JP2007008626A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of efficiently continuing the copying/printing work by setting or changing the warning level of insufficient remaining amount of paper sheets for each paper feed tray by taking into consideration the purpose of use of paper sheets, the kind of paper sheets, or the like. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming device comprises a plurality of paper feed trays in which paper sheets are stacked and placed therein, a remaining paper sheet amount detection unit for detecting the remaining amount of paper sheets for each paper feed tray, a warning level setting means for setting the warning level to an arbitrary level of the remaining amount of paper sheets for each paper feed tray, and a warning display unit for displaying the warning when the remaining amount of paper sheets is smaller than the warning level for each paper feed tray. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, and a printer, and more particularly to a user interface of an image forming apparatus that performs setting of selectable functions, setting of execution conditions, instruction, display, and the like.

  In recent years, copying machines and printers have been improved in functionality and quality, and in the printing industry, a copying machine or the like is often used as a printing machine for small lot printed matter. In printed matter, it is required to strictly copy to a designated position on a sheet because of bookbinding and the like. For this reason, at the start of copying, it is necessary to repeat the positioning trial and adjust the position of the paper set in the image forming apparatus such as a copying machine so as not to cause misalignment.

  However, although it is a small lot, a large number of copies are required due to the capacity of a copying machine or the like, and the sheet may be lost during the job. For this reason, when the paper feed tray is opened / closed or the paper is replenished during the job, the initially set paper position may change, making it impossible to continue efficient copying (printing).

  In order to prevent such a problem, the image forming apparatus such as a copying machine detects the remaining amount of paper in the paper feed tray in advance and issues a warning when the shortage of the remaining amount is recognized. Etc. are adopted. In addition, some of the conventional techniques employ a method of detecting the remaining amount of paper and setting a warning level to a predetermined remaining amount level, but these issue a warning based on the remaining amount level common to all trays. Therefore, it was not possible to set a warning level corresponding to the shortage of the remaining amount for each paper feed tray.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, by changing and adjusting the position of the remaining amount sensor of the paper feed tray and setting it to the number of remaining paper sheets that the user thinks is necessary, the user's needs are prevented. However, this is merely a mechanical warning level setting method, and the setting change according to the purpose of use or the like cannot be performed quickly and easily.

JP-A-11-292348

  Incidentally, since a copying machine or the like used as a printing machine is required to increase the speed, it is not preferable in terms of efficiency to temporarily stop the image forming operation in order to prevent the paper from running out. In addition, in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper feed trays, an inefficient portion may occur depending on the use of a copy if it is determined that the remaining amount is insufficient based only on the paper remaining level common to all paper feed trays. For example, it is printed matter that requires strict positioning, and it is not necessary to make such strict positional adjustments for copies that are used in normal offices. The use in the office is comparatively inefficient.

  On the other hand, when a copying machine or the like is used as a printing machine, not only ordinary copying paper but also thick paper, thin paper, and coated paper for printing may be placed on the paper feed tray. If the same remaining amount detection level is provided for these different types of paper (especially thickness), even if the remaining amount is displayed for, for example, thick paper, continuous copying is performed without stopping the operation. If it is possible, an inefficient case may occur in which the paper runs out during preparation for paper replenishment and the printing (copying) alignment trial is required again.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and it is possible to set or change the warning level of insufficient remaining capacity for each sheet feeding tray in consideration of the purpose and type (especially thickness) of the sheet. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently continuing copying / printing operations.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention, a plurality of paper feed trays for stacking and placing paper, and a paper remaining amount detecting unit for detecting the remaining amount of paper for each paper feed tray, , Warning level setting means for setting a warning level to warn of shortage of paper at an arbitrary level of paper remaining for each paper feed tray, and warning when the paper remaining for each paper feed tray becomes lower than the warning level And a warning display unit for displaying.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein a remaining amount display unit for displaying the remaining amount of paper is provided for each paper feed tray based on a detection result of the remaining amount of paper. A warning display unit for displaying the shortage is provided in the remaining amount display unit.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the warning level setting means sets a plurality of warning levels that can be selected for each paper feed tray. . According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein a plurality of selectable warning levels are a warning level set for each paper feed tray and a warning commonly set for the paper feed tray. Configure to be level.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, the warning level is set in accordance with the type of paper placed on the paper feed tray. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the type of paper is set so as to be limited particularly to the thickness of the paper. According to the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, the following operational effects can be obtained.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the user can set a warning level as a reference for notifying the shortage of the remaining amount for each sheet feeding tray and for any remaining amount of paper, and the remaining amount of paper is below the warning level. In such a case, since a warning is displayed, the paper feed tray can be used properly depending on whether the paper that needs to know the remaining amount with a margin is used or not. As a result, it is possible to reduce the frequency of paper replacement by the user without causing the paper to run out, and it is possible to improve the efficiency of copying / printing work.

