JP2010266486A - Image forming apparatus and paper feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that can appropriately manage time elapse for paper used for image formation. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper includes: a paper storage section with an openable/closable door, capable of storing the plurality sheets of paper; a door opening/closing state detecting section for detecting whether the door is opened or closed; a paper presence/absence detecting section for detecting whether paper is present or absent in the paper storage section; an informing section for supplying various information according to an instruction from a control section; the control section which, if the door opening/closing state detecting section does not detect the opening/closing state of the door for a predetermined time or longer when the paper presence/absence detecting section has detected the presence of the paper, makes the informing section inform that the predetermined time has elapsed for the paper or unused paper is present. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a paper feeding apparatus capable of managing the passage of time of paper used for image formation.

In various types of printers, image forming apparatuses, or light printing apparatuses (hereinafter simply referred to as “image forming apparatuses”), a predetermined amount of paper is accommodated in a paper feeding unit to perform image formation.
At that time, depending on the storage time of the paper stored in the paper supply unit, or depending on environmental conditions such as high temperature and high humidity during the storage time, the image formation quality may vary or be affected. There can be.

  In addition, the technique regarding the passage of time at the time of accommodation of such a paper is described in the following patent documents.

JP 2002-127506 A

  In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is proposed that the adhesive forming paper called sealer paper is opened at the start of use and the expiration date management is performed on the image forming apparatus side when the usable expiration date starts from the opening time. Has been.

However, this technique is a technique for managing the deadline with the opening of the sealer paper packaging as a trigger, and is not a technique applicable to general paper.
In addition, in the case of general paper that does not start to deteriorate due to the opening of a package such as sealer paper, consideration should be given to how to manage the time of the paper based on what criteria. No proposal was made.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus and a paper feeding apparatus capable of appropriately managing the passage of time of paper used for image formation.

The present invention for solving the above-described problems is as follows.
(1) The invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, and has a door that can be opened and closed, a sheet accommodating portion that can accommodate a plurality of sheets of paper, and the opening and closing of the door. A door opening / closing detection unit for detecting, a paper presence / absence detection unit for detecting the presence / absence of paper in the paper storage unit, a notification unit for performing various notifications according to instructions from the control unit, and the paper presence / absence detection unit When the presence / absence is detected and the door opening / closing detection unit does not open / close the door for a predetermined time or more, a notification that the predetermined time has elapsed or the presence of unused paper is issued to the paper. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit to be performed by a notification unit.

  (2) The invention according to claim 2 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, and has a door that can be opened and closed, a sheet accommodating portion that can accommodate a plurality of sheets of paper, and the opening and closing of the door. A door opening / closing detection unit for detecting, a paper presence / absence detection unit for detecting the presence / absence of paper in the paper storage unit, an environmental condition detection unit for detecting temperature or humidity in the paper storage unit, and various instructions according to instructions from the control unit An environment that is detected by the environmental condition detection unit without being opened or closed for a predetermined time by the door opening / closing detection unit. And a control unit that, when the condition is a predetermined condition, causes the notification unit to notify the paper that the predetermined time has elapsed or the presence of unused paper. Forming device.

  (3) The invention described in claim 3 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, and has a door that can be opened and closed, a sheet accommodating portion that can accommodate a plurality of sheets of paper, and the opening and closing of the door. A door opening / closing detection unit for detecting, a paper presence / absence detection unit for detecting the presence / absence of paper in the paper storage unit, an environmental condition detection unit for detecting temperature or humidity in the paper storage unit, and various instructions according to instructions from the control unit When the paper presence / absence detection unit detects that the paper is present and the door opening / closing detection unit does not open or close the door for a predetermined time or more, or the paper presence / absence detection unit detects the paper. If the door is not opened and closed by the door opening / closing detection unit for a predetermined period of time, and the environmental condition detected by the environmental condition detection unit is a predetermined condition, A control unit for the notification of excessive in effect or in the presence of unused paper effect performed by the notification unit, an image forming apparatus comprising the.

  (4) The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the control unit counts the time during which the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned off as the elapsed time according to the detection result. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

  (5) The invention according to claim 5 is provided with an air conditioning unit that controls temperature or humidity in the sheet storage unit, and the control unit controls the temperature or humidity when the air conditioning unit controls the temperature or humidity. If there is a discontinuous period in which the power supply of the image forming apparatus is off before and after the temperature or humidity control by, discontinuous time elapses according to the detection result in the period in which the power supply is off 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus counts the accumulated values.

