, and a discharge unit 104 that discharges the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 101. doing. Here, the sheet S is an image on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 101, and includes, for example, paper, an OHP sheet, cloth, and the like. The apparatus 100 includes a sheet storage unit 200 including a plurality of sheet storage portions 201 to 203 that temporarily store the sheet S on which an image is formed. Further, the apparatus 100 includes a conveyance unit 105 that distributes and conveys the sheet S on which an image is formed to the storage units 201 to 203 of the unit 200.

  The image forming unit 101 forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating light to the photosensitive drum 111 that rotates clockwise (CW direction) in FIG. 1, a charging roller 112 that charges the surface of the drum 111, and the drum 111. An exposure unit 113 is included. Further, the image forming unit 101 includes a developing unit 114 that forms a toner image on the drum 111 by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image, and a transfer roller 115 that transfers the toner image to the conveyed sheet S. Yes. The image forming unit 101 further includes a fixing roller 116, a pressure roller 117 in contact with the roller 116, and a fixing discharge roller 118, and fixes the toner image transferred onto the sheet S to the sheet S. The image forming unit 101 forms a toner image on the sheet S by such an electrophotographic image forming process.

  Here, in the apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the drum 111, the roller 112, the unit 114, and a toner storage unit (not shown) that stores toner are integrated as a cartridge C, and is detachable from the apparatus main body 103. It has become. When the user runs out of toner, the cartridge C can be replaced with a new cartridge C. As a result, the user can perform maintenance of the apparatus 100 by himself / herself without depending on the service person. Further, the present invention is not limited to such a cartridge type apparatus 100, and is also applicable to a configuration in which members such as the drum 111, the roller 112, and the unit 114 are installed on the apparatus main body 103 (a type that does not require replacement of the members). can do.

  The supply unit 102 includes a supply cassette 106 that stores a plurality of sheets S used for image formation in a stacked state, a supply roller 107, a conveyance guide 109, and a registration roller 110. A registration sensor 119 is provided in the vicinity of the roller 110, and the timing at which image formation is started by the image forming unit 101 is determined in response to the detection of the leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the sensor 119. The sensor 119 includes a flag (not shown) and a photo interrupter, and an ON / OFF signal is output from the photo interrupter when the flag is operated by a conveyed sheet.

  The discharge unit 104 includes a first switching member 120, a conveyance roller 121, a discharge guide 122, a discharge roller 123, and a discharge tray 124. The switching member 120 is configured to be switched by an actuator (not shown) between a position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1 that guides the sheet S after image formation to the unit 200 and a position indicated by a broken line that leads to the tray 124. The tray 124 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 103 and can be used jointly by a plurality of users. Sheets are discharged to the tray 124 with the image-formed surface (front surface) facing downward (face down).

  The conveyance unit 105 includes a second switching member 133 for switching the conveyance destination of the sheet S, a third switching member 134, and conveyance guides 128 to 132 for guiding the sheet S to the storage units 201 to 203. ing. Here, the switching member 133 and the switching member 134 are configured to be switched between a solid line position and a broken line position in FIG. 1 by an actuator (not shown). For example, when the sheet S is conveyed to the storage unit 201, the switching member 133 and the switching member 134 are positioned at the positions indicated by the solid lines in FIG. The sheet S passes through the guides 128, 129, and 130 in this order, and is conveyed to the storage unit 201. Further, when the sheet S is conveyed to the storage unit 202, only the switching member 134 is switched to the position indicated by the broken line. In this case, the sheet S passes through the guides 128, 129, and 131 in this order and is conveyed to the storage unit 202. Similar to the tray 124, the sheets S are stored face-down in the storage units 201 to 203.

(Configuration diagram of sheet storage unit)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the unit 200. In the unit 200 of the present embodiment, a plurality of accommodating portions 201 to 203 are arranged so as to be stacked in the vertical direction. The structure of each accommodating part is the same, and here, the structure of the accommodating part 201 will be mainly described.

  The storage unit 201 transports the sheet S, a transport roller 211, a stacking tray 221 for stacking and storing the sheet S inside the apparatus main body 103, and whether the sheet S is stored on the tray 221. A sheet presence / absence sensor 231 for detecting whether or not the sheet exists. Further, the storage unit 201 presses the rear end of the sheet S stored inside (the end on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet S) to expose a part of the stored sheet S to the outside of the apparatus main body 103. Sheet moving means 241 is provided. The moving unit 241 moves the sheet S to a position where the user can receive the sheet S, that is, until the leading end of the sheet S (the end on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet S) passes through the opening 250. The opening 250 is formed by the apparatus main body 103. Thereby, the sheet S can be exposed to a predetermined length outside the apparatus main body 103. The predetermined length for exposing the sheet S to the outside of the apparatus main body 103 is set to 30 mm in this embodiment. This predetermined length is an example, and the length may be set so that the user can grip the exposed sheet S and the sheet S does not bend greatly.

