JPH0812179A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate a danger that a facsimile output image or the like gets lost by guiding a recording material on which an image is formed by an image forming means to a prescribed housing part of a recording material housing means according to a supply source of image data formed on the recording material. CONSTITUTION:In a digital copying device 2 having a sorter, a bin setting part 312 to control a discharge destination of a sorter 200 set through an operation panel 90, is connected to a CPU 302. When a recorded paper sheet is discharged in response to bin setting data to be inputted through the operation panel 90, this bin setting part 312 discriminates a data supply source which supplied image data formed on a corresponding paper sheet, and indicates a quantity to energize a raising-lowering motor 208, that is, a moving distance of a bin unit to control a position of the bin unit of the sorter 200. Therefore, the paper sheet can be sorted and housed according to the data supply source such as a facsimile, a computer or a word processor.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is capable of copying an image of an original on a recording sheet and outputting an image based on image data supplied from the outside, such as a facsimile signal or printer image data, to the recording sheet. Image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus such as a digital copying apparatus is supplied from the outside with an image reading section for reading an image of an original, an image forming section for forming a copy image corresponding to the image read through the reading section. And a signal control unit for converting image data into a print signal capable of forming an image by the image forming unit, and
It includes a sorting and accumulating unit for accommodating a sheet holding an image formed by the image forming unit.

The image reading section includes a mounting table on which an object to be copied is mounted, a plurality of mirrors and an illuminating device for transmitting an image of an original document mounted on the mounting table to the image forming section as light / dark information of light. Have

The image forming unit includes a photoconductor on which an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image data is formed, a developing device for developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor by supplying toner, and a developing device. It has a sheet feeding unit for feeding a recording sheet used for holding the formed toner image.

The signal control unit stores the image information of the original read by the image reading unit, that is, the image data of the original, the image data supplied via the facsimile line, and the image data supplied from the computer or the word processor. It has a page memory and a print controller for printing the image data stored in the page memory.

The sorting stacking unit has a plurality of small-sized storage units (bins) that are movably formed and can store a predetermined number of recorded sheets, and a batch stacking unit that can store all the recorded sheets at once. The sheets holding the image formed by the image forming unit are sorted according to preset conditions, or are collectively accommodated.

[0007]

In the digital copying apparatus of this type, the image forming unit performs image formation on the supplied image data based on the image data from the image data supply source selected by the print control unit. To be executed.

However, the image corresponding to the image of the original, that is, the copy output image, the image corresponding to the image supplied through the facsimile line, that is, the facsimile output image, and the image corresponding to the image data supplied from the computer or the word processor. That is, even if either of the print output images is output, the output printed sheets are only output according to the accommodating conditions preset in the sorting stacking unit, and the copy output image and the facsimile output image are output. Each of the print output image and the print output image is sequentially stored in the sorting stacking unit without being sorted.

This is because, for example, when the copying operation is executed after the facsimile output image received by the facsimile device during the non-copying operation is output, the copy output image obtained by the copying operation and the already-distributed accumulating unit. There is a problem of causing mixing of the facsimile output image stored in the.

In addition, the fact that the facsimile output image is accumulated in the same accommodating portion as the copy output image causes a problem that when the copy output image is taken away, a part or all of the facsimile output image is easily taken away together. . This tends to be more noticeable for users who are frequently used as a copying apparatus, and as a result, there is a problem that the risk that a facsimile output image will be missing increases.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of classifying a recording sheet on which an image is formed corresponding to image data supplied from a plurality of data supply sources, for each data supply source. .

[0012]

The present invention has been made on the basis of the above problems, and has a plurality of recording material storage portions,
A recording material accommodating unit capable of changing the storage unit for storing the recording material according to a data supplier of image data corresponding to an image formed on the recording material, and an image based on the image data is formed on the recording material. Image forming means and storage control means for guiding the recording material on which an image is formed by the image forming means to a predetermined storage part of the recording material storage means according to the source of the image data formed on the recording material. And an image forming apparatus having:

Further, according to the present invention, an image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data on a sheet and discharging the image,
First storage means for providing the first image data to the image forming means, second storage means for providing the second image data to the image forming means, and an image from the image forming means. An accommodating unit that divides and holds the recorded paper that has been formed and discharged according to a predetermined condition and the recorded paper that has been discharged from the image forming unit are supplied from either the first storage unit or the second storage unit. There is provided an image forming apparatus having discharge destination control means for guiding the recorded sheet to a predetermined position of the accommodating means based on whether or not the image is an image formed corresponding to the generated image data.

Further, according to the present invention, an image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data on a sheet and discharging the sheet, and a first storing means for providing the image forming means with the first image data. The second image forming means,
Second recording means for providing image data of the above, and a plurality of recorded paper storage portions, and the recorded paper discharged with the image formed by the image forming means is divided according to a predetermined condition. Different for each accommodating means for accommodating in the accommodating section and for each of the recorded sheets on which images corresponding to the image data from the first and second accumulating means are recorded in each accommodating section of the accommodating means. There is provided an image forming apparatus having a storage destination designating unit for designating a storage unit and a discharge destination control unit for guiding the recorded sheet to a predetermined storage unit of the storage unit.

