JPH0879417A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] An image forming apparatus capable of ejecting a copy without mixing the sheets even when receiving a copy during output of a printer, a fax, and the like, and capable of reducing the waiting time for copying. provide. [Structure] When the printer unit 2 is in operation, a paper discharge unit 208
Whether or not the sorter 220 is attached to the vehicle is determined based on the output of the sensor 222 (s503). When the sorter 220 is not attached, that is, when the paper discharge tray is attached, the printer unit 2 is in operation and a display to the effect that the printer will start after completion is displayed on the operation panel to make a copy reservation (s
511) and waits for the end of the operation of the printer unit 2 (s51
2) After the operation of the printer unit 2, the process proceeds to step s505. When the sorter 220 is attached, the setting for temporarily suspending the process of using the printer unit 2 other than copying is performed (s504).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on a sheet and sorting the sheets.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus having functions such as copying, printing, and faxing, and a medium such as paper (paper or film capable of recording an image) for each of these functions. An image forming apparatus provided with a sorter for sorting (the same) has been proposed.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, when the sorter capable of sorting the paper according to the function is installed, the sorting is performed even if the copy is interrupted during the output of the printer, the fax or the like. However, if such a sorter is not installed, interrupting the copy during output of a printer, fax, etc. will cause the output paper to mix, making sorting difficult. Become. Further, if the copying interruption is not performed at all, there is a problem that the copying cannot be started when the output from the printer, the fax or the like is intermittent.

An object of the present invention is to change the control depending on whether or not a sorter is attached, so that even if a copy is received during output of a printer, fax, etc., the sheets can be discharged without being mixed, and An object is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the waiting time for copying.

[0005]

An image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of interrupting and executing image formation of another group by an interrupt request during execution of image formation of one group. An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a sorting unit that is attachable to and detachable from the image forming unit that has a plurality of storage units that store the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, and the sorting and mounting unit. It is provided with detection means for detecting attachment / detachment and control means for controlling the interrupt based on the detection result of the detection means.

It is preferable that the sorting means stores the image-formed sheets in separate storage portions for each group.

Here, the control means controls so as to receive the interrupt when the detecting means detects the means of the sorting means, and prohibits the interrupt of image formation when the detecting means detects the detachment of the sorting means.

When the image forming interrupt instruction for another group is received during the image forming of one group, the control means interrupts the image forming of the one group and stops the image forming of the other group. It is preferable to control so as to restart the image formation of the one group after the execution of the image formation of the other group, and do not stop the driving of the sheet conveying mechanism of the image forming means at this time. Can also be controlled.

In the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, the group of image formation is in accordance with the operation mode. This operation mode is a printer mode for forming an image from a computer, a copy mode, or a fax for forming an image received by fax. It can be either a mode or a file mode for forming a file-searched image.

In these modes, it is preferable that the control means gives priority to the interruption of image formation in the copy mode.

On the other hand, the image forming group may be based on individual image forming requests.

[0012]

According to the present invention, with the structure as described above, the detection means detects the attachment / detachment of the sorting means, and the interruption of image formation is controlled by the detection result.

When the sorting means can store the image-formed sheets in separate storages for each group, the output sheets of the interrupted group are stored in the storages different from the output sheets of the interrupted group.

Here, when the image forming group is set to follow the operation mode, no interrupt is generated as long as it is in the same mode. An interrupt is generated according to the priority.

[0015]

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, 1 is an image input device for converting a document image into image data (hereinafter referred to as "reader unit"), 2 is a plurality of types of paper cassettes,
An image output device (hereinafter, referred to as “printer unit”) 3 that outputs image data as a visible image on a sheet by a print command is an external device electrically connected to the reader unit 1 and has various functions. . The external device 3 has a fax unit 4, a file unit 5, an external storage device 6 connected to the file unit 5, a computer interface unit 7 for connecting to a computer and a LAN, and information from the computer as a visible image. A formatter unit 8 for storing the information, an image memory unit 9 for storing the information from the reader unit 1 and temporarily storing the information sent from the computer, and a core unit 10 for controlling the above-mentioned functions. ing. Here, the reader unit 1 has a reader control unit CONT1 that controls the reader unit 1, and the printer unit 2 has a printer control unit CONT2 that controls the printer unit 2.
Further, the sensor 222 detects whether or not the sorter 220 is attached to the printer unit 2.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the structure of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2. The structure and operation will be described below.

