JP2004315216A - Printing device and printing paper determining device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing device capable of preventing the lowering of operating effectiveness in a case when the wrong printing paper is mixed in a paper tray. <P>SOLUTION: This printing device comprises a tray 11 for holding the printing paper, a printing paper transporting means for transporting the printing paper from the tray, detecting means 14, 15 for detecting the abnormality on the printing paper, a control means 20 for controlling the printing paper transporting means to discharge the printing paper and transport the new printing paper from the tray on the basis of a result of the detection by the detecting means, and a printing means 16 for performing the printing onto the printing paper transported by the printing paper transporting means based on the printing data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for printing characters, figures, and the like on printing paper. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a printing paper determination device that determines whether a printing paper is suitable for printing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 8 shows a configuration of a conventional printer. In FIG. 8, thick arrows indicate the flow of the printing paper, and thin arrows indicate the flow of the signal. As shown in FIG. 8, the printer 100 includes a paper feed tray 101 on which print paper is set, a print paper transport unit 102 for transporting print paper, and whether or not print paper is set on the paper feed tray 101. A printing paper presence / absence detecting unit 103 for detecting, a paper jam cause detecting unit 104 for detecting that a paper jam of the printing paper has occurred during the conveyance of the printing paper, a printing unit 105 for printing on the printing paper based on the printing data, And a paper discharge tray 106 for holding the printing paper after printing is completed.
[0003]
Further, the printer 100 displays a storage unit 107 for storing print data, a control unit 108 for controlling each unit, and a print paper replenishment message when print paper is not set in the paper feed tray 101, so that a paper jam occurs. A display unit 109 for displaying a paper jam message when a paper jam occurs.
[0004]
When printing on printing paper using such a printing device such as a printer, an appropriate printing paper is selected and used according to the purpose of draft printing, final printing, etc., in order to save resources. . For example, at the time of the draft printing, the printing paper with one side printed is reused, and at the time of the final printing, a new printing paper is used.
[0005]
However, when reusing printing paper that has been printed on one side, improper printing paper such as bent printing paper or printing paper with reversed front and back may be mixed and set in the paper feed tray of the printing device. As a result, the printing apparatus may be stopped due to a paper jam or useless printing may occur, thereby reducing the work efficiency.
[0006]
Therefore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163,199 discloses that the printing apparatus automatically selects and uses appropriate quality paper according to the purpose of printing, thereby appropriately using low quality paper and using paper resources efficiently. It describes a printing apparatus that can realize use and resource saving. In this printing apparatus, based on a paper quality designation command in the print information, the paper selection means automatically selects one of the storage means for accommodating the corresponding quality recording medium, and receives the input paper quality designation. You are choosing the right paper. However, there is no description about measures to be taken when inappropriate paper is mixed in the paper feed tray.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-195775 (page 3, FIG. 1)
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In view of the above, the present invention provides a printing apparatus and a printing paper determination apparatus that can prevent a decrease in business efficiency when inappropriate printing paper is mixed in a paper feed tray. The purpose is to:
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, a printing device according to the present invention is a printing device that prints on printing paper, a tray that holds the printing paper, a printing paper transport unit that transports the printing paper from the tray, and a printing device. Detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the paper; control means for controlling the printing paper transport means to remove the printing paper and transport new printing paper from the tray based on the detection result of the detecting means; and And printing means for printing on the printing paper conveyed by the printing paper conveying means based on the printing paper.
[0010]
Here, the detecting means detects the width of the printing paper conveyed from the tray, and the control means removes the printing paper when the width of the printing paper detected by the detecting means is out of a predetermined range. New printing paper may be transported from the tray. Alternatively, the printing paper transporting means has a motor for rotating a roller for transporting the printing paper, the detecting means detects the torque of the motor, and the control means determines that the torque of the motor detected by the detecting means is a predetermined value. If it is out of the range, the printing paper transport unit may be controlled so as to remove the printing paper and transport new printing paper from the tray.
[0011]
Further, the detecting means detects the brightness of the surface of the printing paper to be printed, and the control means determines that the brightness of the printing surface of the printing paper detected by the detecting means is out of a predetermined range. And the printing paper transporting means may be controlled so as to transport new printing paper from the tray.
[0012]
Further, the printing paper determination device according to the present invention is a printing paper determination device that determines whether printing paper used for printing is suitable for printing, and includes a first tray that holds printing paper, A printing paper transporting means for transporting the printing paper from the first tray, a detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the printing paper, and removing the printing paper based on a detection result of the detecting means to remove a new printing paper from the first tray. Control means for controlling the printing paper transport means to transport the printing paper, and a second tray for holding the printing paper transported by the printing paper transport means.
