JP2020175981A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image formation device capable of suppressing an image formation failure by suppressing incorrect operation by a user.SOLUTION: An image formation device 100 comprises: paper feed cassettes 111a-111d which hold paper sheets; a plurality of paper feed trays 30 which are mounted on the paper feed cassettes 111a-111d and can house the different kinds of the paper sheets for each kind; a processing part 181 which, when it is detected that the paper sheets P housed in each paper feed tray 30 come to be a predetermined amount for each paper feed tray 30 and when the processing part 181 detects that the paper sheets P come to be the predetermined amount based on a lift motor 58, stops paper feeding of the paper sheets P housed in the paper feed tray 30 in which paper sheets P come to be the predetermined amount; and a display part 161 which, when the processing part 181 detects that the paper sheets P come to be the predetermined amount based on the lift motor 58, notifies that the paper sheets P need to be replenished.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on different types of paper.

The image forming apparatus is generally provided with a plurality of paper feed trays. Papers of different sizes are stored in these paper feed trays, and a paper feed tray containing papers of the corresponding size is selected and fed based on the original and the image magnification. Then, an image is formed by the image forming unit on the paper conveyed to the image forming unit.

In an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on a plurality of types of paper, if the user mistakenly stores a paper having a size different from the size corresponding to the paper feed tray, the image is displayed on a paper having a size different from the desired paper. There was a problem that the paper was formed and discharged. In particular, since the image forming apparatus installed in a convenience store or the like is charged, if the clerk or the like makes a mistake in the size of the paper to be stored in the paper feed tray, the image cannot be formed correctly on the paper. There is a possibility that trouble will occur with the customer. Therefore, it also leads to the deterioration of the reputation of the convenience store itself.

Therefore, various image forming devices have been proposed that suppress defects caused by such erroneous operation by the user. For example, in Patent Document 1, the paper size of the paper set in the paper feed tray set by the user is compared with the size of the paper conveyed from the paper feed tray to the image forming unit, and these sizes are determined. If they are different, an image forming apparatus for stopping the image forming operation is disclosed. With this image forming apparatus, even if the user mistakenly accommodates paper having a size different from that corresponding to the paper feed tray, the image is formed on paper having a size different from the desired paper. There is no. Therefore, even if the paper is inserted incorrectly, the image formation operation is only stopped, and the wrong image formation is not performed on the paper. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the problem of wasting the paper, and the customer at a convenience store or the like. It is also possible to suppress the occurrence of troubles with and.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-65370

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to suppress a defect that occurs when an image can be formed on papers of different sizes. Here, according to the image forming apparatus installed in a convenience store or the like, not only the papers of different sizes are supported, but also the printing service for postcards and the like for which a plurality of charges are set is provided. It is common to have. For example, a New Year's postcard with a donation is different from the price of a government-made postcard. Also, the price of private postcards is different from that of official postcards. In this way, even when printing the same postcard, the printing fee will differ depending on the type of postcard. In this way, when forming an image on paper (postcard) for which multiple charges are set, if the type of paper (postcard) is incorrect, the amount charged to the user of the image forming device will increase or decrease more than usual. It was a problem.

This problem does not occur unless the clerk makes a mistake in the type of paper (postcard) stored in the paper feed tray, but the clerk is becoming more globalized and some clerk is inexperienced. Therefore, it is difficult for the clerk or the like to understand the correct operation only by taking measures such as the operation manual and the caution notation on the paper feed tray, and there is a high possibility that the paper will be fed incorrectly. It is also conceivable that the customer purchases the postcard and stores it in the paper feed tray for printing, but even in that case, there is a high possibility that the user will mistakenly store the postcard, and in the end, troubles will occur over the charges. It can occur. In addition, some customers ask the clerk to store the paper (postcard) in order to avoid making mistakes, so in the end, it is necessary to take measures to prevent the clerk from making a mistake. is there.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that suppresses erroneous operation by a user and suppresses defects in image formation.

The image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a paper feed cassette for holding paper, and a plurality of paper feed trays mounted on the paper feed cassette and capable of accommodating different types of paper for each type. , The number of sheets detecting means for detecting that the amount of paper contained in each paper feed tray has reached a predetermined amount for each paper feed tray, and the number of sheets detecting means for detecting that the amount of paper has reached a predetermined amount. In this case, when the paper feed stopping means for stopping the paper feeding of the paper stored in the paper feed tray when the amount of paper has reached a predetermined amount and the paper sheet number detecting means for detecting that the amount of paper has reached a predetermined amount It is characterized by providing a notification means for notifying that the paper needs to be replenished.

As a result, since there are a plurality of paper feed trays and different types of paper can be accommodated for each type, it is possible to correctly form an image for each of the different types of paper. In addition, before the paper stored in the paper tray is completely exhausted, the paper feed is stopped and the paper needs to be replenished, so the user confirms the paper already stored. , You can easily recognize which paper to refill. That is, since it is sufficient to replenish the same type of paper as the paper stored in the paper feed tray, it is possible to prevent the wrong type of paper from being replenished. In addition to the type of paper, the front and back sides and orientation of the paper when it is stored in the paper feed tray can be checked while checking the already stored paper, so that the paper is stored by mistake. Can be suppressed. Further, even if the price differs depending on the paper on which the image is formed, the correct charge can be calculated.

Further, in the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, the notification means displays a message prompting the paper tray to be replenished with paper, displays a paper replenishment procedure, and after displaying the message and the paper replenishment procedure. When the paper cassette is pulled out, the front and back sides and the orientation of the paper stored in the paper tray may be displayed.

As a result, the user can perform the paper replenishment work while observing the paper replenishment procedure explained by the display and the explanation of the front and back sides and orientation of the paper stored in the paper tray. It is possible to prevent the paper from being accidentally stored in the paper.