The originals stacked on the original feeding device 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the original glass 102.
When the document is conveyed to a predetermined position on the glass surface 102, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit is turned on and the scanner unit 10
4 moves to illuminate the document. The reflected light of the document is transmitted through the mirrors 105, 106, 107 and the lens 108 to the CCD.
Image sensor unit (hereinafter referred to as "CCD") 109
Is input to The reflected light or transmitted light of the document with which the CCD 109 is irradiated is photoelectrically converted here. CCD109
The image signal converted by is sent to the image processing unit 110.

In the image processing section 110, image processing set by various operation sections is performed. In addition, the image processing unit 110
Has an image memory and also has a function of rotating the image output direction. The rotation of the image is performed by the same method as the rotation processing in the formatter unit 8 which will be described later.

The image processing unit 110 has a selector for switching between outputting the signal generated by the reader unit 1 to the printer unit 2 or the external device 3. Further, the image processing unit 110 has a selector for selecting whether to input the image signal from the reader unit 1 or the image signal from the external device 3, and the selector is connected to the printer unit 2. . As described above, the printer unit 2 includes the reader unit 1
Images from the external device 3 and images from the external device 3 can be selectively printed.

The image signal transmitted from the image processing unit 110 to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal modulated by the exposure control unit 201, and irradiates the photoconductor 202. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 203. The paper is conveyed from the paper cassette 204 or 205 at the same timing as the leading edge of the developed image, and the developed image is transferred at the transfer unit 206. After the transferred image is fixed on the paper by the fixing unit 207, the paper on which the image is thus formed is discharged by the paper discharge unit 208.
Is discharged to the outside of the device. Sorter 22 in printer unit 2
If 0 is connected, the paper discharged from the paper discharge unit 208 is passed to the sorter 220, and the printer unit 2 is sent to the sorter 2
If one sheet ejection tray (not shown) is installed without being connected to 20, the sheet is ejected onto the sheet ejection tray.

The printer 220 is controlled by the printer controller C.
The ONT2 is performed, which will be described with reference to FIG. If the sort function is working, the paper is in bin 2.
Flapper 25 so as to be discharged to 512 to 2516.
02 to 2508 are controlled. When the sort function is not working, basically, the paper is discharged to the uppermost bin 2509 of the sorter, but the bin 25 is set by the user.
It is also possible to allocate 09 to 2511 according to the function to be operated and discharge them to the allocated bins. In this embodiment, bin 2509 is a sheet in copy mode.
In the facsimile mode, and the bin 2511 in the computer input mode (printer mode). The sorter 220 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the printer unit 2, and the printer unit 2 is provided with a sensor 222 that detects whether or not the sorter 220 is attached.

Next, a method for recording sequentially read images on both sides of one sheet will be described. The sheet on which the image is fixed by the fixing unit 207 is once conveyed to the sheet discharging unit 208, and then the conveyance direction of the sheet is reversed, and the flapper 209 that switches the conveyance direction guides the sheet to the re-feed sheet stacking unit 210.
When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as the above process, and two original images are recorded on the front surface and the back surface of the same sheet fed from the re-feed sheet stacking unit 210. To be done.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the operation panel in the reader unit 1. In this figure, reference numeral 301 denotes a display unit that displays operating states and messages. In addition, the surface of the display unit 301 is a touch panel, and it functions as a selection key by touching the surface. A numeral key 302 is a key for inputting numbers. 303 is a start key,
Pressing this key starts the operation. 304 is an operation mode selection key, and a panel on this key is touched to select an operation mode.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operating procedure of the entire system.