Further, according to the present invention, an image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data on a sheet and discharging the sheet, and a first storage for providing the image forming means with the first image data. Means, a second storage means for providing second image data to the image forming means, and a plurality of recorded paper storage portions, and an image formed by the image forming means and discharged. Accommodating means for accommodating the used paper in a predetermined storage section divided according to a predetermined condition, and an image corresponding to the image data from each of the first and second storage means in each storage section of the storage means. The storage destination designating means for designating a different storage section for each of the recorded sheets on which is recorded, and the storage destination designating means corresponding to the image data from each of the first and second storage means. Storage Mode setting means for setting the storage section designation mode for setting, numerical value data input means, and the mode setting means are energized so as to be based on the numerical data input via the input means. hand,
The ratio of storing the recorded sheets corresponding to the image data from each of the first and second storage units discharged from the image forming unit in each storage unit of the storing unit by the storing destination designating unit is calculated. There is provided an image forming apparatus having storage section allocating means and discharge destination control means for guiding the recorded sheets to a predetermined storage section of the accommodating means.

[0016]

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, each storage portion of the recording material storage means capable of changing the storage portion for storing the recording material stores the recording material in accordance with the source of the image data formed on the recording material. By the storage control means for guiding to a predetermined storage part of the means,
It is arbitrarily changed according to the data supply source of the image data corresponding to the image formed on the recording material. Therefore, a facsimile output image printed by a multifunctional digital copying apparatus or a printing image corresponding to printing data from a computer or a word processor and a copying image provided by a copying operation are separated in the same accommodating means. Can be stored.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the first storage means for providing the first image data, the second storage means for providing the second image data, and the images from the respective recording means. An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on data, a storing unit that divides and holds a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit according to a predetermined condition, and a first storing unit and a second storing unit. According to the multi-functional digital copying apparatus, it includes a discharge destination control unit that guides the recorded sheet to a predetermined position of the containing unit based on whether the image is an image formed corresponding to the supplied image data. The same printed image as the facsimile output image or the printed image corresponding to the print data from the computer or word processor and the copied image provided by the copying operation It is possible housed separately within the housing means.

Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the first and the first storage means are provided for the storing means for separately storing the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming means according to a predetermined condition, and the respective storage parts of the storing means. For each recorded sheet on which an image corresponding to the image data from each of the two storage units is recorded, a storage destination designating unit that directs a different storage unit, and a storage destination designating unit stores the storage unit corresponding to each image data. A mode setting means for setting a storage section designation mode for designating a section, an input means for inputting numerical data, and a mode setting means are energized to specify a storage destination based on the input numerical data. Storage means allocating means for calculating a ratio of storing each recorded sheet discharged from the image forming means in each storage portion of the storing means by means, and each recorded sheet at a predetermined position of the storing means. And a print image corresponding to print data from a computer or a word processor, and a copy image provided by a copying operation. Can be stored separately in the same storage means. At this time,
The ratio of the storage destination of the recorded paper from each storage unit stored in each storage unit can be arbitrarily changed by the input unit. Therefore, it is possible to provide the most useful method of using the accommodating means according to the usage form of the user.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross section of an image forming apparatus incorporating an embodiment of the present invention.

The image forming apparatus, that is, the sorter-equipped multifunctional digital copying apparatus 2 is an image forming section for copying or printing out image information corresponding to an image of an original or image data supplied from the outside on a recording sheet, that is, the main body of the digital copying apparatus. 10, an automatic feeder (ADF) 100 for feeding a document to be copied to a document mounting table, which will be described later, of the digital copying apparatus main body 10, and a copied sheet copied through the copying apparatus main body 10 according to a predetermined mode. It is composed of a sorter 200 that sorts and collects, that is, sorter 200. A
If the document D is a two-sided document, the DF 100 is the first
After the image on the surface is read, the document D can be turned over and the second surface can be fed again. The sorter 200 has a plurality of accommodating portions, and sequentially accommodates recording sheets provided with print outputs corresponding to images or print data via the copying apparatus main body 10.

Copying device main body (hereinafter referred to as DPPC) 1
0 is a document reading unit 12 that reads the image information of the document D,
An image forming unit 14 that forms an image based on the image data read by the document reading unit 12 or image data supplied from the outside, and a paper supply that feeds a recording paper holding the image formed by the image forming unit 14. It includes a unit 16 and a sheet conveying unit 18 that conveys the sheet on which the image formed by the image forming unit 14 is transferred in a predetermined direction.

An ADF which will be described later and which is the upper part of the main body 10.
A document table (document table) 20 that is a part of the document reading unit 12 and on which a document D to be copied is placed, that is, a document table (document table) 20 that holds the document D is located at a position facing the conveyor belt 100.
Is arranged. A document stopper 20a for defining the front end position of the document D is arranged at one end of the document table 20. The rear surface of the document stopper 20a, that is, the lower surface facing the illumination lamp described later, has a C shape described later.
In order to generate white light for correcting the threshold level of the CD sensor, it is formed to have a white color defined by a predetermined whiteness (brightness).

An operation panel, which will be described later, is arranged near the original table 20 and in front of the apparatus 2 (FIG. 2).
See). Below the manuscript table 20, the manuscript table 2
The first carriage 30 and the first carriage 30 for optically reading out the information written on the document D are arranged so as to be movable substantially parallel to 0, and the carriage 3
It includes a second carriage 40 for transmitting information read by 0 to an information recording medium described later.

The first carriage 30 includes an illumination lamp 32 for illuminating the original document D, a reflector 34 for converging light from the illumination lamp 32 on the original document D to increase illumination efficiency, and reflected light from the original document D. A first mirror 36 that reflects the light toward the second carriage 40 is arranged.