  For example, when printing that requires strict positioning is performed by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as a professional use), the remaining amount of paper is known with a margin so as not to run out of paper. In such cases, it is possible to eliminate the cause of misalignment by changing the paper setting position by opening and closing the paper tray or replenishing paper during the job. The printing operation can be continued. On the other hand, in the case of copying a normal document used in the office (hereinafter referred to as office use), there is no particular quality problem even if the paper runs out. Can be set to reduce the frequency of paper replacement. It is also possible to change the warning level setting between a frequently used paper tray and a rarely used paper tray.

  Also, based on the detection result of the remaining amount of paper, a remaining amount display section for displaying the remaining amount of paper is provided for each paper feed tray, and if the warning is displayed on the remaining amount display section, the user can set the warning display time. The amount of paper remaining can be managed more effectively.

  If a plurality of warning levels are set to be selectable for each paper feed tray, switching of the warning levels according to the type and purpose of use of the loaded paper can be facilitated. For example, when all paper trays are used for office use, the same type of paper is usually loaded, so the warning level is set for the remaining amount level that is common to all trays. In the case of so-called professional use, which may use different types of paper, it becomes easy to set a different warning level for each paper feed tray and to strictly detect the remaining amount.

  In addition, when different types of paper are set in multiple paper feed trays, the warning level for the remaining amount of paper can be switched according to the type of paper loaded in each paper feed tray, especially the thickness. If configured, it is possible to further reduce the frequency of sheet replacement and improve the efficiency of copying and printing operations.

  Embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an automatic document feeder 10 as an image input unit 11 (see the block diagram in FIG. 3), an image reading unit 20, an image processing unit 12 and a main body control unit 13 formed on a system board, and image formation. The image forming apparatus includes a unit 30, a paper feeding unit 40, a fixing device 50, and a paper discharge unit 60. An image reading unit 20 is mounted on the upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and an automatic document feeder 10 is further mounted thereon.

  When the document transported by the automatic document transport device 10 passes over the slit glass 17, the document image is read by the image reading unit 20. The CCD sensor 27 of the image reading unit 20 converts the read optical image of the document into electronic image data and sends it to the image processing unit 12 (see FIG. 3). The image processing unit 12 performs analog processing, A / D conversion, shading correction, image compression processing, and the like on the electronic image data, and then conveys the digitized image information data to the image forming unit 30.

  The image forming unit 30 has a drum-shaped photoconductor 1 on the surface of which an electrostatic latent image is formed in the center, and the surface of the photoconductor 1 is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 1 in the order of image forming operation. Are provided with a charging device 31, an exposure device 32, a developing device 33, a transfer separation device 34, and a cleaning device 35.

  The exposure device 32 of the image forming unit 30 electrically modulates the semiconductor laser based on the digitized image information data, and performs sub-scanning by the polyhedral reflecting mirror 36 (polygon mirror) and the correction lens group through the collimator lens. Do. Further, the main scanning is performed by rotating the photosensitive member 1, and the electrostatic latent image of the original image is reproduced on the photosensitive member 1.

  Prior to exposure, a predetermined surface charge is applied to the photosensitive member 1 by corona discharge of the charging device 31, but the charge of the exposed portion is reduced in accordance with the exposure amount by laser light irradiation, resulting in an image. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the information data is formed on each photoconductor 1. The electrostatic latent image is visualized by the developer supplied from the developing device 33 and becomes a toner image.

  A paper feed unit 40 that supplies recording paper to the image forming unit 30 is provided at the lower part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. The paper feed unit 40 has a plurality of paper feed trays 41, and a movable plate 42 is disposed on the bottom of the paper feed tray 41 that accommodates recording paper. The movable plate 42 on which the recording paper is stacked and stacked receives the paper feed start signal and lifts the recording paper to the upper limit position limited by the upper limit detection sensor. At the same time, the pickup roller 43 falls so that the uppermost one of the loaded recording sheets comes into contact with the pickup roller 43.

