JPH0797124A - Image communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a penetration sensor from showing a sheet detecting condition endlessly which results in degrading in the sorter control efficiency by discharging sheets other than those of reception or copy image to a bin tray to which sheet detection by the penetration sensor is not made. CONSTITUTION:A sorter 500 provide at a facsimile device is provided with a plurality of bin trays 711 to 7110 and thereby sorting and accumulation of recorded sheets outputted from the main body of the facsimile device and carried out. A bin tray 711 provided to which no sheet detection by a penetration sensor S6 is carried out, and into this tray a sheet of communication management report and the like other than those of reception or copy is discharged. It is thus possible to solve the problem that the sensor S6 endlessly detects the existence of sheet, when the communication report is discharged into the bin tray 711 to 7110 to which sheet existence detection is made by the sensor S6, with the existence of communication management report even if the reception or copy image sheet are all picked up.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image communication device (facsimile device, printer, copier, etc.) having a plurality of bin trays and a sorter (recording sheet sorting device) for sorting recording sheets output from the image communication device. ) Concerning.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A facsimile machine or an image forming apparatus equipped with a sorter is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 57-95755, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 56-120258, and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-203.
It is known in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 168 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-23083.

[0003]

In the image communication apparatus, sheets other than the sheets of received or copied images such as communication management reports are also output.

However, the communication management report or the like which is output periodically is used only by a specific user,
This communication management report may be left on the bin tray when a plurality of users share the same device.

In a sorter having only a penetration sensor (a sensor for detecting the presence of a sheet in any one of a plurality of bin trays), as long as there is a sheet in any one of the bin trays, the sheets are removed from other bin trays. Even if it does, the image communication device cannot know it.

That is, in this type of image communication apparatus, communication management reports such as a communication end report, an error message, and a memory transmission end report discharged to the bin tray are taken out of the bin tray by removing sheets of other received or copied images. However, since there is a tendency that they are not carried away without being left in the bin tray, if such a communication management report is ejected to the bin tray where the presence / absence of a sheet is detected by the penetration sensor, all sheets of received or copied images are removed. Even if it is present, due to the existence of the remaining communication management report, the penetration sensor may remain in the seated state forever, and the sorter may not be efficiently controlled.

The present invention aims to solve this problem.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an image communication apparatus including a plurality of bin trays and a sorter for sorting recording sheets output from the image communication apparatus, and any one of the predetermined bin trays. A through sensor for detecting that there is a sheet in the, and a predetermined bin tray that does not detect the sheet in the penetration sensor has a different bin tray, such as a communication management report in the bin tray not detected by the penetration sensor, such as reception or copy image An image communication device, wherein a sheet other than the sheet is discharged.

[0009]

The sheet other than the sheet of the received or copied image such as the communication management report is discharged to the bin tray where the sheet sensor does not detect the sheet, for example, the uppermost bin tray, so that the communication management report can be removed. Even if it is not necessary, since it is not related to the penetration sensor, it is possible to avoid the situation in which the penetration sensor is in the state with the seat forever and the sorter control efficiency is deteriorated as described above.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiments shown in the drawings will be described below. This embodiment is a facsimile machine equipped with a sorter.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the front side of a facsimile machine equipped with the sorter, and FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic internal structure.

Reference numeral 100 is a facsimile main body, and 200/30.
0 is an optional first and second paper feeding unit device combined with the facsimile main body, and 500 is an adapter 40.
A sorter connected to the facsimile main body 100 via 0,
Reference numeral 600 (FIG. 2) is a pedestal on which the above devices 100 to 500 are mounted. 700 is a pedestal interposed between the lower surface of the adapter 400 / sorter 500 and the upper surface of the pedestal 600.

First and second sheet feeding unit devices 200
An optional device 300 is used in combination with the facsimile main body 100 as appropriate, and is combined with the facsimile main body 100 by stacking the facsimile main body 100 on top and bottom in two layers.

The sorter 500 includes an adapter 40 on the sheet (recording paper or copy) discharge side of the facsimile main body 100.
Facsimile main unit 1
It is combined with 00. The facsimile main body 100, the first and second sheet feeding unit devices 200 and 300, and the sorter 500 are electrically connected to each other by an electric adapter, and information is mutually exchanged to be linked and controlled. The pedestal 500 is all of the above devices 100/200/300/4
00 is a stationary table. Base 700 is adapter 400
A member that fills the space between the lower surface of the sorter 500 and the upper surface of the pedestal 600.

A. Facsimile Main Body 100 The facsimile main body 100 is roughly classified into a printer unit 10
1 (FIG. 2), a document reading device unit 102, and a control unit.

(A) Printer Unit 101 The printer unit 101 is a laser printer mechanism using a transfer type electrophotographic process in this apparatus.

That is, 1 is a drum type electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) as an image bearing member, which is rotationally driven in the clockwise direction indicated by an arrow at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed). The outer peripheral surface of the rotary photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly primary-charged by a charger 2 to a predetermined polarity and potential, and the surface to be charged is output from a laser scanner 3 into a time-series electric digital pixel signal of target image information. The electrostatic latent image corresponding to the target image information is formed on the surface of the rotary photosensitive drum 1 by raster scanning exposure with the laser beam L modulated correspondingly. Reference numeral 3a is a mirror for deflecting the output laser beam L from the laser scanner 3 toward the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

Then, the latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is developed as a toner image by the developing device 4a. 4b is a toner tank. The toner image is transferred to the transfer portion between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer device 5, the paper feeding cassette 7 (paper feeding portion) built in the printer main body 100, or the first paper feeding unit device 200 side or the second paper feeding unit. The recording sheet (transfer sheet) P fed from the sheet feeding unit 300 side is sequentially transferred.

The sheet P to which the toner image has been transferred at the transfer portion is separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 and is introduced into the image fixing device 9 through the conveying portion 8 to be subjected to the toner image fixing process.

The sheet P on which the image fixing process is performed by the fixing device 9
Is sent from the facsimile main body 100 to the sorter 500 side through the adapter 400 through the fixing discharge roller pair 10 (conveying rotary member) → the discharge roller pair 11 (discharge rotating member) → the discharge port 12 (discharge unit). .

The sorter 5 is attached to the facsimile main body 100.
Facsimile main unit 1 when 00 is not used
As shown in FIG. 3, a detachable paper discharge tray 13 is attached to the paper discharge port 12 of 00, and sheets are discharged to the paper discharge tray 13.

After the toner image is transferred onto the recording sheet P, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is cleaned by a cleaning device 6a to remove residues such as transfer residual toner, and is repeatedly used for image formation. 6b is a waste toner tank.

The facsimile main body 100 according to the present embodiment includes a photosensitive drum 1, a charger 2 and a developing device 4 of the printer section 101.
The four image forming process devices (a, b) and the cleaning device 6 (a, b) are collectively configured as a process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from a predetermined portion of the facsimile main body 100.

As the image fixing device 9, in this example, a film heating type image heating and fixing device is used. In this type of fixing device, a sheet carrying an unfixed toner image as a material to be heated is brought into close contact with the surface of the heating body through a heat-resistant film, and is conveyed together with the heat-resistant film to heat the heating body. Is applied to the sheet side through a heat resistant film to heat-fix the toner image. JP-A-63-313182
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-157878, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-4
No. 4075-44083, 204980-204984, etc. are disclosed.

