JP2005239386A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device for automatically switching a paper feeding means to continue image forming operation even when paper of the paper feeding means empties without complicating timing control to command switching of the paper feeding means, or control operation of the image forming device. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming device is constituted so as to be provided with a priority order designation command output means for outputting a priority order designation command for designating priority order of the next paper feeding means to be switched when a desired paper feeding means empties before image forming operation is started, an emptiness detecting means for detecting an empty state of a plurality of paper feeding means, and a paper feeding control means for feeding the paper from a prescribed paper feeding means according to the priority order designated by the priority order designation command output means when the empty state of at least one paper feeding means is detected by the emptiness detecting means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, or the like to which an electrophotographic system is applied.

JP-A-8-192932 JP 2001-142670 A

  Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and facsimiles to which the above-described electrophotographic method is applied, a host computer such as a personal computer, an image reading apparatus that reads an image of a document, or a communication line such as a telephone line or a LAN. On the basis of the image data sent through, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to a monochrome single-color image or a full-color image such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is formed on one or a plurality of photosensitive drums. The electrostatic latent image formed on the single or plural photosensitive drums is visualized by a corresponding color developing device as a toner image, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is fed. A black-and-white or full-color image is formed by transferring directly onto a sheet fed from a tray or transferring it via an intermediate transfer member, and then performing a fixing process. It is configured.

  The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of paper feed trays that accommodate a plurality of types of sheets having different sizes and materials so that images can be formed on a plurality of types of sheets having different sizes and materials. The plurality of sheet feeding trays are selectively switched, and a desired sheet is fed from a desired sheet feeding tray among the plurality of sheet feeding trays to form an image.

  Further, the image forming apparatus accepts a plurality of print instruction commands at the same time so that a plurality of types of print jobs can be sequentially processed in accordance with recent diversification of office work such as printing and copying. It is configured to be able to.

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus, even when a plurality of print instruction commands are received, if there is no paper in the paper feed tray being fed, the printing operation cannot be continued any more. The printing operation had to be interrupted until it was replenished, and the operating rate of the device was reduced.

  Thus, as techniques that can solve such problems, for example, those disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 8-192932 and 2001-142670 have already been proposed.

  The image output apparatus disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-192932 automatically feeds paper by referring to a paper feed tray switching table provided in the controller when the paper feed tray of the printer becomes empty. The paper tray is switched so that printing can be performed without interruption.

  More specifically, the image output apparatus according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-192932 is for selecting a predetermined paper feed base specified in input output information in an image output apparatus having a plurality of paper feed bases. Means for setting change information for changing the selection information to a different paper feed tray capable of feeding paper, storage means for storing the change information set by the setting means, and the change stored in the storage means Changing means for changing the selection information so as to feed paper from one of the paper feeding bases capable of feeding different from the paper feeding base designated by referring to the information, and the selection changed by the changing means It is configured to include a feeding control unit that selects any one of the paper feeding bases based on the information and feeds the recording medium.

  Further, in the printing system disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-142670, when the paper feed tray automatic switching mode is ON, when the paper feed tray of the printer becomes empty, the controller The paper feed tray is automatically switched with reference to the paper information in the paper so that printing can be performed without interruption.

  More specifically, the printing system disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-142670 is a printing system in which print data is sent from a host device to a printer and printed by the printer. The printer uses printing paper of various sizes. A plurality of sheet feeding devices that can be set; and means for notifying the host device of information related to each of the sheet feeding devices or a sheet feeding device designated in advance by the user, the host device receiving from the printer Based on the notified information related to each paper feeding device or a paper feeding device designated in advance by the user, a means for automatically selecting a paper feeding device to be used from each paper feeding device is provided. Is.

  In JP-A-2001-142670, although described as a prior art, the printer itself, not the controller, automatically switches the paper feed tray with reference to the paper information in the paper feed tray, and prints. It also describes a configuration that can be used without interruption.

  However, the conventional technique has the following problems. That is, in the case of the image output apparatus according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-192932, when the printer is a model that can accept a plurality of print instruction commands, when the paper feed tray becomes empty, the paper feed tray switching instruction There is a problem that it is difficult or complicated to control the timing of performing the operation.

  Further, this problem will be described with a specific example. Now, the printer 101 is controlled by the controller 100 and fed from the first paper feed tray as shown in FIG. The first job to be performed, the second job to be fed from the second paper feed tray and printing three sheets, and the first job to be fed from the third paper feed tray The third job to be executed is executed. FIG. 10 shows a case where normal printing is executed.

  FIG. 11 shows a sequence of processing normally executed by the controller, and FIG. 12 shows a sequence of processing normally executed by the printer.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the controller 100 first determines whether or not a job exists (step 301). If a job exists, the controller 100 discharges the position of the paper feed tray to be fed and the paper. A job attribute such as the position of the discharge tray or the print mode or copy mode is instructed to the printer (step 302). Thereafter, the controller 100 determines whether or not the designated paper feed tray is empty (step 303). If the designated paper feed tray is not empty, the controller 100 determines whether or not the printer 101 can accept a print instruction command. If it is determined (step 304) that the print instruction command can be accepted, the print instruction command is sent to the printer together with image data for each page for each sheet (step 305). Then, the controller 100 determines whether or not all the pages have been processed (step 306). When all the pages have been processed, the controller 100 returns to step 301 to determine the presence or absence of the next job. To do. If all the pages have not been processed, the process returns to step 303 to determine whether the designated paper feed tray is empty and proceeds to the next step.

