JP2012188180A - Paper remaining amount calculation device, image forming device and paper remaining amount calculation method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately calculate a remaining amount of roll paper only based on a detection result.SOLUTION: This paper remaining amount calculation device 1 holds axial both ends of the roll paper formed by winding long paper around a paper tube by a spool shaft and a stopper, rotatably supports the roll paper by a bearing via the spool shaft, detects at least an outer diameter position of the paper tube and a side end face of the paper wound around the paper tube by a paper remaining amount detection sensor in a sensor 2 arranged in the stopper in the radial direction of the roll paper, and outputs a detection signal to a CPU 8 via a support side communication part 3. Based on the detection signal, the CPU 8 determines an outer diameter of the paper tube, an outer diameter of the paper from the outer diameter position of the paper tube to an outer diameter position of the paper wound around the piper tube and paper thickness of one piece of the paper so as to calculate the remaining amount of the paper wound around the paper tube.

Description

  The present invention relates to a remaining paper amount calculation device, an image forming apparatus, and a remaining paper amount calculation method, and more particularly, to a remaining paper amount calculation device, an image forming apparatus, and a remaining paper amount for easily and accurately calculating the remaining amount of roll paper. It relates to a quantity calculation method.

  In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a wide paper such as A0 width, roll paper is generally used as an image forming paper so that a long image can be formed. A long paper is wrapped around the paper tube.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus, it is important for improving usability to accurately detect the remaining amount of paper and provide the user with remaining paper amount information.

  Conventionally, the rotation speed of the roll paper is detected by using a sensor, and the information on the roll paper (paper thickness, paper length, paper tube diameter, etc.) input in advance by the detected rotation speed by the user. A technique for calculating the remaining amount of paper based on the above has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 34, when the roll paper 100 is wound around the paper tube 101 and pulled out in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 34, the rotation speed (roll paper rotation speed) ω of the paper 102, There is a relationship represented by the following equation (10) between the roll paper diameter r, which is the diameter of the roll paper 100 itself, and the paper transport speed v.

v = r × ω (10)
The sheet conveying speed v is set in advance in the image forming apparatus, and the rotation speed of the sheet conveying motor is controlled in order to secure the sheet conveying speed v.

  The equation (10) can be transformed as the following equation (11), and the roll paper diameter r can be calculated from the equation (11) by detecting the roll paper rotation speed ω.

r = v / ω (11)
The roll paper diameter r, the paper thickness, and the remaining paper amount are tabulated and stored in the memory, whereby the remaining paper amount can be obtained from the roll paper diameter r and the paper thickness.

  Further, conventionally, light is projected from the light projecting unit toward the surface of the paper, the reflected light from the surface of the paper is received by the light receiving unit, and the paper is based on the incident angle of the reflected light received by the light receiving unit. Has been proposed that uses a distance measuring sensor to calculate the remaining amount of paper based on the distance measurement data (see Patent Document 2).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 35, this prior art projects light from the light projecting unit 111 toward the surface of the paper 102 of the roll paper 100, and the reflected light reflected from the surface of the paper 100 is line sensor. The distance between the light receiving unit 112 and the surface of the paper 102 is measured by the change in the light receiving position of the light receiving unit 112 (change from the position indicated by the solid line to the position indicated by the wavy line in FIG. 35). The roll paper radius r is calculated based on the distance data. Then, the roll paper diameter r, the paper thickness, and the paper remaining amount are tabulated and stored in the memory, whereby the paper remaining amount can be obtained from the roll paper diameter r and the paper thickness.

  In each of the above prior arts, in actuality, in order to obtain the remaining amount of paper, not only the paper thickness but also the diameter of the paper tube needs to be input by the user. The remaining amount of paper is obtained based on the paper diameter r, the paper thickness, and the diameter of the paper tube.

  However, in the prior art described in the above publication, in any of the prior arts, in addition to the roll paper diameter of the measurement result, the user needs to input the paper thickness and the diameter of the paper tube. The exact remaining amount of paper cannot be obtained from the data alone, and improvement is necessary to improve usability.

  That is, in the conventional technique for detecting the rotational angular velocity of the paper described in Patent Document 1 and determining the remaining amount of the paper, the rotational speed and the roll paper speed are always in a constant relationship from the action of the moment of inertia due to the mass of the roll paper. Not always, the remaining amount of paper becomes inaccurate, and the remaining amount of paper cannot be obtained simply by measuring the diameter of the roll paper. There was a problem that the input was necessary and the usability was bad.

  Further, in the conventional technique for detecting the remaining amount of paper from the distance data between the paper and the light receiving unit described in Patent Document 2, when the remaining amount of roll paper is reduced, the light receiving position on the light receiving unit is changed. The distance data between the light receiving unit and the sheet increases with respect to the position change amount, and there is a problem that accurate distance data, that is, the remaining amount of the sheet cannot be detected.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a remaining paper amount calculation device, an image forming apparatus, and a remaining paper amount calculation method capable of accurately and easily calculating the remaining paper amount of the roll paper based only on the measurement result of the roll paper. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention holds a roll paper in which a long paper is wound around a paper tube by a paper holding member at least at both ends in the axial direction of the roll paper. The roll paper is rotatably supported by a support member via a holding member, and at least one of the paper holding members is disposed in the radial direction of the roll paper by at least one paper holding member. Based on the detection signal output from the paper information detecting means, the outer diameter of the paper tube, the paper The sheet outer diameter from the outer diameter position of the tube to the outer diameter position of the sheet wound on the paper tube and the sheet thickness of the sheet are obtained, and the remainder of the sheet wound on the paper tube is determined. It is characterized by calculating the quantity.

  In the present invention, the paper information detection unit may include the roll paper in a state where the paper is wound to the maximum length around the paper tube, or the roll paper in a state where the paper has a predetermined remaining amount. Length capable of detecting the outer diameter position of the paper tube, the outer diameter position of the paper wound around the paper tube, and the thickness of the single paper drawn from the paper wound around the paper tube Furthermore, it may be characterized by being arranged extending in the radial direction of the roll paper.

  Further, according to the present invention, the paper holding means and the support member provided with the paper information detecting means are provided with a conductive means or a non-contact communication means for contacting, and at least the paper information detecting means outputs A detection signal may be output to the support member side.

  According to the present invention, the remaining amount of roll paper can be accurately and easily calculated based only on the measurement result of the roll paper.

