JP2010230947A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To speed up recognition speed for attached state of optional units when a main power source is connected. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: one or more optional units (paper supplying units); a control section that is connected with the optional units by a communication line for carrying out communication by emitting a fixed signal according to the attached position of the optional units and specifying the optional unit for carrying out the communication with; and a storing section for storing a state data indicating the attached state of respective optional units nonvolatile state. In this case, the control section recognizes the attached state of the optional units by referring to the state data, emitting an addition confirmation signal which is the signal for specifying the optional unit in the position for newly attaching the optional unit, confirming the existence of a response to the addition confirmation signal when the main power source is connected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a multifunction peripheral, and a facsimile machine in which an optional device is mounted for adding or expanding functions.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and multifunction machines have been prepared with various optional devices in order to expand and add functions of the image forming apparatus. For example, in order to accommodate more paper and increase the size of paper that can be used, an additional paper feeder (sometimes referred to as “paper feeder”), a duplex printing unit, or an image forming apparatus may be faxed. Various types such as a FAX board (substrate) for performing communication, a network board on which various connectors are mounted for performing network communication, a post-processing device for performing stapling processing on printed paper, etc. Optional devices exist.

Then, the control unit of the image forming apparatus communicates with each of the installed option devices when the main power is turned on, and recognizes the number of the installed devices, in order to control the installed option devices. For example, Patent Document 1 can be attached to an image forming apparatus by stacking a plurality of stages, for example, pulse width recognition means for recognizing a pulse width of a pulse received from an image forming apparatus or the like arranged in the upper stage, An option unit of an image forming apparatus is described that includes a pulse transmitting unit that transmits a pulse width to an attached second option unit and a transmitting unit that transmits information related to the image forming apparatus. This configuration solves problems such as the need for additional signal lines when the number of installed paper feed units increases in recognition and identification of each paper feed unit, and reduces the number of parts in the interface part between each option unit. (See Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraphs [0014], [0015], [0033], etc.).
JP2004-151660

  First, in order to avoid an increase in installation space of the image forming apparatus, some optional apparatuses can be stacked in a multistage manner below the image forming apparatus, such as a sheet feeding apparatus. A plurality of these sheet feeding devices can be added by stacking them. In addition, a duplex printing unit that reverses the front and back of a sheet is mounted below the image forming apparatus, and a sheet feeding device may be further stacked below the duplex printing unit.

  In general, when the main power is turned on, the control unit of the image forming apparatus communicates with each option device to recognize the mounting status of the option device. Thereafter, at the time of printing or the like, the control unit on the main body side communicates with the optional device whose installation has been confirmed to give an instruction, and actually uses the optional device. Here, in recent image forming apparatuses, in order to improve the convenience for the user, a tendency to shorten the time from when the main power is turned on until the image forming apparatus can be used is remarkable. Therefore, the shorter the time from turning on the main power supply to completing the recognition of the installation status of the optional device, the better.

  In general, in an optional device stacked in multiple stages such as a sheet feeding device, the control unit on the main body side communicates with each optional device in order from the uppermost option device to the lowermost option device, Check the installation status. Specifically, the control unit on the main unit makes a call in order from the upper option device, confirms the response to the call, and when a timeout occurs without a response to the call, the option device that last responded It is determined that there is no optional device at the lower level.

  However, in the conventional method, in order to check how many optional devices are installed, it is necessary to communicate with all of the multi-stage optional devices. That is, there is a problem that it takes time for the control unit of the image forming apparatus to recognize the number of stacking stages of the sheet feeding device or the like. In the invention described in Patent Document 1, the pulse width is changed and propagated to the lower stage, and after the time during which the stage number can be recognized in the last sheet feeding unit N has elapsed, the stage number recognition initialization is completed, Further, after the completion of the stage number recognition initialization, the image forming apparatus 1 performs data communication for recognizing the positional relationship with each option apparatus, so that the image forming apparatus 1 recognizes how many sheet feeding apparatuses are mounted. (Patent document 1: paragraphs [0020], [0022], [0023]). Therefore, Patent Document 1 does not describe any suggestions for solving the above problem.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention optimizes communication control between the control unit of the image forming apparatus and the optional device, thereby increasing the recognition speed of the mounting status of the optional device when the main power is turned on. Let it be an issue.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect includes one or a plurality of optional devices mounted on the image forming device directly or over another optional device, and the optional device and a communication line. A control unit that communicates with the optional device by designating the optional device that communicates by issuing a signal that is fixed according to the mounting position of the optional device, and mounting the optional device A storage unit that stores state data indicating a state in a nonvolatile manner, and the control unit refers to the state data when the main power is turned on, and specifies the optional device at a position where it can be newly attached. An extension confirmation signal is transmitted and the presence or absence of a response to the extension confirmation signal is confirmed to recognize the mounting state of the optional device.

  According to this configuration, by referring to the status data, the control unit recognizes the addition of the optional device without performing any communication with the optional device by comparing with the installation status of the optional device until the previous power-off. be able to. Here, the status data can include information such as the number of connections and connection positions of each option device.

  Therefore, when the main power is turned on, the recognition speed of the mounting status of the optional device is improved as compared with the prior art. Also, assuming that there is basically no change in the number of installed optional devices, it can be determined that there is no change in the installed status of the optional device from the previous power-off when there is no response to the expansion confirmation signal. The control unit can quickly recognize the connection number and connection position of each option device from the status data only by transmitting one extension confirmation signal.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when the control unit responds to the expansion confirmation signal when the main power is turned on, the option at a position where it can be newly mounted next. The extension confirmation signal for designating a device is transmitted, and the presence or absence of a response from the optional device to the extension confirmation signal is confirmed.