The first carriage 36 is attached to the second carriage 40.
The second mirror 42 that returns the reflected light reflected from
Further, a third mirror 44 that returns the reflected light from the document D that is folded back through the second mirror 42 by 90 ° is arranged.

Below the first carriage 30 and within the plane including the optical axis of the third mirror 44 of the second carriage 40, an image forming lens 46 for converging the reflected light from the document D is provided. , And a CCD sensor 48 for photoelectrically converting the reflected light from the document D at a predetermined threshold level.

The image forming unit 14 is a drum-shaped photoconductor 50 as an image carrier disposed substantially in the center of the main body 10.
Is included. A charging device 52 that applies a predetermined surface potential to the photoconductor 50, and a laser exposure that exposes a latent image corresponding to image data to the photoconductor 50 that is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging device 52 around the photoconductor 50. The developing device 5 that develops the latent image by supplying toner (not shown) to the latent image formed on the photoconductor 50 by the device 53 and the laser exposure device 53.
4. The transfer device 56 for transferring the developed latent image, that is, the toner image, to a transfer target material such as a copy sheet P supplied from a cassette described later, and the toner remaining on the photoconductor 50 is removed and A cleaning device 58 or the like for removing the electric charge remaining on the body 50 is arranged.

The charging device 52 is formed by a corona wire and a shield case that provide a predetermined surface potential on the surface of the photoconductor 50 by corona discharge. Developing device 5
4 includes a developing roller 54a that conveys toner toward the photoconductor 50 and a developing motor 54b that rotates the developing roller 54a at a predetermined speed.

On the right side of the image forming unit 14, the paper cassettes 62a and 62b for accommodating the recording paper P holding the image formed through the image forming unit 14, the paper cassettes 62a and 62b and the photoconductor 50 are provided. And a paper feed roller 64a and a paper feed guide 66a, which are arranged between the cassette 62a and guide the paper P supplied from the cassette 62a toward the photoconductor 50, and the paper P supplied from the cassette 62b, toward the photoconductor 50. A pair of paper feed rollers 64b and a paper feed guide 66b are arranged.

Paper feed guides 66a and 66b and photoconductor 5
0 to the respective cassettes 62a and 62b
An image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 50, that is, a toner image that is conveyed toward the transfer device 56 as the photoconductor 50 is rotated, is corrected by temporarily stopping the paper P fed from the device. A registration roller 68 for aligning the leading end positions of the sheet P and the sheet P is arranged.

On the left side of the image forming unit 14, the image transferred on the paper P is transferred onto the paper P separated from the photoconductor 50 by a separating device 56a (formed integrally with the transfer device 56). Fixing device 70 for fixing, fixing device 7
0 and the separating device 56, and a conveying device 76 that sends the paper P separated from the photoconductor 50 toward the fixing device 70, and the paper P on which the image is fixed via the fixing device 70. Paper ejection roller 78 that feeds to the outside of the main body 10.
Are arranged.

The fixing device 70 is composed of a heat roller 72 having a heater lamp 72a therein and a pressure roller 74 for pressing the heat roller 72. Between the discharge roller 78 and the fixing device 70, a branch gate 80, which can selectively change the direction in which the paper P is conveyed, is connected to the branch gate 80, and the paper P on one side of which information has already been copied will be described later. Inversion guide 81 leading to the storage area 82, and
It includes a storage area 82 in which the paper P is retracted in order to reverse the direction of the paper P.

In the storage area 82, a reversing roller 85 for pulling out the paper P taken in the storage area 82 in the opposite direction, and to the registration roller 68 when the paper P taken in the storage area 82 is drawn out. A switching gate 83 is arranged to face it. It should be noted that the storage area 82 has a length capable of accommodating a copyable sheet P having a maximum length. Further, the switching gate 83 has a reverse guide 81.
A bypass 84 is formed for directing the copied paper P guided from the above to the reverse guide 86 as it is for multiple copying. In addition, the reverse guide 86 has a sheet P
A plurality of conveying rollers 87 for sending the sheet toward the registration rollers 68 are incorporated.

On the other hand, the switching gate 83 is arranged on the reverse guide 86 for guiding the paper P to the registration roller 68 again, and between the reverse guide 86 and the registration roller 68, and the copied paper P is transferred again to the transfer device. A double-sided paper feed guide 88 is arranged to guide the transfer area between the photosensitive member 50 and the photosensitive member 50. In addition, from the branch gate 80 to the DPPC2
The sheet P discharged to the outside of the sheet is discharged to a sorter 200 described later via a discharge guide 89.

FIG. 2 shows an operation panel arranged on the upper front surface of the digital copying apparatus shown in FIG. The operation panel 90 is provided with a plurality of conditions for designating an image to be copied or printed out by the digital copying apparatus 2, for example, the number of copies, a copy magnification, or a supply source to which image data to be copied is supplied. It has an input key and a panel for displaying the operating state of the device 2.

For example, from the center right of the operation panel 90, numbers 0 to 9 can be input, and the number key 92 (92a) for inputting the number of copies or the copy magnification.
-92j), the all clear key 9 which clears all input conditions and suspends the current operation.
4a, a print key 94b for outputting an operation start signal for starting the copying operation or the main body 2 side of the printout, and a clear key 94c for returning the condition input through the number keys 92 to "0". It is arranged.

The manuscript size input key 96a for the automatic magnification mode for automatically setting the copying magnification by inputting the size of the manuscript D and the size of the recording paper in the center of the operation panel 90, the recording paper size input Key 96
b, a magnification input key 96 for arbitrarily setting the copy magnification
c and a density adjustment key 96d for inputting data for changing the shade of a copied image or a printed image.