  The recording paper in contact with the pickup roller 43 is discharged from the paper feed tray 41 by roller frictional force, separated one by one by a feed roller 44 and separation roller 45, and then sent out by an intermediate roller 46 and a registration roller 47. It is sent to the forming unit 30. The toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 1 is collectively transferred onto the recording paper by the transfer / separation device 34, and the transferred unfixed toner image is heated and fixed on the recording paper by the fixing device 50, and then the paper discharge roller 61. Is discharged outside the apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention, a paper remaining amount detection unit 70 is provided in the paper supply unit 40. FIG. 2 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the remaining sheet quantity detection unit 70. 2, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same components, and the basic configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. Note that the configuration of the remaining paper amount detection unit 70 is merely an example, and other configurations can be made using various detection mechanisms.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet feed tray 41 is provided with a movable plate 42 as a bottom plate. One end of the movable plate 42 is rotatably supported by the main body of the paper feed tray 41, and the other end is lifted to bring the recording paper placed on the movable plate 42 into contact with the pickup roller 43. A wire is attached to the end of the movable plate 42 on the side in contact with the pickup roller 43, and this wire is fixed so as to be wound around the rotating shaft of the drive motor 48 via the movable piece 49. As a result, the end portion of the movable plate 42 is pulled upward as the drive motor 48 rotates.

  A disc-shaped rotary encoder 71 is attached to the rotation shaft of the drive motor 48 with the same shaft. In the rotary encoder 71, a large number of black slit lines are formed radially from the center of a transparent plastic plate, and a part of the circumferential portion is arranged so as to be sandwiched between gap portions of the photosensor 72. When the photosensor 72 is activated and the rotary encoder 71 is rotated, the black slit line intermittently blocks the light from the photosensor 72, and a pulsed or sine curve output is detected from the light receiving unit.

By shaping this output signal and counting the number of waves or the number of rotations moved from the origin position set at the bottom of the movable plate 42, the height of the already used recording paper can be calculated. Since the movable plate 42 stops at the upper limit position height H regulated by the upper limit position sensor when the loaded recording sheet is zero, the upper limit position height H and the height h ₁ of the used recording sheet are set as follows. By calculating, the remaining sheet height h ₂ can be calculated.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing functions of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention provided with the warning level setting means 84. A main body control unit 13 provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image input unit 11 having an image reading unit 20 and the like, and an image processing unit 12 that performs various processes, conversions, and corrections on electronic image data from the image input unit 11. The image forming unit 30 that forms a visualized image based on the image data from the image processing unit 12 and the necessary data are exchanged bidirectionally to control image formation.

  The main body control unit 13 also exchanges data with the operation unit control unit 82 of the input / output operation unit 80 as needed. The input / output operation unit 80 is a unit for manually inputting necessary information and a unit for displaying the state of the apparatus, and is provided on the front surface of the image forming apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention. In FIG. 4, the same parts as those in FIG.

  The input / output operation unit 80 includes an operation / display unit 81 and a storage unit 83 in addition to the operation unit control unit 82. The configuration of the operation / display unit 81 is not particularly limited, but can be configured using a display panel such as a CRT, a liquid crystal, and an EL. The operation / display unit 81 constitutes an input instruction device with a touch panel, a mouse, or the like that detects a coordinate position corresponding to a button position formed on the panel. The storage unit 83 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and stores and holds warning levels set for each paper feed tray or paper type input from the operation / display unit 81.

  An output signal from the remaining paper amount detection unit 70 provided in the paper supply unit 40 is input to the operation unit control unit 82. This signal is compared with the corresponding warning level stored in the storage unit 83 in the operation unit control unit 82. As a result, the operation / display unit 81 is configured to display a warning when the remaining sheet level is equal to or lower than the warning level. Therefore, the warning level setting means 84 according to the present invention is configured by a part of the operation / display unit 81, a part of the operation unit control unit 82, and a part of the storage unit 83. The operation / display unit 81 is a warning display unit. Doubles as

  Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to a flowchart and a display panel of the operation / display unit 81. This display panel is also a display example, and the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 5 is a panel display example shown on the operation / display unit 81 before the start of copying, and FIG. 6 is a panel display example of the operation / display unit 81 for setting the remaining amount warning level. Further, (a) is a display example when the warning level is set for all trays collectively, and (b) is a display example when the warning level is set for each tray. Transition from the display example of FIG. 5 to the display example of FIG. 6 can be made by pressing a utility button 88 (see FIG. 4) provided in the input / output operation unit 80.