  Further, the tray 221 is set to such a length that the leading edge of the sheet S is not exposed from the opening 250 even when the maximum size sheets S that can be stored in the storage unit 201 are stacked. When the sheet S is stacked on the tray 221 and the sensor 231 is tilted to the position indicated by the broken line by the stacked sheet S, the sensor 231 is turned on. When the sheet S is moved by the moving unit 241 and the sensor 231 returns to the position of the solid line, the sensor 231 is turned off. Further, the leading end of the moved sheet S causes the opening sensor 236 (detection unit) installed in the vicinity of the opening 250 to fall to the position of the broken line, so that the sensor 236 is turned on. When the sheet S exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body 103 is removed and the sensor 236 returns to the position of the solid line, the sensor 236 changes from an on state to an off state. The moving unit 241 is located at the stacking position indicated by the solid line when the sheets S are sequentially conveyed to the storage unit 201. On the other hand, when the accommodated sheet S is exposed, the moving unit 241 moves toward the opening 250 along the conveyance direction of the sheet S and can move to the exposure position indicated by the broken line. . The position of the exposure position, that is, the moving distance of the moving unit 241 is determined according to the length of the sheet S exposed and the size of the sheet S in the transport direction.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the accommodating portion 201. In FIG. 3, the moving means 241 is located between the loading position and the exposure position. The moving means 241 has two sheet rear end pressing portions 241 a and 241 b in the width direction of the sheet S. Further, the moving means 241 integrally has a rack 246, the rack 246 meshes with the pinion 247, and the pinion 247 is connected to an actuator which is a driving means not shown in FIG. By driving the actuator in the forward or reverse direction, the moving unit 241 can reciprocate between the loading position and the exposure position.

  The configuration of the storage unit 202 and the storage unit 203 is the same as that of the storage unit 201. That is, the storage unit 202 includes a conveyance roller 212, a stacking tray 222, a sheet presence / absence sensor 232, and a sheet moving unit 242. Further, the storage unit 203 includes a conveyance roller 213, a stacking tray 223, a sheet presence / absence sensor 233, and a sheet moving unit 243.

(Block diagram of control unit and functional configuration)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit and a functional configuration in the present embodiment. The apparatus 100 includes an image forming apparatus control unit 301 as a control unit, and the control unit 301 includes a controller 302, an engine control unit 303, and a sheet storage unit control unit 304.

  The controller 302 communicates with an external device 300 such as a host computer to receive print data 352, and stores the received print data 352 in a memory 305 (for example, RAM). The controller 302 analyzes the print data 352 stored in the memory 305 and creates a print condition. The printing conditions are information indicating the number of sheets S supplied, the conveyance destination (tray 124 or unit 200) of the sheet S on which an image is formed, the image density to be printed, and the like. Then, the controller 302 designates the printing condition created from the data 352 to the control unit 303 through the serial I / F. The control unit 303 controls each mechanism according to the printing conditions received from the controller 302. Specifically, the image forming unit 101 is controlled to form an image on the sheet S, and the supply unit 102 and the discharge unit 104 are controlled to supply and discharge the sheet S.

  In addition, the controller 302 analyzes the data 352 stored in the memory 305 and creates accommodation conditions and discharge conditions for the storage units 201 to 203. Then, the controller 302 designates the accommodation condition and the discharge condition created from the data 352 to the control unit 304 by the serial I / F. The accommodation condition is information such as the accommodation destination of the sheet S on which an image is formed, the number of sheets S to be accommodated, and the like. Further, the discharge condition is information such as a distance by which the moving units 241 to 243 are moved in order to expose the sheet S from the opening 250. The control unit 304 controls each mechanism according to the accommodation conditions and discharge conditions received from the controller 302. Specifically, the sheet on which an image is formed by controlling the transport unit 105 is transported to the storage units 201 to 203, and the unit 200 including the moving units 241 to 243 is controlled to be stored in the storage units 201 to 203. The sheet thus moved is moved to the opening 250. Further, the operation display unit controller 306 performs control for notifying the controller 302 of various settings and discharge instructions given by the user on the operation display unit 307. The operation display unit 307 functions as an input unit that can input information about the user (for example, each user's ID number, each user's password, etc.) from the outside. The ID card reading unit 308 notifies the controller 302 of user information obtained from the ID card. As described above, the ID card reading unit 308 also functions as an input unit that can input information about the user from the outside.

(Details of sheet storage unit controller)
FIG. 5 is a detailed diagram of the control unit 304 in the present embodiment. The control unit 304 includes a CPU 350 and communicates with the controller 302 via the serial communication unit 351. The communication unit 351 connects the CPU 350 and the controller 302 with a plurality of signal lines. In the present embodiment, there are three signal lines for transmitting a carry-in notice signal 353, an accommodation destination signal 354, and a discharge instruction signal 357 described below.

  Control when the sheet S is accommodated in the unit 200 will be described. When the data 352 is notified to the controller 302 through the external device 300, the controller 302 temporarily stores the data 352 in the memory 305. Thereafter, the controller 302 analyzes the stored data 352 and notifies the CPU 350 of the signal 353 and the signal 354 via the communication unit 351. The CPU 350 controls each actuator, which will be described later, based on the notified signal, and conveys the printed sheet S to each of the storage units 201 to 203.

  Next, control when the sheet S is exposed from the unit 200 will be described. When the user instructs the external device 300 or the operation display unit 307 and the reading unit 308 to discharge the sheet S stored in the storage unit, a signal 357 is notified to the controller 302. After determining the storage unit to be discharged, the controller 302 notifies the CPU 350 of a signal 357 via the communication unit 351 and instructs the discharge of the sheet S stored in the corresponding storage unit. The CPU 350 controls each actuator, which will be described later, so as to expose the notified sheet S of the storage unit from the opening 250 to the outside of the apparatus.

  Next, each actuator connected to the CPU 350 will be described.

