JP3184611B2 - Recording device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a recording device such as a printer.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a recording apparatus capable of handling a large-sized print sheet such as A3 or LEDGER.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when printing a test pattern in a printer, if the specification of the paper size is omitted, a print area is set assuming, for example, the vertical direction of A4 paper. Because A4 paper is a major paper size, conventional printers have
This is because only sheets can be set in the ortrait.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, since only the portrate is supported, there is such a problem when the control is performed in a printer capable of setting paper in the landscape. That is, Po is printed on the Landscape paper.
Since the image is printed in the shape of rtrat, the image printing area protrudes from the trailing edge of the sheet. Therefore, the developer that cannot be transferred onto the paper stains the inside of the printer and the recording medium continuously fed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus capable of printing an image without soiling the inside of the recording apparatus or a succeeding recording medium when the paper size and direction cannot be determined in advance. is there.

[0005]

Means and actions for solving the problems The above object has been achieved.
The recording device according to the present invention feeds a recording medium
Paper feeding means, and a record fed by the paper feeding means
Image forming means for forming an image on a medium, and a non-image forming area
Non-image area setting means for setting the non -image area.
The area setting unit is configured to record a sheet to be fed by the sheet feeding unit.
Select when the standard size is specified as the media size
Mode that is available for the specified standard size.
A first mode for setting the same non-image forming area,
As the size of the recording medium to be fed by means
This is a mode that can be selected when the size is not specified.
Therefore, the area outside the predetermined square area is defined as the non-image forming area.
And a second mode for setting. Preferably, the second
The mode is the recording medium to be fed by the paper feeding means.
Test without specifying a standard size as the size of
Selected when printing. Also according to the invention
Other recording apparatus, a paper feeding means for feeding the recording medium, wherein
Forming an image on a recording medium fed by paper feeding means
Image forming means and a non-image area for setting a non-image forming area
Setting means, and the non-image area setting means includes a normal
This is a mode that can be selected when printing
Non-image according to the maximum size that can be supported by the recording device
The first mode for setting the area and the place for test printing
Mode that can be selected when
A second mode for setting the outside of the area as a non-image forming area.
I do. Preferably, the first mode is set by the paper feeding unit.
Standard size as the size of the recording media to be fed
Select this when performing normal printing without specifying
It is. In the recording apparatus, preferably, the recording medium
A detecting unit for detecting the presence or absence of a body, the second mode
Indicates that there is no recording medium by the detecting means.
Of the recording medium to be fed by the feeding means
Select when the standard size is not specified as the size
Is done. In the recording apparatus, preferably, the predetermined
The square area thus set has a width in the width direction of a predetermined fixed size.
It corresponds to a square area with one side, and more preferably,
The defined square area is A4 size or letter size
Corresponds to a square region having a width in the lateral direction as one side. The above
In the recording device, preferably, one of a plurality of widths
Select as the width of one side of the predetermined square area
Having means. In the recording apparatus, preferably,
At a predetermined position on the recording medium transport path.
Detecting means for detecting the presence, and detecting output of the detecting means
Based on at least the image mask start timing
And a mask control means for controlling.

[0006]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a control configuration of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a printer controller 1
Based on a control program stored in a ROM (not shown), each part of the printing apparatus is controlled overall.

