JP5072720B2 - Storage member and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a storage member and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a configuration for ensuring confidentiality of a document and a sheet on which an image is formed.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document and an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image information read by the image reading unit. There is something.

  In such an image forming apparatus, when an image is formed on a sheet, the document is first transported to the image reading unit by the document transport unit, the document image is read by the image reading unit, and then the image forming unit is based on the image information. Thus, an image is formed on the sheet. And after forming an image on a sheet | seat in this way, a sheet | seat is discharged | emitted to a sheet | seat discharge part.

  By the way, in a copying machine which is an example of such a conventional image forming apparatus, when a user performs a copying operation, a document to be copied is placed on an automatic document feeder constituting a document table or a document transport unit. The copying operation (image forming operation) is started.

  However, when such a manuscript is copied, the user may misplace the pre-copied or copied manuscript or a product that is a copied sheet. Here, if the manuscript or product is misplaced as described above, information leakage may occur particularly in the case of a confidential document or the like in which the misplaced manuscript or product is not desired to be seen by others.

  Therefore, in order to prevent such information leakage due to misplacement, that is, to ensure the confidentiality of the manuscript and the product, a recent copier is provided with a manuscript storage unit for storing the manuscript after the image is read. (See Patent Document 1). Similarly, there is a product provided with a concealing means for concealing a product obtained by copying confidential information or the like and discharged from the copying machine from a third party (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2006-108796 A JP 2004-98379 A

  However, in the conventional copying machine (image forming apparatus) provided with the document storage unit and the concealing means as described above, there is a case where the document to be copied is peeped during the copying operation.

  In addition, a document placed on a document table or an automatic document feeder may be taken away. Further, there is a possibility that the deliverable is mixed with the deliverable resulting from another person's copying. In this case, the deliverable may be taken away by a person other than the owner at random. Thus, conventionally, since it is difficult to ensure the confidentiality of the manuscript and the product, there has been an increasing demand for a storage member that can ensure the secrecy of the manuscript and the product.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a current situation, and an object thereof is to provide a storage member and an image forming apparatus that can ensure confidentiality of a document and a product.

The present invention includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document, a document transport unit that transports the document to the image reading unit, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image information read by the image reading unit. In the image forming apparatus, a document storage unit that stores a document and an image-read original after the image is read by the image reading unit, and a sheet that stores a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. A storage member having a storage unit is detachably attached. The document stored in the document storage unit of the storage member is transported by the document transport unit to the image reading unit, and the image-read document is stored in the document storage unit. The sheet is stored and the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit is stored in the sheet storing unit of the storing member whose mounting position is changed .

  As in the present invention, the confidentiality of the original and the product can be ensured by storing the original, the image-read original, and the product, which is the sheet on which the image is formed, in the same storage member.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a copier that is an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 200 denotes a copying machine, and 200A denotes a copying machine main body. An image reading device 201 is provided on the upper surface of the copying machine main body 200A, and an image forming unit 220 is provided inside the copying machine main body 200A. . Reference numeral 250 denotes a control unit that controls a copying operation and the like of the copying machine main body 200 that is the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  The image reading apparatus 201 is a document reading unit that reads an image of a document, and a document conveyance unit that is provided on the upper surface of the scanner unit 202 so as to be capable of opening and closing in the vertical direction and conveys the document to the scanner unit 202. And an automatic document feeder (ADF) 300.

  Here, the scanner unit 202 includes a platen glass 203 as a sheet placement table provided on the upper surface of the scanner unit 202, and an image reading unit 204 for scanning and reading an image of a document on the platen glass 203. Yes.

  The automatic document feeder 300 constitutes a sheet pressing unit that presses the document placed on the platen glass 203 from above, and is attached to one end of the scanner unit 202 parallel to the sheet conveying direction so as to be freely opened and closed. . When placing a document on the platen glass 203, the automatic document feeder 300 is opened, and then the document is placed at a predetermined image reading position on the platen glass 203.

