JP2021187591A - Sheet feeder and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a sheet feeder adapted to suppress the convenience for a user other than a user with a use limitation to a cassette from being lost.SOLUTION: A sheet feeder comprises a storage unit that stores sheet information indicative of a type of a sheet being set on a cassette, a control unit that recognizes a type of the sheet fed from the cassette and updates sheet information corresponding to a source-of-feed cassette, and an operation panel that accepts a designation of a cassette whose use is limited. The control unit determines whether or not a target sheet indicated by the sheet information of a designated cassette is being set on a cassette other than the designated cassette. If no target sheet is set, the control unit determines whether or not a surplus cassette exists. If a surplus cassette exists, the control unit allows displaying a request message prompting to set a target sheet on the surplus cassette.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a paper feed device and an image forming device.

A cassette is attached to the image forming apparatus. Paper is loaded in the cassette. The image forming apparatus feeds and conveys the paper loaded in the cassette to the paper transport path. The image forming apparatus prints an image on the paper being conveyed.

Here, an image forming apparatus capable of mounting a plurality of cassettes is known. Such an image forming apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a function of restricting the use of a specific cassette. To use a restricted cassette, the password associated with the cassette is required.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-21049

For example, when special paper (expensive paper) is set in a cassette, the user restricts the use of the cassette in which special paper is set. This can prevent other users from using special paper. That is, wasteful use of special paper can be suppressed.

Here, depending on the user, even if there is an empty cassette, the paper may be taken out from the cassette in which the paper is set, and the special paper may be set in the cassette. Further, even if there is no empty cassette, the paper is taken out from the cassette in which the paper is set, and the special paper is set in the cassette.

As a result, the paper loaded in the cassette (the cassette in which the special paper is currently loaded) cannot be used. This is inconvenient for users who want to use the paper loaded in the cassette. Even if the special paper is taken out from the cassette and the previously loaded paper is reloaded, the reloaded paper cannot be used because the cassette is restricted in use.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and in a configuration in which the use of a cassette can be restricted, it is possible to prevent the convenience of users other than the user who has restricted the use from being impaired. It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper device and an image forming device.

In order to achieve the above object, the paper feed device according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of cassettes, a storage unit for storing paper information indicating the type of paper loaded in the cassettes, and a cassette. It is equipped with a control unit that recognizes the type of paper that has been fed and updates the paper information corresponding to the cassette that is the paper feed source, and an operation panel that accepts from the user the designation of the cassette that restricts the use. When the operation panel accepts the designation of the cassette, the control unit determines whether or not the target paper indicated by the paper information corresponding to the designated designated cassette is set in a cassette other than the designated cassette. When the target paper is not loaded in a cassette other than the designated cassette, the control unit determines whether or not there is a surplus cassette that is a cassette other than the designated cassette and has no paper loaded. When there is a surplus cassette, the control unit displays a request message prompting the user to set the target paper in the surplus cassette on the operation panel.

The image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention includes the above-mentioned paper feeding device.

In the present invention, in a configuration in which the use of the cassette can be restricted, it is possible to prevent the convenience of users other than the user who has restricted the use from being impaired.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cassette designation screen which the operation panel of the image forming apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention displays. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed by the control part of the image forming apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the notification screen displayed by the operation panel of the image forming apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the warning screen which the operation panel of the image forming apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention displays.

<Structure of image forming apparatus>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a control unit 1 and a storage unit 2. The control unit 1 includes a processing circuit such as a CPU and an ASIC. The control unit 1 controls the image forming apparatus 100 based on the control program and the control data. The storage unit 2 includes a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, and an HDD. The storage unit 2 stores the control program and control data. The storage unit 2 is connected to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 reads information from the storage unit 2 and writes information to the storage unit 2.

The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 3 and a printing unit 4. The control unit 1 controls the reading operation of the image reading unit 3. The control unit 1 controls the printing operation of the printing unit 4.

The image reading unit 3 optically reads the original. The image reading unit 3 includes a light source and an image sensor. The light source illuminates the document. The image sensor receives the reflected light reflected by the document and performs photoelectric conversion.

The printing unit 4 has a configuration as shown in FIG. The printing unit 4 includes a paper feeding unit 41, a transfer unit 42, and a fixing unit 43.