Reference numeral 2 denotes an optional paper feed mechanism (optional feeder) which can be optionally connected to the main body, and includes a cassette size detection switch 3, a paper presence detection sensor 4, a clutch 5 for driving a paper feed roller, and the like.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a standard cassette paper feeding mechanism (standard cassette feeder), which includes a cassette size detection switch 7, a paper detection sensor 8, a clutch 9 for driving a paper feeding roller, and the like.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a multi-purpose paper feed mechanism (multi-purpose mechanism), which includes a paper presence detection sensor 11, a paper feed roller clutch 12, a paper feed plate lifter 13, and the like.
Reference numeral 14 denotes a pre-registration sensor which detects that the recording sheet fed from each sheet feeding mechanism has reached a predetermined position, and notifies the printer controller 1 of the fact. A registration clutch 15 turns on / off transmission of a driving force to a registration roller pair 40 described later. A high-voltage circuit block 16 applies a high voltage to a transfer charger (not shown). 17
Is a fixing device, which is composed of a heat roller and a pressure roller, and fixes the developer (toner) transferred to the recording sheet fed through the conveyance path onto the recording sheet. Reference numeral 18 denotes a paper discharge unit paper sensor that monitors the paper discharge state of the recording sheet on which the fixing process has been completed, and notifies the printer controller 1 to that effect. Reference numeral 19 denotes a main motor, which is a power source for rollers such as a paper feed / transport mechanism of the recording apparatus and a process cartridge. A fan motor 20 drives a fan for cooling the inside of the apparatus. Reference numeral 21 denotes a laser box, which includes a semiconductor laser for generating a laser beam for scanning the photosensitive member, an fθ lens, a polygon mirror, a scanner motor, and the like, and a controller for performing drive control (horizontal printing control and laser power control) thereof. . A display unit 22 displays the printer status to the operator. An interface unit 23 exchanges commands, statuses, printer control signals, and image signals with an external device (not shown). Reference numeral 24 denotes a checker, which is a service in charge in the market (serviceman)
It is a kind of operation unit that displays the status of the recording device and instructs to perform test printing at the time of maintenance / inspection.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the mechanical configuration of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The configuration and operation will be described below.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 30 denotes an optional cassette set in an optional feeder. A recording sheet to be stored is always stored in an optional paper feed roller 3 by a plate 31 lifted by a spring (not shown).
It is in contact with 2. When the clutch 5 is turned on while the main motor 19 is being driven, the optional paper feed roller 32
The recording sheet is conveyed, passes through the optional feeder conveyance roller pair 33, is fed along the conveyance path P1 to the position where the pre-registration sensor 14 is disposed, and the leading end of the recording sheet is detected by the pre-registration sensor 14. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the clutch 5 is turned off. At this time, the leading end of the recording sheet is brought into contact with the registration roller pair 40 with a predetermined amount of loop (deflection). Reference numeral 34 denotes a standard cassette set in the recording apparatus, and the recording sheets contained in the cassette are also in contact with a standard cassette paper feed roller 36 by a plate 35. When the recording sheet is fed from the standard cassette 34, the recording sheet
And the leading end thereof abuts against the registration roller pair 40 with a predetermined amount of loop. Reference numeral 37 denotes a front cover, which functions as a multi-purpose tray (MPT) by opening it slightly to the right as viewed in FIG. Reference numeral 38 denotes an MPT sheet feeding plate which is lowered downward except for the printing operation. However, when performing a printing operation when the sheet is detected by the sheet detection sensor 11 and the MPT 37 is designated as a sheet feeding port, , As shown in FIG. When the recording sheet is fed from the front cover 37 functioning as the MPT 37, the sheet is fed along the transport path P3, and the fed sheet is brought into contact with the registration roller pair 40 with a predetermined amount of deflection. You. As described above, the recording apparatus of this embodiment is provided with the conveyance paths P1 to P3 which are the conveyance paths for feeding the recording sheets, and each of the conveyance paths P1 to P3.
Is provided with a paper feed mechanism for feeding a recording sheet.

Thereafter, when the printer controller 1 of the recording apparatus receives the vertical synchronizing signal from the external device,
Registration roller clutch 15 is turned on, by rotating the pair of registration rollers 40, it is conveyed along a recording sheet conveying path P _4.

Incidentally, the cartridge 41 has a photosensitive drum 42, which rotates counterclockwise with respect to the paper surface shown in FIG. The photosensitive drum 42 is first uniformly charged by a primary charging roller 43 disposed therearound. 4
Reference numeral 4 denotes a semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam modulated by an image signal sent from an external device. The generated laser beam is irradiated to a polygon mirror 45 that is already controlled at a specified rotation speed and is rotating. And the photosensitive drum 42
A latent image is formed while scanning the upper part in the horizontal direction. The latent image thus formed is developed with toner by a developing cylinder 46 with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 42, and the developed image is transferred onto a recording sheet conveyed by a transfer roller 47. The recording sheet is fixed to the toner image by the fixing roller pair 48, passes through the discharge roller pair 49, and is discharged to the discharge tray 51 while the distortion is corrected by the roller group 50.