  The automatic document feeder 300 includes a document tray 301 on which documents are placed and a feeding unit 302 that feeds documents. Here, the feeding unit 302 sequentially takes out the originals stacked on the original tray 301 with the image forming surface facing upward one by one from the uppermost one to the one end side (left end side in the figure) of the platen glass 203. It is for supply.

  The feeding unit 302 includes a document feeding unit 304 for feeding a document placed on the document tray 301 and a document transporting unit 305 that transports the document onto the platen glass 203. The document conveying unit 305 is provided with a conveying belt 306 so as to cover the upper surface of the platen glass 203.

  The feeding unit 302 is provided with a paper discharge roller 307 for discharging the original after the image has been read to the original tray 301. The paper discharge roller 307 receives the original conveyed from the left end side of the platen glass 203 by the conveying belt 306 and discharges it to the original tray 301.

  Next, an operation of the image reading apparatus 201 configured as described above for reading an image of a document conveyed on a platen glass by, for example, the automatic document feeder 300 will be described.

  In this case, in the automatic document feeder 300, first, the document placed on the document tray 301 is conveyed onto the platen glass 203 of the scanner unit 202 by the feeding unit 302, and then the document is conveyed by the conveyance belt 306. The Next, the original is conveyed to a predetermined image reading position on the platen glass 203 by the conveying belt 306, and stops at this position.

  After the original stops at the image reading position in this way, the image reading means 204 of the scanner unit 202 is moved in the direction of the arrow to read the original image. The image information read by the image reading unit 204 in this way is stored as image information in an internal memory 252 shown in FIG.

  Next, after the image is read by the scanner unit 202 in this manner, for example, when the original on which the image has been read is discharged onto the original tray 301, the conveyance belt 306 is reversed, and the original that has been read is discharged. It is conveyed to the paper roller 307. Thereafter, the document whose image has been read is discharged to the document tray 301 by a discharge roller 307.

  On the other hand, the image forming unit 220 is provided with an exposure unit 230, a cylindrical photosensitive drum 221, a charger 222, a developing unit 223, and a cleaning device 224. Further, on the downstream side of the image forming unit 220, a sheet discharge unit 271 including a fixing device 225, a discharge roller 226, and a discharge tray 270 is disposed.

  When the image forming unit 220 forms an image on a sheet, first, as described above, the exposure unit 230 reads a polygon (not shown) based on the image information read by the image reading device 201 and stored in the internal memory. Light is irradiated to the photosensitive drum 221 through a mirror or the like.

  At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 221 is uniformly charged by the charger 222. When light is irradiated in this way, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum, and the electrostatic latent image is developed. By developing with the device 223, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum.

  On the other hand, in parallel with such a toner image forming operation, the sheet S set in the cassette 240 is conveyed to the registration roller 242 by the paper feed roller 241. Next, the sheet S is conveyed by a registration roller 242 to a transfer unit constituted by the photosensitive drum 221 and the transfer charger 243 at a timing such that the leading edge of the sheet and the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 221 are aligned. Then, when passing through the transfer portion, a transfer bias is applied to the transfer charger 243 so that the toner image on the photosensitive drum is transferred to the sheet S.

  Next, the sheet S to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 225, and when passing through the fixing device 225, the toner image is thermally fixed. Then, the fixed sheet S is discharged to a discharge tray 270 by a discharge roller 226 provided in the sheet discharge unit 309.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, there is a case where a manuscript that should ensure confidentiality such as a confidential document that is not desired to be seen by others may be copied. In this case, after storing a document such as a confidential document in the storage container 102 as the storage member shown in FIG. 2, the storage container 102 is set in the automatic document feeder 300 as shown in FIG.

  Here, the storage container 102 is formed of an opaque material such as ABS resin or polycarbonate so that the stored contents cannot be visually recognized. Note that the storage container 102 may be formed of another material even if it is a translucent material, as long as the stored document or product is not visible.