Further, in the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, a paper storage state detecting means for detecting at least one of the front and back sides and the orientation of the paper stored in the paper feed tray at the time of paper feeding, and the paper. When the accommodating state detecting means detects that the front and back sides of the paper are not normal, the front and back reversing means for reversing the front and back sides of the paper, and when the paper accommodating state detecting means detects that the orientation of the paper is not normal, The image orientation changing means for changing the orientation of the image formed on the paper may be provided.

As a result, even if the user mistakenly stores the front and back sides and the orientation of the paper stored in the paper feed tray, the correct image can be formed on the paper.

Further, in the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, when the notification means displays a message prompting the paper feed tray to be refilled with paper, at the same time, the paper feed tray is not in a state in which the paper is not stored. It may also be displayed to indicate that.

As a result, a message prompting the paper tray to be refilled with paper is displayed, so that it is possible to prevent the user from thinking that the paper tray is not filled with paper at all. If a user who thinks that the paper tray does not contain any paper and tries to refill the paper tray by pulling out the paper cassette, the paper tray has a predetermined number of sheets of paper. Therefore, it may be misunderstood that the image forming apparatus is out of order, but it is possible to prevent such assumptions by the user and facilitate the replenishment work.

Further, in the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, each of the paper feed trays is provided with a paper feed tray instruction means for displaying the type of paper to be stored, and each paper feed tray is stored in the paper feed tray. Notation indicating the type of paper to be used may be made.

As a result, even when a plurality of paper feed trays are mounted on the paper feed cassette, it is possible to prevent the user from making a mistake in the paper feed tray for accommodating the paper.

Another image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a paper feed cassette for holding paper and a plurality of paper feed cassettes mounted on the paper feed cassette and capable of accommodating different types of paper for each type. When the tray, the spare tray mounted on the paper feed cassette and installed for each of the plurality of paper feed trays, and the paper stored in each paper feed tray are exhausted, the paper corresponding to the paper feed tray is described. Replenishment means for replenishing the paper feed tray with the paper contained in the spare tray, and when the paper contained in the spare tray is replenished with the paper feed tray, replenish the paper in the spare tray. When the paper feed cassette is pulled out after displaying the urging message and the paper replenishment procedure and displaying the message and the paper replenishment procedure, the front and back sides and orientation of the paper to be stored in the spare tray are explained. It is characterized in that it is provided with a notification means for displaying.

As a result, since there are a plurality of paper feed trays and different types of paper can be accommodated for each type, it is possible to correctly form an image for each of the different types of paper. In addition, when the paper stored in the paper feed tray is exhausted, the paper is replenished from the spare tray and the user notifies that the paper needs to be replenished. Therefore, the user confirms the paper stored in the paper feed tray. Therefore, it is possible to easily recognize which paper should be replenished. That is, since it is sufficient to replenish the corresponding spare tray with the same type of paper as the paper stored in the supply tray, it is possible to prevent the wrong type of paper from being replenished. Also, not only the type of paper, but also the front and back and orientation of the paper when it is stored in the spare tray can be refilled in the spare tray while checking the paper stored in the paper feed tray. It can be suppressed from being contained. Further, even if the price differs depending on the paper on which the image is formed, the correct charge can be calculated.

Further, the above-mentioned image forming apparatus includes a charge calculation means for calculating a charge according to the type of paper to be fed, and a charge display means for displaying the charge calculated by the charge calculation means. The display means may display the charge according to the selected payment form.

As a result, the correct charge can be calculated, and the charge can be displayed according to the payment form, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of charge trouble with the user.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that suppresses erroneous operation by the user and suppresses defects in image formation.

It is a perspective view which shows the appearance structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of the paper feed cassette of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure in which the paper is conveyed from the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic the control structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display image of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display image of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of the paper feed cassette of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic the control structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display image of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment)
The image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of a paper feed cassette of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a configuration of a paper feed cassette of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration in which paper is conveyed from a paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a control configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming apparatus main body 110 and a document reading apparatus 120.

The document reading device 120 is provided above the image forming apparatus main body 110, and includes a document mounting table 121, a document reading unit 122, and an automatic document feeding device 123. The document reading device 120 uses the document reading unit 122 to read the image of the document placed on the document loading table 121, or the document reading unit 122 to read the image of the document automatically sent by the document automatic feeding device 123. The image data of the scanned document is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 110. The document reading device 120 ejects the document conveyed by the document automatic feeding device 123 and read by the document reading unit 122 to the document ejection tray 123a.

The image forming apparatus main body 110 includes a paper accommodating unit 111, a paper conveying unit 112, an image forming unit 113, a paper discharging unit 114, and an operating unit 115. The image forming apparatus main body 110 stores paper such as recording paper and postcards in the paper storage unit 111, transports the paper stored in the paper storage unit 111 by the paper transport unit 112, and is conveyed by the paper transport unit 112. A color image or a monochrome image is formed by the image forming unit 113 based on the image data transmitted from the document reading device 120 or the image data transmitted from the outside on the paper, and the image is formed by the image forming unit 113. The recorded paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray 114a in the paper ejection unit 114. Further, the image forming unit 113 can also print a document on paper based on the document data transmitted from the outside.

The paper storage unit 111 includes paper feed cassettes 111a to 111d, and papers of different sizes are stored in the paper feed cassettes 111a to 111d. When refilling the paper feed cassettes 111a to 111d, the user pulls out the paper feed cassettes 111a to 111d from the image forming apparatus main body 110 in the drawing direction D1, and the paper of the size corresponding to each of the paper feed cassettes 111a to 111d. After accommodating the paper, the paper feed cassettes 111a to 111d are pushed into the image forming apparatus main body 110 again in the mounting direction D2 for mounting. Further, as will be described later, various postcards are housed in the paper feed cassette 111a.