First, after the power is turned on, initialization is performed (s401). Next, the operation mode selection key 304 is displayed on the display unit 301 of the operation panel, and the panel above the selection key is touched to select the mode. It is determined whether the selected mode is the copy mode (s40
2) If the copy mode is selected, jump to step A. When the copy mode is not selected, it is determined whether it is the fax transmission mode (s403). When the fax transmission mode is selected, the process jumps to step B. When the fax transmission mode is not selected, it is determined whether it is the file mode (s404), and when the file mode is selected, the process jumps to step C. When the file mode is not selected, it is determined whether the computer input mode (printer mode) is input from the computer interface (s405). When the computer input mode is selected, the process jumps to step D. When the computer input mode is not selected, it is determined whether it is the fax reception mode (s406), and when the fax reception mode is selected, the process jumps to step E. When no fax reception mode is detected,
The process returns to the determination s402 of the copy mode and the selection mode determination (s402 to s406) is repeated.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure in the copy mode.

First, the key input from the operation panel is read, and the input of the start key 303 is awaited (s50
1). Next, when the start key is pressed, the printer unit 2
It is determined whether is operating (s502). If the printer unit 2 is not operating, the process proceeds to step s505. Printer section 2
Is operating, it is determined based on the output of the sensor 222 whether the sorter 220 is attached to the paper output unit 208 (s
503). When the sorter 220 is not attached, that is, when the paper discharge tray is attached, a display indicating that the printer unit 2 is in operation and starts after the completion is displayed on the operation panel to make a copy reservation (s511). After the operation of the printer unit 2 is completed (s512), after the operation of the printer unit 2 is completed, the process proceeds to step s505. Sorter 220
If is installed, the printer section 2 other than copy
The process of using (for example, a process of recording an image input from the computer interface unit 7 or a process of recording an image received from the facsimile unit 4) is set to be temporarily suspended (s504).

In step s505, the copy conditions set by the operation unit and the bin for ejecting the copied sheets when the sorter 220 is installed are set. Then, the document is read (s506) and printed (s5).
07) is repeated for a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined number of times, and it is determined whether or not copying has ended (s508). At the end of copying, if there is processing interrupted in step s504 (s509), restart of the interrupted processing is started ( s510), this processing ends. After the processing ends, the process returns to the initial setting s401 in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure in the fax transmission mode.

First, the fax transmission is initialized (s601), and keys 301,
Read 302 and set the fax transmission conditions (s6
022), and waits for the input of the start key 303 (s60
3). When the start key is pressed, the document is read by the reader unit 1 (s604) and the image data is read by the fax unit 4
Send to The fax unit 4 performs fax transmission according to the set format and the determined protocol (s60).
5). After the transmission is completed, the process returns to the initial setting s401 in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure in the file mode.

First, initial setting of file operation is performed (s701), mode selection of file recording or search is displayed on the operation panel, and key input is awaited (s702). When the recording mode is selected, the recording conditions are set (s7
03), the document is read by the reader unit 1 (s704),
The data is sent to the file unit 5 and recorded in the external storage device 6 (s705). When the file search mode is selected in step s702, search condition setting is performed (s7
06), the file is searched from the external storage device 6 (s707), and the result is output (s708). After the recording in step s705 or the search in step s708 is completed, the process returns to the initial setting s401 in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure in the computer input mode (printer mode).

First, the command is accepted by the computer interface (s801), the data is sent to the formatter unit 8 via the core unit 10 for interpretation, and the information is expanded in the bit map memory (s802). Then, it is determined whether the printer unit 2 is in operation and waits for the operation to end (s
803). When the operation is completed, an appropriate sheet is selected, and sheet feeding is started (s804). Paper cassette 204
Alternatively, the sheet is fed from 205 and moved to the transfer unit 206. Here, the image developed in the bitmap memory in the process of step s802 is rotated and read by a method described later according to the information such as the orientation and size of the paper.
The read image information is sent to the exposure control unit 201 and printed (s805). At the time of printing, when the sorter 220 is attached, information such as the discharge bin of the printer specified in the user mode is sent to perform printing. The printing part is common to each operation described so far. Then, after outputting the data, the process returns to the initial setting s401 in FIG.