Such a film heating type fixing device can use a low heat capacity heating body as the heating body and a thin film low heat capacity type as the heating body in comparison with, for example, a heat roller type fixing apparatus. It is possible to save power and shorten the wait time (quick start). Since the quick start can be performed, preheating at the time of non-fixing operation is not required, power saving can be achieved in a comprehensive sense, and temperature rise inside the machine can be suppressed.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic structure of a tensionless type film heating type image heating and fixing device 9 in which a cylindrical film is used as a heat resistant film and the film is rotationally driven by a pressure roller. .

This apparatus comprises a heating element 9a and the heating element 9a.
Of the film inner surface guide member 9c which is held on the lower surface via a heat insulating material 9b, and a cylindrical (endless belt) heat resistant film loosely fitted to the film inner surface guide member 9c including the heating body 9a (fixing). The heating unit has a film 9d as a basic constituent member, and a pressure roller 9e as a pressure unit that presses the film 9d and presses it against the heating body 9a.

The heating element 9a is a cylindrical fixing film 9d.
It is a ceramic heater having a low heat capacity in the form of an elongated flat plate having a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the rotation direction a of the sheet P or the conveyance direction of the sheet P as the material to be heated.

The film inner surface guide member 9c is a trough-shaped gutter-shaped cross section made of a heat-resistant resin material or the like, the longitudinal direction of which is a direction perpendicular to the rotating direction a of the cylindrical fixing film 9d or the conveying direction of the sheet P. It is a laterally long member, and both ends thereof are fixedly supported between the side plates of the apparatus frame. The heating element 9a is fitted in a groove formed along the length of the lower surface of the film inner surface guide member 9c along the longitudinal direction through a heat insulating material 9b and attached and held by a heat resistant adhesive. The heat insulating material 9b can be omitted by forming the film inner surface guide member 9c itself from a heat resistant heat insulating material.

The ceramic heater 9a as a heating body is energized by an AC energizing circuit (not shown) between energizing electrodes (not shown) at both ends of the ceramic heater 9a to raise the temperature in the effective length region thereof, so that a thermistor (not shown) or the like senses a temperature. The element detects the heater temperature, and the detected temperature information is fed back to a control unit (not shown) to control the energization of the heater 9a so that the detected temperature output of the temperature sensitive element becomes a predetermined constant value. That is, the energization of the heater 9a is controlled so that the temperature of the heater 9a is maintained at a predetermined fixing temperature.

The fixing film 9c is, for example, a heat-resistant film material having a thickness of about 50 μm, which has a polyimide film as a base material and a release layer such as PFA provided on the outer surface.

The pressure roller 9e comprises a core metal 9f and a heat resistant elastic layer 9g made of silicon rubber or the like.

A fixing film 9d is sandwiched between the pressure roller 9e and a ceramic heater 9a serving as a heating body, and a pressure spring (not shown) presses the fixing film 9d with a predetermined pressing force to form a pressure contact nip portion (fixing nip). Part) N is formed.

The pressure roller 9e is rotationally driven in the counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow by a drive system (not shown).
The rotational force acts on the cylindrical fixing film 9d due to the frictional force between the fixing film 9d and the outer surface of the fixing film 9d, and the inner surface of the fixing film 9d slides in close contact with the surface of the heater 9a at the fixing nip portion N, and Is rotationally driven around the film inner surface guide member 9c in the clockwise direction a shown by the arrow.

The film inner surface guide member 9c functions to facilitate the rotation of the fixing film 9d, and regulates the function of the rotating fixing film 9d in the circumferential direction and the longitudinal direction to prevent unnecessary turbulence (dancing) of the film. Prevents leaning.

In this state, the fixing film 9d is rotated by the rotation of the pressure roller 9e, and the temperature of the ceramic heater 9a as a heating member is controlled to a predetermined fixing temperature. A sheet P as a material to be heated on which an unfixed toner image t is formed and carried is conveyed from the side of the unit and introduced into the apparatus, and is formed between the heater 9a and the pressure roller 9e with the film 9d interposed therebetween. The sheet P enters between the film 9d in the nip portion N and the pressure roller 9e, adheres closely to the outer surface of the rotary fixing film 9d, and the fixing nip portion N is nipped and conveyed together with the film 9d. The heat of 9a is applied to the sheet P via the film 9d, and the unfixed toner image t on the sheet P is heated and fixed on the surface of the sheet P. The sheet P passing through the fixing nip portion N is separated from the surface of the film 9d and discharged and conveyed.

The paper feed cassette 7 built in the facsimile main body 100 is located below the printer section 101, and is inserted into the facsimile main body 100 from the mounting opening 14 provided on the lower side wall of the facsimile main body 100 on the paper discharge side. It is free. Reference numeral 7a is a handle portion of the cassette 7.

When the paper is fed from the paper feeding cassette 7, the paper feeding roller 15 is driven to rotate and the separating member 16 is driven.
In cooperation with the above, the uppermost sheet of the stacked storage sheets P in the cassette 7 is separated and fed out in the direction opposite to the discharge side of the facsimile main body, guided upward by the sheet guide, and then turned. The roller 17 and the pressing roller 18 convey the U-turn to the transfer portion.

S1 is a sheet sensor disposed in the middle of the sheet path between the turn roller 17 and the transfer section 5,
When the leading edge of the sheet P that has been U-turned from the turn roller 17 toward the transfer unit is detected, the sheet transfer is temporarily stopped and synchronized with the progress of image formation on the photosensitive drum 1, so that the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred at the transfer unit. When the front edge of the toner image portion on the surface and the front edge of the sheet P exactly coincide with each other, the sheet conveyance is restarted and the sheet P is transferred to the transfer portion.
Will be delivered.

S2 is a sheet sensor provided in the middle of the sheet path of the transport section 8, and S3 is a sheet sensor provided on the sheet exit side of the fixing and discharging roller pair 10.

(B) Document reading device section 1031 is a document placing section (paper feeding section) which is arranged on the upper surface of the facsimile main body 100 and is inclined downward to the left, and 32 is a document placed on this document placing section. It is a movable side guide that regulates both sides of O.

The original O is fully inserted into the facsimile main body from the original insertion port 33 into the main body of the facsimile with the image surface facing downward on the above-mentioned original placing portion 31 until it is received by a stopper (not shown), and both sides are movable sides. Loading and setting is performed by moving the guide 32 to regulate it.

On the basis of the original reading start signal, the single original separating / feeding means 34 is operated to separate the lowermost original of the stacked set originals O, and the original is pulled into the main body of the facsimile and conveyed. Pair 35 → Second transport roller pair 3
The sheet 7 is conveyed at a predetermined speed through the path from the sheet discharge port 38 to the sheet discharge tray 39 (sheet discharge unit).

The original O is a pair of first and second conveying rollers 35.
While being conveyed between the rollers 37, the downward image surface of the document O is sequentially read as a time series electric digital pixel signal by the image photoelectric reading element array 36 arranged between the roller pair 35 and 37.