  On the other hand, if the designated paper feed tray is empty, it is determined whether or not it is set to automatically switch the paper feed tray (step 307). If it is not set to automatically switch, the paper feed tray is empty. Therefore, the print process is stopped (step 308). If the setting is to switch automatically, after switching to the tray with the highest priority among the paper feed trays specified by the automatic paper feed switching command (step 309), the process returns to step 303 to specify the paper feed tray specified. Whether or not is empty is controlled to proceed to the next step.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the printer 101 determines whether or not a print instruction command exists (step 401). If the print instruction command exists, there is paper in the designated paper feed tray. Whether or not there is a sheet in the designated paper feed tray (step 402), the sheet is fed (step 403), print processing is executed, and the process returns to step 401. If there is no paper in the designated paper feed tray, the controller 100 is informed that the paper feed tray is empty (step 404).

  Now, when a job as shown in FIG. 10 is designated, the controller 100 instructs the printer 101 of the job attribute because the job exists (step 302). Here, the job attribute is to print five sheets by feeding paper from the first paper feed tray as the first job.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the controller 100 instructs the printer 101 for job attributes (step 302), and then determines whether or not the designated first paper feed tray is empty (step 303). In this case, since the designated first paper feed tray is not empty, it is determined whether or not the printer 101 can accept the print instruction command (step 304). A print instruction command is sent to the printer 101 in units of paper (step 305).

  On the other hand, although the printer 101 differs depending on the model, as shown in FIG. 13, when the printer 101 is a model that accepts a plurality of print instructions in units of paper on the printer 101 side, the printer 101 accepts a plurality of print instructions. It is determined whether or not there is paper in the designated first paper feed tray (step 402), and if there is paper in the designated first paper feed tray, the paper is fed to perform print processing. Execute (step 403). Further, as shown in FIG. 14, in the case of a model that receives a plurality of print instructions on the controller 100 side and sends the print instructions from the controller 100 to the printer 101 one by one in units of paper, the designated first supply It is determined whether or not there is paper in the paper tray (step 402). If there is paper in the designated first paper feed tray, the paper is fed and print processing is executed (step 403).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the controller 100 determines whether or not all pages of the first job have ended (step 306). If all pages have ended, the next job exists. It is determined whether or not to perform (step 301), and the next job is executed.

  At that time, when the first job is being executed, if the first paper feed tray runs out when the third sheet is printed as shown in FIG. In the example shown, the print command is already received up to the second sheet of the second job, but the first sheet of the first job that has already received the print command because the paper in the first paper feed tray has become empty. The first and second sheets, and the first and second sheets of the second job cannot be printed.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the printer 101 determines whether or not there is a print instruction command (step 401), and then determines whether or not there is paper in the designated paper feed tray (step 401). Step 402) When it is detected that the designated first paper feed tray has run out of paper, the controller 100 is notified that the paper feed tray is empty (step 404). When the controller 100 determines that the designated first paper feed tray is empty (step 303), the controller 100 determines whether or not the setting is to automatically switch the paper feed tray (step 307) and automatically switches. If it is not set, since the paper feed tray is empty, the print processing is stopped (step 308).

  If the setting for automatic switching has been made, the controller 100 has already sent print commands from the fourth sheet to the seventh sheet with the paper feed tray 1 designated to the printer 101, so the controller 100 queues the printer 101. After issuing a command for invalidating all internal print commands, the paper feed tray designated by the automatic paper feed switch command is switched to the tray with the highest priority (step 309). In this example, as shown in FIG. In addition, since the fourth paper feed tray 4 is the highest priority tray, it is switched to the fourth paper feed tray and it is determined whether or not there is paper in the fourth paper feed tray (step 303). ) Since there is paper in the fourth paper feed tray, the paper is fed from the fourth paper feed tray and the print processing is executed.

  Then, the controller 100 determines whether or not the next job exists (step 301), but since the controller 100 has already output a print instruction to the printer for the second sheet of the second job. There is a problem that it is difficult to continuously perform the printing process.

  In other words, in the case of the above-described prior art, when the printer 101 is a model that can receive a plurality of print instruction commands, it is difficult to control the timing for instructing to change the paper feed tray when the paper feed tray becomes empty. Has the problem.

  As shown in FIG. 13, for example, such a problem occurs when the second paper feed tray becomes empty during execution of the second job and the automatic switching is set as described above. .

  In the case of the printer 101 of the model shown in FIG. 14, when the printer 101 detects that the first paper feed tray is empty (step 402), the printing operation cannot be continued as it is. The controller 100 is notified that the paper tray is empty (step 404), and is switched to the tray with the highest priority among the paper feed trays designated by the automatic paper feed switching command designated by the controller 100 (step 309). 101 can continue the printing operation.

