JP4508906B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including means for displacing a sheet discharge unit in accordance with an image data input path.

  In recent years, with the progress of digitization of copying machines, digital multifunction peripherals having various processing capabilities utilizing digital functions such as storage and transmission of image data have been put on the market. The basic configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document as electronic data, an image processing unit that performs specific processing on digitized image data, an output unit that outputs image data, and the like. It is composed of Here, the output unit includes an image transmission unit that transmits image data to an external device, an image formation unit that forms an image on a sheet, and the like. A storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that temporarily stores image data is also installed.

  Functions installed in such a digital multi-function peripheral include a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, an electronic mail transmission function, an electronic filing function, and the like. Below, the flow of image data in each function will be briefly described. In the copy function, the image processing unit performs predetermined image processing on the image of the document read by the image reading unit, and then temporarily stores it as a final image in the storage unit. Form. In the print function, when a print job is received from a client device connected via a network, the image processing unit develops the data into data that can be processed by the image processing unit, and then temporarily stores it as a final image in the storage unit The image forming unit forms an image on the paper. The scanner function is a method in which an image of a document read by an image reading unit is subjected to predetermined image processing by an image processing unit, and then temporarily stored as a final image in a storage unit, which is connected via a network. To the client device. In the facsimile function, the image of the document read by the image reading unit is processed in the image processing unit so that it can be processed by the destination facsimile machine, and then temporarily stored as a transmission image in the storage unit. Then, the data is transmitted to a facsimile apparatus of an arbitrary destination connected via the facsimile communication network. In the e-mail transmission function, an e-mail draft and a destination e-mail address are received through the operation panel of the digital multi-function peripheral, and the e-mail is transmitted to an external communication device through a communication line such as the Internet network.

Along with such multifunctional functions of digital multifunction peripherals, there is a voice from the market for ease of use of the digital multifunction peripheral itself. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a digital multi-function peripheral in which a scanner unit including an operation unit and a main unit including an image forming unit are separately formed and the scanner unit can be rotated with respect to the main unit. When copying using such a digital multi-function peripheral, it is possible to change the orientation of the scanner unit so that it is easy for the user to use and make it easy to operate.
JP-A-4-293344

  However, since the above-described digital multi-function peripheral is configured such that only the scanner unit having the operation unit rotates, even when the operation unit itself is displaced to an easy-to-use position, the output paper is not easily removed. There is a problem that it may be discharged. In particular, since image forming apparatuses in recent years have become larger, depending on the installation environment, there is a possibility that the sheet must be taken out by being turned to the side of the apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of directing a sheet discharge portion to a position where a user can easily take it out in any installation environment. For the purpose.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention reads an original image and generates an image data, an image reading unit that generates image data, an image that forms an image on a sheet based on image data received from the outside or image data generated by the image reading unit A sheet discharge unit that discharges a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and a sheet discharge unit between a discharge position when discharging the sheet and a discharge position of the discharged sheet. In the image forming apparatus including a moving unit for moving, the image reading unit, the image forming unit, and the sheet discharge unit are each formed in a cylindrical shape having substantially the same outer diameter, and the sheet discharge unit is the same as the image forming unit. The image reading unit is rotatably supported on the upper side with respect to the image forming unit, and the image reading unit is supported on the upper side of the sheet discharging unit with respect to the sheet discharging unit. To the side of has outlet is provided for taking out the discharged sheets, and means for identifying a sender of the received image data, means for determining a removal position of the sheet in response to the identified source A means for determining whether or not the discharge of the sheet has been completed, and the sheet discharge portion to move the sheet discharge portion from the discharge position to the determined take-out position when it is determined that the discharge of the sheet has been completed. Means for rotating the image reading section with respect to the image forming section, means for detecting the presence of a user, and means for rotating the image reading section to a detection position when the presence of the user is detected by the means . It is characterized by providing.

  In the present invention, there is provided moving means for moving the sheet discharge portion between the discharge position when discharging the sheet and the take-out position of the discharged sheet, and when the discharge of the sheet is completed, the image data Since the sheet discharge unit is moved to the take-out position determined according to the transmission source, the position of the sheet discharge unit after the sheet discharge processing is completed depends on the transmission source of the image data.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention defines a plurality of groups including a plurality of transmission sources, and includes a table that defines a correspondence relationship between a group ID for identifying each group and a take-out position of a discharged sheet. The sheet discharge section is rotated with respect to the image forming section.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a table that defines a correspondence relationship between a transmission source of image data and a take-out position of a discharged sheet, and the sheet discharge unit is moved according to the table. To do.

