JP2001341922A - Recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording device which facilitates the handling of recording output set by set when carrying out the recording output of a plurality of editions by using one or a small number of delivery trays. SOLUTION: When a plurality of editions are designated and their recording output is carried out in a recording part 15 and then the recording output of one set is completed, the recording output is stopped as it is, and an announcement to the effect that the recording output of one set is completed is given to a utilizer. This constitution enables a utilizer to handle recording paper set by set. It is monitored by a paper detecting sensor 17 whether a recording paper is removed from a delivery tray 16. When the recording papers are removed from the delivery tray 16, next one set of the recording outputs is started. Until the recording paper are removed from the delivery tray 16, the recording output of other recording information is allow and the recording output of the next one set is allowed by using another delivery tray.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus which can output a plurality of sets (the number of sets) of recording information for each set.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a recording apparatus is used, there is a case where recording information composed of a plurality of pages is desired to be recorded and output for a plurality of copies (a plurality of sets). For example, when creating meeting materials in an office, etc.
It is necessary to create as many sets of materials as the number of attendees. In such a case, in a conventional recording apparatus having a single discharge tray, a sorting operation such as manually rearranging a bundle of recording sheets on which a required number of copies are continuously printed for each page is performed later.

In order to eliminate such manual work, a recording apparatus having a device called a sorter provided with a plurality of discharge trays for discharging recording paper has been developed. In such a recording apparatus, recording information for one page is continuously recorded for a required number of copies, and one sheet of recording paper is discharged to each discharge tray. The operation of recording the record information of the page is performed. Thus, since the recording sheets in the page order are discharged to the discharge tray one set at a time, it is not necessary to rearrange the sheets manually, and the work can be reduced. However, in this case, as many discharge trays as the number of sets to be recorded are required, and the apparatus has been increased in size.

In recent years, along with the reduction in the price of image memories, 1
A recording apparatus has been developed in which recording information of all pages constituting a set is stored in an image memory, and the operation of recording and outputting one page at a time and performing recording of one set is repeated by a required number of sets (the number of sets). . According to such a configuration, even when the number of the discharge trays is one or several, it is possible to perform the recording output of one copy more than the number of the discharge trays for each set.

However, when a large number of copies are recorded as described above, a plurality of sets of recording papers are discharged onto a discharge tray in a stacked manner, so that it is necessary to divide each set. Using recording paper with different directions alternately,
A recording apparatus capable of easily separating recording paper for each set according to the direction of recording paper discharged to a discharge tray has also been considered. However, for this purpose, recording papers having different orientations must always be set, and there is a problem that the number of recording paper trays increases and the apparatus becomes large and expensive. Further, there is a case where it is not possible to set a recording paper having a different direction depending on the size of the recording paper, and in that case, there is a problem that this technique cannot be used.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and it is easy to handle one set at a time when recording and outputting a plurality of copies using one or a small number of discharge trays. It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple recording device.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus capable of outputting a recording output of recording information for each set.
A discharge tray from which recording paper is discharged, a recording paper detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of recording paper on the discharge tray, and a recording output of the recording information after performing one set of recording output from the discharge tray by the recording paper detection sensor. When the removal of the recording paper is detected, a control means for controlling to start the next one set of recording output is provided. As described above, since the recording paper is discharged to the discharge tray one set at a time, the work of dividing the recording paper into each set becomes unnecessary, and the handling of the recording paper for each set becomes easy. For example, in the case of binding one set at a time, the recording paper taken out may be bound as it is, which is simple.

Further, if the recording output is interrupted as described above until one set of recording paper is discharged to one discharge tray and the one set of recording paper is removed, the utilization efficiency of the recording apparatus is reduced. Will drop. Therefore, after one set of recording information has been output and before the recording sheet detection sensor detects removal of the recording sheet from the output tray, the recording output of another recording information is performed using another output tray. Can be controlled. This makes it possible to effectively use the time from when one set of recording output is completed to when the recording paper is removed, and to effectively use the recording apparatus.

Alternatively, when a plurality of discharge trays are provided, after one set of recording output is performed, a recording paper detection sensor provided for each discharge tray is monitored to remove the recording paper. Can be used to start the next set of recording output. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time from when one set of recording paper is discharged to one discharge tray to when the next one set of recording output starts.

Further, when one set of record output is completed, the fact is notified by display or sound output, output to an external device, or the like, and the user is notified of removal of one set of record paper from the discharge tray. It may be configured to prompt. The user can obtain one set of recording paper from the discharge tray by this notification.

If the recording paper is not removed from the discharge tray even after the lapse of a predetermined time, it is possible to control to start the next one set of recording output. As a result, recording output is not stopped unnecessarily long.

