JP2991295B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus which can be applied to a digital copying machine and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional copying machine, there is a copying machine provided with a sorter in a paper discharge section in order to sort each document when copying from a plurality of documents.

[0003]

By the way, in order to sort the copies, the sorter is mainly used to move a copy storage bin up and down, and has a plurality of arrangements. Space was needed for the sorter installation.

A first object of the present invention is to perform sorting without the need for an external sorter (sorting device), to reduce the installation area and cost, and to make the recording paper horizontally long in the transport direction. Priority is given to the paper slot set in
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of increasing a copy speed.

[0005] A second problem of the present invention is that when the paper is exhausted during output, the apparatus has to be stopped until the paper is replenished, but it is possible to output the same size paper. Therefore, stoppage of the device can be reduced,
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving productivity.

[0006]

A first object of the present invention is to provide a paper feeding means having a plurality of paper feeding ports for feeding recording paper, and a recording paper set in each paper feeding port of the paper feeding means. Detection means for detecting the size and direction of the image, storage means for storing image data, image recording means for recording the image data read from the storage means on the recording paper fed by the paper feeding means, A conversion unit that converts an address when reading image data from the storage unit; and a detection unit that detects that recording papers of the same size and different in a setting direction are set in each paper feed port of the paper feed unit. In this case, the paper feed port in which the recording paper is set horizontally long in the transport direction is prioritized, and the image data is converted into page units in accordance with the direction of the image data and the recording paper fed by the paper feeding means. Rotate 90 ° with Is solved by the first means and a control means for converting the read address by the Hare said converting means.

[0007] The second problem is that in the first means,
If the recording paper runs out during recording by the image recording means, the problem is solved by the second means for switching to another paper feed port on which recording paper of the same size is set and feeding paper.

[0008]

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

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outline of the overall configuration of the embodiment, FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of an image reading unit, FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of an image recording unit, and FIG. FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the entire control system, FIG. 6 is a block diagram of control of the image reading unit, FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control system of the image storage unit, FIG.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an image matrix, FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 are timing charts of respective signals, and FIG. 13 is a front view showing another embodiment using roll paper.

1 to 4, reference numeral 1 denotes a contact glass, 2 denotes a document, 3 denotes a filter, 4 denotes a lens, and 5 denotes a first lens.
Scanner, 6 is a fluorescent lamp, 7 is a first mirror, 8 is a second scanner, 9 is a second mirror, 10 is a third mirror, 11 is a CC
D element, 12 is a white plate as document size detecting means, 13 is a pressure plate, 14 is a reference white plate, 15 and 16 are paper feed ports, 17 is a registration detection sensor, 18 is a semiconductor laser, 19 is a cylinder lens, and 20 is a polygon mirror. , 21 are fθ lenses,
22 is a mirror, 23 is a synchronous reflector, 24 is a synchronous detector,
Reference numeral 25 denotes a photoreceptor. Around the photoreceptor 25, there are disposed a process unit 30 for visualizing an image, such as a known charging unit 26, a developing unit 27, a transfer / separation unit 28, and a cleaning unit 29. You. Further, a recording medium (recording paper) 3 such as transfer paper
A transporting unit 32 including rollers, guides, and the like for transporting the recording medium 1, a recording medium size detecting unit 33, a fixing unit 34, a paper discharge tray 35, and the like are provided.