FIG. 3 shows the interface 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the details of No. 3.

First, SBSY, CBSY, SC, CLK
Is a signal used for serial communication in a handshake format. SBSY is a status valid signal and is sent from the printer controller 1 to the external device 28.
CBSY is a command valid signal, which is sent from the external device 28 to the printer controller 1. SC is a status / command data signal, and a status valid signal S
When BSY is TRUE, the printer controller 1 sends the command valid signal CBSY to the external device 28 as status data indicating the internal state of the printer.
In the case of RUE, the external device 28 sends the command to the printer controller 1 as command data indicating a command to the printer from the external device 28. CLK is status /
This is a synchronous clock of the command data signal SC, and is sent from the external device 28 to the printer controller 1. In response to one command from the external device 28, the printer controller 1 returns one status corresponding to the command.

Next, RDY is a ready signal to be set to TRUE when the printer controller 1 is ready for printing, and is sent from the printer controller 1 to the external device 28. PRINT is a print signal that is set to TRUE when the external device 28 instructs a print start, and is sent from the external device 28 to the printer controller 1. Further, VSREQ is a vertical synchronization request signal for requesting the external device 28 to output a later-described vertical synchronization signal VSYNC from the printer controller 1. VSYNC is a vertical synchronization signal for synchronizing the image output sent from the external device 28 to the printer controller 1 in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction / paper transport direction). The BD is a horizontal synchronizing signal for synchronizing an image output sent from the printer controller 1 to the external device 28 in the horizontal direction (main scanning direction / laser scanning direction). VDO is an image signal from which the external device 28 serially transmits a dot image to the printer controller 1 in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC and the horizontal synchronization signal BD.

FIG. 4 shows the details of the operation / display unit as the checker 24. 401 to 406 correspond to the recording apparatus.
Switches 407 to 411 for inputting a request or designation are display LEDs or terminals indicating the state of the recording apparatus.
Hereinafter, 401 to 411 will be described.

Reference numeral 401 denotes a test print switch, which is used to generate an image signal, that is, a test pattern, inside the printer controller 1 to perform a printing operation.

Reference numeral 402 denotes a video select switch, which instructs the printer controller 1 on the test pattern. The pattern is entirely white, vertical stripes, and horizontal stripes, and one of these is selected according to the state of this switch.

Reference numeral 403 denotes a paper feed port designation switch for test printing. The switch marked A (the switch on the left side of FIG. 4) is invalidated, and the switch B is set to "1" to set the standard cassette 34 and "0". "And optional cassette 3
Specify 0 as the paper feed port. However, paper detection sensor 1
If the presence of paper is detected in step 1, the paper feed port at the time of test printing is set to MPT37 regardless of the state of the switch.

Reference numeral 404 denotes a ready check inhibit
Switch. The recording apparatus of this embodiment checks a plurality of predetermined error items (paper missing, jam, motor failure, etc.), and if at least one error has occurred, it is not ready. If "INH", certain of the above checked error items are ignored and will not be not ready even if the error has occurred.

A laser power check switch 405 turns on the semiconductor laser 44.

Reference numeral 406 denotes a laser power select switch for setting an output when the laser is turned on by the switch 405.

Reference numeral 407 denotes a laser output detection terminal called a PD monitor.

Reference numeral 408 denotes a power supply monitor.

Reference numeral 409 denotes a drum sensitivity display, which indicates the presence or absence of a cartridge and the sensitivity of the photosensitive drum in two bits.

Reference numeral 410 denotes a printer status display LE.
D, which indicates the type of error or failure that is currently occurring in the device while distinguishing it by the number of times the two LEDs blink.

Reference numeral 411 denotes a transfer high voltage control display LED, which indicates the type of transfer high voltage control currently performed to apply the transfer high voltage to the transfer roller 47 in two bits.

FIG. 5 shows a command system of the interface between the external device 28 and the printer controller 1. FIG.
Shows only the first byte of each command, and the commands EEC14, EEC18 and ECC24 in the figure are the first byte of the 2-byte command, respectively.