  In the present invention, since the table that defines the correspondence between the transmission source of the image data and the extraction position is provided and the sheet discharge unit is moved according to the table, the sheet discharge processing is completed. The position of the sheet discharge unit is a predetermined position according to the transmission source of the image data.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising means for notifying that when the sheet discharge section is moved to the take-out position.

  In the present invention, when the sheet discharge unit is moved to the take-out position, the fact is notified, so the user knows that the sheet discharge process has been completed.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes means for reading image data recorded on a recording medium, forms an image on a sheet based on the image data read by the means, and discharges the sheet on which the image has been formed. When completed, the sheet discharge unit is moved to a predetermined position.

  In the present invention, the image data recorded on the recording medium is read to form an image, and when the discharge of the formed sheet is completed, the sheet discharge unit is moved to a predetermined position. It is possible to move the sheet discharge section in consideration of the position where the sheet is easily taken out.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, when new image data is received after the discharge of the sheet by the sheet discharge unit is completed, the sheet discharge unit is moved to the discharge position. To do.

  In the present invention, when new image data is received after the discharge of the sheet is completed, the sheet discharge unit is moved to the discharge position. Therefore, the sheet on which an image is formed based on the new image data Is prepared in advance.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes means for determining whether or not the removal of the discharged sheet is completed, and moves the sheet discharge unit to the discharge position when it is determined that the extraction of the sheet is completed. It is made to let it be made to be characterized.

  In the present invention, when it is determined that the discharge of the discharged sheet is completed, the sheet discharge unit is moved to the discharge position, so that the discharge of the sheet on which the image is formed based on the new image data is performed. Preparation is carried out in advance.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a moving means for moving the sheet discharge unit between the discharge position when discharging the sheet and the take-out position of the discharged sheet, and when the discharge of the sheet is completed, the image data is transmitted. The sheet discharge unit is moved to the take-out position determined according to the original. Therefore, the position of the sheet discharge unit after the sheet discharge process is completed depends on the transmission source of the image data, and the sheet can be easily taken out according to the transmission source.

  According to the present invention, the sheet discharge portion is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the image forming portion. Therefore, the orientation of the sheet discharge unit after the sheet discharge process is completed depends on the transmission source of the image data, and the sheet can be easily taken out according to the transmission source.

  According to the present invention, a table that defines the correspondence between the transmission source of image data and the extraction position is provided, and the sheet discharge unit is moved according to the table. Accordingly, the position of the sheet discharge unit after completion of the sheet discharge process can be set to a predetermined position according to the transmission source of the image data, and the sheet can be easily taken out according to the transmission source. Is possible.

  According to the present invention, when the sheet discharge unit is moved to the take-out position, the fact is notified so that the user can easily recognize the timing of taking out the sheet.

  According to the present invention, the image data recorded on the recording medium is read to form an image, and when the discharge of the formed sheet is completed, the sheet discharge unit is moved to a predetermined position. Therefore, it is possible to move the sheet discharge unit in consideration of a position where the user can easily take out the sheet.

  In the case of the present invention, when new image data is received after the discharge of the sheet is completed, the sheet discharge unit is moved to the discharge position. Therefore, it is possible to prepare in advance the discharge of the sheet on which the image is formed based on the new image data, and it is possible to prevent paper jamming and the like.

  According to the present invention, when it is determined that the ejection of the discharged sheet is completed, the sheet discharge unit is moved to the discharge position. Therefore, it is possible to prepare in advance the discharge of a sheet on which an image is formed based on new image data.

  According to the present invention, the image reading unit is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the sheet discharge unit. When the presence of a user is detected, the image reading unit is rotated to the detection position. Therefore, it is possible to make it easy to use in advance even if the user accesses the image forming apparatus from any direction.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is roughly composed of a paper feed unit 10, a printer unit 20, and a paper discharge unit 30. The paper feed unit 10 includes paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 for storing paper used for image formation. The housing of the paper feeding unit 10 is cylindrical, and the user accesses from the side of the paper feeding unit 10 and pulls out the paper feeding cassettes 11 and 12 to the front side to feed the desired paper into the paper feeding cassettes 11 and 12. To house.

  The printer unit 20 that forms an image on a sheet has a cylindrical shape having substantially the same outer diameter as the sheet feeding unit 10, and is disposed on the upper side of the sheet feeding unit 10. An infrared communication IF 21 and a card reader 22 are installed on the side surface of the printer unit 20 so that image data created externally can be taken into the apparatus via infrared communication or a memory card. Further, the printer unit 20 further includes a communication IF 23 as an image data input interface (see FIG. 4) so that image data from an information processing apparatus connected via a cable can be captured. The printer unit 20 forms an image based on the image data captured through such various input interfaces.