The operation unit 115 includes a display unit 161 and includes an operation member 165 having a soft keyboard and the like. The display unit 161 is a touch panel display, and not only displays an image related to the operation, but also input is possible by touching the screen of the display unit 161. In addition, the display unit 161 can also display a preview of a document or an image to be printed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the paper feed cassette 111a includes a paper feed cassette main body 11, a paper feed tray 30 (31, 32, 33) for accommodating the paper P, and a paper feed tray 30 (31, 32). , 33), the rotating shaft 55 arranged at the center of the disk-shaped support portion 50 and integrated with the support portion 50, and the support portion 50 are rotated in the directions of arrow R1 or arrow R2. It includes a drive device 53.

The paper cassette main body 11 is a portion forming a base of the paper cassette 111a. A plurality of paper feed trays 30 (31, 32, 33) and a support portion 50 are arranged inside the paper cassette main body 11.

The paper feed trays 30 (31, 32, 33) are portions that hold the paper P, respectively. In the first embodiment, the paper cassette 111a is provided with three paper trays 30 (31, 32, 33).

The paper feed trays 30 (31, 32, 33) of the first embodiment are configured to hold paper P, which is a different type of postcard. Paper guides 35 are provided on the paper feed trays 30 (31, 32, 33), respectively. The position of the paper guide 35 can be adjusted so as to accommodate the paper P (public postcard P1, New Year's postcard P2 with donations, private postcard P3). By adjusting the position of the paper guide 35, each paper feed tray 30 (31, 32, 33) can be a postcard other than a government-made postcard P1, a New Year's postcard P2 with a donation, or a private postcard P3, or a postcard other than a postcard. It is also possible to accommodate the paper P. It is preferable that each of the paper feed trays 30 (31, 32, 33) is marked so that the type of the stored paper P can be understood. That is, the paper feed tray 31 is labeled as "public postcard", the paper feed tray 32 is labeled as "New Year's postcard", and the paper feed tray 33 is labeled as "private postcard". And it is sufficient. Thereby, when replenishing the paper P, it is possible to prevent the different paper P from being replenished by mistake.

As described above, the support portion 50 is a disk-shaped member, and the paper feed trays 30 (31, 32, 33) are arranged on the upper surface of the support portion 50. By rotating the rotation shaft 55, the drive device 53 can rotate the support portion 50 in the arrow R1 direction or the arrow R2 direction via the rotation shaft 55. Further, by rotating the support portion 50, the positions of the three paper feed trays 30 (31, 32, 33) on the support portion 50 can be changed. Here, the drive device 53 is provided in the paper cassette main body 11.

As the support portion 50 rotates, each paper feed tray 30 also rotates integrally with the support portion 50, and the supply position PB1 capable of supplying the paper P to the image forming apparatus main body 201 and the image forming apparatus main body 201 It is possible to switch to the standby position PB2, which does not supply the paper P.

The three paper feed trays 30 (31, 32, 33) have a rotating shaft 55 so that the three paper feed trays 30 (31, 32, 33) can supply the paper P at the supply position PB1, respectively. Are arranged at intervals of 120 degrees around the center. The direction in which the paper P housed in the paper cassette 111a is fed is set as the paper feed direction D3, and the virtual straight line parallel to the paper feed direction D3 and passing through the center of the rotation shaft 55 is set as the support center line L1 and the supply position. In PB1, the center line of the paper P parallel to the paper feed direction D3 is set as the paper center line L2, and the plurality of paper feed trays 30 are arranged so that the paper center line L2 and the support center line L1 overlap each other at the supply position PB1. Have been placed.

By arranging the three paper feed trays 30 (31, 32, 33) on the support portion 50 as described above, the paper feed trays 30 (31, 32, 33) located at the supply position PB1 The held paper P is supplied to the paper transport unit 112 by a pickup roller 57 provided on the paper transport unit 112 side, the paper P is transported by the paper transport unit 112, and an image is displayed on the surface of the paper P in the image forming unit 113. Is formed. Although details will be described later, lift plates 140 (see FIG. 4) are installed in each of the three paper feed trays 30 (31, 32, 33), and the lift plates 140 lift the tip of the paper P. As a result, the paper P comes into contact with the paper feed roller 57, and the pickup roller 57 can supply the paper P.

A pair of pickup rollers 57 are arranged at intervals in a direction orthogonal to the paper feeding direction D3 of the paper P. The paper feed tray 30 is arranged so that both of the pair of pickup rollers 57 are evenly in contact with the paper P at the supply position PB1. Therefore, the diagonal feed of the paper P can be suppressed.

Further, it is possible to detect that the number of sheets P (P1, P2, P3) stored in the paper feed trays 30 (31, 32, 33) arranged at the supply position PB1 has reached a preset predetermined number. Is. The details of this detection method will be described later. Specifically, when the paper P (P1, P2, P3) is conveyed by the pickup roller 57, the uppermost portion of the loaded paper P (P1, P2, P3) is conveyed. It is necessary to bring the pickup roller 57 into contact with the paper. Therefore, it is accommodated by detecting the drive pulse of the lift motor 58 (see FIG. 5), which is a drive unit for driving the lift plate 140 (see FIG. 4) that lifts the paper P (P1, P2, P3). It can be detected that the number of sheets of paper P (P1, P2, P3) is set to a preset number. Here, the predetermined number of sheets may be, for example, about 1 to 5 sheets. The signal of the drive pulse of the lift motor 58 is transmitted to the control unit 180 (see FIG. 5), and the control unit 180 recognizes that the number of sheets P (P1, P2, P3) has reached a predetermined number by this signal. be able to.

