JP3728313B2 - Printing apparatus and printing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method, and in particular, a printing apparatus configured by connecting an optional paper feed unit (for example, a paper deck option unit) and a paper discharge unit (sorter option) to the printing apparatus main body, and The present invention relates to a printing method.

  Conventionally, a printing apparatus such as a laser printer using an electrophotographic process is configured as shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 201 denotes an image recording apparatus main body, which has a video controller 202 and an engine controller 203 which will be described later.

  The video controller 202 mainly performs control related to image processing, and develops image information sent from an external device (not shown) such as a personal computer via a general-purpose interface such as a Centronics interface into bit data. To do. The engine controller 203 mainly controls charging, exposure, development, transfer, fixing, paper conveyance and the like related to the electrophotographic process. A video interface 204 connects the video controller 202 and the engine controller 203 and enables mutual communication.

  A paper deck option 205 stores a large amount of recording paper and feeds the recording paper to the printing apparatus 201 in accordance with an instruction from the engine controller 203. A paper deck interface 206 connects the engine controller 203 and the paper deck option 205 to enable mutual communication.

  Reference numeral 207 denotes a sorter option, which has a plurality of stacking trays, and sorts the recorded recording paper discharged from the printing apparatus 201 into a predetermined classification according to a command from the engine controller 203 and loads them. A sorter interface 208 connects the engine controller 203 and the sorter option, and enables mutual communication.

  In the above configuration, when the video controller 202 receives image information and a print command from an external device, the video controller 202 sends a video signal obtained by converting the image information into bit data and a print command to the engine controller 203 via the video interface 204. At this time, the video controller 202 also sends instructions regarding the use of the paper deck option 205 and the use of the sorter option 207 based on a user instruction from an external device or an operation panel (not shown) connected to the video controller 202. To do.

The engine controller 203 controls an electrophotographic process built in the printing apparatus 201, that is, a member related to charging, exposure, development, transfer, fixing, paper conveyance, and the like, and performs image recording based on the received video signal. . At the same time, based on the instruction of the video controller 202, the paper deck option 205 is controlled via the paper deck interface 206 to instruct paper feed timing, and the sorter option is controlled via the sorter interface 208. To instruct recording paper sorting.
JP-A-62-90670 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-31428 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-99627 JP 05-345457 A

However, the conventional example has the following problems.
That is, in the above-described conventional example, the engine controller and each option unit are connected on a one-to-one basis, and the combination is fixed. Therefore, in order to increase the functionality of the optional unit, it is necessary to improve the ability of the engine controller that controls the optional unit.

  In recent years, the environment in which an electronic recording apparatus is used is diversified, and accordingly, it is desired to increase the functionality of optional units equipped and to use various optional units in any combination. However, in order to be able to control a wide variety of optional units with the conventional configuration, the number of control objects other than the electrophotographic process control of the engine controller has increased, and the cost of the engine controller has increased. Especially for users who do not use the option unit, the cost is completely wasted.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a general controller between the video controller and the engine controller that collectively controls a plurality of various optional units and also gives commands to the engine controller. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of using various optional units without increasing the cost of the engine controller by giving an instruction to the overall controller.

The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above-described problems, and includes the following configuration as means for solving the above-described problems.

A video controller that develops image information included in print data transmitted from an external device, a paper feed unit that stores paper for printing the developed image information, and a record fed from the paper feed unit A printing apparatus main body having an engine controller that performs paper conveyance control, and is electrically connected to the video controller, a paper feed option unit, and a paper discharge option unit, respectively, and supplies paper to the printing apparatus main body. A general controller that controls a plurality of various optional units such as the paper feed option unit to be performed, the paper discharge option unit for discharging recording paper from the printing apparatus main body, and the central controller to be attached to and detached from the printing apparatus main body a connecting means for connected, and the video controller from the external device A paper supply destination setting command issuing means for issuing a command for setting a paper supply destination to the overall controller when print data with indefinite paper destination is received, and the overall controller specifies a paper size designated by the external device; Performs control to select a paper feed destination having a short paper transport path from the paper feed unit and the paper feed option unit of the printing apparatus main body when there are a plurality of paper feed destinations containing the same paper as It is.