  (6) The invention according to claim 6 is a paper feeding device that feeds a sheet on which an image is formed to the image forming apparatus, and has a door that can be opened and closed and can accommodate a plurality of sheets. A door open / close detection unit that detects opening / closing of the door, a paper presence / absence detection unit that detects presence / absence of paper in the paper storage unit, a notification unit that performs various notifications according to instructions from the control unit, and the paper When the presence / absence detection unit detects that the sheet is present and the door opening / closing detection unit does not open / close the door for a predetermined time or longer, the paper indicates that the predetermined time has elapsed or an unused paper And a control unit that causes the notification unit to notify the presence.

  (7) The invention according to claim 7 is a paper feeding device that feeds paper on which an image is formed to the image forming apparatus, and has a door that can be opened and closed, and can accommodate a plurality of the paper. A door opening / closing detection unit that detects opening / closing of the door, a paper presence / absence detection unit that detects presence / absence of paper in the paper storage unit, an environmental condition detection unit that detects temperature or humidity in the paper storage unit, The notification unit that performs various notifications according to instructions from the control unit, and the presence / absence detection unit detects that the sheet is present, and the door opening / closing detection unit does not open / close the door for a predetermined time or more, and the environmental condition A control unit that, when the environmental condition detected by the detection unit is a predetermined condition, causes the notification unit to notify the paper that the predetermined time has elapsed or the presence of unused paper. Paper feed characterized by It is the location.

  (8) The invention according to claim 8 is a sheet feeding device that feeds a sheet on which an image is formed to the image forming apparatus, and has a door that can be opened and closed and can accommodate a plurality of sheets. A door opening / closing detection unit that detects opening / closing of the door, a paper presence / absence detection unit that detects presence / absence of paper in the paper storage unit, an environmental condition detection unit that detects temperature or humidity in the paper storage unit, A notification unit that performs various notifications according to instructions from the control unit, and the presence or absence of the sheet is detected by the sheet presence / absence detection unit, and the door opening / closing detection unit does not open or close the door for a predetermined time, or When the presence / absence detection unit detects that the sheet is present, the door opening / closing detection unit does not open / close the door for a predetermined time, and the environmental condition detected by the environmental condition detection unit is a predetermined condition, On the paper A sheet feeding apparatus, wherein a notification of the course of effect or the existence of unused paper effect of the predetermined time and a control unit to perform by the notification section Te.

  (9) The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that the control section counts the time during which the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned off as the elapsed time according to the detection result. The sheet feeding device according to claim 6.

  (10) The invention according to claim 10 is provided with an air conditioning unit that controls temperature or humidity in the paper storage unit, and the control unit controls the temperature or humidity by the air conditioning unit. If there is a discontinuous period in which the power supply of the image forming apparatus is off before and after the temperature or humidity control by, discontinuous time elapses according to the detection result in the period in which the power supply is off The sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the sheet feeding device is integrated and counted.

According to the above invention, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the presence / absence detection unit detects that there is a sheet in the sheet storage unit, the door opening / closing detection unit opens and closes the door of the sheet storage unit in a predetermined manner. If the time is not exceeded, it can be determined that the paper remains in the paper storage unit for a predetermined time, so that the notification unit notifies the paper that the predetermined time has passed or the presence of unused paper. The control unit performs control. In this case, the control unit may be a processor or a processing circuit that receives the detection result of the sensor and electrically performs processing, or is mechanically attached to the door or tray of the paper storage unit. It may be a timer set in As a result, even when the paper used for image formation remains in the paper storage unit for a long period of time, it is possible to appropriately manage the passage of time.

  (2) In the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, when the paper presence / absence detection unit detects that there is paper in the paper storage unit, and the door opening / closing detection unit does not open or close the door of the paper storage unit for a predetermined time or more. If the environmental condition detected by the environmental condition detection unit is a predetermined condition, it can be determined that the paper exposed to the predetermined environmental condition remains in the paper storage unit for a predetermined time or more. The control unit performs control so that the notification unit notifies the paper that the predetermined time has elapsed or the presence of unused paper. As a result, it is possible to appropriately manage the passage of time even when the paper used for image formation remains in the paper storage unit for a long time under a predetermined environmental condition.

  (3) In the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the presence / absence of the sheet is detected by the sheet presence / absence detection unit, the door opening / closing detection unit opens and closes the door of the sheet storage unit. If the time is not exceeded, it can be determined that the paper remains in the paper storage unit for a predetermined time, so that the notification unit notifies the paper that the predetermined time has passed or the presence of unused paper. The control unit performs control. In addition, when the presence / absence detection unit detects that there is paper in the paper storage unit and the door opening / closing detection unit does not open and close the door of the paper storage unit for a predetermined time or more, the environment detected by the environmental condition detection unit When the condition is a predetermined condition, it can be determined that the paper exposed to the predetermined environmental condition remains in the paper storage unit for a predetermined time or longer. The control unit performs control so that the notification of the presence is performed by the notification unit. As a result, it is possible to appropriately manage the passage of time even when the paper used for image formation remains in the paper storage unit for a long time under a predetermined environmental condition.