1 is a block diagram of a remaining paper amount calculation apparatus to which a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. Side view of roll paper. FIG. 4 is a front view and a side view of a spool-type roll paper feeding unit. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a spool-type roll paper feeding unit. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of roll paper detection information by a paper remaining amount detection sensor. The enlarged front view of the spool side electroconductive part part of a spool axis | shaft. The expanded sectional view of the electroconductive part part of a bearing. The front partial enlarged view which shows the other example of the roll paper supply part of a spool system. The figure which shows the roll paper roll part of a flange system. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a flange-type roll paper feeding unit. The front view of the flange side electroconductive part part of a flange. The expanded sectional view of the roll paper stand side electroconductive part part of a roll paper stand. FIG. 6 is a layout diagram of a remaining paper amount detection sensor of a one-dimensional linear image sensor. FIG. 6 is a layout diagram of a remaining paper amount detection sensor of a two-dimensional image sensor. Explanatory drawing of the roll paper information detection by a paper remaining amount detection sensor. FIG. 6 is a correspondence diagram of detection signals of a roll paper and a paper remaining amount detection sensor. Explanatory drawing of the detection signal of the paper remaining amount detection sensor used for paper remaining amount calculation. The figure which shows the detection state according to the sensor element of a mode residual amount detection sensor, and the position of a paper boundary. Explanatory drawing of the detection accuracy by a paper remaining amount detection sensor. Explanatory drawing of the detection method of the paper tube outer diameter which considered eccentricity. The flowchart which shows an initial data detection process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a remaining paper amount detection notification process during a user operation. Explanatory drawing of each information of the roll paper used for paper remaining amount calculation. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a remaining paper amount detection print control process during printing. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of remaining sheet information on a display device. The figure which shows the sensor side communication part and support side communication part which used RFID of the spool system. The figure which shows the sensor side communication part and roll paper stand side communication part which used RFID of a flange system. The figure which shows the roll paper and paper remaining amount detection sensor of 2nd Example. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a detection signal of a roll paper and a paper remaining amount detection sensor when the remaining amount of paper is sufficiently large according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a detection signal of a roll paper and a paper remaining amount detection sensor when the remaining amount of paper in the second embodiment is low. The flowchart which shows the initial data detection process of 2nd Example. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a remaining sheet detection process at the time of a user operation according to the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a remaining paper amount detection print control process during printing according to a second embodiment. Explanatory drawing in the case of calculating | requiring the remaining amount of paper by measuring the conventional roll paper rotation angle. Explanatory drawing in the case of calculating | requiring the paper remaining amount by measuring the distance with the conventional paper.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, since the Example described below is a suitable Example of this invention, various technically preferable restrictions are attached | subjected, However, The range of this invention is unduly limited by the following description. However, not all the configurations described in the present embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

  FIGS. 1 to 27 are diagrams showing a first embodiment of a remaining paper amount calculation device, an image forming apparatus, and a remaining paper amount calculation method according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of a remaining paper amount calculating apparatus 1 to which a first embodiment of a forming apparatus and a remaining paper amount calculating method is applied. FIG.

  In FIG. 1, the remaining paper amount calculation device 1 includes a sensor unit 2, a support side communication unit 3, a control board 4, an operation display unit 5 provided with a display 5a, and the like. An (Analog / Digital) conversion unit 6, an I / O ASIC (Input / Output Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 7, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 8, and the like are mounted.

  The remaining paper amount calculation device 1 is an image of a copying machine, a printer device, a composite device, or the like provided with a roll paper feeding unit that forms an image by cutting a roll paper obtained by winding a long paper around a paper tube into an appropriate length. Applied to forming equipment.

  The paper feeding unit 2 and the support side communication unit 3 are provided in a roll paper feeding unit of the image forming apparatus, and a roll paper 10 as shown in FIG. 2 is disposed in the roll paper feeding unit. As shown in FIG. 2, the roll paper 10 is formed by winding a long paper 12 having a predetermined paper width around a cylindrical paper tube 11 having a length equal to or greater than the paper width. Is fed to the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus by sandwiching the tip between the pair of transport rollers 9 and rotating the transport roller 9 at a constant speed by a transport motor (not shown).

  The roll paper feeding unit includes a spool-type roll paper feeding unit 20 as shown in FIG. 3 and a flange-type roll paper feeding unit 30 as shown in FIG.

  First, the spool type roll paper feeding unit 20 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the spool-type roll paper feeding unit 20 supports the roll paper 10 by a metal spool shaft 21 that penetrates the paper tube 11 of the roll paper 10. At the same time, the pair of stoppers 22 are mounted on the spool shaft 21 in a state where the stoppers 22 are positioned at both ends of the roll paper 10, and the stoppers 22 fix both ends of the roll paper 10 to restrict movement in the axial direction. The spool shaft 21 and the stopper 22 function as a sheet holding member as a whole.

  The spool-type roll paper feeding unit 20 includes a pair of bearings (support members) 23, and the bearings 23 are formed with shaft holes 24 (see FIG. 8) through which the spool shaft 21 passes. The bearing 23 rotatably supports the roll paper 10 by inserting a spool shaft 21 penetrating the paper tube 11 of the roll paper 10 into the shaft hole 24.

  One of the pair of stoppers 22 (the right-side stopper 22 in FIG. 3) has a side end face of the roll paper 10 as shown in an enlarged front view and side view in FIG. A sheet remaining amount detection sensor (sheet information detection means) 40 is disposed at the opposite position in a state extending in the radial direction of the roll paper 10, and the sheet remaining amount detection sensor 40 is as shown in FIG. In addition, the outer diameter of the paper tube 11 (hereinafter referred to as “paper tube outer diameter”) R, the outer diameter of the roll paper 10 (hereinafter referred to as “roll paper outer diameter”) r, and the thickness (hereinafter referred to as “roll paper outer diameter”). As appropriate, it is called the paper thickness.) Measure the length that can measure p.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the spool-type roll paper feeding unit 20 has a spool-side conductive portion (detection) at one end of the spool shaft 21 and inserted into the shaft hole 24 of the bearing 23. Side conductive means) 25, and the spool side conductive portion 25 includes a GND (ground) conductive portion 25g, a power supply conductive portion 25p, and a signal conductive portion 25s. Although not shown, the conductive portions 25g, 25p, and 25s of the spool-side conductive portion 25 are connected to the GND terminal, the power supply terminal, and the detection signal output terminal of the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 through the spool shaft 21.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the roll paper feeding unit 20 has a bearing-side conductive portion (support-side conductive means) as a support-side communication unit 3 on the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole 24 of the bearing 23. 26, and the bearing-side conductive portion 26 includes a GND conductive portion 26g, a power supply conductive portion 26p, and a signal conductive portion 26s. The GND conductive portion 26g, the power supply conductive portion 26p, and the signal conductive portion 26s of the bearing-side conductive portion 26 are connected to the control board 4, and the shaft-side conductive portion 25 of the spool-side conductive portion 25 is inserted into the shaft hole 24 of the bearing 23. When the end portion of the formed spool shaft 21 is inserted, the conductive portion 25g, the power supply conductive portion 25p, and the signal conductive portion 25s of the spool side conductive portion 25 are brought into contact with each other to be in a conductive state.