In the facsimile transmission mode, the read image information is transmitted to the facsimile machine of the other party.

In the copy mode, the printer unit 101 operates and the laser unit 3 outputs the laser beam L modulated in accordance with the time-series electric digital pixel signal as the document read image information. The printer unit 101 forms an image as a copy.

In the reception mode, the transmission information is received from the facsimile of the other party (transmission source) while being stored in the memory of the control system, the printer unit 101 operates and the reception information stored is recalled in the memory, and the laser unit 3 is called. The laser beam L modulated corresponding to the time-series electric digital pixel signal as reception information is output from the printer unit 101, and the printer unit 101 executes image formation as reception recording.

As is apparent from FIG. 2, the document reading device section 102 is arranged above the printer section 101,
The respective sheet discharge parts face in the same direction.

(C) Control Unit The control unit of the printer main body 100 has its circuit board arranged at an appropriate position in the printer main body. Reference numeral 51 denotes an operation panel, which is arranged on the upper surface side of the facsimile main body. Below the operation panel 51, a single-sheet original separating / feeding means 34 of the original reading device section 102, a first conveying roller pair 35, The image photoelectric reading element array 36, the second conveyance roller pair 37, etc. are located. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 53 is a handset.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the operation panel 5.
2 is an enlarged plan view and a side view of FIG. The operation panel 51 is provided with a liquid crystal display 52 (liquid crystal display, LCD) for displaying various messages and various operation keys (buttons) and function keys arranged in an array, and various required information and control modes are provided. Can be designated and input to the control unit.

B. First and second paper feeding unit device 20
0 · 300 . The first and second sheet feeding unit devices 200 and 300 are of the vertically stacked and stationary type, and in this example, 2
Used in multiple layers. The facsimile main body 100 is placed and set on it.

The sheet feeding unit devices 200 and 300 of this example
All have the same structure, and are of a so-called front loading system in which the sheet feeding cassette 19 can be pulled out to the front side of the apparatus to replenish the sheet material P.

.. Upper sheet feeding unit device 200
When a sheet is fed from the sheet feeding roller 20, the sheet feeding roller 20 in the apparatus 200 is rotationally driven to separate the sheet (not shown).
In cooperation with the above, the uppermost sheet of the stacked storage sheets P of the paper feed cassette 19 in the apparatus 200 is separated and fed out in the direction opposite to the discharge side of the facsimile main body 100.
It is guided upward by the sheet guide, and is ejected to the bottom plate of the facsimile main body 100 by the ejection roller pair 22 of the ejection port 21 which is opened on the top plate of the apparatus 200 and faces the ejection port 21. The sheet is introduced into the sheet receiving port 23 and is conveyed from the bottom to the top in the facsimile main body 100, and is then U-turned to the transfer portion by the turn roller 17 and the pressure roller 18.

.. Lower second paper feeding unit device 300
When a sheet is fed from the sheet feeding roller 20, the sheet feeding roller 20 in the apparatus 300 is rotationally driven to separate the sheet (not shown).
In cooperation with the above, the uppermost sheet of the stacked storage sheets P of the paper feed cassette 19 in the apparatus 300 is separated and fed out in the direction opposite to the paper discharge side of the facsimile main body 100.
It is guided upward by the sheet guide, and is ejected to the bottom plate of the upper first sheet feeding unit device 200 by the ejection roller pair 22 of the ejection port 21 which is opened on the upper plate of the device 300, and The sheet is introduced into the sheet receiving port 24 facing the paper port 21 and conveyed in the first paper feeding unit 200 from the bottom to the top, and thereafter, the first paper feeding unit 200.
The sheet discharge roller pair 22 → the sheet receiving port 23 on the side of the facsimile main body 100 → the turn roller 17 and the press roller 18 are conveyed to the transfer unit for a U-turn.

C. The adapter 400 sorter 500 is connected to the paper discharge side of the facsimile main body 100 via the adapter 400.

The adapter 400 includes, on the side facing the facsimile main body, an entrance portion 61 for a sheet discharged from the facsimile main body 100 side, and a paper feed cassette with a built-in facsimile main body which projects outward from the discharge side of the facsimile main body 100. 7 has an opening 64 for receiving the grip portion 7a to avoid interference with the grip portion 7a, a sheet outlet portion 63 is provided on the side facing the sorter, and the sheet inlet portion 61 and the sheet outlet portion 63 are connected to each other inside. It has a sheet path 62 for performing.

S4 is a sheet sensor (paper passage detection sensor BP) for detecting that the sheet material is discharged from the facsimile main body 100 side into the sheet path 62 of the adapter 400.
S).

In the adapter 400, after the paper discharge tray 13 (FIG. 3) is removed from the facsimile main body 100, the sheet inlet portion 61 is made to face the sheet discharge outlet 12 on the facsimile main body 100 side, and the paper feed cassette 7 The outwardly projecting grip portion 7a is put into the adapter 400 through the opening 64 and applied to the sheet discharge side of the facsimile main body 100, and a hooking mechanism such as a hook mechanism (not shown) or a screwing mechanism is locked. It is mechanically and firmly connected to the paper discharge side of the facsimile main body 100 by means.

The upper portion of the adapter 400 is recessed so as not to interfere with the document discharge tray 39 on the facsimile main body 100 side and escaped from the document discharge tray 39.

By connecting the facsimile main body 100 (printer unit) and the sorter 500 via the adapter 400, it is possible to cope with a difference in model and to increase versatility.

In this embodiment, the entire adapter 400 is made of a transparent material, or a part of the adapter 400 is provided with a cover having a transparent portion so that the occurrence of a sheet jam in the internal sheet path 62 can be easily visually confirmed. I can do it.

D. The sorter 500 includes a drive unit 501 and a bin tray unit 502 that is moved up and down by the drive unit 501.

The drive unit 501 includes the adapter 40.
0 has a sheet entrance portion 65 coming out of the sheet exit portion 63 on the adapter 400 side on the side facing the 0, and a discharge roller pair 67 on the side facing the bin tray unit 502.
The sheet having the (sheet introduction port) and entering the inlet portion 65 reaches the discharge roller pair 67 through the sheet path 66. S5
Is a sheet sensor (sorter inlet sensor) arranged at the position of the paper discharge roller pair 67.

The drive unit 501 has a bin tray unit elevating and lowering drive mechanism, a control unit and the like, which will be described later, built therein.

The sorter 500 is the drive unit 501 described above.
The seat inlet 65 of the unit to the adapter 40
Adapt the adapter 40 so that it faces the sheet outlet 63 on the 0 side.
0 is securely connected to the facsimile main body 100 via the adapter 400 by being firmly connected by a locking means (not shown).

The bin tray units 502 are vertically stacked in a substantially rectangular frame 70 as shown in FIG. 6, and in the case of this embodiment, there are a total of 10 bin trays (hereinafter referred to as bins).
71 _{1 to} 71 ₁₀ are internally provided.

In this embodiment, the uppermost bin 71 ₁ is the first bin, and the lower bins are the second, third, ..., Tenth bins.