  A paper discharge unit 30 that discharges paper on which an image has been formed by the printer unit 20 has a cylindrical shape having substantially the same outer diameter as that of the printer unit 20, and is rotatably supported on the upper side of the printer unit 20. ing. The paper discharge unit 30 is provided with a paper discharge tray 32 for placing paper discharged through a paper discharge port 31. One end side of the paper discharge tray 32 is opened at the side surface of the paper discharge unit 30, and the open end is configured as a paper outlet 39 for paper. The user accesses the paper outlet 39 from the side of the paper discharge unit 30 and takes out the discharged paper.

  In order to monitor the presence or absence of paper on the paper discharge tray 32, a paper sensor 33 is installed at an appropriate position on the paper discharge tray 32. As the paper sensor 33, a reflective optical sensor can be used. Further, an LED 34 is installed on the side surface of the paper discharge unit 30. When the paper discharge is completed, the LED 34 is lit to notify the user of that fact.

  In the present embodiment, when the position of the paper discharge unit 30 shown in FIG. 1, that is, the facing position of the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 is the front of the image forming apparatus 100, the paper outlet 39 faces the left side toward the front. The paper discharge process is performed with the current position as the home position (HP). When the paper discharge is completed, the paper discharge unit 30 is rotated with respect to the printer unit 20, and the discharged paper is displaced to a position where the user can easily take it out. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the state of the image forming apparatus 100 after completion of paper discharge. For example, when image formation is performed based on image data input through the infrared communication IF 21 or the card reader 22 and the paper discharge process is completed, the paper discharge unit 30 is rotated counterclockwise from the home position, and the paper outlet 39 is directed to the front of the image forming apparatus 100. At this time, the LED 34 is turned on to notify that the paper discharge is completed. As a result, the user can easily take out the discharged paper.

Hereinafter, the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. Sheets are stored in the sheet cassettes 11 and 12 with their ends aligned by the sheet regulating plates 11a and 12a, respectively. The sheets stored in the sheet feeding cassettes 11 and 12 are separated one by one by pickup rollers 11b and 12b located near the leading ends of the stored sheets and guided to the printer unit 20 by the transport rollers 13 and the like. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the front of the paper feed cassettes 11 and 12.

  The printer unit 20 includes a photosensitive drum 211 that carries an image based on image data, a charger 212 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 211 to a predetermined potential, and an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 211 based on the image data. A laser writing device 213 for writing image data, a developing unit 214 for supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 211 to visualize it, and a toner image generated on the photosensitive drum 211 from the paper feeding unit 10 A transfer unit 215 for transferring onto the sheet to be transferred, a cleaning unit 216 for removing toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 211, and a fixing unit 217 for thermally fixing the toner image transferred onto the sheet.

  When an image is formed on a sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit 10, the sheet conveyed by the conveying roller 14 is once held by the registration roller 15. Then, in order to transfer the toner image on the photosensitive drum 211 to a desired position on the paper, the timing is controlled and the registration roller 15 is driven. The sheet conveyed by the registration roller 15 passes between the photosensitive drum 211 and the transfer device 215, and at this time, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 211 is transferred onto the sheet. In addition, the fixing unit 217 applies heat and pressure to the paper on which the toner image is transferred, thereby fixing the toner image on the paper to complete image formation. The paper on which the image is formed is guided to the paper discharge unit 30 by the transport roller 16.

  The paper discharge unit 30 is attached to the printer unit 20 by a bearing 36 inserted between the printer unit 20 and the paper discharge unit 30 and rollers 37a and 37b rotatably attached to the apparatus frame of the paper discharge unit 30. On the other hand, it is supported rotatably. A motor 221 that is a drive source for rotating the paper discharge unit 30 is fixed to the apparatus frame of the printer unit 20. As the motor 221, a stepping motor, a DC brushless motor, or the like can be used, and an encoder is built in to detect the rotation angle of the paper discharge unit 30 (not shown). A drive gear 222 is attached to the output shaft of the motor 221. The drive gear 222 is engaged with a driven gear 35 fixed to the bottom surface of the paper discharge unit 30, and the drive force of the motor 221 is transmitted to the driven gear 35 via the drive gear 222, whereby the paper discharge unit 30. Is rotated around the central axis of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In the present embodiment, when the paper discharge unit 30 is at the home position, that is, when the paper outlet 39 is directed to the left as shown in FIG. The incoming paper is taken into the paper discharge unit 30. The paper taken into the paper discharge unit 30 is transported by the transport roller 17 and the paper discharge roller 18 and is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 32 through the paper discharge port 31. In addition, a paper discharge sensor 19 is provided in the vicinity of the paper discharge roller 18 so that it can be detected whether or not the paper discharge has been completed without causing a paper jam or the like. As the paper discharge sensor 19, a transmission type optical sensor can be used.