Next, the operation of the image reading means 51 will be described.
The original 2 is set on the contact glass 1, and a copy magnification (not shown), the number of copies, and automatic paper feed selection means (automatically detects the size of the original and sets a paper feed port in which the size of the recording medium 31 corresponding to the copy magnification is set) 15 and 16, the recording medium 31 is conveyed and copied therefrom), and the start key is pressed. Then, before reading the document image, first, the filter 3 shown in FIG. 2 rises immediately before the lens 4 by a solenoid (not shown) or the like. Next, a first scanner (a unit of a fluorescent lamp 6 and a first mirror 7) 5
Then, the second scanner (unit of the second mirror 9 and the third mirror 10) 8 performs a full scan and irradiates the CCD element 11 with light. First, the size detection white plate 12 is read, white level correction with the filter 3 is performed, and if the filter 3 is blue at the boundary between the original 2 and the pressure plate (yellow) 13, the pressure plate 1
The shading correction is performed by using the density difference obtained by cutting the yellow color of No. 3 to detect the maximum length of the original in the scanning direction (Y direction) and the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction (X direction). . Thereafter, the filter 3 falls again and performs scanning again. At this time, after the reference white plate 14 is read and white level correction is performed, the scanning speed is varied according to the magnification (for example, 20).
At 0%, the scan speed is 1/2 of the same magnification.) X
For the direction, the virtual sample point density is calculated by a known cubic function composition method or the like by electrical scaling, and is processed as image information. Up to this point, the reading of the size of the document 2 and the document image is completed.

In the image recording means 54 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the image information is stored in a plurality of storage means 52 (1), once.
52 (2)... Before entering at least one of 52 (10), the paper feed port 1 shown in FIG.
The leading end of the recording medium conveyed from the recording medium 5 or 16 is detected by the registration detection sensor 17, and thereafter, a laser beam is emitted from the semiconductor laser 18 of FIG. 4 at a predetermined timing. (1), 52
In (2), the writing of the image information is completed]. This laser light is condensed by a cylinder lens 19 and is incident on a polygon mirror 20 that rotates and scans. And fθ
The light enters a synchronization detection plate 24 via a lens 21, a mirror 22, and a synchronization mirror 23 for detecting the scanning position of the laser beam. Here, the laser beam that has passed through the fθ lens 21 is applied to the photoconductor 25, and the charge on the photoconductor 25 is skipped to form an electrostatic latent image.

The size of the recording medium 31 set in the paper feed ports 15 and 16 is determined by attaching a not-shown shielding plate having a cut-out shape that differs in size depending on the size at the leading ends of the cassettes 36a and 36b accommodating the recording medium 31. It can be known by reading the detection pattern by the recording medium size detection means 33.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the entire control system includes an image reading means 51, image storage means 52 (1), 52 (2)... For storing read image information, and storage means 52.
(1), 52 (2)... Image recording means 54 for reading out any of the image information and outputting it on recording paper, and input means 55 for inputting conditions for image recording (multiple magnification setting means, automatic paper feeding Selection mode, etc.) and the reading means 51, the storage means 52 (1), 52 (2),.
It comprises a system control means 56 for sending necessary information to the image recording means 54 and monitoring and controlling each state.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the reading means 51. The reading control circuit 57 drives and controls the fluorescent lamp 6 for exposing a document and the first and second scanners 5 and 8, and the clock for driving the CCD element 11. CK0 and CCD initialization pulse S.C. H. Driving circuit 58 for generating the
An image information processing circuit 60 which inputs image information VDin of the element 11 and performs binarization processing, halftone processing, scaling processing and the like based on information 59 from the system control means 56.

FIG. 7 shows image storage means 52 (1), 52
FIG. 4 is an internal block diagram of (2).
(1), 52 (2)... Have the same configuration. A main scanning address management circuit 61 that counts a clock CLK in units of one pixel of image information and manages addresses in the main scanning direction, and a synchronizing signal L. A bit-map type storage circuit 63 whose address is managed by a sub-scanning address management circuit 62 which counts Sync and manages an address in the sub-scanning direction; F. Gate (write signal to storage means); A memory control circuit 64 for controlling writing and reading of image information to and from the storage circuit 63 based on Req (readout signal from the storage means) and information from the system control means 56 and simultaneously switching a synchronization signal; A signal switching circuit 69;
An image information read request signal D. R
After receiving eq and before starting reading, DF / F is initialized by the memory control circuit 64, and inputs a pulse signal to invert the output when the value of the sub-scanning address management circuit 62 reaches a predetermined value. F65 and the outputs Q and Q of the DF / F 65 are input, and based on information from the input means 55, based on information sent from the system control means 56, and a signal output from the memory control circuit 64, A selection circuit 66 for selecting and outputting one of the input signals is connected to a line synchronizing signal R.R. in the main scanning direction when image information is read out. L. A gate circuit 68 is provided which takes the product of Gate and the AND gate 67, latches the image signal of the storage circuit 63 with the image information transfer clock CLK, and outputs the latched image signal. Only when both the input signals of the AND gate 67 are at the High level, the image information R.D. VD is output. The main scanning address management circuit 61 and the sub-scanning address management circuit 6
2 is an arbitrary preset value specified by the system control means 56 and after the count up or down is designated,
Count up (or down) by inputting a pulse,
It is based on a ring counter that returns to the original preset value after reaching a predetermined value.

