JP2007090635A - Printer and printing control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer capable of preventing a working burden from being applied to a user and reducing wasteful consumption of recording media, and a printing control program. <P>SOLUTION: In a multifunctional peripheral device 1, a standby time period set by a discharge timer 77a in a discharge time period setting process (S138) depends on at least one of conditions of a kind of recording paper P staying in a conveyance path, the thickness of the recording paper P and the ambient temperature of the multifunctional peripheral device 1. As a result, the standby time period can be set as a whole to be longer as compared to a case that a prescribed standby time period is set irrespective of the conditions. As the frequency that the recording paper supplied to the conveyance path once is left without being printed is reduced, it is possible to prevent a working burden for handling the recording medium P discharged without being printed from being applied to a user and to reduce the wasteful consumption of the recording paper P. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing control program, and more particularly, to a printing apparatus and a printing control program that can prevent a user from being burdened with work and can suppress wasteful use of a recording medium.

  Conventionally, a serial printer that performs printing while moving the recording head in a line direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording paper (recording medium), or a line printer in which the recording head simultaneously prints the entire length in the line direction is known. .

  In such serial printers and line printers, printing is performed while conveying recording paper on a platen facing the recording head. When printing on one sheet of recording paper on the platen is completed, the recording paper is discharged. Then, it is determined whether or not there is print data for the next page. If there is print data for the next page, the next recording sheet is pulled out from the paper feed cassette and supplied to the print position on the platen. The next page is printed on the recording paper. Alternatively, in order to improve the printing speed, during printing on one recording sheet, the next recording sheet is pulled out from the sheet feeding cassette and fed to the recording head side. Thus, by advancing the timing for starting the feeding of the next recording paper, the time required for feeding the paper is greatly reduced, so that the printing speed is improved.

  Here, when the feeding of the next recording sheet is started during printing on one recording sheet, the next recording sheet is sent out to the transport path even during the printing of the last page. It was. That is, although there is no print data for the next page, the recording paper has been sent from the paper feed cassette to the transport path. However, since printing has been completed, the recording sheet sent to the transport path is retained in the transport path. Keeping the recording paper in the transport path for a long time is not desirable as the storage state of the recording paper. For example, when the configuration of the printing apparatus is such that the recording paper is pulled out from the paper feed cassette provided at the lower part, and the drawn recording paper makes a U-turn along the path and is supplied to the recording head side. If the recording paper is kept waiting for a long time in the conveyance path, the recording paper is bent along the U-turn path. Then, when the distance between the recording head and the recording paper is configured to be short, there arises a problem that the recording paper and the head slip or further cause a paper jam.

In this way, if the recording paper stays in the transport path for a long time, it causes the above-mentioned inconvenience. Therefore, it is pulled out from the paper feed cassette during the printing of the last page and supplied to the recording head side. The recording paper that has not been printed is reversely fed after a predetermined time and returned to the paper cassette, or the paper is fed without printing and discharged unprinted (for example, , See Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-159392 A

  However, if a new mechanism for reversely feeding the recording paper is provided, the manufacturing cost of the apparatus will increase. On the other hand, if the recording paper is discharged without being printed, the discharged unprinted recording paper must be returned to the paper feed cassette, which increases the work burden on the user. In addition, depending on the user, the discharged recording sheet may be discarded, and the recording sheet is wasted. Therefore, it is desirable that the recording paper once pulled out of the paper feeding cassette and fed to the recording head side is kept in the conveyance path as much as possible and used for the next printing.

  On the other hand, the ease of bending of the recording paper varies depending on conditions such as the type of recording paper, the thickness, and the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus. For example, a thick recording sheet is more likely to be bent than a thin recording sheet. Therefore, if the standby time is set uniformly and the recording paper is discharged based on the elapse of the standby time, the recording paper that is originally difficult to bend and can be kept on standby is also discharged. There was a problem of paper. This is because, when the standby time is set uniformly, the standby time (that is, the shortest standby time) that matches the conditions where the recording paper is most likely to be bent is normally set.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a printing apparatus and a print control program capable of suppressing a burden on a user and suppressing waste of a recording medium. It is intended to provide.

  In order to achieve this object, the printing apparatus according to claim 1 is a printing unit capable of printing an image on a recording medium, a storage unit for storing the recording medium, and printing on the recording medium by the printing unit. Supply means for supplying the recording medium of the storage means to the printing means side during the operation, and obtaining the standby time of the recording medium supplied to the printing means side by the supply means When the execution instruction instructing printing to the printing unit is not detected even after the standby time acquired by the standby time acquisition unit elapses, the supply unit performs printing on the printing unit side. Page discharge means for discharging the recording medium supplied to the printer, and the standby time acquired by the standby time acquisition means is the type of recording medium supplied to the printing means, It is in response to at least one condition of the ambient temperature of the medium thickness or printer.

  The printing apparatus according to claim 2 is the printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein display means capable of displaying characters or images, printing means capable of printing an image on a recording medium, and storage means for storing the recording medium. And supply means for supplying the recording medium of the storage means to the printing means side while printing is performed on the recording medium by the printing means, and the printing means side by the supply means A standby time acquisition unit that acquires the standby time of the recording medium supplied to the printer, and an execution instruction that instructs the printing unit to perform printing even when the standby time acquired by the standby time acquisition unit elapses. A display processing means for displaying on the display means that there is a recording medium on the printing means side when not detected, and the standby time acquired by the standby time acquisition means is the Type of recording medium supplied to the printing means side, is in response to at least one condition of the ambient temperature of the thickness of the recording medium or the printing device.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printing apparatus according to the second aspect, further comprising a discharge operation unit that discharges the recording medium supplied to the printing unit side by the supply unit based on a user operation. .

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the second or third aspect, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the display processing means displayed on the display means that there is a recording medium on the printing means side. And a first forced paper discharge means for discharging the recording medium on the printing means side.

  The printing apparatus according to claim 5 corresponds to the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the printing apparatus corresponds to at least one of a recording medium type, a recording medium thickness, and an environmental temperature of the printing apparatus. A standby time storage unit that stores the attached standby time, and the standby time acquisition unit reads the standby time stored in the standby time storage unit, and stores the read standby time in the recording medium. The waiting time after correcting based on other conditions that are different from the conditions associated with the waiting time storage means among the type, the thickness of the recording medium, or the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus. To get.

  6. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein in the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the printing unit is instructed to print before the time acquired by the waiting time acquisition unit elapses. Type determining means for determining whether the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction matches the type of the recording medium on the printing means side when the instruction is newly detected And when the type determining unit determines that the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction matches the type of the recording medium on the printing unit side, A continuous printing unit that conveys the recording medium to the printing unit and prints on the recording medium, and a record to be printed based on the newly detected execution command by the type determining unit A second forced paper discharge means for discharging the recording medium without printing on the recording medium on the printing means side when it is determined that the type of body does not match the type of the recording medium on the printing means side Is provided.

  The printing apparatus according to claim 7 is the recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the recording apparatus determines a type of a recording medium to be printed based on an execution instruction instructing the printing unit to perform printing. A medium type determination unit; and a recording medium information storage unit that stores a type of the recording medium determined by the recording medium type determination unit based on an execution instruction that has been printed most recently. When the execution command is newly detected, the type of the recording medium determined by the recording medium type determination unit based on the newly detected execution command, and the recording medium stored in the recording medium information storage unit Whether the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction matches the type of the recording medium on the printing unit side. It is intended to determine.

  The printing apparatus according to claim 8 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the printing is performed before the time acquired by the plurality of storage units and the standby time acquisition unit elapses. A storage medium for storing a recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction when the execution instruction instructing the printing process to the unit is newly detected; Storage determining means for determining whether or not the storage means matches the storage means storing the recording medium, and storing means for storing the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction by the storage determining means, When it is determined that the recording means is the same as the storage means that has stored the recording medium on the printing means side, the continuous printing hand that transports the recording medium on the printing means side to the printing means and prints on the recording medium. And the storage means for storing the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction does not match the storage means for storing the recording medium on the printing means side. A third forcible discharge unit that discharges the recording medium without printing on the recording medium on the printing unit side.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the printing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, wherein the storage means stores a recording medium to be printed based on the execution instruction based on the execution instruction instructing the printing means to perform printing. A storage means determining means for determining; and a recording medium information storage means for storing the storage means determined by the storage means determining means based on the execution command that has been printed most recently. When an execution instruction is newly detected, the storage means determined by the storage means determination means based on the newly detected execution instruction is compared with the storage means stored in the recording medium information storage means. Accordingly, the storage means for storing the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction is a storage means for storing the recording medium on the printing means side. It is to determine whether the match.