[0012]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a facsimile apparatus including an embodiment of a recording apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, 11 is a main control unit, 12 is a display unit, 13
Is an operation unit, 14 is a reading unit, 15 is a recording unit, 16 is a discharge tray, 17 is a recording paper detection sensor, 18 timer, and 19 is L
AN interface, 20 for NCU, 21 for modem, 2
2 is an image memory, 23 is a RAM, 24 is a ROM, 25 is a bus, 31 is a computer, and 32 is a LAN.

The main control section 11 controls the entire apparatus and operates the respective sections to realize an image transmission / reception function, a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and the like. In particular, when recording information such as images is recorded by the recording unit 15, a function of storing recording information of all pages (or recording images thereof) in the image memory 22 and recording and outputting a plurality of copies of each set. have. When recording and outputting multiple copies, 1
After recording and outputting the set, the discharge tray 16 of the recording unit 15 is output.
When the recording paper detection sensor 17 detects that the recording paper discharged to the printer has been removed, control is performed to record and output the next set. When the recording output of one set is completed, the fact is displayed on the display unit 12 or
A notification can be sent to a predetermined notification destination via the AN interface 19. After one set of recording output is completed and before the recording paper is removed, for example, if there is a facsimile-received image or recording information to be recorded and output by a print function via a LAN interface, the recording information is recorded. Recording output can be performed using another discharge tray 16. Further, if a plurality of discharge trays 16 are provided, the next set of recording output can be started using the discharge tray 16 from which the recording paper has been removed. Further, if one set of recording paper discharged to the discharge tray 16 is not removed even after a lapse of a predetermined time, control can be performed so that the next one set of recording output is started.

The display unit 12 can display various information such as a message to the user, a message indicating the state of the apparatus, and operation guidance. In particular, when recording and outputting a plurality of copies, when the recording and output of one set is completed, the fact that the recording and output of one set has been completed can be displayed to notify the user.

The operation unit 13 is used when the user performs various settings and instructions. For example, a transmission function or a copy function can be selected, and an instruction to execute the selected function can be given. For example, the number of copies (the number of sets) to be recorded and output can be set during the copy function.

The reading section 14 reads an image on a document at the time of image transmission, a copy function, and a scanner function. The reading unit 14 can be configured by various image input devices such as an image scanner and a digital camera. For example, even when a plurality of copies are designated during the copy function, only one reading is performed, and the read image is stored in the image memory 22.

The recording unit 15 includes an image received by facsimile by the image receiving function and a reading unit 14 by the copy function.
And the image such as the recording information sent from the external computer 31 or the like via the LAN interface in the printer function on the recording paper. As a recording method, for example, various methods such as an electrophotographic method, an ink jet method, a heat-sensitive or thermal transfer method can be adopted. The recording unit 15 is provided with one or several discharge trays 16. In addition, each discharge tray 1
6 are provided with paper detection sensors 17, respectively. The paper detection sensor 17 detects whether or not a recording paper exists in the discharge tray 16.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the recording unit. In the figure, 41 is a paper cassette, 42 is a recording paper, and 43 is a recording drum. FIG. 2 shows only the reading unit 14 and the recording unit 15. In this example, the reading unit 14 has an automatic document feeder (ADF), a function of reading an image on a document using the ADF, and lifts a notch indicated by hatching in the center of the drawing. Accordingly, a flatbed scanner (FBS) function for reading an original placed on a platen glass is provided.

In the example of the recording unit 15 shown in FIG.
An example in which recording is performed by an electrophotographic method is shown.
The recording paper 42 loaded in the paper cassette 41 is fed one by one, an image is formed on the recording paper 42 by the recording drum 43, and after being fixed, is discharged to the discharge tray 16. In this example, two discharge trays 16 are provided, and it is possible to control which discharge tray 16 discharges the recording sheet. Of course, only one discharge tray 16 may be provided, or three or more discharge trays 16 may be provided.

As described above, each of the discharge trays 16 is provided with the paper detection sensor 17, and can detect whether or not the discharged recording paper exists in the discharge tray 16. For example, if the recording paper is discharged to the discharge tray 16 and the paper detection sensor 17 detects the recording paper, and then the recording paper is no longer detected, it can be determined that the recording paper on the discharge tray 16 has been removed.

The configuration of the reading unit 14 and the recording unit 15 shown in FIG. 2 is an example. Another reading method may be applied as the reading unit 14, and another recording method may be applied as the recording unit 15.