  A motor driver 358 is connected to the output terminal of the CPU 350. The driver 358 drives the transport motor 359. As the motor 359 rotates, the rollers 211, 212, and 213 rotate to convey the sheet S to the storage units 201 to 203.

  A motor driver 360 is connected to the output terminal of the CPU 350. The driver 360 drives the discharge motor 361. When the motor 361 is rotated clockwise (CW direction), the moving unit 241 moves toward the opening 250. When the motor 361 is rotated counterclockwise (CCW direction), the moving unit 241 moves in the direction opposite to the opening 250. Similarly, motor drivers 362 and 364 are connected to output terminals of the CPU 350 to drive the discharge motors 363 and 365, respectively. The motor 363 controls the moving unit 242, and the motor 365 controls the moving unit 243.

  The sensor 231 uses the pull-up resistor 366 and inputs information about whether or not the sheet S is stored in the storage unit 201 to the CPU 350 via the buffer 367. Similarly, the sensor 232 inputs information about whether the sheet S is stored in the storage unit 202 to the CPU 350, and the sensor 233 inputs information about whether the sheet S is stored in the storage unit 203 to the CPU 350. To do.

  The sensor 236 uses the pull-up resistor 375 and inputs information about whether or not the sheet S is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body 103 from the opening 250 via the buffer 376 to the CPU 350.

  An actuator (not shown) for switching the switching member 133 is connected to the output terminal of the CPU 350. When the actuator is ON, the switching member 133 is switched so that the sheet S is guided in the direction of the guide 129. When the actuator is OFF, the switching member 133 is switched so that the sheet S is guided toward the guide 132. Similarly, an actuator (not shown) for switching the switching member 134 is connected to the output terminal of the CPU 350. The switching member 134 is switched so that the sheet S is guided in the direction of the guide 130 when the actuator is ON, and is guided in the direction of the guide 131 when it is OFF. The CPU 350 switches the switching members 133 and 134 based on the signal 354 notified from the controller 302.

(Description of the operation of the sheet storage unit)
In the apparatus 100 described above, the user selects either the buffer mode for temporarily storing the sheet S in the unit 200 or the normal mode for discharging the sheet S to the tray 124 from the external device 300 or the operation display unit 307. be able to. The selected mode is stored in the memory 305. A flowchart when the user instructs printing of the sheet S is shown in FIG. Note that the control based on these flowcharts is executed based on a program stored in the memory 305 by the controller 302 described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the user instructs printing of the sheet S through the external device 300, data 352 is transmitted to the controller 302 (S401). When the data 352 is received, the controller 302 refers to the information stored in the memory 305 and confirms whether the buffer mode is selected (S402). When the buffer mode is selected, the controller 302 temporarily stores the sheet S in the unit 200 (S403). If the normal mode is selected, the controller 302 causes the tray 124 to discharge the sheet S (S404). The control of this flowchart is complete | finished above. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the user selects a mode in advance, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that each time the user instructs printing, the user decides in which mode to operate.

  When the sheets S are stored in the unit 200, the sheets S are distributed to the storage units 201 to 203 according to a predetermined rule. In this embodiment, the sheets S are distributed to different storage units for each job number of the sheet S. Further, when the sheet S is exposed from the unit 200, the user's sheet S instructed to discharge the sheet S is exposed from the opening 250 to the outside of the apparatus main body 103. The user can issue a discharge instruction by inputting a preset password to the external device 300 or the operation display unit 307. Alternatively, the discharge instruction can be issued by causing the ID card reading means 308 to read its own ID card and performing user authentication. In the present embodiment, as described above, individual actuators that drive the moving means 241 to 243 are provided in the respective accommodating portions 201 to 203. Therefore, even when sheets S of the same user are stored in a plurality of storage units, the user can collectively receive the sheets S by driving the actuators. Further, the job number of the sheet S, the information of the user who instructed the printing of the sheet S, and the like are stored in the memory 305 provided in the controller 302. The controller 302 specifies the sheet S to be discharged with reference to the memory 305 and instructs the unit 200 to discharge in response to the user instructing the discharge.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the unit 200. In FIG. 7A, the sheet A of the user A is stored in the storage unit 201, and the sheet S of the user B is stored in the storage units 202 and 203. The storage unit 202 stores the sheet S of job number 2 among the sheets that the user B has instructed to print, and the storage unit 203 stores the sheet S of job number 1. 7B, when the user B is instructed to eject the sheet S, the moving means 242 and 243 move toward the opening 250, and the sheet bundle SB is exposed from the opening 250 and stopped. . Thus, a state in which a part of the sheet is inside the apparatus main body 103 and the sheet is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body 103 from the opening 250 is defined as an exposed state.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device 100 at this time. From the opening 250, the leading end SB2 of the sheet bundle SB exposed from the storage portions 202 and 203 is exposed. The user can take out the sheet bundle SB by grasping and pulling the tip SB2 exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body 103.

  Here, the periphery of the unit 200 is surrounded except for a conveyance port (not shown) for conveying the sheet S and an opening 250 for exposing the accommodated sheet S. The member surrounding the unit 200 is made of an opaque material. Therefore, in the state accommodated in each accommodating part 201-203, the information printed on the sheet | seat S of each accommodating part cannot be seen by the user. As a result, the user cannot see the information printed on his / her sheet S by other users, and the confidentiality of the information can be improved.