  11. The printing control program according to claim 10, wherein the printing unit capable of printing an image on a recording medium, a storage unit that stores the recording medium, and the storage while the printing unit is printing on the recording medium. A printing control program for causing a computer connected to a printing apparatus provided with a supply means to supply the recording medium to the printing means side to control the printing apparatus, the type of the recording medium, The computer having the standby time storage means for storing the standby time associated with at least one of the thickness and the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus can be stored in the standby time storage means. Time is read, and the read standby time is stored in the standby time storage device among the type of the recording medium, the thickness of the recording medium, or the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus. The waitable time acquisition step for acquiring the waitable time and the waitable time acquired by the waitable time acquisition step after correction based on other conditions different from the conditions associated with Even when an execution command for instructing the printing to the printing unit is not detected, a page discharging step for discharging the recording medium supplied to the printing unit by the supplying unit, and an instruction to print to the printing unit A recording medium type determining step for determining a type of a recording medium to be printed based on the execution command, and a recording medium type determining step based on the execution command for which printing has been completed most recently. A recording medium information storing step for storing the determined type of the recording medium in the recording medium information storing means of the computer; When the execution instruction is newly detected before the waiting time acquired by the intermediate acquisition step elapses, the recording medium is determined by the recording medium type determination step based on the newly detected execution instruction Is compared with the type of the recording medium stored in the recording medium information storage unit, so that the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction is A type determining step for determining whether the type matches the type of the recording medium in the recording medium, and the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the execution command newly detected by the type determining step is on the printing unit side If it is determined that the recording medium matches the type of recording medium, the continuous printing medium that transports the recording medium on the printing unit side to the printing unit and causes the recording medium to print is recorded. And when the type determining step determines that the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction does not match the type of the recording medium on the printing unit side, And a second forced discharge step of discharging the recording medium without printing on the recording medium on the means side.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the recording medium supplied to the printing unit side by the supply unit is not discharged when the execution instruction instructing the printing unit to perform printing is not detected even after the standby time has elapsed. The paper is discharged by paper means. Here, the standby time acquired by the standby time acquisition unit corresponds to at least one condition of the type of the recording medium supplied to the printing unit, the thickness of the recording medium, or the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus. Therefore, the waiting time according to the condition is acquired. As a result, it is possible to obtain a long standby time as a whole as compared with the case where the standby time is uniformly set regardless of the above conditions. Therefore, since the frequency at which the recording medium once supplied to the printing unit is discharged without being printed is reduced, it is possible to suppress the burden on the user from processing the recording medium discharged without printing. In addition, there is an effect that wasteful use of the recording medium can be suppressed.

  As the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus, a temperature acquired using a temperature sensor provided in the printing unit or in the vicinity of the printing unit in order to control the ink discharge amount can be used. In this way, it is not necessary to provide a new sensor for temperature detection, so that the apparatus can be configured at low cost.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the execution instruction for instructing the printing to the printing unit is not detected even after the waiting time has elapsed, the display unit displays that there is a recording medium on the printing unit side. . That is, it is possible to notify the user of the printing apparatus that the recording medium to be removed remains on the printing unit side. Here, the standby time acquired by the standby time acquisition unit corresponds to at least one condition of the type of the recording medium supplied to the printing unit, the thickness of the recording medium, or the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus. Therefore, the waiting time according to the condition is acquired. As a result, it is possible to acquire a long standby time as a whole as compared with a case where the standby time is uniformly set regardless of the conditions. Therefore, since the frequency of displaying the recording medium on the printing unit side is reduced on the display unit, it is possible to suppress the burden on the user from processing the recording medium staying on the printing unit side. is there.

  According to the printing apparatus of the third aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the printing apparatus of the second aspect, the recording medium supplied to the printing means side by the supply means by the paper discharge operation means is based on the user's operation. Therefore, for example, the troublesome work of opening the cover provided on the housing of the printing apparatus and removing the recording medium staying on the printing means side becomes unnecessary, and the work burden on the user is suppressed. There is an effect that can be. Further, since the recording medium is discharged based on the user's operation, there is an effect that the user is not given a suspicious impression. If an unprinted recording medium is automatically discharged without being based on the user's operation, the user may not know the origin of the unprinted recording medium and may receive a suspicious impression. Because.

  According to the printing apparatus of claim 4, in addition to the effect of the printing apparatus of claim 2 or 3, printing is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the display means displayed that the recording medium is on the printing means side. Since the recording medium on the means side is discharged by the first forced discharge means, for example, the recording medium on the printing means side is removed or discharged because the user is far from the printing apparatus. Even if this is not possible, the recording medium can be automatically discharged. Therefore, there is an effect that the recording medium is reliably suppressed from staying on the printing unit side for a long time.

  According to the printing apparatus of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the printing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the standby time acquisition unit obtains the standby time stored in the standby time storage unit. The read waiting time is based on other conditions different from the conditions associated with the waiting time storage means among the type of the recording medium, the thickness of the recording medium, or the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus. Since the waiting time is acquired after correction, a more optimized waiting time can be acquired according to a plurality of conditions. As a result, it is possible to obtain a long standby time as a whole as compared with the case where the standby time is uniformly set regardless of the above conditions. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to further suppress the work burden on the recording medium staying on the printing unit side from being applied to the user.

  According to the printing device according to claim 6 or 7, in addition to the effect of the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution command When it is determined that the type matches the type of the recording medium on the printing unit side, the recording medium on the printing unit side is conveyed to the printing unit, and printing can be performed on the recording medium. Therefore, since the recording medium once supplied to the printing means can be effectively used for the next printing, there is an effect that it is possible to reduce the work burden on the user.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution command does not match the type of the recording medium on the printing unit side, the second forced paper discharge unit causes the printing unit side to Since the recording medium is discharged without being printed on the recording medium, printing on an inappropriate type of recording medium is suppressed, and the user is burdened with reworking the printing instruction. There is an effect that this can be suppressed.

  According to the printing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, in addition to the effect produced by the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a recording medium to be printed based on a newly detected execution command is provided. When it is determined that the storage means for storing coincides with the storage means for storing the recording medium on the printing means side, the recording medium on the printing means side is conveyed to the printing means by the continuous printing means, and the recording is performed. Printing can be performed on the medium. Therefore, since the recording medium once supplied to the printing means side can be used for the next printing, there is an effect that the work burden on the user can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the storage unit that stores the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction does not match the storage unit that stores the recording medium on the printing unit side, The forced paper discharge means discharges the recording medium without printing on the recording medium on the printing means side, so that printing on an inappropriate recording medium is suppressed, and the print instruction is repeated. There is an effect that it is possible to suppress the work burden on the user.

  According to the printing control program of the tenth aspect, when the execution instruction for instructing the printing to the printing unit is not detected even after the waiting time has elapsed, the recording medium supplied to the printing unit by the supplying unit is discharged. Is done. Here, the standby time acquired by the standby time acquisition step corresponds to at least one condition among the type of the recording medium supplied to the printing unit, the thickness of the recording medium, or the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus. Therefore, the waiting time according to the condition is acquired. As a result, it is possible to obtain a long standby time as a whole as compared with the case where the standby time is uniformly set regardless of the above conditions. Therefore, since the frequency at which the recording medium once supplied to the printing unit is discharged without being printed is reduced, it is possible to suppress the burden on the user from processing the recording medium discharged without printing. In addition, there is an effect that wasteful use of the recording medium can be suppressed.