  The control board 4 includes a GND conductive portion 26g of the bearing side conductive portion 26, a power supply conductive portion 26p and a signal conductive portion 26s, a GND conductive portion 25g of the spool side conductive portion 25, a power supply conductive portion 25p, and a signal conductive portion. When the unit 25s comes into contact with each other, the power for driving the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 is supplied to the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 through the power supply conductive portion 26p and the power supply conductive portion 25p, and the GND conductivity is supplied. The ground is provided through the portion 26g and the GND conductive portion 25g, and the detection signal S detected by the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 is received through the signal conductive portion 26s and the signal conductive portion 25s.

  In the case of the spool-type roll paper feeding unit 20, the method of disposing the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 is not limited to the method of fixing to the stopper 22, but for example, as shown in FIG. The amount detection sensor 40 is attached to the mounting base 41, and the stopper 22 is provided with a notch 42 in which the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 can be positioned at a position where a region necessary for detecting the remaining amount of the roll paper 10 can be detected. Form. Then, the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 attached to the attachment base 41 may be disposed in a state where the paper remaining amount detection sensor 40 enters the notch 42 of the stopper 22. As described above, when the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 is attached to the mounting base 41, the power line, the GND line, and the signal line of the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 can be wired to the control board 4 through the mounting base 41. The spool-side conductive portion 25 and the bearing-side conductive portion 26 can be omitted.

  Next, the flange-type roll paper feeding unit 30 shown in FIG. 9 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the flange-type roll paper feeding unit 30 includes a pair of flanges (paper holding members) 31 that are respectively attached to both ends of the paper tube 11 of the roll paper 10. And a roll paper base (support member) 32 that rotatably supports the respective flanges 31. The flanges 31 are attached to both ends of the paper tube 11 of the roll paper 10, and are installed on the roll paper base 32. . When the leading end of the paper 12 is pulled out by the conveying roller 9, the flange-type roll paper feeding unit 30 rotates with the flanges 31 attached to both ends of the paper tube 11 being installed on the roll paper base 32. Then, the paper 12 is sent out.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the flange-type roll paper feeding unit 30 extends in the radial direction of the roll paper 10 at a position facing the side end surface of the roll paper 10 of the flange 31. The paper remaining amount detection sensor 40 is disposed in a groove formed in the flange 31 so that the paper remaining amount detection sensor 40 is a paper tube as shown in FIG. 11 has a length capable of measuring an outer diameter R of the roll paper 10, an outer diameter r of the roll paper 10, and a thickness p of the paper 12.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the flange-type roll paper feeding unit 30 has a flange-side conductive portion (detection-side conductive means) 33 formed in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the flange 31, and the flange-side conductive portion 33. Includes a GND conductive portion 33g, a power supply conductive portion 33p, and a signal conductive portion 33s. Although not shown, the conductive portions 33g, 33p, and 33s of the flange-side conductive portion 33 are connected through the flange 31 to the GND terminal, the power supply terminal, and the detection signal output terminal of the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the flange-type roll paper feeding unit 30 is formed with a roll paper base side conductive part (support side conductive means) 34 as the support side communication part 3, and the roll paper base side The conductive portion 34 includes a GND conductive portion 34g, a power supply conductive portion 34p, and a signal conductive portion 34s. The GND conductive portion 34g, the power supply conductive portion 34p, and the signal conductive portion 34s of the roll paper base side conductive portion 34 are connected to the control board 4, and the flange side conductive portion 33 is provided on the roll paper base 32. When the flange 31 is formed, the GND conductive portion 33g, the power supply conductive portion 33p, and the signal conductive portion 33s of the flange side conductive portion 33 come into contact with each other to be in a conductive state.

  The control substrate 4 includes a GND conductive portion 34g, a power conductive portion 34p and a signal conductive portion 34s, a GND conductive portion 33g of the flange side conductive portion 33, a power conductive portion 33p and a signal. When the conductive portions 33s are in contact with each other, power for driving the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 is supplied to the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 through the power supply conductive portion 34p and the power supply conductive portion 33p. The ground is provided through the conductive portion 34g and the conductive portion 33g for GND, and the detection signal detected by the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 is received through the conductive portion 34s and the signal conductive portion 33s.

  In both the flange method and the spool method, the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 is an optical sensor whose reading resolution is sufficiently smaller than the thickness p of the paper 12, for example, a light source built-in CMOS. A one-dimensional linear image sensor or a two-dimensional image sensor using (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), or the like is used.

  In the case of a one-dimensional linear image sensor, the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 can detect all of the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11 of the roll paper 10, the outer diameter r and the thickness p of the roll paper 10, as shown in FIG. In the case of a two-dimensional image sensor, a part for measuring the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11 and a part for measuring the outer diameter r of the roll paper 10 using a plurality of sensors as shown in FIG. And it arrange | positions separately in the part which measures the thickness p of the paper 12.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the remaining amount of paper is detected using the remaining amount detection sensor 40, the thickness p of the paper 12 and the diameter of the roll paper 11 itself (the paper tube 11 which is the inner diameter of the roll paper 11). The roll paper diameter D) from the outer diameter R to the outer diameter r of the roll paper 11 is required.

  Therefore, as described above, the remaining paper amount calculation device 1 of the present embodiment uses the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 to detect the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11 of the roll paper 10, the outer diameter r of the roll paper 10, and the paper thickness p. , The roll paper diameter D is calculated by subtracting the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11 from the outer diameter r of the roll paper 10, and the remaining paper amount L is calculated based on the roll paper diameter D and the paper thickness p. calculate. In FIG. 15, a square indicated by a solid line indicates a detection range 40 a of the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the detection signal S by the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 is wound around the non-detection → the paper tube 11 → the paper tube 11 from the inside of the roll paper 10 to the outside of the roll paper 10. The signal state is as follows: Paper 12 → No detection → Paper 12 drawn by the transport roller 9 → No detection. The waveform of the detection signal S in FIG. 16 is obtained by sampling the detection signal read by the paper remaining amount detection sensor 40 in units of sensor elements, and white (the state where the paper 12 is detected): “0x3FF”, black Or no detection: “0x000” and brown (the state in which the paper tube 11 is detected): “0x1FF”: AD converted waveform.

  That is, the control board 4 converts the analog detection signal S input from the support side communication unit 3 into a digital detection signal S by the AD conversion unit 6 and outputs the digital detection signal S to the I / O ASIC 7. Outputs the detection signal S digitally converted by the AD converter 6 to the CPU 8.

  The CPU 8 calculates the remaining amount L of the roll paper 10 based on the detection signal S input from the I / O ASIC 7 and causes the display 5 a of the operation display unit 5 to display and output necessary remaining amount information.

  The display (notification means) 5 a is provided, for example, in the operation display unit 5 of the image forming apparatus to which the remaining paper amount calculation device 1 is applied, and displays and outputs various information under the control of the CPU 8. As the display device 5a, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is used.