Next, the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101. The control unit 101 includes an infrared communication IF 21, a card reader 22, a communication IF 23, an image memory 25, a PCU 210, a management memory 102, a motor drive circuit 220, and a paper discharge sensor. 19, a paper sensor 33, an LED 34, and the like are connected.

  The infrared communication IF 21, the card reader 22, and the communication IF 23 function as an input interface for image data. The infrared communication IF 21 includes an interface conforming to an infrared communication protocol, and receives image data transmitted from an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, a PDA, or a digital camera. The card reader 22 includes a reading device for reading image data from a portable memory card. The communication IF 23 includes an interface conforming to a predetermined communication protocol so that an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer can be connected.

  The data taken into the apparatus through the card reader 22 is image data, and the data taken in through the communication IF 23 is a print job transmitted from an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer. On the other hand, data captured through the infrared communication IF 21 is image data or a print job. When an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer is set as a communication partner of the infrared communication IF 21, a print job transmitted as data for image formation is received. When an image output device such as a digital still camera is set, image data such as jpeg transmitted as data for image formation is received. Hereinafter, image forming data captured through the infrared communication IF 21, the card reader 22, and the communication IF 23 are collectively referred to as print data.

  The image memory 25 is a semiconductor memory that temporarily stores image data developed from print data. The image data stored in the image memory 25 is transferred to the laser writing device 213 via the PCU 210 that controls each hardware unit of the printer unit 20. The management memory 102 is a semiconductor memory that stores a table that defines the correspondence between the input path of print data and the orientation of the paper outlet 39 when paper discharge is completed. When the paper discharge process is completed, the control unit 101 controls the motor drive circuit 220 with reference to the table in the management memory 102 and sets the paper discharge unit 30 so that the paper outlet 39 is in a predetermined direction. Rotate. The motor drive circuit 220 includes a drive circuit that controls forward / reverse rotation and stop of rotation of the motor 221 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 101.

  Next, the installation environment of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the installation environment of the image forming apparatus 100. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 100 is installed in the approximate center of a room in the office, and terminals PC1 to PC5 that use the image forming apparatus 100 are arranged around the image forming apparatus 100. For convenience, when the upper side of the sheet is north and the lower side is south, the image forming apparatus 100 is installed with the front side facing south and the home position (HP) of the paper discharge unit 30 facing west. Show.

  In such an installation environment, when image formation is performed based on print data transmitted from the terminal PC1 and paper discharge processing is completed, the user of the terminal PC1 makes a sheet from the + 30 ° direction with respect to the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the control unit 101 controls the motor drive circuit 220 to rotate the paper discharge unit 30 with respect to the printer unit 20 so that the paper discharge port 39 faces + 30 °. Further, when image formation is performed based on the print data transmitted from the terminal PC2 and the paper discharge process is completed, the user of the terminal PC2 picks up the paper from the −30 ° direction with respect to the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the control unit 101 controls the motor drive circuit 220 to rotate the paper discharge unit 30 with respect to the printer unit 20 so that the paper take-out port 39 faces -30 °. The same applies to the case of using other terminals PC3 to PC5.

  Further, when the image formation is performed based on the print data received through the infrared communication IF 21 and the print data captured using the card reader 22 and the paper discharge process is completed, it is determined that the user is in front of the apparatus. Therefore, the control unit 101 controls the motor driving circuit 220 to rotate the paper discharge unit 30 with respect to the printer unit 20 so that the paper outlet port 39 is oriented in the −90 ° direction.