  According to this configuration, even when two or more optional devices are added, the number of added devices can be confirmed with the minimum number of communications without performing communication with all the optional devices. Therefore, when the main power is turned on, the recognition speed of the installation status of the optional device is improved as compared with the prior art.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the main power is turned on, the control unit refers to the status data when there is no response to the extension confirmation signal, and is removed first. The removal confirmation signal, which is the signal assigned to the optional device at the position to be transmitted, is transmitted, and the optional device confirms whether or not the removal is performed based on the presence / absence of a response to the removal confirmation signal.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to confirm whether the optional device has been removed without performing communication with all the optional devices. In other words, when the response to the removal confirmation signal is received from the optional device, the control unit can determine that there is no change in the mounting status of the optional device from the previous power-off. Therefore, the control unit can recognize the number of connections and the connection position of each option device from the state data.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third aspects of the invention, when the main unit is turned on, the control unit has a response to the expansion confirmation signal, and the expansion of the optional device is permitted. Alternatively, when the removal of the optional device is confirmed, the state data in the storage unit is updated.

  According to this configuration, since the status data is updated when a change in the mounting status of the optional device is recognized, the status data is immediately reflected in the recognition of the mounting status of the optional device when the main power is turned on next time.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the optional device is a paper feeding device that is loaded and mounted below the image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus, a stacking type paper feeding device is often used as an optional device. According to this configuration, the control unit does not communicate with all the paper feeding devices when the main power is turned on. The number of mounting stages can be recognized.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the paper feeding device includes a heater and a blower mechanism. In order to print a color image clearly, a coated paper (for example, for photographic printing) whose surface is coated with a chemical or the like may be accommodated in a paper feeding device. However, coated paper tends to be adsorbed by moisture between the papers, and some paper feeders blow warm air between the coated papers with a heater and a blower mechanism in order to avoid double feeding due to adsorption. According to this configuration, since the time required for grasping the connection status of the optional device by the control unit is short, the time from turning on the main power source to starting the heat generation of the heater can be shortened compared to the conventional case. Accordingly, it is possible to shorten the time from when the main power is turned on until printing using the coated paper becomes possible.

  According to the present invention, when the main power is turned on, it is possible to recognize the mounting state (mounting number, mounting position, etc.) of the optional device without communicating with all the optional devices. Therefore, when the main power is turned on, the recognition speed of the mounting status of the optional device can be increased, and the time until the image forming apparatus including the optional device can be used is shortened.

1 is a schematic front sectional view showing a schematic structure of a printer according to an embodiment. 2 is an enlarged front schematic cross-sectional view of one image forming unit of the printer according to the embodiment. FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining a hot air blowing mechanism of the sheet feeding device according to the embodiment, in which FIG. 3A is a perspective view, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration when a paper feeding device is installed as an optional device in the printer according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the wiring of the connector in the printer and paper feeder which concern on embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of communication control for recognizing an optional device mounting state when the main power of the printer according to the embodiment is turned on.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example. The present invention can be applied to various image forming apparatuses equipped with various optional devices. However, the printer 1 as an image forming apparatus is loaded below the printer 1 as an optional device for function expansion or addition. As an example, a case where the four sheet feeding devices 2 to be mounted are mounted will be described.

(Outline of the configuration of the printer 1)
First, the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic front sectional view showing a schematic structure of a printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment includes an operation panel 1 a provided at the upper front of the printer 1, and a sheet feeding unit 3, a conveyance path 4, an image forming unit 5, and an intermediate transfer unit in the main body. 6 and a fixing unit 7. Further, as indicated by a broken line, an operation panel 1a is provided at the upper front portion of the printer 1. A paper feeding device 2 as an optional device attached to the printer 1 can be attached directly to the printer 1 or superimposed on another paper feeding device 2 or the like. That is, the sheet feeding device 2 can be stacked in a plurality of stages below the printer 1 (four stages in this embodiment).

  The operation panel 1a includes various keys 1b for input and setting, and a liquid crystal display unit 1c (see FIG. 1) for displaying the operation state of the apparatus and various messages. Therefore, the user can operate / set the operation of the printer 1 from the operation panel 1a. For example, the user can specify the size and type of paper used on the operation panel 1a.

  The paper supply unit 3 supplies printing paper. The paper feeding unit 3, the paper feeding device 2 as an optional device, and the paper feeding unit 3 perform the same function of supplying printing paper, but the paper feeding unit 3 is provided as a standard in the printer 1. Is. Various types of paper (plain paper, recycled paper, OHP sheet, label paper, and the like) and various sizes (for example, A4 paper such as A4 and B-type paper such as B5) are stacked on the paper feed unit 3. Stored. The paper feed unit 3 includes a paper feed roller 31 that feeds paper one by one to the transport path 4.

  The transport path 4 is a path for transporting paper from the paper feed unit 3 or each paper feed device 2 to the discharge tray 41. In the conveyance path 4, a guide (not shown), a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 42 (labeled 42a to 42c from the upper side to the lower side in FIG. 1), and a sheet are transferred to the secondary transfer roller 67 at the same timing. A registration roller pair 43 and the like that enter the nip of the intermediate transfer belt 66 are provided. Note that sheets supplied from sheet feeding devices 2 </ b> A to 2 </ b> D, which will be described later, also join the conveyance path 4.