  (4) In the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the control unit also counts the time during which the power supply to the image forming apparatus is turned off as the elapsed time according to the detection result. As a result, proper management of the passage of time is possible even when the paper used for image formation remains in the paper storage unit for a long period of time under specified environmental conditions, including during periods of power-off such as nighttime and holidays. become.

  (5) In the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the temperature or humidity is controlled by the air conditioning unit, there is a period during which the power supply to the image forming apparatus is off before and after the control of the air conditioning unit. If it exists discontinuously, the discontinuous time elapsed according to the detection result in the period when the power supply is off is integrated and counted.

  As a result, although the time such as high temperature and humidity is discontinuous before and after the control of the air conditioning unit is turned on (previous night, next night, etc.), the time is accumulated and treated as the same time lapse. As a result, even when the paper used for image formation remains in the paper storage unit for a long time under the specified environmental conditions, including the period when the air conditioning control is not performed when the power is turned off such as at night or on holidays, Appropriate management becomes possible.

  (6) In the sheet feeding device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the sheet presence / absence detection unit detects that there is a sheet in the sheet storage unit, the door opening / closing detection unit opens and closes the door of the sheet storage unit. If the time is not exceeded, it can be determined that the paper remains in the paper storage unit for a predetermined time, so that the notification unit notifies the paper that the predetermined time has passed or the presence of unused paper. The control unit performs control. In this case, the control unit may be a processor or a processing circuit that receives the detection result of the sensor and electrically performs processing, or is mechanically attached to the door or tray of the paper storage unit. It may be a timer set in As a result, even when paper used for image formation remains in the paper storage unit for a long period of time, it is possible to appropriately manage the passage of time.

  (7) In the paper feeding device according to the seventh aspect, when the paper presence / absence detection unit detects that there is paper in the paper storage unit, and the door opening / closing detection unit does not open or close the door of the paper storage unit for a predetermined time or more. If the environmental condition detected by the environmental condition detection unit is a predetermined condition, it can be determined that the paper exposed to the predetermined environmental condition remains in the paper storage unit for a predetermined time or more. The control unit performs control so that the notification unit notifies the paper that the predetermined time has elapsed or the presence of unused paper. As a result, it is possible to appropriately manage the passage of time even when the paper used for image formation remains in the paper storage unit for a long time under a predetermined environmental condition.

  (8) In the paper feeding device according to the eighth aspect of the invention, when the paper presence / absence detection unit detects that there is paper in the paper storage unit, the door opening / closing detection unit opens and closes the door of the paper storage unit in a predetermined manner. If the time is not exceeded, it can be determined that the paper remains in the paper storage unit for a predetermined time, so that the notification unit notifies the paper that the predetermined time has passed or the presence of unused paper. The control unit performs control. In addition, when the presence / absence detection unit detects that there is paper in the paper storage unit and the door opening / closing detection unit does not open and close the door of the paper storage unit for a predetermined time or more, the environment detected by the environmental condition detection unit When the condition is a predetermined condition, it can be determined that the paper exposed to the predetermined environmental condition remains in the paper storage unit for a predetermined time or longer. The control unit performs control so that the notification of the presence is performed by the notification unit. As a result, it is possible to appropriately manage the passage of time even when the paper used for image formation remains in the paper storage unit for a long time under a predetermined environmental condition.

  (9) In the sheet feeding device according to the ninth aspect, the control unit also counts the time during which the power supply of the sheet feeding device is turned off as the elapsed time according to the detection result. As a result, proper management of the passage of time is possible even when the paper used for image formation remains in the paper storage unit for a long period of time under specified environmental conditions, including during periods of power-off such as nighttime and holidays. become.

  (10) In the paper feeding device of the invention according to claim 10, when the temperature or humidity is controlled by the air conditioning unit, there is a period during which the power supply of the paper feeding device is off before and after the control of the air conditioning unit. If it exists discontinuously, the discontinuous time elapsed according to the detection result in the period when the power supply is off is integrated and counted.

  As a result, although the time such as high temperature and humidity is discontinuous before and after the control of the air conditioning unit is turned on (previous night, next night, etc.), the time is accumulated and treated as the same time lapse. As a result, even when the paper used for image formation remains in the paper storage unit for a long time under the specified environmental conditions, including the period when the air conditioning control is not performed when the power is turned off such as at night or on holidays, Appropriate management becomes possible.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the form of alerting | reporting of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the form of alerting | reporting of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the form of alerting | reporting of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the form of alerting | reporting of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the form of alerting | reporting of embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments (embodiments) for carrying out an image forming apparatus and a paper feeding apparatus of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
In the following embodiments, an image forming apparatus with a built-in paper feeding device (image storage unit) will be described as a specific example.