  On the other hand, in the sense of enhancing the confidentiality of information, there is an image forming apparatus that starts image formation after performing user authentication using an ID card or the like. However, as compared with such an apparatus, the apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment only needs to expose the sheet S on which an image has already been formed from the storage units 201 to 203. Therefore, after performing user authentication, the sheet S can be quickly taken out without waiting for the time for image formation.

  Further, when the user instructs the apparatus 100 to discharge, only his / her sheet can be taken out. This eliminates the need for the user to search for his / her sheet from the tray 124 in which his / her sheet and another person's sheet are mixed.

  As described above, when sheets S having the same job number can be stored in one storage unit, that is, when the number of sheets S transported by the transport unit 105 is equal to or less than the number of sheets S that can be stored in one storage unit, Control. That is, based on a discharge instruction from the user, the sheets S accommodated in the plurality of accommodating portions are overlapped and exposed from the opening portion 250. This is convenient because the user can take out a plurality of sheets S collectively. On the other hand, when the user issues an instruction to store more sheets S than can be stored in one storage unit, that is, when sheets S having the same job number cannot be stored in one storage unit, the transport unit 105 is as follows. Sort out. That is, even if the sheets S have the same job number, the sheets S are distributed to different storage units. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, when the sheet S is not stored in the storage unit 202, the number of sheets of job number 1 that the user B has instructed to print is larger than the number of sheets that can be stored in the storage unit 203. The sheet S with job number 1 is also distributed to the storage unit 202. This case will be described in detail below.

(Control when sheets having the same job number cannot be stored in one sheet storage unit)
Next, control when sheets S having the same job number cannot be stored in one storage unit will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this embodiment, even in such a case, the user can take out the sheet S in a state where the order of the pages is the same. Control based on the flowchart of FIG. 9 is executed by the controller 302 and the like described in FIG.

  First, when the buffer mode is selected in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the controller 302 moves to the flowchart of FIG. 9, and determines whether there is an empty storage unit in the unit 200 by the sensors 231 to 233 (S <b> 501). When there is an empty storage unit, the controller 302 causes the transport unit 105 to transport the printed sheet to the storage unit (S502). At this time, when there are a plurality of vacant storage units, the transport unit 105 transports the sheet S preferentially to the storage unit located in the lower stage. Thereafter, the controller 302 determines whether the conveyance of all the sheets S having the same job number has been completed (S503). If it is determined that the conveyance of all the sheets has not been completed, the controller 302 waits for the empty space in the storage unit until the conveyance of all the sheets S is completed. When the accommodation unit is empty, the controller 302 causes the conveyance unit 105 to convey the sheets S in order from the empty accommodation unit (S501, S502).

  When the user issues a discharge instruction after the conveyance of all the sheets S having the same job number is completed and the controller 302 receives the discharge instruction signal 357 (S504), the controller 302 makes the following determination. That is, it is determined whether or not the sheets S accommodated in the accommodating portion are accommodated in a state where the page order is aligned (S505). Here, the state in which the order of the pages is aligned refers to a case where the page numbers are continuously arranged in ascending order or descending order along the direction (vertical direction) in which the plurality of accommodating portions 201 to 203 are arranged. Point to. If it is determined that the sheets are stored in the same page order, the controller 302 performs control so that the sheets S stored in the plurality of storage units are exposed through the opening 250 (S506). Then, when the sensor 236 is switched from the on state to the off state, the controller 302 determines that the sheet S has been taken out from the opening 250 (S507). On the other hand, if it is determined that the sheets are not stored in the same order, the controller 302 controls the sheet S to be exposed from the opening 250 in order from the storage section in which the sheet S having the smallest page number is stored. (S508). Then, when the sensor 236 is switched from the on state to the off state, the controller 302 determines that the sheet S has been taken out from the opening 250 (S509). Thereafter, the controller 302 determines whether all the sheets S having the same job number have been taken out (S510). If it is determined that all the sheets S have not been taken out, the controller 302 performs control so that the sheets S are exposed from the opening 250 in order from the storage unit in which the sheet S of the next page number is stored (S508). , S509). If it is determined that all sheets S have been taken out, the controller 302 ends the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the unit 200 when the above control is executed. In FIG. 10A, the sheet S of the user A is stored in the storage unit 201, and the sheet S of the user B is stored in the storage unit 203. In the present embodiment, the number of sheets S that can be accommodated in each of the accommodating portions 201 to 203 is ten. In this state, when the user C newly issues a print instruction for 20 sheets S, the transport unit 105 first transports the sheets S with the page numbers 1 to 10 to the empty storage unit 202 (FIG. 10B). . Since there is no other vacant storage unit, the controller 302 waits until the vacancy comes out in the storage unit.

  Next, a case where user A issues a discharge instruction and a case where user B issues a discharge instruction will be described separately. First, when the user A issues a discharge instruction, the controller 302 exposes the sheet S from the storage unit 201 (FIG. 10C). When the controller 302 determines that the sheet S has been taken out by switching the sensor 236 from the on state to the off state, the controller 302 causes the conveyance unit 105 to store the sheet S of the user C with the next page numbers 11 to 20 in the storage unit 201. (Fig. 10 (d)). In the present embodiment, the sheet S is accommodated in each of the accommodating portions 201 to 203 in a face-down state. For this reason, in the state of FIG. 10D, the page numbers of the sheets S of the user C are continuously arranged along the vertical direction. Therefore, when the user C issues a discharge instruction, the controller 302 exposes the sheet S from the storage unit 201 and the storage unit 202 (FIG. 10E). As a result, the user C can take out the sheets S together with the same page numbers. In this way, by exposing the sheets S all at once, the number of times the user takes out the sheets S can be reduced, and usability can be improved.