  Further, when it is determined that the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction matches the type of the recording medium on the printing unit side, the recording on the printing unit side is performed by the continuous printing step. The medium is conveyed to the printing unit, and printing can be performed on the recording medium. Therefore, since the recording medium once supplied to the printing means side can be used for the next printing, there is an effect that the work burden on the user can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution command does not match the type of the recording medium on the printing unit side, the second forcible discharge step causes the printing unit to Since the recording medium is discharged without being printed on the recording medium on the side, printing on an inappropriate type of recording medium is suppressed, and the user is burdened with reworking the printing instruction. There is an effect that it can control that it takes.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multifunction peripheral device as a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front, and FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a recording unit and upper and lower two-stage sheet cassettes.

  The multi-function peripheral device 1 is a multi-function device (MFD) having a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a media function for reading image data recorded on a small memory card and recording an image on a recording sheet P. : Multi Function Device), as shown in FIG. 1, the upper first sheet feeding cassette 3A (FIG. 2) that can be inserted from the opening 20a on the front side of the first lower case 20 of the synthetic resin housing 2 in the apparatus. The lower second paper feed cassette 3B that can be inserted from the front opening 21a is also arranged in the second (lowermost) lower case 21 connected to the lower end of the first lower case 20. ing. However, in FIG. 1, the second paper feed cassette 3 </ b> B is housed in the housing 2, but the first paper feed cassette 3 </ b> A is removed from the housing 2. Hereinafter, in parts such as the housing 2, the first lower case 20, the second lower case 21, and the paper feed cassettes 3A and 3B, the side close to the openings 20a and 21a is referred to as the front side, the front portion, or the front end, and the opposite side is referred to as the front side. It is called the rear side, rear part or rear end.

  On the upper side of the housing 2, an image reading device (not shown) provided with an automatic document feeder 11 for reading a document in a copy function or a facsimile function, and various operation buttons, a liquid crystal display device 14a, etc. are provided in front of the image reading device. And an operation panel 14 provided with the above. The rear end of the document cover 13 that covers the upper surface of the document placement glass plate (not shown) in the image reading apparatus is mounted so as to be vertically rotatable around a hinge 12 with respect to the rear end of the image reading apparatus. . Accordingly, the document cover 13 is opened to place the document on the document placement glass plate, and image reading is performed by the document reading scanner device 3 (see FIG. 3) provided below the document cover body 13. . Further, the document placed on the document feed table 11a in the automatic document feeder 11 is conveyed downward, and the surface of the document at a document reading portion (left end portion of the placement glass plate, left end portion in FIG. 1) (not shown). After the image is read, the document is discharged onto the document discharge table 13 a formed on the upper surface of the document cover body 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the recording unit 7 and the paper discharge unit 10 are arranged below the projection area of the operation panel 14 and the document cover 13 in plan view.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the recording unit 7 is supported by a pair of left and right side plates (not shown) in a box-shaped main frame 16 made of a metal plate or the like, and in the Y-axis direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2). A first guide member 17 that is elongated and has a horizontally long plate shape and is disposed on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction (arrow A direction), a second guide member 18 that is also disposed on the downstream side, and both guide members. A carriage 5 that is slidably supported (mounted) across 17 and 18 and configured to reciprocate, and a CR (cage) motor 73 for reciprocating the carriage 5 on which the recording head 4 is mounted. (See FIG. 3) and a plate-like platen 19 that supports a recording paper (recording medium) P conveyed on the lower surface side of the recording head 4 and the like. Nozzles are arranged in a row below the recording head 4, and the lower ends of the nozzles open on the lower surface of the recording head 4 to form ink discharge ports. As the mechanism for ejecting ink droplets from the ink ejection port of the recording head 4, for example, a nozzle side wall is made of a piezoelectric material and ink is ejected by deformation of the piezoelectric material, or other known mechanisms are employed. be able to.

  A pair of upper and lower transport rollers 22 a and a pressing roller 22 b are arranged on the upstream side of the transport with the platen 19 interposed therebetween. The recording paper P sandwiched between the transport roller 22 a and the pressing roller 22 b is disposed on the recording head 4. Sent to the bottom. A spur roller 23 a that contacts the upper surface (recording surface) of the recording paper P and a discharge roller 23 b on the lower surface (non-recording surface) side are disposed on the downstream side of the platen 19. The paper discharge unit 10 from which the recording paper P recorded by the recording unit 7 is discharged with its recording surface facing upward is formed on the upper side of the first paper feed cassette 3A and communicates with the paper discharge unit 10. The paper discharge port to be opened is opened on the front surface of the housing 2 (upper side of the opening 20a) (see FIG. 2).

  Next, the configuration of the paper feed cassette will be described in detail. First, the upper first paper feed cassette 3A housed in the first lower case 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The first paper feed cassette 3A is a recording paper P that is cut into, for example, A4 size, letter size, legal size, postcard size, etc. as a recording medium, and its short side is in the paper transport direction (sub-scanning direction, X-axis direction). And a storage section (main cassette section) 31 that can be stacked and stored so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the direction (direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG. 2, main scanning direction, Y-axis direction). An auxiliary support member 30 that supports the rear end of the long recording paper P such as a legal size is mounted on the front end (side closer to the opening 20a) of the first paper feed cassette 3A so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. ing. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the auxiliary support member 30 is disposed at a position protruding from the housing 2 to the outside. However, the auxiliary support member 30 is housed in the first paper feed cassette 3A (from the opening 2a to the first lower case 20). When the recording paper P of A4 size or the like is used, the auxiliary support member 30 can be stored in the first paper feed cassette 3A so as not to interfere with paper feed.

  In addition, an inclined separation plate 8 for paper separation is disposed on the rear side of the upper first paper feed cassette 3A. Further, on the housing 2 side, an upper end portion of a paper feed arm 6a in the first paper feed means 6 described in detail later is mounted so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction, and is attached to a lower end (free end portion) of the paper feed arm 6a. The recording paper P, which is the recording medium deposited in the first paper feed cassette 3A, is separated and conveyed one by one by the provided paper feed roller 6b and the inclined separation plate 8. The separated recording paper P is supplied to the recording unit 7 provided on the upper side (higher position) than the upper first paper feeding cassette 3A via the first horizontal U-turn path 27. The inclined separation plate 8 is provided with a sawtooth elastic separation pad 8a for promoting separation by contacting the leading edge of the recording paper P at the center of the recording paper P in the width direction (Y-axis direction). ing.

  The configuration and mounting structure of the first paper feeding means 6 and the second paper feeding means 65 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The first paper feeding means 6 is a frame-shaped feeding made of synthetic resin as described above. A paper feed roller 6b in which a high friction coefficient member such as rubber is wound around the outer periphery is rotatably supported at the free end (lower end) of the paper arm 6a. A distal end portion of a synthetic resin drive shaft 74 is rotatably supported. The feed roller 6b is configured to rotate in a certain direction by the rotational drive of the drive shaft 74.

  The second paper feeding means 65 for separating and feeding the recording paper P deposited in a large amount of about 250 sheets in the second paper feeding cassette 3B one by one is similar to the first paper feeding means 6 described above. The configuration is the same. That is, a paper feed roller 65b around which a high friction coefficient member such as rubber is wound is rotatably supported at the free end portion (lower end) of the synthetic resin frame-like paper feed arm. Similarly, the base end portion of the driving shaft 66 made of synthetic resin is rotatably supported. The paper feed roller 65b is configured to rotate in a certain direction by the rotational drive of the drive shaft 66. The recording paper P accumulated in the second paper feed cassette 3B is conveyed one by one by the paper feed roller 65b, and the recording provided on the upper side (higher position) than the second paper feed cassette 3B via the second U-turn path 34. Supplied to the unit 7.

  Note that a registration sensor 33 (see FIG. 3) is disposed upstream of the conveyance roller 22a and the pressing roller 22b in the sheet conveyance direction and in the vicinity of the conveyance downstream side junction of the first U-turn path 27 and the second U-turn path 34. Has been. By rotating the LF motor 71 (see FIG. 3) for a predetermined number of steps after the leading edge of the recording paper P passes through the position of the registration sensor 33, the recording paper P can be aligned at a desired position. .