In the center of the operation panel 90,
An LED panel 98a showing the operation of the sorter-equipped digital copying apparatus 2 and an LCD panel 98b for displaying an operation method of the copying apparatus 2 or a message of toner or paper replenishment timing and the like are arranged.

The ADF 100 includes a reading original tray 120 on which originals D to be fed are placed, an original take-out section 130 for taking out the originals D placed on the original tray 120 one by one,
A document transport for feeding the document D taken out through the document taking-out unit 130 to a predetermined position of the document reading unit 12, that is, a position on the document table 20 where one end of the document comes into contact with the document stopper 20a. It includes a unit 140 and a document discharge unit 150 for discharging the read document D.

The ADF 100 is fixed to the document table 20 at the upper rear end of the main body 10 by a fixing mechanism (not shown) so as to be openable and closable. Document tray 120 has 5
A tray body 1 formed so that about 0 originals D can be placed
22 and auxiliary legs 124 that support the tray body 122. The tray body 122 includes the tray body 122.
A document guide 126 is arranged which is movable above and indicates the position on which the document D is placed, and which prevents the document D having a plurality of layers stacked from being displaced. The tray main body 122 is arranged on a main body cover 128 that covers a document transport unit and a drive unit described later.

The document take-out section 130 is provided on the tray body 122.
The shutter 131 for aligning the ends of the document D placed on the document D, the document D fed from the tray body 122, and the document reading unit 12
The document feed path 132 leading to the end of the document is arranged in the vicinity of the shutter 131, and the pickup roller 133 that takes out the document D from the tray body 122 is formed so as to be able to approach / retract with respect to the pickup roller 133. It includes a weight 134 that presses the document toward the pickup roller 133 when placed, an empty sensor 135 that detects that the document D is placed on the tray body 122, and the like.

At the entrance of the document feeding path 132 downstream of the pickup roller 133, a separating roller 136 for limiting the number of originals D taken out through the pickup roller 133 to one, and the original D is pressed against the separating roller 136. A separating pad 136a is arranged. Separation pad 136a
Is a spring 136b arranged on the side opposite to the roller 136.
It is pressed against the roller 136 via.

A pair of aligning rollers 137 for correcting the inclination of the document D and for adjusting the supply timing are arranged downstream of the document feeding path 132. On the upstream side of the aligning roller 137 and immediately before the aligning roller 137, an aligning sensor 137a that detects the presence or absence of the document D and defines the timing for operating the aligning roller 137 is arranged.

The document take-out section 130 is further covered with a cover 139 for covering the rotating portion such as the conveyor belt so that the user does not touch the hand. Further, the cover 139 is formed so as to be open in order to remove an obstacle such as a document jam. Therefore, the cover 1
A cover switch 139a for detecting the opening of the cover 139 is arranged in the vicinity of the opening so that the drive unit, which will be described later, is not biased when the opening of 39 is opened.

The original feeding section 140 covers the upper surface of the original table 20 of the original reading section 12 and at the same time, the original taking section 1
It has a conveyance belt 141 that conveys the document D fed by 30 along the document table 20 of the document reading unit 12. The document feeder 140 is the same as the body cover 1 described above.
It is covered so as not to be touched by the user via 28.

The conveyor belt 141 is a seamless belt formed in an annular shape, and has a first belt roller 142.
By being stretched over the second belt roller 143, it is formed so as to be rotatable in any direction. The conveyor belt 141 is rotated in both forward and reverse directions by a drive motor (not shown).

The belt 1 is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the conveyor belt 141.
A plurality of belt pressing rollers 144 are arranged to bring the surface of 41 into close contact with the document table 20. The document discharge unit 150 faces the discharged document tray 151 and the discharged document tray 151 on which the document D whose image information is read by the reading unit 12 is stocked after being placed on the document table 20 via the document conveying unit 140. A document discharge path 152 that guides the document D with a cover, and a cover 153 that covers the document discharge path 152 and a drive unit described later.

The document discharge path 152 is provided with a conveying roller 154 for propelling the document D whose image information has already been read in a direction away from the document conveying section 140, and a plurality of pinch rollers 155 for closely contacting the document D on the outer peripheral surface of the conveying roller 154. , And the document D sent to the discharged document tray 151.
A reverse discharge sensor 156 is included for detecting that the document D is discharged by detecting the trailing end of the document or is sent to a document reverse path described later.

On the downstream side of the transport roller 154, there are disposed a paper discharge roller 157 for further propelling the document D toward the discharged document tray 151, and a spring 157a for closely contacting the document D with the paper discharge roller 157.

Between the transport roller 154 and the paper discharge roller 157, the document D whose front and back surfaces are reversed as the transport roller 154 rotates is advanced again toward the transport belt 141, or the document is discharged. A flapper 158 for propelling toward the tray 151 is arranged. In the direction in which the document D directed toward the conveyor belt 141 via the flapper 158 advances, the document D with its front and back reversed.
A document reversing passage 159 for allowing the sheet to enter between the transport belt 141 and the document table of the document reading unit 12 is arranged.

The sorter 200 is opposed to the discharge guide 89 of the DPPC 10 and is a pair of sheets for taking in copied sheets (on which an image has been formed) 202 for energizing the sheets conveyed through the inlets 202. Conveyor roll
Roller 204, a bin unit 206 for storing copied sheets supplied through the transport roller 204, and a lifting motor 208 for moving (moving up and down) the bin unit 206 relative to the transport roller 204. Etc. are included.