[Configuration of image forming apparatus]
Here, as a first embodiment, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Note that descriptions of general parts that are known as the image forming apparatus 100 and are not directly related to the characteristic operations and controls of the present embodiment are omitted.

  The control unit 101 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and is a control unit that controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 101 performs various arithmetic processes by controlling each part of the image forming apparatus 100 according to a control program of the image forming apparatus 100 based on an installed OS (Operating System), firmware, or the like. As a result, the image forming apparatus is comprehensively controlled.

  The ROM 102 is a read-only storage unit that stores an initial program for controlling the image forming apparatus 100, a control program, various parameters, and the like. A RAM 103 is a storage unit used by the control unit 101 when the image forming apparatus 100 operates.

  The operation display unit 105 is an operation unit and a display unit for inputting various instructions from a user of the image forming apparatus 100 and displaying various messages of the image forming apparatus 100. The operation display unit 105 may be a touch panel in which the operation unit and the display unit are integrally formed, or may be configured in a state where the operation unit and the display unit are separated. As the display, in addition to displaying characters and graphics, notification by sounding a buzzer sound or blinking light may be executed.

The image processing unit 110 executes image processing necessary for image formation, and supplies the image data after the image processing to the image forming unit 130 described later.
The sheet storage unit 120 stores a plurality of sheets p used for image formation while being stacked on the tray 120T. As shown in FIG. 8, the paper storage unit 120 includes a door 120d that can be opened and closed, and is configured to store paper after the door 120d is opened.

  In addition, the sheet storage unit 120 includes a sheet presence / absence detection unit 120s1 that detects the presence / absence of the sheet p on the tray 120T, a sheet remaining amount detection unit 120s2 that detects the remaining amount of the sheet p on the tray 120T, and the tray 120T. A paper size detection unit 120s3 for detecting the size of the paper p, a door opening / closing detection unit 120s4 for detecting opening / closing of the door 120d, and a humidity detection unit as an environmental condition detection unit for detecting humidity as an environmental condition in the paper storage unit 120 120 s 5, a temperature detection unit 120 s 6 as an environmental condition detection unit that detects temperature as an environmental condition in the paper storage unit 120, and an air conditioning unit 120 h that controls the temperature or humidity in the paper storage unit 120. Has been.

  The image forming unit 130 is an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and performs, for example, electrophotographic image formation. The image forming unit 130 includes, for example, a photoconductor on which a latent image corresponding to exposure is developed to form a toner image, a charging unit that charges the photoconductor with a predetermined voltage, and the photoconductor in accordance with image data. An exposure unit that forms an electrostatic latent image by exposing the photosensitive member, a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member into a toner image, and a transfer separation unit that transfers the toner image on the photosensitive member to a recording sheet A cleaning unit that removes toner remaining without being transferred to the recording paper on the photosensitive member, a fixing unit that stabilizes (fixes) the toner image by applying heat and pressure to the recording paper on which the toner image is transferred, And so on.

The configurations of the sheet storage unit 120 and the image forming unit 130 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8 are examples schematically illustrated, and are not limited thereto.
1 and 8 illustrate the image forming apparatus 100 as a state in which the sheet storage unit 120 and the image forming unit 130 are connected, but the present invention is not limited to this state. For example, as the paper storage unit 120, a plurality of trays 120T may exist in one paper storage unit 120, or a plurality of paper storage units 120 are connected to one image forming unit 130. It may be.

[Operation of Image Forming Apparatus (1)]
The operation (1) of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2 and the explanatory diagrams of FIGS.

In this operation (1), the humidity detection unit 120s5, the temperature detection unit 120s6, and the air conditioning unit 120h may not exist.
The control unit 101 controls each unit during the operation as the image forming apparatus 100, and monitors the detection results of the detection units 120s1 to 120s4 in the sheet storage unit 120 (step S11 in FIG. 2). Further, as will be described later, the control unit 101 uses the timer function and the register function to accumulate the elapsed time if the state in which the sheet is stored in the sheet storage unit 120 continues (in FIG. 2). Step S14, Step S16).

  Here, the state of the door 120d of the sheet storage unit 120 is determined based on the detection result of the door opening / closing detection unit 120s4 (step S12 in FIG. 2), and when it is detected that the door 120d is opened (step in FIG. 2). In S12 (NO (open)), the elapsed time is reset (step S13 in FIG. 2). That is, since it is considered that the paper p in the paper storage unit 120 has been replenished or replaced by opening the door 120d, the value of the elapsed time until that time is cleared.