The image information transmitted from the external device is developed by a video controller, the printing apparatus main body that prints the developed image information, the paper supply unit that stores the paper for printing the developed image information, and the paper supply A printing apparatus main body having an engine controller that controls conveyance of recording paper fed from a paper section, and electrically connected to the video controller, a paper feed option unit, and a paper discharge option unit, respectively An overall controller that controls a plurality of various optional units such as the paper feed option unit that feeds paper to the printing apparatus main body, the paper discharge option unit that discharges recording paper from the printing apparatus main body, anda connection means for connecting said general controller detachably with said printing apparatus body, said printing apparatus, It has a plurality of paper feeding conveyance path including a serial option unit, the overall controller, when the printing apparatus inside jam occurs, the sheet from the sheet feeder and the sheet feed option unit the printing apparatus main body has a route determining means for determining whether there is a paper available sheet transportation path, the result of determination of said path decision means, if it is determined that there is a sheet feeding possible sheet transportation path, printed on the video controller Notification means for notifying that processing can be continued.

The video controller of the printing apparatus main body develops the image information transmitted from the external apparatus, prints the developed image information on the paper accommodated in the paper feeding unit of the printing apparatus main body, and the engine controller applies to the paper feeding unit. A general controller that controls conveyance of the paper fed from the printer and is electrically connected to the video controller, the paper feed option unit, and the paper discharge option unit, and is detachably connected to the printing apparatus main body. In the printing method that collectively controls a plurality of various option units such as the paper feed option unit that feeds paper to the main body and the paper discharge option unit that discharges recording paper from the printing apparatus main body, the video controller includes: A command for setting a paper feed destination when print data with an indefinite paper feed destination is received from the external device. Issued to the controller, the overall controller, the case where paper feed source to accommodate the same media and the designated paper size from the external device there are a plurality, the sheet feed unit and said sheet feed option the printing apparatus main body has Control is performed to select a paper feed destination having a short paper transport path from the unit.

The video controller of the printing apparatus main body develops the image information transmitted from the external apparatus, prints the developed image information on the paper accommodated in the paper feeding unit of the printing apparatus main body, and the engine controller applies to the paper feeding unit. A general controller that controls conveyance of the paper fed from the printer and is electrically connected to the video controller, the paper feed option unit, and the paper discharge option unit, and is detachably connected to the printing apparatus main body. In the printing method that collectively controls a plurality of various option units such as the paper feed option unit that feeds paper to the main body and the paper discharge option unit that discharges recording paper from the printing apparatus main body, the printing apparatus includes: A plurality of paper feed conveyance paths including the paper feed option unit; When a jam occurs in, it is determined whether the printing apparatus is the sheet feeder and feedable sheet transportation path from the option unit body has, the result of the determination, the sheet feeding can be fed When it is determined that there is a paper conveyance path, the video controller is notified that the printing process can be continued.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the option unit is connected to the printing apparatus, it is possible to efficiently control the sheet conveyance control.

  According to the present invention, a general controller is provided between the video controller and the engine controller to control and control a plurality of various optional units and to give commands to the engine controller. The video controller gives instructions to the general controller. By doing so, various optional units can be used without increasing the cost of the engine controller.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a printing apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention. For example, a laser beam printer is shown. Needless to say, the printing apparatus to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, and may be a printer of another printing method such as an ink jet printer. In the following description and drawings, an example in which two optional units are connected will be described. However, more optional units can be connected. The configuration and operation will be described below.
[Configuration of printer main unit and optional unit]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a printing apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as “main body”) such as a laser beam printer main body, and a recording sheet S accommodated in a cassette 2 is supplied into the main body 1 by a paper feed roller 3. The optional paper feed roller 4 supplies the recording paper S fed from a paper feed option, the details of which will be described later, into the main body 1. And then. A registration roller pair 5 that synchronously conveys the paper S is provided downstream of the paper supply roller 3 and the optional paper supply roller 4, and a laser beam emitted from the laser scanner unit 6 is provided downstream of the registration roller pair 5. An image recording unit 7 that forms a toner image on the recording paper S is provided.

  Further, a fixing rod 8 for thermally fixing the toner image formed on the recording paper S is provided downstream of the image recording unit 7, and the paper conveyance state of the paper discharge unit is detected downstream of the fixing rod 8. A paper discharge sensor 9, a transport roller 10 for transporting the recording paper S, a flapper 11 for switching the transport direction of the recording paper S for which recording has been completed, and the like are provided. By switching the flapper 11, the recording paper S passes the paper discharge roller 12 and is stacked on the stacking tray 13, or is conveyed to the optional paper discharge roller 14 to be conveyed to the paper discharge option.

  The laser scanner unit 6 also includes a laser unit 15 that emits a laser beam modulated based on an image signal (image signal VDO) sent from a video controller 27 described later, and a laser beam from the laser unit 15 as a photosensitive drum. A polygon motor 16 that scans over 20, a beam detector 17 that detects a laser beam position in the scanning direction, an imaging lens group 18, a folding mirror 19, and the like. The image recording unit 7 includes a photosensitive drum 20, a pre-exposure lamp 21, a primary charger 22, a developing unit 23, a transfer charger 24, a cleaner 25, and the like necessary for a known electrophotographic process.