  The storage container 102 is a document storage 110 that is a first storage unit that stores a document D, and a second storage unit that stores a scanned document (hereinafter referred to as a read document) D1 from which an image document has been read. A document storage unit including a read document storage 104 is provided. In addition, the storage container 102 includes a product storage 122 that is a sheet storage unit that stores a product S1 that is a sheet obtained by copying a document such as a confidential document, as will be described later.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 103 denotes a first lid that is pivotally supported on the storage container main body 102a and is provided on the storage container main body 102a so as to be openable and closable. The lid 103 is opened and stored in the document storage box 110. A first shutter 105 is pivotally supported at one end of the storage container main body 102a and can be opened and closed on the storage container main body 102a. When taking out the read original D1 stored in the read original storage 104, The first shutter 105 is opened.

  A second lid 120 is pivotally supported at one end by the storage container main body 102a and can be freely opened and closed on the storage container main body 102a. When taking out the product S1 stored in the product storage 122, the first lid 120 is provided. 2 Open the lid 120 and take it out.

  A second shutter 107 is pivotally supported at one end of the storage container main body 102 a and can be opened and closed on the storage container main body 102 a. The second shutter 107 allows the document storage 110, the read document storage 104 and the product storage 122 to be opened. One side is designed to be closed. Here, the second shutter 107 is closed by a spring (not shown) when carrying the storage container 102. Then, by closing the second shutter 107 in this way, it is possible to prevent a document or the like from jumping out of the storage container 102 when the storage container 102 is carried.

  An engaging portion 106 projects from the lower end of the second shutter 107, and this engaging portion 106 is used when the storage container 102 is set on the automatic document feeder 300 as shown in FIG. The automatic document feeder 300 is caught by a projection (not shown) provided in the automatic document feeder 300. Then, when the engaging portion 106 is caught by the protruding portion in this way, the second shutter 107 rotates downward while resisting a spring (not shown).

  Here, when the second shutter 107 is rotated downward in this manner, one side of the document storage 110, the read document storage 104, and the product storage 122 is opened. As a result, the document D is sent out and the read document D1 is stored. Is possible. When the storage container 102 is set in the automatic document feeder 300, the first shutter 105, the first lid 103, and the second lid 120 other than the second shutter 107 interfere with the automatic document feeder 300. It is configured so that it cannot be opened.

  On the other hand, as described later, when the reading of all the originals D is completed and the read original D1 is stored in the read original storage 104, the storage container 102 is removed from the automatic original feeder 300. The storage container 102 is detachably mounted (set) on the product stacking unit 309 provided in the sheet discharge unit 271 in a state of being placed on the discharge tray 270 as shown in FIG.

  Here, for example, a projection (not shown) is also provided on the paper discharge tray 270, so that when the storage container 102 is set on the product stacking unit 309, the second shutter 107 of the storage container 102 is moved. Opened. As a result, after the image is formed, the product S1 discharged from the paper discharge roller 226 is stored in the product storage 122.

  FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the copying machine 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 250 is mounted to detect that the storage container 102 is set in the product stacking unit 309 as will be described later. A detection sensor 251 is connected. Then, the control unit 250 reads the image information stored in the internal memory 252 based on the detection signal from the mounting detection sensor 251 and controls the image forming unit 220 to perform image formation based on this image information. The control unit 250 is connected to an operation unit 253 having a copy button and a display unit (not shown), the image reading device 201, and the like.

  Next, a copying operation of the copying machine 200 performed using such a storage container 102 will be described.

  First, the user opens the first lid 103 of the storage container 102 to store the original D in the original storage 110, and then automatically stores the storage container 102 storing the original D as shown in FIG. The document is set on the document feeder 300 in an inclined state. At this time, the engaging portion 106 of the second shutter 107 of the storage container 102 is caught by the protrusion provided on the automatic document feeder 300, and the second shutter 107 is opened. As a result, the feeding unit side of the document storage 110, the read document storage 104, and the product storage 122 is opened.

  Next, when the copy button is pressed in this state, the document D stored in the document storage box 110 is sent out onto the platen glass 203 by the feeding unit 302 of the automatic document feeder 300, and is read by the image reading unit 204. The original image is read. After the image is read in this way, the read original D1 is stored in the read original storage 104 in the storage container 102 by the reverse of the conveying belt 207 and the paper discharge roller 307. Note that the image information of the document D sequentially read in this way is temporarily stored in the internal memory 252.