[0013]
Here, the detecting means detects the width of the printing paper conveyed from the tray, and the control means removes the printing paper when the width of the printing paper detected by the detecting means is out of a predetermined range. The printing paper transport means may be controlled so as to transport new printing paper from the tray. Alternatively, the printing paper transporting means has a motor for rotating a roller for transporting the printing paper, the detecting means detects the torque of the motor, and the control means determines that the torque of the motor detected by the detecting means is a predetermined value. If it is out of the range, the printing paper transport unit may be controlled so as to remove the printing paper and transport new printing paper from the tray.
[0014]
Further, the detecting means detects the brightness of the surface of the printing paper to be printed, and the control means determines that the brightness of the printing surface of the printing paper detected by the detecting means is out of a predetermined range. And the printing paper transporting means may be controlled so as to transport new printing paper from the tray.
[0015]
According to the present invention, there is provided control means for controlling the printing paper transport means so as to remove the printing paper and transport new printing paper from the tray based on the detection result of the detection means for detecting the abnormality of the printing paper. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency when inappropriate print paper is mixed in the paper feed tray.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
First, a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows a configuration including a printing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a printer connected to a personal computer (PC). In FIG. 1, thick arrows indicate the flow of printing paper, and thin arrows indicate the flow of signals.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 is used by being connected to a PC 2 that creates print data using various software. Here, the printer 1 includes a paper feed tray 11 on which print paper is set, a print paper transport unit 12 that transports print paper, and a print paper that determines whether print paper is set in the paper feed tray 11. A presence / absence detection unit 13, a paper jam cause detection unit 14 for detecting an abnormality causing a paper jam, a print surface detection unit 15 for detecting whether or not a surface to be printed is already printed, The printing unit 16 includes a printing unit 16 for printing on printing paper, a normal discharge tray 17 for holding printing paper after printing, and an abnormal discharging tray 18 for holding printing paper unsuitable for printing.
[0018]
The printer 1 also includes a storage unit 19 for storing print data input from the PC 2, a control unit 20 for controlling each unit of the printer 1, and a print paper when the print paper is not set in the paper feed tray 11. And a display unit 21 for displaying a replenishment message.
[0019]
Next, the operation of the printer shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, first, in step S <b> 10, the print paper transport unit 12 transports print paper from the paper feed tray 11.
[0020]
In step S <b> 11, the print paper presence / absence detection unit 13 determines whether or not print paper is present in the paper feed tray 11 based on, for example, whether or not print paper has been transported by the print paper transport unit 12. Here, if there is print paper in the paper feed tray 11, the process proceeds to step S12, and if there is no print paper in the paper feed tray 11, the process proceeds to step S21.
[0021]
If there is no print paper in the paper feed tray 11, the control unit 20 forcibly stops the print paper transport unit 12 in step S21. Next, in step S22, the display unit 21 displays a print paper supply message. In step S23, the user returns to step S10 by replenishing the paper feed tray 11 with printing paper.
[0022]
If there is print paper in the paper feed tray 11, in step S12, the print paper transport unit 12 further transports the print paper. Next, in step S13, the paper jam cause detection unit 14 detects an abnormality that causes a paper jam. In step S14, the control unit 20 determines whether the possibility of a paper jam is high or low based on the detection result of the paper jam cause detection unit 14. When it is determined that the possibility of paper jam is high, the process proceeds to step S24, and when it is determined that the possibility of printing paper jam is low, the process proceeds to step S15.
[0023]
If it is determined that there is a high possibility that the print paper is jammed, the print paper transport unit 12 automatically removes the print paper and discharges the print paper to the abnormal discharge tray 18 in step S24, and then proceeds to step S10. Return. If it is determined that the possibility that the print paper will be jammed is low, the print paper transport unit 12 further transports the print paper in step S15.
[0024]
Next, in step S16, the printing surface detection unit 15 including a sensor using an LED or the like detects the brightness of the surface of the printing paper to be printed. In step S17, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the printing surface of the printing paper has already been printed. If it is determined that the printing surface of the printing paper has already been printed, the process proceeds to step S25. If it is determined that the printing surface of the printing paper has not been printed, the process proceeds to step S18. Transition.
[0025]
When performing double-sided printing, for example, by providing sensors on both sides of the printing paper, the brightness of both sides of the printing paper is detected. In this case, if any one side of the printing paper is printed, the process proceeds to step S25.
[0026]
If the printing surface of the printing paper has already been printed, in step S25, the printing paper transport unit 12 automatically removes the printing paper and discharges it to the abnormal paper output tray, and then proceeds to step S10. Return. If the printing surface of the printing paper is not printed, the printing paper is further conveyed in step S18.
[0027]
In step S19, the printing unit 16 performs printing on the printing paper based on the data stored in the storage unit 19. Next, in step S20, the printing paper on which printing has been completed is discharged to the normal paper output tray 17.