Next, a method of rotating and reading an image will be described with reference to FIG. The image developed in the bitmap memory in the process of step s802 is as shown in FIG. This development example is an example of A4 size, vertical 297m
This is a bitmap memory having 4622 pixels for m and 3296 pixels for 210 mm wide. First, when reading without rotating, as shown in FIG. 12A, (0,0) → (0,4622), (1,0) → (1,4)
622) in order. Further, when reading by rotating 180 degrees, as shown in (b) of FIG. 12, contrary to the case of (a), (3296, 4622) → (3296,
0), (3295,4622) → (3295,0). Further, in the case of reading by rotating by -90 degrees, the reading directions are changed vertically and horizontally as shown in (c) of FIG. 12, (0,4622) → (3296,4622),
Reading is performed in the order of (0,4621) → (3296,4621). Also, when reading by rotating 90 degrees,
As shown in (d) of FIG. 12, the reading direction is changed vertically and horizontally,
(3296,0) → (0,0), (3296,1) →
The data is sequentially read in the direction of (0, 1). Such rotation control is configured in the formatter unit 8.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure in the fax reception mode. First, fax reception is performed by the fax unit 4 (s901), and the printer unit 2
Is operating (s902), and if not operating, data is sent to the printer unit 2 and printed (s).
903). At the time of printing, when the sorter 220 is attached, information such as the paper discharge bin of the fax designated in the user mode is sent and printed. If step s90
2 and the printer unit 2 is operating, the fax unit 4
Is stored in the hard disk 4a (s904) and is printed out when the printer unit 2 is not in operation (s9).
02, s903). After printing, the initial settings s in Fig. 4
Return to 401.

The above-mentioned modes are selected by the selection key 30 on the operation panel.
1), the fax section 4 receives a fax, or the computer interface section 7 selects an external P
It operates by detecting a command from the C / WS (personal computer or workstation).

Some of these operations can be operated in combination at the same time, and some of them can be operated independently at the same time. The core section 10 controls the setting of priorities and the like.

The timing chart of the embodiment is shown in FIG.
0 will be described. In the figure, a print signal indicates that the printer unit 2 is in operation. Paper feeding is a paper feeding start signal, image output is a signal for reading an image signal to form an image on paper, and a copy request is a start key. Is a signal generated when the start of copying is requested.

FIG. 10A shows an example in which the number of print outputs (printing by operating the printer unit 2 in response to a request from the external device 3. The same applies hereinafter) is five. is there.

When the computer interface unit 7 receives a command from the host computer, sends the data to the formatter unit 8 via the core unit 10 for interpretation, and expands the information in the bit map memory, an appropriate paper is selected. , Issues a print output request to the core unit 10. Next, the core unit 10 requests the printer unit 2 to start feeding paper (Fp1). Then, the paper is fed and the transfer unit 2
At 06, the image developed in the bit map memory is read and the image is formed on the paper (Ip1). Further, in parallel with this processing, the next page data is received, and similarly, the operation is performed so as to develop and print, the paper is fed (Fp2 to Fp5), and the image is formed (Ip2 to Ip2).
Ip5). Further, when the sorter 220 is attached, the information of the discharge bin set in the user mode is also sent to the printer unit 2, and the printer unit 2 discharges the paper to the designated discharge bin as described above. To process.

Next, FIG. 10B shows a timing chart when the sorter 220 is mounted when a copy request is generated after the third sheet (Fp3) is fed, and the sorter 220 is A timing chart when not attached is shown in FIG. 10C and described.

In FIG. 10B, when a copy request is generated after the third sheet is fed (Fp3), the core unit 10 outputs the image of the third sheet and then interrupts the print output.
Copy conditions are set for the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2. The reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 have copy conditions,
The paper is fed by setting the information of the paper ejection bin of the copy set in the user mode (Fc1 to Fc3). The reader unit 1 scans an original according to the fed paper and copy conditions, and forms an image in the printer unit 2 (Ic
1 to Ic3).