  An engine controller 26 controls the electrophotographic process by the laser scanner 6, the image recording unit 7, and the fixing device 8, and controls the conveyance of the recording paper in the main body 1. Reference numeral 27 denotes a video controller, which is connected to an external device (not shown) such as a personal computer via a general-purpose interface (Centronics, RS232C, etc.), and develops image information sent via the general-purpose interface into bit data. The bit data is sent to the engine controller 26 as a signal VDO. A video interface 28 enables communication between the video controller 27 and the engine controller 26.

Next, various option units detachably connected to the main body 1 will be described.
An option control unit 32 includes a control unit 101 that controls and controls various option units. The control unit 101 is connected to the video controller 27 via a control interface 114 connected by a connector 31. Also, a paper feed relay transport roller 33 and a paper feed relay transport path 34 that relay the recording paper transport from the paper feed option unit, and a paper discharge relay transport roller 35 that relays the recording paper transport to the paper discharge system option. A paper discharge relay conveyance path 36 is provided.

  40 is a large-capacity paper deck option unit that accommodates the recording paper S, and includes a paper deck 41 that moves up and down. The recording paper S stacked on the deck is fed with a paper deck paper feed roller group 42 as necessary. Use to feed. Also, a paper feed relay transport roller 43 and a paper feed relay transport path 44 that relay the recording paper transport from other paper feed system option units, and a paper discharge relay transport roller that relays the recording paper transport to the paper discharge system option. 45 and a paper discharge relay conveyance path 46. The paper deck option unit 40 is controlled by the paper deck controller 102.

  A sorter option unit 50 includes a plurality of discharge bins, that is, a first bin 51, a second bin 52, a third bin 53, and a fourth bin 54, and sorts and stacks the recorded recording sheets S. Is. The recording paper S is sorted into each bin by the first flapper 55, the second flapper 56, the third flapper 57, and the fourth flapper 58. Further, a paper feed relay transport roller 61 and a paper feed relay transport path 62 that relay the recording paper transport from the paper feed system option, and a paper discharge relay transport roller 60 that relays the recording paper transport to other paper discharge system options. And a paper discharge relay conveyance path 59. The sorter option unit 50 is controlled by the sorter controller 103.

In addition, the general controller 101 is connected to the paper deck controller 102 and the sorter controller 103 by an option unit interface 70 connected by connectors 71a and 71b and connectors 72a and 72b. 71a, 72a, 73a are the same connectors, and 71b, 72b are also the same connectors. Therefore, the paper deck option unit 40 and the sorter option unit 50 can be connected by switching the top and bottom.
[Connection of printer main unit and option unit and configuration of control system]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a connection state of each controller.
The general interface 114 includes a serial communication interface line 80, and four hard signals of an OPTRDY signal 81, a POUTT signal 82, a PFEDT signal 83, and a SPCNG signal 84.

  Commands such as paper feed designation to the paper deck option unit 40 and paper discharge bin designation to the sorter option unit 50 are transmitted from the video controller 27 via the serial communication interface 80, and the paper deck option unit 40 is in the paper presence / absence state. In addition, the overall controller 101 transmits a status such as a stacking state of each paper discharge bin of the sorter option unit 50. Note that the overall controller 101 and the video controller 27 can be directly connected by a CPU bus.

  The OPTRDY signal 81 is a signal indicating whether or not the option designated by the video controller 27 can be used. The POUTT signal 82 is a timing signal when the main body 1 discharges the recording paper. The PFEDT signal 83 is The SPCNG signal 84 is a signal indicating the timing at which the main body 1 can accept the recording paper from the option unit. Signal. Note that three signals of the POUTT signal 82, the PFEDT signal 83, and the SPCNG signal 84 are output from the engine controller 26, passed through the video controller 27 via the video interface 28, and input to the overall controller 101.

  1 and 2, when the video controller 27 receives image information and a print command from an external device (not shown) such as a personal computer, the video controller 27 sends the image information and the print command to the engine controller via the video interface 28. The engine controller 26 that has transmitted to the printer 26 and received the print command and the image information controls each member related to the electrophotographic process to record an image on the recording paper S based on the VDO signal, and in accordance with the recording paper conveyance. , POUTT signal, PFEDT signal, and SPCNG signal are generated at a predetermined timing. On the other hand, the video controller 27 transmits a paper feed designation to the paper deck option unit 40, a paper discharge designation to the sorter option unit 50, a paper discharge bin designation, and the like to the overall controller 101 via the serial communication interface 80.