  In FIG. 10B, when the user B issues a discharge instruction, the controller 302 exposes the sheet S from the storage unit 203 (FIG. 10F). When the controller 302 determines that the sheet S has been taken out by switching from the ON state to the OFF state, the controller 302 causes the conveyance unit 105 to store the sheet S of the user C with the next page numbers 11 to 20 in the storage unit 203. (Fig. 10 (g)). In FIG. 10G, the page numbers of the sheets S of the user C are not continuously arranged along the vertical direction. Accordingly, when the user C issues a discharge instruction, the controller 302 first exposes the sheet S from the storage unit 202 (FIG. 10 (h)). When the sensor 236 switches from the on state to the off state and determines that the sheet S having the page numbers 1 to 10 has been taken out, the controller 302 exposes the sheet S from the storage unit 203 (FIG. 10 (i)). ). As a result, the user C can take out the sheet S with the same page numbers.

  As described above, when one job uses two or more of the plurality of storage units, by switching the operation when exposing the sheet S, the user can change the page order. The sheet S can be taken out.

  In the present embodiment, when the sheet S having the page numbers 1 to 10 and the sheet S having the page numbers 11 to 20 cannot be exposed from the opening 250 at the same time, the user needs to take out the sheet S a plurality of times. At this time, considering that the user does not notice that the sheet S with the page numbers 11 to 20 is exposed later, a message is displayed on the operation display unit 307 after the sheet S with the page numbers 1 to 10 is taken out by the user. May be displayed. That is, the user may be notified by the operation panel or the like that there is a sheet S that has not been taken out.

  In the present embodiment, the case where there is an instruction to print 20 sheets S in a state where the sheets S are stored in the storage units 201 and 203 has been described. However, the storage units 202 and 203 or the storage unit 201 202 may contain sheets S. Further, the number of sheets S to be printed may be larger than the number of sheets (10 sheets) that can be accommodated in one accommodation section and less than or equal to the number of sheets (20 sheets) that can be accommodated in two accommodation sections, and according to the control sequence of FIG. The sheet S may be exposed. Furthermore, the number of sheets S to be printed may be larger than the number of sheets (20 sheets) that can be accommodated in the two accommodation sections, and may be less than the number of sheets (30 sheets) that can be accommodated in the three accommodation sections. This case will be described in detail below.

  A case where the user C issues a print instruction for 30 sheets S will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. First, FIG. 11 will be described. As a result of the user C issuing an instruction to print 30 sheets S, it is assumed that the sheet S of the user C is accommodated as shown in FIG. In FIG. 11A, a sheet S with page numbers 11 to 20 of the user C is stored in the storage unit 201. The accommodation unit 202 accommodates sheets S of page numbers 1 to 10 of the user C. The accommodation unit 203 accommodates sheets S of the page numbers 21 to 30 of the user C. In FIG. 11A, the page numbers of the sheets S of the user C are not continuously arranged along the vertical direction. Therefore, when the flowchart of FIG. 9 is followed, the controller 302 exposes the sheets S in the order of the storage units 202, 201, and 203. However, when even a part of the page numbers are continuously arranged along the vertical direction, the sheets S may be overlaid and exposed from the plurality of storage units. That is, as shown in FIG. 11B, the controller 302 exposes the sheets S accommodated in the accommodating portions 201 and 202 in which the page numbers are continuously arranged along the vertical direction, overlapping the opening 250. You may control to make it. When it is determined that the sheet S having the page numbers 1 to 20 has been taken out by switching the sensor 236 from the on state to the off state, the controller 302 exposes the sheet S from the storage unit 203 (FIG. 11C). ).

  Next, FIG. 12 will be described. As a result of the user C issuing an instruction to print 30 sheets S, it is assumed that the sheet S of the user C is accommodated as shown in FIG. In FIG. 12A, the accommodation unit 201 accommodates sheets S of page numbers 21 to 30 of the user C. The accommodation unit 202 accommodates sheets S of page numbers 1 to 10 of the user C. The accommodation unit 203 accommodates the sheets S of the page numbers 11 to 20 of the user C. In FIG. 12A, the page numbers of the sheets S of the user C are not continuously arranged along the vertical direction. Therefore, when the flowchart of FIG. 9 is followed, the controller 302 exposes the sheets S in the order of the storage units 202, 203, and 201. However, as described with reference to FIG. 11, when at least part of the page numbers are continuously arranged along the vertical direction, the sheets S may be overlapped and exposed from the plurality of storage units. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, the controller 302 exposes the sheet S from the storage unit 202. When the sensor 236 is switched from the on state to the off state and it is determined that the sheet S having the page numbers 1 to 10 has been taken out, the controller 302 may control to expose the remaining sheets S together. Good. That is, the sheet S accommodated in the accommodating portions 201 and 203 in which the page numbers are continuously arranged along the vertical direction may be controlled to be exposed from the opening 250 in an overlapping manner. (FIG. 12 (c)). In this way, by exposing all the sheets arranged in a state where even part of the page numbers are aligned, the number of times the user takes out the sheet S can be reduced, and usability can be improved.