  Further, when print data transmitted from a terminal (not shown) installed outside the room is received and image formation and paper discharge processing are completed, the user comes to pick up paper from outside the room. Therefore, the control unit 101 controls the motor drive circuit 220 to rotate the paper discharge unit 30 with respect to the printer unit 20 so that the paper take-out port 39 faces + 90 °.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the direction of the paper outlet 39 after the completion of paper discharge is changed according to the input path of the print data. Therefore, a table that prescribes the correspondence between the print data input path and the rotation angle of the paper discharge unit 30 is stored in the management memory 102 in advance. FIG. 6 shows an example of a table used in the installation environment shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure by the control unit 101. When print data is input through the infrared communication IF 21, the card reader 22, or the communication IF 23 of the image forming apparatus 100 (step S 11), the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the paper discharge unit 30 is at the home position. Is determined (step S12). Whether or not the paper discharge unit 30 is at the home position can be determined by examining the output of the encoder built in the motor 221. When determining that the paper discharge unit 30 is not at the home position (S12: NO), the control unit 101 controls the motor drive circuit 220 to move the paper discharge unit 30 to the home position (step S13). After moving to the home position, the control unit 101 returns the process to step S12.

  When it is determined that the paper discharge unit 30 is at the home position (S12: YES), the control unit 101 controls the PCU 210 to start image formation based on the input print data (step S14). At this time, the control unit 101 drives the pickup roller 11b (or 112b) to separate and feed the sheets stored in the sheet feeding cassette 11 (or 12) one by one, and the fed sheets are registered as registration rollers. 15, the image data for each page developed from the print data is transferred to the laser writing device 213 via the image memory 25, and an electrostatic latent image is written on the photosensitive drum 211. Then, the control unit 101 drives the registration roller 15 at such a timing that the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 211 is transferred to a desired position on the paper, and the control unit 101 determines whether the photosensitive drum 211 and the transfer unit 215 The toner image on the photosensitive drum 211 is transferred by passing the paper between them. Then, the sheet on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 217, and the toner image is thermocompression-bonded on the sheet by the fixing unit 217 to complete the image formation. The sheet on which the image has been formed is conveyed by the conveying rollers 16 and 17 and is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 32 through the sheet discharge roller 18.

  Next, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the paper discharge has been completed (step S15). Whether or not the paper discharge is completed is determined by detecting whether or not the paper on which the image of the final page has been discharged through the paper discharge roller 18 by the paper discharge sensor 19. If it is determined that the paper discharge has not been completed (S15: NO), the process waits until the paper discharge is completed.

  When it is determined that the paper discharge is completed (S15: YES), the control unit 101 determines the position of the paper discharge unit 30 after the paper discharge is completed based on the print data input path (step S16). Then, the control unit 101 controls the motor drive circuit 220 to move the paper discharge unit 30 to a position after completion of paper discharge (step S17). Next, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the movement of the paper discharge unit 30 is completed based on the output of the encoder built in the motor 221 (step S18), and determines that the movement is not completed (S18: NO), the control by the control unit 101 is returned to step S17. When it is determined that the movement of the paper discharge unit 30 is completed (S18: YES), the control unit 101 turns on the LED 34 to notify the user that the paper discharge is completed (step S19).

  Next, the control unit 101 determines whether or not reception of the discharged paper is completed by detecting the on / off state of the paper sensor 33 (step S20). That is, the control unit 101 determines that the receipt of the sheet is completed when the output of the sheet sensor 33 is switched from on to off (or from off to on). If it is determined that the paper has not been received (S20: NO), the control unit 101 determines whether new print data has been input through the infrared communication IF 21, the card reader 22, or the communication IF 23 ( Step S21). If it is determined that new print data has not been input (S21: NO), the process returns to step S20. If it is determined that new print data has been input (S21: YES), the control by the control unit 101 is returned to step S12. If it is determined in step S20 that the paper has been received (S20: YES), the control unit 101 controls the motor drive circuit 220 to move the paper discharge unit 30 to the home position (step S22). ).

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Depending on the installation environment of the image forming apparatus 100, it is not necessary to define the direction of the sheet take-out port 39 after the completion of paper discharge for each terminal to be used. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the installation environment of the image forming apparatus 100, and FIG. 9 shows an example of a table used in the installation environment shown in FIG.

  For convenience, when the upper side of the paper is north and the lower side is south, in the example shown in FIG. 8, image formation is performed with the front of the image forming apparatus 100 facing north and the home position (HP) of the paper discharge unit 30 facing east. The apparatus 100 is installed. In this installation environment, when print data transmitted from the terminal PC 11 to the terminal PC 16 is received and image formation and paper discharge processing are performed, those users load paper from the −180 ° direction with respect to the image forming apparatus 100. Since it can be determined that the paper is to be picked up, the control unit 101 controls the motor driving circuit 220 to rotate the paper discharge unit 30 with respect to the printer unit 20 so that the paper outlet 39 is directed in the direction of −180 °. On the other hand, when print data transmitted from the terminal PC 21 to the terminal PC 26 is received and image formation and paper discharge processing are performed, those users come to pick up a sheet from the direction of 0 ° with respect to the image forming apparatus 100. Since the determination can be made, the paper discharge unit 30 is kept in the home position.