The overall controller 101 controls the paper deck controller 102 and the sorter controller 103 via the option unit interface 70 based on the instruction from the video controller 27 and the state of the hardware signal received via the overall interface 114, and each option unit. Centralized paper transport control.
(Example 1)
The sheet feeding control of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
Assume that a large amount of paper of the same size exists in the cassette 2 and the paper deck option unit 40.

  In FIG. 3, first, in S100, the video controller 27 issues a command for requesting the connection status of the option unit and the status of various paper information to the overall controller 101.

  In S101, the overall controller 101 returns the statuses of various option units to the video controller 27.

  Assume that the video controller 27 receives data from a host computer (not shown) in S102, and the paper feed destination designation in the data is the paper deck option unit 40.

  In step S103, the video controller 27 issues a command for using the paper deck option unit 40 as a paper feed destination to the overall controller 101. In step S104, the video controller 27 issues a command for notifying the drawing development processing time.

  In step S105, the overall controller 101 refers to the preliminarily provided sheet conveyance time table, and performs the drawing development processing time notified in step S106 and the sheet conveyance from the paper deck option unit sheet feeding roller 42 to the option sheet feeding roller 4 of the main body. Compare these times.

  If the drawing development processing time notified in S107 is shorter, the paper feed from the cassette 2 is changed in S108.

  In step S <b> 109, the video controller 27 detects a change status of the paper feed destination of the overall controller 101.

In S110, the video controller 27 notifies the host computer (not shown) that the paper feed destination has been changed, and similarly displays it on the display (not shown) of the main body in S111.
If the drawing development time notified in S107 is longer, the process is executed without changing the paper feed destination.

This embodiment is a case where the paper feed destination is between the cassette 2 and the paper deck option unit 40. However, it can be applied to the case where the paper deck option unit is further connected and the number of cassettes in the printing apparatus is increased. Nor.
(Example 2)
The sheet feeding control of the second embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  A large amount of paper of the same size exists in the cassette 2 and the paper deck option unit 40, and the paper source designation from the host computer (not shown) is two pieces of data from the paper deck option unit 40 (data A and data C). Assume that the paper source designation specifies that one piece of data (data B) from cassette 2 is transmitted. Further, it is assumed that the designated paper size and the mounted paper size match.

  In FIG. 4, first, in S200, the video controller 27 issues a command for requesting the connection status of the option unit and the status of various paper information to the overall controller 101.

  In step S <b> 201, the overall controller 101 returns statuses of various option units to the video controller 27.

  The video controller 27 in the main body receives data A in step S202, data B in step S203, and data C in step S204 from a host computer (not shown).

  The video controller 27 changes the data processing order from the statuses of the various option units in the following manner so as to shorten the overall printing time and continue the paper conveyance.

  In S205, a change in the processing order of data A and data B is considered. Since the paper conveyance time from the paper supply destination to the printing apparatus is shorter for the data B, the processing order is changed in S206. In step S207, the video controller 27 notifies the host computer (not shown) that the data processing order has been changed.

  Similarly, change of the processing order of data A and data C is examined in S208. Since the paper source is the same, the processing order is not changed.

  If the reverse of the above example in S207, the processing order of data B and data C is examined in S211. If the processing order can be changed, the processing order is changed in S212, and the video controller 27 notifies the host computer (not shown) that the data processing order has been changed in S213.

  In S208, in the opposite case of the above example, the processing order of data A and data C is examined in S211. If the processing order can be changed, the processing order is changed in S209, and the video controller 27 notifies the host computer (not shown) that the data processing order has been changed in S210.

Therefore, in this embodiment, processing is performed in the order of data B, data A, and data C. This embodiment is a case where the paper feed destination is between the cassette 2 and the paper deck option unit 40. However, it can be applied to the case where the paper deck option unit is further connected and the number of cassettes in the printing apparatus is increased. Nor.
(Example 3)
The paper feed control according to the third embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  There are 3 sheets of A4 size paper in the cassette 2 and 10 sheets of A4 size paper in the paper deck option unit 40. From the host computer (not shown), the number of pages is 10, the paper size is A4, and the paper source is undefined. Shall be sent.

  In FIG. 5, first, in step S300, the video controller 27 of the main body receives data from a host computer (not shown).

  In step S <b> 301, the video controller 27 issues a command for setting paper feed information to the overall controller 101.