Returning to FIG. 1, the timer 18 is used to measure time. For example, a predetermined time is set, and a notification is made when the set time elapses, or the time is always ticked, so that it can be referred to at any time. In this example, it is used to time whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed without the recording paper being removed from the discharge tray 16 after the completion of one set of recording output. Of course, various other times can be used.

The LAN interface 19 is a LAN 32
The recording unit 15 receives recording information to be recorded by the recording unit 15 and transmission information to be transmitted to another device via the modem 21 and the NCU 20 from, for example, an external computer 31 connected to the LAN 32. The received data can be temporarily stored in the image memory 22, for example. Further, for example, a received image or an image read by the reading unit 14 can be transmitted to the external computer 31. The LAN interface 19 can be replaced by various interfaces connected to the computer 31. In addition, these interfaces need not be provided unless the external computer 31 is connected.

The NCU 20 controls a line to communicate with an external device. The modem 21 modulates and demodulates image data to be transmitted and received.

The image memory 22 stores image data to be transmitted and received, image data read by the reading unit 14, image data to be recorded by the recording unit 15, and other image data being processed. For example, when recording and outputting a plurality of copies, recording information (images) of all pages is stored. When storing an image in the image memory 22,
Can be compressed and stored.

The RAM 23 is used when it is necessary to store data in the processing of the main control unit 11 and other units.
Note that the record information may be temporarily stored. RO
M24 stores a program that defines the operation of the main control unit 11, fixed data, and the like.

The bus 25 includes a main control unit 11, a display unit 12,
Operation unit 13, reading unit 14, recording unit 15, timer 18, L
The AN interface 19, the NCU 20, the modem 21, the image memory 22, the RAM 23, the ROM 24, and the like are interconnected to enable data transfer between them.
Further, a sheet detection sensor 17 provided in the recording unit 15 is provided.
The main control unit 11 can also obtain the detection result of the recording paper discharged to the discharge tray 16 in the above-described manner via the bus 25. Of course, in addition to these, various devices such as an external storage device may be connected to the bus 25.

Next, an example of the operation of an example of a facsimile apparatus including an embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention will be described. As described above, this facsimile apparatus can execute an image transmission / reception function, a copy function, a print function, a scanner function, and the like. Here, a case where a plurality of copies are performed in the copy function will be described. In addition, it is assumed that two discharge trays 16 are provided, that is, a first tray and a second tray. In the copy function, the recording paper is normally discharged to the first tray.
Whether or not the second tray is used for the copy function can be set, for example, from the operation unit 13 or the like.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation at the time of a copy function in an example of a facsimile apparatus including an embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention. In S51, a timer flag indicating that the time after recording and outputting one set is being measured is set to off and initialized.

In S52, the user operates the operation unit 1
3 and a setting of the number of copies (the number of copy sets) and the like are made. ADF or FB showing the original to be copied as, for example, the reading unit 14 in FIG.
The copy function is started by setting to S and operating the start key provided on the operation unit 13.

When the copy function is started, first, in S53, an image on a document is read by the reading unit 14 and stored in the image memory 22. If one or more pages of images are stored in the image memory 22, recording and output can be performed. However, in this case, recording and output are started after all pages of the document have been read.

When the images of all pages are stored in the image memory 22, first, in S54, whether or not the recording paper is left in the first tray is determined by the output of the paper detection sensor 17 provided in the first tray. judge. If there is no recording paper in the first tray, one set of recording output processing in S55 to S57 can be performed. First S
At 55, the timer flag is turned off since recording is being output.
Keep it. Then, in S56, one set of recording output is performed, and the recording paper is discharged to the first tray. After recording and outputting all the pages constituting one set, S5
At 7, the display unit 12 notifies the user of the fact that one set of recording paper has been discharged to the first tray, for example.
Thus, the user knows that one copy has been completed, and can take out the bundle of recording papers from the first tray. For example, in the case of binding, the document can be bound without being divided into sets as in the related art.

When one set of recording output is completed, it is determined in S58 whether or not the recording output of all the set number has been completed.
Returning to 54, processing for the next one set of record output is performed.

For example, after one set of recording output is completed, until the user takes out the recording paper discharged to the first tray, the paper detection sensor 17 provided on the first tray is used.
Detects the presence of recording paper. Therefore, in S54, it is determined that the recording paper exists in the first tray. If the recording paper exists in the first tray, it is further determined in S59 whether or not the setting is made to use the second tray for the copy function.

If the second tray is not set to be used for the copy function, basically, the process waits until the recording paper discharged to the first tray is removed. One set of recording output is started. But,
In order to make effective use of the waiting time until the recording paper is removed, other recording information in S60, for example, an image received by facsimile by the image receiving function, or an instruction to record and output from the external computer 31 via the LAN 32. The recorded information such as the extracted image is stored in the image memory 22.
It is determined whether or not it is stored in the storage. If these pieces of record information are stored in the image memory 22, S6
In 1, one of these pieces of recording information is set as a recording output target, and one page is recorded and output. If the recording output target has already been determined, the next page of the recording output target is recorded and output. The recording paper is discharged to a second tray.