In the case of the storage means 52 (2) and below, the reference numeral "a" is assigned to the member numbers (61 to 69) common to the storage means 52 (1) for easy understanding.

FIG. 8 is an internal block diagram of the image recording means 54. In the figure, an image recording control circuit 71 that conveys a recording medium from each of the paper feed ports 15 and 16 and controls the visualization of an image and exchanges information with the system control means 56; The rotation control of the polygon mirror 20 and the synchronization signal R.S. L. A video control circuit 7 that inputs a sync signal, modulates the semiconductor laser 18 based on the input signal, irradiates the modulated laser beam onto the polygon mirror 20, scans the photoconductor 25, and forms a latent image.
Consists of two.

Next, the storage means 52 (1), 52
(2) It is assumed that the bit map configuration of the storage circuits 63 and 63a satisfies the maximum recording width in the image recording unit 54 in the main scanning direction, and the length of the standard size paper with respect to the maximum recording width in the sub-scanning direction. If the maximum recording width (X direction) in the image recording means 54 satisfies the length in the direction 297 mm, the storage circuit 6
3 and 63a can store image information (420 mm) at the time of vertical feeding of the standard size A3.
By connecting the storage circuits of (1), 52 (2),..., It is possible to write and read the original at the time of A3 portrait feed without waste in 1 to 1.

Here, the operation of the above embodiment will be specifically described. When the document 2 is completely fed onto the contact glass 1 by the ADF not shown in FIG.
The read control circuit 57 outputs a read start signal Write. As a result, the image information processing circuit 60
The CCD initialization signal S.D. H. In sync with
Image information in the main scanning direction of the CCD is sequentially input, and a synchronization signal W. L. Sync, a gate signal W. for the image information in the main scanning direction. L. Gate, read start signal W. F. Gate and image information W.P. processed based on the input signal of the input means 55 (FIG. 5). VD is sequentially output. Here, the fluorescent lamp 6
Is already lit, and it is assumed that the reflected light of the fluorescent lamp 6 from the document 2 is imaged through the lens 4 on the CCD element 11. Since the first and second scanners 5 and 8 move continuously in the Y direction, the image information processing circuit 60 sequentially reads the image information of the document 2 in the main scanning direction (X direction) in the timing cycle of the CCD drive circuit 58. Input, process and output.

The reading control circuit 57 measures a certain time by a signal from a sensor (not shown) for reading the timing until the document 2 from the ADF is set on the contact glass 1, or a start key (not shown). Z)
The count of the initialization signal (synchronization signal) of the CCD drive circuit 58 is started from when the button is pressed.