The paper feed unit 41 feeds the paper S into the paper transport path 10. The paper feed unit 41 includes a paper feed roller 411. The paper S used for the print job is set in the cassette 20. The paper feed roller 411 comes into contact with the paper S set in the cassette 20 and rotates in that state. As the paper feed roller 411 rotates, the paper S is fed from the cassette 20 to the paper transport path 10.

The cassette 20 is provided with a regulation guide 21. The regulation guide 21 abuts on the end face of the paper S to position the paper S. The regulation guide 21 is slidable, and the position of the regulation guide 21 is changed according to the size of the paper S.

The cassette 20 is provided with a lift plate 22. The lift plate 22 moves up and down in the cassette 20. The lift plate 22 rotates so that one side in the paper feeding direction serves as a rotation fulcrum and the other side in the paper feeding direction swings up and down. In the cassette 20, the paper S is placed on the lift plate 22. As the lift plate 22 rises, the paper S in the cassette 20 comes into contact with the paper feed roller 411.

A plurality of cassettes 20 are mounted on the image forming apparatus 100. The same type of paper S may be set in all of the plurality of cassettes 20. Further, a paper S of a different type from the paper S set in a certain cassette 20 may be set in another cassette 20. The paper feed unit 41 (paper feed roller 411) is assigned to each cassette 20.

Although not shown, the paper transport path 10 is provided with a plurality of transport roller pairs. Each transport roller pair transports the paper S along the paper transport path 10. The number and position of the transfer roller pairs to be installed are not particularly limited, and can be changed according to the length of the paper transfer path and the like.

The transfer unit 42 includes a transfer roller pair 421. The transfer roller pair 421 includes a photoconductor drum and a transfer roller. Although not shown, the transfer unit 42 further includes a charging device, an exposure device, and a developing device.

The photoconductor drum carries a toner image on its peripheral surface. The transfer roller is pressed against the photoconductor drum to form a transfer nip with the photoconductor drum. The charging device charges the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum. The exposure apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum. The developing device develops an electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum into a toner image. When the paper S in the paper transport path 10 passes through the transfer nip, the toner image on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum is transferred to the paper S.

The fixing portion 43 includes a fixing roller pair 431. The fixing roller pair 431 includes a fixing roller and a pressure roller. The fixing roller has a built-in heater. The pressure roller is in pressure contact with the fixing roller to form a fixing nip with the fixing roller.

The transferred paper S enters the fixing nip. The fixing unit 43 heats and pressurizes the paper S while conveying the paper S that has entered the fixing nip. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the paper S. The fixed paper S is discharged to the discharge tray ET.

Returning to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation panel 5. The operation panel 5 is provided with a touch screen. The touch screen displays a screen with software buttons. The touch screen accepts a touch operation on the display screen (software button) from the user. Further, the operation panel 5 is provided with a plurality of hardware buttons. Among the multiple hardware buttons, there is a start button for accepting a print job execution instruction from the user.

The operation panel 5 is connected to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 controls the display operation of the operation panel 5. The control unit 1 detects an operation on the operation panel 5. When the control unit 1 detects an operation on the start button of the operation panel 5 with the original set in the image reading unit 3, the control unit 1 executes a print job (copy job) accompanied by reading the original.

The image forming apparatus 100 includes a cassette sensor CS. The cassette sensor CS is assigned to each cassette 20. Each cassette sensor CS changes the output value depending on whether the corresponding cassette 20 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100 or pulled out from the image forming apparatus 100.

Each cassette sensor CS is connected to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 detects attachment / detachment of each cassette 20 to / from the image forming apparatus 100 based on the output value of each cassette sensor CS. When the paper S is set in a certain cassette 20, the user pulls out the cassette 20 from the image forming apparatus 100. After setting the paper S, the user reattaches the cassette 20 to the image forming apparatus 100.

The image forming apparatus 100 includes a size sensor SS. The size sensor SS is assigned to each cassette 20. Each size sensor SS changes the output value according to the position of the regulation guide 21 provided on the corresponding cassette 20. That is, each size sensor SS changes the output value according to the size of the paper S set in the corresponding cassette 20.

Each size sensor SS is connected to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 detects the size of the paper S set in each cassette 20 based on the output value of each size sensor SS. When the paper S is set in a certain cassette 20, the user slides the regulation guide 21 of the cassette 20 according to the size of the paper S to be set.