  Next, a paper feeding operation at the time of printing in the multifunction peripheral device 1 of the present embodiment will be described. The multifunction peripheral device 1 is configured to switch between setting and non-setting of the continuous sheet feeding mode by switching a sheet feeding mechanism connection gear (not shown) connected to the LF motor 71 (see FIG. 3). Has been. Hereinafter, a sheet feeding operation in each case where the continuous sheet feeding mode is not set as a mode during printing and the case where the continuous sheet feeding mode is set will be described.

  When the continuous paper feed mode is not set, first, for paper feed operation, the LF motor 71 (see FIG. 3) is reversely rotated to selectively select only one of the paper feed roller 6b and the paper feed roller 65b. Driven in the feed direction. Here, the description will be made assuming that the paper feed roller 6b is rotationally driven. When the continuous paper feed mode is not set, the conveyance roller 22a is in a reverse rotation state in which the recording paper P is not sent below the recording head 4 when the LF motor 71 rotates reversely. Then, the uppermost recording paper P among the recording papers P accumulated in the first cassette 3A is separated by the rotational driving of the paper feed roller 6b, and the leading edge of the recording paper P passes the position of the registration sensor 33. The reverse rotation of the LF motor 71 is continued for a predetermined number of steps after the passage until it abuts against the conveying roller 22a and the pressing roller 22b. Next, the recording paper P is cued by appropriately rotating the LF motor 71 by the number of steps. The cueing operation means that the front end of the recording paper P passes through the position of the registration sensor 33 and then advances to a predetermined position below the recording head 4 and is set to a position where printing can be started.

  In this way, the recording paper P sandwiched between the conveying roller 22a and the pressing roller 22b is intermittently conveyed on the platen 19 with a predetermined line feed width. The recording head 4 is scanned for each line feed, and image recording is performed from the front end side of the recording paper P. Thereafter, the leading end side of the recording paper P on which image recording has been performed is sandwiched between a spur roller 23a and a paper discharge roller 23b. Accordingly, the recording paper P is intermittently conveyed with a predetermined line feed width with the front end side held between the spur roller 23a and the paper discharge roller 23b and the rear end side held between the conveying roller 22a and the pressing roller 22b. Similarly, image recording is performed by the recording head 4. When the recording paper P is further conveyed, the trailing end of the recording paper P passes through the conveying roller 22a and the pressing roller 22b, and the nipping by these is released. Accordingly, the recording paper P is sandwiched between the spur roller 23a and the paper discharge roller 23b and intermittently conveyed with a predetermined line feed width, and image recording is performed by the recording head 4 in the same manner. After image recording is performed on a predetermined area of the recording paper P, the paper discharge roller 23b is continuously driven to rotate. As a result, the recording paper held by the spur roller 23 a and the paper discharge roller 23 b is discharged to the paper discharge unit 10. Then, if there is image data for the next page, the LF motor 71 is rotated in the reverse direction again to rotate the paper feed roller 6b to start feeding the next recording paper P.

  On the other hand, when the continuous paper feed mode is set, either the paper feed roller 6b or the paper feed roller 65b is selectively fed by rotating the LF motor 71 (see FIG. 3) forward. It is rotationally driven in the direction. Here, the description will be made assuming that the paper feed roller 6b is rotationally driven. Further, by the forward rotation of the LF motor 71, in addition to the paper feed roller 6b, the transport roller 22a and the paper discharge roller 23b are also rotationally driven in the direction of transporting the recording paper P in the transport direction. Therefore, while the recording unit 7 is printing while one recording sheet P on the platen 19 is intermittently advanced by the transport roller 22a, the recording sheet P of the first sheet cassette 3A is fed. The paper is fed to the first U-turn path 27 on the recording unit 7 side by the paper roller 6b.

  When the continuous paper feed mode is not set, after the recording paper is discharged to the paper discharge unit 10, if there is no image data for the next page, the rotation of the LF motor 71 is stopped, and the transport roller 22a and the paper discharge roller 23b. Rotation drive of is stopped. On the other hand, when the continuous paper feeding mode is set, the feeding of the next recording paper P is started while the image data of the last page is printed on the recording paper. Therefore, the recording paper P that was being fed from the first cassette 3A at the end of printing the last page is interrupted by the stop of the LF motor 71, and is kept in the first U-turn path 27 as it is.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration of the control unit 64 of the multifunction peripheral device 1. The control unit 64 controls the overall operation of the multi-function peripheral device 1, but the detailed configuration of the scanner device 3 is not described in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 64 is configured as a microcomputer mainly including a CPU 75, a ROM 76, a RAM 77, and an EEPROM 78, and is connected to an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 70 via a bus 79.

  The CPU 75 is a central processing that comprehensively controls the multi-function peripheral device 1 and executes various programs such as a program that executes the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.

  The ROM 76 is a non-volatile memory that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 75 and fixed value data. In particular, the ROM 76 causes the CPU 75 to execute print processing described later with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. The program is stored. The RAM 77 is used as a storage area or a work area for temporarily recording various data used when the CPU 75 executes the program, and includes a discharge timer 77a and a standby sheet information memory 77b.

  The discharge timer 77a sets the waiting time for the recording paper P that is fed from the first cassette 3A or the second cassette 3B and waits on the transport path (the first U turn path 27 or the second U turn path 34) on the recording unit 7 side. It is a timer to hold. When the recording paper P is made to stand by on the conveyance path when printing is completed, the discharge timer 77a is in accordance with the type and thickness of the recording paper P on the conveyance path and the environmental temperature of the multifunction peripheral device 1. The waiting time is set. The waiting time set in the discharge timer 77a is counted down every predetermined time (for example, 1 second). When the waiting time held by the discharge timer 77a expires (becomes "0"), the recording paper P that has been waiting on the transport path is discharged. Therefore, by changing the waiting time set in the discharge timer 77a according to the type and thickness of the recording paper P and the environmental temperature of the multi-function peripheral device 1, the time for which the recording paper P waits in the transport path is It can be set as long as possible. The discharge timer 77a is reset (“0”) when the recording paper P is not kept on the transport path. Therefore, based on whether or not the discharge timer 77a is in the reset state, it can be determined whether or not the recording paper P is waiting on the transport path.

  The standby sheet information memory 77b is a memory for storing the type of the recording sheet P used for the most recent printing process in which the continuous sheet feeding mode is set and printed.

  The EEPROM 78 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory and includes a standby time memory 78a. The standby time memory 78a stores a standby time corresponding to the type of the recording paper P.

  The ASIC 70 generates a phase excitation signal and the like for energizing the LF (conveyance) motor 71 in accordance with a command from the CPU 75, applies the signal to the drive circuit 72 a of the LF motor 71, and drives the drive signal via the drive circuit 72 a. The LF motor 71 is rotated by energizing the LF motor 71.

  The drive circuit 72a drives the LF motor 71 connected to the paper feed roller 6b, the paper feed roller 65b, the transport roller 22a, and the paper discharge roller 23b, receives the output signal from the ASIC 70, and receives the LF motor 71. An electric signal for rotating the is formed. In response to the electrical signal, the LF motor 71 rotates in the forward or reverse direction, and the rotational force of the LF motor 71 is fed through a known drive mechanism including a gear, a drive shaft and the like, and the paper feed roller 6b and the paper feed roller 65b. Then, it is transmitted to the conveying roller 22a and the paper discharge roller 23b. Note that a paper feed mechanism connection gear (not shown) is connected to the LF motor 71, and the continuous paper feed mode can be switched between setting and non-setting by switching the paper feed mechanism connection gear.

  Similarly, the ASIC 70 generates a phase excitation signal and the like for energizing a CR (carriage) motor 73 in accordance with a command from the CPU 75, applies the signal to the drive circuit 72b of the CR motor 73, and passes through the drive circuit 73b. Thus, the rotation control of the CR motor 73 is performed by energizing the CR motor 73 with a drive signal.