After recording and outputting one page of the recording output target, or when there is no other recording information, S
At 62, it is determined whether or not the timer flag is turned on. If the timer flag remains off, the timer 18 is started at S63 to start time measurement.
Turn on the timer flag. As a result, the measurement of a predetermined time after the completion of one set of recording output is started. This function is intended to avoid a state in which the recording output of the remaining number of copies is not performed for a long time on the assumption that the recording paper is left without being taken out of the discharge tray 16 for a long time after the end of the recording output of one set. Things. Since the timer flag is on during the counting, S63 is skipped and the process proceeds to the next time-up determination.

In S64, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the timer 18. If it is within the predetermined time, the process returns to S54 to determine whether the first tray is empty. In this manner, in the case of setting not to use the second tray, within a predetermined time from the end of recording output of one set,
In addition, when there is recording paper on the first tray, if there is other recording information, it is recorded and output one page at a time in S61, and the recording paper is discharged to the second tray. Of course, if there is no other record information, it will wait as it is. When the recording paper is taken out from the first tray, the recording output of the other recording information is interrupted on a page basis at that time, and one set of recording output in S55 to S57 is performed.

If the recording paper is not removed from the first tray after a lapse of a predetermined time from the end of one set of recording output, the lapse of the predetermined time is detected in S64, and the operation proceeds to S5.
One set of recording outputs at 5 to 57 is performed. In this way, even if a plurality of copies are specified and notified,
Each set output is sequentially output with a predetermined time interval. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where only one set is recorded and output and the standby state continues.

Here, even if the other recording information is being output, the next one set of recording output is started when a predetermined time has elapsed from one set of recording output. If so, it is possible to control so that other recording information is recorded and output with priority.

When the setting to use the second tray is made in the copy function, when one set of recording output is finished and the recording paper remains in the first tray, the processing from S59 is repeated. Proceeding to S65, whether or not recording paper is present on the second tray is detected by the paper detection sensor 17 provided on the second tray. If there is no recording paper in the second tray, the next one set of recording output is performed using the second tray. First, in S66, the timer flag is turned off since recording and output are being performed. And S67
, One set of recording output is performed, and the recording paper is discharged to the second tray. Since this operation can be performed even while the recording paper is present in the first tray, the time until the end of copying can be reduced as compared with the case where only the first tray is used. When all the pages constituting one set have been recorded and output, in S68, the fact that one set of recording paper has been discharged to the second tray is indicated by, for example, the display unit 1.
2 to notify the user. This allows the user to:
Knowing that the next set of copies has been completed, the user can take out the bundle of recording sheets from the second tray. For example, in the case of binding, the document can be bound without being divided into sets as in the related art.

When one set of recording output using the second tray is completed, it is determined in S58 whether or not the recording output of the set total number has been completed. Returns to S54 to perform processing for the next one set of record output.

Returning to S54, if the recording paper still exists in the first tray and the recording paper still exists in the second tray, the recording paper is basically removed from one of the discharge trays. Wait for. If the recording paper on the first tray is removed,
This is detected in S54, and one set of recording output using the first tray is performed in S55 to S57. Also,
If the recording paper in the second tray is removed, this is detected in S65, and one set of recording output using the second tray is performed in S66 to S68.

However, as described above, in order to prevent the recording paper from being removed from the discharge tray 16 indefinitely, and to prevent the recording output from being interrupted, the recording paper is stored in both the discharge trays 16 in steps S62 to S64. When the next one set of recording output cannot be performed due to the presence of
And monitors the elapse of a predetermined time. If it is detected in S64 that the predetermined time has elapsed, one set of recording output using the first tray in S55 to S57 is performed. Of course, 1 using the second tray in S66 to S68
The set may be recorded and output. In this way, it is possible to prevent the recording output from being interrupted forever. In particular, when the second tray is also used at the time of the copy function, other recording information cannot be recorded and output unless the recording paper is removed forever. However, by performing the next set of recording output after the elapse of the predetermined time, it is possible to prevent a situation in which recording output of other recording information cannot be performed.

In this way, when the recording and output of one set are stopped and the recording and output of all the set numbers are completed, this is detected in S58, and the operation of the copy function is terminated.