Further, the state of the door 120d of the paper storage unit 120 is determined based on the detection result of the door opening / closing detection unit 120s4 (step S12 in FIG. 2), and if the door 120d is closed (YES in step S12 in FIG. 2) (closed). )),
Here, the state of the door 120d of the sheet storage unit 120 is determined based on the detection result of the door opening / closing detection unit 120s4 (step S12 in FIG. 2), and when it is detected that the door 120d is opened (step in FIG. 2). In S12 (NO (open)), the elapsed time is reset (step S13 in FIG. 2). That is, since it is considered that the paper p in the paper storage unit 120 has been replenished or replaced by opening the door 120d, the value of the elapsed time up to that time is cleared.

  On the other hand, the state of the door 120d of the paper storage unit 120 is determined based on the detection result of the door opening / closing detection unit 120s4 (step S12 in FIG. 2), and when it is detected that the door 120d is closed (step in FIG. 2). When YES in S12 (closed), the control unit 101 refers to the detection result of the paper presence / absence detection unit 120s1 or the remaining paper amount detection unit 120s2 to determine whether the paper p is present in the paper storage unit 120 (FIG. Step S14 in 2).

  If the sheet p does not exist in the sheet storage unit 120 (NO in step S14 in FIG. 2), the control unit 101 displays “no sheet” on the operation display unit 105 (step in FIG. 2). S15). Further, since the sheet p no longer exists, the control unit 101 clears the value of the elapsed time up to that point.

  If the sheet p exists in the sheet storage unit 120 (YES in step S14 in FIG. 2), the control unit 101 uses the timer function or the register function to store the sheet in the sheet storage unit 120. The elapsed time while the accommodated state continues is integrated (step S16 in FIG. 2).

  Here, when the paper p is stored in the paper storage unit 120 (YES in step S14 in FIG. 2), the time during which the paper p is stored in the paper storage unit 120 reaches a predetermined set time. The control unit 101 determines whether or not it is present (step S17 in FIG. 2).

  The predetermined set time is set in advance by a user or administrator of the image forming apparatus 100 as a time during which stable image formation with the paper p or image formation with no problem in quality is possible. It was time.

  As an example, 8 hours means that the paper p set at 9 am remains until 17:00 in the evening, 24 hours means that the paper p set at 9 am the previous day remains until 9 am the following day, Friday morning What is necessary is just to use the value suitable in the situation to be used, such as 72 hours which means whether the paper p set at 9 o'clock remains until 9 o'clock on Monday morning.

  In addition, as the set time, a different value may be set for each paper type. Further, as the set time, a different value may be set for each weather condition such as 24 hours in fine weather (low humidity) and 8 hours in rainy weather (high humidity).

  If the paper storage elapsed time integrated (step S16 in FIG. 2) has not reached the set time (NO in step S17 in FIG. 2), the control unit 101 returns to step S11 and performs the above processing. repeat.

  On the other hand, if the accumulated paper storage time that has been accumulated (step S16 in FIG. 2) has reached the set time (YES in step S17 in FIG. 2), the control unit 101 stores the paper p (unused). The operation display unit 105 displays a display indicating that the (time) exceeds the set time (see FIG. 4) or a display (see FIG. 5) indicating the storage time (unused time) of the paper p. Let it be done. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the user or manager of the image forming apparatus 100 that the predetermined time has elapsed for the stored paper p or that there is unused paper.

  Note that the notification in the operation display unit 105 is not limited to that in FIGS. 4 and 5, and both of FIGS. 4 and 5 may be displayed. Further, a buzzer that is not shown, or light emission or blinking of the light emitting unit may be used.

  In the display on the operation display unit 105, the control unit 101 displays an icon for inquiring the user whether to continue or stop image formation, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and according to the selection of the icon. Then, it may be controlled whether the image forming operation is continued or stopped.

  Further, as the display on the operation display unit 105, the control unit 101 executes the display of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 in a part of the area of the operation display unit 105, and has no influence on the normal screen display. It is also possible not to have it.

As a result, even when the paper p used for image formation remains in the paper storage unit 120 for a long time, it is possible to appropriately manage the passage of time.
In the above description, it is assumed that the control unit 101 is a processor or a processing circuit that electrically receives a detection result of each detection unit, but is not limited thereto. For example, a mechanical timer installed on the door 120d of the paper storage unit 120 may be used. In this case, the timer is reset by opening the door 120d. However, if the door 120d remains closed for a predetermined time, the timer is activated, and some notification such as ringing of the bell can be performed at the predetermined time. Also, a mechanical timer that operates while the paper p is present in the tray T may be used. In this case as well, even when the paper p used for image formation remains in the paper storage unit 120 for a long period of time, it is possible to appropriately manage the passage of time.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 is used for applications such as light printing, the user of the image forming apparatus 100 is often an operator having specialized knowledge and experience. For this reason, it is possible to deal with the knowledge and experience of the operator by notifying the paper p that has been stored in the storage unit 120 for a long period of time as in this embodiment.