  The drive circuit 72 b drives the CR motor 73 connected to the carriage 5, receives an output signal from the ASIC 70, and forms an electrical signal for rotating the CR motor 73. Upon receipt of the electrical signal, the CR motor 73 rotates, and the rotational force of the CR motor 73 is transmitted to the carriage 5 via a belt drive mechanism (not shown), whereby the carriage 5 is scanned.

  The drive circuit 72c selectively ejects ink from the recording head 4 onto the recording paper at a predetermined timing. The drive circuit 72c receives an output signal generated by the ASIC 70 based on a drive control procedure output from the CPU 75. The drive of the recording head 4 is controlled.

  The ASIC 70 also includes a registration sensor 33 for detecting the recording paper P in the conveyance path, a rotary encoder 86 for detecting the rotation amount of the conveyance roller 22a, and a linear encoder 87 for detecting the movement amount of the carriage 5. Is connected.

  The ASIC 70 is connected to a temperature sensor (thermistor) 82 for detecting the temperature (environmental temperature) inside the multifunction peripheral device 1, particularly the temperature in the vicinity of the recording head 4. Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 82, the amount of ink discharged from the recording head 4 is controlled, and the waiting time described later is corrected.

  Further, the ASIC 70 includes an operation panel 4 for instructing operation of the scanner device 3 and the multifunction peripheral device 1, a slot portion 85 into which various small memory cards are inserted, an external device such as a personal computer, a parallel cable and a USB cable. A parallel interface 83 and a USB interface 84 for transmitting / receiving data are connected. Further, an NCU (Network Control Unit) 80 and MODEM 81 for realizing a facsimile function are also connected.

  With reference to FIG. 4, the printing process in the multifunction peripheral device 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the printing process executed in the multi-function peripheral device 1. This printing process is a process that starts when the multifunction peripheral device 1 is turned on. First, it is determined whether or not a print execution command has been issued (S2). The “print execution command” includes, in addition to image data to be printed, the type of recording paper P, the thickness of the recording paper P, paper information indicating a cassette storing the recording paper P to be used, and “continuous paper feeding”. This includes mode information indicating whether or not to set “mode”.

  For example, when the user selects “continuous paper feeding mode” on the print instruction screen of the computer connected to the multi-function peripheral device 1 and issues a print instruction, the mode information is displayed in the printer driver installed in the computer in advance. Is generated and output to the multi-function peripheral device 1. Alternatively, when image data read by the scanner device 3 or facsimile data received by the facsimile function is input, these data, and paper information and mode information preset in the multi-function peripheral device 1 are included. A “print execution instruction” is generated.

  When a print execution command is detected (S2: Yes), the type of the recording paper P is determined based on the print execution command (S3). In the following printing process, it is assumed that the recording paper P stored in the paper feed cassette 3A is determined based on the paper information included in the print execution command.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the recording paper P is waiting on the transport path (first U-turn path 27 or second U-turn path 34) (S4). This can be determined based on whether or not the discharge timer 77a (see FIG. 3) is in a reset state. This is because, as described above, the discharge timer 77a is in a reset state when the recording paper P is not waiting on the conveyance path. For example, based on a signal from the registration sensor 33 (see FIG. 3), it may be determined whether or not the recording paper P is waiting on the conveyance path.

  When the recording paper P is not kept on the conveyance path, that is, when the discharge timer 77a is in the reset state (S4: No), the processing of S6 and S8 is skipped, and the type determined based on the print execution command. The recording paper P is fed from the first cassette 3A and is cued in the recording unit 7 (S10). Then, the process proceeds to a print execution process (S12) described later.

  On the other hand, if the recording paper P is on standby in the transport path (S4: Yes), does the type of the recording paper P on standby match the type of recording paper P determined in the process of S3? It is determined whether or not (S6). In the standby paper information memory 77b, the type of the recording paper P used for the most recent printing process in which the continuous paper feeding mode is set and stored is stored. That is, the standby paper information memory 77b stores the type of the recording paper P that is fed to the transport path at the end of the most recent printing and is on standby, so the recording stored in the standby paper information memory 77b is stored. It is determined whether or not the type of the paper P matches the type of the recording paper P determined based on the print execution command.

  When the type of the recording paper P waiting in the transport path matches the type of the recording paper P determined in the process of S3 (S6: Yes), the recording paper P that is waiting is stored in the recording unit 7. Cueing (S10) and the process proceeds to a print execution process (S12) described later. That is, the recording paper P that has been waiting on the transport path from the end of the previous printing can be transported to the recording unit 7 and printing can be performed on the recording paper P.

  On the other hand, when the type of the recording paper P that has been waiting does not match the type of the recording paper P that is used in the current printing (S6: No), first, the LF motor 71 (see FIG. 3) is reversely rotated. Thus, the paper feed roller 6b or the paper feed roller 65b is driven to rotate, the recording paper P waiting in the transport path is fed to the recording unit 7, and then the LF motor 71 is rotated forward to thereby transport the transport roller 22a. The recording paper P sent to the recording unit 7 is discharged by rotating the paper discharge roller 23b (S8). If the recording paper P that is waiting in the transport path and the type of recording paper P that is used in the current printing are different, if the standby recording paper P is used as it is, printing different from what the user intended is performed. This is because a result is obtained, which is not preferable. Subsequently, the paper feed roller 6b is driven to rotate, the recording paper P is fed from the first cassette 3A, is cued in the recording unit 7 (S10), and the process proceeds to a print execution process (S12) described later.

  The print execution process (S12) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the print execution process. In the print execution process, first, based on the mode information included in the print execution command, it is determined whether or not the continuous paper feed mode has been instructed (S122).

  When the continuous paper feed mode is not instructed (S122: No), ink is ejected from the recording head 4 while moving the carriage 5 waiting at the print start position, and 1 generated based on the print execution command. The image data for the line feed width is printed on the recording paper P (S124). Printing by the recording head 4 may be performed either in the reciprocating direction of the carriage 5 or in one direction. When the printing of the image data for one line feed is completed, the recording paper P is transported by the line feed width by the transport roller 22a (S125).

  When such printing operation is repeated and printing of image data for one page is completed (S126: Yes), the paper discharge roller 23b is driven to discharge the recording paper P (S127). Then, it is determined whether there is image data for the next page (S128). If there is image data for the next page (S128: Yes), the paper feed roller 6b is driven to rotate, the next recording paper P is fed from the first cassette 3A, and the transport roller 22a is driven to rotate so that the recording paper. C is cued (S129). Then, the process returns to S124, and the image data of the next page is printed. When such printing operation is repeated and printing of the image data of the last page is finished, it is determined that there is no image data of the next page (S128: No).

  Next, the discharge timer 77a is reset (S130), and the print execution process is terminated. That is, when the continuous paper feeding mode is not set, feeding of the next recording paper P is started only when there is image data for the next page (S128: Yes) (S129). After the printing is finished, the recording paper P does not stay in the transport path. Therefore, the discharge timer 77a is reset to “0”, which is a value indicating that there is no recording paper P in the transport path.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the continuous paper feed mode has been instructed based on the print execution command (S122: Yes), the paper feed mechanism connection gear (not shown) connected to the LF motor 71 (see FIG. 3). ) And the continuous paper feed mode is set (S131). Accordingly, when the LF motor 71 (see FIG. 3) is rotated forward, the paper feed roller 6b is rotationally driven in the paper feed direction, and the transport roller 22a and the paper discharge roller 23b move the recording paper P in the transport direction. A continuous paper feed mode that is rotationally driven in the carrying direction is set.

  Then, the image data for each band unit corresponding to one linefeed width generated based on the image data included in the print execution command is transferred from the recording head 4 while moving the carriage 5 waiting at the print start position. Ink is ejected to print on the recording paper P (S132). When the printing of the image data for one line feed width is completed, the recording paper P is transported by the line feed width by the transport roller 22a and the paper discharge roller 23b (S133). Next, it is determined whether or not the printing of the image data for one page has been completed (S134). If the printing has not been completed (S134: No), the process returns to S132 and the process is repeated. Since the continuous paper feed mode is set, the first paper feed cassette 3A is being printed while the recording unit 7 is printing while one recording paper P is intermittently advanced by the transport roller 22a. The recording paper P is fed to the recording unit 7 side by the paper feed roller 6b.