  Next, when the reading of all the documents D is completed, the storage container 102 is detached from the automatic document feeder 300 and is detachably mounted (set) on the product stacking unit 309 as shown in FIG. When the storage container 102 is set in this way, the engaging portion 106 of the second shutter 107 of the storage container 102 is caught by a projection (not shown) provided in the product stacking section 309, and the second shutter 107 is opened. As a result, the discharge roller side of the document storage 110, the read document storage 104, and the product storage 122 is opened.

  Here, the copying machine main body 200 is provided with a mounting detection sensor 251 (see FIG. 5) which is a detection unit for detecting the mounting of the storage container 102. When the detection signal indicating that the storage container 102 is set on the product stacking unit 309 is input from the mounting detection sensor 251, the control unit 250 performs image processing based on the image information (original information) stored in the internal memory 252. The forming unit 220 forms an image.

  In addition, after the image is formed by the image forming unit 220 in this way, the product S1 is stored in the product storage 122 of the storage container 102. In other words, in the present embodiment, when the storage container 102 is not connected, image formation is not performed, and when the image forming operation is performed, the image-formed product S1 is displayed. It is configured to be stored in the storage container 102.

  Note that after all the document data is image-formed and all the product S1 is stored in the storage container 102, the storage container 102 is removed by the user. Then, after that, the user opens the first shutter 105 to take out the read original D1 in the read original storage 104, and further takes out the product S1 by opening the second lid 120.

  Next, a copying operation of the copying machine 200 performed using such a storage container 102 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the user wants to copy a document that he / she does not want to show to others, the user first stores the document D to be copied in the document storage 110 of the storage container 102 (S202). Next, the storage container 102 is set (connected) to the automatic document feeder 300 (S203). At this time, the second shutter 107 rotates downward while resisting the spring, and thereby the feeding unit side of the document storage 110, the read document storage 104, and the product storage 122 is opened.

  Next, when the user presses a copy button (not shown) provided on the operation unit 253 (Y in S204), the document D stored in the document storage 110 is transferred to the platen glass by the feeding unit 302 of the automatic document feeder 300. The images are sequentially conveyed to the image reading position on 203. Then, the original is sequentially read by the image reading means 204 at this position (S205).

  Here, the read original data which is the original image information sequentially read by the image reading means 204 is stored in the internal memory 252 (S206). Further, the read original D1 from which the image information has been read in this way is stored in the read original storage 104 of the storage container 102 by the paper discharge roller 307 (S207).

  Next, the reading of the original image and the storage of the read original D1 are sequentially performed, and when the storage of the read original D1 in the read original storage 104 is finished, the reading provided on the operation unit 253 is read. “Reading completed” indicating the completion is displayed (S208). When such a display is made, the user removes the storage container 102 from the automatic document feeder 300 (S209).

  When the storage container 102 is removed, the second shutter 107 returns to a position where the paper storage unit side of the document storage 110, the read document storage 104, and the product storage 122 is closed by a spring. For this reason, even if the storage container 102 is removed, if the read original D1 from the read original storage 104 and the original D remain in the original storage 110, the original D can be prevented from dropping.

  Next, the storage container 102 removed from the automatic document feeder 300 is set on the product stacking unit 309 (S210). When the storage container 102 is set, the engaging portion 106 of the second shutter 107 of the storage container 102 is caught by a projection (not shown) provided in the product stacking portion 309, and the second shutter 107 is opened. Is done. As a result, the discharge roller side of the document storage 110, the read document storage 104, and the product storage 122 is opened.

  Here, the control unit 250 determines whether the storage container 102 is set in the product stacking unit 309 by the mounting detection sensor 251 (S211). If the storage container 102 is not set in the product stacking unit 309 (N in S211), another user or the like performs other copying processing or network printing as usual.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the storage container 102 is set in the product stacking unit 309 (Y in S211), image formation is started based on the read original data stored in the internal memory 252 (S212). . That is, based on the read document data stored in the internal memory 252, the exposure unit 230 exposes the photosensitive drum 221 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 223 to form a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. After the toner image is transferred to the sheet and fixed, an image is formed on the sheet.