[Operation of Image Forming Apparatus (2)]
The operation (2) of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3 and the explanatory diagrams of FIGS.

  The control unit 101 controls each unit during operation as the image forming apparatus 100, and monitors the detection results of the detection units 120s1 to 120s6 in the paper storage unit 120 (step S21 in FIG. 3). Further, as will be described later, the control unit 101 uses the timer function or the register function to accumulate the elapsed time if the state in which the sheet is stored in the sheet storage unit 120 continues (in FIG. 3). Step S24, Step S27).

  First, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the sheet storage detection is in an on state (step S22 in FIG. 3). Here, the paper storage detection is ON, that the door 120d of the paper storage unit 120 is in the closed state based on the detection result of the door opening / closing detection unit 120s4, and the paper p of an appropriate size is detected based on the detection result of the paper size detection unit 120s3. It means that the paper storage unit 120 is in an appropriate state and the detection of paper storage is possible.

If the paper storage detection is not on (NO in step S22 in FIG. 2), the elapsed time up to that point is reset (step S23 in FIG. 2).
When it is detected that the paper storage detection of the paper storage unit 120 is on (YES in step S22 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 displays the detection result of the paper presence / absence detection unit 120s1 or the remaining paper amount detection unit 120s2. Referring to FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not the sheet p exists in the sheet storage unit 120 (step S24 in FIG. 3).

  If the sheet p does not exist in the sheet storage unit 120 (NO in step S24 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 displays “no sheet” on the operation display unit 105 (step in FIG. 3). S25). Further, since the sheet p no longer exists, the control unit 101 clears the value of the elapsed time up to that point.

  If the sheet p is present in the sheet storage unit 120 (YES in step S24 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 refers to the detection results of the humidity detection unit 120s5 and the temperature detection unit 120s6. It is determined whether or not the environmental conditions inside the sheet storage unit 120 are in a predetermined state (step S26 in FIG. 3).

  If the environmental conditions inside the sheet storage unit 120 are in a predetermined state (for example, a predetermined humidity or higher or a predetermined temperature or higher) (YES in step S26 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 performs a timer function or Using the register function, the elapsed time while the sheet is being stored in the sheet storage unit 120 while being exposed to a predetermined environmental condition is accumulated (step S27 in FIG. 3).

  Here, when the paper p is stored in the paper storage unit 120 (YES in step S24 in FIG. 3), the paper p is exposed to a predetermined environmental condition (above a predetermined humidity or a predetermined temperature). The control unit 101 determines whether or not the time stored in the storage unit 120 has reached a predetermined set time (step S28 in FIG. 3).

  The predetermined set time is set in advance by a user or administrator of the image forming apparatus 100 as a time during which stable image formation with the paper p or image formation with no problem in quality is possible. It was time.

  As an example, 8 hours means that the paper p set at 9 am remains until 17:00 in the evening, 24 hours means that the paper p set at 9 am the previous day remains until 9 am the following day, Friday morning What is necessary is just to use the value suitable in the situation to be used, such as 72 hours which means whether the paper p set at 9 o'clock remains until 9 o'clock on Monday morning.

  In addition, as the set time, a different value may be set for each paper type. Further, as the set time, a different value may be set for each weather condition such as 24 hours in fine weather (low humidity) and 8 hours in rainy weather (high humidity).

  Further, the control unit 101 may adjust the set time according to environmental conditions. For example, the humidity may be adjusted to 24 hours if the humidity is 60%, 16 hours if the humidity is 70%, 12 hours if the humidity is 80%, and 8 hours if the humidity is 90% or more.

  If the paper storage elapsed time integrated (step S27 in FIG. 3) has not reached the set time (NO in step S28 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 returns to step S21 and performs the above processing. repeat.

  On the other hand, if the paper storage elapsed time under the predetermined environmental condition integrated (step S27 in FIG. 3) has reached the set time (YES in step S28 in FIG. 3), the control unit 101 determines the paper p. An indication that the storage time (unused time) exceeds the set time (see FIG. 6), or an indication of how long the storage time (unused time) of the paper p is (see FIG. 7). The operation display unit 105 performs the operation.

  Accordingly, it is possible to notify the user or administrator of the image forming apparatus 100 of the elapse of a predetermined time or the presence of unused paper for the paper p stored under the predetermined environmental conditions.