  Therefore, in such an installation environment, it is not necessary to define the rotation angle of the paper discharge unit 30 after completion of paper discharge for the individual terminals PC11 to PC16 and PC21 to PC26, for example, VPN (Virtual Private Network) It is also possible to define the terminals PC11 to PC16 as one group G1 and the terminals PC21 to PC26 as another group G2, and to determine the rotation angles for the groups G1 and G2. When receiving print data, the image forming apparatus 100 can determine which group G1 (or group G2) belongs to by detecting the address of the network to which the transmission source belongs.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 having only the print function has been described. However, a scanner unit may be further mounted and configured as a digital multifunction peripheral.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment is roughly composed of a paper feed unit 10, a printer unit 20, a paper discharge unit 30, and a scanner unit 40.

  The paper feed unit 10 includes paper feed cassettes 11 and 12 for storing paper used for image formation. The housing of the paper feeding unit 10 is cylindrical, and the user accesses from the side of the paper feeding unit 10 and pulls out the paper feeding cassettes 11 and 12 to the front side to feed the desired paper into the paper feeding cassettes 11 and 12. To house.

  The printer unit 20 has a cylindrical shape having substantially the same outer diameter as that of the paper feed unit 10, and is disposed on the upper side of the paper feed unit 10. An infrared communication IF 21 and a card reader 22 are installed on the side surface of the printer unit 20 so that image data created externally can be taken into the apparatus via infrared communication or a memory card. The printer unit 20 further includes a communication IF 23 as an input interface for image data so that image data from an information processing apparatus connected via a cable can be captured. The printer unit 20 forms an image based on the image data captured through such various input interfaces. Further, human sensors 23a, 23b, 23c,... Are installed on the side surface of the printer unit 20 according to the present embodiment so that a user in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 200 can be detected.

  The paper discharge unit 30 has a cylindrical shape having substantially the same outer diameter as that of the printer unit 20, and is rotatably supported on the upper side of the printer unit 20. The paper discharge unit 30 is provided with a paper discharge tray 32 for placing paper discharged through a paper discharge port 31. One end side of the paper discharge tray 32 is opened at the side surface of the paper discharge unit 30, and the open end is configured as a paper outlet 39 for paper. The user accesses the paper outlet 39 from the side of the paper discharge unit 30 and takes out the discharged paper. In order to monitor the presence or absence of paper on the paper discharge tray 32, a paper sensor 33 is installed at an appropriate position on the paper discharge tray 32. As the paper sensor 33, a reflective optical sensor can be used. Further, an LED 34 is installed on the side surface of the paper discharge unit 30. When the paper discharge is completed, the LED 34 is lit to notify the user of that fact.

  The scanner unit 40 has a cylindrical shape having substantially the same outer diameter as that of the paper discharge unit 30, and is rotatably supported on the upper side of the paper discharge unit 30. The scanner unit 40 has an optical reading device 41 for optically reading an image of a document, an operation panel that receives an operation instruction from a user, and a display unit that displays information to be notified to the user. 42 is installed.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a state of the image forming apparatus 200 when a user is detected by the human sensor 23c. In the present embodiment, when the presence sensor 23a detects the presence of the user, it is determined that the user who intends to operate the image forming apparatus 200 exists in front of the presence sensor 23a, and the scanner unit 40 is moved to the paper discharge unit 30. To the position where the user can easily operate the operation panel 42. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the drive mechanism of the scanner unit 40. The scanner unit 40 is rotatably supported with respect to the paper discharge unit 30 by a bearing 46 inserted between the paper discharge unit 30 and the scanner unit 40.

  A motor 311 that is a drive source for rotating the paper discharge unit 30 is fixed to the apparatus frame of the paper discharge unit 30. As the motor 311, a stepping motor, a DC brushless motor, or the like can be used, and an encoder is built in to detect the rotation angle of the scanner unit 40 (not shown). A drive gear 312 is attached to the output shaft of the motor 311. The drive gear 312 is engaged with a driven gear 45 fixed to the bottom surface of the scanner unit 40, and the driving force of the motor 311 is transmitted to the driven gear 45 via the drive gear 312 so that the scanner unit 40 is imaged. It is configured to rotate around the central axis of the forming apparatus 200.