The storage means 52 (1), 52 (2)...
Here, it is assumed that writing / reading is performed in the order of 52 (1) to 52 (10). The memory control circuit 64 of the storage means 52 outputs a read start signal W. F. G
First, the main scanning address management circuit 61 and the sub-scanning address management circuit 62 are initialized at the edge,
In this case, it is set to "0", and a W / R signal is output to cause the synchronization signal switching circuit 69 to output the synchronization signal W.R. L. The mode is switched to the Sync input, and the storage circuit 63 is set in a state of writing image information. Next, the gate signal W. L. Gat
When e rises, the main scanning address management circuit 61 starts counting up the address value. As a result, the storage circuit 63 outputs the gate signal W.D. from the main scanning address "0" of the sub-scanning address "0". L. By the time the main scanning address management circuit 61 counts up the address “r” before the image data W.G. Write VD.
Subsequently, the synchronization signal W. L. When Sync is input, the sub-scanning address management circuit 62 counts up the address value, and at the same time, initializes the main scanning address management circuit 61, that is, sets it to "0". The gate signal W. L.
Gate is started, and writing is performed in the same manner. Then, when the address value of the sub-scanning address management circuit 62 becomes "n", the main scanning address management circuit 61 is initialized, that is, set to "0" in the same manner as described above, and stored in the storage means 52 (2). On the other hand, storage means 52 (1)
That the writing of n has been completed at n, the next storage means 5
2 (2), which outputs a signal NEXT indicating that writing is performed. As a result, the storage means 52 (2) initializes the sub-scanning address management circuit 62a, that is, the address “0”.
To prepare for writing of image information to its own memory circuit 63a in the next cycle of the synchronization signal. This operation is sequentially performed up to the storage means 52 (10). The storage means 52 (1) stores the synchronization signal W. L. After the Sync, the gate signal W. L. When Gate rises, the image information W.G. is shifted from the main scanning address "0" of the last address "n" of the sub-scanning address of the storage circuit 63 to "r" in the same manner as described above.
VD is written, and the write operation is completed (image information processing circuit 6
0 stops input of image information of the CCD, and a read start signal W.O. F. Gate output is stopped).
Thereafter, the document 2 is ejected from the contact glass 1, and the next document 2a kicks a sensor (not shown), and thereafter, similarly, writes data in the storage circuit 63a.
Before that, the recording medium 31 matching the magnification of the original 2 reaches the registration detection sensor 17 and after a predetermined count (the distance between the position where the leading end of the recording medium 31 contacts the photoconductor 25 and the registration detection sensor 17 is equal to the above-mentioned value). Under the condition that the distance is longer than the distance between the contact point and the exposure position for forming a latent image), the image recording control circuit 71 stores the storage means 52 (1) (the storage means 52 (2) and below prepare for writing the next original 2a). A signal for requesting readout of image information to D. Output Req. In response to this signal, the memory control circuit 64 of the storage means 52 (1) applies the video control circuit 7
2 from the synchronization signal R.2 consisting of the detection signal of the scanning light from the synchronization detection plate 23 from the scanning light R.2. L. Synchronization is performed, the sub-scanning address management circuit 62 and the main scanning address management circuit 61 are initialized, and the output of the synchronization signal switching circuit 69 is simultaneously output from the synchronization signal R. L. A switching signal W / R is output so as to be synchronized, the storage circuit 63 is set to a read state, and an R.R. F. Gate
Is output. At the same time, D. The F / F circuit 65 is cleared, and the selection signal of the selection circuit 66 is set to the B input. A
The input is a mode used when editing an image, and is not particularly relevant in the present embodiment. That is, by selecting B which is inputting the cleared Q output (High) of the DF / F circuit 65, one input of the AND gate 67 is set to High.
When the remaining input is made, the latch circuit 68 is left as it is.
Will be entered.

Here, the memory control circuit 64 outputs the synchronization signal R. L. Synchronize with the Sync. Gate signal R.V. L. Gate is output, and the main scanning address management circuit 61 starts counting up. As a result, the output of the AND gate 67 becomes High.
And the latch circuit 68 is set to the output state of the image information, and the image information of the main scanning address “address 0” to “r address” of the sub-scanning address “address 0” is R. Read as VD.