  Such printing operation is repeated, and printing of image data for one page is completed (S134: Yes). Then, it is determined whether there is image data for the next page (S136). When there is image data for the next page (S136: Yes), the forward rotation of the LF motor 71 (see FIG. 3) is continued, and the recording paper P on the platen 19 (see FIG. 2) is discharged by the discharge roller 23b. Further, the recording paper P that has already been fed to the transport path by the paper feed roller 6b is advanced to the printable position on the platen 19 by the transport roller 22a, and printing of the image data of the next page is started. (S132).

  On the other hand, when there is no image data of the next page (S136: No), that is, when printing of the image data of the last page is finished, the recording paper P on the platen 19 is discharged, and then the LF motor 71 (see FIG. 3). ) Is stopped (S137). Thereby, the rotational driving of the paper feed roller 6b, the transport roller 22a, and the paper discharge roller 23b is all stopped. Therefore, the recording paper P supplied to the conveyance path when the image data of the last page is printed is kept on the conveyance path as it is.

  Next, the type of the recording paper P used in the current printing is stored in the standby paper information memory 77b (S137a). That is, the standby paper information memory 77b stores the type of the recording paper P that is waiting on the transport path. Then, the setting of the continuous paper feed mode is canceled by switching a paper feed mechanism connection gear (not shown) connected to the LF motor 71 (see FIG. 3) (S137b).

  Next, a discharge time setting process (S138) described later is executed. That is, in printing in which the continuous paper feeding mode is set, the recording paper P is kept on the conveyance path after the printing is finished. If the waiting time in the transport path is long, the recording paper P is undesirably bent. Therefore, after the end of printing in which the continuous paper feed mode is set, in the discharge time setting process (S138), the waiting time for the recording paper P is set, and the next waiting time after the set waiting time has passed. When the print execution command is not detected, the recording paper P in the transport path is discharged.

  The discharge time setting process (S138) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the discharge time setting process (S138). In the discharge time setting process (S138), the standby time according to the type of the recording paper P that is waiting, the thickness of the recording paper P, or the environmental temperature of the multi-function peripheral device 1 is acquired and set in the discharge timer 77a. It is processing to do.

  First, the type of the recording paper P waiting in the transport path is determined (S1382). The type of the recording paper P that is waiting can be acquired based on the type of the recording paper P stored in the standby paper information memory 77b. As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the recording paper P waiting on the conveyance path is plain paper, the standby time 1800 sec (= 30 min) associated with the plain paper is read from the standby time memory 78a. (S1384). On the other hand, when the recording paper P is inkjet paper, the standby time 1200 sec (= 20 min) associated with the inkjet paper is read from the standby time memory 78a (S1386). On the other hand, when the recording paper P is glossy paper, the standby time 600 sec (= 10 min) associated with the glossy paper is read from the standby time memory 78a.

  Note that the waiting time associated with the type of the recording paper P means that the type of the recording paper P stays in the transport path continuously at the normal temperature (20 ° C. to 30 ° C.) for the waiting time or longer. In other words, when the recording paper P is used for subsequent printing, the recording paper P may be bent to such an extent that the printing paper is adversely affected. The waiting time according to the type of the recording paper P is obtained in advance by experiments or the like and stored in the waiting time memory 78a (see FIG. 3). By experiment, the longest possible waiting time within a range that does not adversely affect printing is determined for each type of recording paper P, and the waiting time for the recording paper P is as long as possible by using the waiting time. Can be obtained.

  Next, the paper thickness of the recording paper P waiting in the conveyance path is determined (S1390). When the waiting recording paper P is a thick paper, a correction is performed by subtracting 180 sec (= 3 min) from the waiting time set in the discharge timer 77a (S1392). That is, when the recording paper P that has been waiting is a thick paper, the recording paper P is more likely to be bent than when the recording paper P is not a thick paper. Therefore, when the recording paper P in the transport path is a thick sheet, the standby time read from the standby time memory 78a is corrected and set to a shorter value. Note that the paper thickness of the recording paper P can be acquired based on, for example, paper information included in the print execution command.

  Next, the internal temperature (environmental temperature) of the multifunction peripheral device 1 acquired by the temperature sensor 82 (see FIG. 3), particularly the temperature near the recording head 4 is determined (S1394). When the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor 82 is normal temperature, specifically, when it is higher than 20 ° C. and lower than 30 ° C., the standby time is not corrected, and the discharge time setting process (S138) is ended. On the other hand, when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor 82 is 20 ° C. or lower (S 1396) or 30 ° C. or higher (S 1398), correction for subtracting 300 sec (= 5 min) from the standby time is executed. This is because when the temperature is low (20 ° C. or lower) and the temperature is higher (30 ° C.) or higher, the recording paper P is more likely to be bent compared to the normal temperature (20 ° C. to 30 ° C.). The waiting time acquired in this way is set in the discharge timer 77a.

  Returning to FIG. As described above, when the print execution process (S12) is completed, the process returns to S2, and it is determined whether or not there is a next print execution command (S2). If there is no print execution command (S2: No), it is determined whether or not the discharge timer 77a is in a reset state (S14). If the continuous paper feed mode has not been set in the previous printing, the discharge timer 77a is reset at the end of the printing (S14: Yes), and the process returns to S2.

  On the other hand, when the continuous paper feed mode has been set in the previous printing, the standby time is set in the discharge timer 77a by the discharge time setting process (S138). Therefore, since the discharge timer 77a is not in the reset state (S14: No), the waiting time held by the discharge timer 77a is then counted down (S16). Note that the process of counting down the waiting time in S16 is performed, for example, every second. That is, the waiting time held in the discharge timer 77a is counted down by “1” every second.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the discharge timer 77a has timed up, that is, whether or not the waiting time held in the discharge timer 77a has become “0” (S18). While the discharge timer 77a does not expire (S18: No), the process is repeated from S2. If a print execution command is detected before the discharge timer 77a expires (S2), the processing from S3 to S12 described above is executed, and printing is performed based on the print execution command.

  On the other hand, when the above-described processing is repeated, the print execution command is not detected (S2: No), and the waiting time held in the discharge timer 77a is counted down by "1" every second and becomes "0". That is, when the discharge timer 77a times out (S18: Yes), the recording paper that has been waiting in the conveyance path by rotating the LF motor 71 (see FIG. 3) and rotating the paper feed roller 6b is recorded on the recording unit. Then, the LF motor is rotated forward to rotate the transport roller 22a and the paper discharge roller 23b, and the recording paper P sent to the recording unit 7 is discharged (S22). Return. If the print execution command is not detected (S2: No), the discharge timer 77a is in a reset state (“0”) (S14), and the discharge timer counts down (S16). The paper P discharge process (S22) is not performed, and the process returns to S2.

  According to the multi-function peripheral device 1 of the present embodiment, the waiting time set in the discharge timer 77a by the discharge time setting process (S138) is the type of the recording paper P waiting in the transport path and the recording paper P. This is in accordance with at least one of the thickness and the environmental temperature of the multifunction peripheral device 1. As a result, it is possible to set a long standby time as a whole as compared with a case where a uniform standby time is set regardless of the above conditions. Therefore, since the frequency at which the recording medium supplied to the transport path is discharged without being printed is reduced, it is possible to suppress the burden on the user from processing the recording paper P discharged without printing. In addition, wasteful use of the recording paper P can be suppressed.

  Further, in the discharge time setting process (S138), first, the waiting time corresponding to the type of the recording paper P is read, and the read waiting time is corrected according to other conditions and waiting time is corrected. Since it is acquired, it is possible to set a fine waiting time.

  Further, when printing based on a newly detected execution command is performed before the waiting time has elapsed since the end of the previous printing, the type of recording paper P to be printed is made to wait in the transport path. If the recording paper P matches the type of the recording paper P that is being printed (S6: Yes), printing can be performed on the recording paper P that is waiting. Therefore, since the recording paper P once supplied to the transport path can be effectively used for the next printing, it is not necessary to discharge the paper without printing, and the work burden on the user can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, when printing is performed based on a newly detected execution command before the waiting time has elapsed since the end of the previous printing, the type of recording paper P to be printed is made to wait in the transport path. If it is determined that the recording paper P does not match the type of the recording paper P that has been set (S6: No), the recording paper P is discharged without being printed on the recording paper P that has been waiting (S8). It is possible to prevent printing on an inappropriate type of recording paper, and to prevent the user from being burdened with work such as redoing a print instruction.