  Next, the sheet on which the toner image is formed, that is, the product S1 is stored in the product storage 122 of the storage container 102 by the paper discharge roller 226 (S213). After that, the product S1 is sequentially stored in the product storage 122 in this way, and when all the products S1 are eventually stored, the display unit of the operation unit 253 indicates that the product S1 has been stored. “Storage end” is displayed (S214). When such display is performed, the user removes the storage container 102 from the product stacking unit 309 (S215).

  After removing the storage container 102 in this way, the user opens the first shutter 105 and takes out the read original D1 in the read original storage 104, and further outputs the product S1 to the second lid 120 of the product storage 122. Remove by opening.

  As described above, when reading a document image, the storage container 102 storing the document D is attached to the automatic document feeder 300, and the automatic document feeder 300 transports the document D to the scanner unit 202 and reads the document D1. Is stored in the read original storage 104. When discharging the product S 1, the storage container 102 is detachably attached to the sheet discharge unit 271, and the product S 1 is stored in the product storage 122.

  This prevents peeping of the manuscript to be copied when the copying operation is actually performed, and when the manuscript placed on the automatic manuscript feeder 300 or the actual product is taken out and carried. Safety can be protected. Further, it is possible to prevent information leakage that occurs due to misplaced manuscripts to be copied, mixed loading of deliverables, removal of deliverables by others.

  That is, when reading a document image, the storage container 102 is attached to the automatic document feeder 300, and when the product is discharged, the storage container 102 is attached to the product stacking unit 309, so that the document and the product are obtained. Can be stored in the same storage container 102. Thereby, the confidentiality of a manuscript and a deliverable can be ensured.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, after the storage container 102 is set on the automatic document feeder 300, the document image is read, and thereafter, the storage container 102 is detached from the automatic document feeder 300. To the product stacking unit 309.

  However, in such a configuration, the user may accidentally set a storage container 102 different from the storage container 102 removed from the automatic document feeder 300 in the product stacking unit 309.

  Therefore, when a storage container 102 different from the storage container 102 removed from the automatic document feeder 300 is set in the product stacking unit 309, image formation is performed based on data stored in the internal memory. It is necessary not to.

  Next, when a storage container different from the storage container removed from the automatic document feeder 300 is set in the product stacking unit 309, image formation based on data stored in the internal memory is not performed. A second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the storage container 102 that is detachably attached to a copying machine as an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. 7, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 described above indicate the same or corresponding parts.

  In FIG. 7, reference numeral 130 denotes a recess provided as an example of a part to be identified for individually identifying the storage container 102 provided on the upper surface of the storage container body 102 a. Further, when the storage container 102 is attached to the product stacking unit 309 and the automatic document feeder 300, the first identification sensor 254 and the second identification sensor shown in FIG. 255 is provided.

  The recess 130 and the first identification sensor 254 constitute a first identification unit for identifying the storage container 102, and the recess 130 and the second identification sensor 255 constitute a second identification unit for identifying the storage container 102. Is configured.

  The control unit 250 performs individual recognition of the storage container 102 based on a signal from the first identification sensor 254 when the storage container 102 is set in the automatic document feeder 300. Further, when the storage container 102 is set on the product stacking unit 309, it is determined based on a signal from the second identification sensor 255 whether the storage container 102 is the same as the storage container 102 removed from the automatic document feeder 300. ing.

  When it is determined that the storage container 102 set in the product stacking unit 309 is the same as the storage container 102 removed from the automatic document feeder 300, an image is formed to form a read image. The formation process is started.

  Next, the copying operation of the copying machine 200 performed using the storage container 102 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the user wants to copy a document that he / she does not want to show to others, first the document D to be copied is stored in the document storage 110 of the storage container 102 (S502), and then the storage container 102 is set in the automatic document feeder 300. (Connect) (S503). At this time, the second shutter 107 rotates downward while resisting the spring, and thereby the feeding unit side of the document storage 110, the read document storage 104, and the product storage 122 is opened.