Subsequently, the synchronization signal R. L. When Sync is input, the sub-scanning address management circuit 62 is counted up and the main scanning address management circuit 61 is initialized at the same time. L. Gate is output and the image information R.G. VD
Are sequentially read. Video control circuit 7 of image recording means 54
2 is an image information read start signal R.2 from the storage means 52 (1). F. Gate is input, and the image information and the gate signal R.G. L. Gate wait state. L. Gate
And image information R. VD is input to a toggle buffer memory (not shown). Then, the next R. L. Gate and image information R.G. In a cycle in which VD is input to another toggle buffer memory, image information is read out from the previously input toggle buffer memory, and based on this image information, the semiconductor laser 18 is modulated in synchronization with a synchronization detection signal of scanning light. Thus, a latent image is created on the photoconductor.
At this time, the storage unit 52 (1) also stores the synchronization signal R. L. Each time Sync is input, the gate signal R.S. L. Gate and image information R.G. Output VD,
The address value of the sub-scanning address management circuit 62 is counted up. Then, the sub-scanning address value becomes the final value “n”.
When the address becomes "address", a signal "NEXT" notifying that the reading has been completed is output to the storage means 52 (2), and the sub-scanning address "address n" from the main scanning address "address 0" to "r address r" is output. The image information is output together with the gate signal RL Gate, and the output of the read start signal RF Gate is stopped when the next synchronization signal RL Sync is input.
Since the writing to the storage means 52 (2) has already been completed before that, the memory control circuit 63a of the storage means 52 (2) has already been written.
Receives the read end signal NEXT from the storage means 52, and repeats the same procedure by the signal of the registration detection sensor 17 from the next recording medium 31, as described above.

The above is usually the case when the ratio of the size of the recording medium in the conveying direction and the size of the original in the sub-scanning (Y) direction or the ratio of the width of the recording medium and the size of the original in the main scanning (X) direction matches the copy magnification. ] Is a writing and reading procedure of the storage means. However, instead of the above case,
When the ratio of the size of the recording medium in the conveying direction and the size of the original in the main scanning (X) direction or the ratio of the size of the recording medium in the width direction and the size of the original in the sub-scanning (Y) direction is equal to the copy magnification (in the case described above). In other words, copying can be performed without any problem even when the setting direction of the recording medium is reversed).

The description is as follows. First, FIG.
9 (A), 9 (B) and 9 (C), FIG. 9 (A) shows a matrix A in which sub-scanning of a normal image is performed and main scanning is performed in columns.
9 (B) or FIG. 9
If the matrices B and C as shown in (C) are obtained, an image rotated by 90 ° can be obtained. When the size detection of the document 2 is completed, it is determined that a recording medium having a size corresponding to the copy magnification exists only in the set direction (in the automatic paper feed selection mode). However, at the time of writing, execution is performed in the normal mode as described above (even if writing is irregular from this stage, the result is the same). Read request signal D. Assuming that the preset values of the sub-scanning address management circuit 61 are k and l according to the output of Req, k = “0” and l = “r” in the case of the matrix B (or k = “n” in the case of the matrix C) , L = “0”).
Similarly, the memory control circuit 64 outputs the synchronization signal R. L. Synchronize with the Sync. Gate signal R.V. L. Gate is output, and in the case of matrix B, the count-up of the sub-scanning address management circuit 62 is started. As a result, the image information of the sub-scanning addresses “address 0” to “address n” of the main scanning address “address r” is stored in the R.P. V
Read as D. In the case of the matrix C, the countdown of the sub-scanning address management circuit 62 is started. As a result, the image information of the sub-scanning addresses “address n” to “address 0” of the main scanning address “address 0” is R. Read as VD. Subsequently, the synchronization signal R. L. When Sync is input, in the case of the matrix B, the main scanning address management circuit 61 is counted down, and at the same time, the sub-scanning address management circuit 62 is initialized (returned to a preset value of 0). L. Gate is output, and the count-up of the sub-scanning address management circuit 62 is started. Similarly, in the case of matrix C, the main scanning address management circuit 61 is counted up, and at the same time, the sub-scanning address management circuit 62 is initialized (returned to the preset value "n"). L. Gate is output, and the sub-scanning address management circuit 6
Start countdown of 2. By successively repeating the above, the image information can be converted into matrix B or C image information. The above operation is shown in the timing charts of FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG.