  The intermediate transfer unit 6 and the image forming unit 5 are in contact with each other and are provided in a central portion inside the apparatus. The image forming unit 5 includes four image forming units 51 and an exposure device 52 in order to form toner images of a plurality of colors. Therefore, a detailed description of each image forming unit 51 will be given based on FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front schematic cross-sectional view of one image forming unit 51 of the printer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming unit 5 includes four image forming units 51K, 51Y, 51C, 51M and an exposure device 52 (see FIG. 1). Here, the image forming unit 51K forms black, the image forming unit 51C forms cyan, the image forming unit 51Y forms yellow, and the image forming unit 51M forms magenta toner. Each image forming unit 51 has substantially the same configuration although the color of the toner to be used is different. Unless otherwise described, K (black), Y (yellow), and C ( Cyan) and M (magenta) characters are omitted.

  Each image forming unit 51 includes a photosensitive drum 53, a charging device 54, a developing device 55, and a cleaning device 56. The photosensitive drum 53 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 2 by a driving mechanism (not shown) including a motor, a gear, and the like. When forming a toner image, first, a charging device 54 provided below the photosensitive drum 53 charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 53.

  Next, the exposure device 52 further below the charging device 54 (see FIG. 1) applies laser light (shown by broken lines) corresponding to each color based on the input image data to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 53 after charging. Irradiate. The exposure apparatus 52 of the present embodiment is a laser unit, and includes four semiconductor laser apparatuses corresponding to scanning / exposure of the photosensitive drums 53 of each color, a polygon mirror, a polygon motor, and a plurality of fθ lenses. And a reflecting mirror (both not shown). With these configurations, scanning / exposure is performed line by line in the axial direction of each photosensitive drum 53.

  The exposure device 52 repeats scanning / exposure while rotating the photosensitive drum 53 in accordance with the image data of the image to be formed, so that electrostatic is sequentially applied in the circumferential direction (sub-scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum 53. A latent image is formed, and a two-dimensional electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 53. The developing device 55 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image and develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image. The cleaning device 56 performs cleaning by removing toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 53 after the primary transfer.

  Next, returning to FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer portion 6 will be described. The intermediate transfer unit 6 includes a driving roller 61, driven rollers 62 to 64, a primary transfer roller 65 (a total of four rollers 65K to 65M), an intermediate transfer belt 66, a secondary transfer roller 67, and the like.

  The drive roller 61 is connected to a drive mechanism (not shown) including a motor, a gear, and the like, and is driven to rotate at a predetermined speed. The intermediate transfer belt 66 receives the primary transfer of the toner image formed by the image forming unit 5, performs secondary transfer on the paper, and stretches the drive roller 61, driven rollers 62 to 64, and the primary transfer roller 65. Is done. Then, as the driving roller 61 rotates, the intermediate transfer belt 66 also rotates. Also, a total of four primary transfer rollers 65 are provided, and the intermediate transfer belt 66 is sandwiched between the photosensitive drums 53. Further, in order to primarily transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 53 to the intermediate transfer belt 66, a predetermined voltage is applied to the primary transfer roller 65 at a predetermined timing.

  Specifically, the transfer of the magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 53 of the image forming unit 51M is started at the primary transfer start position on the intermediate transfer belt 66, and then the image is started at the same start position as the magenta. A cyan toner image by the forming unit 51C is overlaid, and thereafter a yellow toner image and a black toner image are overlaid in the same manner. As a result, a full-color toner image is superimposed and primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 66.

  The secondary transfer roller 67 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 66, and a predetermined voltage is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 66 when the toner image that has been primarily transferred and the conveyed sheet overlap with each other. The toner image on 66 is secondarily transferred to the paper. The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is sent to the fixing unit 7. The belt cleaning device 68 removes residual toner and the like on the intermediate transfer belt 66.

  The fixing unit 7 performs a fixing process on the toner image formed by the image forming unit 5 and secondarily transferred to the sheet. The fixing unit 7 includes a heating roller 71 having a heating element therein, and a pressure roller 72 that presses against the heating roller 71. The sheet on which the toner image is secondarily transferred enters the nip between the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 and is pressed and heated. Then, the sheet after the fixing process is completed is discharged to the discharge tray 41.

(Outline of paper feeder 2)
Next, the sheet feeding device 2 as an optional device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the hot air blowing mechanism of the sheet feeding device 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 3A is a perspective view, and FIG. 3B is a diagram of the sheet feeding device 2 viewed from the right side. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a total of four stages of sheet feeding devices 2 (in order of 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D from the top in FIG. 1) are mounted below the printer 1 of the present embodiment. Note that the sheet feeding device 2 mounted on the printer 1 is not limited to four stages, and may be, for example, only one stage or four stages or more. Here, since the configuration of each sheet feeding device 2 is the same, the symbols A, B, C, and D are omitted in the following unless otherwise specified.

  Each paper feeding device 2 is an optional device of the printer 1 for increasing the types of usable paper sizes and increasing the paper storage capacity. For this reason, the paper feeding device 2 can store paper of various sizes and sizes as well as the paper feeding unit 3, and can supply paper at the time of printing. In order to supply the paper, each paper feeding device 2 is provided with a paper feeding roller 21 (21A to 21D). The uppermost sheet in each sheet feeding device 2 is in contact with the sheet feeding roller 21. In FIG. 1, a conveyance roller pair 27 (27 </ b> A to 27 </ b> D) for conveying a sheet and joining the conveyance path 4 is provided on the left side of the sheet feeding roller 21. In particular, since the paper feeding device 2 of the present embodiment has a blower mechanism for sending warm air between sheets (details will be described later), even if a coated paper for color printing, which is a sheet that is easily attracted, is accommodated, double feeding is performed. In addition, clogging (jamming) and printing errors due to double feeding are unlikely to occur.