  When the storage container 102 is set, the control unit 250 uses the first identification sensor 254 provided in the automatic document feeder 300 to individually identify the storage container 102 set in the automatic document feeder 300. The recognition signal is read and stored in the internal memory 252 (S504). Next, when the user presses a copy button provided on the operation unit 253 (Y in S505), the document D stored in the document storage box 110 is placed on the platen glass 203 by the feeding unit 302 of the automatic document feeder 300. It is conveyed to the image reading position.

  The original image is read by the image reading means 204 at this position, and the read image data is stored in the internal memory 252 in a state associated with the individual identification signal of the storage container 102 (S506). Further, the read original D1 from which the image information has been read in this way is stored in the read original storage 104 of the storage container 102 by the paper discharge roller 307 (S507).

  Next, the reading of the original image and the storage of the read original D1 are sequentially performed, and when the storage of the read original D1 in the read original storage 104 is finished, the reading provided on the operation unit 253 is read. “Reading completed” indicating completion is displayed (S508). After the display of the operation unit, the user removes the storage container 102 from the automatic document feeder 300 (S509).

  When the storage container 102 is removed in this way, the second shutter 107 returns to a position where one side of the document storage 110, the read document storage 104, and the product storage 122 is closed by a spring. For this reason, even if the storage container 102 is removed, if the read original D1 from the read original storage 104 and the original D remain in the original storage 110, the original D can be prevented from dropping.

  Next, the storage container 102 removed from the automatic document feeder 300 is set on the product stacking unit 309 (S510). When the storage container 102 is set in this manner, the second shutter 107 is opened, and as a result, the paper discharge roller side of the document storage 110, the read document storage 104, and the product storage 122 is opened.

  Here, the control unit 250 determines whether the storage container 102 is set on the product stacking unit 309 by the mounting detection sensor 251 (S511). If the storage container 102 is not set in the product stacking unit 309 (N in S511), another user or the like performs other copying processing or network printing as usual.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the storage container 102 is set in the product stacking unit 309 (Y in S511), the second identification sensor 255 then uses the storage container 102 inserted into the product stacking unit 309. The individual identification signal is read (S512). Then, it is confirmed whether there is read original data that matches the individual identification signal of the storage container 102 in the internal memory 252 (S513).

  If there is read original data that matches the individual identification signal (Y in S513), image formation is started based on the data in the internal memory 252 (S514), and a toner image is formed on the sheet. The sheet on which the toner image is thus formed, that is, the product S1 is stored in the product storage 122 of the storage container 102 by the paper discharge roller 226 (S515).

  When the product S1 is stored in the storage container 102 and all the products S1 are stored, the display unit of the operation unit 253 indicates “store end” indicating that the product has been stored. Is displayed (S516). When such a display is performed, the user removes the storage container 102 from the product stacking unit 309 (S518).

  If there is no read original data that matches the individual identification signal (N in S513), “End” is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 253 (S517), and the storage container 102 is removed from the product stacking unit 309. (S518), the image formation is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the first and second identification units for identifying the storage container 102 are provided, and the storage container 102 set in the product stacking unit 309 and the automatic document feeder 300 are set. It is determined whether or not the storage container 102 is the same. When it is determined that they are not the same, a message indicating that they are not the same is displayed on the operation unit, and an image is not formed based on the document data stored in the internal memory 252. In other words, the image forming unit 220 is controlled to perform the image forming operation when the identification results of the first and second identifying units are the same.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the storage container 102 is recognized so that the product can be taken out only in the same storage container 102 as the storage container 102 set in the automatic document feeder 300. . As a result, it is possible to prevent information leakage due to mixed loading of products by other image formation and removal of products by a person other than the owner, and it is possible to secure confidentiality of the manuscript and the products.

  In the present embodiment, the identification unit is configured by the recess and the sensor, but the configuration of the identification unit is not limited to this. For example, the identification unit includes a memory chip embedded in the storage container 102, and a sensor that is provided in the automatic document feeder 300 and the product stacking unit 309 and reads the memory chip embedded in the storage container 102. Also good.