  In step S302, the overall controller 101 feeds paper from the cassette 2 for the first three pages because the paper size is the same as that of the cassette 2 and the paper size installed in the paper deck option unit 40 and the paper feed destination is undefined. . In S303, the remaining seven pages are fed from the paper deck option unit 40.

  In step S <b> 304, the video controller 27 detects paper feed information of the overall controller 101.

  In step S305, the host computer (not shown) is notified of paper feed information, and in step S306, the information is displayed on the main body display (not shown).

This embodiment is a case where the paper feed destination is between the cassette 2 and the paper deck option unit 40. However, it can be applied to the case where the paper deck option unit is further connected and the number of cassettes in the printing apparatus is increased. Nor.
(Example 4)
The sheet conveyance control of the fourth embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 6, first, in S400, the video controller 27 of the main body receives data from a host computer (not shown).

In step S <b> 401, the video controller 27 issues a command for specifying a paper feed destination to the paper deck option unit 40 and a paper feed start command to the overall controller 101.
Assume that the paper size of the data and the mounted paper size are the same.

In step S402, the overall controller 101 detects the start of paper feed, and in step S403, the video controller 27 detects the start of paper feed of the overall controller 101.
In step S404, the video controller 27 notifies a host computer (not shown) that paper feeding has been started, and in step S405, the image development is executed. During this time, a command for periodically obtaining paper position information is issued to the overall controller 101 in S406.

In step S <b> 407, the overall controller 101 returns a status notification notifying the video controller 27 when a sheet has passed to a conveyance path sensor (not shown).
In step S408, the video controller 27 sequentially notifies the host computer (not shown) of the current paper position.

In step S409, the overall controller 101 detects the end of paper discharge, and in step S401, the video controller 27 detects the end of paper discharge of the overall controller 101.
In step S411, the host computer (not shown) is notified of the end of paper discharge.
If the end of paper discharge cannot be detected in S409, the process returns to S406 and the process is repeated until the end of paper discharge can be detected.

In this embodiment, the paper feed destination is the paper deck option unit 40, but it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a case where a paper deck option unit is further connected.
(Example 5)
The sheet conveyance control according to the fifth embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Assume that there are a large number of sheets of the same size in the cassette 2 and the paper deck option unit 40, and the paper destination specification is transmitted from the host computer (not shown).

  In FIG. 7, it is assumed that a jam has occurred in the paper feed relay transport path 34 in the middle of paper feed from the paper deck option unit 40 in S500.

  In step S501, the overall controller 101 detects the location where the jam has occurred, and notifies the video controller 27 that an error has occurred in step S502.

  In step S <b> 503, the video controller 27 issues a command requesting the content of the error to the overall controller 101.

  In step S <b> 504, the overall controller 101 returns a status notifying the occurrence of the jam and the location thereof to the video controller 27.

In S505, the video controller 27 notifies the host computer (not shown) that a jam has occurred, and similarly displays it on the display (not shown) of the main body in S506.
In step S <b> 507, the overall controller 101 searches for a conveyance path that can supply and discharge paper.

When there is a transport path capable of paper supply / discharge in S508, it is detected in S509 that paper can be fed from the cassette 2 in this case. In step S510, the video controller 27 is notified that processing can be continued, and in step S511, feeding from the cassette 2 is started.
In step S512, the video controller 27 receives a notification from the overall controller 101 and performs jam recovery processing.

  When there is no transport path capable of feeding and discharging in S507, the process returns to S505 and S506 and the operator is requested to remove the jammed paper.

This embodiment is a case where the paper feed destination is between the cassette 2 and the paper deck option unit 40. However, it can be applied to the case where the paper deck option unit is further connected and the number of cassettes in the printing apparatus is increased. Nor.
(Example 6)
The sheet conveyance control of the sixth embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Assume that there are a large number of sheets of the same size in the cassette 2 and the paper deck option unit 40, and the paper destination specification is transmitted from the host computer (not shown).

  In FIG. 8, it is assumed that a jam has occurred in the paper feed roller 42 of the paper deck option unit 40 in S600.

  In step S601, the overall controller 101 detects the location where the jam has occurred, and notifies the video controller 27 that an error has occurred in step S602.

  In step S <b> 603, the video controller 27 issues a command requesting the content of the error to the overall controller 101.

  In step S <b> 604, the overall controller 101 returns a status notifying the occurrence of the jam and the location thereof to the video controller 27.

  In S605, the video controller 27 notifies the host computer (not shown) that a jam has occurred, and similarly displays it on the display (not shown) of the main body in S606.