  Further, the paper feeding device 2 can be pulled out to the front side of the printer 1 by a configuration such as a slide rail (not shown). When the paper feeding device 2 is pulled out, a part of the paper feeding device 2 such as a portion on which paper is placed is removed. Thus, it is possible to replenish paper and change the size of the storage paper. The printer 1 and the paper feeding device 2A or a connector C for electrically connecting the paper feeding devices 2 to the lower surface of the printer 1 and the upper and lower surfaces of the paper feeding devices 2 (details will be described later). ) Is provided.

(Blower mechanism of paper feeder 2)
Next, a detailed example of the warm air blowing mechanism in the sheet feeding device 2 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the white arrow drawn in FIG.3 (b) shows the direction of the flow of air.

  First, FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a part of the paper feeding device 2 such as a part on which the paper is placed, which is removed by pulling out a part of the paper feeding device 2 (a gear 2e, which will be described later). The lift motor M1 remains in the paper feeder 2 but is shown for convenience). A plurality of air outlets 2b for blowing air to the side surface of the paper is provided on the inner wall 2a along the paper conveyance direction (illustrated by a broken arrow in FIG. 3) of the paper feeding device 2 of the present embodiment.

  Next, a mechanism for raising and lowering the paper will be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, a substantially H-shaped lifting plate 20 is disposed in the sheet feeding device 2. An edge 20a on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction of the lifting plate 20 is in contact with the lower surface of the paper feeding device 2 and is rotatably supported. The sheets are stacked on the upper surface of the lifting plate 20. The elevating plate 20 moves up and down on the free end side 20b on the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction (the elevating direction is shown by a white arrow in FIG. 3A).

  Specifically, the lift plate 20 is provided by a drive shaft 2d provided below the lift plate 20, a plate-like push-up member (invisible) attached to the drive shaft 2d and in contact with the lower surface of the lift plate 20, the gear 2e, the lift motor M1, and the like. Is raised and lowered. The drive shaft 2d is positioned substantially below the center of the elevating plate 20, extends in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction, and protrudes from the back side of the sheet feeding device 2. And the gear 2e attached to the rotating shaft of the lift motor M1 is connected to the drive shaft 2d protruded to the back side. Then, the forward and reverse rotations of the lift motor M1 change the inclination angle of the push-up member, and as a result, the elevating plate 20 can be raised or lowered.

  Next, a configuration in which air is applied to the paper loaded on the lifting plate 20 will be described. In the paper feeding device 2, air can be blown from the side of the paper. As shown in FIG. 3A, a movement groove provided on the inner bottom surface is in contact with the side surface of the sheet bundle inside the sheet feeding device 2 and sandwiches the sheet in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction (sheet width direction). Width slidable guides 22a and 22b that are slidable along 2f and slidable along a movement groove 2g provided on the inner bottom surface in accordance with the length of the sheet in the sheet conveying direction. 22d is provided. Each of these regulation guides regulates the position of the stacked paper.

  The width regulating guides 22a and 22b are hollow, and as shown in FIG. 3B, the portion engaging with the moving groove 2f projects downward from the bottom plate portion. A plurality of air outlets 22c for applying air to the side surfaces of the paper are provided on the surfaces of the width regulation guides 22a and 22b that contact the paper. Note that the outlet 22c is provided in each of the two width regulating guides 22a and 22b. Further, the side fan F1 provided on the back side of the paper feeding device 2 is connected to a blower pipe 23a disposed on the lower surface of the paper feeding device 2 via a joint portion F2. The side fan F1 takes in the air in the machine and sends the air into the blower pipe 23a. Further, a heater H1 is provided between the blower passages from the fan to each outlet in order to apply warm air to the paper to facilitate evaporation of moisture. The heater H1 generates heat when energized. Thus, the paper feeder 2 has a heater and a blower mechanism.

  The blower tube 23a extends from the back side to the front side in a direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction, and the blower tube 23a is connected to the lower side of the inner wall portion of the paper feeder 2 having the blowout port 2b. Further, a branch air blow tube 23b extending in the paper conveyance direction is branched from the air blow tube 23a at a substantially center in the paper width direction. The branch blower pipe 23b and the width regulation guides 22a and 22b are connected by a bellows hose 23c that is partially extensible so that the movement of the width regulation guides 22a and 22b is not hindered when sliding. The width regulation guides 22a and 22b, the side fan F1, the blower pipe 23a, the branch blower pipe 23b, the bellows hose 23c, and the like constitute a blower mechanism, and each sheet feeding device 2 of the present embodiment Warm air can be blown from the outside of the end portion to the side surface of the sheet bundle, and separation of sheets (particularly coated sheets) is promoted (easy to be sprinkled).

  Next, an example of the configuration of the printer 1 to which the paper feeding device 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration when the paper feeding device 2 is installed as an optional device in the printer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 8 provided on a control board that is appropriately arranged in the apparatus. The control unit 8 controls the overall operation of the printer 1. Specifically, the control unit 8 is connected to the control unit 8 via an I / O (input / output) port (not shown) or the like. The operation of each unit such as the fixing unit 7, paper conveyance, and driving of the power supply device 9 are controlled. The control unit 8 is connected to the optional device (paper feeding device 2) via a communication line or the like, and issues a signal fixed according to the mounting position of the optional device to designate the optional device for communication. Communicate with the optional device.

  The power supply device 9 is, for example, a portion that is connected to a commercial power supply, performs rectification, step-down, step-up, etc., generates a plurality of types of voltages, and supplies them to each unit. For example, the power supply device 9 generates and supplies voltages for driving the control unit 8 and the controller 24 in addition to various motor driving voltages.