As will be described later, the drive of the drive device 53 is controlled by the control unit 180 (see FIG. 5). Further, the selection of the paper P associated with the paper feed tray 30 (31, 32, 33) is performed by the operation of the operation unit 115.

For example, if three paper trays 30 (31, 32, 33) hold different types of paper P (for example, official postcard P1, New Year's postcard P2 with donation, private postcard P3), the salary is provided. The correspondence between the paper tray 30 (31, 32, 33) and the paper P (P1, P2, P3) is set in advance by the operation of the operation unit 115. Then, when the user selects the type of paper P by the operation unit 115, the control unit 180 switches the paper feed tray 30 holding the selected specific type of paper P to the supply position PB1. , The drive of the drive device 53 is controlled so as to switch the paper feed tray 30 that does not hold the specific type of paper P to the standby position PB2.

Next, a configuration in which the paper P is conveyed from the paper feed tray 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The paper transport unit 112 has a paper feed roller 145, a reverse roller 147, a transport roller 148, a first branch claw 143, and a second branch claw 144.

When the paper P is conveyed from the paper feed tray 30, the lift plate 140 is first driven by the lift motor 58 (see FIG. 5), and the lift plate 140 lifts the tip of the paper P. Then, the uppermost portion of the paper P is brought into contact with the paper feed roller 57 so that the paper P can be supplied by the pickup roller 57. The signal of the drive pulse of the lift motor 58 is transmitted to the control unit 180, whereby the control unit 180 can recognize the lift angle θ of the lift plate 140. Further, since the height position of the pickup roller 57 does not change, it is possible to measure the distance between the lift plate 140 and the pickup roller 57 if the lift angle θ is known. Here, since the distance between the lift plate 140 and the pickup roller 57 is the height of the loaded paper P, it is possible to predict that the number of paper P has reached a predetermined number. That is, the control unit 180 can recognize whether or not the number of sheets of paper P has reached a predetermined number based on the drive pulse of the lift motor 58.

Further, the paper P conveyed by the pickup roller 57 is conveyed by the pair of paper feed rollers 145 and guided to the transfer path S0. The paper P is transported from the transport path S0 to either the transport path S1 or the transport path S2. Which of the transport path S1 and the transport path S2 is transported is determined by the operation of the first branch claw 143. Here, the first branch claw 143 rotates about the rotation shaft 143a and is controlled by the control unit 180. The control unit 180 determines whether to transport the paper P to the transport path S1 or the transport path S2, and controls the first branch claw 143. Here, the transport paths S2 to S4 are paths for inverting the front and back of the paper P. Therefore, when the paper P is reversed, the control unit 180 controls the first branch claw 143 to guide the paper P to the transport path S2, and when it is not necessary to reverse the paper P, guides the paper P to the transport path S1.

When guided to the transport path S2, the paper P reaches the pair of reversing rollers 147 via the transport path S3. The reversing roller 147 conveys the paper P so that the paper P returns to the transport path S3 again. Then, the paper P is transported from the transport path S3 to the transport path S4 instead of returning to the transport path S2. A second branch claw 144 is installed at the branch point of the transport path S2 and the transport path S4, and whether the paper P is transported to the transport path S2 or the transport path S4 by the operation of the second branch claw 144. It is determined. Here, the second branch claw 144 rotates about the rotation shaft 144a and is controlled by the control unit 180. The paper P returned from the transport path S3 by the reversing roller 147 is guided to the transport path S4 by the control unit 180 controlling the second branch claw 144. The paper P guided to the transport path S4 passes through the pair of transport rollers 148 and is guided to the transport path S0 again. In this way, the paper P that has passed from the transport path S0 through the transport paths S2 to S4 is inverted and guided to the transport path S0 again.

Here, in the transport path S0, a photo sensor 142 that detects one side of the paper P is installed. The photo sensor 142 has a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and can read the postal code frame on the surface of the paper P by irradiating the paper P with light and detecting the reflected light. An image forming portion 113 is formed at the tip of the transport path S1, and it is preferable that the front and back surfaces of the postcard are unified to the transport path S1. For example, in FIG. 4, the left side of the transport path S1 is the front surface of the postcard on which the postal code frame is written, and the right side of the transport path S1 is the back surface. When the signal that the postal code frame has been read by 142 is transmitted to the control unit 180, it is not necessary to invert the postcard, so that the control unit 180 controls the first branch claw 143 to transfer the paper P to the transport path S1. Guide. Then, when a signal that the postal code frame could not be read by the photo sensor 142 is transmitted to the control unit 180, it is necessary to invert the postcard, so that the control unit 180 controls the first branch claw 143. The paper P is guided to the transport path S2. As a result, the front and back surfaces of the postcard can be aligned and conveyed to the image forming unit 113, so that even if the front and back surfaces of the paper P are mistakenly stored in the paper feed tray 30, correct image forming is possible.

When the photo sensor 142 reads the postal code frame, it also detects at which position above or below the postcard the postal code frame is written and transmits a signal to the control unit 180. Then, the control unit 180 controls the image forming unit 113 so as to form an image by aligning the top and bottom of the image in the vertical direction of the conveyed postcard. As a result, even if the orientation of the paper P is mistakenly stored in the paper feed tray 30, correct image formation is possible. The photo sensor 142 may be any sensor that can read the surface of the paper, and for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) sensor or the like may be used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the above, the image forming apparatus 100 further includes a control unit 180 and a cassette attachment / detachment sensor 116 that control the entire image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 180 controls the operation of each function of the image forming apparatus 100, and includes a document reading device 120, a paper conveying unit 112, an image forming unit 113, a driving device 53, a pickup roller 57, a lift motor 58, a photo sensor 142, and the like. The control unit 180 also controls the operation of.