  Then, the CPU 8 calculates the paper thickness p as shown in FIG. 17 in order to calculate the remaining paper amount L of the roll paper 10 based on the digital detection signal S input from the I / O ASIC 7. The detection signal S1 and the detection signal S2 are used as the signals for the detection, and the detection signal S3 indicating the roll paper outer diameter r and the paper tube outer diameter R are used as the signals for calculating the roll paper diameter D that is the diameter of the roll paper 10 itself. Each of the detection signals S4 indicating is read. That is, the CPU 8 first calculates the difference between the detection signal S1 and the detection signal S2 to obtain the paper thickness p (S1−S2 = p), and the detection signal S3 indicating the outer diameter r of the roll paper 10 from the detection signal S3. By calculating the difference in the detection signal S4 indicating the outer diameter R of the tube 11, the roll paper diameter D, which is the thickness of the paper 12 wound around the paper tube 11, is obtained. Then, the CPU 8 calculates the remaining paper amount L of the roll paper 10 from the paper thickness p and the roll paper diameter D.

  Further, the CPU 8 is wound around the paper tube 11 and the boundary position of the front and back surfaces of the drawn paper 12 and the boundary position of the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11 based on the detection signals S1, S2, S3, and S4. When detecting the boundary position of the outer diameter r of the sheet 12, the boundary position is a sensor element of the remaining sheet detection sensor 40 as shown in FIG. It is determined whether it is coincident with the boundary position (indicated by a circle in FIG. 18) or on the sensor element, and based on the detection signals S1, S2, S3, and S4, The boundary position of the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11 and the boundary position of the outer diameter r of the paper 12 wound around the paper tube 11 are detected.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 18, each of the remaining paper amount detection sensors 40 indicated by circles is a sensor element G1 to G5, etc., and a white portion that is not hatched detects the paper 12. When the hatched black portion is a sensor element portion where the paper 12 is not detected, the CPU 8 detects that the paper remaining amount detection sensor 40 is, for example, the front side end of the cross section of the paper 12. 18A shows the state of the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 and the state of the detection signal S when the boundary position between the white portion and the black portion is located at the boundary between the sensor element G2 and the sensor element G3. The detection signal S changes from “3FF” in the white portion to “000” at the boundary position between the sensor element G2 and the sensor element G3. FIG. 18B shows the state of the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 and the state of the detection signal S when the boundary position between the white portion and the black portion is positioned on the sensor element G3. While the sensor element G2 changes from “3FF” to the sensor element G4 “000”, the sensor element G3 changes to a value between “3FF” and “000”. That is, in the sensor elements G1 to G5, the detection signals S output from the sensor elements G1 to G5 change as G1 = G2, G2 ≠ G3, and G3 = G4 in the case of FIG. In the case of 18 (b), G1 = G2, G2 ≠ G3, G3 ≠ G4, and G4 = G5. Therefore, the CPU 8 determines the change in the detection signal S from the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40, and is wound around the paper tube 11 and the boundary position of the front and rear surfaces of the paper 12 and the boundary position of the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11. The boundary position of the outer diameter r of the paper 12 being detected is detected.

  Note that the determination of the boundary position between the front and back surfaces of the paper 12 and the boundary position of the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11 and the boundary position of the outer diameter r of the paper 12 wound around the paper tube 11 is not limited to the above method. For example, as shown in FIG. 18C, the white determination threshold value Ref1 and the black determination threshold value Ref2 are set, and the detection signal S from the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 is determined as the white determination threshold value Ref1 and the black determination value. The boundary position of the paper 12 or the like may be determined by comparing with the threshold value Ref2.

  The detection accuracy for the front and back boundary positions of the paper 12 and the boundary position of the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11 and the boundary position of the outer diameter r of the paper 12 wound around the paper tube 11 by the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 is as follows. Depending on the resolution of the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40, the area of the width A is read by the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 whose diameter of the sensor element indicated by a circle in FIG. 19 is a, and the decimal part of A / a is rounded down. In this case, when the boundary position of the width A is positioned at the boundary position of the sensor elements as shown in FIG. 19A, the number of sensor elements A / a are arranged in the region A, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, when the sensor element is located on the sensor element, the sensor element existing on the boundary line is ignored, and therefore (A / a-1) exists in the region of the width A.

  Therefore, the reading accuracy of the remaining sheet detection sensor 40 is {A / a (integer part) −1} × a / A × 100 [%] as a minimum value.

  For example, when the width A is A = 100 [mm] and the sensor element diameter a is a = 3 [mm], A / a (integer part) = 100/3 = 33, and the remaining paper amount detection sensor The reading accuracy of 40 is (33-1) × 3/100 × 100 = 96 [%].

  Therefore, for example, when an image sensor of 600 dpi (resolution 47 um) and 1200 dpi (23.5 um) is used as the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 to detect the paper thickness p of 100 um, The reading accuracy is as follows.

When a 600 dpi image sensor is used as the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40,
A / a (integer part) = 100/47 = 2
(2-1) × 47/100 × 100 = 47 [%]
When a 1200 dpi image sensor is used as the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40,
A / a (integer part) = 100 / 23.5 = 4
(4-1) × 23.5 / 100 × 100 = 79.5 [79.5]
Therefore, the reading accuracy is low even at 600 dpi or 1200 dpi.

On the other hand, when an image sensor provided with a magnifying optical system such as a CCD having a resolution of 4.7 um is used as the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40,
A / a (integer part) = 100 / 4.7 = 21
(21-1) × 4.7 / 100 × 100 = 94 [%]
Thus, the reading accuracy of the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 can be improved.

  Therefore, when the remaining sheet detection sensor 40 such as an image sensor is used in the remaining sheet detection device 1 of this embodiment, between the remaining sheet detection sensor 40 and the roll paper 10 to be measured, particularly the sheet thickness. When the paper thickness p is detected by enlarging it about 10 times with a magnifying optical system in the position where p is detected, the reading accuracy of the paper remaining amount detection sensor 40, particularly the paper thickness by the paper remaining amount detection sensor 40, is detected. Improve the reading of p.

  In addition, in order to improve the accuracy of detection of the remaining amount of paper by the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40, it is necessary to detect the roll paper diameter D, which is the diameter of the roll paper 10 itself, with high accuracy.

  However, when the roll paper 10 is eccentric, the detection accuracy of the roll paper diameter D is lowered. In particular, the paper tube 11 is highly likely to be decentered, and in order to detect the roll paper diameter D with high accuracy, the decentering of the paper tube 11 affects the detection accuracy of the roll paper diameter D. It needs to be small.

  Therefore, the CPU 8 calculates an average value of the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11 when the roll paper 10 goes around, and uses the average value as the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 8 detects that the detection signal S3 (FIG. 20 (a)) of the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 indicating the outer diameter r of the paper 12 is as shown in FIG. 20 (b). When the roll paper 10 makes one round of the roll paper from the moment when the thickness p changes to S3-p until it becomes S3-2 × p as shown in FIG. The average value of the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11 is calculated, and the average value is determined as the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11.