  When image formation and paper discharge processing are performed based on image data acquired by the optical reading device 41 of the scanner unit 40, the state where the paper outlet 39 is directed to the left side of the front of the device is discharged as the home position (HP). Perform paper processing. When the paper discharge is completed, the paper discharge unit 30 is rotated with respect to the printer unit 20, and the discharged paper is displaced to a position where the user can easily take it out. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a state of the image forming apparatus 200 after completion of paper discharge. At this time, the position of the scanner unit 40 is maintained in the state shown in FIG. 11 by rotating the scanner unit 40 in the opposite phase. Accordingly, when the movement of the paper discharge unit 30 is completed, the paper outlet 39 of the paper discharge unit 30 and the operation panel 42 of the scanner unit 40 face the front of the apparatus.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 200 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus 200. The image forming apparatus 200 includes a control unit 201. The control unit 201 includes an infrared communication IF 21, a card reader 22, a communication IF 23, an image memory 25, a PCU 210, an SCU 410, a management memory 202, and a discharge unit motor drive. The circuit 220a, the scanner unit motor drive circuit 310, the operation position calculation unit 230, the paper discharge sensor 19, the paper sensor 33, the LED 34, and the like are connected.

  The infrared communication IF 21, the card reader 22, and the communication IF 23 function as an input interface for image data. The infrared communication IF 21 includes an interface conforming to an infrared communication protocol, and receives image data transmitted from an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, a PDA, or a digital camera. The card reader 22 includes a reading device for reading image data from a portable memory card. The communication IF 23 includes an interface conforming to a predetermined communication protocol so that an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer can be connected.

  The image memory 25 is a semiconductor memory that temporarily stores image data developed from print data. The image data stored in the image memory 25 is transferred to the laser writing device 213 via the PCU 210 that controls each hardware unit of the printer unit 20. The SCU 410 is a control circuit for controlling the optical reader 41. Image data acquired by the optical reader 41 is input via the SCU 410 and transferred to the PCU 210 via the image memory 25.

  The management memory 202 is a semiconductor memory that stores a table that defines the correspondence between the input path of print data and the orientation of the paper outlet 39 when paper discharge is completed. When the paper discharge process is completed, the control unit 201 controls the paper discharge unit motor drive circuit 220a with reference to the table in the management memory 202, and discharges the paper outlet 39 so that it has a predetermined orientation. The paper unit 30 is rotated. The paper discharge unit motor drive circuit 220 a is a drive circuit that controls forward / reverse rotation and stop of rotation of the motor 221 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 201. The scanner unit motor drive circuit 310 is a drive circuit that controls forward / reverse rotation and stop of rotation of the motor 311 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 201.

  The operation position calculation unit 230 calculates the position of the user (operation position) based on the outputs of the human sensors 23a, 23b, 23c,. For example, when it is determined that the output of the human sensor 23b is larger than a certain threshold, the facing position of the human sensor 23b is calculated as the operation position. Further, when the outputs of the human sensor 23a and the human sensor 23b are approximately the same, the intermediate position between the sensors 23a and 23b is calculated as the operation position.

Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described.
15 and 16 are flowcharts for explaining the operation procedure of the image forming apparatus 200 when copying a document. The control unit 201 of the image forming apparatus 200 determines whether or not the presence of the user is sensed based on the outputs of the human sensors 23a, 23b,..., 23h provided on the outer peripheral surface of the printer unit 20 (step) S31). If it is determined that the presence of the user is not sensed (S31: NO), the control unit 201 waits until the presence of the user is sensed.

  When the presence of the user is sensed (S31: YES), the control unit 201 causes the operation position calculation unit 230 to calculate the operation position based on the outputs of the human sensors 23a, 23b, ..., 23h (step S32).

  Next, the control unit 201 controls the scanner unit motor drive circuit 310 to move the scanner unit 40 to the operation position (step S33). Then, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the movement to the operation position is completed based on the output from the encoder built in the motor 311 (step S34). When it is determined that the movement to the operation position has not been completed (S34: NO), the control unit 201 waits until the movement of the paper discharge unit 30 is completed.

  When it is determined that the movement to the operation position is completed (S34: YES), the control unit 201 determines whether there is an instruction to start reading a document based on information input through the operation panel 42 (step S35). . If it is determined that there is no document reading start instruction (S35: NO), the control unit 201 waits until a start instruction is issued.

  If it is determined that there is an instruction to start reading a document (S35: YES), a document reading process is executed (step S36). Then, by executing the reading process, the page unit image data acquired by the SCU 410 is transferred to the PCU 210 via the image memory 25 to execute the image forming process (step S37).