(Example 2)
In the first embodiment, the discharge control when a sheet having one job number is stored in a plurality of storage units has been described. In this embodiment, a description will be given of discharge control when a plurality of sheets with job numbers or sheets with a plurality of copies are stored in a plurality of storage units. The description of the main part is the same as that of the first embodiment, and only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described here.

  Control for discharging a plurality of job number sheets or a plurality of copy number sheets will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the number of copies is a unit for printing a plurality of the same printed matter, and the number of copies represents a number corresponding to each number of copies. The control based on the flowchart of FIG. 13 is executed based on a program stored in the memory 305 by the controller 302 described in FIG.

  First, when the buffer mode is selected in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the controller 302 moves to the flowchart of FIG. 13, and determines whether there is an empty storage unit in the unit 200 by the sensors 231 to 233 (S <b> 601). If there is a vacant storage unit, the controller 302 causes the transport unit 105 to transport the printed sheet to the storage unit (S602). At this time, when there are a plurality of vacant storage units, the transport unit 105 transports the sheet S preferentially to the storage unit located in the lower stage. Thereafter, the controller 302 determines whether the conveyance of all the sheets S has been completed (S603). In this embodiment, it is determined whether the conveyance of all the sheets S having different job numbers or number of copies is completed, not limited to the sheets S having the same job number. When it is determined that the conveyance of all the sheets S has not been completed, the controller 302 waits for empty space in the storage unit until the conveyance of all the sheets S is completed. When the accommodation unit is empty, the controller 302 causes the conveyance unit 105 to convey the sheets S sequentially from the empty accommodation unit (S601, S602).

  After the conveyance of all the sheets S is completed, when the user issues a discharge instruction and the controller 302 receives the discharge instruction signal 357 (S604), the controller 302 makes the following determination. That is, it is determined whether or not the sheets S accommodated in the accommodating portion are accommodated in a state in which the page order is aligned (S605). Here, the state in which the page order is aligned means that the page numbers of the sheets S having the same job number are arranged in ascending or descending order along the direction (vertical direction) in which the plurality of storage units 201 to 203 are arranged. It refers to the case where they are lined up. When the sheet S having a different job number or number of copies is included in the storage unit to be discharged, the process proceeds to S608. If it is determined that the sheets are stored in the same page order, the controller 302 performs control so that the sheets S stored in the plurality of storage units are exposed through the opening 250 (S606). Then, when the sensor 236 is switched from the on state to the off state, the controller 302 determines that the sheet S has been taken out from the opening 250 (S607).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the sheets are not stored in the same order, the controller 302 determines whether or not the sheet S is stored in a different storage unit for each job number (S608). Although details will be described later, this is a state in which a sheet S having one job number is stored in one storage unit. For example, the sheet S with job number 1 is stored in the storage unit 201, the sheet S with job number 2 is stored in the storage unit 202, and the sheet S with job number 3 is stored in the storage unit 203. When it is determined that the sheet S is stored in a different storage unit for each job number, the controller 302 performs the control in S606 and S607 described above.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the sheet S is not stored in a different storage unit for each job number, the controller 302 determines whether the sheet S is stored in a different storage unit for each copy number (S609). Although details will be described later, this is a state in which a sheet S having one copy number is accommodated in one accommodation unit. For example, a sheet S with job number 1 and copy number 1 is stored in the storage unit 201, a sheet S with job number 1 and copy number 2 is stored in the storage unit 202, and a sheet S with job number 1 and copy number 3 is stored in the storage unit 203. It is in a state. Here, some of the job numbers of the sheets S stored in the storage units may be the same. When it is determined that the sheet S is stored in a different storage unit for each copy number, the controller 302 determines whether the setting for printing the copy number on the sheet S is present or not (S610). . This setting can be changed in advance by the user via the external device 300 or the operation display unit 307. When the copy number print setting is not set, the user cannot recognize the difference between the sheets S of the respective copies, and therefore the controller 302 performs the control in S606 and S607 described above. That is, since the sheet S with the copy number 1 and the sheet S with the copy number 2 are the same printed matter and the copy number is not printed, the user does not need to rearrange the sheets S discharged together.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the sheet S is not stored in a different storage unit for each copy number, or if there is a copy number print setting, the controller 302 starts from the storage unit in which the sheet S with the smallest number is stored. Control is performed so that the sheet S is exposed in order (S611). Here, each number means a page number, a job number, and a copy number, and it is possible to appropriately set which number is given priority for ejection. Then, when the sensor 236 is switched from the on state to the off state, the controller 302 determines that the sheet S has been taken out from the opening 250 (S612). Thereafter, the controller 302 determines whether all the sheets S have been taken out (S613). If it is determined that all the sheets S have not been taken out, the controller 302 performs control so that the sheets S are exposed from the opening 250 in order from the storage unit in which the next sheet S is stored (S611, S611). S612). If it is determined that all sheets S have been taken out, the controller 302 ends the flowchart of FIG.