  The control unit 8 includes, for example, a CPU 81, a storage unit 82 including a storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, and an HDD, a timing unit 83, an I / O (input / output) port (not shown), and the like. The main body side connector C1 is connected. A user terminal 100 as an external computer can be connected to the control unit 8 via a network or the like, and the printer 1 can perform printing based on image data transmitted from the user terminal 100.

  The CPU 81 is a central processing unit, and controls each unit of the printer 1 based on a control program and control data stored in the ROM and HDD of the storage unit 82 and expanded in the RAM. The ROM stores a control program and control data for the printer 1 in a nonvolatile manner, and is used when the CPU 81 reads the control program and the like. The RAM is used when the control program is temporarily expanded or when image data is temporarily stored. The HDD is a large-capacity storage device and stores a control program, control data, image data, and the like. Further, the timer 83 counts various times necessary for paper conveyance control and the like.

  The storage unit 82 stores various programs and various data for giving operation instructions to various option devices in a nonvolatile manner, and the CPU 81 expands these in the RAM, and various option devices such as the sheet feeding device 2. Is given instructions such as operation timing. Further, in relation to the present invention, the storage unit 82 includes a storage unit 82 that stores in a non-volatile manner state data indicating the mounting state of each option device (such as the paper feeding device 2) until the previous main power-off.

  Furthermore, the main body side connector C <b> 1 is connected to the control unit 8. Specifically, by connecting the main body side connector C1 of the printer 1 and the optional side connector C2U of the paper feeding device 2, power is supplied from the printer 1 to the optional device, and data communication is performed between the main body of the printer 1 and the optional device. The printer 1 body and the optional device are electrically connected.

  The option-side connector C2U and the option-side connector C2D in the sheet feeding device 2 are electrically connected. Therefore, when stacking the sheet feeding devices 2 in multiple stages, if the option side connector C2D of the upper sheet feeding device 2 and the option side connector C2U of the lower sheet feeding device 2 are connected, the printer 1 is also connected to the lower sheet feeding device 2. Electric power is supplied from the main body, and a communication line is established between the control unit 8 and the controller 24 of the lower sheet feeder 2 so that communication is possible. That is, all of the stacked paper feeding devices 2 are supplied with power from the printer 1 main body through the connection of the option side connector C2D and the option side connector C2U, and can communicate with the control unit 8.

  Here, a hardware configuration of an optional device connected to the printer 1 of the present embodiment will be described. Specifically, the optional devices connected to the printer 1 shown in the present embodiment are the paper feeding devices 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. Since the sheet feeders 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D have the same configuration, only one sheet feeder 2 is shown in FIG. 4 for convenience.

  Each paper feeding device 2 is provided with a controller 24 having a CPU 25, a memory 26 including a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The CPU 25 receives an operation instruction from the control unit 8 and controls the operation of the sheet feeding device 2. For example, the CPU 25 performs ON / OFF control of driving of the lift motor M1 for raising and lowering the elevating plate 20, the feed rollers 21 and the feed roller M2 for rotating the transport roller pairs 27. Further, the controller 24 is connected to a switch unit 28 for switching ON / OFF of energization to the heater H1, and can control ON / OFF of energization to the heater.

Further, the CPU 25 uses a reflection type optical sensor or the like, and detects an upper limit detection sensor S1 for detecting that the position of the elevating plate 20 has reached the upper limit position, or a part of the sheet feeding device 2 being pulled out. The outputs of the switch S2, the paper size detection sensor S3 for detecting the size of the paper to be accommodated by the positions of the width regulation guides 22a and 22b and the regulation guide 22d, and the remaining amount detection sensor S4 for detecting the absence of the paper are received. Then, drive control of the lift motor M1, recognition that the paper feeding device 2 has been pulled out, the remaining amount of paper, the size of paper to be accommodated, and the like are performed. Programs and data for performing these controls are stored in the memory 26.

  In communication between the control unit 8 and each controller 24, for example, the control unit 8 designates one of the sheet feeding apparatuses 2 to be a communication partner, and instructs each controller 24 to indicate the operation timing of the sheet feeding roller 21. Is sent. On the other hand, as described above, each controller 24 sends to the control unit 8 information such as the fact that the paper feeding device 2 of the paper feeding device 2 is in the pulled-out state, the accommodated paper size, the remaining amount of paper, the presence of paper, and the like. Data indicating the state of the paper device 2 is transmitted.

  The control unit 8 receives data from each controller 24 and displays on the operation panel 1a the currently usable paper, the remaining amount of paper in each paper feeding device 2, and the out of paper. Further, the control unit 8 transmits data to the user terminal 100 and uses a driver program installed in the user terminal 100 to use the functions of the printer 1. Are displayed on a display (not shown) of the user terminal 100.

(Connection of each paper feeder 2)
Next, the wiring at each connector C will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the wiring of the connector C in the printer 1 and the paper feeding device 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in the sheet feeding device 2 of the present embodiment, option-side connectors C2 are provided above and below, respectively (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the upper connector is referred to as an option connector C2U, and the lower connector is referred to as an option connector C2D.

  As shown in FIG. 5, each connector C is connected from the upper side by connecting the main body side connector C1 and the option side connector C2U above the sheet feeding device 2A, and further the option side connector below the sheet feeding device 2A. C2D and the optional connector C2U above the sheet feeding device 2B are connected. Note that the printer 1 of this embodiment is connected to a total of four stages of paper feeders 2, so that the paper feeder 2 C and the connector C of the paper feeder 2 D are further stacked below the FIG. Since it can be handled in the same manner as the connection between the paper device 2A and the paper feeding device 2B, description and illustration are omitted.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5, in the main body side connector C1 and the option side connector C2U, one end (left end in FIG. 5) is connected to the power supply line PW to which the output voltage of the power supply device 9 is connected, and the other end is connected to the ground line GL. Can be arranged. The power supply line PW and the ground line GL from the option side connector C2U are directly connected to the left and right ends of the option side connector C2D.