  Note that the notification on the operation display unit 105 is not limited to FIGS. 6 and 7, and both of FIGS. 6 and 7 may be displayed. Further, a buzzer that is not shown, or light emission or blinking of the light emitting unit may be used.

  In the display on the operation display unit 105, the control unit 101 displays an icon for inquiring the user whether to continue or stop image formation as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. Then, it may be controlled whether the image forming operation is continued or stopped.

  Further, as the display on the operation display unit 105, the control unit 101 executes the display of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 not on the entire operation display unit 105 but on a part of the area, and has no influence on the normal screen display. It is also possible not to have it.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 is used for applications such as light printing, the user of the image forming apparatus 100 is often an operator having specialized knowledge and experience. For this reason, it is possible to deal with the knowledge and experience of the operator by notifying the paper p that has been stored in the storage unit 120 for a long period of time as in this embodiment.

[Operation of Image Forming Apparatus (3)]
FIG. 9 shows a modification of the operation of the flowchart of FIG.
In this case, if the environmental condition inside the sheet storage unit 120 is in a predetermined state (for example, a predetermined humidity or higher or a predetermined temperature or higher) (YES in step S26 in FIG. 9), the control unit 101 performs a timer function. Using the register function, the elapsed time a while the sheet is being stored in the sheet storage unit 120 while being exposed to a predetermined environmental condition is accumulated (step S27A in FIG. 9).

  If the environmental conditions inside the sheet storage unit 120 are not in a predetermined state (for example, a predetermined humidity or higher or a predetermined temperature or higher) (NO in step S26 in FIG. 9), the control unit 101 performs a timer function or Using the register function, the elapsed time b is accumulated while the state in which the paper is stored in the paper storage unit 120 regardless of the predetermined environmental condition (step S27B in FIG. 9).

  If the paper p is stored in the paper storage unit 120 (YES in step S24 in FIG. 9), whether or not the set time determined for each of the elapsed time a and the elapsed time b has been reached is determined. The control unit 101 determines (step S28 in FIG. 9).

  If any of the accumulated sheet storage times a and b that have been integrated (step S27A or S27B in FIG. 9) has reached the set time (YES in step S28 in FIG. 9), the control unit 101 performs FIG. Is displayed on the operation display unit 105. In the example of FIG. 10, both elapsed time a and elapsed time b are displayed.

As a result, even when the paper p used for image formation remains in the paper storage unit 120 for a long time, it is possible to appropriately manage the passage of time.
[Operation of Image Forming Apparatus (4)]
In the above operation (2) and operation (3), when the control unit 101 matches a predetermined environmental condition (YES in step S26 in FIG. 2 and YES in step S26 in FIG. 9), the air conditioning unit 120h is turned on. Operate and adjust temperature and humidity.

Even in such a case, the control unit 101 performs integration of elapsed time if a predetermined environmental condition occurs before or after the operation of the air conditioning unit 120h.
That is, when the temperature or humidity is controlled by the air conditioning unit 120h, if there are discontinuous periods during which the power supply to the image forming apparatus 100 is off before and after the control of the air conditioning unit 120h, Discontinuous time lapses corresponding to the detection results during the period in which the power supply is off are integrated and counted. Thus, although the time such as high temperature and humidity is discontinuous before and after the control ON of the air conditioning unit 120h (previous night, next night, etc.), the time is accumulated and handled as the same time as continuous. As a result, the time elapses even when the paper used for image formation remains in the paper storage unit 120 for a long time under a predetermined environmental condition in a state including a period in which the air-conditioning control is not performed by turning off the power at night or on holidays. Appropriate management becomes possible.

[Configuration and operation of paper feeder]
In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 including the paper storage unit 120 has been described. However, the paper supply apparatus 100 including the control unit 101, the operation display unit 105, and the paper storage unit 120, and not including the image forming unit 130. Even in the case of “only the paper storage unit 120 in FIG. 8”, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the above description by performing the same operation as described above.

100 Image forming apparatus 101 Control unit 102 ROM
103 RAM
105 Operation Display Unit 110 Image Processing Unit 120 Paper Storage Unit 130 Image Forming Unit