  The operation of the unit 200 when the above control is executed will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 14 will be described. It is assumed that the user C issues a printing instruction twice and the sheet S of the user C is accommodated as shown in FIG. In FIG. 14A, the storage unit 201 stores sheets S of the job number 1, the copy number 1, and the page numbers 1 to 10 of the user C. The storage unit 202 stores the sheet S of the job number 2, the copy number 1, and the page numbers 1 to 10 of the user C. The storage unit 203 stores the sheet S of the job number 2, the copy number 2, and the page numbers 1 to 10 of the user C. Here, the sheet S stored in the storage unit 202 and the sheet S stored in the storage unit 203 differ only in the number of copies. In FIG. 14, since the copy number print setting is set, it cannot be said that the sheets S accommodated in the respective accommodating portions are the same printed matter. That is, the copy number 1 is printed on the sheet S stored in the storage unit 202, and the copy number 2 is printed on the sheet S stored in the storage unit 203. Therefore, when the flowchart of FIG. 13 is followed, the controller 302 exposes the sheet S from the accommodation unit 203 after exposing the sheet S from the accommodation units 201 and 202 (FIG. 14B) (FIG. 14 (b)). c)). This order is an order determined by giving priority to the copy number. By exposing the sheets S in this order, the user need not rearrange the number of copies of the taken sheets S.

  Next, FIG. 15 will be described. Assume that the user C issues a print instruction twice, and the sheet S of the user C is accommodated as shown in FIG. In FIG. 15A, the storage unit 201 stores sheets S of job number 1, copy number 1, and page numbers 1 to 10 of user C. The storage unit 202 stores the sheet S of the job number 2, the copy number 1, and the page numbers 1 to 10 of the user C. The storage unit 203 stores the sheet S of the job number 2, the copy number 2, and the page numbers 1 to 10 of the user C. Here, the sheet S stored in the storage unit 202 and the sheet S stored in the storage unit 203 differ only in the number of copies. In FIG. 14, since the copy number print setting is not set, the sheets S accommodated in the respective accommodating portions are the same printed matter. Therefore, according to the flowchart of FIG. 13, the controller 302 exposes the sheets S from the plurality of storage portions 201 to 203 in an overlapping manner (FIG. 15B). As described above, when sheets are stored in different storage units for each job number or for each copy number, the sheets are exposed in a state where the page numbers are arranged in each storage unit regardless of the order in which the sheets S are stored. be able to. Therefore, the number of times the user takes out the sheet S can be reduced, and usability can be improved.

  In this embodiment, the case where the job number is two and the number of copies is two has been described. However, the sheet S may be exposed according to the same sequence when the number of jobs is three or more. .

(Modification)
In the above embodiment, since the sheet moving means of each storage unit has individual actuators, the sheets stored in the plurality of storage units can be exposed by being driven simultaneously. . On the other hand, by providing a smaller number of actuators than the number of accommodating portions, for example, by providing drive transmission switching means such as a clutch (not shown), a plurality of sheet moving means are selectively moved by one actuator. Also good.

  In the above embodiment, the controller 302 is provided with the memory 305. However, the memory 305 may be provided in the engine control unit 303 and the sheet storage unit control unit 304, or may be provided independently in the image forming apparatus control unit 301. In the above embodiment, the controller 302 determines the storage unit that conveys the sheet S and the storage unit that exposes the sheet S. However, the engine control unit 303, the sheet storage unit control unit 304, etc. It may be performed by the control unit.

  In the above-described embodiment, the engine control unit 303 and the sheet storage unit control unit 304 are configured separately. However, only the engine control unit 303 may be configured. In that case, the engine control unit 303 may control the conveyance unit 105 and the sheet storage unit 200.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the sheet conveyance paths merge on the downstream side of each accommodating portion and only one opening portion is described, but a plurality of opening portions may be separately provided. And the structure which exposes each sheet | seat accommodated in each accommodating part from another opening part may be sufficient.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the three accommodating portions are provided has been described. However, the number of the accommodating portions is not limited to three. The number of storage units may be set in accordance with the environment in which the image forming apparatus 100 is used, the number of users to be used jointly, or the specifications of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the sheet storage unit 200 is configured integrally with the image forming apparatus 100 has been described. On the other hand, the sheet storage unit 200 may be provided so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus 100. In that case, a control unit provided in the image forming apparatus 100 may control the operation of the sheet storage unit 200. In addition, an independent control unit may be provided in the sheet storage unit 200 and the operation may be controlled by communicating with the control unit provided in the image forming apparatus 100. An opening 250 is provided in the main body of the unit 200, and a part of the sheet S is exposed therefrom.

  In the above embodiment, an example of a laser beam printer is shown. However, the image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this, and a printer of another printing system such as an ink jet printer or a copying machine. But you can.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Image forming part 103 Apparatus main body 105 Conveyance part 201,202,203 Storage part 241,242,243 Sheet moving means 250 Opening part

Claims (21)