  A select signal line OPS can be arranged at the second to fourth positions from the left end of the main body side connector C1 and the option side connector C2U. The select signal line OPS is a signal line for the control unit 8 to select an optional device with which communication is performed. The select signal line OPS is connected to a port (not shown) of the control unit 8 (CPU 81), and the control unit 8 switches between the High and Low states of the voltage of each select signal line OPS to perform communication. Select.

  Here, the second signal line from the left end is referred to as “OPSEL0” as the 0th select signal line OPS, the third signal line from the left end is referred to as “OPSEL1” as the first select signal line OPS, and 4 from the left end. The second signal line is referred to as “OPSEL2” as the second select signal line OPS. For example, when the control unit 8 selects the sheet feeding device 2A, OPSEL0 is set to a low state (ie, “0”), OPSEL1 is set to “0”, and OPSEL2 is set to a high state (ie, “1”). . (OPSEL0, OPSEL1, OPSEL2 in the order of “0, 0, 1”). Similarly, when selecting the paper feeding device 2B, for example, “0, 1, 1” is set.

  Here, since there are three select signal lines OPS, there are eight combinations of High and Low of the output of the control unit 8 for the select signal line OPS. Therefore, in the output of the control unit 8, for example, if “0, 0, 0” is not selected, up to seven optional devices can be selected by this wiring. The number of select signal lines OPS can be set as appropriate.

  Then, the state of the select signal line OPS from the option side connector C2U is input to the port of each controller 24 (CPU 25). That is, from the state of each select signal line OPS, the CPU 25 of each controller 24 recognizes that it is selected from the control unit 8.

  After input to the CPU 25 of the controller 24, each select signal line OPS is connected to the option-side connector C2D (that is, before being output to the next-stage option device) by changing its position. Specifically, OPSEL0 is rearranged to the position of OPSEL1, OPSEL1 is rearranged to the position of OPSEL2, and OPSEL2 is rearranged to the position of OPSEL0. Then, a Not circuit Inv (inverter) is connected to OPSEL2, and the High-Low state is inverted.

  Such wiring rearrangement (circulation) is performed between the option-side connector C2U and the option-side connector C2D, and the selection output from the control unit 8 is appropriately assigned to each option device. It is possible to unify the state of the select signal line OPS when recognizing that it is selected. For example, as described above, if the selection signal of the sheet feeding device 2A output by the control unit 8 is “0, 0, 1” and the selection signal of the sheet feeding device 2B is “0, 1, 1” (for example, The paper feeding device 2C is “1, 1, 1”, the paper feeding device 2D is “1, 1, 0”), and the paper feeding devices 2A to 2D are all selected by the rearrangement of wiring and the Not circuit Inv. In this case, the state of the select signal line OPS input to the controller 24 is unified as “0, 0, 1”.

  Further, the communication ready signal line READYN can be arranged fifth from the left end in the main body side connector C1 and the option side connector C2. The communication ready signal line READYN is a signal line for notifying the control unit 8 that communication is possible from the option device side. For example, when the control unit 8 selects one of the sheet feeding devices 2 to perform communication and calls using the select signal lines OPS0 to OPS2, the selected controller 24 (the state of the select signal line OPS is changed). The “0, 0, 1” controller 24) changes the state of the communication ready signal line READYN from Low → High or High → Low. The communication ready signal line READYN is connected to the option-side connector C2D at the position as it is from the option-side connector C2U.

  Further, data signal lines OPD can be arranged on the sixth to eighth positions from the left end of the main body side connector C1 and the option side connector C2. The data signal line OPD is a signal line for performing communication between the control unit 8 and each controller 24. In the present embodiment, the control unit 8 and each controller 24 perform serial communication.

  Here, the sixth signal line from the left end is referred to as OPDCLK as a clock signal line. The seventh signal line from the left end is referred to as OPDO as a reception data signal line (= output from the control unit 8) for receiving data from the control unit 8. Further, a transmission data signal line (= input to the control unit 8) for transmitting data from each controller 24 to the control unit 8 is referred to as OPDI. OPDCLK, OPDO, and OPDI are directly connected from the option side connector C2U to the sixth to eighth positions of the option side connector C2D.

  OPDCLK transmits a clock signal for synchronization in serial communication between the control unit 8 and each controller 24. For example, in each communication, transmission data is output in synchronization with the rising edge of the clock signal, and reception data is latched at the falling edge of the clock signal.

  In this way, the sheet feeders 2A to 2D are connected to the same power line PW and data transmission path (bus). In other words, the control unit 8 is the master side and the sheet feeding devices 2A to 2D are the slave side, and the plurality of sheet feeding devices 2 share the select signal line OPS, the data signal line OPD, and the like.

(Recognition control of optional equipment)
Next, an example of recognition control of each of the paper feeding devices 2A to 2D as an optional device when the main power is turned on in the printer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of communication control for recognizing an option device mounting state when the main power of the printer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is turned on.

  In the image forming apparatus such as the printer 1, the multifunction peripheral, and the copying machine shown in the present embodiment, various optional devices may be mounted like the paper feeding devices 2 </ b> A to 2 </ b> D. Normally, when the main power is turned on, the control unit 8 on the main body side needs to check the number of optional devices to be installed. Therefore, conventionally, when the main power is turned on, the control unit 8 performs confirmation by communicating with each of the installed optional devices.