The second byte transferred from the external device 28 following the EEC 14 is from the 2nd bit to the 7th
A 6-bit code (MSB is 1st bit) indicates the size of the recording paper fed from the MPT. FIG. 6 shows the correspondence between codes, size names and size data. In the figure, P included in the size name indicates Portray, and L indicates Landscape.

The second byte following the EEC 18 is a 6-bit code of 2nd to 7th as in the above, and indicates the scanning line density. The correspondence between the code and the scanning line density is shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a command of the second byte following the ECC 24. When this command is received from the external device 28, the printer controller 1 returns a status corresponding to the second byte command.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the external device 28 or the interface 23, the printer controller 1 and the laser box 21 with respect to the processing of the image signal. Reference numeral 1a denotes a CPU, 1b denotes a gate array for exchanging signals with the CPU via a data bus or the like and other complicated processing, and 1c denotes a crystal oscillator for supplying a system clock to the gate array 1b and the CPU 1a.

FIG. 1 shows the contents of the gate array 1b.
0 will be described later.

The VSYNC signal is input from the external device 28 to the CPU 1a through the interface 23, whereby the image and the recording paper are vertically synchronized. The horizontal synchronizing signal BDI * output from the laser box 21 is shaped in the gate array 1b, and this is sent to the interface 23 and the external device 28 as a BD signal. The external device 28 outputs an image signal VDO in synchronization with the BD signal, and the gate array 1b performs predetermined processing such as masking on the VDO and inputs the processed signal to the laser box 21 as LVDO. This LVDO modulates the aforementioned laser light.

FIG. 10 shows a part of a register group in the gate array 1b, and particularly relates to horizontal control of an image signal. This will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1001 denotes a recording sheet, and 1002 conceptually denotes an area on the recording sheet where an image mask is released. Each of mrg-l and mrg-r is, for example, 3 [mm].

Address 00H: MKEN. End timing Tmken of horizontal image mask after occurrence of BDI *
Register to set. 2 bytes.

Address 02H: MKST. The start timing Tmkst of the horizontal image mask is set. 2 bytes.

Address 04H: UNBLANK. BDI
In order to generate *, the timing Tubst for forcibly outputting the laser in the mask section is set. Tu
bst is 98% × 95% of the BDI * generation cycle defined for each scanning line density. One byte is used after being shifted left by 5 bits in the gate array.

Address 05H: BDMIN. The above BDI
* Set the lower limit Tbdmin for detecting that the generation cycle is within the allowable range. Tbdmin is 98% of the above rule. 2 bytes.

Address 07H: BDMAX. The upper limit Tbdmax of the allowable range is set. Tbdmax is 102% of the above regulation. 2 bytes.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram relating to time measurement inside the gate array 1b used in this embodiment.

The oscillator 1801 receives the sine waves XT1 and XT2 from the crystal oscillator 1c and shapes them into one rectangular wave.

The prescaler 1802 divides this rectangular wave by four and eight. The selector 1803 selects one of the above-mentioned frequency division by 4 and frequency division, ie, either CLOCK / 4 or CLOCK / 8, according to a bit in a control register described later, and supplies it to the 13-bit counter 1804. This counter 1804 is reset to "0" by BDI *, and is incremented every clock supplied.
The interface 1805 controls the interface with the CPU 1a, and the register 180 described with reference to FIG.
Data and register select signal WRIT to 6-1810
E0 to E8 are output, and so on. A 13-bit comparator 1811 compares the 13-bit counter 1804 with the registers 1806 to 1810,
If they match, the signal is output. The shift register 1812 is reset by the BDI *, and every time the coincidence signal is input from the comparator 1811, the end and start signals of the horizontal image mask, the laser output forcing signal, the lower limit and the upper limit of the BDI * period allowable range. Output a signal.

FIG. 13 shows the bit configuration of this embodiment of the control register (address 0DH) of FIG. When ARESPAT is set to “0”, the VDO signal input from the external device, horizontal mask release, and forced laser output are enabled from the next BDI *. ATORER
By setting S to "1", image masking in the vertical direction is possible. By setting BGEXP to “1”, the effective image can be negative. When the cartridge 41 is not present in the printer of this embodiment, the NOCRT can set LVDO, which is the output of the image signal from the gate array, to false by setting it to "1". B
By setting DINIT to "1", it is assumed that the BD cycle is not specified until the next BDI *. PRESCL is 13
A source clock of the bit counter 1804 is selected. When "0", CLOCK / 4 is selected, and when "1", CLOCK / 8 is selected. UBSIZE is UNBLA
Indicates the MSB of the NK register 1808. STOPWD
Resets the watchdog counter built in the gate array 1b.