In this embodiment, the bottom tenth bin 71 ₁₀
Is a fixed bottle on the bin tray unit frame 70 as shown in FIG. Other first to ninth bins 71 ₁ to
71 ₉ is provided with a tongue portion a · a is protruded to the respective outward on the front side and the rear side of the bottle tip side (sheet discharging direction downstream side) as shown in the plan view of FIG. 8 Further, rollers (followers) b and b are provided on the front side and the rear side of the rear side of the bin (the side on the upstream side in the sheet discharge direction) so as to project outward and are axially mounted. c is an upper bent edge on the rear side of the bottle.

The first to ninth bins 71 _{1 to} 71 _1
9 , the tongue pieces a on the front side and the back side of the tip side
・ A is sequentially received by receiving plates 70b, 70b which are vertically arranged at predetermined intervals inside the vertical frame plates 70a, 70a on the front side and the rear side of the bin tray unit frame 70. While supporting it, the rollers b and b on the front side and the rear side on the rear side are attached to the bin tray unit frame 70.
Vertical frame plates 70c, 70c on the front and rear sides of the rear end side
As shown in FIG. 8, the vertical frame plate 70c.
Is projected to the outside of 70c are arranged in the vertical multistage each bin 71 _{1-71 9} in the frame 70.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, rollers (followers) d.d, d are formed at the upper and lower ends of the vertical slit holes 70d, 70d on the outer sides of the vertical frames 70c, 70c.
・ D is pivoted. The width of the slit hole 70d is roller b.
It is wider than the outer diameter of d (Fig. 8).

As shown in FIG. 7, vertical hollow slits 72a and 72a are provided symmetrically on the inner wall surfaces of the hollow vertical frame portions 72 and 72 on the front side and the rear side of the sorter drive unit 501, which face each other. is there. The width dimension of the slit hole 72a is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the rollers b and d.

The slit hole 72a is a vertical slit hole portion extending vertically from the lower end side to the vicinity of the discharge roller pair 67 as shown in FIG. 7, and the discharge roller pair 67 is continuous with the slit hole portion. A bent slit hole portion that is obliquely bent in a direction away from the paper discharge roller 67 at a horizontal position;
Further, it is composed of a vertical slit hole portion which extends vertically upward continuously from the bent slit hole portion.

As described above, the bin tray unit 5 in which the bins 71 ₁ to 71 ₁₀ are vertically arranged in the frame 70 as described above.
The rear end side of 02 is made to correspond to the front and rear vertical frame portions 72, 72 of the drive unit 501, and the vertical slit holes 72a As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rollers b and d protruding outward from the front and rear vertical frame plates 70c and 70c on the rear side of the bin tray unit 502 are respectively fitted to the 72a. In combination, the bin tray unit 502 is mounted between the front and rear vertical frame portions 72, 72 of the drive unit 501.

The bin tray unit 502 is moved up and down by an up-and-down moving mechanism provided on the drive unit 501 side. That is, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, hollow upper and lower hollow frames 72 on the front side and the rear side of the drive unit 501 respectively hold upper and lower end portions by bearings so that the lead cam shaft 7 extends vertically.
5.75 are provided. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 76 indicates a bearing on the upper end side.

Further, lead cams (spiral cams) 77, 77 for engaging the front and rear rollers b, d of the bin tray unit 502 are fixedly supported on the upper ends of the lead cam shafts 75, 75, respectively. . The lead cams 77, 77 are located at substantially the same height as the paper discharge roller pair 67 of the drive unit 501 as shown in FIGS.

In FIG. 8, M is a forward / reverse rotation motor (shift motor) provided at the bottom of the hollow vertical frame 72 on the inner side of the drive unit 501, and is a power transmission system such as a gear train, a sprocket (not shown) and a chain. The forward rotation force / reverse rotation force of the motor M is transmitted to the lead cam shafts 75, 75 on the back side and the front side, respectively, via G, and the lead cam shaft 75
75, that is, the lead cams 77, 77 are driven in the forward direction or the reverse direction.

In the lead cams 77, 77, the direction in which the rollers b, b of the respective bins are sequentially sent upward is the forward direction, and the direction in which the rollers b are sequentially sent downward is the reverse direction.

When the lead cams 77, 77 are driven in the forward direction, the rollers b, b of the bins at each stage are guided by the vertical slit elongated holes 72a, 72a for each rotation, and the lead cams 77, 77 are guided from below. Rolled up to the upper side and the fed rollers b and b are bin tray unit frame 70.
The upper roller d • d, or the lower roller b • b of the already fed stage bin, the upper roller d • d has a pushing force. Acts on the frame 70, and thus the bin tray unit 502.
The entire one moves up one by one by one roller, that is, one by one bin, against its own weight.

On the contrary, when the lead cams 77, 77 are driven in the reverse direction, the rollers b, b of the bins of each stage are guided by the vertical slit elongated holes 72a, 72a for each one rotation, and are guided from the upper side of the lead cams 77, 77. By being sent down,
The rollers d and d on the upper side of the frame 70 and the lead cam 77.7
As the number of rollers between 7 decreases by one, the frame 70, and hence the entire bin tray unit 502, moves downward by one roller by one roller, that is, one bin by weight.

As described above, the lead cams 77 and 77 are located at substantially the same height as the discharge roller pair 67, and the rear end side of the bin of the stage corresponding to the rollers b and b immediately below the lead cams 77 and 77 is discharged. The bin at the position corresponding to the paper roller pair 67 and the bin at the upper stage thereof are pushed up by the lead height of the lead cams 77, 77, so that the bin at the position corresponding to the paper discharge roller pair 67 and the bin on the upper stage thereof. As shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the bin and the rear end side is wider than the distance between the bins of other stages by being pushed open, and the pair of discharge rollers for the bin of the stage positioned corresponding to the pair of discharge rollers 67. The sheet is discharged smoothly by 67.

In the case of the apparatus of this embodiment, the slit elongated holes 72a.
As described above (FIG. 7) for 72a, a vertical slit hole portion extending vertically from the lower end side to the vicinity of the paper discharge roller pair 67 and a horizontal position of the paper discharge roller pair 67 continuous to the slit hole portion. The lead cam has a bent slit hole portion that is bent obliquely in a direction away from the paper discharge roller 67 and a vertical slit hole portion that extends vertically upward continuously from the bent slit hole portion. The bins sent to the upper side of 77/77 are lead cams 77/77.
Since it is moved in the direction away from the paper discharge roller pair 67 than the lower bin, the rear end of the bin at the stage corresponding to the paper discharge roller pair 67 is moved from the bin. Also, the rear end of the upper bin is displaced forward, and this also widens the opening on the rear end side of the bin that is positioned corresponding to the paper discharge roller pair 67, and the paper discharge roller pair 67 for that bin. The sheet is smoothly discharged by (Fig. 12
(FIG. 14).

In this embodiment, the uppermost first bin (uppermost bin) 71 ₁ has a capacity capable of accommodating 100 sheets, and the second to tenth bins (intermediate bins) 71 ₂ to
71 ₁₀ is set to a capacity capable of accommodating 20 sheets.

2 and 10, S6 is the second to tenth bins 71 _{2 to} 71 ₂ excluding the uppermost first bin 71 _1.
10 is a sheet sensor (penetration sensor) common to ₁₀ and the sheet is present in one or more bins other than the _first bin 71 ₁ so that the sensor optical path is blocked by the sheet and the presence of the sheet is detected.