  The remaining paper amount calculation device 1 includes a ROM, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM, a flash memory, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), and a CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable). , DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), SD (Secure Digital) card, MO (Magneto-Optical Disc), etc. The remaining amount of paper for executing the element remaining amount calculation method of the present invention recorded on a computer-readable recording medium By reading the calculation program and introducing it into a ROM (not shown) or the like, a remaining paper amount calculation method for accurately calculating the remaining paper amount of the roll paper 10 based only on detection data of a remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 described later is executed. It is constructed as a remaining paper amount calculation device. This remaining paper amount calculation program is a computer-executable program described in a legacy programming language such as assembler, C, C ++, C #, Java (registered trademark), an object-oriented programming language, or the like. Can be stored and distributed.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The remaining paper amount calculation device 1 of the present embodiment accurately detects the remaining amount of the roll paper 10 based only on the detection result of the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40.

  First, when the roll paper 10 is set, the remaining paper amount calculation device 1 executes an initial data detection process shown in FIG. In other words, when the roll paper 10 is set in the spool-type roll paper feed unit 20 or the flange-type roll paper feed unit 30, the remaining paper amount calculation device 1 causes the leading end portion of the paper 12 of the roll paper 10 to move. It is checked whether or not the sheet is caught between the conveying rollers 9 (step S101). If the sheet is caught, the CPU 8 measures the sheet thickness p based on the detection signal S from the sheet remaining amount detection sensor 40 (step S102). . The CPU 8 calculates the sheet thickness p by subtracting the detection signal S2 from the detection signal S1 as described above.

  The CPU 8 measures the outer diameter r of the roll paper 11 from the detection signal S3 of the detection signal S of the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 (step S103), rotates the transport roller 9, and measures the measured outer diameter r of the roll paper. The paper 12 is pulled out from the roll paper 10 by a paper length that is twice the circumference (2π × r × 2) (step S104). When the CPU 8 pulls out the paper 12, the CPU 8 calculates and determines the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11 (step S105). In calculating the outer diameter R of the paper tube, the CPU 8 draws out the paper 12 at the tip of the roll paper 10 as described above, and calculates the average value of the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11 when the roll paper 10 goes around. Then, the average value is determined as the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11.

  When the CPU 8 completes the measurement and determination of the above values, it rewinds the drawn paper 12 and ends the process, and also the values of the detection signals S1, S2, and S4, that is, the paper thickness p and the paper tube outer diameter. The value of R is stored in the memory (step S106).

  Next, the remaining sheet amount detection notification process when the user makes a request for notification of remaining sheet information by manual operation on the operation display unit 5 of the image forming apparatus to which the remaining sheet amount calculating apparatus 1 is applied will be described with reference to FIG. Based on

  When there is a request for notification of the remaining amount of paper by manual operation on the operation display unit 5 of the image forming apparatus, the remaining amount calculation device 1 confirms that the sheet 12 is sandwiched between the conveyance rollers 9 ( In step S201, the roll paper outer diameter r is measured based on the detection signal S3 from the paper remaining amount detection sensor 40 (step S202). That is, when the remaining paper amount detection notification process corresponding to the user operation is performed, since the initial data detection process shown in FIG. 21 is completed, the detection signals S1, S2, and S4 have been detected, and the sheet thickness is detected. The values of p and paper tube outer diameter R are stored in the memory.

  Next, the CPU 8 calculates the remaining amount L of the roll paper 10 from the measured roll paper outer diameter r, the paper thickness p stored in the memory, and the paper tube outer diameter R (step S203), and the calculated roll Information on the remaining amount L of the paper 10 is notified by a method such as displaying it on the display 5a of the operation display unit 5 of the image forming apparatus (step S204). The display of the remaining sheet information on the display 5a is, for example, “the remaining sheet is xxx [m]” as shown in FIG.

  Then, in order to calculate the remaining paper amount L of the roll paper 10, as shown in FIG. 23, the paper thickness p which is the thickness of the paper 12 of the roll paper 10 and the outside of the paper tube which is the outer diameter of the paper tube 11 The roll paper outer diameter r which is the diameter R and the outer diameter of the roll paper 11 is required, but the paper thickness p and the paper tube outer diameter R are detected in the initial data detection process and stored in the memory. The paper outer diameter r is calculated in step S203.

  Therefore, the CPU 8 calculates the remaining paper amount L of the roll paper 10 by the following formula (1) using the measured roll paper outer diameter r, the paper thickness p stored in the memory, and the paper tube outer diameter R. To do.

例えば、ロール紙外径ｒが、５０［ｍｍ］、用紙厚さｐが、０．１［ｍｍ］、紙管外径Ｒが、４５［ｍｍ］であると、式（１）を用いてロール紙１０の用紙残量Ｌは、次式によって算出される。

For example, when the roll paper outer diameter r is 50 [mm], the paper thickness p is 0.1 [mm], and the paper tube outer diameter R is 45 [mm], the roll is expressed using Expression (1). The remaining amount L of the paper 10 is calculated by the following equation.

すなわち、この場合、用紙残量Ｌは、１４９２２［ｍｍ］となる。

That is, in this case, the remaining amount L of paper is 14922 [mm].

  Further, when the printing operation is performed in the image forming apparatus to which the remaining paper amount calculating apparatus 1 is applied, the remaining paper amount calculating apparatus 1 performs a remaining paper amount detection print control process during printing as illustrated in FIG. .

  That is, the CPU 8 first confirms that the paper 12 is sandwiched between the transport rollers 9 (step S301), and measures the roll paper outer diameter r (step S302). The CPU 8 calculates the remaining paper amount L of the roll paper 10 from the measured roll paper outer diameter r, the paper thickness p stored in the memory, and the paper tube outer diameter R (step S303), and the calculated remaining paper amount L. Based on the above, it is determined whether the requested length of image data can be printed (step S304).

  If printing is possible in step S304, the CPU 8 notifies the image forming apparatus that printing is possible, and the image forming apparatus executes the requested printing and ends the process (step S305).

  In step S304, if the remaining amount L of paper is too short to print the requested image data, the CPU 8 causes the display 5a to stop the execution of printing when the remaining amount L of paper is short. When the roll paper 10 is replaced or a plurality of roll papers 10 are loaded, a message requesting a change to another roll paper 10 or the like is shown in FIG. 25B or FIG. 25C, for example. When the roll paper 10 is exchanged according to the message display, the initial data detection process shown in FIG. 21 and the calculation of the remaining paper amount L of the exchanged roll paper 10 are executed. (Step S307), it is determined whether printing is possible with the remaining amount L of the replaced roll paper 10 (Step S308). In FIG. 25B, a message “The maximum printable size is XXX” is displayed. In FIG. 25C, a message “Insufficient paper for the specified paper size” is displayed. is doing.