  However, conventionally, when the main power is turned on, the control unit 8 of the printer 1 communicates with all of the installed optional devices and grasps the number of installed optional devices. Took a certain amount of time. Here, for example, when warm air is blown as in the sheet feeding device 2 of the present embodiment, it is necessary to energize the heater H1 for a certain period of time before the start of blowing to warm the heater H1 and the air to some extent.

  As described above, there are some optional devices that require a certain amount of preparation from when the main power is turned on until they can be used. However, if the time for recognizing the installed optional device is long, there is a problem that the transition from the main power on to the ready state is delayed by that much. Therefore, the control unit 8 of the printer 1 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the time required for recognizing the installed optional device is remarkably shortened. Accordingly, an example of recognition control of the installed optional device in the printer 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the optional device attached to the printer 1 is the paper feeding device 2.

  First, the start in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is when the main switch of the printer 1 of the present embodiment is turned on, that is, when the main power is turned on. When the main power is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply device 9 and the like to the control unit 8 and the controller 24, and driving of the various control units 8 is started.

  Next, the control unit 8 (CPU 81) confirms the state data indicating the mounting state of the optional device in the state where the main power of the printer 1 was previously turned on (step # 1). Note that the status data can include the number of connected optional devices, the connection position, and the like. For example, if the printer 1 of the present embodiment is equipped with the four-stage sheet feeding device 2 in the state where the main power of the printer 1 was previously turned on, the status data includes four-stage feeding. It is stored that the paper device 2 is mounted.

  Next, the control unit 8 confirms the status data, and when the paper feeder 2 is newly installed and added after the main power supply was turned off last time, the control unit 8 targets the paper feeder 2 at the position where it can be added first. Communication (addition confirmation signal, step # 2). For example, if the control unit 8 has four stages of paper feeders 2 that were installed when the main power supply was turned on immediately before, the control unit 8 communicates with the fifth stage paper feeder 2 that is one stage lower than the fourth stage. The control unit 8 outputs “0, 1, 0” to the select signal lines OPSSEL0 to 2 (the same applies hereinafter).

  Then, the control unit 8 checks whether there is a communication response such as a change in the state of the communication ready signal line READYN before the time-out (step # 3, and so on). That is, when the main power is turned on, the control unit 8 refers to the status data, transmits an extension confirmation signal that designates an optional device at a position where it can be newly installed, and checks whether there is a response to the extension confirmation signal. Then, the mounting state of the optional device (paper feeding device 2) is recognized. If there is a communication response (Yes in step # 3), the control unit 8 recognizes that the sheet feeder 2 has been added (step # 4).

  Further, the control unit 8 performs communication for the sheet feeding device 2 at a position where it can be added next (step # 5). That is, when there is a response to the expansion confirmation signal when the main power is turned on, the control unit 8 transmits an expansion confirmation signal for designating an optional device at a position where it can be newly installed, and the optional device corresponding to the expansion confirmation signal. The presence or absence of a response from (paper feeder 2) is confirmed. This is because two or more sheet feeders 2 may be added at a time, and the control unit 8 is used to confirm whether two or more sheet feeders 2 are added at the same time. is there. For example, if the sheet feeding device 2 mounted before the main power supply immediately before is set to four stages, if it is confirmed that the fifth stage sheet feeding apparatus 2 is added, the control unit 8 supplies the sixth and subsequent stages. A signal for selecting the paper device 2 as a communication target is issued.

  Next, the control unit 8 confirms whether there is a communication response before the timeout (step # 6). If there is a communication response (Yes in step # 6), the process returns to step # 5 in order to confirm whether another sheet feeding device 2 is added. On the other hand, if there is no communication response (No in step # 6), it can be determined that there is no additional sheet feeding device 2, and the control unit 8 determines the current number of sheet feeding devices 2 (optional device), etc. The mounted state is recognized and confirmed, the number of units is stored as state data in the storage unit 82, and the control for confirming the number of mounted optional devices is terminated (step # 7 → end). For example, if there are four paper feeders 2 that have been mounted until the main power supply was turned off last time and only one was confirmed in the confirmation when the main power was turned on, the control unit 8 stores the status data in the storage unit 82. It is updated to the effect that the five-stage sheet feeder 2 is installed.

  The status data need only be updated when there is a change in the mounting state of the optional device. For example, when the main power source is turned on last time, there are four paper feeders 2 installed, and even when the main power source is turned on this time, it is confirmed and recognized that there are four paper feeders 2 installed. 8 does not require the change of the state data in the storage unit 82. That is, when the main power is turned on, the control unit 8 responds to the expansion confirmation signal, and when the expansion of the optional device is recognized or the removal of the optional device is confirmed (details will be described later), the storage unit 82 state data is updated.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 8 first transmits a signal for confirmation of the addition, but there is no communication response (No in step # 3), the control unit 8 has not added the sheet feeding device 2. Recognize (step # 8). At this time, the control unit 8 communicates with the paper feeding device 2 positioned in the upper stage of the paper feeding device 2 selected immediately before to perform communication (removal confirmation signal, step # 9). In other words, the control unit 8 performs communication with respect to the sheet feeding device 2 at a position to be removed first or next. This is for checking whether there is a decrease in the number of installed optional devices (paper feeding device 2). For example, if the number of sheet feeders 2 mounted when the main power supply is turned on immediately before is four, the control unit 8 first determines that the number of fifth-stage sheet feeders 2 has not been increased. A signal for selecting the eye sheet feeding device 2 as a communication target is issued, and whether or not it is removed is confirmed.