In this embodiment, the PRESC
“0” is always set to L.

FIG. 14 shows a circuit in the gate array 1b from when the VDO signal is input to the gate array 1b, processed, and output as the LVDO signal.

The input image signal is supplied to an OR gate 200
At 1 it is masked by the TOPERS signal. TOPE
RS matches the above-mentioned ATOPERS in scanning line units. This ATOPERS bit is obtained by obtaining the above-mentioned VSYNC signal, and thereafter, in the transport direction (vertical direction) on the recording paper.
"1" to "0" at a timing of 2 [mm] from the tip
The CPU 1a switches from "0" to "1" at a timing of 2 [mm] from the upper rear end of the sheet (see FIG. 15). The signal output from the OR gate 2001 is masked by the MASK in the NAND gate 2002. As is clear from FIG. 11, MASK is mrg-l from the left end and mrg-l from the right end on the recording paper.
False except for the part of r, and NAND gate 2
At 002, the image signal is passed. The signal output from the NAND gate 2002 passes through the OR gate 2003. When the BDRDY * signal is False or the UNBLANK signal is True, the output of the OR gate 2003 is always 1. BDRDY * becomes True when the cycle of the aforementioned BDI * is within the allowable range. That is, when the BDI * signal is generated after the generation of the BDI * period allowable range lower limit signal and before the generation of the upper limit signal, the gate array 1b determines that the signal is within the allowable range and becomes True. Also, UNBLANK, as described earlier in the section on UNBLANK register, uses BDI *
After the occurrence, Tr at the timing of 98% x 95% of the specified cycle
ue is operated in the gate array 1b. The signal output from the OR gate 2003 is AND
Although the signal passes through the gate 2004, when IRESET is "0", LVDO becomes False. IRESE
T is determined by the end of the watchdog timer
It becomes "0" by writing "1" to the NOCRT bit.

FIG. 16 is an external view of the recording apparatus of this embodiment.

Reference numeral 1301 denotes a power switch, 1302 denotes a transport handle, 1303 denotes an opening / closing lever, 1304 denotes a paper cassette mounting slot, and 1305 denotes a paper tray (MPT3 in FIG. 2).
Reference numeral 1306 denotes a paper guide. The paper guide 1306 is operated by the operator by the arrow pair 13ar1 in the figure.
Alternatively, the position of the sheet is adjusted by sliding in conjunction with 13ar2 as in 13ar2, so that the center of the sheet can coincide with the center of the apparatus. Further, the width of the paper guide 1306 can correspond to the width of A3-P at the maximum. 1307 is an auxiliary tray, 1308 is a discharge door, 13
09 is a front cover, 1310 is a display panel, 1311 is a paper discharge tray, and 1312 is a paper discharge stopper. FIG. 17 is an external view of the same recording apparatus as viewed from behind. 1313 is a connector connection portion with the option feeder 2, 1314 is a ground cord connection portion, 1315 is a power cord connection portion, 1313
16 is an exhaust port, 1317 is a test print button, 13
18 is an interface connector.

FIG. 18 is a timing chart for explaining a printing operation in the recording apparatus of this embodiment.
Upon receiving the PRINT signal (timing T1), the drive of the main motor 19 is started. Feed control is started from T2 when the rotation of the main motor 19 is stabilized. The paper feed control is performed until the leading end of the fed paper is detected by the pre-registration sensor 14 (T3) until the time ta elapses. At T2, the rotation of the polygon mirror 45 also starts, and in the case of a high voltage circuit, for example, a reverse bias is applied by tb for the transfer high voltage, and the transfer roller 47 is cleaned. After cleaning (T4) t
Over time c, the transfer high voltage is controlled by constant current,
By measuring the resistance value of the transfer roller 47 during this time, it is possible to optimize the transfer high voltage during image printing. This control is referred to as Automatic Transfer Vol.
Stage Control, abbreviated as ATVC. AT
When the VC ends (T5), the operation can immediately proceed to the image printing operation, so that the VSREQ signal is set to True.