  After executing the image forming process, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the paper discharge is completed (step S38). Whether or not the paper discharge is completed is determined by detecting whether or not the paper on which the image of the last page has been discharged is detected by the paper discharge sensor 19. If it is determined that the paper discharge has not been completed (S38: NO), the process waits until the paper discharge is completed.

  When it is determined that the paper discharge is completed (S38: YES), the control unit 201 controls the paper discharge unit motor drive circuit 220a to move the paper discharge unit 30 to the operation position (step S39). And the control part 201 judges whether the movement to an operation position was completed based on the output from the encoder incorporated in the motor 221 (step S40). When it is determined that the movement to the operation position has not been completed (S40: NO), the control unit 201 waits until the movement of the paper discharge unit 30 is completed.

  When it is determined that the movement to the operation position is completed (S40: YES), the control unit 201 turns on the LED 34 to notify the user that the paper discharge is completed (step S41). Next, the control unit 201 determines whether or not reception of the discharged paper is completed by detecting the on / off state of the paper sensor 33 (step S42). If it is determined that the paper has not been received (S42: NO), the process waits until the paper is received. If it is determined that the paper has been received (S42: YES), the control unit 201 controls the paper discharge unit motor drive circuit 220a to move the paper discharge unit 30 to the home position (step S43).

  In the present embodiment, after the discharge is completed, the apparatus waits until the discharged paper is received. However, when the discharged paper is left on the discharge tray 32 for a predetermined time, Alternatively, when new print data is input until the discharged paper is received, the paper discharge unit motor drive circuit 220a may be controlled to move the paper discharge unit 30 to the home position. .

1 is a schematic perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state of the image forming apparatus after completion of paper discharge. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an installation environment of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 shows an example of a table used in the installation environment shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the control procedure by a control part. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of an installation environment of an image forming apparatus. An example of the table used in the installation environment shown in FIG. 8 is shown. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state of the image forming apparatus when a user is detected by a human sensor. It is typical sectional drawing explaining the drive mechanism of a scanner unit. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state of the image forming apparatus after completion of paper discharge. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of the image forming apparatus when copying a document. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of the image forming apparatus when copying a document.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Paper feed unit 20 Printer unit 30 Paper discharge unit 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Control part 102 Management memory 220 Motor drive circuit

Claims (7)

An image reading unit that reads a document image and generates image data, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image data received from the outside or image data generated by the image reading unit, and the image forming unit An image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet discharge unit that discharges a sheet on which an image is formed; and a moving unit that moves the sheet discharge unit between a discharge position when discharging the sheet and a discharge position of the discharged sheet In
Each of the image reading unit, the image forming unit, and the sheet discharge unit has a cylindrical shape having substantially the same outer diameter, and the sheet discharge unit rotates with respect to the image forming unit above the image forming unit. The image reading unit is supported freely, and is rotatably supported with respect to the sheet discharge unit on the upper side of the sheet discharge unit.
On the side surface of the sheet discharge portion, an outlet for taking out the discharged sheet is provided,
Means for specifying a transmission source of received image data, means for determining the take-out position of the sheet according to the specified transmission source, means for determining whether or not the discharge of the sheet is completed, and Means for rotating the sheet discharge section relative to the image forming section to move the sheet discharge section from the discharge position to the determined extraction position when it is determined that the discharge is completed ;
An image forming apparatus comprising: means for detecting the presence of a user; and means for rotating the image reading unit to a detection position when the presence of the user is detected by the means . A plurality of groups including a plurality of transmission sources are defined, and a table that defines a correspondence relationship between a group ID for identifying each group and a takeout position of a sheet to be ejected is provided. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is rotated with respect to the forming unit.   3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a table that defines a correspondence relationship between a transmission source of the image data and a take-out position of the discharged sheet, and the sheet discharge unit is moved according to the table. The image forming apparatus described. Wherein if the sheet discharge unit is moved to the retrieving position, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises means for informing to that effect. A means for reading the image data recorded on the recording medium, forming an image on the sheet based on the image data read by the means, and when the discharge of the formed sheet is completed, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is moved to a predetermined position. After discharge of the sheet is completed by the sheet discharge unit, when receiving a new image data, of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sheet discharge unit are to be moved to the discharge position The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. A means for determining whether or not the removal of the discharged sheet is completed, and when it is determined that the extraction of the sheet is completed, the sheet discharge unit is moved to the discharge position. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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