[0028]
Here, a method of detecting an abnormality that causes a paper jam will be described with reference to FIG. The cause of the clogging of the printing paper is considered to be folding of the printing paper or simultaneous conveyance of a plurality of printing papers. As shown in FIG. 3, the line sensors are arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the line sensors is orthogonal to the transport direction of the printing paper 10. Here, LS (t ₁ ), LS (t ₂ ), LS (t ₃ ),... Are relative to the printing paper 10 of the line sensor at times t ₁ , t ₂ , t ₃ ,. Position. However, t ₁ <t ₂ <t ₃ ... And the width of the printing paper is W.
[0029]
By using such a line sensor, it is possible to detect folding of the printing paper. For example, at the position LS (t ₁ ), since the line sensor detects that the width of the printing paper 10 is smaller than W, the control unit 20 determines that the printing paper 10 is folded, and determines that the printing paper 10 is folded. The print paper transport unit 12 is controlled so that the print paper transport unit 12 is discharged to the abnormal paper discharge tray 18 while excluding 10. Further, as in the position LS (t ₄ ), the holes of the printing paper 10 can be detected by the line sensor, and such printing paper 10 can be discharged to the abnormal discharge tray 18. When printing paper of various sizes is used, the width W of the printing paper may be changed according to the type of printing paper.
[0030]
Next, a method for detecting simultaneous conveyance of a plurality of printing papers will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the printing paper 10 is sandwiched between rollers 22 and 23, and is conveyed by the rotation of the rollers 22. Here, a gear 25 is meshed with a gear 24 that rotates integrally with the roller 22. The rotation of the gear 25 by the motor 26 causes the roller 22 to rotate.
[0031]
When a plurality of printing papers 10 are transported simultaneously, the thickness of the printing paper 10 sandwiched between the rollers 22 and 23 increases. Thereby, the torque of the motor 26 for transporting the printing paper 10 increases, and the back electromotive force generated in the motor 26 decreases, so that the current flowing through the motor 26 increases.
[0032]
Therefore, a change in the torque of the motor 26 can be detected by measuring the current flowing through the motor 26. When the current value is larger than the reference value based on the detection result, the control unit 20 determines that a plurality of printing papers are being conveyed at the same time. The printing paper transport unit 12 is controlled so as to discharge the paper 18. When thick paper is used as the printing paper, the reference value may be changed according to the type of printing paper.
[0033]
According to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent a paper jam and printing on a printed surface in the printer, so that it is possible to prevent a reduction in work efficiency, and further to save resources and energy.
[0034]
Next, a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a copying machine. In FIG. 5, thick arrows indicate the flow of printing paper, and thin arrows indicate the flow of signals.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 5, the copying machine 3 includes a scanner 31 therein, and data generated by using the scanner 31 is stored in the storage unit 19. Further, the copying machine 3 includes an input unit 32 used to input the number of copies and the like. The control unit 30 controls the reading operation of the scanner 31 and controls each unit so that the image read by the scanner 31 is printed on a print sheet. The configuration for printing is the same as in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
[0036]
The scanner 31 reads a document to be copied and generates image data representing the image. The control unit 30 controls each unit so that the image is printed on the printing paper of the number of sheets input using the input unit 32. Here, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent a decrease in business efficiency by preventing a paper jam or printing on a printed surface.
[0037]
Next, a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a printing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a facsimile transceiver. In FIG. 6, thick arrows indicate the flow of printing paper, and thin arrows indicate the flow of signals.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 6, the facsimile transceiver 4 includes a scanner 41 therein, and data generated by using the scanner 41 is stored in the storage unit 19. Further, the facsimile transceiver 4 includes an input unit 42 used to input a destination telephone number and the like, and a modem 43 for transmitting and receiving data using a telephone line. The control unit 40 controls the reading operation of the scanner 41 and the transmission operation of the modem 43 during transmission, controls the reception operation of the modem 43 during reception, and prints an image represented by the received image data on printing paper. Control each part so that The configuration for printing is the same as in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
[0039]
At the time of transmission, the scanner 41 reads a document to be transmitted and generates image data representing the image. The control unit 40 controls each unit via the modem 43 and the telephone line so that the image data is transmitted to the facsimile transceiver of the telephone number of the destination input using the input unit 42.
[0040]
On the other hand, at the time of reception, the control unit 40 receives image data transmitted from another facsimile transceiver via the telephone line and the modem 43, and prints the image on printing paper based on the image data. Each part is controlled as follows. Here, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent a decrease in business efficiency by preventing a paper jam or printing on a printed surface.
[0041]
Next, a printing paper determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 shows a configuration of a printing system configured by combining a printing paper determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention with a conventional printer. In FIG. 7, thick arrows indicate the flow of printing paper, and thin arrows indicate the flow of signals.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 7, the printing system includes a printing paper determination device 5 for removing printing papers unsuitable for printing, and a conventional printer 100. The printer 100 is the same as that shown in FIG.