An apparatus body forming an opening;
An image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet;
A plurality of storage units for storing sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit in the apparatus main body;
Sheet moving means for moving the sheet accommodated in the accommodating portion and stopping the sheet in an exposed state in which a part of the sheet is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body from the opening;
In an image forming apparatus having a detection unit that detects the exposed sheet.
A first mode in which the sheet accommodated in the first accommodating portion and the sheet accommodated in the second accommodating portion are moved by the sheet moving means and stopped in the exposed state; and the first mode by the sheet moving means. After moving the sheet accommodated in the accommodating part, and stopping in the exposed state, the condition that the detection part has changed from the state of detecting the sheet to the state of not detecting the sheet, An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to switch and control a second mode in which the sheet stored in the second storage unit is moved by the sheet moving unit and stopped in the exposed state. A plurality of sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit, a conveyance unit that distributes and conveys the plurality of sheets to the plurality of storage units according to a predetermined rule;
The number of sheets distributed to the first storage unit by the transport unit is less than or equal to the number of sheets that can be stored in the first storage unit, and the number of sheets distributed to the second storage unit by the transport unit is The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control in the first mode when the number of sheets is equal to or less than the number of sheets that can be stored in the second storage unit.   When the number of sheets distributed to the first storage unit by the transport unit is larger than the number of sheets that can be stored in the first storage unit, the transport unit transfers the remaining sheets to the second storage unit. The page number of the sheet conveyed and distributed and stored in the first storage unit and the page number of the sheet stored in the second storage unit are the first storage unit and the second storage unit. Are arranged in ascending or descending order along the direction in which the sheets are arranged, the control unit performs control in the first mode, and the page number of the sheet stored in the first storage unit When the page numbers of the sheets stored in the second storage unit are not continuously arranged in ascending or descending order along the direction, the control unit performs control in the second mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. .   When the job number of the sheet distributed to the first storage unit by the transport unit is different from the job number of the sheet distributed to the second storage unit, the control unit performs control in the first mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is performed.   When the number of copies of the sheet distributed to the first storage unit by the transport unit is different from the number of sheets of the sheet distributed to the second storage unit, the control unit performs control in the first mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is performed.   In a mode in which the image forming unit forms a copy number on a sheet, the copy number assigned to the first storage unit by the transport unit and the number of sheets distributed to the second storage unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit performs control in the second mode even when the numbers are different.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transport unit sorts and transports sheets in order from a storage unit that can store sheets.   3. The rule according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined rule is a rule that sorts and conveys a sheet to a user who has issued an image formation instruction, a sheet job number, or a different number of sheet copies. 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7. It has an input means that can input information about users,
9. The sheet moving unit according to claim 1, wherein the sheet moving unit moves the target user's sheet and stops in the exposed state on condition that information on the user is input by the input unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first storage unit and the second storage unit are arranged side by side in a vertical direction. In a sheet storage unit used in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet,
The main body of the unit forming the opening;
A plurality of storage portions for storing a sheet on which an image is formed inside the main body of the unit;
Sheet moving means for moving the sheet accommodated in the accommodating portion and stopping the sheet in an exposed state in which a part of the sheet is exposed to the outside of the unit main body from the opening;
A detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of the sheet in the exposed state;
A first mode in which the sheet accommodated in the first accommodating portion and the sheet accommodated in the second accommodating portion are moved by the sheet moving means and stopped in the exposed state; and the first mode by the sheet moving means. After moving the sheet accommodated in the accommodating part, and stopping in the exposed state, the condition that the detection part has changed from the state of detecting the sheet to the state of not detecting the sheet, A sheet storage unit, comprising: a control unit that switches and controls a second mode in which the sheet stored in the second storage unit is moved by the sheet moving unit and stopped in the exposed state. A transport unit configured to distribute and transport a plurality of sheets on which images are formed by the image forming apparatus to the plurality of storage units according to a predetermined rule;
The number of sheets distributed to the first storage unit by the transport unit is less than or equal to the number of sheets that can be stored in the first storage unit, and the number of sheets distributed to the second storage unit by the transport unit is 12. The sheet storage unit according to claim 11, wherein when the number of sheets is equal to or smaller than the number of sheets that can be stored in the second storage unit, the control unit performs control in the first mode.   When the number of sheets distributed to the first storage unit by the transport unit is larger than the number of sheets that can be stored in the first storage unit, the transport unit transfers the remaining sheets to the second storage unit. The page number of the sheet conveyed and distributed and stored in the first storage unit and the page number of the sheet stored in the second storage unit are the first storage unit and the second storage unit. Are arranged in ascending or descending order along the direction in which the sheets are arranged, the control unit performs control in the first mode, and the page number of the sheet stored in the first storage unit When the page numbers of the sheets stored in the second storage unit are not continuously arranged in ascending or descending order along the direction, the control unit performs control in the second mode. The sheet storage according to claim 12. Unit.   When the job number of the sheet distributed to the first storage unit by the transport unit is different from the job number of the sheet distributed to the second storage unit, the control unit performs control in the first mode. The sheet storage unit according to claim 12, wherein the sheet storage unit is performed.   When the number of copies of the sheet distributed to the first storage unit by the transport unit is different from the number of sheets of the sheet distributed to the second storage unit, the control unit performs control in the first mode. The sheet storage unit according to claim 12, wherein the sheet storage unit is performed.   When the mode of the image forming apparatus is a mode of forming a copy number on a sheet, the copy number of the sheet distributed to the first storage unit by the transport unit and the sheet distributed to the second storage unit The sheet storage unit according to claim 15, wherein the control unit performs control in the second mode even when the number of copies is different.   The sheet storage unit according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the transport unit sorts and transports sheets in order from a storage unit that can store sheets.   13. The rule according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined rule is a rule that sorts and conveys a sheet to a user who issued an image formation instruction, a sheet job number, or a sheet number corresponding to each sheet number. The sheet storage unit according to any one of claims 17 to 17. It has an input means that can input information about users,
19. The sheet moving unit according to claim 11, wherein the sheet moving unit moves the target user's sheet and stops in the exposed state on condition that information on the user is input by the input unit. The sheet storage unit according to claim 1.   The sheet accommodation unit according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the first accommodation portion and the second accommodation portion are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.   The sheet storage unit according to claim 11, wherein the sheet storage unit is detachable from the image forming apparatus.