  When the identification unit is provided as in the present embodiment, the user reads the document in advance and records and stores the document data in the internal memory 252. Thereafter, the storage container 102 is produced at any time. By setting the product stacking unit 309, a product can be output. When such a method is used, even when a plurality of users use different storage containers, it is possible to obtain a product at the same time while maintaining confidentiality.

  Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of such users can use different storage containers.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a copying operation of a copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus performed using the storage container according to this embodiment.

  Here, when a plurality of users use different storage containers, when the main routine is started, it is first determined whether the storage container 102 is set (connected) to the automatic document feeder 300 (S602). . Next, it is determined whether or not the storage container 102 is set (connected) to the product stacking unit 309 (S603), and then it is determined whether or not the copying operation has been performed without the storage container 102 being connected (set). (S604).

  Then, in determining whether or not the storage container 102 is set (connected) to the automatic document feeder 300 (S602), if the connection of the storage container 102 is confirmed (Y in S602), the storage shown in FIG. The process branches to the container document reading routine (S610).

  Further, in determining whether the storage container 102 is set (connected) with the product stacking unit 309 (S603), when the connection of the storage container 102 is confirmed, the storage container product output routine (S620) shown in FIG. Branch to). It should be noted that when the operation is performed in the copying machine without branching to the storage container document reading routine (S610) and the storage container product output routine (S620), it is determined that the normal operation of the copying machine has been performed. Then, the process branches to a copying operation routine (not shown).

  Next, the storage container document reading routine shown in FIG. 10 will be described.

  The control unit reads the individual recognition signal of the storage container 102 set in the first identification sensor 254 automatic document feeder 300 and stores it in the internal memory (S611). Next, the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 203 by the feeding unit 302 of the automatic document feeder 300. Thereafter, the original image is sequentially read by the image reading means 204, and the read data is stored in the internal memory in a state associated with the individual identification signal of the storage container (S612).

  Next, the read original D1 from which the image information is sequentially read in this manner is stored in the read original storage 104 of the storage container 102 by the paper discharge roller 307 (S613). Thereafter, when the storage of the read original D1 in the read original storage 104 is completed, “reading end” indicating that the reading is completed is displayed on the display unit provided in the operation unit (S614). Then, after such display of the operation unit, the user removes the storage container 102 from the automatic document feeder 300 (S615). Then, after such an operation is completed, the process returns to the main routine.

  Next, the storage container product output routine (S620) will be described. In this case, when the storage container 102 removed from the automatic document feeder 300 is set in the product stacking unit 309, the control unit 250 stores the storage inserted into the product stacking unit 309 by the second identification sensor 255. The individual identification signal of the container 102 is read (S621). Then, it is confirmed whether there is read image data associated with the storage container individual identification signal stored in the internal memory (S622).

  If there is read image data associated with the individual identification signal (Y in S622), image formation is started based on the data in the internal memory (S623), and a toner image is formed on the sheet.

  Next, the product S1 on which the toner image is thus formed is stored in the product storage 122 of the storage container 102 by the paper discharge roller 226 (S624). Here, when the deliverable S1 is stored in the storage container 102 in this way and all the deliverables S1 are eventually stored, the “storage end” indicating that the deliverable has been stored is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit. Is displayed (S625). When such display is performed, the user removes the storage container 102 from the product stacking unit 309 (S627).

  On the other hand, when there is no read image data associated with the individual identification signal (N in S622), “end” is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit (S626), and the storage container 102 is removed from the product stacking unit 309. (S627), the process returns to the main routine (S601).

  By configuring in this way, since only the deliverables from the manuscript corresponding to the storage container 102 are stored in the storage container 102, it is possible to prevent others from accidentally taking out the deliverable, The confidentiality of manuscripts and deliverables can be ensured. Further, by configuring as in the present embodiment, a plurality of storage containers can be freely used by one copying machine (image forming apparatus), and convenience is improved.