  If it is determined in step S308 that printing is not possible, the CPU 8 returns to step S306 in a state where printing is stopped by the image forming apparatus, and displays the message such as roll paper replacement on the display 5a in the same manner as described above. Processing is performed (steps S306 to S308). When printing is possible in step S308, the image forming apparatus is notified that printing is possible, and the image forming apparatus executes the requested printing and ends the processing ( Step S305).

  Further, the CPU 8 calculates the remaining amount of the roll paper 10 and when the remaining amount of the paper 12 is exhausted, for example, as shown in FIG. Further, it may be notified that the paper 12 has run out, a message to that effect may be displayed on the display 5, and the lamp 5 b is turned on or blinking and a message to that effect is displayed on the display 5. You may do both.

  In the above description, the sensor unit 2 and the support-side communication unit 3 communicate with each other by directly contacting the spool-side conductive unit 25 and the bearing-side conductive unit 26 in the spool method. Communication is performed by bringing the side conductive portion 33 and the roll paper base side conductive portion 34 into direct contact. The communication between the sensor unit 2 and the support side communication unit 3 is not limited to the direct contact method, but is a non-contact method, for example, RFID using micro power communication that wirelessly feeds power and GND using magnetic flux coupling. (Radio Frequency-Identification) may be performed.

  For example, in the case of the spool system, as shown in FIG. 26A, an RFID tag (detection side communication means) 27 as a spool side communication unit draws a circle on a stopper 22 attached to the spool shaft 21. The bearing 23 is provided with a reader (support side communication means) 28 as the support side communication unit 3 as shown in FIG. When the spool shaft 21 is inserted into the shaft hole 24 of the bearing 23, the RFID tag 27 and the reader 28 are provided at a position where the RFID tag 27 and the reader 28 face each other as shown in FIG. ing. In this way, it is possible to exchange power supply power, GND, and signals between the RFID tag 27 and the reader 28 using the RFID.

  In the case of the flange method, as shown in FIG. 27A, an RFID tag (detection-side communication means) 35 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the flange 31, and as shown in FIG. The paper base 32 is provided with a reader (supporting side communication means) 36 near the portion on which the flange 31 on which the flange 31 is installed is placed. In this way, it is possible to exchange power supply power, GND, and signals between the RFID tag 35 and the reader 36 using RFID.

  As described above, the remaining paper amount calculation device 1 according to the present embodiment uses the roll paper 10 on which the long paper 12 is wound around the paper tube 11 as the spool shaft 21 and the stopper 22 as a paper holding member, or The flange 31 is held at least at both ends in the axial direction of the roll paper 10, and the roll paper 10 is held by the bearing (support member) 23 or the roll paper base (support member) 32 via the spool shaft 21. A paper remaining amount detection sensor (paper information detection means) 40 that is rotatably supported and is disposed in the radial direction of the roll paper 10 on at least one stopper 22 or flange 31, and at least the outer diameter position of the paper tube 11. The CPU 8 detects the side end face of the paper 12 wound around the paper tube 11, and the CPU 8 determines the outer diameter (paper tube outer diameter) of the paper tube 11 based on the detection signal S output from the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40. R, paper tube 1 The sheet outer diameter r from the outer diameter position of the sheet 12 to the outer diameter position of the sheet 12 wound around the paper tube 11 and the sheet thickness p of the sheet 12 are obtained, and the sheet 12 wound around the paper tube 11 is obtained. Remaining amount (paper remaining amount) L is calculated.

  Therefore, based on only the information on the roll paper 10 using the paper remaining amount detection sensor 40 disposed on the side surface of the roll paper 10, the user does not input the paper thickness and the like, and the type of the paper 12 and the paper tube 11 Regardless of the type, the remaining amount L of the roll paper 10 can be accurately obtained easily and inexpensively.

  Further, the remaining paper amount calculation device 1 of the present embodiment uses a linear image sensor with a built-in light source as the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40.

  Accordingly, the information on the roll paper 10 can be accurately detected using the existing technology, and the remaining amount L of the roll paper 10 can be obtained more accurately and accurately. At this time, if the magnifying optical system is provided in the image sensor, the information on the roll paper 10 can be detected with higher accuracy.

  Further, the remaining paper amount detection device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 is located outside the paper tube 11 in the roll paper 10 in a state where the paper 12 is wound around the paper tube 11 to the maximum length. Length capable of detecting the diameter position, the outer diameter position of the paper 12 wound around the paper tube 11 and the thickness p of one paper 12 drawn from the paper 12 wound around the paper tube 11 The roll paper 10 is disposed extending in the radial direction.

  Accordingly, the roll paper information necessary for calculating the paper remaining amount L of the roll paper 10 can be obtained from the beginning of use of the roll paper 10 and the paper remaining amount L can always be obtained accurately.

  Further, the remaining sheet amount detection device 1 of the present embodiment is connected to the remaining sheet amount detection sensor 40 and outputs at least a detection signal S from the remaining sheet amount detection sensor 40 (detection side conductive unit). 25, the stopper 22 or the flange side conductive portion 33 has the flange 31, and the bearing 23 or the roll paper base 32 as the support member receives the detection signal S from the spool side conductive portion 25 or the flange side conductive portion 33. The control board 4 has a bearing-side conductive portion 26 or a roll paper base-side conductive portion 34 as a support-side conductive means that outputs to a CPU (paper remaining amount calculating means) 8.

  Accordingly, the roll paper information necessary for calculating the paper remaining amount L of the roll paper 10 can be output from the paper remaining amount detection sensor 40 to the CPU 8 and the paper remaining amount L can be calculated accurately and inexpensively.

  Further, the remaining paper amount detection device 1 of the present embodiment is connected to the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40, and at least the detection signal S from the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 is sent out in a non-contact manner as an RFID as a spool side communication unit. The bearing 23 or the roll paper base 32 as a support member having the tag 27 or the RFID tag 35 receives the detection signal S from the RFID tag 27 or the RFID tag 35, and the CPU (paper remaining amount calculating means) of the control board 4. ) The reader 28 or the reader 36 that outputs to 8 is provided.

  Accordingly, the roll paper information necessary for calculating the paper remaining amount L of the roll paper 10 is output from the paper remaining amount detection sensor 40 to the CPU 8 with an inexpensive and small configuration, and accurately and inexpensively. Can be calculated.

  Further, in the sheet remaining amount detecting apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the CPU 8 causes the outer diameter of the paper tube 11 to be output from the sheet remaining amount detecting sensor 40 when the sheet 12 wound around the paper tube 11 is pulled out by a predetermined length. The detection signal S4 indicating the position is averaged to determine the outer diameter R of the paper tube 11.

  Therefore, the influence on the roll paper information due to the eccentricity of the paper tube 11 can be suppressed, and the remaining paper amount L can be calculated with higher accuracy.

  Further, in the sheet remaining amount detecting device 1 of the present embodiment, the CPU 8 displays information on the calculated sheet remaining amount L on the display 5a of the operation display unit 5 or notifies the lamp 5b by lighting or blinking. Yes.

  Therefore, the user can appropriately know the information on the remaining amount L of paper, and the usability can be improved.