The bin unit 206 includes a plurality of (10 in this embodiment) paper trays, that is, bins 210a, 210b, ... 210j, which sequentially accommodate the copied (recorded) papers supplied from the DPPC 10, the uppermost tray. Bottle 21
0a, a discharge tray 212 that stores all the copied sheets in the non-sorting stacking mode, that is, the non-sort mode, and a second sorter that follows the sorter 200 and is located below the lowermost bin 210j. When arranged, it includes a sheet transfer device 214 for transferring the copied sheets to the second sorter arranged continuously.
Each of the bottles 210a, 210b ... 210
j is, for example, 50 sheets of copied paper, and the discharge tray 212 is, for example, 250 sheets of copied paper. Also, each bin 210a, 2
10b ... 210j (respectively, it is also possible to arrange them in individual bins) at the positions facing each of the bins 210b.
Paper sensors 216a, 216b, ... Detecting that the paper supplied to 210j has passed.
216j, and each of the discharge tray 212 and the sheet transfer device 214, JAM sensors 218 and 220 that similarly detect that the copied sheet has passed are arranged.

Between the lifting motor 208 and the bin unit 206, the rotational force of the motor 208 is transmitted to the bin unit 206 so that the bin unit 206 can be taken into the inlet 20.
Drive belt 22 for moving relative to 4
2, and pulleys 224a to 224d that rotatably support the drive belt 222 are arranged.

Near the pulley 224d, at the highest position where the bin unit 206 can be raised, the bin unit 2
A position sensor 226 is arranged to detect that 06 has been raised to the highest position. This position sensor 226
The arrival of the bin unit 206 may be optically detected, or the arrival may be detected by pushing up an actuator or the like by the bin unit 206.

Between the intake port 204 and the bin unit 206, the paper P sent from the discharge roller 78 of the DPPC 10 and conveyed through the discharge guide 89 is placed in one of the bins 210a, 210b ... Of the bin unit 206. ...
.. 210j or a conveyance sensor 228 for detecting that a paper jam (JAM) occurs before being stored in the discharge tray 212.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a control circuit for controlling the operations of the main body of the digital copying apparatus and the sorter. As shown in FIG. 3, the sorter-equipped digital copying machine has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 302 as a main control unit.

The CPU 302 stores a ROM for storing data for the initial operation of the DPPC 10.
(Read Only Memory) 304, RAM (Random Access Memory) 306, DPP for temporarily storing data such as copy magnification and number of copies input from the operation panel 90 or input operating conditions
Initial setting data and temporal data regarding the operation of C10, for example, the total number of copies (prints) in which one photoconductor 50 is used, or the bin 210a of the sorter 200.
NVM in which data of allocation corresponding to the image data supply source to 210j, that is, discharge destination information and the like are stored
(Non-volatile memory) 308 and the like are connected.

The CPU 302 also supplies the data input from the operation panel 90 to the CPU 302, lights the LED 98a of the operation panel 90, and further displays a predetermined display on the LCD 98b, for example, the timing of toner supply or paper supply. Timing, and
An operation unit control unit 310 for displaying an input operation display for allocating the discharge destination of the copied and recorded paper is connected to the sorter 200. CPU3
02 through A via an interface not shown.
The DF100 is connected.

The CPU 302 has an operation panel 90.
A bin setting unit 312 for controlling the discharge destination of the sorter 200 set via the is connected. Bin setting section 3
12 is an operation panel 9 in a test mode described later.
Corresponding to the bin setting data input via 0, when the copied and recorded paper is discharged, the data supply source that supplied the image data formed on the corresponding paper is determined and the sorter 200 The amount of biasing the motor 208 to control the position of the bin unit 206, that is, the amount of movement of the bin unit 206 is indicated. The sorter 20
0 is the CPU 30 via the sorter interface 314.
It is connected to 2.

The sorter 200 includes an interface 250 connected to the sorter interface 314 of the DPPC 2 and a motor driver 252 for controlling the lifting motor 208. The signals output from the paper sensor 216, the JAM (paper jam) sensor 218, the position sensor 226, and the transport sensor 228 of the sorter 200 are also sent to the CPU of the DPPC 2 via the interface 250.
You will be guided to 302.

The CPU 302 also uses the interface 3
A host computer or word processor (not shown) is connected via 16 and a facsimile machine (not shown) is connected via a modem 318.

Next, the image forming operation of the sorter-equipped multifunctional digital copying apparatus 2 will be described. By operating a power switch (not shown) of the copying machine with sorter 2, the DPPC 1
When 0 is warmed up, the standby state (copying or print input is possible) is defined.

That is, under the control of the CPU 302, the main motor and the developing motor 54b (not shown) are energized via a motor drive circuit (not shown), and the photoconductor 50 and the developing rotor 54b of the developing device 54 are rotated. At the same time, the charging device 52, the transfer device 56 and the static eliminator 58 are passed through a high voltage generating circuit and a static eliminator drive circuit (not shown).
Is urged to age the photoconductor 50. In this standby state, the operation panel 90 is used to make a copy number and a copy magnification, a sorting and stacking mode by a sorter, for example, a sort mode in which the copied sheets P are sorted and stored in the page order of the original, and the copied sheets P are arranged for each page of the original. A group mode for accommodating collectively is set.