  However, even in the case of the printer 101 of the model shown in FIG. 14, when the printer 101 detects that the first paper feed tray is empty, it notifies the controller 101 to that effect, and the controller 101 If the printer 101 does not wait for the paper feed tray switching instruction from the printer, the printer 101 cannot continue the next printing operation, and there is a problem that the control of the timing for performing the paper feed tray switching instruction becomes complicated.

  As described above, in the case of the image output apparatus according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-192932, when the printer is a model that can accept a plurality of print instruction commands, the printer detects that the paper feed tray is empty. Then, this is notified to the controller, and the paper feed tray is switched according to the instruction from the controller. Whether the printer accepts a plurality of print instructions or the printer accepts print instructions one by one. Therefore, the timing control for instructing to change the paper feed tray differs from one to another, and it is difficult or complicated to control the timing for instructing to change the paper feed tray.

  Further, in the case of the image output apparatus according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-192932, since the printer feeds the paper differently depending on the position of the paper feed tray, when the paper feed tray is automatically switched, The controller must issue a paper feed tray switching instruction in consideration of the feed timing of the printer, or the printer itself must guarantee normal operation with respect to the paper feed tray switching instruction sent at an arbitrary timing. In any case, there has been a problem that the control operation of the controller and printer becomes complicated.

  On the other hand, in the case of the printing system disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-142670, the host device is based on information relating to each paper feeding device notified from the printer or a paper feeding device designated in advance by the user. Thus, the host device is similar to the technique disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-192932, because it has means for automatically selecting a paper feeding device to be used from each paper feeding device. Therefore, it is difficult or complicated to control the timing for instructing the printer to change the paper feed tray.

  Further, in the case of the print system disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-142670, since the print data is automatically sent from the host device to the printer, the paper feeding device is automatically selected. In the case where the mode can be received, there is a problem that the automatic switching setting of the paper feed tray cannot be changed for each print mode.

  Further, in the case of the print system disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-142670, for the same reason, the multifunction MF machine supplies each mode in the copy mode, the print mode, the FAX mode, or the like. There is also a problem that the automatic switching setting of the paper tray cannot be changed.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. The object of the present invention is to make it difficult or complicated to perform timing control for instructing switching of the paper feeding means, or to form an image. Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of continuing an image forming operation by automatically switching the paper feeding means even when the paper of the paper feeding means is empty without causing complicated control operations of the apparatus. There is to do.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a paper feeding means switching instruction for each mode such as copy mode and print mode, or for each image forming mode. The timing control for instructing the switching of the sheet feeding unit is not difficult or complicated, and the control operation of the image forming apparatus is not complicated. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of automatically switching and continuing an image forming operation.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention described in claim 1 includes a plurality of sheet feeding units that supply sheets, and selectively feeds a desired sheet feeding unit among the plurality of sheet feeding units. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet to be printed, a priority order for designating a priority order of a paper feeding means to be switched next when the desired paper feeding means becomes empty before the start of an image forming operation. A priority designation command output means for outputting a designation command, an empty detection means for detecting an empty state of the plurality of paper feeding means, and when the empty detection means detects an empty state of at least one paper feeding means, An image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet feeding control unit that feeds paper from a predetermined sheet feeding unit in accordance with a priority level specified by a priority level designation command output unit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of paper feeding units that supply paper are provided, and an image is formed on a paper that is selectively fed from a desired paper feeding unit among the plurality of paper feeding units. In addition, in an image forming apparatus that can accept a plurality of image forming instruction commands, when the desired paper feeding unit becomes empty before the start of the image forming operation, the priority order of the paper feeding unit to be switched next A priority designation command output means for outputting a priority designation command for designating an empty state, an empty detection means for detecting an empty state of the plurality of paper feed means, and an empty detection means for detecting an empty state of at least one paper feed means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet feeding control unit that feeds paper from a predetermined sheet feeding unit in accordance with the priority order designated by the priority order designation command output unit when detected.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the priority level designation command output means prioritizes a plurality of paper feeding means as a paper feeding means to be switched next when a desired paper feeding means becomes empty. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus can be specified with a ranking.

  Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the priority order designation command output means is configured so that the priority of the paper feeding means to be switched next when the desired paper feeding means becomes empty for each image forming operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus can be designated.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the priority order specifying command output means is configured by a user interface.

  According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the image forming apparatus includes a controller and an image output apparatus, and the paper feed control unit is provided on the image output apparatus side. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 7, the priority designation command output means designates the priority of the paper feeding means to be switched next in a loop shape. is there.

  The invention described in claim 8 is characterized in that the priority order designation command output means can designate that the paper feed control means disables the function of switching the paper feed means in accordance with the priority order. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

  Further, the invention described in claim 9 is characterized in that the paper feed control means has a function of switching to the paper feed means designated for the next priority order when the paper feed means to be switched is pulled out. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the sheet feeding control unit has a function of switching to a sheet feeding unit for which the next priority sequence is designated when the sheet feeding unit to be switched is out of order. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

  Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 11, when the paper feed control means contains a paper of a size different from the designated size in the paper feed means to be switched, the paper feed designated in the next priority order is provided. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus has a function of switching to a means.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the paper feed control means contains a paper having a paper quality different from the paper quality designated by the paper feed means to be switched, the paper feed designated by the next priority order is designated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus has a function of switching to a means.

  Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 13, the priority order designation command output means can designate that the paper feed control means does not apply temporarily while retaining the function of switching the paper feed means according to the priority order. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the timing control for instructing the switching of the sheet feeding unit is not difficult or complicated, and the control operation of the image forming apparatus is not complicated. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of automatically switching the sheet feeding unit and continuing the image forming operation even when the sheet becomes empty.

  Further, according to the present invention, even in the case where it is possible to issue a paper feed unit switching instruction for each mode such as the copy mode and the print mode, or for each image forming mode, The timing control for issuing the switching instruction is not difficult or complicated, and the control operation of the image forming apparatus is not complicated. Even when the paper in the paper feeding unit is empty, the paper feeding unit is automatically switched. An image forming apparatus capable of continuing the image forming operation can be provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 2 shows an external configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows a configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is shown. This digital multi-function peripheral uses a scanner to read an image of a document and copy the image of the document read by the scanner, and a print mode to print based on image data sent from a host computer such as a personal computer. And switching to the FAX mode for reading and transmitting the image of the document with a scanner, or printing the image data sent via the telephone line, so that the operation based on each mode can be executed. It is configured.

  2 and 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a main body of the digital multi-function peripheral, and an automatic document feeder that automatically conveys the original 2 in a state of being separated one by one at the top of the digital multi-function peripheral main body 1. (ADF) 3 and a scanner 4 for reading an image of the document 2 conveyed by the automatic document feeder 3 are provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the scanner 4 illuminates a document 2 placed on a platen glass 5 with a light source 6, and converts a reflected light image from the document 2 into a full-rate mirror 7 and half-rate mirrors 8, 9 and The image reading element 11 made up of a CCD or the like is scanned and exposed through a reduction optical system made up of the imaging lens 10 and read.

  The inside of the digital multi-function peripheral body 1 is mainly configured to function as the printer 50. However, the printer 50 is not limited to the print mode, and the image is printed on the paper not only in the copy mode but also in the fax mode. It functions as an image output device (IOT) to be formed. The printer 50 has not only a hardware configuration as an image output device (IOT) but also a function of controlling an image output operation based on an instruction from a controller as will be described later. It is.

  The image data of the document 2 read by the scanner 4 is stored in a temporary storage device (not shown), and is subjected to predetermined image processing by an IPS (Image Processing System) 12 as necessary. The image information thus sent is sent to the printer 50.

  In the printer 50, image exposure is performed on the photosensitive drum 14 by a ROS (Raster Output Scanner) 13 in accordance with image information subjected to image processing, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The ROS 13 sensitizes a semiconductor laser 15 that emits a laser beam according to image information, a polygon mirror 16 that scans the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 15, and a laser beam that is scanned by the polygon mirror 16. It comprises mirrors 17 and 18 for exposing on the body drum 14. Prior to image exposure by the ROS 13, the photosensitive drum 14 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential having a predetermined polarity by a primary charger 19 composed of a charging roll, a scorotron, or the like, and then, as described above, by the ROS 13. The image of the original 2 is exposed to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 14 is developed by the developing device 20 to become a toner image. The toner image is transferred onto a recording paper 22 as a recording medium by charging of the transfer corotron 21, and the recording paper 22 onto which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 14 by charge removal of the separation corotron 23. The The recording paper 22 onto which the toner image has been transferred from the photosensitive drum 14 is one of paper feed trays 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 serving as paper feed means provided inside the copying machine main body 1. Accordingly, the paper is fed by the paper feed roll 30 and is once transported to the registration gate 33 via the transport roll 31 and the pre-registration roll 32 and then stopped. The recording paper 22 passes through a registration gate 33 that opens in synchronization with the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 14, and is registered by a registration roll 34 disposed on the downstream side of the registration gate 33. As described above, the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum 14 is transferred to the surface of the photoconductive drum 14 and then separated from the surface of the photoconductive drum 14.

  In the digital copying machine, the paper transport path from the paper feed trays 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 is formed as short as possible, and the recording paper 22 is transported at a high speed. (The number of copies per unit time) is realized

  The recording paper 22 separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 14 is conveyed to a fixing device 35, and a toner image is fixed on the recording paper 22 by heat and pressure by the fixing device 35. In the case of normal single-sided copying, the recording paper 22 on which the toner image has been fixed is discharged as it is onto a discharge tray 38 outside the apparatus by a discharge roll 37 in the case of normal single-sided copying. In the case of double-sided copying, the recording paper 22 having a toner image fixed on one side is not discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge roll 37 as it is, but the conveyance direction is changed downward by the reversing gate 39 and the three rolls. Are temporarily conveyed to the reverse passage 42 by the tri-roll 40 and the reverse roll 41 which are in pressure contact with each other. Then, the recording paper 22 is conveyed to the double-sided passage 44 by the reversing roll 41 and the double-sided roll 43 that are reversed, and is temporarily conveyed from the double-sided passage 44 to the registration gate 33 via the pre-registration roll 32. As described above, the toner image is conveyed in synchronism with the toner image on the photosensitive drum 14 by the resist gate 33 and the resist roll 34, and the toner image is transferred and fixed, and then discharged by the discharge roll 37. It is discharged onto the tray 38.