In any of the receiving mode and the copy mode described later, the bin tray unit 501 is in a position where the first bin 71 _{1 at} the uppermost stage corresponds to the discharge roller pair 67 as shown in FIGS. It has been lowered to and is standing by at this lowered position as the home position.

Then, the lead cams 77, 77 are intermittently driven forward one rotation to rotate the lead cams 77, 77.
Every 1 rotation of, the bottle moves up one stage.

In FIG. 12, the bin tray unit 501 is shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 shows the state in which the second bin 71 ₂ of the second stage has been moved up from the home position by one stage and is located at the position corresponding to the pair of discharge rollers 67.

FIG. 13 shows a state in which the sixth bin 71 ₆ is positioned corresponding to the paper discharge roller pair 67.

FIG. 14 shows the tenth bottle 71 _{10 at} the bottom.
Shows a state in which the sheet is positioned corresponding to the pair of discharge rollers 67.

The bin tray unit 501 is the first lowermost tray.
The height position in FIG. 14 where the bin 71 _{10 of} 0 corresponds to the discharge roller pair 67 is the ascending upper limit position. From this state, the lead cams 77, 77 are intermittently driven to rotate in the reverse direction for one rotation, so that each rotation of the lead cams 77, 77 moves down by one stage of the bin, and finally, the home position shown in FIGS. Returned to.

E. Inter-Device Control System FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a control system among the facsimile main body 100, the first and second sheet feeding unit devices 200 and 300, and the sorter 500.

In this embodiment, the controller SCNT of the facsimile main body 100 relays between the printer unit 101 of the facsimile main body 100 and the sorter 500.

That is, the fax controller controls the printer unit 101 and the sorter 500 in a coordinated manner.

As will be described later, the sorter 500 controls the sheets (recording paper) output from the facsimile main body 100 side by destination and source, so that control via the printer section becomes difficult. The control described above can be facilitated by controlling the printer unit 101 and the sorter 500 with the SCNT of the facsimile main body 100 as in the present embodiment.

The printer unit 101 of the facsimile main body 100 and the sorter 500 may be connected mechanically.
By connecting via the adapter 400, it is possible to deal with a difference in model.

The SCNT of the facsimile main body 100 and the controller 78 on the sorter 500 side are electrically connected via an interface connector I / F. A short pin is provided on the sorter side of the I / F to detect connection.

The SCNT of the facsimile main body 100 receives the reception signal and outputs the transmission signal. The SCNT controls the document reading device unit 102 and the printer unit 101. Then, the printer unit 101 controls the first and second sheet feeding unit devices 200 and 300.

The controller 78 of the sorter 500 controls the forward / reverse rotation motor M of the bin tray unit lifting / lowering drive mechanism. Also, the signal of the sheet sensor S4 in the adapter 400,
The signals of the sheet sensor S5 and the penetration sensor S6 of the sorter 500 are transmitted to the SCNT of the facsimile main body 100 side.

F. Normal reception (reception for each communication) FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart of this normal reception mode.

As described above, the transmission information from the transmission source facsimile is received while being stored in the memory of the control system of the facsimile main body 100. The number of received sheets is recognized by storing the transmission information in the memory. The received information stored in the memory is called and the facsimile main body 10
When the printing operation of the printer unit 102 of 0, a sheet as a reception recording paper is output.

Further, as described above, the sorter 5 of this embodiment is used.
00 is the uppermost first bin 71 ₁ (uppermost bin, upper bin, upper tray) of the bin tray unit 502, and has a capacity capable of accommodating 100 sheets. Each of the bins 71 _{2 to} 71 ₁₀ (intermediate bin) of the tier has a capacity capable of accommodating 20 sheets. In group 20-sheet mode, this is (LGL / LT
R / A4) and (LTR /
A4) and 25 sheets (LGL).

When the power is turned on (reset), the bin tray unit 502 moves to the home position at the lowermost position in FIGS. 2 and 11 where the uppermost bin 71 ₁ is positioned corresponding to the paper discharge roller pair 67 and stands by. is doing.

For normal reception, the bin tray unit 502 is moved up one bin at a time for each communication, and the sheets for each communication output from the facsimile main body 100 are sequentially sorted (sorted) into bins at each stage. In this embodiment, the uppermost first bin 71 ₁ is not used for sheet sorting for each communication, and the next second bin 71 ₂ ...
Use the tenth bin 71 ₁₀ .

The bin movement start timing is the same as when the print start signal is issued, and the bin movement timing is that there is no bin movement during one communication in this normal reception.

After the reception operation is completed, the bin tray unit 50
2, the uppermost first bin 71 ₁ is returned to the home position of FIG. 2 and FIG. 11 where it corresponds to the discharge roller pair 67, and stands by.

In this way, the second to tenth bins 71 ₂
Sequentially first sheet of each communication to -71 ₁₀ is accommodated sorted.

When the sheets are stored in the _{second to} tenth bins 71 _{2 to} 71 ₁₀ , all the sheets for each communication thereafter are discharged and stored in the first bin 71 ₁ . To be done. Further, it is possible to select a mode in which the paper is forcibly discharged only to the uppermost first bin 71 ₁ .

As described above, the uppermost bin 71₁ Is a star
To the standby position and sort the bins in the second and subsequent bins 71.
₂ ~ 71_TenTo eject the sheet for execution,
This second and subsequent bins 71₂ ~ 71_TenAll bins
After the paper is made, all the subsequent paper discharges are in the uppermost bin 71.₁ 
For the uppermost bin 71. ₁ 
Keep the sheet facing the sheet inlet 67,
When sorting the g₁ Lower than
Second bin 71₂ Facing the sheet inlet 67
To control the bins in sequence,
After finishing sorting, the uppermost bin 71₁ Sheet seat
Stand by after lowering the bin to a position facing the inlet 62
Frequent use due to having a control means to shift to the state
The top bin with a larger number of seats
Put the seat in the standby position,
Since it is output, the sorter control becomes easy.

G. Bin designated reception (mailbox, mail
Ruposuto) FIG. 17 is an operational flowchart of the bin designated receive mode.

In this reception mode, the communication designated by the receiver is transmitted to the second to tenth bins 71 ₂ excluding the _first bin 71 _1.
-71 ₁₀ mode for discharging only the predesignated bottle of. That is, the bin tray unit 502 is moved upward so that the bin tray designated in advance corresponds to the position of the sheet ejection roller pair 67 as the sheet introduction port, and the sheet is ejected and accommodated in the bin.

When the number of communication sheets is 20 or less, the sheet is discharged to the designated bin tray, and when it exceeds 20, the sheet is discharged to the uppermost first bin tray 71 ₁ .

[0111] That is normally discharged to the bin 71 _{2-71 10} sheets in that this embodiment a sheet stacking number of sheets recorded many images number of pages for 20 sheets and less be discharged into one bin Can not.

Therefore, the number of pages is counted while putting the received image in the memory of all pages, and when the total number of pages is smaller than the predetermined number, the sheet on which the image is recorded is discharged to the designated bin, and the total number of pages is the predetermined number. In the above case, control is performed so that the sheets are discharged to the uppermost first bin 71 ₁ (upper bin) where the number of stackable sheets is large.