A document D is placed on the document tray 120 of the ADF 100.
Print key 94b on the operation panel 90 after the
When is turned on, the charging device 52 supplies a predetermined charge to the photoconductor 50, and the photoconductor 50 is charged to a predetermined potential.

In this state, the illumination lamp 32 is turned on,
The first and second carriages 30 and 40 are moved in parallel with the document table 20, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image of the document D is formed on the photoconductor 50.

First and second carriages 30 and 4
In parallel with the movement of 0, one sheet of paper P fed from either the copy magnification input through the operation panel 90 or the paper cassettes 26a and 26b previously selected through the paper selection key 96b is Timing roller 68
Be transported to.

On the other hand, the electrostatic latent image is conveyed to the developing position where the developing device 54 and the photosensitive member 50 come into contact with each other as the photosensitive member 50 rotates, and toner (not shown) is supplied through the developing device 54. Converted to a toner image (i.e.,
To be developed).

This toner image is conveyed by the rotation of the photoconductor 50, and is released from the timing roller 68 in a state where the leading edge of the sheet P stopped by the timing roller 68 and the leading edge of the toner image are aligned. Along with the paper P, it is conveyed to the transfer area between the transfer device 56 and the photoconductor 50,
It is transferred onto the paper P via the transfer device 56. The photoconductor 50 on which the toner image has been transferred is cleaned by the cleaning device 5.
After the toner remaining on the photoconductor 50 is removed via 8, the distribution of the charges left on the photoconductor 50 is erased and used for the next latent image formation.

The sheet P on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed between the heating roller 72 and the pressure roller 74 of the fixing device 70 via the conveying belt 76. Therefore, the toner image is fixed on the paper P by the heat from the heating roller 72 and the pressure between the rollers.

The sheet P having the toner image fixed thereon is ejected toward the sorter 200 via the ejection roller 78 and the ejection guide 89. This series of operations is sequentially performed a predetermined number of times according to the number of copies input via the operation panel.
Repeated. Also, the document tray 120 of the ADF 100
This is repeated in sequence for all the documents D placed on the.

The copied paper P ejected from the DPPC 10 via the ejection roller 78 corresponds to each bin 210 of the sorter 200 according to the sort mode (sort, group or non-sort) inputted via the operation panel.
210j or a discharge tray 212
To be housed.

By the way, the DPPC 10 has an interface 316 when the image of the document D placed on the D document table 20 is not copied, that is, in the non-copying operation.
Alternatively, it functions as a printer device that prints image data supplied from an external device via the modem 318.

In other words, an interface 316 from a host computer or word processor (not shown)
If the image data is supplied via the
The image data is temporarily stored in the AM 306 or an expansion RAM (not shown).

This image data is converted into print data that can be image-formed (printed out) by the image forming unit 14 via an image processing unit (not shown), and then the exposure device 53
The photosensitive member 50 is exposed through the developing device 54, is developed by the developing device 54, and is transferred to the paper P supplied from the cassette 26a or 26b.

The sheet P on which the image corresponding to the print data is formed is fixed by the fixing device 70, and then the sorter 20 is passed through the discharge roller 78 and the discharge guide 89.
The paper is discharged to the 0 discharge tray (non-sort bin) 212. In addition, the paper P is transferred to the DPPC via the discharge roller 78.
Before being ejected from the gate 10, the reversing part 82 by the gate 80
The surface on which the image is formed may be turned upside down and discharged. In this case, the sheets P discharged to the discharge tray 212 are turned upside down, but the page order given at the time of being supplied from the host computer or the word processor is sequentially stacked from "1".

On the other hand, when image data is supplied from a facsimile device (not shown) via the modem 318,
First, the RAM 306 or an expansion RAM (not shown)
Then, the image data is temporarily stored. After that, an image corresponding to the image data transmitted through the facsimile line is formed on the sheet P by the printing operation similar to the copying operation, that is, the printing operation described above.

The sheet P on which an image corresponding to the transmitted image data is formed is discharged to the discharge tray 212 as in the copying operation already described. The sheet P may be guided to the reversing unit 82 by the gate 80 before being discharged from the DPPC 10 via the discharge roller 78, and the surface on which the image is formed may be turned upside down and discharged. In this case, the sheets P discharged onto the discharge tray 212 are sequentially stacked from "1" in the page order given at the time when the image data is transmitted by the facsimile apparatus.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a method of controlling the sheet discharge position (sheet discharge destination) to the sorter 200 will be described. Each of the bins 210a to 2 of the bin unit 206
The position of 10j and the discharge guide 89 of the DPPC 10 is C
With the rotation of the motor 208 under the control of the PU 302, it is sequentially changed every time the paper P is discharged from the DPPC 10. For example, if the number of originals is 4 and the number of copies is 5, the paper P discharged from the DPPC 10 is
Bottles 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d and 2
Four sheets are stored in each of 10e. On the other hand, the recorded paper on which the image corresponding to the image data from the computer or the word processor already described and the facsimile output paper on which the image corresponding to the image data transmitted through the facsimile device are printed out are Ordinarily, they are collectively accommodated in the discharge tray 212.

Here, for the recorded paper and the facsimile output paper, the data supply source to which the image data on which the image is currently formed is supplied is specified via the CPU 302, and the specified image data is specified by the sorter 200.
By changing the position of the bin of the bin unit 206 to a less frequently used bin, for example, 210j or 210i, the recorded sheet (image data from the computer or the word processor is recorded) before being guided to And (transmitted via a fax machine)
Sort each of the facsimile output sheets separately
00 can be accommodated in a predetermined position.