  Residual toner, paper dust, and the like are removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 14 after the toner image transfer process is completed by the cleaning device 45, and the surface is prepared for the next image forming process.

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the image forming unit of the digital copying machine configured as described above.

  The photosensitive drum 14 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential having a predetermined polarity by a primary charger 19 composed of a charging roll or a scorotron, and then the image of the document 2 is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 14 by the ROS 13. Scanning exposure is performed to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 14 is developed by the developing device 20 to become a toner image. The toner image is subjected to auxiliary charging by the pre-transfer charger 46, and as described above, The recording paper 22 is transferred onto the recording paper 22 fed and conveyed from the desired paper feeding trays 24 to 29 by charging of the transfer corotron 21, and the recording paper 22 on which the toner image is transferred is removed by the charge removal of the separation corotron 23. It is separated from the photosensitive drum 14. The recording paper 22 separated from the photosensitive drum 14 is conveyed to the fixing device 33 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 35. In the case of double-sided copying, the image forming process on the back side is repeated on the discharge tray 38.

  The surface of the photosensitive drum 14 after the toner image transfer process has been completed is subjected to exposure by an erase lamp 48 after residual toner, paper dust, and the like are removed by the cleaning brush 47 of the cleaning device 44 and the like. The electric charge is erased to prepare for the next image forming process.

  FIG. 1 shows a control circuit of a digital multi-function peripheral according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 51 denotes a controller for controlling the printer 50 of the digital multi-function peripheral. The controller 51 is connected to the CPU 52 for controlling the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral and is connected to the CPU 52 via the bus bridge 53. And a memory 54. The memory 54 includes a ROM that stores a program to be executed by the CPU 52, a RAM that develops image data, and the like.

  The CPU 52 is connected to a user interface (UI) 56, a scanner interface 57, a printer interface 58, and a fax interface 59 via a bus 55. The scanner interface 57 is connected to the scanner 4, and the printer interface 58 is connected to the printer 50. The fax interface 59 is connected to the fax 60, respectively. Note that the fax 60 is used for expanding the image data sent via the communication line or compressing the image data read by the scanner 4 and transmitting it via the communication line.

  Further, the CPU 52 can be connected to a personal computer (PC) 63, the Internet, and the like via a network 55 such as a LAN or a telephone line via a bus 55 and a communication control mechanism 61.

  The user interface (UI) 56 selects a print mode executed by the digital multi-function peripheral, a copy mode, a fax mode, or the like. In the print mode or the copy mode, a paper feed tray that feeds paper to be printed. , Selection of the number of prints, copy magnification, etc., and a start button is pressed to start a print operation or the like.

  By the way, in this embodiment, a plurality of paper feeding units for supplying paper are provided, and an image is formed on a paper selectively fed from a desired paper feeding unit among the plurality of paper feeding units, In an image forming apparatus capable of receiving a plurality of image forming instruction commands, priorities for designating the priority order of paper feeding means to be switched next when the desired paper feeding means becomes empty before the start of an image forming operation A priority designation command output means for outputting an order designation command, an empty detection means for detecting an empty state of the plurality of paper feeding means, and when the empty detection means detects an empty state of at least one paper feeding means, A paper feed control unit that feeds paper from a predetermined paper feed unit in accordance with the priority order designated by the priority order designation command output unit.

  That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the user interface (UI) 56 designates a mode such as a print mode and a copy mode before starting an image forming operation executed by the digital multifunction peripheral, Priority specification that outputs a priority specification command that specifies the priority order of the paper tray to be switched next when the paper tray is selected or the number of prints is set and the desired paper feed tray is empty As a command output means, a priority designation button 65 is provided.

  This priority order designation button 65 designates at least one paper feed tray to be fed next with priority when the first designated paper feed tray is empty. It is configured to be able to. Further, the priority order designation button 65 is configured so that the number of paper feed trays to be given priority can be designated together with the priority order of the paper feed trays.

  In this embodiment, when a digital multi-function peripheral is used as a printer, as shown in FIG. 1, when a print instruction is issued by a personal computer (PC) connected to the controller 51 via a network 62, The personal computer (PC) functions as a user interface (UI) 56. The personal computer (PC) specifies the print mode, selects the paper feed tray, or sets the number of prints. At the same time, when the desired paper feed tray becomes empty, the paper feed to be switched next is performed. A priority designation icon on the screen is provided as a priority designation command output means for outputting a priority designation command for designating a tray priority.