In the present embodiment, when a "sort mode" (not shown) is input from the operation unit in the present embodiment, originals are fed from the ADF (not shown), and are sequentially stored in the storage means 52 (1) and 52 (2). , 52 (10), image information is written. At about the same time, a recording medium 31 having a copy magnification multiple of the document size is selected, and an image is formed as described above. It is assumed that another recording medium 31 different from this recording medium 31 only in the feeding direction is set in the other paper feed ports 15 and 16. Then, the sheets are sequentially stacked on the paper discharge tray 35. When the end detection signal indicating that the document in the ADF has disappeared is activated and the image of the final document 2 is transferred to the recording medium by the photoreceptor 25, the other recording medium 31, which is different only in the feed direction, starts. D. An image is formed on the recording medium 31 by the Req signal. By sequentially repeating this, any number of copies of 10 or less different originals can be copied in page order, so that a sorter is not required. Of course,
The number of documents fed from the ADF is 10 or less, and 1
If there is one or more, it is only necessary to start the repeat once with 10 sheets. Even if the ADF is not used, from the point when the "Sort Mode" is keyed into the operation unit, the user presses the "Enter key" or "Repeat key" after copying from the original 2 of 10 sheets or less. Thus, the repeat operation can be started.

It is necessary to detect not only the size ratio of the recording medium and the original but also the type (plain paper and tracing paper, etc.) if there is a problem if the types of the recording media do not match. The same effect can be obtained when the recording medium is not only a sheet but also a roll paper. However, the size in this case is different from the case of the sheet, and only the information on the size in the width direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction is the priority condition (since the length in the conveyance direction can be cut at an arbitrary position by a cutter). In other words, as long as the ratio of the width of the roll paper to the size of the original in the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction matches the copy magnification, the size in the transport direction can be cut according to the original copy magnification. Thus, a desired copy image can be obtained.

FIG. 13 mainly shows differences from the sheet paper.
It will be explained in. FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the image recording means 54 for the roll paper A1, A2, A3.

The roll papers A1, A2 and A3 can be set freely according to the user's preference according to the paper quality of the recording medium, the paper width and the like. Now, one of the roll papers A1, A2, and A3 is selected according to the document size (for convenience, A2
Roll paper). Since the distance from the roll paper A2 to the transfer position is long, the driving of the motor 73 of the image recording control circuit 71 of the image recording means 54 shown in FIG. As a result, the feed roller pair B2 rotates, and the roll paper A2 whose leading end is conveyed immediately after the cutter C2 is reached. When the roll paper A2 reaches the sensor G2, the image recording control circuit 71 counts the length of the conveyed roller paper A2. , A synchronization signal R.1 consisting of a detection signal of the scanning light synchronization detection plate 23 from the video control circuit 72. L.
Start counting Sync. Subsequently, when the leading end of the roll paper A2 reaches the registration detection 17, the aforementioned D.E. Req is output to form a predetermined image.

Incidentally, the image recording means 54 further continues to convey the roll paper A2, and at the same time, the image recording control circuit 71 outputs the synchronous signal R. L. From the length calculated from the Sync cycle,
When the value obtained by subtracting the distance between the cutter C2 and the sensor G2 becomes equal to the copy magnification of the length of the original 2 in the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction received from the system control means 56, the cutter C2 is actuated and rolled. The paper A2 is cut, and at the same time, the feed roller pair B2 is stopped, and the feeding of the roll paper A2 is completed. The sensor F2 detects the length in the width direction, and there are a plurality of sensors F2 in the width direction. In addition, other roll paper A1,
Feed roller pair B1, B3, cutter C in A3
Needless to say, the sensors 1 and C3 and the sensors G1 and G3 perform the same operation.

Further, in this embodiment, the recording medium can be effectively used, and the following use is possible. That is, FIG.
13 or the roll paper A1, A2, or A3 in the set stage shown in FIG. 13 and the width of the roll paper or the cut paper even when the recording medium 31 runs out. Even if there is a difference in the direction, as long as the recording medium 31 is set so that the two sides of the original 2 match the copy magnification, it can be fed endlessly from there to obtain a copy (the invention according to claim 2). ). Also, when it is desired to set the feed direction to the discharge tray 35 for each JOB (copying operation) by the input means 55, the direction of the original can be changed one by one, and later sorting becomes easier.