  The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  With reference to FIG. 7, the printing process (refer FIG. 4) of a 1st modification is demonstrated. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the printing process of the first modification, and corresponds to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the printing process of the first modified example is different in that the processes of S203 to S208 are executed instead of the processes of S3 to S8 in the printing process of FIG. Common to the printing process. In the first modified example of the printing process shown in FIG. 7, parts that are the same as those in the printing process of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the printing process of the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 4), the type of recording paper P is determined based on the print execution command (S3), and the determined type of recording paper P is stored in the standby paper information memory 77b. It is determined whether or not it matches the type of the recording paper P that has been printed, and if it does not match, the recording paper P on the transport path is discharged without printing (S6). On the other hand, in the printing process of the first modified example, the cassette that stores the recording paper P in the transport path matches the cassette that stores the recording paper P that is to be printed based on the print execution command. In the case of disagreement, the recording paper P that has been waiting is discharged without being printed. In the printing process of the embodiment (see FIG. 4), it has been described that the type of the recording sheet P used in the previous printing is stored in the standby sheet information memory 77b. In the printing process (see FIG. 7), the standby sheet information memory 77b stores information indicating the cassette storing the recording sheet P used in the previous printing instead of the type of the recording sheet P. Explain that it is.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the printing process of the first modification, based on the print execution command, a cassette for storing the recording paper P to be printed based on the print execution command is determined (S203). In the case of the multifunction peripheral device 1 described above, since the first cassette 3A and the second cassette 3B are provided, one of the cassettes is determined.

  Then, it is determined whether or not there is a recording sheet on the conveyance path (S204). If there is a sheet on the conveyance path (S204: Yes), the determined cassette is indicated by information stored in the standby sheet information memory 77b. It is determined whether or not the selected cassette matches (S206). If they do not match (S206: No), the recording paper P in the transport path is discharged (S208). On the other hand, if they match (S206: Yes), the recording paper P in the transport path can be cued in the recording unit 7 (S10) and used for printing. Usually, since the same type of recording paper P is stored in one cassette, when the cassette used in the previous printing matches the cassette used in the current printing, the type of the recording paper P also matches. It can be determined. Therefore, also in the printing process of the first modified example, the same effect as the printing process of the embodiment can be obtained.

  Next, a second modification of the printing process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the printing process of the second modified example, and corresponds to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the printing process of the second modified example is different from the printing process of the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 4) in that the processes of S300 to S318 are provided. Common to the printing process shown in In the second modified example of the printing process shown in FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to the portions that are the same as the printing process of the embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  First, an outline of the printing process of the second modification will be described. In the printing process of the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 4), when the discharge timer 77b expires, the recording paper P on the transport path is discharged. On the other hand, in the printing process of the second modification, when the discharge timer 77b expires, first, the user is notified that the recording paper P to be removed is in the transport path, such as “please remove the paper”. Characters and images for this purpose are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 14a (see FIG. 1). When the user issues a predetermined key operation on the operation panel 14 to instruct paper discharge, the recording paper P in the transport path is discharged.

  Further, in the printing process of the second modified example, after the recording paper P to be removed is in the transport path is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 14a and notified to the user, a predetermined discharge is not performed by the user. When the time has elapsed, the recording paper P in the transport path is forcibly discharged even if the user does not instruct to discharge the paper.

  With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the printing process of the second modification will be described in more detail. In the printing process of the second modified example, the RAM 77 includes a forced paper discharge timer for controlling the time until the recording paper P on the transport path is forcibly discharged after the display on the liquid crystal display device 14a. (See FIG. 3).

  First, if there is no print execution command (S2: No), it is determined whether or not the forced paper discharge timer is in a reset state (S300). Initially, the forced paper discharge timer is in a reset state (S300: Yes), and then it is determined whether or not the discharge timer 77b is in a reset state (S308). When the continuous paper feed mode is set in the previous printing and the recording paper P is waiting on the transport path, the discharge timer 77b is not in the reset state because the standby time is set in the discharge timer 77b ( S308: No). While the discharge timer 77b is not in the reset state (S308: No), the standby time held in the discharge timer 77 is counted down by 1 every second (S310), and the standby time held in the discharge timer 77b is counted. The process is repeated until “0” is reached. When the waiting time held in the discharge timer 77b becomes “0” and it is determined that the discharge timer 77b is up (S312: Yes), the message “Please remove paper” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 14a ( S314). Then, a predetermined time (for example, 600 sec) is set in the forced paper discharge timer (S316), and the process returns to S2.

  Next, when there is no print execution command (S2: No), it is determined whether or not the forced paper discharge timer is in a reset state. After the message is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 14a, the forced paper discharge timer is not in a reset state (S300: No), so the process proceeds to S301, and the time held in the forced paper discharge timer is set every second. Is counted down by 1 (S302). If the value still held in the forced paper discharge timer does not become “0” (S302: No), it is determined whether or not the user has instructed paper discharge from the operation panel 14 (S303). When the user does not instruct paper discharge from the operation panel 14 (S303: No), it is determined whether or not the discharge timer 77b is in a reset state (S308). After the message is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 14a, the discharge timer 77b is in a reset state ("0") (S308: Yes), so the process returns to S2 and the process is repeated. That is, it continues to monitor whether or not the user has instructed the paper discharge from the operation panel 14. While the process is repeated in this manner, if a discharge operation is instructed by a predetermined operation on the operation panel 14, the forced discharge timer is reset (S304), and the LF motor 71 (see FIG. 3). Is rotated to discharge the recording paper P in the transport path (S306), and the forced paper discharge timer is reset (S307).

  On the other hand, if the user does not instruct paper discharge while repeating the process in this way, the forced paper discharge timer holds it after a predetermined time (for example, 600 seconds) has elapsed since the message was displayed on the liquid crystal display device 14a. The recorded time becomes “0”. That is, the forced paper discharge timer counts up (S302: Yes). In this case, the drive motor 71 is rotationally driven to discharge the recording paper P in the transport path (S318). That is, the recording paper P is discharged without a user's instruction for paper discharge.

  Thus, according to the printing process of the second modified example, the liquid crystal display device 14a displays that the recording paper P is waiting, and the paper is discharged based on the operation of the user who sees the display. Do not give the user a suspicious impression. If the recording paper P is automatically discharged without being based on the user's operation, depending on the user, the origin of the unprinted recording paper P may not be known, and a suspicious impression may be received. It is. Further, for example, even when the user cannot instruct paper discharge because the user is far away from the multifunction peripheral device 1, the recording paper P is automatically discharged after a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, the recording paper P is reliably suppressed from staying in the transport path for a long time.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the discharge time setting process (S138), the waiting time corresponding to the type of paper is read from the waiting time memory 78a, and the read waiting time is set as the thickness of the recording paper P, the The correction was made based on the environmental temperature of the functional peripheral device 1. For example, the waiting time is calculated by inputting the thickness of the recording paper P or the environmental temperature of the multifunction peripheral device 1 into a predetermined calculation formula. It may be. In this way, it is possible to obtain a more detailed waiting time. As a result, the frequency at which the recording paper P in the transport path is discharged without being printed is further reduced, and the work burden on the user is suppressed.

  In the discharge time setting process (S138) in the above-described embodiment, the standby time based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 82 is corrected only once. However, after printing is finished, the temperature is set at predetermined intervals. It is also possible to detect and correct the waiting time multiple times. In this way, a finer waiting time can be acquired according to the temperature change after the end of printing, and therefore the frequency at which the recording paper P in the transport path is discharged without being printed further decreases. To do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the paper type is considered to be a paper type such as plain paper, inkjet paper, glossy paper, and the like. However, for example, in addition to the paper type, recording paper is used as the paper type information. The size of P may also be included.