When the last sheet of copy is fed (Fc3)
Then, in order to restart the interrupted print output, the core unit 10 issues a print output request to the printer unit 2 to feed the paper (Fp4, Fp5), and forms an image (Ip).
4, Ip5). Meanwhile, during this period, the driving of the sheet conveying device is not stopped, and the sheet is continuously fed (Fp1 to Fp3, Fc1 to Fp1).
c3, Fp4 to Fp5).

In FIG. 10C, when a copy request is generated after the third sheet is fed (Fp3), the core unit 10 sends a copy job request to the work RAM in the core unit 10. The job table (not shown) in a predetermined area is registered. After registration, paper is fed again in response to a print output request from the formatter unit 8 (Fp4, Fp4
p5), an image is formed (Ip4, Ip5). And
The core unit 10 monitors that the printer unit 2 has finished the print output of the final page and the print signal is turned off, and executes the copy job registered in the job table. Then, copy conditions are set for the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2. The reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 select a sheet from the set copy conditions and feed it (Fc1 to Fc1).
3). The reader unit 1 scans an original according to the fed paper, and forms an image in the printer unit 2 (I
c1-Ic3).

As described above, even if a copy (image formation of the second group) is received during output (image formation of the first group) of a printer, a fax, etc., the sheets are discharged without being mixed. And the waiting time for copying can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the copy mode has a high priority, but the present invention can be applied to any structure having a copy mode, a computer input mode (printer mode), a fax mode, and a file mode. Is applicable, and it is clear that multiple interrupt requests can be controlled according to their priority.

In addition to the case where another mode interrupts during execution of a certain mode, another job (image formation of the second group) may occur during a job (image formation of the first group) even in the same mode. It is obvious that the present invention can be applied even when interrupting.

[0050]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Whether or not interruption of image formation of one group is permitted during the image formation of one group is controlled depending on the presence or absence of a sorting unit for sorting the image-formed sheets. It is possible to improve the operability by achieving both good handling.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the output sheets are stored in separate sheet storage units for each group.
Good handling of paper and improved operability.

Further, when the sorting means is provided as in the third aspect of the invention, the interruption of the image formation of the other group is permitted during the image formation of one group, and the sorting means as in the sixth aspect of the invention. If it is not provided, by prohibiting the interruption, it is possible to avoid mixing the output sheets for each group, and therefore the operability becomes very good.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5, no unnecessary time is required for processing.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing configurations of a reader unit and a printer unit.

[Fig. 3] Configuration diagram of operation panel

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the entire system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in a copy mode.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in a fax transmission mode.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in file mode.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in a computer input mode.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in the fax reception mode.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a sorter.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a method of rotating and reading an image.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Reader Part 2 Printer Part 3 External Device 10 Core Part 220 Sorter 222 Sensor 2509-2516 Bin

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus capable of interrupting image formation of another group by an interrupt request while image formation of one group is being executed, and forming an image on a sheet. Means, a sorting means attachable to and detachable from the image forming means having a plurality of storage portions for storing sheets on which images are formed by the image forming means, a detecting means for detecting attachment / detachment of the sorting means, and a detecting means of the detecting means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the interrupt based on a detection result. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sorting unit stores the image-formed sheets in separate storage units for each group. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to receive an interrupt when the detection unit detects attachment of the sorting unit. 4. The control means interrupts the image formation of the one group and interrupts the image formation of the other group when receiving an interrupt instruction of the image formation of the other group during execution of the image formation of the one group. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to execute image formation and control the image formation of the one group to be resumed after the image formation of the other group is completed. 5. The control means, when receiving an interrupt instruction,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the driving of the sheet conveying mechanism of the image forming unit is controlled so as not to be stopped. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means prohibits interruption of image formation when the detection means detects that the sorting means has come off. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming group is according to an operation mode. 8. The operation mode is any one of a printer mode for forming an image from a computer, a copy mode, a fax mode for forming an image received by fax, and a file mode for forming an image searched for by a file. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit prioritizes interruption of image formation in the copy mode. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming group is based on an individual image forming request.