  FIG. 7 is a warning level setting flow diagram (1) when a warning level that can be switched before the start of copying of the image forming apparatus 100 is set. Now, when the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on, the panel display example shown in FIG. 5 appears on the operation / display unit 81 in the copy mode. At the lower right of this operation / display section 81 is a display portion of a paper reservation setting section 85 (see FIG. 5), which displays the type and remaining amount of the recording paper currently placed on the paper feed tray 41. A remaining amount display portion is formed. In FIG. 6, all the paper feed trays 41 are displayed as trays, and the tray numbers are given when necessary. The tray 3 indicates the type and remaining amount of the recording paper placed on the paper feed unit connected to the outside of the apparatus main body, and is excluded from the description in this embodiment, and the case where the tray 1 and the tray 2 can be used. Explain.

  When the same kind of recording paper (for example, plain paper) is placed on all the paper feed trays 41, when it is not necessary to set a warning level by distinguishing the trays, all the papers shown in FIG. The tray batch button 86 is selected (S1), and a warning level for the remaining amount of paper is set. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, level 2 is set as an example (S2). A warning level is set for each tray, particularly when a recording sheet that is to be strictly prevented from running out of paper is placed on the tray. For example, tray 1 sets the warning level to level 2 (S3), and tray 2 sets the warning level to level 3 in order to more strictly determine the remaining amount (S4). This setting switching can be performed manually from the operation / display unit 81.

  The warning level can be switched according to the type of recording paper (especially paper thickness). FIG. 8 is a warning level setting flow diagram (2) in the case of setting warning levels for each tray and paper type. When the same warning level is set for all trays as described above, the all tray batch button 86 is selected, and the paper type A is selected on the displayed warning level setting screen (not shown). Is set to 2. Next, the paper type B is selected and the warning level is set to 1.

  Instead of setting the warning level for all trays at once, when a plurality of recording paper types are loaded for each tray, the warning level is set for each tray and for each paper type. In this embodiment shown in FIG. 8, when the recording paper placed on the tray 1 is the paper type A, the level 2 is set, and when the recording paper B is the paper type B, the level 1 is set. On the other hand, when the recording paper placed on the tray 2 is a special paper type C having a thickness, it is set to level 3, when it is paper type A, it is set to level 2, and when it is paper type B. Set to level 1. These settings are stored and held in the storage unit 83 until new settings from the user are input. When the setting is completed, the utility button 88 is pressed again to return to the copy mode display.

  FIG. 9 shows a warning display flow diagram (1) when a warning is displayed on the operation / display unit 81 of the image forming apparatus 100 after the warning level is set. This warning display flowchart (1) corresponds to the warning level setting flowchart (1) shown in FIG. When the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on and the copy mode is selected, the photo sensor 72 of the paper remaining amount detection unit 70 provided in the paper feed tray 41 is activated, and the remaining paper in each paper feed tray 41 is operated. The output from the photosensor 72 indicating the amount level is displayed on the remaining amount display section of the paper reservation setting section 85 of the operation / display section 81 via the operation section control section 82. As an example of the display method, as shown in FIG. 5, how much the tray is filled is displayed as a remaining level of several stages.

  Next, on the display panel of the operation / display unit 81, whether or not to select the warning level set for all trays at once is manually designated (S5). When the all-tray batch button 86 is selected, the operation unit control unit 82 reads the warning level set for all the trays from the storage unit 83. In this embodiment, level 2 is read (S6). The read warning level is compared with the remaining level of each tray (S7), and a warning is displayed when the remaining level of any tray reaches or falls below the warning level (S8). The warning display is performed by reversing the color of the remaining amount level of the picture display 87 (remaining amount display portion) of the paper reservation setting portion 85 shown in FIG.