[0043]
The print paper determination device 5 includes a paper feed tray 11 on which print paper is set, a print paper transport unit 12 that transports print paper, a paper jam cause detector 14 that detects an abnormality that causes a paper jam, A print surface detection unit 15 for detecting whether a surface to be printed is already printed, a normal discharge tray 17 for holding print paper after printing, and an abnormal discharge tray for holding print paper unsuitable for printing It includes a tray 18 and a control unit 20 that controls each unit of the printing paper determination device 5.
[0044]
The printing paper is separated by using the printing paper determination device configured as described above, and the printing paper suitable for printing is set on the paper feeding tray 101 of the printer 100, so that the printing is performed on the folded printing paper or the surface to be printed. It is possible to prevent the use of the printed paper beforehand.
[0045]
Here, the user may manually set the print paper suitable for printing, which has been conveyed to the normal paper discharge tray 17 of the print paper determination device 5, in the paper feed tray 101 of the printer 100. Alternatively, compatibility can be provided between the normal discharge tray 17 of the printing paper determination device 5 and the paper feeding tray 101 of the printer 100, and the user can simply replace the tray to change the printing paper suitable for printing to the printer 100. You may make it set in the paper feed tray 101.
[0046]
By using the printing paper determination device according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent paper jams and printing on a printed surface when printing with a printer, thereby preventing a reduction in business efficiency and further saving resources. And energy can be saved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration including a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting an abnormality that causes a paper jam.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method for detecting simultaneous conveyance of a plurality of printing sheets.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a printing system including a printing paper determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional printer.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Printer, 2 PC, 3 Copier, 4 Facsimile Transceiver, 5 Print Paper Judgment Device, 10 Print Paper, 11 Paper Tray, 12 Print Paper Conveyor, 13 Print Paper Presence Detector, 14 Paper Jam Cause Detector, 15 print surface detection unit, 16 print unit, 17 normal discharge tray, 18 abnormal discharge tray, 19 storage unit, 20, 30, 40, 50 control unit, 21 display unit, 22, 23 roller, 24, 25 gear, 26 motor, 31, 41 scanner, 32, 42 input unit, 43 modem

Claims (8)

A printing device for printing on printing paper,
A tray for holding printing paper,
Printing paper transport means for transporting printing paper from the tray,
Detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the printing paper,
Control means for controlling the print paper transport means to remove the print paper and transport new print paper from the tray based on the detection result of the detection means,
Based on print data, printing means for printing on the printing paper conveyed by the printing paper conveying means,
A printing device comprising: The detecting means detects the width of the printing paper conveyed from the tray,
The control unit controls the printing paper transport unit to remove the printing paper and transport new printing paper from the tray when the width of the printing paper detected by the detection unit is out of a predetermined range. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is controlled. The printing paper transport unit has a motor that rotates a roller to transport the printing paper,
The detecting means detects a torque of the motor,
The control means controls the printing paper transport means to remove the printing paper and transport new printing paper from the tray when the torque of the motor detected by the detecting means is outside a predetermined range. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is controlled. The detection means detects the brightness of the surface of the printing paper to be printed,
When the brightness of the surface of the print paper to be printed detected by the detection unit is outside a predetermined range, the control unit removes the print paper and conveys a new print paper from the tray. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus controls the printing paper transport unit. A printing paper determination device that determines whether a printing paper used for printing is suitable for printing,
A first tray for holding printing paper;
Printing paper transporting means for transporting printing paper from the first tray;
Detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the printing paper,
Control means for controlling the print paper transport means so as to remove the print paper and transport new print paper from the first tray based on a detection result of the detection means;
A second tray for holding the printing paper transported by the printing paper transporting means,
A printing paper determination device comprising: The detecting means detects the width of the printing paper conveyed from the tray,
The control unit controls the printing paper transport unit to remove the printing paper and transport new printing paper from the tray when the width of the printing paper detected by the detection unit is out of a predetermined range. 6. The printing paper determination device according to claim 5, wherein The printing paper transport unit has a motor that rotates a roller to transport the printing paper,
The detecting means detects a torque of the motor,
The control means controls the printing paper transport means to remove the printing paper and transport new printing paper from the tray when the torque of the motor detected by the detecting means is outside a predetermined range. 6. The printing paper determination device according to claim 5, wherein The detection means detects the brightness of the surface of the printing paper to be printed, and the control means, when the brightness of the printing surface of the printing paper detected by the detection means is out of a predetermined range, The printing paper determination device according to claim 5, wherein the printing paper transport unit is controlled to transport printing paper from the tray without printing paper.

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