In the example of the operation described above, the case where the number of the discharge trays 16 is two has been described. However, it is needless to say that three or more discharge trays 16 may be present. In this case, three or more discharge trays can be used for the copy function. In this case, if one of the discharge trays becomes empty, the next set of recording output can be performed using the empty discharge tray. It is also possible to use a plurality of ejection trays for the copy function and use one or more ejection trays for recording and outputting other recording information.

The function of automatically outputting the next set of recording after a lapse of a predetermined time from the end of the recording output of one set may be configured so as to be able to set whether or not to use the function. Of course, the function of interrupting the recording output after the end of one set of recording output may be configured to be able to set whether or not to use it.

Further, in the example of the above-described operation, it has been described that a plurality of copies are recorded and output using the copy function. However, such an operation is not limited to the copy function. For example, from the external computer 31 to the LAN 32
The same applies to the record information received via
Control may be performed so as to stop each time recording of a set is performed. In this case, when one set of recording output is completed, it is preferable to notify the external computer 31 requesting the recording output that one set of recording output has been completed.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another example including one embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, 26 is an interface. In the example shown in FIG. 1 described above, an example is shown in which the recording apparatus of the present invention is applied to a facsimile apparatus having a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a facsimile apparatus having only a copy function and an image transmission / reception function without the LAN interface 19 or an image transmission / reception function alone, or a copier without the NCU 20 and the modem 21 and having no communication function can be configured. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus may be configured as an apparatus having only an image recording function. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, an image is input via an interface 26 from an externally connected computer, for example. The number of copies is set together with the image from an external computer or the like, or from the operation unit of the apparatus. As described above, recording output can be performed one set at a time. The interface 26 is the LA in FIG.
The N interface 19 may be used, or various other parallel or serial interfaces may be used.

[0049]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, when a plurality of copies are printed, if one set of print outputs is made, the recording paper discharged to the discharge tray is removed. Since the next one set of recording output is started after the recording, the recording paper can be easily obtained one set at a time.
The work of dividing into sets as in the conventional case is not required. Further, for example, even in the case of binding, the bundle of recording sheets acquired from the discharge tray may be bound as it is, so that there is an effect that binding is easy. Further, if the user is notified of the fact after one set of recording output is completed, the user can easily acquire one set of recording paper.

After one set of recording output, until the recording paper discharged to the discharge tray is removed, for example, if there is other recording information, the recording information is output for the recording information, thereby waiting. The time can be effectively used, and the amount of recording information in a waiting state can be reduced. Alternatively, by using a plurality of discharge trays and performing the next set of recording output using an empty discharge tray, there is an effect that the time until the end of the recording output of all the numbers can be shortened. Further, after the recording of one set is completed, if the recording paper is not removed even after a lapse of a predetermined time, the recording output of the next one set can be performed, whereby the apparatus is left stopped and stopped. Things can be avoided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a facsimile apparatus including an embodiment of a recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of a recording unit.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation at the time of a copy function in an example of a facsimile apparatus including an embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another example including an embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11: Main control unit, 12: Display unit, 13: Operation unit, 14 ...
Reading unit, 15 recording unit, 16 discharge tray, 17 recording paper detection sensor, 18 timer, 19 LAN interface, 20 NCU, 21 modem, 22 image memory,
23 RAM, 24 ROM, 25 bus, 31 computer, 32 LAN, 41 paper cassette, 42
Recording paper, 43 ... Recording drum.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (reference) // B65H 39/11 B65H 39/11 P 5C062 F term (reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 HH03 HJ04 HK06 HK14 HN18 2H027 DC12 ED04 ED19 ED22 EH08 3F048 AA01 AB01 BA02 BA23 BB05 CB03 DA09 EB40 3F050 CA08 CB06 CB07 CE06 LA01 LB03 3F054 AA01 AC01 BA02 BF07 BF08 BF22 CA10 5C062 AB35 AB53 AC13 AC15 AC58

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A recording apparatus capable of outputting a recording output of recording information for each set, comprising: a discharge tray from which recording paper is discharged; a recording paper detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of recording paper on the discharge tray; After performing one set of recording information output, the control means controls the recording sheet detection sensor to start the next one set of recording output when the recording sheet detection sensor detects removal of the recording sheet from the discharge tray. Recording device. 2. A plurality of discharge trays are provided,
The control means may perform another recording using another discharge tray after one set of recording output of the recording information is performed and before the recording paper detection sensor detects removal of the recording paper from the discharge tray. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is controlled to record and output information. 3. A plurality of discharge trays are provided,
The recording paper detection sensor is provided for each discharge tray, and the control means monitors the recording paper detection sensor provided for each discharge tray after performing one set of recording output of the recording information. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to start the next set of recording output using the discharge tray from which the paper has been removed.