As described above, the storage means 52 (1), 52
(2)... When the number of 52 (10) is increased, the number of document images to be stored increases accordingly. Therefore, for example, the original 10
When the number of sheets is set to 15 and the storage means is 10 or more, one copy is stacked on the discharge tray 35 in the page order of the document, and then,
The next part can be stacked in a direction perpendicular to the stack direction, and the next part can be stacked in the first stack direction. For this reason, the object can be achieved without mounting a sorter (sorting device), and the omission can be achieved with a smaller space.

In the case of the original usage, when there are two or more recording media 31 corresponding to the copy magnification of the original, the priority order of the copy speed is increased (the one set horizontally in the transport direction). It is needless to say that it is more advantageous to increase the value (the invention according to claim 1). In the case of roll paper, the one that increases the copy speed is the one that cuts horizontally in the transport direction.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the paper feeding means having a plurality of paper feeding ports 15 and 16 for feeding the recording paper and the paper feeding ports 15 and 16 of the paper feeding means are set. Recording medium size detecting means 23 and 33 for detecting the size and direction of the recording paper, image storage means 52 (1), 52 (2)... For storing image data, and image storage means 52
(1), 52 (2)... And the image storage means 52 (1), 52 (2). Recording paper of the same size but different in the setting direction is set in each of the paper feeding ports 15 and 16 of the paper feeding means by the converting means for converting the address when reading the image data and the recording medium size detecting means 23 and 33, respectively. Is detected, priority is given to the paper feed port in which the recording paper is set horizontally in the conveying direction, and the image data is set in accordance with the direction of the image data and the recording paper fed by the paper feeding means. And a control means for converting the read address by the conversion means so as to be rotated by 90 ° in page units, so that sorting can be performed without the need for an external sorter (sorting device), and the apparatus installation area and If it is detected by the recording medium size detecting means 23 and 33 that the same size and different recording direction of the recording paper are set in the respective paper feeding ports of the paper feeding means, the recording paper Is given priority to the paper feed ports 15 and 16 set horizontally in the transport direction, so that the copy speed can be increased.

In the above-described embodiment, when the recording paper runs out during the recording by the image recording means 54, the other paper feed port 15 in which the recording paper of the same size is set is used.
In the past, when paper was exhausted during output, the apparatus had to be stopped until paper was replenished, but it was possible to output paper of the same size. Stopping of the apparatus can be reduced, and productivity can be improved.

[0037]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, sorting can be performed without the need for an external sorter (sorting device) to reduce the installation area and cost of the apparatus. If it is detected that recording paper of the same size and different in the setting direction is set in each paper feeding port of the means, the paper feeding port in which the recording paper is set horizontally long in the transport direction is prioritized. Copy speed can be increased.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the paper runs out during the output, the apparatus must stop until the paper is replenished. Therefore, the number of stoppages of the apparatus can be reduced, and the productivity can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outline of an overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of an image reading unit.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of an image recording unit.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an image recording unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the entire control system.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control system of the image reading means.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control system of the image storage means.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a control system of the image recording means.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an image matrix.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart of each signal.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart of each signal.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart of each signal.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing another embodiment using roll paper.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 Document 15, 16 Paper feed port 23, 33 Recording medium size detecting means 31 Recording medium 32 Recording medium transport means 51 Image reading means 52 (1), 52 (2) ..., 52 (10) Image storage means 54 Image recording means 55 input means

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] A sheet feeding unit having a plurality of sheet feeding ports for feeding recording sheets; a detecting unit for detecting a size and a direction of a recording sheet set in each sheet feeding port of the sheet feeding unit; Storage means for storing image data; image recording means for recording the image data read from the storage means on the recording paper fed by the paper feeding means; and an address for reading the image data from the storage means A converting unit that converts the recording paper into the paper feeding direction when the detecting unit detects that recording papers of the same size and different setting directions are set in the respective paper feeding ports of the paper feeding unit. The conversion unit reads the image data by rotating the image data by 90 ° in page units according to the direction of the image data and the recording paper fed by the paper feeding unit, giving priority to the paper feeding port set in the landscape orientation. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a control means for converting the dress. 2. When the recording paper runs out during recording by the image recording means, the paper is switched by switching to another paper supply port in which recording paper of the same size is set. The image forming apparatus as described in the above.