In the case of this bin designation reception mode, since it is assumed that the user only needs to confirm the designated bin, another bin (71 ₁ ) as described above.
You may not notice the discharged sheet.

Therefore, as described above, when the total number of pages is equal to or more than the predetermined number, another page (one other than the _one discharged to the uppermost bin 71 ₁ ) is recorded, and the first page is recorded. Discharging the sheet to the designated bin solves the above problem.

When the number of received pages is equal to or larger than a predetermined number, a report recording that the received image is discharged to another bin may be output to the designated bin.

FIG. 18 is an operation flowchart in the above case, that is, in the designated bin reception mode when the stackable capacity is exceeded.

That is, when the bin designation receiving mode is entered (step S101), the received number counter n is first reset (S102), and the memory reception is performed (S103). The page counter is incremented as long as the next page continues (S104, S105).

When one communication is completed, it is checked whether the number of received sheets exceeds the maximum number of loaded bin trays = N (S
106), if it is over, bottle tray unit 50
2 is moved so that the uppermost first bin 71 ₁ (# 1) is positioned corresponding to the discharge roller pair 67 (S107),
Recording and paper discharge operations are performed on this bin 71 ₁ (S1).
08).

Next, in order to record only one page again, the bin is moved to the designated bin for addressing (S111), and only the first page of the bin is recorded and discharged (S112).

In step S106, if the maximum load number N is not exceeded, move to the designated bin for addressing (S10
9) The recording and discharging operations are performed on the bin (S1)
10).

Finally, the operation returns to the standby (S11
3).

H. Multiple copies designated reception (sorted reception) FIG. 19 is an operation flowchart of this multiple copies designated reception mode. In this mode, the sheets are sorted and ejected according to a predetermined number of receiving copies. The number of copies can be specified by the receiving side and the transmitting side. After the paper is discharged to the _tenth bin 71 ₁₀ , all the paper is discharged to the first bin 71 ₁ . When sheets are stacked on the bin, multiple copy designation is canceled.

For convenience, the first to tenth bins 71 _{1 to} 71 _1
10 is sequentially represented as # 1 to # 10.

.. When N copies are specified, first communication # 2, # 3, ... # N-1, and paper discharge second communication When N-1 + N = 2N-1 ≦ 10 #N, # N + 1 ,. .., # 2N-1 N-1 + N = 2N-> 10 All are discharged to # 1 Example) When N = 4 First communication: # 2, # 3, # 4, # 5 Second communication: # 6, # 7, # 8, # 9 Third communication and above: # 1. When the sheets are already loaded on the bin, there are two measures: a) canceling the designation of multiple copies b) ejecting from the next bin, but the method a) is simpler and more secure The method of b) for storing the bin designation flag can be described by the same means as other operations.

.. Bin movement timing 1. Receive the sort mode specification command Set the sheet specification to the value at the time of sorting When moving between adjacent bins; delay the interval by 0.6 seconds When moving to # 10 to # 1, delay the interval by 5.4 seconds 2. Received the number of print copies and the number of pages of one copy. Receive print start signal 4. Move to designated bin tray 5. After the movement, the sheet sensor S5 detects the leading edge of the sheet. 6. The sheet sensor S4 detects the trailing edge of the sheet. 7. Accelerate the rotation speed of the discharge roller pair 67. 8. The sheet sensor S5 detects the trailing edge of the sheet. 10. Decelerate the rotation speed of the discharge roller pair 67. Move bin tray 11. Repeat 5 to 10 for the number of prints. I. to return the print after the end of the bin tray to # 1 Memory reception . Discharge Mode for Each Communication FIG. 20 is an operation flowchart of this mode. Paper is discharged in order of # 2, # 3, ..., # 10, # 1 for each communication.

.. Confidential reception All confidential reception sheets are output to the uppermost first bin 71 ₁ (upper tray, # 1). However, it is also possible to select a mode for sorting each communication.

Since the sheet of the confidentially received image is started to be recorded when the receiver inputs the personal identification number, it is better to discharge the sheet to a bin where the sheet can be easily taken out than to the designated bin.

Then, the sheet of the normally received image is discharged to the designated bin, the image of the confidentially received image is started to be recorded when the personal identification number is inputted, and the sheet of the confidentially received image is the maximum regardless of the bin designation. Upper first bin 71 ₁ (#
Discharge to 1).

FIG. 21 is an operation flowchart of this confidential reception mode.

That is, in normal reception, the bin is the second bin 1.
Since it is used from 7 ₂ (# 2), 2 is set in the bin designation flag F.
Is set (step S201). When there is a reception (S
202), the mode is analyzed (S203), and if it is confidential reception, it is received in the image memory (S204).

If it is determined in step S203 that the mode is other than confidential reception, the mode is the normal reception mode (S211), so that the bin is moved to the designated bin (S212), and the recording and paper discharge operations are performed in the bin (S213).

After the confidential reception, when the recording is started (S205), the personal identification number is input (S206) and the recording is started. Set 1 to the bin designation flag (S20
7) Then, the bin is shifted to the uppermost bin 17 ₁ (# 1) (S208), and all the recording and paper discharge to this uppermost bin (S209) and the process is finished (S210).

J. Received for each communication (multi-polling
22 ) FIG. 22 is an operation flowchart of the multi-polling reception mode. Outputs to the specified bin for each communication when multi-polling is received.

The facsimile main body 100 has a polling function, and has means for designating the bin corresponding to the polling destination to the control panel 51 or the control section, and means for selecting the bin corresponding to the calling selection signal. , A means for discharging the image received by polling to the selected bin.

That is, a plurality of destination numbers set in advance are sequentially called, and when polling is set and a received image is obtained, the received image is output to the bin tray corresponding to the destination.

This deals with the fact that the other party may not be able to receive polling in the set order in the busy state.

K. Copy . Normal copy When the original O is set on the original placing portion 31 of the facsimile main body 100 and the copy key (FIG. 5) of the operation panel 51 is pressed, the original O is drawn into the original reading device portion 102 for one sheet and the image photoelectric conversion is performed. Image information is photoelectrically read by the reading element array 36. The original document that has been read is discharged to the tray 39.

Then, the printing operation of the printer unit 102 outputs a copy. The copy is discharged to the uppermost first bin 71 ₁ (# 1) of the sorter 500.

.. Sort copy 1. When multi-copy is specified with the sorter 500 connected, the sort copy mode is automatically selected when N ≦ 10.

When N> 10, only 10 copies are made, "remove paper" is displayed (liquid crystal display 52), and the system returns to the standby state (N ← N-10).

To obtain more copies, press the start button again (memory multi-copy).

When there is only one original, the paper is discharged to # 1 regardless of the designated number of copies.

2. Since the sort copy takes a plurality of copies, it is assumed that there is no sheet in any bin.

3. When sort copy is designated and there is a sheet on the bin, "Remove paper" is displayed and the process returns to the standby state.

4. When the sheet is removed and sort copy is specified again, the display of "Remove paper" disappears and the sort copy mode is entered.