  FIGS. 28 to 33 are diagrams showing a second embodiment of the remaining paper amount calculation device, the image forming apparatus, and the remaining paper amount calculation method according to the present invention. FIG. 28 shows the remaining paper amount calculation device, image according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a roll paper side surface and a paper remaining amount detection sensor 50 of a paper remaining amount calculating apparatus to which a second embodiment of a forming apparatus and a remaining paper amount calculating method is applied.

  Note that this embodiment is applied to a remaining paper amount calculation device similar to the remaining paper amount calculation device 1 of the first embodiment, and in the description of this embodiment, the remaining paper amount of the first embodiment. Constituent parts similar to those of the calculation device 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals to simplify the description, and parts not shown in the figure are used as they are in the description of the first embodiment as necessary. explain.

  The remaining paper amount calculation device 1 according to the present invention is capable of detecting the paper pipe 11 of the roll paper 10 and the paper pipe 11 of the paper 12 with a predetermined diameter length portion and the paper thickness p of the drawn paper 12 being short. A remaining paper amount detection sensor 50 is provided, and the remaining paper amount detection sensor 50 includes a linear image sensor and an image sensor in the same manner as the remaining paper amount detection sensor 40 of the remaining paper amount calculation device 1 of the first embodiment. Can be used. The remaining paper amount detection sensor 50 can be applied to either a spool method or a flange method, and the installation method is the same as in the first embodiment. Further, the paper remaining amount detection sensor 50 may be provided with a magnifying optical system similarly to the paper remaining amount detection sensor 40 of the first embodiment.

  29, when the roll paper 10 is sufficiently larger than the remaining paper amount detection sensor 50, the white signal “3FF” is detected from the outer diameter position of the paper tube 11, as shown in FIG. ”Outputs a continuous detection signal S up to the last sensor element, and when the roll paper 10 is less than the length of the remaining paper amount detection sensor 50 as shown in FIG. The white signal “3FF” continues to the position of the outer diameter roll paper outer diameter r of the paper 12, then becomes black “000”, and then the thickness p of the paper 12 pulled out from the outer diameter position The detection signal S which becomes the white signal “3FF” by the amount is output.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The remaining paper amount calculation device 1 of the present embodiment accurately detects and notifies the remaining amount of the roll paper 10 based only on the detection result of the cheap and small remaining paper amount detection sensor 50.

  First, when the roll paper 10 is set, the remaining paper amount calculation device 1 executes an initial data detection process shown in FIG. In other words, when the roll paper 10 is set in the spool-type roll paper feed unit 20 or the flange-type roll paper feed unit 30, the remaining paper amount calculation device 1 causes the leading end portion of the paper 12 of the roll paper 10 to move. It is checked whether or not it is sandwiched between the transport rollers 9 (step S401), and if it is sandwiched, the CPU 8 drives the transport rollers 9 to pull out the paper 12 by a predetermined length (step S403). While the paper 12 is being pulled out, the CPU 8 calculates an average value of the outer diameter (paper tube outer diameter) R of the paper tube 11 based on the detection signal S4, and calculates the average value as the paper tube outer diameter R. (Step S403), the drawn paper 12 is rewound to end the process, and the value of the detection signal S4, that is, the value of the paper tube outer diameter R is stored in the memory (step S404).

  Next, the remaining sheet amount detection notification process when the user makes a request for remaining sheet information by manual operation on the operation display unit 5 of the image forming apparatus to which the remaining sheet amount calculating device 1 is applied will be described with reference to FIG. Based on

  When there is a request for notification of the remaining amount of paper by manual operation on the operation display unit 5 of the image forming apparatus, the remaining amount calculation device 1 confirms that the sheet 12 is sandwiched between the conveyance rollers 9 ( In step S501, it is checked whether the remaining paper amount detection sensor 50 has detected one sheet outside the roll paper 10, that is, the paper 12 pulled out by the conveying roller 9 (step S502).

  In step S502, when the sheet remaining amount detection sensor 50 does not detect one sheet outside the roll paper 10, that is, when the detection signal S of the sheet remaining amount detection sensor 50 is in the state shown in FIG. It is determined that the remaining amount of the paper 10 is sufficiently large, the display 5a of the operation display unit 5 displays that the paper 12 of the roll paper 10 is sufficient, and the process is terminated (step S503).

  In step S502, the CPU 8 detects when the sheet remaining amount detection sensor 50 detects one outer sheet 12 of the roll paper 10, that is, when the detection signal S of the sheet remaining amount detection sensor 50 is in the state shown in FIG. The sheet thickness p, which is the thickness of the sheet 12, is calculated using the detection signal S1 and the detection signal S2 from the sheet remaining amount detection sensor 50 (step S504), and the roll sheet outer diameter r is detected by the detection signal S3. Is measured (step S505).

  Next, the CPU 8 calculates the remaining paper amount L of the roll paper 10 from the measured roll paper outer diameter r, the paper thickness p, and the paper tube outer diameter R obtained in the initial data detection process and stored in the memory ( In step S506), the calculated information about the remaining amount L of the roll paper 10 is displayed on the display 5a of the operation display unit 5 of the image forming apparatus, and the process is terminated (step S507).

  Further, when the printing operation is performed in the image forming apparatus to which the remaining paper amount calculating apparatus 1 is applied, the remaining paper amount calculating apparatus 1 performs a remaining paper amount detection print control process during printing as illustrated in FIG. .

  That is, the CPU 8 first confirms that the paper 12 is sandwiched between the transport rollers 9 (step S601), and checks whether the remaining paper amount detection sensor 50 has detected one outer sheet 12 of the roll paper 10. (Step S602).

  In step S602, the CPU 8 determines that the remaining amount of the roll paper 10 is sufficiently large when the remaining amount detection sensor 50 has not detected one outer sheet 12 of the roll paper 10, and determines that the remaining amount of paper is sufficient. The image forming apparatus to which the calculation apparatus 1 is applied is notified that printing is possible, and the image forming apparatus executes the requested printing and ends the process (step S603).

  When the paper remaining amount detection sensor 50 detects one sheet outside the roll paper 10 in step S602, the CPU 8 uses the detection signal S1 and the detection signal S2 from the paper remaining amount detection sensor 50 to detect the paper 12 Is calculated (step S604), and the roll paper outer diameter r is measured by the detection signal S3 (step S605).

  Next, the CPU 8 calculates the remaining paper amount L of the roll paper 10 from the measured roll paper outer diameter r, the paper thickness p, and the paper tube outer diameter R obtained in the initial data detection process and stored in the memory ( In step S606), based on the calculated remaining paper amount L, it is determined whether printing of the requested image data length is possible (step S607).

  If printing is possible in step S607, the CPU 8 notifies the image forming apparatus that printing is possible, and the image forming apparatus executes the requested printing and ends the process (step S603).