The control unit 180 includes a processing unit 181 and a charge calculation unit 182. Here, the control unit 180 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a data rewritable non-volatile memory. .. These storage devices store a program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, data related to images and documents formed by the image forming unit 113, and the like. The control unit 180 realizes the functions of the processing unit 181 and the charge calculation unit 182 by executing a predetermined program stored in the storage device.

The processing unit 181 controls the operation of various components by loading and executing a control program stored in advance in the ROM on the RAM. In addition, each RAM provides a work area for work, an image memory for storing image data, and an area as a memory for storing document data to the processing unit 181.

Further, the processing unit 181 determines whether or not the number of official postcards P (P1, P2, P3) housed in the paper feed tray 30 (31, 32, 33) is a predetermined number based on the signal from the lift motor 58. Is detected.

The charge calculation unit 182 calculates the charge when the user uses the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, since the charge differs depending on the printed paper P (P1, P2, P3), the user is asked based on the type of printed paper P (P1, P2, P3) and the number of printed sheets. Calculate the charge to be charged. The charge calculated by the charge calculation unit 182 is displayed on the display unit 161 by the processing unit 181. In addition, the user can operate the operation unit 115 to select a payment method for the fee. For example, payment by credit card and payment by cash are possible. Here, the payment timing differs depending on the payment method, but the charge is displayed on the display unit 161 at the correct payment timing according to each payment method.

The cassette attachment / detachment sensor 116 is a sensor that detects that the paper feed cassettes 111a to 111d are pulled out in the pull-out direction D1. The cassette attachment / detachment sensor 116 transmits the detection result to the control unit 180.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 when printing a postcard using the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the drawings. The image forming apparatus 100 is installed in a convenience store or the like, and it is the customer of the convenience store who prints the postcard.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display image of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display image of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the postcard service is executed (step S1). Specifically, the user operates the operation unit 115 to instruct printing of a postcard. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, a display image 161a for selecting which postcard to print is displayed on the display unit 161.

For example, when the user selects a government-made postcard, the processing unit 181 drives the drive device 53 so that the paper feed tray 31 containing the government-made postcard P1 is arranged at the supply position PB1. Further, the processing unit 181 controls the operations of the pickup roller 57, the paper transport unit 112, the image forming unit 113, and the like so that a desired image is formed on the official postcard P1.

Here, the processing unit 181 detects whether or not the number of official postcards P1 stored in the paper feed tray 31 is a predetermined number based on the signal from the lift motor 58, and whether the remaining amount of paper is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Determine whether or not (step 2).

If it is determined that the remaining amount of paper is not less than the predetermined value (step S2: NO), the process ends, but if it is determined that the remaining amount of paper is less than or equal to the predetermined value (step S2: YES), the postcard service is stopped. (Step S3). Specifically, the processing unit 181 stops the operation of the pickup roller 57, and stops supplying the official postcard P1 to the paper transport unit 112.

After the postcard service is stopped, a message indicating that the paper is out is displayed on the display unit 161 (step S4). For example, the display image 161a shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit 161. As shown in FIG. 8, the display image 161a displays a message urging the paper feed tray 31 to be refilled with paper, and also displays a paper refilling procedure. It should be noted that these may be displayed by moving images such as animation. When such a display image 161a is displayed on the display unit 161, the user informs the employee of the convenience store that the paper is out.

An employee pulls out the paper cassette 111a to replenish the official postcard P1. At this time, the cassette attachment / detachment sensor 116 detects that the paper cassette 111a has been pulled out. When the control unit 180 receives this detection result, the processing unit 181 causes the display unit 161 to display the front and back sides and the orientation of the official postcard P1 housed in the paper feed tray 31. As a result, the employee can correctly accommodate the official postcard P1 in the paper feed tray 31.

Further, as described above, a predetermined number of official postcards P1 remain in the paper feed tray 31. Therefore, the employee may replenish the official postcard P1 in the same direction as the front and back of the official postcard P1 remaining in the paper feed tray 31, thereby preventing the official postcard P1 from being accidentally stored. .. In this way, not only the correct storage state of the official postcard P1 in the paper feed tray 31 is displayed on the display unit 161 but also the official postcard P1 is replenished with a predetermined number of official postcards P1 remaining in the paper feed tray 31. Therefore, the employee who replenishes the official postcard P1 can recognize the correct accommodation state by checking the accommodation state of the official postcard P1 remaining in the paper feed tray 31.

When the replenishment of the official postcard P1 is completed, the employee pushes the paper feed cassette 111a in the mounting direction D2 to restore the original state, and presses the OK key on the display image 161a. Since the signal operated by the display unit 161 is transmitted to the control unit 180, the processing unit 181 determines whether or not the OK key has been pressed based on this signal (step 5). If the OK key is not pressed (step S5: NO), step 5 is repeated until the OK key is pressed. When the OK key is pressed (step S5: YES), the display unit 161 stops displaying the message indicating that the paper is out (step S6).

After the message indicating that the paper has run out is hidden, the display unit 161 displays a display confirming whether or not to continue the postcard service. When the postcard service is selected in this display and the continuation of the postcard service is instructed (step S7), the process returns to step S1 again.

When the display unit 161 displays the message indicating that the paper is out, as shown in FIG. 8, it indicates that the paper feed tray 31 is not in a state where the official postcard P1 is completely absent, but a little remains. It is preferable that the display is also performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent an employee who sees the message indicating that the paper is out from misunderstanding that the paper feed tray 31 does not contain the official postcard P1 at all. As a result, it is possible to prevent the employee from checking the paper feed tray 31 and misunderstanding that the image forming apparatus 100 may be out of order because the official postcard P1 remains.

Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, a form other than the above may be used. For example, instead of a structure in which a plurality of paper feed trays 30 are mounted on one paper cassette 111a, one paper feed tray 30 may be mounted on each paper cassette 111a to 111d. .. In this case, for example, the paper feed tray 30 of the paper feed cassette 111a contains the official postcard P1, the paper feed tray 30 of the paper feed cassette 111b contains the New Year's postcard P2 with a donation, and the paper feed cassette 111c. The private postcard P3 may be accommodated in the paper feed tray 30 of the above. Further, in this case, the paper cassette 111a is described as "public postcard", the paper cassette 111b is described as "New Year's postcard", and the paper cassette 111c is described as "private postcard". Should be done.

(Second Embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is provided with a paper feed cassette having a configuration different from that of the paper feed cassette 111a instead of the paper feed cassette 111a according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The other points are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 100, unlike the first embodiment of the above. Therefore, in the following description, the same members as those of the image forming apparatus 100 in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a configuration of a paper feed cassette of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically showing a control configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display image of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the paper feed cassette 111e of the image forming apparatus 100a includes the paper feed cassette main body 12, the paper feed trays 40 (41, 42) accommodating the paper P, and the paper feed tray 40 (41, Each of the 42) has a spare tray 60 (61, 62) for replenishing the paper P, and a support portion 70 on which the paper feed tray 40 (41, 42) and the spare tray 60 (61, 62) are placed. I have.

The paper cassette main body 12 is a portion forming a base of the paper cassette 111e. A plurality of paper feed trays 40 (41, 42) and a support portion 70 are arranged inside the paper feed cassette main body 12.

The paper feed trays 40 (41, 42) are portions that hold the paper P, respectively. In the second embodiment, the paper feed cassette 111a is provided with two paper feed trays 40 (41, 42). Further, two spare trays 60 (61, 62) are provided at positions opposite to the paper feed direction D3 with respect to the paper feed trays 40 (41, 42). When the paper P stored in the paper feed tray 40 (41, 42) runs out, the paper P stored in these spare trays 60 (61, 62) is replenished to the paper feed tray 40 (41, 42). Will be done.

The paper feed trays 40 (41, 42) are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the paper feed direction D3. The spare trays 60 (61, 62) are also arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the paper feeding direction D3.

The paper feed trays 40 (41, 42) of the second embodiment are configured to hold paper P, which is a different type of postcard. Paper guides 45 are provided on the paper feed trays 40 (41 and 42), respectively. The position of the paper guide 45 can be adjusted so as to accommodate the paper P (public postcard P1, New Year's postcard P2 with donations). In addition, by adjusting the position of the paper guide 45, each paper feed tray 40 (41, 42) accommodates postcards other than government-made postcards P1 and New Year's postcards P2 with donations, and paper P other than postcards. Is also possible. It is preferable that each of the paper feed trays 40 (41, 42) is marked so that the type of the stored paper P can be understood. That is, the paper feed tray 41 may be labeled as "public postcard", and the paper feed tray 42 may be labeled as "New Year's postcard". Thereby, when replenishing the paper P, it is possible to prevent the different paper P from being replenished by mistake.

Similarly, the spare trays 60 (61, 62) are also provided with paper guides 45, respectively. The position of the paper guide 45 can be adjusted so as to accommodate the paper P (public postcard P1, New Year's postcard P2 with donations). In addition, by adjusting the position of the paper guide 45, each spare tray 60 (61, 62) can accommodate postcards other than government-made postcards P1 and New Year's postcards P2 with donations, and paper P other than postcards. It is possible. It is preferable that each of the spare trays 60 (61, 62) is marked so that the type of the stored paper P can be understood. That is, the spare tray 61 may be labeled as "public postcard", and the spare tray 62 may be labeled as "New Year's postcard". Thereby, when replenishing the paper P, it is possible to prevent the different paper P from being replenished by mistake.

The two paper feed trays 40 (41, 42) can each supply the paper P. When the pickup roller 67 operates in any of the paper feed trays 40 (41, 42), the paper P held by any of the paper feed trays 40 (41, 42) is supplied to the paper transport unit 112 side. The paper P is conveyed by the paper conveying unit 112, and an image is formed on the surface of the paper P in the image forming unit 113.

Further, the two spare trays 60 (61, 62) can supply the paper P to the paper feed tray 40 (41, 42), respectively. By operating the paper replenishment roller 68, the paper P held by any of the spare trays 60 (61, 62) is supplied to the paper feed tray 40 (41, 42). Here, the pickup rollers 67 are arranged for each of the paper feed trays 40 (41, 42) along the direction orthogonal to the paper feed direction D3 of the paper P. Further, the paper replenishment rollers 68 are arranged for each of the spare trays 60 (61, 62) along the direction orthogonal to the paper feeding direction D3 of the paper P.

A paper remaining amount sensor 69 for detecting that the paper P stored in the paper feed trays 40 (41, 42) has run out is installed. The paper remaining amount sensor 69 may be a sensor capable of discriminating between the surface of the paper P and the surface of the paper feed trays 40 (41, 42). For example, a photo sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element may be used. Often, a CIS sensor or the like may be used. If there is paper P in the paper feed tray 40 (41, 42), the paper remaining amount sensor 69 detects the paper P, but when the paper P in the paper feed tray 40 (41, 42) runs out, the paper remaining Since the amount sensor 69 detects the paper feed trays 40 (41, 42), the paper remaining amount sensor 69 can detect that the paper P has run out. When the paper P is exhausted in the paper feed tray 40 (41, 42), the paper remaining amount sensor 69 transmits the signal to the control unit 180, and the paper feed tray 40 (the paper tray 40 (41, 42) containing the remaining paper P is exhausted. In 41, 42), the paper P contained in the corresponding spare tray 60 (61, 62) is replenished to the paper feed tray 40 (41, 42) by the operation of the paper replenishment roller 68.