Now, as the priority designation icon of the personal computer (PC) or the automatic paper feed tray switching designation command designated by the priority designation button 65, for example, as shown in FIG. When the number of paper feed trays is "2", the paper feed tray with priority 1 is designated as the fourth paper feed tray 27, the paper feed tray with priority 2 is designated as the third paper feed tray 26, etc. Can be mentioned

  Further, as the automatic paper feed tray switching designation command designated by the priority order designation icon or the priority order designation button 65, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the number of paper feed trays to be switched is In the case of “4”, the paper feed tray with priority 1 is the second paper feed tray 25, the paper feed tray with priority 2 is the fourth paper feed tray 27, and the paper feed tray with priority 3 is the fifth paper feed. A case where the paper tray 28 and the paper feed tray of the priority order 4 are designated as the sixth paper feed tray 29 can be cited. In this case, the automatic paper feed tray switching designation command is designated as shown in FIG. 5B, and by specifying a loop shape, the priority order of the paper feed trays is set to the second, fourth, and second commands. 5 and 6 may be configured such that the second, fourth, fifth and sixth loops can be designated again. In the case of such a configuration, a large amount of printing can be performed by sequentially feeding paper to an empty paper feeding tray.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, as the automatic paper feed tray switching designation command, by inputting “0” as the number of paper feed trays to be switched, the automatic switching mode is set. It is configured to enable the setting to turn off.

To explain further, if a mode that allows automatic switching of the paper feed tray is set in the interrupt mode or the like, it is automatically switched to a paper feed tray different from the original paper feed tray when the interrupt mode ends. Therefore, it is desirable to set the automatic switching mode to OFF in the interrupt mode or the like.
In addition, when a partition sheet is inserted between OHP sheets when outputting a plurality of OHP sheets, or when a partition sheet is inserted between print units, the partition sheet is not intended for automatic tray switching. There are cases where it is desired that only the OHP sheet or paper that is being used be the target of automatic tray switching. As shown in FIG. 5D, it is desirable that it is possible to specify that the automatic tray switching function is not temporarily applied only to the partition sheet while the OHP sheet or paper being printed retains the automatic tray switching function. .

  The user interface (UI) 65 is configured to accept a plurality of modes such as a copy mode and a fax mode in addition to a plurality of print modes.

  The priority order designation icon and the user interface (UI) 65, when the priority order of the paper tray to be switched next is designated for each print mode or the like, together with the start signal of the print mode, the paper tray to be switched next. A priority designation command for designating the priority order is output to the printer 50.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the digital multi-function peripheral is provided with empty detection sensors 66 to 71 for detecting that the recording paper 22 in the paper feed trays 24 to 29 is empty. The detection sensors 66 to 71 are connected to the control circuit of the printer 50. In addition to the above-described empty detection sensors 66 to 71, sensors for detecting the size and quality of the recording paper 22 accommodated in the paper feed trays 24 to 29, the paper feed trays 24 to 29 being pulled out, Sensors for detecting failure of the paper trays 24 to 29 are also provided.

  In the above configuration, in the digital multi-function peripheral according to this embodiment, the timing control for instructing the sheet feeding unit switching is difficult or complicated as follows, and the control operation of the image forming apparatus is complicated. Even when the paper in the paper feed unit becomes empty, it is possible to automatically switch the paper feed unit and continue the image forming operation.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the sheet feeding unit switching instruction can be performed for each mode such as the copy mode and the print mode, or for each image forming mode, as follows. However, the timing control for instructing the switching of the sheet feeding unit is not difficult or complicated, and the control operation of the image forming apparatus is not complicated, and even when the sheet of the sheet feeding unit is empty, the sheet feeding unit Can be automatically switched to continue the image forming operation.

  That is, in the digital multi-function peripheral according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when the digital multi-function peripheral executes print processing based on image data sent from a personal computer 63 or the like, the controller Based on an instruction from 51, a plurality of print command processes can be received on the printer 50 side at the same time or with a time difference.

  In this case, the screen of the personal computer (PC) 63 is operated by the user, and an automatic paper feed tray switching designation command is set by a plurality of print instructions and priority order designation icons.

  Now, in the digital multi-function peripheral, as shown in FIG. 6, five sheets are printed by feeding from the first sheet feeding tray 24 as the first job, and from the second sheet feeding tray 25 as the second job. Consider a case in which three sheets are printed by feeding paper and three jobs are printed as a third job. One sheet is printed from the third paper feeding tray 26 by feeding paper.

  At that time, when the paper feed tray designated by each job becomes empty by the priority order designation icon of the personal computer (PC) 63 connected to the digital multifunction peripheral, the priority of the paper feed tray to be switched next is given. The rank is designated, and a priority designation command is output to the printer 50 together with a print instruction.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, when the first paper feed tray 24 becomes empty in the first job, the fourth paper feed tray 27 is used as the paper feed tray to be switched next. Is designated with priority, and when the second paper feed tray 25 becomes empty in the second job, the fifth paper feed tray 28 is designated with priority as the paper feed tray to be switched next. In the third job, when the third paper feed tray 26 becomes empty, the fifth paper feed tray 28 is also preferentially designated as the paper feed tray to be switched next. .

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 52 of the controller 51 first determines whether or not a job exists (step 101). If a job exists, the position of the paper feed tray to be fed, The printer 50 is instructed about the position of the discharge tray for discharging the paper or the job attributes such as the print mode or the copy mode (step 102). Thereafter, the CPU 52 of the controller 51 determines whether or not it is set to automatically switch the paper feed tray (step 103). If it is not set to automatically switch the paper feed tray, it immediately issues a print instruction command in units of paper to the printer 50. (Step 105).