Specifically, for example, by inputting predetermined code data from the operation panel 90, the DPPC 1
After setting 0 to the service mode, by inputting a predetermined service code, the recorded paper discharged to each bin of the bin unit 206 via the bin setting unit 312
It is possible to discharge to different bins for each data supplier. For example, a facsimile output sheet based on image data from a facsimile device can be discharged to the tenth bin 210j, and a recorded sheet based on print data from a host computer or a word processor can be discharged to the ninth bin 210i. In this case, it is needless to say that the bin allocation can be set to an arbitrary number by inputting from the operation panel 90. The set paper storage position is set via the CPU 302 to the NVM 30.
8 is stored.

By the input from the operation panel 90,
When the number of copied sheets copied by the copying operation matches the number of bins in the bin unit 206, that is, the tenth
If it is clear that the copied paper is accommodated in the bin 210j and the ninth bin 210i, the recorded paper (on which the image data from the computer or the word processor is recorded) and the transmission (via the facsimile device) are performed. The facsimile output paper sheets are collected and collected in the discharge tray 212.

More specifically, by using the operation panel 90 of the DPPC 10 in the standby state in which copying (print input) is possible,
The service mode is set by inputting a predetermined code, for example, "0" and "9" with the numeric keys 92 (STP1).

Subsequently, a predetermined service code, for example, "2" and "1" is input by the numeral keys 92 to set the discharge destination setting mode, and the sorter 20 is set.
The image data supply source can be assigned to each of the 0 bins 210a to 210j (STP2).

By setting the discharge destination setting mode by STP2, the discharge destination of the copied paper obtained by the copying operation can be designated (STP3). Here, when it is selected to specify the discharge destination of the copied paper based on the operation guide display shown on the LCD 98b of the operation panel 90 (STP3-Yes), the LCD 98 continues.
Numerical data “x” in response to the operation guidance display shown in b
By inputting with the number keys 92, the bin setting unit 31
Via 2, the bins 210a to 210x used to store the copied sheets are set. In this embodiment, the number of bins is ten, so
Even if a value of 10 or more is specified for "x",
x = 10 is set. Further, by inputting the numerical value data “x”, the maximum number of bins that can be used to store the copied sheets is limited to “x”. (STP4)
.

The number of bins "x" (available for storing copied sheets) input by STP4 is NVM3.
It is stored in 08. It goes without saying that the bin number data stored in the NVM 308 is maintained until it is newly rewritten (STP5).

Subsequently, the discharge destination of the facsimile output paper on which the image data supplied via the facsimile device is recorded can be designated. It should be noted that the designation of the discharge destination of the facsimile output paper is executed regardless of the execution / non-execution of the setting operation of the number of bins available for accommodating the copied paper described in STP3-Yes, STP4 and STP5. (STP6). Here, when it is selected to specify the discharge destination of the facsimile output paper based on the operation guide display displayed on the LCD 98b (STP6-Yes).
, And subsequently, by inputting the numerical data “n” in response to the operation guide display shown on the LCD 98b with the numerical keys 92, the bin 210j used for accommodating the facsimile output sheets via the bin setting unit 312. To 210j-n are set. Here, "j-n" is
It is shown that n stages of bins are allocated in the order of the bins 210j to 210i, 210h, ... Which are arranged at the lowest position of the bin unit 206 (STP7).
.

The number of bins "n" (available for containing facsimile output sheets) input by STP7
Are stored in the NVM 308. The bin number data “n” stored in the NVM 308 is maintained until it is newly rewritten, like the bin number data used for copied sheets described above (STP8).

Subsequently, the discharge destination of the printout paper on which the image corresponding to the image data is printed can be designated from the host computer or the word processor. In addition, the designation of the output destination of this printout paper is
Execution / non-execution of the setting operation of the number of bins available for accommodating the copied sheets described in STP3-Yes, STP4 and STP5, and accommodating the facsimile output sheets described in STP6-Yes, STP7 and STP8 Execution / non-execution of setting operation of the number of bins available for
It is executed regardless of (STP9). Here, LCD98
If it is selected to specify the discharge destination of the printout paper based on the operation guide display shown in b, (S
TP9-Yes), and subsequently, the numerical data "m" in response to the operation guide display shown on the LCD 98b is changed to the numerical key 9
By inputting 2 via the bin setting unit 312,
The bins 210j-n through 210n-m used to contain the facsimile output sheets are set. Here, "n-m" means 210n to 210n-1, 210n which have already been designated for accommodating facsimile output sheets.
It is shown that m stages of bins are assigned in the order of n-2. The same bin may be assigned to the print-out sheet discharge destination and the facsimile output sheet discharge destination based on the competition frequency (STP10).

The number of bins "m" (available to accommodate printouts) entered by STP10 is NV
It is stored in M308. The bin number data “m” stored in the NVM 308 is the same as other bin number data.
It is maintained until it is rewritten (STP11).

Number of bins "x" available for containing copied sheets, number of bins "n" available for containing facsimile output sheets, and available for containing facsimile output sheets When at least one of the number of bins "m" is specified, the end of the service mode is checked, and then the standby state is returned.

In the above embodiment, each discharge destination is designated by inputting numerical data from the operation panel 90. However, it is located on a control board (not shown) where the CPU 302 is arranged or at a predetermined position on the sorter 200. It goes without saying that it may be set by a small switch (board-embedded switch) arranged.