<Update of paper information>
A plurality of paper information 30 corresponding to each of the plurality of cassettes 20 are stored in the storage unit 2. Each paper information 30 is information indicating the type of paper S set in the corresponding cassette 20. Each paper information 30 includes information indicating the size of the paper S set in the corresponding cassette 20. Further, each paper information 30 includes information indicating the paper quality (media type) of the paper S set in the corresponding cassette 20. The paper quality of the paper S is classified into plain paper, recycled paper, thin paper, thick paper, glossy paper, OHP sheet and the like.

Here, another type of paper S may be set in the cassette 20 in which a certain type of paper S is set. Therefore, each form information 30 is updated. The control unit 1 performs a process of updating each sheet information 30. This will be described in detail below.

When executing the print job, the control unit 1 sets any of the plurality of cassettes 20 as the paper feed source.

For example, before executing the print job, the operation panel 5 accepts from the user whether the automatic paper feed source setting is valid or invalid. When the automatic paper feed source setting is disabled, the operation panel 5 accepts from the user a paper feed source selection operation for selecting one of the cassettes 20 as the paper feed source. The control unit 1 sets the cassette 20 selected in the paper feed source selection operation as the paper feed source.

When the automatic paper feed source setting is enabled, the control unit 1 automatically sets the paper feed source. When the execution job is a copy job, the cassette 20 in which the paper S having the same size as the original size to be read is set is set as the paper feed source.

The control unit 1 uses the paper S set in the paper feed source cassette 20 in the print job. That is, the printing unit 4 feeds and conveys the paper S from the paper feed source cassette 20 to the paper transport path 10. As a result, the image is printed on the paper S set in the cassette 20 of the paper feed source.

The control unit 1 detects the type (size and paper quality) of the paper S fed from the paper feed source cassette 20 each time the print job is executed. Then, the control unit 1 updates the paper information 30 corresponding to the cassette 20 of the paper feed source based on the detection result. For example, when the print job is completed, the paper information 30 corresponding to the cassette 20 set as the paper feed source in the completed print job is updated.

When the size of the paper S fed from the paper feed source cassette 20 is A4 size, the control unit 1 changes the size of the paper S indicated by the paper information 30 corresponding to the paper feed source cassette 20 to A4 size. Set. When the paper S fed from the paper feed source cassette 20 is plain paper, the control unit 1 sets the paper quality of the paper S to the plain paper indicated by the paper information 30 corresponding to the paper feed source cassette 20. ..

The paper quality detection method for the paper S is not particularly limited. For example, the operation panel 5 accepts from the user input of information indicating the paper quality of the paper S set in the cassette 20 for each cassette 20. The control unit 1 detects the paper quality of the loaded paper S based on the input information for each cassette 20.

A media sensor (not shown) may be provided in the image forming apparatus 100, and the media sensor may be connected to the control unit 1. For example, a predetermined position of the paper transport path 10 is set as a detection position of the media sensor. A media sensor may be assigned to each cassette 20.

The media sensor changes the output value according to the paper quality (paper thickness, surface roughness, etc.) of the paper S to be detected. As the media sensor, a sensor that outputs a value corresponding to the reflectance (or transmittance) when the paper S to be detected is irradiated with light can be used. When the media sensor is mounted, the control unit 1 detects the paper quality of the paper S fed from the paper feed source cassette 20 based on the output value of the media sensor.

A sensor including an image sensor can also be used as a media sensor. When a media sensor including an image pickup element is mounted, the control unit 1 causes the media sensor to take an image of the paper S fed from the cassette 20 of the paper feed source. Then, the control unit 1 detects the paper quality of the paper S fed from the cassette 20 of the paper feed source based on the image pickup data obtained by the image pickup by the media sensor.

<Cassette usage restrictions>
The image forming apparatus 100 has a function of limiting the use of the specific cassette 20. The user can arbitrarily specify the cassette 20 whose use is restricted. The operation panel 5 accepts the designation of the cassette 20 whose use is restricted.

When the operation panel 5 accepts the designation of the cassette 20 whose use is restricted, the operation panel 5 displays the cassette designation screen 50 as shown in FIG. A plurality of software buttons B corresponding to the plurality of cassettes 20 are arranged on the cassette designation screen 50. Further, a password field F is arranged on the cassette designation screen 50.