  In the above-described embodiment, the type of the recording paper P in the transport path is determined based on the paper information included in the print execution command. However, the type of the recording paper P in the transport path is detected by a sensor. It may be a thing.

It is a perspective view of the multifunction peripheral device of this invention. It is a sectional side view of the paper feed cassette portion of the multifunction peripheral device. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a multifunction peripheral device. 6 is a flowchart of print processing executed in the multi-function peripheral device. 6 is a flowchart of print execution processing executed in the multi-function peripheral device. It is a flowchart of the discharge time set process performed in a multifunction peripheral device. It is a flowchart of the printing process of a 1st modification. It is a flowchart of the printing process of a 2nd modification.

Explanation of symbols

1 Multifunctional peripheral device (printing device)
7 Recording part (printing means)
3A First paper feed cassette (storage means)
3B Second paper feed cassette (storage means)
14 Liquid crystal display device (display means)
22a Conveyance roller (part of supply means)
6 First paper feed means (part of supply means)
64 Control unit (computer)
65 Second paper feed means (part of supply means)
77b Standby paper information memory (recording medium information storage means)
78a Standby time memory (standby time storage means)
S3 recording medium type determining means, recording medium type determining step S6 type determining means, type determining step S8 second forced paper discharging means, second forced paper discharging step S10 continuous printing means S22 page paper discharging means, page paper discharging steps S132 ~ S136 Continuous printing means S137a Recording medium information storage step S138 Standby time acquisition means, standby time acquisition step S203 Storage means determination means S206 Storage determination means S208 Third forced paper discharge means S306 Paper discharge operation means S314 Display processing means S318 First Forced paper discharge means P Recording paper (recording medium)

Claims (10)

Printing means capable of printing an image on a recording medium, storage means for storing the recording medium, and recording medium of the storage means on the printing means side while printing is performed on the recording medium by the printing means In a printing apparatus comprising a supply means for supplying,
A standby time acquisition unit for acquiring a standby time of the recording medium supplied to the printing unit by the supply unit;
When the execution instruction instructing printing to the printing unit is not detected even after the standby time acquired by the standby time acquisition unit has elapsed, the recording medium supplied to the printing unit side by the supply unit is discharged. Page discharge means for paper,
The standby time acquired by the standby time acquisition unit is in accordance with at least one condition of the type of the recording medium supplied to the printing unit, the thickness of the recording medium, or the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus. A printing apparatus characterized by being. Display means capable of displaying characters or images, printing means capable of printing an image on a recording medium, storage means for storing the recording medium, and while printing is being performed on the recording medium by the printing means In a printing apparatus comprising: a supply unit that supplies a recording medium of a storage unit to the printing unit side;
A standby time acquisition unit for acquiring a standby time of the recording medium supplied to the printing unit by the supply unit;
When an execution instruction for instructing printing to the printing unit is not detected even after the standby time acquired by the standby time acquisition unit elapses, the display unit displays that there is a recording medium on the printing unit side. Display processing means for
The standby time acquired by the standby time acquisition unit is in accordance with at least one condition of the type of the recording medium supplied to the printing unit, the thickness of the recording medium, or the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus. A printing apparatus characterized by being.   The printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a paper discharge operation unit that discharges the recording medium supplied to the printing unit side by the supply unit based on a user operation.   First forcible paper discharge means for discharging the recording medium on the printing means side after a predetermined time has elapsed after the display processing means indicates that the recording means is present on the printing means side on the display means. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing apparatus is a printer. A standby time storage unit that stores a standby time corresponding to at least one of the type of the recording medium, the thickness of the recording medium, or the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus;
The standby time acquisition unit reads the standby time stored in the standby time storage unit, and determines the read standby time of the type of the recording medium, the thickness of the recording medium, or the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus. The waiting time is acquired after correcting based on other conditions different from the conditions associated with the waiting time storage means. The printing apparatus in any one. If an execution command for instructing printing to the printing unit is newly detected before the time acquired by the waiting time acquisition unit elapses, printing based on the newly detected execution command should be performed. A type determining unit that determines whether the type of the recording medium matches the type of the recording medium on the printing unit;
If the type determining means determines that the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction matches the type of the recording medium on the printing means side, the type determining means is on the printing means side. Continuous printing means for transporting the recording medium to the printing means and printing on the recording medium;
When the type determining means determines that the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction does not match the type of the recording medium on the printing means side, the printing means side 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second forced paper discharge unit that discharges the recording medium without printing on a recording medium. Recording medium type determining means for determining the type of recording medium to be printed based on the execution instruction based on the execution instruction for instructing printing to the printing means;
Recording medium information storage means for storing the type of the recording medium determined by the recording medium type determination means based on the execution instruction most recently completed printing;
When the execution command is newly detected, the type determination unit determines the type of the recording medium determined by the recording medium type determination unit based on the newly detected execution command, and the recording medium information storage unit. Whether the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction matches the type of the recording medium on the printing unit side by comparing the type of the recording medium stored in The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: A plurality of said storage means;
If an execution command for instructing printing processing to the printing unit is newly detected before the time acquired by the waiting time acquisition unit elapses, printing based on the newly detected execution command is performed. Storage determining means for determining whether storage means for storing the recording medium to be matched with storage means for storing the recording medium on the printing means side;
The storage determining means determines that the storage means for storing the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution command matches the storage means storing the recording medium on the printing means side. A continuous printing means for transporting the recording medium on the printing means side to the printing means and printing on the recording medium;
The storage determining means determines that the storage means for storing the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction does not match the storage means storing the recording medium on the printing means side. 6. The printing according to claim 1, further comprising a third forced paper discharge unit that discharges the recording medium without printing on the recording medium on the printing unit side. apparatus. Storage means determining means for determining a storage means for storing a recording medium to be printed based on the execution instruction based on an execution instruction for instructing the printing to the printing means;
Recording medium information storage means for storing the storage means determined by the storage means determination means, based on the execution command that has been printed most recently,
The storage determining means is stored in the storage means determined by the storage means determining means based on the newly detected execution instruction and the recording medium information storage means when the execution instruction is newly detected. The storage means for storing the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction by comparing the storage means with the storage means stored on the printing means side. 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein it is determined whether or not they match. Printing means capable of printing an image on a recording medium, storage means for storing the recording medium, and recording medium of the storage means on the printing means side while printing is performed on the recording medium by the printing means A printing control program for causing a computer connected to a printing apparatus provided with a supply means to control the printing apparatus,
The computer having standby time storage means for storing a standby time corresponding to at least one condition of the type of the recording medium, the thickness of the recording medium, or the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus,
The waiting time stored in the waiting time storage means is read out, and the read waiting time is stored as the waiting time storage means of the type of the recording medium, the thickness of the recording medium, or the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus. A standby time acquisition step for acquiring the standby time after correcting based on other conditions different from the conditions associated with
When the execution instruction instructing printing to the printing unit is not detected even after the standby time acquired in the standby time acquisition step elapses, the recording medium supplied to the printing unit by the supply unit is discharged. A page ejection step to make paper,
A recording medium type determining step for determining a type of recording medium to be printed based on the execution command based on the execution command for instructing printing to the printing unit;
A recording medium information storage step for storing the type of the recording medium determined by the recording medium type determination step in the recording medium information storage means of the computer, based on the execution command that has been printed most recently;
If the execution instruction is newly detected before the standby time acquired by the standby time acquisition step elapses, it is determined by the recording medium type determination step based on the newly detected execution instruction. By comparing the type of the recording medium with the type of the recording medium stored in the recording medium information storage unit, the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction is A type determining step for determining whether or not the type of the recording medium on the printing means side matches,
If it is determined by the type determining step that the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction is the same as the type of the recording medium on the printing unit side, it is on the printing unit side. A continuous printing step in which a recording medium is conveyed to the printing means and printing is performed on the recording medium;
When the type determining step determines that the type of the recording medium to be printed based on the newly detected execution instruction does not match the type of the recording medium on the printing unit side, the printing unit side A print control program for executing a second forced discharge step of discharging the recording medium without printing on a certain recording medium.

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