  In step S607, if the remaining amount of paper L is short and printing is impossible to print the requested image data, the CPU 8 causes the image forming apparatus to stop printing, and then the roll paper 10 is printed. When replacement or loading of a plurality of roll papers 10 is carried out, a message indicating that a change to another roll paper 10 or the like is requested is displayed on the display unit 5a to check whether paper replacement or change of the selected paper has been performed. (Step S608).

  When the roll paper 10 is exchanged in step S608, the initial data detection process shown in FIG. 31 is executed (step S609), the process returns to step S604, and the same processing is performed (steps S602 to S609).

  If neither the paper replacement nor the change of the selected paper is performed in step S608, the CPU 8 indicates that the printing is not possible because the roll paper is insufficient with the image forming apparatus stopping the printing. Is displayed on the display 5a of the operation display unit 5, and the process is terminated (step S610).

  As described above, in the remaining paper amount calculation device 1 according to the present embodiment, the remaining paper amount detection sensor 50 uses the paper tube 11 in the roll paper 10 in which the paper 12 wound around the paper tube 11 has a predetermined remaining amount. The outer diameter position of the paper 12, the outer diameter position of the paper 12 wound on the paper tube 11, and the length of one paper thickness p of the paper 12 drawn from the paper 12 wound on the paper tube 11 can be detected. Further, the roll paper 10 is disposed so as to extend in the radial direction.

  Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect roll paper information necessary for calculating the remaining amount L of paper with an inexpensive and small remaining amount detection sensor 50, regardless of the type of the paper 12 or the type of the paper tube 11. The remaining amount L of the roll paper 10 can be calculated accurately and inexpensively.

  The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It goes without saying that it is possible.

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a remaining paper amount calculating device that accurately calculates the remaining amount of roll paper used for image formation based only on a detection result of a sensor, a composite device equipped with the remaining paper amount calculating device, and a printer device. The present invention can be used for an apparatus, a remaining paper amount calculation method, a remaining paper amount calculation program, and a recording medium.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Paper remaining amount calculation apparatus 2 Sensor part 3 Support side communication part 4 Control board 5 Operation display part 5a Display device 6 AD conversion part 7 I / O ASIC
8 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 Conveyance roller 10 Roll paper 11 Paper tube 12 Paper 20 Roll paper feed part 21 Spool shaft 22 Stopper 23 Bearing 24 Shaft hole 25 Spool side conductive part 25g GND conductive part 25p Power supply conductive part 25s Signal conductive part 26 Bearing side Conductive part 26g GND conductive part 26p Power supply conductive part 26s Signal conductive part 31 Flange 32 Roll paper base 33 Flange side conductive part 33g GND conductive part 33p Power supply conductive part 33s Signal conductive part 34 Roll paper base side conductive part 34g GND conductive part 34p Power supply conductive part 34s Signal conductive part 40 Paper remaining amount detection sensor 41 Mounting base 42 Notch 50 Paper remaining amount detection sensor p Paper thickness R Paper tube outer diameter r Roll paper outer diameter L Paper remaining amount

JP-A-7-304561 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-172622

Claims (10)

A paper holding member for holding a roll paper in which a long paper is wound around a paper tube at at least both axial ends of the roll paper;
A support member that rotatably supports the roll paper via the paper holding member;
The roll paper is disposed in the radial direction of the roll paper with respect to at least one of the paper holding members, and at least an outer diameter position of the paper tube and a side end surface of the paper wound on the paper tube on the paper holding member side. Paper information detection means for detecting and outputting a detection signal;
Based on the detection signal output by the paper information detection means, the outer diameter of the paper tube, the outer diameter of the paper from the outer diameter position of the paper tube to the outer diameter position of the paper wound around the paper tube, and A sheet remaining amount calculating means for calculating a sheet thickness of the sheet and calculating a remaining amount of the sheet wound around the paper tube;
An apparatus for calculating the remaining amount of paper. The paper information detecting means includes
2. The remaining paper amount calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the remaining light amount is a linear image sensor with a built-in light source. The paper information detecting means includes
In the roll paper in a state where the paper is wound to the maximum length on the paper tube, the outer diameter position of the paper tube, the outer diameter position of the paper wound on the paper tube, and the paper tube 3. The sheet according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is drawn out from the sheet so as to extend in the radial direction so that the sheet thickness of the sheet can be detected. The remaining paper amount calculation device described. The paper information detecting means includes
In the roll paper in which the paper wound around the paper tube is in a predetermined remaining amount, the outer diameter position of the paper tube, the outer diameter position of the paper wound around the paper tube, and the paper tube 3. The sheet according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is drawn out from the sheet so as to extend in the radial direction so that the sheet thickness of the sheet can be detected. The remaining paper amount calculation device described. The paper holding means is
A detection-side conductive means connected to the paper information detection means and outputting at least the detection signal from the paper information detection means;
The support member is
Supporting conductive means connected to the detection-side conductive means in a state of supporting the paper holding means, receiving the detection signal from the detection-side conductive means, and outputting the detection signal to the remaining paper amount calculation means. The remaining paper amount calculation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount of paper is calculated. The paper holding means is
A detection-side communication unit that is connected to the sheet information detection unit and transmits at least the detection signal from the sheet information detection unit in a non-contact manner;
The support member is
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a support-side communication unit that receives the detection signal from the detection-side conductive unit in a non-contact manner and outputs the detection signal to the remaining paper amount calculation unit. The remaining paper amount calculation device described. The paper remaining amount calculating means includes:
The outer diameter of the paper tube is determined by averaging the detection signals indicating the outer diameter position of the paper tube output by the paper information detecting means when the paper wound around the paper tube is pulled out by a predetermined length. The remaining paper amount calculation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remaining paper amount is calculated. The paper remaining amount calculation device includes:
8. The remaining paper amount calculating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit that outputs information on the remaining amount of paper calculated by the remaining paper amount calculating unit.   Image formation with a paper remaining amount calculation unit that calculates the remaining amount of the roll paper while forming an image on the paper that is fed from a roll paper wound around a paper tube. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet remaining amount calculating unit includes the sheet remaining amount calculating apparatus according to claim 1. A paper holding processing step for holding a roll paper in which a long paper is wound around a paper tube at a paper holding member at least at both ends in the axial direction of the roll paper;
A support processing step of rotatably supporting the roll paper on a support member via the paper holding member;
At least one of the paper holding members of the paper wound around the paper tube and at least one outer diameter position of the paper tube and paper information detecting means disposed in the radial direction of the roll paper on the paper holding member. A paper information detection processing step for detecting a side end surface on the side and outputting a detection signal;
Based on the detection signal output by the paper information detection means, the outer diameter of the paper tube, the outer diameter of the paper from the outer diameter position of the paper tube to the outer diameter position of the paper wound around the paper tube, and A paper remaining amount calculating step for calculating a sheet thickness of the sheet and calculating a remaining amount of the paper wound around the paper tube;
A remaining paper amount calculation method.

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