5. When the original is removed in the standby state in the above-mentioned state 3, the display of "Remove paper" disappears.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the method for detecting the presence / absence of a sheet in a bin.

When the paper discharge operation for the bin is completed (step S301), first the state of the sensor (penetration sensor) S6 for the presence of paper in the bin is checked (S302), and if there is paper, the timer is started ( S303), the timer counter for counting a predetermined time is incremented (S304), and when a predetermined reference time has elapsed (S30).
5) Then, the sensor S6 is checked again (S306), and only when it is determined that there is no paper, the paper in the bin is determined to be no paper (S307).

L. Emergency action . Reception during sort copy operation Receives the remaining image memory used for sorting.

.. Measures for running out of paper during sort recording operation After setting the sheet (recording paper), output the remaining images with the start button.

.. Operation after jam processing during sort recording operation After jam processing, when "Continue output" is selected on the operation panel 51, output resumes from the jammed sheet When "Continue selection" is selected, output from the specified bin or page Resume Select "Re-output" to output from the first page.

M. In the case of an emergency print-out facsimile machine, even if the sorter 500 is out of order, it is necessary to always receive the sorter 500. Therefore, if the recorded image is not output, the memory overflows.

In the apparatus of this embodiment, when the sorter 500 is out of order (disorder), the user can mechanically remove the sorter 500 from the facsimile main body 100 and the user can output data.

That is, when the sorter malfunctions, the user sorts the sorter 50.
A unit for mechanically separating 0 from the facsimile main body 100 is provided, and it is judged from the states of the sorter power source sorter side connection sensor, the I / F connector, and the main body side connection sensor whether or not it is an emergency output state, and recording is prohibited or permitted.

At this time, depending on the detached state of the sorter, the sorter may or may not be required to operate. Therefore, a means for knowing the detached state is required.

Sorter Sorter side I / F Main unit side Power supply connection Sensor connector connection Sensor connection status output ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ― ON ON ON ON ON Normal connection Normal output OFF ON ON ON ON Sorter error output prohibition ON / OFF OFF ON ON Sorter error output prohibition ON / OFF ON / OFF OFF ON Connection failure Output prohibition ON / OFF ON / OFF OFF OFF Coupling failure Output prohibition ON OFF ON ON OFF Coupling release forced output. State that must work 1. Non-option (standard) state 2. Normal setting Mechanical connection I / F cable connection Power ON 3. Emergency Print-out The data can be output by the user's operation when the sorter is out of order. When it should not work 1. Jam is being processed 2. Despite the sorter being mechanically connected, I /
The F cable is disconnected, or the sorter power is off.
FF.

FIG. 24 is an operation flowchart at the time of emergency output at the time of a sorter failure.

When the sorter fails, it is forcibly output to prevent the image memory from overflowing. First, if the sorter fails, step (S401), the main body side connection sensor is checked (S402), and if it is ON, it must be determined that the sorter is connected, and this must be removed.

If it is OFF in step S402, it is next checked whether or not the I / E connector is connected (S403). If it is OFF, it is determined that the connector is not properly connected.

If it is turned on in step S403, the connection sensor on the sorter side is continuously checked (404) and turned off.
If so, it is confirmed that the sorter is disconnected as in step S402, so the power status of the sorter is checked (S405), and if it is ON, it is determined to be a forced output.

If it is ON in step S404 or OFF in step S405, it is determined that the sorter is defective.

N. Sort mode 30 sheets, group mode
20 sheets As described above, the number of sheets that can be accommodated in each of the bins 71 _{2 to} 71 ₁₀ of the second or lower stage of the sorter 500 according to the present embodiment is set to 20 sheets. By moving the bin, aligning the discharged sheets and discharging the remaining sheets,
It is possible to discharge and store a predetermined number of sheets or more in the bin, increase the number of sheets stacked on the bin, and maximize the capacity of the bin.

That is, the control means for selecting the sword mode in which the bin ascending / descending means is operated every time a sheet enters one bin to raise or lower the bin, and the group mode in which sheets are continuously placed in one bin. And the maximum allowable number of sheets per bin in the sort mode is made larger than the maximum allowable number of sheets in the group mode.

When the number of pages of the recorded image is larger than the maximum allowable number of sheets in the group mode, before the recording sheet is discharged to the maximum allowable number of sheets in the group mode, the bin is moved to the adjacent bin. , A means for returning the remaining sheets to the original bin.

By the vertical movement of the bin, the sheets in the bin are shaken and aligned, and the number of sheets discharged and stacked on the bin can be increased.

O. Sheet curling measures Sheets with a high black ratio are easily curled. If a curled sheet that exceeds the allowable amount (for example, 15 mm) enters a narrow bin, the succeeding sheet will become jammed or the curled sheet will be underneath. It is easy to get the next sheet in. Therefore, of the page images stored in the memory, the received image having a page having a black ratio above a certain level is controlled to be discharged to the first bin 71 ₁ (# 1) at the uppermost stage.

FIG. 25 is an operation flowchart for the curl countermeasure of the above-mentioned sheet having a high black ratio.

That is, if there is a reception (step S50)
1) Reset the received number counter n (S50
2) The memory is received (S503).

While incrementing the counter n (S504), the black ratio k in one page is detected (S50).
5).

Every time the memory reception of one page is completed, it is checked whether the above-mentioned flag k exceeds the reference value K of the black ratio which is likely to curl (S506), and if it exceeds, the black ratio flag F is set. (S507).

If there is a next page (S508), the same process is repeated, and when one communication is completed, the previous flag is checked (S509). If it is ON, an image that easily curls is included. Move the bin to # 1 (S51
0), all are recorded and discharged to the uppermost first bin (upper tray) 17 ₁ (S511).

When it is determined in step S509 that the image is not easily curled when it is OFF, the bin is moved to the designated bin (S512), the same recording and discharging are performed, and the standby state is restored. Yes (S513).

P. Careless removal of sheets discharged to the bin
Countermeasure against sheet feeding As described above, the sheet sensor S6 in FIGS.
(Penetration sensor) is a plurality of bins 71 _{2 to} 71 ₁₀ (# 2 to #
10) is a sensor for detecting that the sheet on one bin to the presence of (bins in the sheet presence detecting sensor), when all the sheets stacked in the bin 71 _{2-71 10} while waiting is removed The bin designation flag is cleared by opening the optical path of the sensor S6. When the sensor S6 is turned on before the paper discharge operation, the bin designation flag is set to #
After setting to 10, all the sheets are discharged to # 1.

By the way, the user may remove a sheet from the bin in order to confirm whether or not the sheet is addressed to himself, and if it is not his own, return the sheet to the bin. In such a case, the sensor S6 may be turned on once and turned off again.

This is different from the case where the sheet is put in any bin. That is, the former should continue the operation as it is, but in the latter case, since it is not known in which bin it was placed, it is necessary to discharge all to the bin # 1.

In order to cope with this, a means for judging that the sensor S6 has changed from the presence of a sheet to the absence of the sheet, and further, if the absence of the sheet is detected for a predetermined time, determines that there is no sheet in the bin. As a result, the sensor S6 is turned on / off due to careless insertion / removal of a sheet from the bin.
It is possible to prevent erroneous control of the device due to F.