Further, the selection of the paper P associated with the paper feed trays 40 (41, 42) is performed by the operation of the operation unit 115. For example, when two paper trays 40 (41, 42) hold different types of paper P (for example, government-made postcard P1 and New Year's postcard P2 with donations), the paper feed tray 40 (41, 42) The correspondence between the paper P (P1, P2) and the paper P (42) is set in advance by the operation of the operation unit 115. Then, the user selects the type of paper P by the operation unit 115, and the control unit 180 controls the pickup roller 67 in the paper feed tray 40 holding the selected specific type of paper P. Then, paper is fed from the paper feed tray 40.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, unlike the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100a does not include the driving device 53, the pickup roller 57, and the paper remaining amount sensor 58. Instead, the image forming apparatus 100a includes a pickup roller 67, a paper replenishment roller 68, and a paper remaining amount sensor 69, and the control unit 180 controls the operations of the pickup roller 67 and the paper replenishment roller 68 to control the paper remaining amount. Receive the signal from the sensor 69.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100a when printing a postcard using the image forming apparatus 100a will be described. The image forming apparatus 100a is installed in a convenience store or the like, and it is the customer of the convenience store who prints the postcard.

First, the user operates the operation unit 115 to instruct the printing of the postcard. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, a display image 161a for selecting which postcard to print is displayed on the display unit 161.

For example, when the user selects a government-made postcard, the processing unit 181 picks up the pickup roller 67 of the paper feed tray 41 containing the government-made postcard P1 and the paper so that the desired image is formed on the government-made postcard P1. It controls the operations of the transport unit 112, the image forming unit 113, and the like.

Here, the paper remaining amount sensor 69 detects whether or not the official postcard P1 housed in the paper feed tray 41 is exhausted, and transmits a signal regarding the detection result to the processing unit 181. Based on the signal from the paper remaining amount sensor 58, the processing unit 181 determines whether the number of official postcards P1 stored in the paper feed tray 41 is 0, and determines that the number of official postcards P1 is 0. In that case, the operation of the pickup roller 67 is stopped. Then, the processing unit 181 operates the paper replenishment roller 68 of the spare tray 61 to replenish the paper feed tray 41 with the official postcard P1 housed in the spare tray 61. When the work of replenishing the paper feed tray 41 by the spare tray 61 is completed, the official postcard P1 is housed in the paper feed tray 41, but the government postcard P1 housed in the spare tray 61 disappears. That is, the number of official postcards P1 stored in the spare tray 61 becomes 0. A sensor for detecting whether or not the paper P is stored is provided for each spare tray 60 (61, 62), and paper feeding by the spare tray 60 (61, 62) is performed based on the signal from this sensor. It may be determined whether or not the replenishment work for the trays 40 (41, 42) is completed.

When the replenishment of the official postcard P1 from the spare tray 61 to the paper feed tray 41 is completed, the processing unit 181 displays a message indicating that the paper is out on the display unit 161. For example, the display image 161a shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display unit 161. As shown in FIG. 12, the display image 161a displays a message urging the paper feed tray 41 to be refilled with paper, and also displays a paper refilling procedure. It should be noted that these may be displayed by moving images such as animation. When such a display image 161a is displayed on the display unit 161, the user informs the employee of the convenience store that the paper is out.

An employee pulls out the paper cassette 111e to replenish the official postcard P1. At this time, the cassette attachment / detachment sensor 116 detects that the paper cassette 111a has been pulled out. When the control unit 180 receives this detection result, the processing unit 181 causes the display unit 161 to display the front and back sides and the orientation of the official postcard P1 housed in the spare tray 61. As a result, the employee can correctly accommodate the official postcard P1 in the spare tray 61.

Further, as described above, the spare tray 61 does not contain the official postcard P1, but the paper feed tray 41 contains the official postcard P1. Therefore, the employee may replenish the spare tray 61 with the official postcard P1 in the same manner as the front and back and orientation of the official postcard P1 housed in the paper feed tray 41, whereby the official postcard P1 is erroneously accommodated. Can be prevented. In this way, not only the correct storage state of the official postcard P1 in the spare tray 61 is displayed on the display unit 161 but also the official postcard P1 in the spare tray 61 is stored in the paper feed tray 41. Since the employee who replenishes the official postcard P1 is prompted to replenish P1, the employee who replenishes the official postcard P1 may check the accommodation state of the official postcard P1 in the paper feed tray 41 and accommodate the official postcard P1 in the spare tray 61. Replenishment work can be performed while recognizing the condition.

When the replenishment of the official postcard P1 is completed, the employee pushes the paper feed cassette 111e in the mounting direction D2 to restore the original state, and presses the OK key on the displayed image 161a. Since the signal operated by the display unit 161 is transmitted to the control unit 180, the processing unit 181 stops displaying the message indicating that the paper has run out on the display unit 161.

When the display unit 161 displays the message indicating that the paper is out, which is shown in FIG. 12, it is necessary to clearly indicate that the official postcard P1 is missing in the spare tray 61 instead of the paper feed tray 41. Is preferable. As a result, it is possible to prevent an employee who sees the message indicating that the paper is out from misunderstanding that the official postcard P1 is not stored in the paper feed tray 41. As a result, it is possible to prevent the employee from checking the paper feed tray 41 and misunderstanding that the image forming apparatus 100a may be out of order because the official postcard P1 is housed in the paper tray 41.