In response to this, the external device 28 receives VSY
The NC signal is set to True (T6), and an image printing operation for one page is performed based on this signal. Drive of the registration roller pair 40 from T7 after td of T6, and from T8 after Te to T8
The application of the transfer bias for image printing starts from T9 after False and tf of OPERASE (corresponding to TOPERS in FIG. 15). By the way, the print paper is T10 and the passage of the rear end of the paper is detected by the sensor 1 before the registration.
4, when the time t.sub.h when the trailing edge of the sheet passes the registration roller pair 40 with a margin,
The driving of the registration roller pair 40 stops. TOPE
From the timing T8 when printing is performed at a position 2 [mm] behind the leading edge of the paper, the RASE signal is shifted from the trailing edge of the paper by 2 mm.
[Mm] F up to timing T11 performed at the head side position
set to alse. The period tg depends on the paper size. TG = te + tg. TOPERA in T11
When SE becomes True, the time difference from the laser irradiation position on the photosensitive drum 42 to the transfer position is ti (= tf-
After te), the application of the transfer bias for image printing is stopped.

[0055] When the PRINT signal in the T ₁₁ is a True, again the sheet feeding and image printing for the next page printing is performed. VSRE from paper feed start during continuous printing
The time t _j until the Q signal is set to True is sufficient for paper feeding. Further, it is a fixed time that satisfies a criterion such as being sufficient for stabilizing the temperature control of the fixing device.

FIG. 18 shows the timing of continuous printing of two sheets. However, from the timing T12 at which the TOPERASE False period for the second sheet ends, tk is reached.
(= Tj) At T13, the rotation of the polygon mirror 45 is stopped, and the transfer roller 47 is cleaned by taking the time of Tl. At T14, the printing operation such as the transfer high voltage, the fixing device temperature, and the main motor is performed. Stop all control for

When the recording apparatus is installed in the market, printing of a test pattern, that is, test printing, which is the final stage of the installation procedure, is performed. At this time, situations considered for the recording apparatus are as follows.・
External device is not connected. That is, the specification of the paper feed port remains the default. The paper size fed from the MPT 37 is also a default, and is set to Universal. -The paper size used for printing fed from the MPT 37 is likely to be A4. That is, MPT3
Regarding the test print fed from No. 7, it is necessary to give priority to the fact that "the size is indefinite, but A4 is actually used". By the way, this recording device is A4
How to place paper, Portrait is also Landsca
Since pe is also possible, the image printing area is 210 [mm] × 210 [m] in both the horizontal and vertical directions as shown in FIG.
m] is desirably set. In the figure, reference numeral 3201 denotes A4 paper, 3202 denotes a print area, and mrg-t (front margin), b (rear margin), l, and r, which indicate margin dimensions, are, as described above, mrg. −t, b = 2 [mm] mrg−1, r = 3 [mm]

The print area is set at the start of the printing operation in the first print operation and at the start of the paper feed in the continuous print operation.
This is set by the ROM in the PU 1a). First, when the paper feeding port is other than the MPT 37, that is, when the paper cassette is a standard or optional cassette, the size follows the designated size (3301, 3304). This designation is made by the cassette size detection switch 3 or 7. Even if the paper feed port is MPT37 and the paper size is other than Universal,
According to the specified size (3301, 3302, 330
4). This designation is made by a paper size instruction command (FIG. 5,
6). The paper feed port is MPT37, and Universals
In the case of the al size, a print trigger, that is, a signal for a print request is checked (3303).
If the request is from the external device 28, that is, if it is a PRINT signal, the print operation is performed assuming that the size is 297 mm × 432 mm (3305). This size is the largest that the recording apparatus can perform the printing operation. When printing on a sheet fed from the MPT 37 with an image signal from an external device, the printing of the largest area is permitted (non-masked) for the following reasons. That is, in a situation where the size can be specified from an external device, the size is undefined (Universal is an
(This is also the default for the paper size of 7 paper feeds) because the operator will know the area where the image is actually printed and place the paper corresponding to the area on the MPT 37. Therefore, there is no need to worry about development or transfer to a portion where there is no paper. By the way, if the print trigger is caused by a test print request by pressing the test print button 1317 or the like, the size is set to 210 mm × 210 mm, that is, the actual print permission area is set to 204 mm × The test pattern is printed at 206 mm (3306).

FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing a printing operation when the paper size is assumed to be 210 mm × 210 mm as in step 3306. Here, differences from the normal printing operation (FIG. 18) will be mainly described. The print request is a test print signal. T6
After TG, the next paper feeding operation is performed. However, since the size is not specified, TG is set to be equivalent to the sheet length of 432 mm so as to correspond to the longest sheet that can be handled. The period in which TOPERASE is set to False corresponds to a sheet having a length of 210 mm, and the period ends at T11-1. Of course, TG does not match te + tg. The transfer bias for image printing is turned off by setting TOPERASE to True.
The rule that it is after ti after returning to is unchanged.
It is T10-1 that the passage of the trailing edge of the sheet is detected by the pre-registration sensor 14, and the registration roller clutch is turned off after th. This rule is also unchanged.

Although FIG. 21 illustrates only the control in the vertical direction, the horizontal image mask is equivalent to A4-P.

(Other Embodiments) When the checker 24 is connected to the printer controller 1 and the ready check / inhibit switch 404 is on the "INH" side, the printer does not become not ready due to the absence of paper or a cassette. Therefore, the apparatus can perform a printing operation even when there is no paper or no cassette. However, in this case, the print area is set to a paper size of 210 mm ×
Set assuming 210 mm.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart in which the program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20 is modified so as to satisfy the operation in the present embodiment. Step numbers common to the steps in FIG. 20 are left. In addition, the description will be omitted because it is duplicated.

In step 3501, if there is a cassette, a print area is set according to the designated size (3304). At this time, even when there is no print paper in the cassette, the print area follows the cassette size. On the other hand, when a standard or optional cassette is designated as a paper feed port and there is no corresponding cassette (3501), or MPT
Is specified as the paper feed port and there is no paper in the MPT (3502), the paper size is 210 mm × 210 mm
Is set as the print area (3306). One side of this print area may correspond to the width in the short direction of the A4 size, or may correspond to the short direction of the letter size, or means for selecting any of them may be provided.

FIG. 23 is a time chart showing a printing operation when the designated paper feed port is a standard or optional cassette and there is no corresponding cassette, or when the MPT 37 is used but there is no paper. The difference from the operation shown in the time chart of FIG. 21 is that regardless of the output of the pre-registration sensor 14, the paper feed control time is TA and the off timing of the registration roller clutch is from T6 to tH.
That is what we do later. TA is in accordance with the paper feed control time when paper is actually fed, and tH is in accordance with the registration roller clutch off timing when printing is actually performed on one sheet of 432 mm in length.

In the test printing operation of the first embodiment, the length of the sheet placed on the MPT is equal to or longer than A4-L. However, A4-
There is a possibility that a sheet shorter than L is fed from the MPT. In this case, the pre-registration sensor 14 detects the trailing edge of the sheet, starts a predetermined timer by using this as a trigger, and starts a vertical image mask at the time of termination. I just need. According to this method, the period 2 for releasing the vertical image mask is set.
It is not necessary to make it equal to 10 mm, and it is only necessary to always follow the detection of the trailing edge of the sheet by the pre-registration sensor 14 whether it is shorter or longer than A4-L.

In the present embodiment , the test pattern printing area is within the short side of A4 in the horizontal direction, while the paper is present at a predetermined position in the vertical direction. According to the above embodiment
If the print area is as large as a 210 mm x 210 mm
Assuming that there is a square paper, A4 paper or
LETTER paper (both are easy to use) is Portr
ait and Landscape can be used.
In a printer with an indeterminate placement, for example, A4 or
Is a test pudding without protruding from LETTER paper
Can do it. Also, according to the present embodiment, the cassette
Of the cassette size detection switch in
Or no paper in MPT feeding
In a situation where there is no paper due to a defective
The printer ready by the print function
It can be performed.