The control unit 1 recognizes the cassette 20 corresponding to the software button B operated by the user among the plurality of software buttons B in the cassette designation screen 50, and determines that the recognized cassette 20 has been designated by the user. In the following description, the cassette 20 designated by the user on the cassette designation screen 50 is referred to as a designated cassette 20, and is distinguished from other cassettes 20.

After recognizing the designated cassette 20, the control unit 1 performs a process of restricting the use of the designated cassette 20. When restricting the use of the designated cassette 20, the control unit 1 recognizes the password entered in the cassette designation screen 50 (password field F). If the password is not entered on the cassette designation screen 50, the control unit 1 does not limit the use of the designated cassette 20. To restrict the use of the designated cassette 20, it is necessary to enter the password on the cassette designation screen 50.

As a process of restricting the use of the designated cassette 20, the control unit 1 performs a process of storing the usage restriction information in which the identifier of the designated cassette 20 and the password entered in the cassette designation screen 50 are associated with each other in the storage unit 2. The control unit 1 limits the use of the cassette 20 indicated by the usage restriction information stored in the storage unit 2 until the release condition is satisfied. Hereinafter, the cassette 20 whose use is restricted is referred to as a use-restricted cassette 20, and is distinguished from other cassettes 20.

When the paper feed source selection operation is performed on the operation panel 5, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the selected cassette 20 is the use-restricted cassette 20. When the selected cassette 20 is the restricted use cassette 20, the control unit 1 displays a password input screen (not shown) on the operation panel 5. The operation panel 5 accepts the input of the password on the password input screen from the user (the user who has performed the paper feed source selection operation).

When the password associated with the restricted cassette 20 and the password entered this time match, the control unit 1 permits the use of the restricted cassette 20. That is, the control unit 1 sets the cassette 20 during use restriction as the paper feed source and executes the print job.

On the other hand, if the password associated with the restricted cassette 20 and the password entered this time are different, the control unit 1 does not permit the use of the restricted cassette 20. That is, the control unit 1 does not set the cassette 20 as the paper feed source during use restriction. In this case, although not shown, a message to the effect that the cassette 20 whose use is restricted may be selected may be displayed on the operation panel 5. Further, a message prompting the user to select another cassette 20 may be displayed on the operation panel 5.

When the automatic paper feed source setting is enabled, the control unit 1 sets a cassette 20 different from the cassette 20 whose use is restricted as the paper feed source. As a result, in the print job, the paper S set in the cassette 20 different from the cassette 20 under usage restriction is used.

<Processing before usage restrictions>
Special paper can be used for print jobs. Examples of the special paper include paper S for color printing. When using special paper in a print job, the user takes out the paper S (for example, plain paper) already set in a certain cassette 20 and sets the special paper in the cassette 20. Then, the user selects the cassette 20 in which the special paper is set as the paper feed source.

Here, when the first type of paper S set in a certain cassette 20 is replaced with a second type of paper S (special paper) different from the first type, the first type of paper S becomes another. If it is set in the cassette 20, the first type of paper S can be used. On the other hand, if the first type of paper S is not set in the other cassette 20, the first type of paper S cannot be used. Therefore, the convenience of the user who wants to use the first type of paper S is reduced.

Also, in general, specialty paper is expensive. Therefore, when the special paper is set in a certain cassette 20, the user restricts the use of the cassette 20 in which the special paper is set. Therefore, the number of cassettes 20 that can be used by other users is reduced. That is, the convenience of other users is reduced.

Therefore, when limiting the use of the designated cassette 20, the control unit 1 performs processing according to the flow shown in FIG. This will be described in detail below. The flow shown in FIG. 4 starts when the operation panel 5 accepts the designation of the cassette 20 whose use is restricted on the cassette designation screen 50.

In step S1, the control unit 1 recognizes the type of paper S indicated by the paper information 30 corresponding to the designated cassette 20 designated on the cassette designation screen 50 as the target paper S. For example, if the type of paper S indicated by the paper information 30 is B5 size plain paper, the B5 size plain paper is the target paper S.

In step S2, the control unit 1 recognizes the type of paper S currently set in each cassette 20 other than the designated cassette 20 based on the paper information 30 of each cassette 20 other than the designated cassette 20. Then, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the target paper S is set in any of the cassettes 20 other than the designated cassette 20. When the control unit 1 determines that the target paper S is set in any of the cassettes 20 other than the designated cassette 20, the process proceeds to step S3.