(Third Embodiment)
In the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus 100a according to the second embodiment, the user mistakenly sets the front and back sides and orientation of the paper P (P1, P2, P3) in the paper feed tray. Alternatively, even if it is stored in a spare tray or the like, it is possible to form a correct image on the paper P. Specifically, the paper transport unit 112 may be provided with a sensor (paper storage state detecting means) for detecting the front and back sides and orientation of the paper P (P1, P2, P3). When the paper P is a postcard, the front and back sides and the orientation of the paper P (P1, P2, P3) can be detected, for example, by reading the frame for entering the zip code. If the front and back of the paper P (P1, P2, P3) are incorrect, the front and back of the paper P (P1, P2, P3) are reversed by the so-called switchback mechanism (front and back reversing means) in the paper transport unit 112. do it. If the orientation of the paper P (P1, P2, P3) is incorrect, the image is inverted by the image forming unit (image orientation changing means) 113 and formed on the paper P (P1, P2, P3). do it.

Specifically, similarly to the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the paper feed roller 145, the reverse roller 147, the transport roller 148, the first branch claw 143, the second branch claw 144, and the photo The sensor 142 may be provided, and the paper P may pass through the transport paths S0 to S4.

As a result, even if the front and back sides and orientation of the paper P (P1, P2, P3) are mistakenly stored in the paper feed tray or the spare tray, the correct image is formed for the paper P (P1, P2, P3). Is possible.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms. Therefore, such embodiments are merely exemplary in all respects and should not be construed in a limited way. The scope of the present invention is shown by the claims and is not bound by the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and modifications that fall within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

11, 12 Paper cassette body 30 (31, 32, 33) Paper tray 35, 45 Paper guide 40 (41, 42) Paper tray 50, 70 Support 53 Drive device 55 Rotating shaft 57, 67 Pickup roller 58 Lift Motor (paper sheet number detecting means)
60 (61, 62) Spare tray 68 Paper replenishment roller (replenishment means)
69 Paper remaining amount sensor (paper number detection means)
100, 100a Image forming apparatus 110 Image forming apparatus main body 111 Paper accommodating unit 111a to 111d Paper feed cassette 112 Paper transport unit (paper accommodating state detecting means, front / back surface reversing means)
113 Image forming unit 114 Paper ejection unit 114a Paper ejecting tray 115 Operation unit 116 Cassette attachment / detachment sensor 120 Document reading device 121 Document mounting table 122 Document reading unit 123 Original document automatic feeding device 123a Original document ejection tray 140 Lift plate 142 Photo sensor (image orientation change) means)
143 First branch claw (front and back reversal means)
144 Second branch claw (front and back reversal means)
143a, 144a Rotating shaft 145 Paper feed roller 147 Reverse roller (front and back reverse means)
148 Conveying roller (front and back reversing means)
161 Display unit (notification means, paper tray instruction means, charge display means)
161a Display image 161a
165 Operation member 180 Control unit 181 Processing unit (paper number detection means, paper feed stop means)
182 Charge calculation unit D1 Pull-out direction D2 Mounting direction D3 Feeding direction L1 Support center line L2 Paper center line P (P1, P2, P3) Paper PB1 Supply position PB2 Standby position R1, R2 Arrows S0 to S4 Transport path θ Lift angle

Claims (7)

A paper cassette for holding paper and
A plurality of paper feed trays mounted on the paper cassette and capable of storing different types of paper for each type,
A paper number detecting means for detecting that the amount of paper contained in each paper tray has reached a predetermined amount for each paper tray, and
When the number of sheets detecting means detects that the amount of paper has reached a predetermined amount, the paper feed stopping means for stopping the paper feeding of the paper contained in the paper feed tray having reached the predetermined amount of paper,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a notification means for notifying that the paper needs to be replenished when the number of sheets detecting means detects that the amount of paper has reached a predetermined amount. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
When the paper feed cassette is pulled out after the notification means displays a message prompting the paper tray to be refilled with paper, displays the paper replenishment procedure, and displays the message and the paper replenishment procedure. Is an image forming apparatus, characterized in that it displays a description of the front and back sides and orientation of paper stored in the paper feed tray. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.
A paper storage state detecting means for detecting whether or not at least one of the front and back sides and the orientation of the paper stored in the paper feed tray is normal at the time of paper feeding.
When the paper storage state detecting means detects that the front and back of the paper are not normal, the front and back reversing means for reversing the front and back of the paper and the front and back reversing means.
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image orientation changing means for changing the orientation of an image formed on a paper when the paper containing state detecting means detects that the orientation of the paper is not normal. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
When displaying a message prompting the paper feed tray to be refilled with paper, the notification means also displays that the paper feed tray is not in a state in which paper is not contained. A featured image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
Each of the paper trays is provided with a paper tray indicating means for displaying the type of paper to be stored.
An image forming apparatus, characterized in that each of the paper feed trays is marked with a notation indicating the type of paper to be stored in the paper feed tray. A paper cassette for holding paper and
A plurality of paper feed trays mounted on the paper cassette and capable of storing different types of paper for each type,
Spare trays mounted on the paper cassette and installed for each of the plurality of paper trays,
When the paper stored in each of the paper feed trays is exhausted, the replenishment means for replenishing the paper feed tray with the paper stored in the spare tray corresponding to the paper feed tray.
When the paper contained in the spare tray is replenished to the paper feed tray, a message prompting the spare tray to be refilled is displayed, a paper replenishment procedure is displayed, and the message and the paper replenishment are displayed. An image forming apparatus including, when the paper feed cassette is pulled out after displaying a procedure, a notification means for displaying a description of the front and back sides and orientation of the paper stored in the spare tray. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A charge calculation method that calculates charges according to the type of paper to be fed, and
A charge display means for displaying the charge calculated by the charge calculation means is provided.
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the charge display means displays a charge according to a selected payment form.

Images