  If the setting is made to automatically switch the paper feed tray, the CPU 52 of the controller 51 sends an automatic paper feed switching command to the printer (step 104), and then sends a print instruction command to the printer in units of paper (step 104). Step 105). In the example of FIG. 6, six print instruction commands can be sent to the printer 50 in units of paper.

  Next, the CPU 52 of the controller 51 determines whether or not all the pages have been processed (step 106). If all the pages have been processed, the process returns to step 101 and the next job is processed. Determine presence or absence. If all the pages have not been processed, the process returns to step 105 to sequentially send print instruction commands to the printer 50 in units of paper.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the printer 50 determines whether or not a print instruction command exists (step 201). If the print instruction command exists, the printer 50 determines whether or not the designated paper feed tray is empty. (Step 202), if the designated paper feed tray is not empty, paper is fed (step 206), print processing is executed, and the process returns to step 201. If the designated paper feed tray is empty, it is determined whether or not it is set to automatically switch the paper feed tray (step 203). If it is not set to automatically switch the paper feed tray, the paper feed tray is determined. Is notified to the controller 51 (step 207).

  If the printer 50 is set to automatically switch the paper feed tray, the paper size and quality are different, the paper feed tray is empty, the paper feed tray is not pulled out, or the paper feed tray. It is determined whether or not any of the designated paper feed trays is usable (step 204), and none of the designated paper feed trays is usable. In this case, the controller 51 is notified that the paper feed tray is empty (step 207).

  On the other hand, if any of the designated paper feed trays can be used, the printer 50 switches to the paper feed tray having the highest priority among the paper feed trays designated by the automatic paper feed switching command (step 205). ), The paper 22 is fed from the paper feed tray having the highest priority, and print processing is executed (step 206).

  Now, when a job as shown in FIG. 6 is designated, the CPU 52 of the controller 51 instructs the printer to specify the job attribute because the job exists (step 102). Here, the job attribute is that five sheets are printed by feeding paper from the first paper feed tray 24 as the first job.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 52 of the controller 51 instructs the printer to set the job attributes (step 102), and then determines whether or not the setting is to automatically switch the paper feed tray (step 103). In this case, since the setting is to automatically switch the paper feed tray, after sending the automatic paper feed command to the printer (step 104), the print instruction command is sent in units of paper (step 105), and the print operation is executed. .

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the printer 50 determines whether or not a print instruction command exists (step 201). If the print instruction command exists, the printer 50 determines whether or not the designated paper feed tray is empty. Is discriminated (step 202). Now, the paper feed tray used in the first job is the first paper feed tray 24, and since it is not empty, the paper 22 is fed from the first paper feed tray 24 (step 206), and print processing is performed. Execute.

  Next, the printer 50 repeats the above operation. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in the state where up to the third sheet is printed in the first job, the designated paper feed tray, that is, the first paper feed tray is printed. When it is detected that 24 is empty, it is determined whether or not it is set to automatically switch the paper feed tray (step 203). In this case, since the setting is to automatically switch the paper feed tray, it is determined whether any of the designated paper feed trays can be used (step 204), and the paper feed tray designated by the automatic paper feed switching command is determined. Since the fourth paper feed tray 27 having the highest priority is available, it is switched to the fourth paper feed tray (step 205), the paper 22 is fed, and the print process is executed (step 206). ).

  Furthermore, while continuing the printing operation, the printer 50 prints up to the third sheet in the second job, as shown in FIG. When it is detected that the tray 26 is empty, it is determined whether or not it is set to automatically switch the paper feed tray (step 203). In this case, since the setting is to automatically switch the paper feed tray, it is determined whether any of the designated paper feed trays can be used (step 204), and the paper feed tray designated by the automatic paper feed switching command is determined. Since the fifth paper feed tray 28 with the highest priority can be used, the fifth paper feed tray 28 is switched to the fifth paper feed tray 28 (step 205), the paper 22 is fed, and the print processing is executed. (Step 206).

  As described above, in the above embodiment, when a desired paper feed tray, for example, the first paper feed tray 24 becomes empty before the start of the printing operation, the priority order of the paper feed means to be switched next. As a priority designation command output means for outputting a priority designation command for designating a priority designation icon of the personal computer (PC) 63, a user interface 56, and empty detection sensors 66 to 71 for at least one paper feed tray. The controller 50 is configured to include a control circuit of the printer 50 as a paper feed control unit that feeds paper from a predetermined paper feed tray according to the priority specified by the priority specification icon or the like when an empty state is detected. Even when a plurality of print modes are designated on the 51 side, the controller 51 sends the desired print mode to the printer 50. When the paper tray is in an empty state, a priority order designation command for designating the priority order of the next paper feed tray to be switched is output by the priority order designation button 65, so that the printer 50 is not controlled by the controller 51. When the desired paper feed tray becomes empty, according to the priority order designation command, the paper feed tray to be switched next is switched to the paper feed tray having the highest priority order, and the paper feed is continued. Processing can continue.

  For this reason, in the above embodiment, the paper feed tray can be switched based on the priority designation command on the printer 50 side, so that the timing control for instructing the paper feed tray switching becomes difficult or complicated, or the printer 50 The control operation is not complicated, and even when the paper in the paper feed tray becomes empty, it is possible to automatically switch the paper feed tray and continue the printing operation.