  When the all-tray batch button 86 is not designated, the warning level of each tray (tray 1 and tray 2) is read from the storage unit 83 to the operation unit control unit 82 (S9, S10), correspondingly. The tray remaining amount level and the warning level are compared (S11, S12), and only the picture display color of the tray whose remaining amount level reaches or falls below the warning level is highlighted (S13, S14). If the warning level is not exceeded, all are normally displayed (S15, S16, S17).

  FIG. 10 shows a warning display flow chart (2) when the warning level can be switched depending on the type of paper (particularly the paper thickness). This warning display flowchart (2) corresponds to the warning level setting flowchart (2) shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, when a warning level common to all trays is selected, the warning level of either paper type A or paper type B is stored according to the paper type loaded on the paper feed tray 41. The data is read from the unit 83 to the operation unit control unit 82. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, warning level 2 is set for paper type A, and warning level 1 is set for paper type B. The read warning level is compared with the remaining level of each tray, and a warning is displayed when the remaining level of any tray reaches or falls below the warning level. The warning display can be performed, for example, by inverting the color of the remaining level of the picture display 87 that appears in the paper reservation setting unit 85 shown in FIG.

  When the all-tray batch button 86 is not selected, the warning level is sequentially read for each tray (tray 1 and tray 2). In this embodiment, when the recording paper placed on the tray 1 is the paper type A, level 2 is read, and when the recording paper is the paper type B, level 1 is read. On the other hand, when the recording paper placed on the tray 2 is the paper type C, level 3 is read, when the paper type A is level 2, the level 2 is read, and when it is paper type B, the level 1 is read.

  The tray-by-tray and paper-type warning levels read in this way are compared with the remaining tray remaining level, and only the color of the picture display 87 of the tray whose remaining level reaches or falls below the warning level is inverted. Is displayed. Usually displayed when the warning level is not exceeded. The paper type is preset and stored, and the selection is normally performed manually. However, it is also possible to automatically change the warning level by providing a paper type detection means for the recording paper.

  The setting of the warning level in the present invention is not limited to the method shown in the above-described embodiment, and the level for warning of the shortage of the remaining amount of paper is classified for each tray, for each type of recording paper (especially thickness), and others. Needless to say, various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, in which warning indication of the remaining amount of paper is set for each necessary element.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a conceptual cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a remaining paper amount detection unit. It is a block diagram which shows the function of an image forming apparatus. 1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus. It is a display example shown on the display panel of the operation / display unit at the start of copying. It is an example of a display of the operation / display part which sets a warning level. (A) is a display example when the warning level is set for all trays collectively. (B) is a display example when a warning level is set for each tray. FIG. 6 is a flowchart (1) when a switchable warning level of the image forming apparatus is set. It is a flowchart (2) in the case of setting a warning level for each tray and paper type. FIG. 10 is a flowchart (1) when a warning is displayed on the operation / display unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is another flowchart (2) when a warning is displayed on the operation / display unit of the image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photoconductor 11 Image input part 12 Image processing part 13 Main body control part 20 Image reading part 30 Image forming part 40 Paper feed part 41 Paper feed tray 42 Movable plate 48 Drive motor 70 Paper residual quantity detection part 71 Rotary encoder 72 Photo sensor 80 Input / output operation unit 81 Operation / display unit (remaining amount display unit, warning display unit)
82 Operation unit control unit 83 Storage unit 84 Warning level setting means 100 Image forming apparatus

Claims (6)

A plurality of paper feed trays for stacking paper;
A paper remaining amount detection unit for detecting the remaining amount of paper for each paper feed tray;
Warning level setting means for setting a warning level at an arbitrary level of the remaining amount of paper for each paper feed tray;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a warning display unit that displays a warning when the remaining amount of paper is less than the warning level for each of the paper feed trays.   The remaining amount display unit that displays the remaining amount of paper is provided for each of the paper feed trays based on the detection result of the remaining amount of paper, and the warning display unit is provided in the remaining amount display unit. The image forming apparatus according to 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning level setting unit sets a plurality of warning levels that can be selected for each of the paper feed trays.   4. The image according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of selectable warning levels are a warning level set for each of the paper feed trays and a warning level set in common for the paper feed trays. Forming equipment.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the warning level is set according to a type of paper loaded on the paper feed tray.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the type of the sheet is a thickness of the sheet.

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