Further, according to the above embodiment, the size detection
The horizontal direction is assumed to be A4-P width,
While printing, the length of the sensor
Is detected and the optimal print area described above can be set.
Wear. Therefore, print a test pattern outside the paper
No problem, and paper is fed inside or next to the machine
Does not stain paper. In either case, relatively
Compatible with Jar size A4 or LETTER
In this way, users and service
Selfish and effective.

[0068]

【The invention's effect】 As described above, according to the present invention,
When the paper size and orientation cannot be determined in advance
The inside of the recording device and the subsequent recording medium
An image can be printed without any need.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mechanical configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of an interface 23 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a checker 24 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a command system of an interface between the external device and the printer controller.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between paper sizes and codes.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence between each code and a scanning line density.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a status returned for a second byte of a command having a 2-byte configuration.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration relating to processing of an image signal by the printer controller 1;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a part of register contents included in a gate array 1b in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing signal timings related to horizontal scanning in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a part of the configuration of a gate array 1b.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the contents of a control register in a gate array 1b.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a partial hardware configuration in a gate array 1b.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the timing of image masking in the vertical scanning direction in the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a timing chart for explaining a printing operation in the recording apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 19 shows a relationship between a print area and A4 paper in the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a program (built-in CPU 1-a) for setting a print area in the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a timing chart for explaining a printing operation in the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a program (built-in CPU 1a) for setting a print area in another embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart for explaining a printing operation in another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer controller 2 Optional paper feed mechanism 6 Standard cassette paper feed mechanism 10 Multi-purpose paper feed mechanism 14 Pre-registration sensor 24 Checker

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Soya Endo 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Hashimoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo (56) References JP-A-4-22667 (JP, A) JP-A-4-21482 (JP, A) JP-A-1-172861 (JP, A) JP-A-60-203476 (JP) JP-A-1-186361 (JP, A) JP-A-3-256774 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 29/50 B41J 21/00 B41J 29/46 B41J 29/48 G03F 9/00 H04N 1/23

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A paper feeding means for feeding a recording medium, and an image is formed on the recording medium fed by the paper feeding means.
And a non-image area setting means for setting a non-image formation area.
The non-image area setting unit may be configured to supply the non-image area
The fixed size is specified as the size of the recording medium to be
A selectable mode if a first mode <br/> setting the non-image forming region corresponding to the designated constant <br/> type size, is fed by the feeding means Recording media size
Can be selected when the standard size is not specified
A such mode, the recording apparatus characterized by a second mode for setting the square area outside the predetermined as a non-image forming area. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said second mode is controlled by said sheet feeding means.
A standard size is specified as the size of the recording medium to be fed.
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is selected when test printing is performed without being set . 3. A paper feeding means for feeding a recording medium, and an image is formed on the recording medium fed by the paper feeding means.
And a non-image area setting means for setting a non-image formation area.
The non-image area setting means performs a normal print.
Mode that can be selected for the recording device.
First to set the non-image area according to the maximum size that can be accommodated
Mode and selectable modes for test printing.
Area outside the predetermined square area.
And a second mode to be set as an area.
Recording device. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first mode is controlled by the sheet feeding means.
A standard size is specified as the size of the recording medium to be fed.
Is selected when performing normal printing without
The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a recording medium , wherein in the second mode , the absence of the recording medium is detected by the detecting means and the paper is fed by the paper feeding means.
The fixed size is not specified as the size of the
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the selection is made in the following cases:
A recording device according to any of the preceding claims. 6. The predetermined square area is a predetermined square area.
Corresponds to a square area with the width in the width direction of the standard size as one side
Serial according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that that
Recording device . 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined square area is A4 size.
Square and size or one side of the breadth of the letter size Ryo
7. The recording device according to claim 6, wherein the recording device corresponds to an area.
Place. 8. Further, one of a plurality of width, the predetermined
The recording according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising means for selecting a width of one side of the set square area.
apparatus. 9. Further, a detecting means for detecting the presence of the recording medium at a predetermined position on the recording medium conveyance path, based on the detection output of said detecting means, and a mask control means for controlling at least the image mask start timing The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein
Recording device.