  In step S <b> 607, the overall controller 101 searches for a conveyance path that can supply and discharge paper.

  When there is a transport path capable of paper supply / discharge in S608, it is detected in S609 that paper can be fed from the cassette 2 in this case.

  In step S610, information on the page jammed in the page management table in the overall controller 101 is restored, and information on other pages is shifted one by one. In step S611, the video controller 27 is notified that processing can be continued, and in step S612, feeding from the cassette 2 is started.

  In step S613, the video controller 27 receives a notification from the overall controller 101 and performs jam recovery processing.

  When there is no path for paper supply / discharge in S607, the process returns to S605 and S606 to request the operator to remove the jammed paper.

This embodiment is a case where the paper feed destination is between the cassette 2 and the paper deck option unit 40. However, it can be applied to the case where the paper deck option unit is further connected and the number of cassettes in the printing apparatus is increased. Nor.
(Example 7)
The sheet conveyance control according to the seventh embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Assume that there are a large number of sheets of the same size in the cassette 2 and the paper deck option unit 40, and the paper destination specification is transmitted from the host computer (not shown).

  In FIG. 9, it is assumed that a jam has occurred in the paper feed roller 42 of the paper deck option unit 40 in S700.

  In step S701, the overall controller 101 detects the location where the jam has occurred, and notifies the video controller 27 that an error has occurred in step S702.

  In step S <b> 703, the video controller 27 issues a command requesting the error content to the overall controller 101.

  In step S <b> 704, the overall controller 101 returns a status notifying the occurrence of the jam and the location thereof to the video controller 27.

  In S705, the video controller 27 notifies the host computer (not shown) that a jam has occurred, and similarly displays it on the display (not shown) of the main body in S706.

  In step S <b> 707, the overall controller 101 searches for a conveyance path that can supply and discharge paper.

  In S708, when there is a transport path capable of feeding and discharging, in this case, it is detected that feeding from the cassette 2 is possible.

In step S709, the video controller 27 is notified that processing can be continued.
When there is no path for paper supply / discharge in S708, the process returns to S705 and S706 to request the operator to remove the jammed paper.

  In S710, the operator executes a test print which is a utility function of the printing apparatus.

  In step S711, the video controller 27 converts the jam occurrence position information notified from the overall controller 101 into a predetermined character string, and inserts the character string into the test print format. Then, paper feeding is started from the cassette 2 that can feed paper. In step S712, a printing process is performed after the bitmap is developed.

This embodiment is a case where the paper feed destination is between the cassette 2 and the paper deck option unit 40. However, it can be applied to the case where the paper deck option unit is further connected and the number of cassettes in the printing apparatus is increased. Nor.
(Example 8)
The sheet conveyance control of the eighth embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 10, the power is first turned off in S800, and in S801, the video controller 27 issues a command requesting the connection status of the option unit and the status of various paper information to the overall controller 101.

  In step S <b> 802, the overall controller 101 returns statuses of various option units to the video controller 27.

  In step S803, a test print which is a utility function of the operator guide printing apparatus is executed.

In step S804, the video controller 27 checks whether there is a selectable paper feed destination.
If there is a selectable paper feed destination in S804, the video controller 27 checks in S805 whether there is a selectable paper discharge destination.

  If there is a paper discharge destination that can be selected in S805, the video controller 27 issues a paper supply destination command in S806. In step S807, a paper discharge destination command is issued.

  In step S808, the video controller 27 executes drawing processing, and in step S809, executes printing processing.

  If there is no paper feed destination and paper discharge destination that can be selected in S804 and S805, the test print ends in S810.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus and an option unit according to each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing connections related to control of the printing apparatus and option unit of each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the control unit of the printing apparatus and option unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the control unit of the printing apparatus and option unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the control unit of the printing apparatus and option unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the control unit of the printing apparatus and option unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the control unit of the printing apparatus and option unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the control unit of the printing apparatus and option unit according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the control unit of the printing apparatus and option unit according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the control unit of the printing apparatus and option unit according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a conventional example.