  In this embodiment, a case where a plurality of printing operations are specified has been described. However, in addition to a plurality of printing operations, paper feeding is performed for each mode such as a copy mode and a printing mode, or for each image forming mode. Even in the case where the unit switching instruction can be performed, similarly, the timing control for performing the sheet feeding unit switching instruction is not difficult or complicated, and the control operation of the image forming apparatus is not complicated. Even when the paper in the paper feeding unit becomes empty, it is possible to automatically switch the paper feeding unit and continue the image forming operation.

  As described above, in the above-described embodiment, for example, a printer that guarantees high productivity, such as a paper conveyance path from the paper feed tray to the photosensitive drum being set short, and the printer has a plurality of prints. In an apparatus having a mechanism capable of receiving an instruction command, the following operations and effects can be achieved.

  (1) Since an empty paper feed tray can be automatically switched without stopping the printer 50, print processing can be performed without reducing productivity. The reason is that the controller 51 does not issue a paper feed tray switching instruction after it becomes empty, but also sends a paper feed tray automatic switching command together with the print instruction command. Thus, since the printer 50 has automatic switching information in advance even when the paper feed tray becomes empty, paper feed can be switched at an optimal timing.

  (2) The paper tray can be switched automatically for each print mode. For example, in a multi-function MF machine, it is possible to specify switching in the copy mode, print mode, and FAX mode, and it is possible to specify switching for each individual print instruction. The reason is that the controller 51 can also send an automatic paper feed tray switching command as necessary, and can automatically change according to the mode or print instruction.

  (3) Non-stop printing is possible. The reason for this is that the priority can be changed dynamically by switching the paper feed trays, so that multiple paper feed trays can be used to replenish paper into empty paper feed trays and continue non-stop. You can print. This is particularly effective for trayless duplex printing in a large image forming apparatus.

1 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external configuration diagram showing a digital multi-function peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a digital multi-function peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main part of the printer of the digital multi-function peripheral as the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIGS. 5A to 5D are explanatory diagrams showing priority order designation commands, respectively. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a print job executed by the digital multi-function peripheral as the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a print job executed by the digital multi-function peripheral as the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a print job executed by a conventional image forming apparatus. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a conventional controller. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of a conventional printer. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a print job executed by a conventional image forming apparatus. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a print job executed by a conventional image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  1: digital multifunction peripheral, 22: recording paper, 24-29: paper feed tray (paper feed means) 50: printer, 51: controller, 52: CPU, 56: user interface, 65: priority order designation button, 66-71 : Sky detection sensor.

Claims (13)

An image forming apparatus that includes a plurality of sheet feeding units that supply sheets, and forms an image on a sheet that is selectively fed from a desired sheet feeding unit among the plurality of sheet feeding units.
A priority designation command output means for outputting a priority designation command for designating a priority order of a paper feeding means to be switched next when the desired paper feeding means is in an empty state before the start of an image forming operation; An empty detection unit that detects an empty state of the plurality of paper feeding units, and when the empty detection unit detects an empty state of at least one paper feeding unit, the priority is designated by the priority designation command output unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet feeding control unit that feeds paper from a predetermined sheet feeding unit. A plurality of paper feeding means for supplying paper; among the plurality of paper feeding means, an image is formed on paper selectively fed from a desired paper feeding means, and a plurality of image formation instruction commands are received. In a possible image forming apparatus,
A priority designation command output means for outputting a priority designation command for designating a priority order of a paper feeding means to be switched next when the desired paper feeding means is in an empty state before the start of an image forming operation; An empty detection unit that detects an empty state of the plurality of paper feeding units, and when the empty detection unit detects an empty state of at least one paper feeding unit, the priority is designated by the priority designation command output unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a sheet feeding control unit that feeds paper from a predetermined sheet feeding unit. The priority order designation command output means can designate a plurality of paper feed means with priorities as paper feed means to be switched next when a desired paper feed means becomes empty. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The priority order designation command output means can designate the priority order of the paper feeding means to be switched next when the desired paper feeding means becomes empty for each image forming operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the priority order designation command output unit is provided in a user interface. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a controller and an image output apparatus, and the paper feed control unit is provided on the image output apparatus side. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the priority designation command output means designates the priority order of the paper feeding means to be switched next in a loop shape. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the priority designation command output unit can designate that the function of switching the sheet feeding unit according to the priority by the sheet feeding control unit is invalid. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding control unit has a function of switching to a sheet feeding unit for which the next priority order is designated when the sheet feeding unit to be switched is pulled out. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding control unit has a function of switching to a sheet feeding unit for which the next priority order is designated when a sheet feeding unit to be switched is out of order. The sheet feeding control unit has a function of switching to a sheet feeding unit for which the next priority order is designated when a paper having a size different from the size designated for the sheet feeding unit to be switched is stored. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1. The paper feeding control unit has a function of switching to a paper feeding unit in which the next priority order is designated when a paper having a paper quality different from the paper quality designated in the paper feeding unit to be switched is stored. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1. 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the priority order command output unit can specify that the paper feed control unit temporarily not apply while retaining a function of switching the paper feed unit according to the priority order. Forming equipment.

Images