  In the above description, the storage container 102 having a three-layer structure as shown in FIG. 2 is used so that the original and the read original can be stored separately. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, the storage container 102 may have a two-layer configuration in which the document and the read document D1 are stored in the same first storage unit 104A as shown in FIG. In the case of this configuration, storing the original in the first storage unit 104A and taking out the read original D are performed by opening the second shutter 107.

  Further, by providing the storage container 102 with mechanical or electronic lock means, it is possible to protect the originals and deliverables stored in the storage container 102.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a copier that is an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a storage container that is detachably attached to the copying machine. The figure which shows a state when the said storage container is attached to the original conveying apparatus of the said copying machine so that attachment or detachment is possible. The figure which shows a state when the said storage container is detachably attached to the product load part of the said copying machine. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the copying machine. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a copying operation performed using the storage container of the copying machine. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a storage container that is detachably attached to a copying machine that is an example of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a copying operation performed using the storage container of the copying machine. FIG. 10 is a first flowchart for explaining a copying operation performed using a storage container of a copying machine that is an example of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. A second flowchart for explaining the copying operation. The perspective view which shows the other structure of the said storage container.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 102 Storage container 103 1st cover 104 Reading original storage 104A 1st storage part 105 1st shutter 107 2nd shutter 110 Original storage 120 Second cover 122 Result storage 130 Recess 200 Copying machine 200A Copying machine main body 201 Image reading Device 202 Scanner unit 220 Image forming unit 250 Control unit 251 Mounting detection sensor 252 Internal memory 253 Operation unit 254 First identification sensor 255 Second identification sensor 270 Paper discharge tray 271 Sheet discharge unit 300 Automatic document feeder (ADF)
309 Product stacking unit D Document D1 Scanned document S Sheet S1 Product

Claims (8)

An image reading unit that reads an image of a document, a document conveying unit that conveys the document to the image reading unit, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image information read by the image reading unit In the image forming apparatus,
A storage member including a document storage unit that stores a document and an image-read document after the image is read by the image reading unit, and a sheet storage unit that stores a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit is attached and detached. Freely prepared,
The document stored in the document storage unit of the storage member is transported by the document transport unit to the image reading unit, and the image-read document is stored in the document storage unit, and an image is formed by the image forming unit. An image forming apparatus, wherein a sheet is stored in the sheet storage portion of the storage member whose mounting position is changed . A sheet discharge unit for discharging a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit;
When reading a document image, the storage member is attached to the document transport unit to transport the document stored in the document storage unit and store the image-read document in the document storage unit, thereby forming an image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the discharged sheet is discharged, the storage member is attached to the sheet discharge portion so as to store the discharged sheet in the sheet storage portion. A detection unit for detecting that the storage member is attached to the sheet discharge unit;
A control unit for controlling an image forming operation of the image forming unit,
3. The control unit according to claim 2, wherein when the detection signal is input from the detection unit, the control unit controls the image forming unit to perform an image forming operation based on document information read by the image reading unit. Image forming apparatus. A first identification unit for identifying the storage member detachably attached to the document conveying unit;
A second identification unit for identifying the storage member detachably attached to the sheet discharge unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the image forming unit to perform an image forming operation when the identification results of the first identification unit and the second identification unit are the same.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first identification unit and the second identification unit identify the storage member by identifying an identification target portion provided with the storage member.   The storage member includes a first storage unit that stores a document as the document storage unit, and a second storage unit that stores an image-read document after the image is read by the image reading unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is provided.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage member is formed of an opaque member. An image reading unit that reads an image of a document, a document transport unit that transports the document to the image reading unit, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image information read by the image reading unit, and the image forming unit A storage member that is detachably provided in an image forming apparatus main body including a sheet discharge unit that discharges a sheet on which an image is formed by the unit,
A document storage unit that stores a document and an image-read document after the image is read by the image reading unit, and a sheet that is discharged by the sheet discharge unit after the image is formed by the image forming unit. storing member possess a sheet storage unit, when storing the sheets in the sheet storage unit, characterized in that the mounting position is changed.

Images