Q. Communication Management (through pipe) report receiving bin bottle discharged communication management reports (such as communication end report error message memory transmission end report)
Tends to be taken away with the other sheets left in the bin even if the other sheets are taken out of the bin and taken away, and therefore such a communication management report is sent to the bin 71 ₂ where the presence or absence of the sheet is detected by the sensor S6. When discharging to -71 _10, sensor S6 is also a state of there seat forever because of the presence of the communication management report left also be extracted every other sheet, which may control the sorter can not be efficiently.

Therefore, sheets other than the sheet of the received or copied image such as the communication management report are discharged to the bin in which the sensor S6 does not detect the sheet, that is, the first bin 71 ₁ (upper tray, # 1) at the uppermost stage in this embodiment. I am trying to let you. This eliminates the inconvenience.

FIG. 26 is an operation flowchart of the above mode.

That is, if there is a recording request (step S60)
1) Check the in-bin paper detection sensor (penetration sensor) S6 (S602). If there is no paper, it means that there is no paper in all bins.

First, it is judged whether the recording request is a report such as a communication request or a normal reception / copy mode (S60).
3).

In step S603, the report request (Yes
At the time of s), the sorter bin is moved to the upper tray # 1 (S605), and recording and discharging are performed (S606).

If there is paper in step S602, there is a sheet that has already been recorded, so it is not possible to carry out sort reception or sort copy next, so step S6
This is checked at 07, and when there is no need for sorting, the process is the same as that of step S603 as it is.

When it is necessary to sort in step S607, it is necessary to display, for example, "take out paper" and remove the sheet (S608). After that, the bin is moved to the designated address for the reception / copy mode (S609) (S610), and the recording and the paper ejection are similarly performed (S60).
6).

R. Paper discharge speed Printer unit 101 of the facsimile main body 100 of this embodiment
In the above, as the image fixing means, as described above, the film heating type fixing device 9 excellent in quick start property and the like is used.
(Fig. 4) is used. For example, in the case of the heat roller pair type fixing means, since the sheet nip force (grip force) is large, even if the speed difference with the paper discharge roller is large to some extent, the influence on the image is small. However, since the nip force of the sheet is relatively weak in the film heating type fixing device 9, the discharge speed has a great influence, and it is considered necessary to make the transport speed of the sorter equal to the process speed.

In this embodiment, the fixing device having a weak sheet nip force is not affected by the sheet conveying force on the downstream side.

.. According to the process speed of the fixing device 9 (about 24 mm / s in this embodiment), the paper is discharged from the main body and accelerated.

.. The sheet gripping force of the paper ejection roller on the connection adapter is increased to support multiple process speeds with one transport speed. Accurately know the discharge timing from the printer to accelerate the transport speed. Calculate time from TOP from paper size and process speed 1. Setting a new status signal for passing the paper ejection sensor 3. In the present embodiment, a BPS (photointerrupter) is newly provided. A discharge rotating body 11 that discharges the sheet fixed by the fixing means 9 to a discharge tray, and a rotation speed of the rotating body 11 are controlled to sandwich the sheet between the fixing means 9. The control means is provided with the same speed when the sheet is in contact with the sheet and when the sheet is separated from the fixing means 9.

Further, the fixing means 9 and the discharging rotary member 1
1 is provided with a conveying rotating body 10 that rotates at the same speed as the fixing unit 9 and a driving unit that rotates the discharging rotating body at a higher speed than the conveying rotating body and that supports the same so that it can slip. There is.

S. The stapler sorter 500 may be provided with a stapler for binding a set of sheets discharged into a bin.

.. The sheet position for stapling is determined from the received image and the sheet is output to the bin.

.. The output is reversed from the last line of the received image and stapling is performed.

Since a face-up recording system is used in this embodiment, staples are provided on the back side of the apparatus.

As for the apparatus configuration, in an image recording apparatus having a stapler, a memory for temporarily recording a received image, a means for determining the top and bottom of the received image, and a sheet () for stapling the upper left corner of the received image A means for setting the orientation of the recording paper) and the orientation of the image output is provided.

Further, the image recording apparatus having the stapler is provided with a memory for temporarily recording the received image and a recording means for outputting from the last pixel information of the received image.

[0196]

As described above, according to the present invention, in an image communication apparatus including a plurality of bin trays and a sorter for sorting recording sheets output from the image communication apparatus,
A penetration sensor that detects the presence of a sheet in one of the predetermined bin trays, and a bin tray that is different from the predetermined bin tray that does not detect a sheet in the penetration sensor, and a bin tray that is not detected by the penetration sensor Even if the communication management report is not removed by ejecting sheets other than the received and copied image sheets, such as the communication management report, it is not related to the penetration sensor, so the penetration sensor will be in the state with the sheet forever. It is possible to avoid a situation where the control efficiency becomes poor.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a facsimile device including a sorter as seen from the front side.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic internal structure.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional front view of a facsimile device that does not use a sorter.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a film heating type image heating fixing device used.

5A and 5B are an enlarged plan view and a side view of the operation panel.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bin tray housing frame of the bin unit.

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional side view of the drive unit of the sorter.

FIG. 8 is a transverse plan view of the sorter.

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional front view of the bin tray unit.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a penetration sensor portion of the bin tray.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state where the bin tray unit is lowered to the home position and the uppermost bin tray is in a position corresponding to the pair of paper discharge rollers and waiting.

FIG. 12 is a diagram when a second bin tray from the top is in a position corresponding to a pair of discharge rollers.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the sixth bin tray from the top is in a position corresponding to the pair of discharge rollers.

FIG. 14 is a diagram when the lowermost bin tray is in a position corresponding to a pair of discharge rollers.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a mutual control system of the devices.

FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart of a normal reception mode.

FIG. 17 is an operation flowchart of a bin designation reception mode.

FIG. 18 is an operation flowchart when the loadable capacity is exceeded in the bin designation reception mode.

FIG. 19 is an operation flowchart of a multi-part designation reception mode.

FIG. 20 is an operation flowchart of a communication-based sorting paper discharge mode in memory reception.

FIG. 21 is an operation flowchart of confidential reception mode in memory reception.

FIG. 22 is an operation flowchart of multi-polling reception mode.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a method for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet in a bin.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart at the time of emergency output when a sorter fails.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart for curling measures for a sheet with a high black ratio.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart for discharging reports such as pipes to the upper tray.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 facsimile main body 101 printer unit 102 document reader unit 200 first paper feeding unit 300 the second sheet feeding unit 400 adapter 500 sorter 501 drive unit 502 bin tray unit 71 ₁ to 71 ₁₀ first to 10th bin tray of

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor Masao Kiguchi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Matsumoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Incorporated (72) Inventor Yoshiyuki Nakayama 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) In-house Haruo Ishizuka 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An image communication apparatus having a plurality of bin trays and a sorter for sorting recording sheets output from the image communication apparatus, wherein a penetrating member for detecting the presence of a sheet in any one of the predetermined bin trays. A sensor and a bin tray different from the predetermined bin tray that does not detect a sheet with the penetration sensor, and discharge a sheet other than a received or copy image sheet such as a communication management report to the bin tray that is not detected by the penetration sensor. Characteristic image communication device.