Explanation of symbols

1 Laser beam printer body (main body)
2 cassette 3 paper feed roller 4 optional paper feed roller 5 registration roller pair 6 laser scanner unit 7 image recording unit 8 fixing rod 9 paper discharge sensor 10 transport roller 11 flapper 12 paper discharge roller 13 stacking tray 14 optional paper discharge roller 15 laser unit 16 polygon motor 17 beam detector 18 imaging lens group 19 folding mirror 20 photosensitive drum 21 pre-exposure lamp 22 primary charger 23 developer 24 transfer charger 25 cleaner 26 engine controller 27 video controller 28 video interface 31 connector 32 option integrated unit 33 Paper feed relay transport roller 34 Paper feed relay transport path 35 Paper discharge relay transport roller 36 Paper discharge relay transport path 40 Paper deck option unit 41 Paper stick 42 Paper stick paper feed roller group 43 Paper feed relay transport roller 44 Paper feed relay transport path 5 paper discharge relay transport roller 46 paper discharge relay transport path 50 sorter option 51-54 bin 55-58 flap 59 paper discharge relay transport path 60 paper feed relay transport roller 61 paper discharge relay transport roller 62 paper feed relay transport path 70 optional unit Interface 71-72 Connector 101 General controller 102 Paper stick controller 103 Sorter controller 114 General controller

Claims (16)