[0092]

As described above, according to the digital copying apparatus with a sorter of the present invention, each bin of the sorter capable of changing the bin in which the recorded paper is stored supplies the image data formed on the paper. The storage destination control unit that guides the user to a predetermined bin of the sorter according to the source can arbitrarily change the source according to the data source of the image data. Therefore, the facsimile output image printed by the digital copying apparatus or the print image corresponding to the print data from the computer or the word processor and the copy image provided by the copying operation are distinguished at the bin position in the same sorter. Can be stored.

Further, the digital copying apparatus of the present invention is
The sorter that holds the sheets on which the images are formed by the image forming unit according to predetermined conditions and the bins of the sorter are instructed to the different bins for each sheet on which the image for the data supply destination of the different image data is recorded. The storage destination designating unit, the mode setting unit that sets a bin designation mode for designating the bins corresponding to each image data, the input unit that inputs numerical data, and the mode setting unit. Based on the numerical data input by being urged, the bin assigning unit that calculates the ratio of storing each recorded paper discharged from the image forming unit in each bin by the bin designating unit and each recorded paper is calculated. Since it includes a discharge destination control unit for guiding to a predetermined position, a facsimile output image printed by a digital copying apparatus or a computer or a work machine is provided. A printing image corresponding to the print data from the processor, the copied image provided by the copying operation, thereby enabling stored by classifying each bottle in the same sorter.

Further, according to the digital copying apparatus of the present invention, the allocation ratio of the recorded sheets accommodated in each bin can be arbitrarily changed by the input section. Therefore, it is possible to provide the most useful method of using the accommodating means according to the usage form of the user. Further, it is possible to reduce the requirement for the user to have a multifunctional and expensive accommodation device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a multifunctional digital copying machine with a sorter in which an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an operation panel of the digital copying apparatus of FIG.

3 is a schematic block diagram showing a control unit of the digital copying apparatus of FIG.

4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the digital copying apparatus shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Multifunctional digital copying machine with sorter, 10 ... DPP
C (copier) main body, 12 ... manuscript reading unit, 1
4 ... Image forming unit, 16 ... Paper supply unit, 18 ... Paper transport unit, 20
... manuscript table, 26a ... cassette,
26b ... cassette, 30 ... first carriage,
32 ... Illumination lamp, 36 ... First mirror,
40 ... Second carriage, 48 ...
CCD sensor, 50 ... Photoconductor, 5
3 ... Exposure device, 54 ... Developing device, 90 ... Operation panel, 92 ...
Numeric keys, 100 ... Automatic Document Feeder (ADF),
200 ... Sorter, 206 ... Bottle unit, 210
a to 210j ... Bin, 212 ... Ejection tray (non-sort bin), 250 ... Interface, 252 ... Motor driver, 302 ... CPU, 308 ... N
VM, 312 ... Bin setting unit,
314 ... Sorter interface, 316 ... Interface, 318 ... Modem.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A recording having a plurality of recording material storage sections, wherein the storage section for storing the recording material can be changed according to a data supply source of image data corresponding to an image formed on the recording material. The material accommodating means, the image forming means for forming an image based on the image data on the recording material, and the recording material on which the image is formed by the image forming means according to the source of the image data formed on the recording material. Storage control means for guiding to a predetermined storage part of the recording material storage means,
An image forming apparatus having. 2. An image forming means for forming an image corresponding to image data on a sheet and discharging the sheet, a first storing means for providing the image forming means with first image data, and the image forming means. On the other hand, second storage means for providing second image data, accommodating means for separately storing the recorded paper on which an image is formed and discharged by the image forming means according to a predetermined condition, and the image Based on whether the recorded sheet discharged from the forming means is an image formed corresponding to the image data supplied from any of the first and second storage means,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a discharge destination control unit that guides the recorded sheet to a predetermined position of the storage unit. 3. An image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data on a sheet and discharging the sheet, a first storing means for providing the image forming means with first image data, and the image forming means. On the other hand, it has a second storage unit for providing second image data and a plurality of recorded sheet storage units, and the recorded sheet on which an image is formed and discharged by the image forming unit is discharged according to a predetermined condition. Accommodating means for accommodating in a predetermined divided storage section, and the recorded image in which images corresponding to the image data from the first and second storage means are recorded in the respective storage sections of the accommodating means. An image forming apparatus comprising: storage destination designating means for designating a different storage portion for each sheet; and discharge destination control means for guiding the recorded sheet to a predetermined storage portion of the storage means. 4. An image forming means for forming an image corresponding to the image data on a sheet and discharging the sheet, a first storing means for providing the image forming means with first image data, and the image forming means. On the other hand, it has a second storage unit for providing second image data and a plurality of recorded sheet storage units, and the recorded sheet on which an image is formed and discharged by the image forming unit is discharged according to a predetermined condition. Accommodating means for accommodating in a predetermined divided storage section, and the recorded image in which images corresponding to the image data from the first and second storage means are recorded in the respective storage sections of the accommodating means. A storage destination designating unit for designating a different storage unit for each sheet, and a storage unit designating unit for designating the storage unit corresponding to the image data from each of the first and second storage units. Designated storage The mode setting means for setting the mode, the input means for inputting numerical data, and the mode setting means are energized, and based on the numerical data input through the input means, the accommodation destination designating means. Storage unit allocating means for calculating the ratio of storing the recorded sheets corresponding to the image data from each of the first and second storage units discharged from the image forming unit in each storage unit of the storing unit And an ejection destination control unit that guides the recorded sheet to a predetermined storage unit of the accommodating unit.