  Next, the control unit 8 confirms whether there is a communication response before the timeout (step # 10). That is, when there is no response to the expansion confirmation signal when the main power is turned on, the control unit 8 refers to the status data, and assigns the option device from the option device (such as the paper feeding device 2) at the first removal position to the option device. The optional device transmits a removal confirmation signal, and the optional device confirms the presence or absence of removal according to the presence or absence of a response to the removal confirmation signal. If there is no communication response (No in step # 10), the process returns to step # 9 in order to confirm whether or not the paper feeder 2 has been removed. On the other hand, if there is a communication response (Yes in step # 10), the process proceeds to step # 7, and the control for confirming the number of installed optional devices is ended (END).

  With this control, when the number of optional devices (paper feeders 2) is checked when the main power is turned on, the controller 8 communicates with all the paper feeders 2 cyclically unless there is an expansion or removal. It is possible to check the number of installed optional devices (paper feeding device 2) without performing the above.

  In this way, according to the present embodiment, when the main power is turned on, the status data in the storage unit 82 is referred to and compared with the installation status of the optional device up to the previous power-off, so that all communication with the optional device is possible. Without performing this, the control unit 8 can recognize the addition of an optional device (for example, the paper feeding device 2). Here, the status data can include information such as the number of connections and connection positions of each option device.

  Therefore, when the main power is turned on, the recognition speed of the mounting status of the optional device is improved as compared with the prior art. Also, assuming that there is basically no change in the number of installed optional devices, it is determined that there is no change in the installed status of the optional device since the previous power-off when there is no response to the expansion confirmation signal. In addition, the control unit 8 can quickly recognize the number of connections and the connection position of each option device from the status data only by transmitting one extension confirmation signal.

  Even when two or more optional devices are added, the number of added devices can be confirmed with the minimum number of communications without communicating with all the optional devices. Further, it is possible to confirm whether or not the optional device is removed without performing communication with all the optional devices. In other words, when the response to the removal confirmation signal is received from the optional device, the control unit 8 can determine that there is no change in the mounting status of the optional device from the previous power-off. Therefore, the control unit 8 can recognize the number of connections and the connection position of each option device from the status data. Further, since the status data is updated when a change in the mounting status of the optional device is recognized, it is immediately reflected in the recognition of the mounting status of the optional device when the main power is turned on next time.

  In addition, a stacking type paper feeding device 2 as an optional device is often used in the image forming apparatus. According to this configuration, the control unit 8 communicates with all the paper feeding devices 2 when the main power is turned on. The number of loading stages of the sheet feeding device 2 can be recognized. In addition, for clear printing of color images, coated paper (for example, for photographic printing) in which the surface of the paper is coated with a chemical or the like may be stored in the paper feeding device 2. However, the coated paper tends to be easily adsorbed by moisture between the papers, and in order to avoid double feeding due to adsorption, some paper feeders 2 blow warm air between the coated papers with a heater H1 and a blower mechanism. According to this configuration, since the time required for the control unit 8 to grasp the connection status of the optional device is short, it is possible to shorten the time from when the main power is turned on to when the heater H1 starts to generate heat. Accordingly, it is possible to shorten the time from when the main power is turned on until printing using the coated paper becomes possible.

  Next, another embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the sheet feeding device 2 that is stacked in the vertical direction as an optional device has been described as an example. However, the duplex printing unit that reverses the front and back of the sheet by switchback or the like and the sheet feeding device 2 are combined. When stacked, other optional devices (for example, post-processing devices, optional devices such as punch units added to the post-processing devices, network boards, large paper feeders 2 mounted next to multifunction devices, etc.) It is also applicable to the recognition of the number of installed optional devices. In addition, if the communication system of the stacking type sheet feeding device 2 in the vertical direction is different from that of other optional devices, the number of optional devices installed when the main power is turned on can be recognized by implementing the present invention for each communication system. The speed is improved.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention can be used for an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, and a multi-function peripheral equipped with a plurality of optional devices.

1 Printer (image forming device) 2 Paper feeder (optional device)
22a, 22b Width regulation guide (blower mechanism) 23a Blower pipe (blower mechanism)
23b Branch air duct (blower mechanism) 24 Controller 8 Controller 82 Storage unit H1 Heater F1 Side fan (Blower mechanism)
OPS (OPSSEL0 to OPSSEL2) Select signal line (one of the communication lines)
OPD (OPDCLK, OPDO, OPDI) Data signal line (one of communication lines)

Claims (6)

One or a plurality of optional devices that are mounted directly on the image forming apparatus or superimposed on other optional devices;
A control unit that is connected to the option device via a communication line, issues a signal that is fixed according to a mounting position of the option device, designates the option device that performs communication, and communicates with the option device; ,
A storage unit that nonvolatilely stores state data indicating a mounting state of each of the optional devices,
When the main power is turned on, the control unit refers to the status data, transmits an extension confirmation signal which is the signal for designating the optional device at a position where it can be newly installed, and whether there is a response to the extension confirmation signal. An image forming apparatus that recognizes and recognizes the mounting state of the optional device.   When there is a response to the extension confirmation signal when the main power is turned on, the control unit transmits the extension confirmation signal that designates the optional device at a position where it can be newly installed, and responds to the extension confirmation signal. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein presence or absence of a response from the optional device is confirmed.   When the main power is turned on, if the control unit does not respond to the expansion confirmation signal, the control unit refers to the state data and outputs a removal confirmation signal that is the signal assigned to the optional device at the position to be removed first. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the option device confirms whether or not the device is detached based on whether or not the device is transmitted and whether there is a response to the removal confirmation signal.   When the main power is turned on, the control unit has a response to the addition confirmation signal, and when the addition of the optional device is recognized or the removal of the optional device is confirmed, the state of the storage unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data is updated.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optional device is a paper feeding device that is stacked and mounted below the image forming device. 6.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sheet feeding device includes a heater and a blower mechanism.

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