A video controller that develops image information included in print data transmitted from an external device, a paper feed unit that stores paper for printing the developed image information, and a record fed from the paper feed unit A printing apparatus main body having an engine controller that controls paper conveyance;
The video controller, the paper feed option units, respectively the discharge option unit is electrically connected, the paper feed option unit for feeding the printing apparatus main body, the exhaust performing paper ejection of the recording sheet from the printing apparatus main body A general controller that controls various optional units such as paper optional units,
Connection means for detachably connecting the overall controller to the printing apparatus main body ,
The video controller has a paper supply destination setting command issuing means for issuing a command for setting a paper supply destination to the general controller when receiving print data with indefinite paper supply destination from the external device,
When there are a plurality of paper supply destinations that store the same paper size as that specified by the external device, the general controller may select a paper from among the paper supply unit and the paper supply option unit included in the printing apparatus main body. A printing apparatus that performs control for selecting a paper feed destination having a short conveyance path.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the video controller detects information on a paper feed destination selected by the overall controller and notifies the external device of the paper feed destination information.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the overall controller is provided in a unit that is detachable from the printing apparatus main body. The image information transmitted from the external device is developed by a video controller, the printing apparatus main body that prints the developed image information, the paper supply unit that stores the paper for printing the developed image information, and the paper supply In a printing apparatus having a printing apparatus main body having an engine controller that controls conveyance of recording paper fed from a paper section,
The video controller, the paper feed option units, respectively the discharge option unit is electrically connected, the paper feed option unit for feeding the printing apparatus main body, the exhaust performing paper ejection of the recording sheet from the printing apparatus main body A general controller that controls various optional units such as paper optional units,
Connection means for detachably connecting the overall controller to the printing apparatus main body,
The printing apparatus has a plurality of paper feed conveyance paths including the option unit,
The overall controller determines whether or not there is a paper feed conveyance path capable of feeding from the paper feed unit and the paper feed option unit of the printing apparatus main body when a jam occurs in the printing apparatus. Route determination means;
Is determined in the path determination unit, and characterized in that when it is determined that paper feed can sheet transportation path, having, a notification unit for notifying that the print processing on the video controller can continue Printing device to do.   When the video controller receives a notification from the notifying unit of the overall controller that the printing process cannot be continued, the video controller notifies the external device and removes jammed paper on the display in the printing device main body. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a display for requesting is performed.   The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the overall controller is provided in a unit that is detachable from the printing apparatus main body. The video controller of the printing apparatus main body develops the image information transmitted from the external apparatus, prints the developed image information on the paper accommodated in the paper feeding unit of the printing apparatus main body, and the engine controller applies to the paper feeding unit. A general controller that controls conveyance of the paper fed from the printer and is electrically connected to the video controller, the paper feed option unit, and the paper discharge option unit, and is detachably connected to the printing apparatus main body. In a printing method that collectively controls a plurality of various option units such as the paper feed option unit that feeds paper to the main body and the paper discharge option unit that discharges recording paper from the printing apparatus main body,
The video controller issues a command for setting a paper feed destination to the general controller when receiving print data with indefinite paper feed destination from the external device,
When there are a plurality of paper supply destinations that store the same paper size as that specified by the external device, the general controller may select a paper from among the paper supply unit and the paper supply option unit included in the printing apparatus main body. A printing method comprising performing control for selecting a paper feed destination having a short conveyance path.   The printing method according to claim 7, wherein the video controller detects information on a paper feed destination selected by the overall controller and notifies the external device of the paper feed destination information.   The printing method according to claim 7, wherein the overall controller is provided in a unit that is detachable from the printing apparatus main body. The video controller of the printing apparatus main body develops the image information transmitted from the external apparatus, prints the developed image information on the paper accommodated in the paper feeding unit of the printing apparatus main body, and the engine controller applies to the paper feeding unit. A general controller that controls conveyance of the paper fed from the printer and is electrically connected to the video controller, the paper feed option unit, and the paper discharge option unit, and is detachably connected to the printing apparatus main body. In a printing method that collectively controls a plurality of various option units such as the paper feed option unit that feeds paper to the main body and the paper discharge option unit that discharges recording paper from the printing apparatus main body,
The printing apparatus has a plurality of paper feed conveyance paths including the paper feed option unit,
The overall controller determines whether or not there is a paper feed conveyance path capable of feeding paper from the paper feed unit and the option unit of the printing apparatus main body when a jam occurs in the printing apparatus ,
A result of the determination, if it is determined that there is a sheet feeding possible sheet transportation path, notifies the print processing to the video controller can continue,
A printing method characterized by the above.   When the video controller receives a notification from the general controller that the printing process cannot be continued, the video controller notifies the external device, and displays a display requesting the removal of jammed paper on the display in the printing device body. The printing method according to claim 10, wherein the printing is performed.   The printing method according to claim 10, wherein the overall controller is provided in a unit that is detachable from the printing apparatus main body. A video controller that develops image information included in print data transmitted from an external device, a paper feed unit that stores paper for printing the developed image information, and a record fed from the paper feed unit A printing apparatus main body having an engine controller that controls paper conveyance;
An overall controller that is electrically connected to each of the video controller and the paper feed option unit and controls the paper feed option unit that feeds paper to the printing apparatus main body;
Connection means for detachably connecting the overall controller to the printing apparatus main body,
The video controller has a paper supply destination setting command issuing means for issuing a command for setting a paper supply destination to the general controller when receiving print data with indefinite paper supply destination from the external device,
When there are a plurality of paper feed destinations that store the same paper size as the paper size designated by the external device, the general controller is configured to feed paper from the paper feed unit and the paper feed option unit of the printing apparatus main body. A printing apparatus that performs control for selecting a short paper feed destination. The image information transmitted from the external device is developed by a video controller, the printing apparatus main body that prints the developed image information, the paper supply unit that stores the paper for printing the developed image information, and the paper supply An engine controller that controls conveyance of recording paper fed from a paper section, and a printing apparatus having a printing apparatus body, and is electrically connected to the video controller and a paper feed option unit, respectively, and is fed to the printing apparatus body. A general controller for controlling the paper feed option unit for performing paper ;
Connection means for detachably connecting the overall controller to the printing apparatus main body,
The printing apparatus has a plurality of paper feed conveyance paths including the option unit,
The overall controller determines whether or not there is a paper feed conveyance path capable of feeding from the paper feed unit and the paper feed option unit of the printing apparatus main body when a jam occurs in the printing apparatus. Route determination means;
Is determined in the path determination unit, and characterized in that when it is determined that paper feed can sheet transportation path, having, a notification unit for notifying that the print processing on the video controller can continue Printing device to do. The video controller of the printing apparatus main body develops the image information transmitted from the external apparatus, prints the developed image information on the paper accommodated in the paper feeding unit of the printing apparatus main body, and the engine controller applies to the paper feeding unit. The overall controller that controls the conveyance of the paper fed from the printer and is electrically connected to the video controller and the paper feed option unit and detachably connected to the printer main body feeds the printer main body. In the printing method that controls and controls the optional paper feeding unit
The video controller issues a command for setting a paper feed destination to the general controller when receiving print data with indefinite paper feed destination from the external device,
When there are a plurality of paper feed destinations that store the same paper size as the paper size designated by the external device, the general controller is configured to feed a paper from the paper feed unit or the paper feed option unit included in the printing apparatus main body. A printing method characterized by performing control for selecting a short paper feed destination. The video controller of the printing apparatus main body develops the image information transmitted from the external apparatus, prints the developed image information on the paper accommodated in the paper feeding unit of the printing apparatus main body, and the engine controller applies to the paper feeding unit. The overall controller that controls the conveyance of the paper fed from the printer and is electrically connected to the video controller and the paper feed option unit and detachably connected to the printer main body feeds the printer main body. In a printing method for controlling and controlling a plurality of various option units such as the paper feed option unit to be performed,
The printing apparatus has a plurality of paper feed conveyance paths including the paper feed option unit,
The overall controller determines whether or not there is a paper feed conveyance path capable of feeding paper from the paper feed unit or the paper feed option unit of the printing apparatus main body when a jam occurs in the printing apparatus. ,
A result of the determination, if it is determined that there is a sheet feeding possible sheet transportation path, notifies the print processing to the video controller can continue,
A printing method characterized by the above.