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper,
A paper storage portion having a door that can be opened and closed and capable of storing a plurality of the paper;
A door opening / closing detector for detecting opening / closing of the door;
A paper presence / absence detection unit for detecting the presence / absence of paper in the paper storage unit;
A notification unit for performing various notifications according to instructions from the control unit;
When the paper presence / absence detection unit detects that the paper is present and the door opening / closing detection unit does not open / close the door for a predetermined time or more, the paper indicates that the predetermined time has elapsed or is unused A control unit for notifying the presence of paper by the notification unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper,
A paper storage portion having a door that can be opened and closed and capable of storing a plurality of the paper;
A door opening / closing detector for detecting opening / closing of the door;
A paper presence / absence detection unit for detecting the presence / absence of paper in the paper storage unit;
An environmental condition detection unit for detecting temperature or humidity in the paper storage unit;
A notification unit for performing various notifications according to instructions from the control unit;
When the paper presence / absence detection unit detects that the paper is present, the door opening / closing detection unit does not open / close the door for a predetermined time, and the environmental condition detected by the environmental condition detection unit is a predetermined condition A control unit that causes the notification unit to notify that the predetermined time has elapsed or the presence of unused paper for the paper;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper,
A paper storage portion having a door that can be opened and closed and capable of storing a plurality of the paper;
A door opening / closing detector for detecting opening / closing of the door;
A paper presence / absence detection unit for detecting the presence / absence of paper in the paper storage unit;
An environmental condition detection unit for detecting temperature or humidity in the paper storage unit;
A notification unit for performing various notifications according to instructions from the control unit;
When the paper presence / absence detection unit detects that the paper is present and the door opening / closing detection unit does not open or close the door for a predetermined time or more, or the paper presence / absence detection unit detects that the paper is present and the door When the door is not opened or closed by the open / close detection unit for a predetermined time or more and the environmental condition detected by the environmental condition detection unit is a predetermined condition, the fact that the predetermined time has passed or the unused paper A control unit for notifying the presence by the notification unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The control unit also counts the time during which the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned off as the elapsed time according to the detection result.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. An air conditioning unit for controlling temperature or humidity in the paper storage unit;
When the control unit controls the temperature or humidity by the air conditioning unit, there are discontinuous periods in which the power supply to the image forming apparatus is off before and after the temperature or humidity control by the air conditioning unit. If this is the case, the discontinuous elapsed time according to the detection result in the period in which the power supply is off is integrated and counted.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A paper feeding device that feeds paper for image formation to the image forming apparatus,
A paper storage portion having a door that can be opened and closed and capable of storing a plurality of the paper;
A door opening / closing detector for detecting opening / closing of the door;
A paper presence / absence detection unit for detecting the presence / absence of paper in the paper storage unit;
A notification unit for performing various notifications according to instructions from the control unit;
When the paper presence / absence detection unit detects that the paper is present and the door opening / closing detection unit does not open / close the door for a predetermined time or more, the paper indicates that the predetermined time has elapsed or is unused A control unit for notifying the presence of paper by the notification unit;
A paper feeding device comprising: A paper feeding device that feeds paper for image formation to the image forming apparatus,
A paper storage portion having a door that can be opened and closed and capable of storing a plurality of the paper;
A door opening / closing detector for detecting opening / closing of the door;
A paper presence / absence detection unit for detecting the presence / absence of paper in the paper storage unit;
An environmental condition detection unit for detecting temperature or humidity in the paper storage unit;
A notification unit for performing various notifications according to instructions from the control unit;
When the paper presence / absence detection unit detects that the paper is present, the door opening / closing detection unit does not open / close the door for a predetermined time, and the environmental condition detected by the environmental condition detection unit is a predetermined condition A control unit that causes the notification unit to notify that the predetermined time has elapsed or the presence of unused paper for the paper;
A paper feeding device comprising: A paper feeding device that feeds paper for image formation to the image forming apparatus,
A paper storage portion having a door that can be opened and closed and capable of storing a plurality of the paper;
A door opening / closing detector for detecting opening / closing of the door;
A paper presence / absence detection unit for detecting the presence / absence of paper in the paper storage unit;
An environmental condition detection unit for detecting temperature or humidity in the paper storage unit;
A notification unit for performing various notifications according to instructions from the control unit;
When the paper presence / absence detection unit detects that the paper is present and the door opening / closing detection unit does not open or close the door for a predetermined time or more, or the paper presence / absence detection unit detects that the paper is present and the door When the door is not opened or closed by the open / close detection unit for a predetermined time or more and the environmental condition detected by the environmental condition detection unit is a predetermined condition, the fact that the predetermined time has passed or the unused paper A control unit for notifying the presence by the notification unit;
A paper feeding device comprising: The control unit also counts the time during which the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned off as the elapsed time according to the detection result.
The paper feeding device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein An air conditioning unit for controlling temperature or humidity in the paper storage unit;
When the control unit controls the temperature or humidity by the air conditioning unit, there are discontinuous periods in which the power supply to the image forming apparatus is off before and after the temperature or humidity control by the air conditioning unit. If this is the case, the discontinuous elapsed time according to the detection result in the period in which the power supply is off is integrated and counted.
The paper feeding device according to claim 7, wherein the paper feeding device is a paper feeding device.

Images