When the process proceeds to step S3, the control unit 1 limits the use of the designated cassette 20. When the use of the designated cassette 20 is restricted, the designated cassette 20 cannot be used unless the password associated with the designated cassette 20 is input to the operation panel 5.

If the control unit 1 determines in step S2 that the target paper S is not set in the cassette 20 other than the designated cassette 20, the process proceeds to step S4.

When the process proceeds to step S4, the control unit 1 determines whether or not there is a surplus cassette 20 (empty cassette 20) which is a cassette 20 other than the designated cassette 20 and in which the paper S is not set. .. If the control unit 1 determines that the surplus cassette 20 exists, the process proceeds to step S5.

When the process proceeds to step S5, the control unit 1 displays a request message M1 prompting the surplus cassette 20 to set the target paper S on the operation panel 5. The operation panel 5 displays the notification screen 51 as shown in FIG. The request message M1 is arranged on the notification screen 51. FIG. 5 shows a request message M1 when the surplus cassette 20 is the fourth-stage cassette 20 from the top and the target paper S is B5 size plain paper.

Further, the control unit 1 causes the operation panel 5 to accept whether or not to continue the use restriction of the designated cassette 20 without setting the target paper S. For example, the operation panel 5 displays a notification screen 51 with a continuation button B1. The continuation button B1 is a software button for accepting that the use of the designated cassette 20 is restricted without setting the target paper S in any of the cassettes 20. When the operation for the continue button B1 is detected, the control unit 1 determines that the operation panel 5 has accepted that the target paper S is not set in the surplus cassette 20 and the operation is continued.

Returning to FIG. 4, in step S6, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the operation panel 5 has accepted the fact that the target paper S is not set in the surplus cassette 20 and the operation is continued (operation for the continuation button B1). If the control unit 1 determines that the surplus cassette 20 has not been accepted to continue without setting the target paper S, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the target paper S is set in the surplus cassette 20. Here, when the process proceeds from step S5 to step S7 via step S6, the user performs the work of setting the target paper S in the surplus cassette 20. The user pulls out the surplus cassette 20 from the image forming apparatus 100, sets the target paper S in the surplus cassette 20, and then reattaches the surplus cassette 20 to the image forming apparatus 100.

Therefore, the control unit 1 detects the attachment / detachment of the surplus cassette 20 to / from the image forming apparatus 100 based on the output value of the cassette sensor CS. When it is detected that the surplus cassette 20 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 100 and then the surplus cassette 20 is reattached to the image forming apparatus 100, the control unit 1 determines that the target paper S is set in the surplus cassette 20. ..

After mounting the surplus cassette 20 on the image forming apparatus 100, the size of the paper S set in the surplus cassette 20 may be detected based on the output value of the size sensor SS. Then, if the size indicated by the paper information 30 of the designated cassette 20 and the detection size match, it is determined that the target paper S has been set in the surplus cassette 20, and if they do not match, the target paper S is set in the surplus cassette 20. It may be determined that it has not been done.

Further, after mounting the surplus cassette 20 on the image forming apparatus 100, the user may accept input of information indicating the paper quality of the paper S set in the surplus cassette 20. The input is accepted by the operation panel 5. If the paper quality indicated by the paper information 30 of the designated cassette 20 and the input information (paper quality) match, it is determined that the target paper S is set in the surplus cassette 20, and if they do not match, the target paper is set in the surplus cassette 20. It may be determined that S is not set. In a configuration in which a media sensor capable of detecting the paper quality of the paper S in the cassette 20 is mounted on each cassette, after the surplus cassette 20 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the surplus cassette is used by using the media sensor corresponding to the surplus cassette 20. The paper quality of the paper S set in 20 may be detected.

As another example, the user may accept whether or not the target paper S is set in the surplus cassette 20. In this configuration, after the surplus cassette 20 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100, the control unit 1 causes the operation panel 5 to accept whether or not the target paper S is set in the surplus cassette 20. The control unit 1 determines whether or not the target paper S is set in the surplus cassette 20 based on the reception result.

If the control unit 1 determines in step S7 that the target paper S has been set in the surplus cassette 20, the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if the control unit 1 determines that the target paper S is not set in the surplus cassette 20, the process proceeds to step S5.

If the control unit 1 determines in step S4 that the surplus cassette 20 (empty cassette 20) does not exist, the process proceeds to step S8. Further, even when the control unit 1 determines in step S6 that the surplus cassette 20 has been accepted to continue without setting the target paper S, the process proceeds to step S8.

When the process proceeds to step S8, the control unit 1 displays a warning message M2 to the effect that the target paper S cannot be used on the operation panel 5. The operation panel 5 displays a warning screen 52 as shown in FIG. The warning message M2 is arranged on the warning screen 52. FIG. 6 shows a warning message M2 when the target paper S is B5 size plain paper. After that, the process proceeds to step S3.

<Removal of usage restrictions>
After restricting the use of any of the cassettes 20, in some cases, the restrictions on the use of the designated cassette 20 are not released and are left unattended. In this case, the user who does not know the password for canceling the usage restriction cannot use the designated cassette 20 whose usage is restricted, which is inconvenient.

Therefore, the control unit 1 automatically cancels the usage restriction applied to the designated cassette 20. The timing at which the usage restriction of the designated cassette 20 is automatically released is set when the target paper S (paper S that was set in the designated cassette 20 before the usage restriction) is set in another cassette 20. This is different from the case where the target paper S is not set in the other cassette 20 and the case where the usage restriction is applied.

When the use of the designated cassette 20 is restricted while the target paper S is set in any of the cassettes 20, the control unit 1 starts timing when the restriction on the use of the designated cassette 20 is started. Then, the control unit 1 releases the usage restriction of the designated cassette 20 when a predetermined first time has elapsed from the start of the usage restriction of the designated cassette 20. For example, the first hour is minutes to tens of minutes.

When the use of the designated cassette 20 is restricted when the target paper S is not set in any of the cassettes 20, the control unit 1 starts timing when the restriction on the use of the designated cassette 20 is started. Then, the control unit 1 releases the usage restriction of the designated cassette 20 when a predetermined second time shorter than the first time elapses from the start of the usage restriction of the designated cassette 20.

Even before the first time has elapsed from the start of the usage restriction of the designated cassette 20, the usage restriction of the designated cassette 20 can be canceled by making a release request to the operation panel 5. Further, even before the second time has elapsed from the start of the usage restriction of the designated cassette 20, the usage restriction of the designated cassette 20 can be released by making a release request to the operation panel 5. However, in order to manually release the usage restriction of the designated cassette 20, it is necessary to input the password associated with the designated cassette 20 in the operation panel 5.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of cassettes 20, a storage unit 2 for storing paper information 30 indicating the type of paper S set in the cassette 20, and a cassette. A control unit 1 that recognizes the type of paper S fed from 20 and updates the paper information 30 corresponding to the cassette 20 of the paper feed source, and an operation panel 5 that accepts from the user the designation of the cassette 20 that restricts its use. , Equipped with. When the operation panel 5 accepts the designation of the cassette 20, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the target paper S indicated by the paper information 30 corresponding to the designated designated cassette 20 is set in the cassette 20 other than the designated cassette 20. Judge. When the target paper S is not set in the cassette 20 other than the designated cassette 20, the control unit 1 has a surplus cassette 20 which is a cassette 20 other than the designated cassette 20 and in which the paper S is not set. Judge whether or not. When the surplus cassette 20 is present, the control unit 1 causes the operation panel 5 to display a request message M1 prompting the surplus cassette 20 to set the target paper S.

In the configuration of the present invention, when the target paper S is not set in the cassette 20 other than the designated cassette 20 and the surplus cassette 20 is present, the request message M1 is displayed on the operation panel 5. The requesting user who requested the restriction on the use of the designated cassette 20 confirms the request message M1. As a result, the target paper S is set in the surplus cassette 20 by the requesting user. Here, the use of the surplus cassette 20 is not restricted. That is, after the use of the designated cassette 20 is restricted, the target paper S can be used in the print job. As a result, it is possible to prevent the convenience of users other than the user whose usage is restricted (the user who wants to use the target paper S in the print job) from being impaired.

Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, when it is determined that the target paper S is set in the surplus cassette 20 after the request message M1 is displayed, the control unit 1 restricts the use of the designated cassette 20. As a result, it is possible to suppress the state in which the target paper S is not set.

Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, when the operation panel 5 receives from the user that the target paper S is not set in the surplus cassette 20 after the request message M1 is displayed, the control unit 1 cannot use the target paper S. A warning message M2 to that effect is displayed on the operation panel 5, and the use of the designated cassette 20 is restricted. Further, when the surplus cassette 20 does not exist, the control unit 1 displays a warning message M2 to the effect that the target paper S cannot be used on the operation panel 5 to limit the use of the designated cassette 20. When the warning message M2 is displayed on the operation panel 5, the requesting user who requested the restriction on the use of the designated cassette 20 confirms the warning message M2. As a result, when the usage restriction of the designated cassette 20 becomes unnecessary (for example, when the special paper set in the designated cassette 20 is replaced with plain paper), the requesting user promptly restricts the use of the designated cassette 20. To cancel. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cassette 20 having the restricted use from being left in the presence of the cassette 20.

Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, when the target paper S is set in the cassette 20 other than the designated cassette 20, the control unit 1 uses the designated cassette 20 without displaying the request message M1 on the operation panel 5. To limit. Here, when the target paper S is set in a cassette 20 other than the designated cassette 20, the target paper S can be used in the print job even as it is. Therefore, even if the use of the designated cassette 20 is restricted as it is, the convenience of users other than the user who has restricted the use is not impaired.

Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, when the use of the designated cassette 20 is restricted while the target paper S is set in any of the cassettes 20, the first time after the restriction on the use of the designated cassette 20 is started is started. When the elapse has passed, the control unit 1 automatically (forces) releases the usage restriction of the designated cassette 20. As a result, even if a user who has restricted the use of the designated cassette 20 forgets to release the restriction, it is possible to prevent the designated cassette 20 from being left with the restricted use.

Here, if the use of the designated cassette 20 is restricted while the target paper S is not set in any of the cassettes 20, the target paper S cannot be used. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable to promptly release the usage restriction of the designated cassette 20 and set the target paper S in the designated cassette 20. Therefore, when the use of the designated cassette 20 is restricted when the target paper S is not set in any of the cassettes 20, a second time shorter than the first time elapses after the restriction on the use of the designated cassette 20 is started. When this is done, the control unit 1 automatically (forces) cancels the usage restriction of the designated cassette 20. As a result, it is possible to prevent the convenience of the user who wants to use the target paper S from being impaired.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the description of the above embodiment, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 Control unit 2 Storage unit 5 Operation panel 20 Cassette 30 Paper information 100 Image forming device M1 Request message M2 Warning message S paper

Claims (8)

With multiple cassettes
A storage unit that stores paper information indicating the type of paper loaded in the cassette for each cassette, and a storage unit.
A control unit that recognizes the type of paper fed from the cassette and updates the paper information corresponding to the cassette of the paper feed source.
It is equipped with an operation panel that accepts the designation of the cassette that restricts its use from the user.
When the operation panel accepts the designation of the cassette, the control unit determines whether or not the target paper indicated by the paper information corresponding to the designated designated cassette is set in the cassette other than the designated cassette. Judgment,
When the target paper is not loaded in the cassette other than the designated cassette, the control unit determines whether or not there is a surplus cassette that is the cassette other than the designated cassette and the paper is not loaded. Judging whether
When the surplus cassette is present, the control unit displays a request message prompting the user to set the target paper in the surplus cassette on the operation panel. The paper feeding device according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the target paper is set in the surplus cassette after the request message is displayed, the control unit limits the use of the designated cassette. After the request message is displayed, when the operation panel receives from the user that the target paper is not set in the surplus cassette, the control unit sends a warning message to the operation panel that the target paper cannot be used. The paper feed device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the designated cassette is displayed and the use of the designated cassette is restricted. 3. When the surplus cassette is not present, the control unit displays a warning message to the effect that the target paper cannot be used on the operation panel to limit the use of the designated cassette. The paper feeding device according to any one item. When the target paper is set in the cassette other than the designated cassette, the control unit limits the use of the designated cassette without displaying the request message on the operation panel. Item 4. The paper feeding device according to any one of Items 1 to 4. When the use of the designated cassette is restricted while the target paper is set in any of the cassettes, the predetermined first time elapses from the start of the restriction on the use of the designated cassette. The paper feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit releases the restriction on the use of the designated cassette. When the use of the designated cassette is restricted in a state where the target paper is not loaded in any of the cassettes, a predetermined second time shorter than the first time after the restriction on the use of the designated cassette is started is started. The paper feeding device according to claim 6, wherein when the time has elapsed, the control unit releases the restriction on the use of the designated cassette. An image forming apparatus comprising the paper feeding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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